Under the Stars

by Rebecca A. Rogers

  “As soon as we get some clothes for you, bud. Can’t have you running around naked, can we?”

  He giggles, and then blushes. “Noooo.”

  “Andy, where is Malik? I haven’t seen him since we arrived and I was hoping to pass along Xara’s hug.”

  “He’s been working in the kitchens, and nobody’s allowed in there. When I used to live in this room, Daphne and I would go visit. Oh! You haven’t met Daphne.” Why haven’t I thought of introducing her to my family? She’d love to meet them.

  “Did she live with you too?”

  “No, she was a maid, but didn’t feel like one. More like a friend. I haven’t seen her since—”

  “Since what?”

  “Yesterday. I haven’t seen her since yesterday.” I can’t exactly come out and say, I haven’t seen her since my wedding.

  “Well, as long as I can send Xara’s well wishes to Malik, I’ll be happy. I’m sure he’s filled out some since you two left?”

  “I guess so. I haven’t really paid attention to whether he’s eating or not. I mean, it’s not like I see him that often.”

  No sooner do I finish my sentence when Daphne bounces through the door.

  “Oh! Sorry, miss. Didn’t know ya were in ‘ere.”

  “Daphne, come here. I want you to meet my family. This is Mama and Mattie.”

  “Nice ta meet ya.” She gives them a slight curtsy.

  “And you as well. Andy was just telling us you’ve been a dear friend during her stay here,” says Mama. Her eyes catch mine, and I know she knows something.

  Daphne’s cheeks glow pink. “I—I guess so, miss. I tried ta.”

  I bet Daphne could get those clothes for me. That seamstress won’t know it’s my request. Hopefully.

  “Hey, Daph, do you think you could check on their laundry? They didn’t bring many clothes and the ones they have are filthy. I dropped them down,” I say.

  “Of course, miss. Be back in a bit.”

  “She seems like a nice girl,” Mama says when Daphne exits the room.

  “She is. Very,” I confirm. “Hard worker, too.”

  “Andy, if you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with you outside.”

  I knew this would happen.

  Mattie shifts his eyes between the two of us. “Can I go too?”

  “No, stay here. It won’t take long,” Mama says.

  She and I enter the hallway, the guards bowing as I pass. Like that doesn’t give everything away. She’d be stupid if she doesn’t know.

  “Obviously there’s something going on. I don’t want to make assumptions before I’m aware of what’s really happening. So, tell me. What is it that I don’t know about? I got your letter. Did you say yes?”

  There are so many words I want to say right now, but none of them will form. I open my mouth more than once to begin.

  “I…did.”

  “And?”

  “Zarek insisted we have the wedding sooner than later.”

  “How soon?”

  I shift my weight from one leg to the other. “Like, yesterday soon.”

  “You had the wedding yesterday? Mattie and I weren’t even here.”

  “I know. Zarek had promised that you two would be in attendance. Same for Malik, but he had to stay in the kitchens to prepare for the wedding. Zarek said you two were on your way.”

  “The stars had other plans.” Her features lack any enthusiasm. It’s as if I’ve sucked out her soul.

  “Mama, I’m sorry. I tried my best to get you two here. It was important to me that my family and friends witness the wedding.”

  She overlooks my apology. “So, you’re Queen of the New World now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Should I bow?”

  “Mama, please—”

  “I can’t wait to see the look on your brother’s face when you tell him he missed your big event. He would’ve so loved to be here.”

  It takes everything in me not to cry. Why does she always make me feel bad? It’s not my fault they couldn’t make it.

  “You’re right. I do need to be the one to tell him.”

  She sarcastically nods.

  Back in the room, Mattie stares out the window. “I see them in the distance,” he says. “The stars. I wonder if they’re the same ones that came after us.”

  “I think they might be different, bud. Hey, why don’t you have a seat with me? I need to tell you something.”

  He obeys, sliding off his chair and hopping onto the bed. “What is it, Andy?” His wide, brown eyes could hold the final innocence in this world…and I’m about to crush every last part.

  “Well, you know what marriage is, right?” I ask.

  He nods.

  “Um, see, the King asked me to marry him. So we could be together forever.”

  Mattie makes a rude vomiting noise, while sticking his finger down his throat. “Gross.”

  I giggle. “Why is that gross?”

  “’Cause you’re a girl!”

  “You won’t be saying that when you grow old. You’ll actually want a girl, then.”

  “Ewww!”

  “Okay, so, after King Zarek asked me, I said yes. But he wanted the wedding right away so you and Mama couldn’t reach me in time to be there when it happened.”

  “When what happened, Andy?”

  “The wedding.”

  He gasps. “You got married?”

  “Yes, silly. Yesterday.”

  He thinks about this for a moment, then his entire body slumps. “How come I couldn’t go?”

  Mama stands against the far wall; her face confirming what she told me was true.

  Wrapping my arm around his shoulders, I say, “I wish you could’ve been here. But we’ll still have fun while you’re here, right? We can have our own party. Would you like that? Just the three of us?”

  He slightly nods and clutches his stomach. “I feel sick. Can I take a nap?” he asks, looking in Mama’s direction.

  She smiles at him.

  He tugs at the sheets and burrows underneath the covers.

  “What about the gardens? Don’t you want to see them?” I ask.

  His muffled voice replies, “No. I’m just really tired.”

  I stride to where Mama stands. “Okay, so you were right. I upset him. But at least I was honest about it.”

  “Andy, I don’t think we’ll be staying here very long. We have needs to attend to in Legora and I can’t allow our house to sit there while we gorge ourselves on desserts in crystal glasses.”

  Blood drains from my face. “What?”

  “This,”—she motions toward the general vicinity of the room—“isn’t for us. I’m upset that we weren’t able to attend your wedding, yes. But, as a mother, I should be congratulating you. You’ve made it further than the rest of us. We’ll be battling the elements and wondering whether the next town will accept us when we have to move again. You, on the other hand, will never have those worries on your shoulders.”

  I feel a tear slip down my cheek, but it doesn’t fully register that I’m crying. “Mama, I told you—you and Mattie can stay here. For as long as you wish.”

  She gently kisses my forehead. “My daughter, what would I do here? The same work I perform in Legora?”

  I guess I never thought about her working. I envisioned her fooling around like I have for the past two weeks—playing games with Mattie and me in the gardens, or sampling new foods from the kitchens.

  Never sewing clothes. Never washing dishes. Never scrubbing laundry.

  “It’s what’s normal,” she continues. “We’ll stay until tomorrow, and then let you get back to your duties. I’m sure being Queen has many responsibilities.”

  Responsibility. There’s that word again. Funny thing is: I have yet to be responsible for anything.

  45.

  As promised, Mama and Mattie pack the next morning in time for their departure to Legora. Black Riders linger at the front gates, waiting to take my family back to the tr
ain station.

  “I wish you’d reconsider,” I tell Mama.

  “You have obligations now. Remember that. Remember to be strong,” she says, and then they mount the horses. Mattie’s still upset. He hasn’t spoken to me since last night. I don’t know when I’ll be able to visit Legora again, so I hope he forgives me.

  Hooves kick up sand. Everyone bounces on their saddles.

  Once again, I’m alone.

  46.

  Later the next morning, I decide to sit in the gardens. The sun is directly overhead, and the invisible dome can be seen at just the right angle, I’ve learned. It’s a pink tint, with distorted swirls.

  “Thinking about me?”

  I turn, startled. “I didn’t realize you’d be back so soon.”

  “I told you we wouldn’t linger for longer than a day or two.” Zarek sits on the bench beside me, facing the opposite way. “You didn’t answer my question. I had hoped by now you would have forgotten our little tiff.”

  “I’m still upset with you,” I say, not looking at him.

  “How are your mother and brother?” he asks.

  “Fine.”

  “And they left so soon? I was hoping to eat a dinner or two with my new family.”

  I don’t say anything. I don’t really want to speak to him right now. Why doesn’t he get that?

  He stands. “Why don’t you come inside for a bit? You need to be ready for a family visit on my side.”

  I actually stare at him now. “You said you didn’t have any family left.”

  “I lied. Most do not know an heir exists. He is my brother, and he wants nothing to do with the throne. I am truly sorry. I should have told you.”

  “Why does he stay away from the throne?”

  Zarek shrugs. “That is the life he has chosen. I don’t argue with him.”

  “And if something ever happened to you, then what? Would he claim what’s his?”

  “I cannot answer that for sure,” he says. “I will leave it up to his heart.”

  I stand up. “I want to meet him.”

  “You will, my dear.” Zarek leans forward, kissing my forehead. “But we have other matters to attend to.”

  “Like?” I ask. Zarek’s finger lightly strokes the side of my neck, sending mini shivers up my arms and back simultaneously. I close my eyes. Even though this feels good, it doesn’t feel right.

  His lips are on mine. Supple. Tender. His tongue slides through my lips and past my teeth. It’s foreign to me. Completely different from kissing Malik.

  As soon as he moans, I pull away. His eyes are still closed.

  When they open, he asks, “What’s wrong?”

  I shake my head. “I’m not ready for this yet. I’m sorry.”

  He inhales a sharp breath, and contemplates what I’ve said. “Andrina, this is what couples do. If you’re so concerned—”

  “I’m just not ready.” I cross my arms. “I don’t know what else to tell you.”

  I lied. I do know. When I closed my eyes, I pictured myself kissing Malik.

  He exhales an annoyed sigh. “Let’s get ready for our trip, shall we?”

  I follow him inside. He lays out bags so we can bundle our clothes and belongings. And through all this, he’s very quiet. I can’t say I blame him, though. I’m his wife. The wife who doesn’t want to kiss her own husband.

  “How far away does your brother live?” I ask, hoping to slice the dead air.

  “A day’s trip,” he replies, looking up briefly. “He’s the leader of Halgan.”

  “That’s where my family would’ve been sent had they not received supplies.”

  He grunts in acknowledgement. “It is where most are sent when they have no place to go. My brother is clever when it comes to matters such as harvesting food and materials. He rarely asks for anything.”

  “Because he doesn’t want to beg?”

  “Because he is stubborn.”

  We resume our packing. It doesn’t take long since I have very few clothes and Zarek doesn’t plan on staying for long. I’m not sure what the purpose is for our visit, but I plan on asking Zarek about it later.

  “Excuse me, Majesties,” Governor Hadi says. I hadn’t even noticed he entered. “Your horses are waiting.”

  “Come, darling. No time to waste,” Zarek says, breezing past the Governor without a word.

  “He seems to be in a bit of a rush, doesn’t he?” Governor Hadi asks.

  “Yeah, he does.” I catch myself before mentioning Zarek’s brother. What if no one else knows? “I better go.”

  Inside the main gate, Zarek has already picked his horse, our bags hanging from either side.

  He extends his hand and pulls me up so I sit behind him. The Black Riders assemble in front, beside and behind us. Zarek gives them a signal and we’re galloping to the edge of Valyad, past the greenery and back into the world that has rested in the back of my mind. Now, it’s no longer dormant.

  Sand buries itself inside my clothes. I’ve forgotten about the sun, too; how insufferable the heat can be. I’m dying for a sip of water within the first hour.

  But I can’t ask for refreshment. Between the sound of the horses’ hooves and fear of opening our mouths with airborne sand, there isn’t much time for talking. If I know anything about Zarek, we won’t stop until we get there. He’s too afraid something will attack us after dark. As long as we reach the protective barrier surrounding Halgan, we’ll be safe.

  The sun dips lower, lower, lower in the sky. It seems like the horses can’t move fast enough; we’re not winning this race.

  “Almost there,” Zarek yells back at me.

  Halgan is in sight—no more than a dot on the horizon. Or maybe I’m hallucinating. Maybe the heat is melting my mind. Though, there’s not much heat left. The sun will set soon, and we’ll be left to battle the freezing climate.

  The horses pick up speed.

  Then I realize I’m not hallucinating. Halgan really is there.

  The guards don’t bother checking our marks. Perhaps it’s because they recognize Zarek. How often does he visit his brother?

  Up close, Halgan is several sizes larger than Legora. The streets are made of stone, not sand. Streetlamps are lit since it’s close to darkness. Halgan’s people are in no hurry, like they have all the time in the world to get their matters in order. They lazily roll carts of food and textiles down the alleyways and the streets, the sound loudly echoing against the mortar buildings.

  “This way,” says Zarek, waving his hand so I follow. The cobblestone road winds up, and the houses coil with it. The way is narrow—probably no more than a few people wide. But it’s enough for us to walk next to each other.

  Ahead, at the peak of the hill, sits a sand-colored house much bigger than the houses we just passed. This one has four stone cylinders. Atop the cylinders are domed lights, illuminating the home and everything around it.

  “Is this where your brother lives?” I ask.

  “Yes.” Zarek motions for the guards to open the pearlescent front doors. He takes my hand as we step inside.

  “—and we need to open trade with other cities. I don’t understand why this hasn’t happened yet,” says a man passing through the front room. He glances up. “Ah, brother, didn’t think I’d see you again.”

  “Kelin, this is Andrina, my wife,” Zarek says.

  Kelin’s eyebrows rise. “Finally snagged one, huh? Congratulations. I always thought you’d die alone.”

  I glimpse at Zarek. His mouth is set in a thin line, his lips white. “And where is your wife, Kelin?”

  “Dead, hopefully,” he replies.

  I can’t believe someone would think so little of their own wife. What’s going on with those two?

  Kelin’s face is relaxed when he says it. He hardly has any features in common with Zarek, though. Their hair is the same brown color, and their cheekbones are set a little high. But Kelin’s face displays masculinity, hard lines. Zarek’s still exhibits youthfulness and a sm
idgen of naivety.

  “Don’t stand there brooding,” says Kelin. “Come eat and drink. You must be exhausted.” He motions for us to follow through the double doors at the back of the room. They’re the same shiny, white color as the ones at the front.

  In what appears to be the dining room, a long, wooden table stretches out in front of us. Nothing like what I’d pictured in a home such as this. It has bowls of fruits and breads piled high, and pitchers of wine.

  I eye it. In some places there are deep crevices. Even the benches on either side are made of the same wood.

  Zarek catches my funny looks. “It’s a family heirloom,” he says. “One that’s been passed from the Old World to the New, and very close to Kelin’s heart.”

  “Not yours?”

  He looks away. “It was in our father’s possession and his fathers and so on. If you knew my father, you would know he never cared much for me. Kelin was his favorite. So after the Age, Kelin took it with him.”

  “You could take it now that you’re King, though. Right?” I whisper.

  He only nods and takes a seat on the bench. “Kelin prefers a more cozy dining experience, as opposed to my open space.”

  “So tell me, brother,” Kelin begins, “why is it you’ve come all this way?” He raises his wine glass and takes a sip, his eyes never leaving Zarek’s.

  “There have been some problems in my court,” says Zarek. I cut him a glance. Problems? Sure, Valyad hates me, but he already knew that. What else could there be? “And I’ve come to you should anything happen to me.”

  “You think I’ll take over your gold-pinching city once you die?” Kelin snickers. “You’ve outdone yourself. I think the sand has filled your ears; you’re not hearing clearly right now.”

  “I am hearing myself.” Zarek’s tone is serious, and he obviously means for Kelin to know that, too.

  The smile gradually evaporates from Kelin’s face. “Who is it this time?”

  “Hadi.”

  Kelin’s smile returns. “And how is it, my brother, you’re King of the New World, yet you come to me for aid? If you want him gone, then banish him to the Forgotten Sands. You’ll never see him again.”

  “It’s not that easy,” Zarek admits. “Though I wish it were. He has sworn there will be an uprising, not just of Valyad’s people, but of others—armies—that will cover land as far as the eye can see.”