Cradled

by Christina Bauer

  All in all, no one could wreck a party better than Rowan’s Seer relatives. They simply meandered around between groups, delivering back-handed complements until everyone’s mood was ruined. I recalled a few of their classic comments in my direction.

  Why Elea, you look so much cleaner today! But perhaps that’s because you aren’t wearing those horrible Necromancer robes.

  How brave of you to exile your parents! I never would have faced down gods for fear that they’d retaliate on me and everyone I loved.

  And my personal favorite…

  We will never attend a party with those horrible Necromancer death lovers. How do you ever stand being around them?

  They really were awful people. I was working on a few ways to blunt their ability to ruin festivals, but such things took time and interest. I didn’t have much of either when it came to Zoriah’s family. Plus, they weren’t the only ones with worries about spending time with Necromancers. We’d kept our Necromancer and Caster duties separate, trying to give our respective people time to adjust. Meanwhile, I had to find Rowan before anything major happened because, of course...

  Baby.

  At the thought of my pregnancy, bands of anxiety tightened around my chest. Rowan and I had repeatedly discussed how we’d never have a family. Now I was pregnant. Explaining that wouldn’t be easy.

  I spotted Rowan standing alone at the edge of the clearing. Moonlight outlined his muscular form; the man had limbs as thick as tree trunks. As always, my heart lightened to see the familiar lines of his face. Rowan’s features were rugged and fierce, with a strong jawline and short brown hair. Like me, he wore his Caster leathers.

  My Rowan.

  As I approached, Rowan gave me one of his crooked smiles. It made little shocks of excitement dance across my skin. “Feeling better?” he asked.

  “Much,” I replied. “Thank you for the extra sleep.”

  “You can go back to bed if you like.” Rowan pulled me into a deep hug. I melted into the warmth of his embrace. “This festival is anything but festive. You won’t miss anything.”

  I wrapped my arms around his waist, loving the feel of solid muscle under supple leather. “I noticed our guests.”

  “Yes, my mother’s side of the family are horrible.” Rowan’s voice lowered to a growl. “Their presence here does nothing but remind me why we vowed to never become parents. Why risk bringing anyone like them into the world?” He leaned back until his emerald gaze locked with mine. “Am I right?”

  I opened my mouth, ready to respond. No words came out.

  What do I say here?

  Yes, we did agree to that, but now I’m pregnant anyway. Surprise!

  Once more I tried to force out the words. Silence. Then Jicho approached, his eyes alight with excitement. He tugged on my wrist and in all honesty, I’d never been happier for an interruption.

  “I saw more things in the gatew—” Jicho cleared his throat. “I mean, I just had some new visions.”

  Rowan broke our embrace and focused on his little brother. “You told me you were going to see Elea.”

  Jicho raised his pointer finger. “I did see Elea. Woke her up and everything.”

  “Ah.” Rowan considered this for a moment. “But then, did you activate a gateway as well?”

  “Maybe just a little.” Like before, Jicho held his pointer finger and thumb an inch apart.

  Rowan shook his head. “Jicho.”

  Now that I’d had a few moments to catch my breath, I felt ready to explain to Rowan about my pregnancy. “Jicho,” I said. “Your brother and I were just talking. Could give us a min—”

  “But I saw the man who’s coming.” Jicho pulled on my sleeve again. “He’s about to arrive right there!” Jicho pointed to the center of the clearing.

  All of a sudden, hundreds of bright spots sparkled in the center of the clearing. At first, I thought it might be lightning bugs. Then I noticed how the light was bronze in color, as well as multiplying into the general shape of an archway.

  Not lightning bugs.

  Tingles of anxiety moved down my spine. Someone was opening a gateway at the Fete of the Family.

  Sure enough, an archway materialized in the clearing. Other gateways that I’d seen were made from blocks of stone, but this one was a single smooth curve of metal. Under the arch, the view to the other side of the jungle disappeared. Perfect darkness loomed under the new gateway. My limbs tightened with anticipation.

  Any second now, someone would walk right through.

  Could it be my parents?

  Memories appeared. I recalled my father, the Sire of Souls. He always appeared so austere and pale in his dark armor. On the other hand, mother was all things golden, smiling, and soft. In this realm, the two were still worshipped Sire of Souls and The Lady of Creation. Rowan and I hadn’t seen fit to tear down their temples and reorganize the mages who followed them. To so many people, my parents were wise magick users who led others on the path to mastering their own powers. It didn’t feel right to destroy a belief that helped so many.

  Even so, I was in no mood to see my parents again. The pair tried to kill me; I sent them into exile. Was this the moment they returned? I set my palms against my stomach. How would this affect my unborn child?

  Lights glinted under the archway. Three figures walked out. My shoulders slumped with relief. Whatever these figures were, they were shorter than me and Rowan.

  Not my parents.

  The figures came into clearer focus and I sucked in a shaky breath. These may not be my parents, but they didn’t look friendly, either.

  A man led the group. In the moonlight, I could see that he wore a top hat, short coat, vest, and cravat. A walking stick was gripped in his left hand. Small round glasses sat atop the man’s nose, the lenses dark. Between the glasses and top hat, all I could see of the stranger’s face was his pointed beard and long curlicue moustache. Everything about him seemed to be colored bronze, but that might have been an effect of the moonlight.

  Beside him walked two metal warriors. Both were stout and compact, neither male nor female, and made entirely out of metal. Great helms covered their heads and shoulders, with built-in goggles shielding their eyes. They looked inhuman, unstoppable, and terrifying. Rowan slipped his hand around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I appreciated the warmth and comfort.

  All around us, the partygoers slipped deeper into the shadows. Concern flowed out from them in waves. Still, as long as Rowan and I appeared calm, our people wouldn’t panic.

  Even so, I wasn’t sure how long we could stay serene. There was no knowing what we were dealing with here.

  The man paused before me and Rowan. “Greetings, Elea of Braddock. I am Kronos, King of Quetum.” He gestured behind him. “These are my Oculus Warriors.”

  Up close, I could see that Kronos was made entirely out of spun wire. Dainty metal cords formed his beard and moustache. All his clothes were bronze fabric accented by thick rivets. His glasses were small, round and made of the same reflective metal. Even his skin was a delicate swirl of metal thread.

  Rowan pulled me closer against him. “My wife is Tsarina of the Necromancers and Genesis Regina of the Creation Casters. Address her as such.”

  “So many titles.” Kronos huffed out a breath through his metal nostrils. Wisps of steam curled into the heavy night air. “How impressive.”

  Meanwhile, Kronos seemed anything but impressed. The man clearly had an attitude against me in particular. The question was why?

  My friend Amelia stepped out from the crowd. Rowan’s brother Kade walked beside her. The two of them were what the Casters called mates, and what Necromacners called married. Kade had a hefty body, strong bone structure and intense green eyes. Essentially, he was a slightly smaller version of Rowan. Meanwhile, Amelia always reminded me of a living doll. It helped that she had a bow-shaped mouth, large eyes, and pale skin. Like always, my friend wore a frilly pink gown paired with a hoop skirt and fitted bodice.

  �
�Greetings,” Amelia waved happily at Kronos and his Oculus Warriors. “You’re all machines, aren’t you? Do you utilize clockwork mechanism?”

  Amelia was a brilliant engineer. As she spoke, there was no missing the intelligent gleam in her eyes. I’d seen Amelia use this tactic before, mostly on Royals who brought little mechanical oddities to court. My friend was inserting herself to assess what literally made things tick.

  Good work, Amelia.

  “Clockwork mechanism?” repeated Kronos. More steam huffed out from his nose. “I am far more than that. You look upon machinery perfected.”

  “How very interesting.” Amelia craned her head from side to side, a motion that made her red ringlets bounce. “By perfected, do you mean you have a magickal component?” She rolled her eyes. “What am I saying? Of course you have magick. Otherwise, how could you have opened the gateway that got you here.” She pointed to the walking stick in Kronos’s hand. “Oh, that’s topped by a moonstone. Those are so rare in this realm and excellent for storing power. In fact, I’ve never even seen one that large. It must be where you keep your energy, right?”

  Shifting his grip on his walking stick, Kronos completely covered the moonstone. “Machines take what is best of the flesh and perfect it. But I did not come to tutor you on such matters.” He pointedly stared in my direction. “I wish to discuss your parents.”

  My heart sank. Somehow, I knew my evil family was behind all this. When I trained to be a Necromancer, I was taught how to hide all emotion. Now I leaned into that learning, hard. It took all my skill to keep my features level as I spoke. “What about my parents?”

  “I’m here to discuss their welfare.” Kronos’s mouth ticked up into a mechanical smile. “You want to keep your parents happy and safe, don’t you?”

  The hold on my emotions snapped. My mouth fell open in a classic sign of shock. “What?”

  “I suspected as much,” said Kronos slowly. “You loathe them.”

  I could kick myself, I was so angry at showing my emotions. I’d spent too long with the Creation Casters. My ability to hide my feelings was fading. Still, there was no point in mourning past mistakes. Straightening my shoulders, I stared at Kronos head on.

  “Family matters are rather personal,” I said evenly. “Perhaps we should go somewhere more quiet to discuss this?”

  Kronos gave a stiff half-bow. “Whatever you think best.”

  Rowan turned to his brother Kade. “Where do you suggest we meet?”

  My clever Rowan. As Captain of the imperial guard, Kade would have scoped out every inch of Jiwe La Moto. Rowan’s brother would certainly know the best spot for our meeting.

  “The central feasting hall would be ideal.” Kade turned to Kronos. “Allow me to lead you there and settle you in.”

  Amelia rushed up to Kronos’s side. “I’ll join you for the journey. I have plenty more questions to ask about your kind, and this will give us an opportunity to talk.”

  Kronos’s gaze slowly shifted between me and Rowan. “Won’t you walk with us?” he asked.

  “Not now, but soon,” I answered. “First Rowan and I must close out this event you interrupted.” And scheme together on what to do with you.

  “Your people, eh?” Kronos scanned the faint outlines of bodies around the edges of the clearing. For a moment, I thought the metal king might refuse to go, which would be problematic. Rowan and I could really use some time to plan. “Ah, I see them now. Rather tricky, aren’t they?”

  “Tricky isn’t the word I’d use.” I couldn’t stop the anger from seeping into my voice. I was losing control over my emotions again. “My people have grown up in jungles and hide in them with ease. That’s wisdom, not trickery.”

  “Be that as may,” Kronos adjusted his top hat. “You shall meet me in the central feasting hall in no less than five minutes. That is my solemn order.”

  “Really?” Kade straightened. “I have orders as well.” The way Rowan’s brother said the word orders, it was clear he thought Kronos shouldn’t giving any. Kade snapped his fingers. “Guards! Fall out.”

  A dozen Imperial Guards in Caster leathers marched forth from the shadows, forming two neat rows, one on either side of Kronos and his Oculus warriors. At the same time, Amelia swept in, wrapped her hand around Kronos’s elbow and led him away.

  “Tell me all about Quetum,” I heard Amelia say as she stepped off into the darkness. “Do your people breathe steam? Are you made only of bronze? Can your Oculus Warriors talk?” As they walked along, Amelia kept scanning Kronos from head to toe.

  I allowed myself a small smile. In the past, I’d seen Amelia use this assessment tactic before. To Kronos, she’d appear the curious innocent, asking question after question. In truth, Kronos didn’t need to answer any of Amelia’s queries. My friend could deduce how his mechanics worked simply by observing him in motion. Amelia said such inspections were always done best when the subject didn’t realize they were being watched.

  Once Kronos, Amelia, Kade, and our guards were all well and gone, I turned to address the crowd still gathered at the edges of the clearing. “My people,” I called. “I hereby declare that the Fete of the Family is now officially over.”

  “Please return to your homes,” added Rowan.

  No one made a move to leave, though. Instead, hundreds of our subjects came out of the shadows to asked dozens of questions about Kronos.

  “Who was that mechanical king?”

  “Are we about to be invaded?”

  “Should we evacuate?”

  “Is this all a plot by the Necromancers.”

  It took some time, but Rowan and I were able to assure the partygoers that the mechanical king was harmless, no one was going to invade us, this was not Necromancer plot, and that the best thing everyone could do now was go home. Eventually—and with some gentle encouragement from more of Kade’s Imperial Guards—every one did leave.

  Once the party was well and truly done, Rowan leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree. After folding his arms over his chest, Rowan looked up into the foliage. “Leaving means you too, Jicho.”

  A familiar voice echoed in from the upper fronds. “Can’t I go with you to meet with the metal man?” It was Jicho, of course. The boy was forever hiding in rafters and trees. “After all, I told you he was coming in the first place.”

  “What do you think?” asked Rowan.

  Jicho sighed. “You’ll both say I can’t go.”

  With those words, a pair of gangly legs dangled from a nearby branch. A second later, Jicho leapt down, landing on the ground right beside us. He looked the same as before, except his red Seer robes now had bits of leaf stuck in the folds. He puffed out his lower lip. “You never let me do anything interesting.”

  I leveled the boy with my best maternal stare. “Parlays with strange metal kings are no place for a ten year old boy.”

  Jicho kicked at the ground. “Maybe.”

  Rowan stepped closer to his brother. “This is serious, Jicho. Promise you’ll go directly to your room and stay there.”

  Jicho shot us both a too-wide smile. “Of course, I will.”

  After more than a year with Jicho, I knew that grin all too well. Along with avoiding eye contact, excessive grinning was another sure sign that Jicho was up to something. Plus, there was no question what the boy planned to do. He was exceptionally talented at avoiding his guards and sneaking out of his chambers.

  That wouldn’t work tonight, though.

  Yesterday Rowan and I had placed dozens of new lock spells all over Jicho’s chambers. Those wards should be more than enough to keep the child in his own rooms until we saw fit to let him out.

  “Good night, Jicho.” I said pointedly. My point being this: time to get to your room.

  Still smiling, Jicho blew me a two-handed kiss. “Good night, lovely Elea.” He then turned to Rowan and set both palms over his heart. “Sleep well, my dear brother.”

  “Uh huh,” said Rowan.

  After a final wave
in our direction, Jicho skip-walked into the darkness. Once the boy was well out of earshot, Rowan turned to me. “How peeved will he be when he discovers our locking spells will keep him in his room all night?”

  I let out a low whistle. “Quite peeved, I should think. He’s rather convinced he’ll be free to follow us.”

  In the distance, the lights of Jiwe La Moto blinked in the darkness. Worry tightened across my neck and shoulders. Somewhere inside that castle, a mechanical king was waiting for us.

  And I still hadn’t told Rowan about my pregnancy.

  Although now, there were more pressing things to discuss, namely Kronos. “I think our five minutes are over,” I said. “We need a plan for how to deal with this Kronos.”

  “I have a few ideas along those lines.” Rowan raised his right hand. The veins there glowed red with power. “But first, we need to collect magick inside ourselves. Lots of magick.”

  “Agreed.” Closing my eyes, I reached out to draw extra Necromancer power into my soul. Once both Rowan and I had enough magick, then we could plot how to uncover why Kronos was here…and then send him on his way as quickly as possible.

  Chapter Four

  Seconds ticked by while Rowan and I pulled more magick into our souls. As fresh energy poured into me, the bones in my left hand glowed bright blue, creating a haze of brightness that cut through the night. Beside me, the veins in Rowan’s hand did the same, only with red light. As more power entered me, the cacophony of the jungle seemed to grow louder as well—buzzing insects, croaking frogs, and the ghostly cries of potoo birds.

  Soon, I was so filled with magick, my soul felt ready to burst from my skin. Lowering my hand, I stopped pulling in fresh power and forced the brightness in my bones to fade. I turned to Rowan. His sturdy frame loomed beside me, looking all things fierce and powerful. His hand no longer glowed, either, so he’d finished pulling in energy as well. It was time to talk.

  Stepping closer to Rowan, I was careful to speak in a low voice. “What do you think of Kronos?”