The Reigning Star (The Orien Trilogy, Book 3)

by Catherine Wilson

  A sharp throb pounds between my temples, and I knead my fingers along my brow. “And how did you learn this? Did you waltz right up to their camp and ask Aras for chat? How am I to be sure of the words you speak? If you learned this from The Lost, you must also know that the best of eyes aren’t always the best of words. They could have the details mixed up, Sam. We can never be too sure.”

  “I found them myself, Brave.” He squares his shoulders, begging me to look past the boy on the surface and see the budding man underneath. “I hid in the tunnel through the mountain, and when everyone was asleep, I snuck out to where they kept Aras chained to a tree.”

  Bile rises in my throat, but I nod anyway, urging him on even when I don’t want to hear what comes next. “And Aras was well enough to ask you to do his bidding with the hug, and strong enough to say he’d kill you if you didn’t. That must mean he is well, right?”

  Sam shrugs, and a new tightness forms in my chest. “I think the mere thought of you is enough to give Aras strength. But he wasn’t well, Brave, not by a long shot.” He looks away, sighing into his next words. “He’s been burned.”

  “Burned?” A wave of black dots blurs my vision, and I fall forward, landing hard on his shoulder. He pushes me up the best he can, shaking my arms when I don’t look up.

  “Hey! He’s fine, Brave. He says he’s not in much pain anymore—that the sting has numbed. And it could have been much worse. Think of your mother and what she went through. At least this way, it’s only confined to one spot.”

  One spot.

  I don’t have to ask to know what he means. “He burned his mark. That horrible man couldn’t stand that he’d been defeated, so he had to take the only piece of Aras he had left.”

  “That’s what Aras seems to think.” He slides back, relieved I’ve appeared to gain my balance. “Even though his burn feels better, I cannot say much for his health. He seemed feverish, Brave. Sweat lined his forehead, and when his first words were for me to give you a hug, I thought he was delirious. But then he started talking, a rush of coherent thoughts that he had been sitting on for a while. Probably since the very second he took off after Vivi in those woods.”

  I fall back against the cushions, preparing myself for the blow of Sam’s next words. For the feel of my Aras, sick and imprisoned in the woods. I can’t begin to fathom the amount of strength it must have taken for him to speak to Sam, but I’m also not surprised.

  Aras possesses a magic of his own design, one born from the fire of his heart. He’s the strongest boy I know.

  Sam takes a deep breath, measuring my silence for what it is—permission to break my soul. “Aras said they are keeping them apart, and he hasn’t seen Vivi since she stormed into Orien’s territory, demanding an audience with your father. By this point, she knew Aras was following her, whether she wanted him to or not. Her original plan was to say that she had escaped from Theron’s grasps, concerned and worried that the king and queen may have persuaded you to change sides in the war. She wanted Knox to believe she was worried that you wouldn’t follow through on your plans to end the royal family. In an effort to make sure you kept with the plan, she ran away, hoping to convince your father to use her as a pawn to bring you back to their side. Having Aras along ended up being another blessing, as she told your father that she tricked him into following her. Now, with them both at Knox’s disposal, you’ll have no choice but to go through with his plans.”

  “She wants me to go through with his plans?” Confusion washes over my thoughts, leaving behind a mixture of hurt and regret. “Why would Vivi ever pretend to be on Knox’s side? She’s given away our strategy and destroyed our efforts before they’ve even begun.”

  Sam shakes his head, halting my hysteria before it has the chance to ignite. “No, Brave, the last thing she wants is for you to be on Knox’s side. She only wants to make him feel as though you do. As though she does as well.”

  As usual, Vivi’s way of thinking proves to be anything but straightforward. She’s more of a twisted path filled with life-threatening holes along the way kind of girl. But this? This is too much, even for her.

  “Tell me if I have this correct. My sister has fled to our enemy, intent on sharing our secrets, while pretending she’s actually on his side. Was there not a moment when she thought, I don’t know… that maybe this did put her on his side? I’m surprised Knox didn’t kill them both when he discovered Aras’ broken promise.”

  The promise. I’d like to know how my sister explained Aras’ recovery from Knox’s curse, but I have a feeling her actions played right into her plan.

  “She told Knox I was the one to undo Aras’ promise, didn’t she?”

  Sam nods, easy and unaffected by the ways of my sister. “Aras said that was the one thing that worked out in their favor, as it proved Vivi’s claim about your feelings toward the Theron court. She said it was you who felt Aras needed to be released, so when it came down to deciding whose side to take, the choice wouldn’t be hampered by the rage of your lost love. While Vivi said you were considering backing out on Knox’s plans, she also made it clear that you had not shared any information about the upcoming takeover with Theron. As far as Knox knows, you’re simply having doubts, and Vivi is playing the role of the supportive daughter and sister, trying to pull you back to their side.”

  My head spins, and a sharp pain lodges in my stomach. Here I was worried about betraying my sister, making major decisions without her consent, when all along, she was doing the very same.

  She was betraying me.

  “But what’s the point, Sam? Why endanger herself? Why endanger Aras? Why force it to the point of him getting burned?” My words sound shrill to my ears, fast with a tinge of agony laced on the end.

  Sam winces at the sound of my voice. He clamps down on my wrists, stalling my potential retreat and forcing my attention back to him. His dark eyes look down at me, a swirling pool of knowledge unknown, but also of innocence, unleashed and begging to be set free.

  It’s the very same feeling I get when I look into my sister’s eyes.

  “Don’t you remember what Aras told you? He said Knox was able to beat you in the past, only because he pulled on your heart. When your heart is distracted, so is your magic. Vivi heard him, too, Brave, and she plans to become Knox’s biggest distraction yet.”

  The words of Aras come funneling back. The knowledge that Knox kept me miserable for a reason—kept me locked in a cage with a knife through my heart. He took Aras, and he threatened to take Vivi as well.

  He took Bates.

  And all the while, he enjoyed it. He sat back, a painter at his masterpiece, adoring the picture he alone had the power to create.

  But not anymore. My sister aims to take his plans away. She aims to be the biggest surprise of his life.

  “She is his distraction. She’s winning him over, only to be the one to undo him in the end.”

  Sam smiles, a feat so fast I’m afraid I imagined it. He releases his hold on one of my wrists and pulls me to my feet with his other. Dropping his hand, he digs into his pocket, coming up with a folded parchment.

  My breath catches at the sight.

  “I almost forgot. Aras couldn’t write when he spoke, so he asked me to do it for him.” He looks down, running a finger over the paper’s smooth edge. “You’ll have to excuse the handwriting, but his words are there. He stubbornly made me memorize every word before I left.”

  His hand eases out into the space between us, a silent offering folded in his palm. Slowly, as if the paper will fly away, bursting into a million pieces at my touch, I take the paper into my hand. “I hope it wasn’t too embarrassing,” I joke, trying to cover my worry.

  My hope.

  Sam snorts, dragging another hand through his messy hair. “Of course it was embarrassing. Every word the man says is about his undying affection and care for you. Actually, I believe his last words before he convinced me to write the letter were, ‘She’s my reigning star, kid. One day,
when you grow up to be big and strong like me, you’ll fall in love with somebody, too. She won’t be as perfect as Bravest Penelope, but she’ll be worth your trouble anyway. Now, repeat the words back to me, or I’ll have Vivi cut you with her stolen dagger when this is over. Believe me,—she’ll do it.’”

  Despite my fears, I find myself laughing. “And she would do it, you know. She’s always looking for volunteers on a good day, much less when she’s angry.”

  He rolls his eyes, shuffling toward the door. “I know—that’s exactly why I wrote down his words and checked them twice.” He stops, fingers wrapped around the handle as he peers over his shoulder. “And for what it’s worth, he’s going to be fine. They both will. You’ll see.”

  Then he walks out into the hall, the door easing shut with a click.

  And I am alone.

  The words of my handsome prince burn through my fingertips, while another burns inside the pocket tucked against my heart. We’re apart, yet so close all the same. After a moment of agonizing thought, I build up the courage to open the letter.

  I’m not disappointed. I never am.

  My Bravest Penelope,

  I think I may dislike your sister. She’s crazier than I remember and a little reckless, too. But she’s also smart. If she didn’t have that one redeeming quality, I might have to reconsider this future sister-in-law status. Thankfully, you’re pretty amazing, so you more than make up for her shortcomings.

  Skies above. I’m sorry, Bravest. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was trying to keep her safe, and even though she has a plan and I may have already had my mark literally burned off my back, I’m still worried. I’m also regretting the way I ended my last letter. Please know I would never ask you to do something you’re not ready for, especially with everything you have going on in your life. You’re about to be the ruler of an entire kingdom. I don’t know what I was thinking, asking you to marry me. Actually, I do… but the point is, I understand if it’s too much to think about right now. I still want you to say yes, but only when you’re ready.

  Until then, know that every second I spend cooped up in captivity, I’m thinking of you. I’m also plotting ways to kill your sister. Stay safe, and stick to Vivi’s plan.

  I love you,

  Your Handsome Prince

  Twenty-Nine

  I’m having a dream.

  A nightmare, really. I’m out in the grassy lands between the mountain’s tunnel and Theron’s white gates. The wind shifts around me, blowing errant strands of hair into my face, but it’s not enough to mar my vision.

  I still see her as clear as if she were real.

  There, standing firmly by my father’s side, is my sister. Her dark locks remain bundled tight in long braids that fall across her back. Her mouth twists with an ugly scowl, a look so new and unexpected I have to look twice to make sure it’s really there.

  My chest tightens when it fails to move.

  “Daughter.” Knox addresses me with a mock bow, a pleased smirk greeting my weary expression. “Viviana tells me we have much to discuss.”

  I start forward, denial fresh on my lips. “Vivi, you can’t do this. You’re not making any sense.”

  She laughs, a cold empty sound that sends a shudder up my limbs. “Is that what you think, sister? I’m not making any sense? Then what of you?” Vivi steps toward the grass, and the trees at her back melt away, revealing the towering castle of Orien. Its dark walls rise into the clouds, screaming of power and lust untold. She looks over her shoulder, sorrow lining her eyes. “Tell me, Brave. Did you mean to take away my future? My life?”

  At her words, the ground begins to shake. Tiny spirals of smoke start to billow from behind the castle’s walls, little lights of fire burning it from within. Faster than a blink, the castle explodes, sending bits of rock flying through the grass. I kneel on the ground, covering my eyes to protect them from the dust and debris. A muffed cry floats into the air, and it takes a second to realize it came from me.

  Peeking up from where I lay, curled up on the grass, I’m startled to find my sister leaning over me, her mouth pressed into a grim line. In a heartbeat, I realize if I don’t speak the words I’ve wanted to say now, I’ll never get the chance.

  “You betrayed me.”

  The words come out harsh, like my tongue didn’t want to form them, but my mind forced them anyway. It’s no matter, though, because the answering look Vivi gives is enough to freeze my veins.

  “No, sister. You betrayed me first.”

  And then the entire world is set aflame.

  ↄ

  “Brave! Wake up, Brave! It’s just a dream. It’s—”

  I sit up, the sweat-soaked covers falling from my chest. A rush of cool air slides across my nightclothes, relieving my heated skin with its touch. My hand finds my brow, wiping away the matted strands of hair that stick to my face and tangle with my lashes. I blink once. Twice. A tear drops on my cheek. Sireen’s quick hand chases it away.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispers, hoping the calm of her voice can ease my fear. My utter terror at a world gone wrong. “I was coming in to let you know the queen has made your treaty official. She plans to make the announcement this afternoon, on the eve of your father’s arrival. Even though word will likely reach him, she feels as though this plays right into Vivi’s plans.”

  Yes, Vivi’s plans.

  The one where I sign away my sister’s future, in hopes of fooling Knox into believing her claims even more. Except I’m not fooling anyone.

  And there’s no going back.

  “She wants to make the announcement? Today?”

  Sireen pulls the covers off my legs, motioning for me to get up before I fall back into the pillows. “Yes. Today. As in a few hours from now. If we’re going to get you ready in time, we should have started ages ago.”

  I groan, already leery of the monstrosity Queen Rosaline will have me wear. Ever since Sam got back, the palace has been in a flurry of what-ifs, dragging out every scenario until we are blue in the face. Was it best to continue with the ruse of a marriage? Should I act as if I will no longer marry? Would it be best to pretend that nothing has changed? The longer we talked, the more confused I became, until I politely excused myself and went back to my rooms.

  Hence the horrible dream.

  So, if the queen wants to make a statement, I can only imagine what it will be.

  Ignoring my protests, Sireen pulls me to the washroom, where a tub of steaming water already awaits. I strip off my nightclothes, jumping into the warm bath without having to be asked. Sireen presses on my shoulders, dunking me underneath.

  We know each other well, my handmaiden and me.

  “Emory delivered the message to Weston late last night,” she says, scrubbing my head with a plethora of sweet-smelling soaps. It’s an act I’d normally plead to do myself, but considering the serious tone in which she speaks, I decide to save my arguments for later. Perhaps when I’m not being dressed to impress a queen and her entire kingdom. “I’m not sure how fast a hawk can fly, but I’d dare say Reeve will be hearing from you soon.”

  Yes, Reeve. I had forgotten about asking Papa to send the letter with his former guard. Terrible dreams have a way of doing that, mixing reality with fiction until one can’t tell the difference between the two. I can only hope my dear cousin has a better reaction to his change of fate.

  If not, I’m sure I’ll be the first to know.

  “Good. At least something within the last several hours has gone right.”

  Sireen clears her throat, and her head turns nervously to the side. “I’m glad you think so, because I have a feeling the joy won’t last for long.”

  I follow her motion toward the corner of the washroom where a large, white dress hangs like a frilly cage by the door. The delicate lace runs from the waist up to the neck, allowing little cover for my pale skin. I squint, watching the way the light blue flowers of the puffy skirt shimmer in the light of the room.

  “Sireen, i
s that my wedding dress?”

  My handmaiden does her best to look unaffected, turning her attention back to my soggy hair. “Apparently the queen has found some use for it after all.”

  Great, I think, wishing I could submerge myself under the soapy surface and stay under until the sun sets. Apparently, she has.

  Thirty

  “For what it’s worth, you do look stunning.”

  Ian grins, holding tight to my arm as we stand behind his parents on the large, wooden stage situated in the middle of Theron’s town square. It’s the same platform we shot the firelights off only weeks ago, a memory that now feels disjointed and fuzzy at the edges.

  Much has changed since then.

  “Thank you, Ian. If I’m going to denounce my family name, at least I can do it in style. Or in my case, an obnoxiously large and scandalous dress.”

  He brings a fist to his mouth, feigning a cough. I decide to be quiet, as it is probably very impolite to make the prince laugh under such conditions.

  In front of us, the king and queen of Theron drone on about the future of their kingdom. There is talk of my mother and her failed marriage to the Orien king. There is talk of my little sister, who spent her childhood locked away without as much of glance into the outside world. And finally, there is talk of me, the hidden princess who has come back to their kingdom.

  The girl with ice in her veins and fire in her heart. The girl who was made to protect them all.

  Word after word after word, she discusses my life—my past and my present colliding into one elaborate tale. The day I was born, hidden away and whisked to the city of Ashen. The secret betrothal to their son. The burning of my mother. The eventual capture by my father. The return to the city who owns half my blood.

  With every new detail, the crowd’s attention grows, their eyes moving past their rulers and landing on my overexposed skin. A part of me wants to run, wants to forget this forsaken city and head for the woods. But another part of me, the one I know is right, tells me to raise my chin. Tells me to be the girl this city expects me to be.