The Shadow Prince

by Stacey O'Neale

  The winning hound shifted back into a dark skinned, muscular mortal form. He was double the size of his competitor. When he turned in our direction, I realized it was Marcus’s father. Fire elementals rushed the stage, stepping over the fresh corpse.

  Marcus ran his fingers through his brown curls. “My father has never been beaten.”

  “I wouldn't want to take him on.” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Neither would I.”

  “What is this I see?” My mother’s unmistakable voice silenced the room. “Has my son finally returned to me?”

  After years of rejection, I’d accepted that my mother wasn’t capable of traditional love. She saw love as a weakness. Only the most feared could rule. “I was just enjoying the entertainment,” I said, pointing to the trampled corpse. I thought this was completely barbaric. Forcing the hounds to fight to the death was another way to keep them from being seen as equals in our court. “This is quite a welcoming party.”

  She stood, eyes squinted. “Come closer so I can see you.”

  Without a word, Marcus joined the group of hounds. His father noticed him, but didn’t acknowledge him. The rest of the crowd parted as I headed toward her.

  Tension built in my chest as the potent scent of blood and burnt flesh filled the air. Elementals whispered as I passed, followed by winks and seductive smiles. News must have spread that I'd be on the throne soon. Now, they would covet for my attention.

  When I reached the bottom of the throne steps, I bowed. “You summoned me, Your Majesty.” She insisted I address her formally.

  Tapping her fingers against her arm rest, she asked, “Are you happy to be home amongst your kin?”

  I didn’t see how anyone could truly be happy while living in fear. Once I ruled, I vowed to work toward restoring balance. “Yes, I am.”

  She sat down, taking a quick glance at the hounds, then returned her attention to me. “I am pleased your new servant was able to return you to court so quickly. Tell me, are you pleased with my selection?”

  Bile built in my throat. I had no doubt she was intentionally digging at me, hoping for a negative reaction which would provoke punishment. “I am very pleased. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  “Oh, you're quite welcome,” she said smugly.

  I bit my tongue, hoping it would prevent me from saying something I would regret. Instead of speaking, I smiled at her. The tension in the room was as thick as butter.

  After a long uncomfortable moment she rolled her eyes, bored with the conversation I assumed. “There will be a ball at sundown in celebration of your upcoming coronation. You may return to your quarters until then.” She pointed to Marcus, a wicked smile across her face. “Your servant will escort you.”

  Again, she attempted to upset me. No doubt, she’d meant to use this to teach me a lesson. To her, the hounds were little more than animals. Most of them were feral, but because I’d spent time with Marcus, I knew they were also intelligent. She watched me intently for any reaction. But rather than giving her what she wanted, I bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to the celebration tonight.”

  “Continue with the games,” she shouted to the hounds. The crowd roared with anticipation.

  Two more hounds somberly transformed into their animal forms, preparing to fight to the death. My power surged in my fingertips, aching to stop what was happening. But I remembered what Marcus had said about control, and I did nothing. Instead, I tilted my chin toward Marcus. He nodded, quickly appearing at my side. I followed him toward the exit as I tried to block out their pained cries.

  I wanted to talk to her about the coronation, but there was no point. There were too many elementals around, she was having too much fun enjoying the blood bath. It would be easier to speak to her at the party tonight. At some point, I was sure I'd have an opportunity to get her alone.

  When the door closed behind us, Marcus let out a breath he was holding in. “You handled her better than I thought you would.”

  Some of the tension released from my shoulders, but the image of the dead hound remained in the front of my mind. “There were a few moments where I almost lost it.”

  “But you didn’t,” he said, genuinely pleased. “If you can manage to keep it up over the next week, you just might pull this off.”

  Being around my mother put me on edge. I needed to change the subject. “Why don’t you tell me more about this celebration of hers? Who’s going to be there?”

  We strolled down the hallway, continuing toward my bedroom. “All of the royal families are expected. The preparations have been going on for days. It’ll be a lavish event.”

  No doubt. My mother would take any opportunity to show off her wealth and power. If all of the families were invited, it would seem she was planning quite a show. It would be nice to see the other court leaders. The royal families were especially reclusive, except for King Taron of the air elementals. I had met him on a few occasions during my childhood. He was friendly. My mother disliked him, but I don’t remember an elemental she ever truly cared for.

  For now, I’d focus on showing up and continuing with my Oscar-worthy performance. I’d do whatever I had to-to survive this week. The future of my court depended on it. After a few twists and turns, we made our way to my bedroom. Marcus reached around, turning the gold handle on the door, pushing it open. I cringed. I knew he had to play the role of my guardian while we were here—anyone could be watching us at any time—but it still felt weird to have him opening doors for me.

  The interior walls of my room shared the same obsidian glass as the rest of the castle with gold sconces hanging on every wall. There were no windows or any living plants. Several zebra skin rugs covered the floors leading to a massive fireplace in the middle of the room. I headed past the adjoining black marble bathroom toward the closet. When I slid the door open, I was surprised to find it was full of clothing.

  I smirked at Marcus. “Oh, honey, you shouldn't have.”

  “You're kidding, right? I'm the last person they'd send shopping.”

  I chuckled, returning my attention back to the clothes. There were several traditional red robes for the important meetings, a three-piece black suit, dark jeans, shirts in a riot of colors, and an assortment of boots sitting on the floor. “Well, whoever it was did a good job. They are all my size.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe it was the Queen?”

  “Not a chance,” I said, shutting the door. My mother was centuries old. If she went beyond Avalon's mist, she would age rapidly until time caught up with her. I imagine she'd be dead in a matter of weeks. There's no way she would age herself for anyone, especially me. “She probably sent one of the younger elementals.”

  A knock on the door piqued my interest.

  The door opened. A young, skinny female hound stepped inside holding a tray of cheese, crackers, and wine. I could tell by the patched-over burn holes on the side of her gray dress that it was old. Her shoes weren't in much better shape. With everything available at her fingertips, I would have assumed my mother would provide better attire for the servants. The little hound kept her eyes toward the floor as she waited for instruction.

  I took the tray from her, placing it on the black lacquer nightstand next to my bed. “I can take this. Thank you.”

  Our eyes met and I smiled. As a hound working here in the castle, I doubted she got many kind words from the other high-ranking elementals. Her cheeks blushed. “Is there anything else you need, Your Majesty?”

  “Nope. We're all good.”

  She took a quick glance at Marcus. Her eyebrows furrowed as if she were confused, then she hurried back out the door.

  I sat down on my platform king size bed. Leaning against the white leatherette headboard with my hands crossed behind my head, I asked, “Why did she look at you like that?”

  “Because I wasn't staring at the ground waiting for a command from you.” Marcus crossed his arms. “If she reports me, I'll be punished.”

 
I shook my head. “I won't allow it.”

  “Yes, you will. You have to keep up appearances.” He sat down on the edge of the bed. “Besides, I should have known better.”

  “I don't want to hear you talk like that.” I sat up. “You'll never be a servant to me. Never.”

  Marcus held his arms open, smiling slyly. “Now I'm ready for my hug.”

  I chuckled, pushing his shoulders with my fists. “Yeah, whatever.”

  His eyes settled on the mountain of cheese and crackers. “Why don't you send some of those goodies my way? I'm starved.”

  I rolled my eyes, sliding the tray across the bed. “When are you not hungry?”

  He stuffed a fist full of cheese cubes in his mouth. “Hey, it's hard work chasing after you,” he responded, voice muffled.

  Marcus continued to scarf down food while my thoughts lingered toward tonight's ball. If all the leaders of the courts would be there, I couldn't help wondering if my future betrothed would be one of them. All the high-ranking elementals had their partners chosen for them. It had nothing to do with love or attraction. For us, it was all about forming alliances and gaining more power. My mother hadn't chosen my bride, as far as I knew, but I was sure my opinions had no bearing on her decision.

  “Looking forward to seeing anyone special tonight?” I asked.

  Marcus swallowed what was puffing out his cheeks in one large gulp. “Well, there could be one person, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to talk to her.”

  He had never shown any interest toward a female elemental before. They must have met during the months I hadn't seen him. “Why?”

  “Ariel is an air elemental.”

  It wasn't uncommon for elementals to date outside their court. But for some reason, hounds only mated with other hounds. “So, what does that matter?”

  He stared down at the small crumbles of food left on the tray. “My father would never approve. Plus, Ariel's parents have already arranged for her to marry a high-ranking knight in her court. You know it's all about moving up the popularity ladder.”

  “Well, you can at least tell me what she looks like. Is she hot?”

  He glanced up, eyes widened with excitement. “She's gorgeous. Long blond hair and lavender eyes just like the other purebred air elementals.”

  Something came over him as he spoke about her. It was like he was injected with joy juice. “Damn, maybe I should introduce myself.”

  He scowled. “You're not her type.”

  I smirked, patting my hand on his shoulder. “I'm everyone's type.”

  He threw a cracker. It bounced off my cheek, landing in my lap. “I know there's at least one girl out there capable of seeing through your bullshit and I can't wait to meet her.”

  I picked up the cracker and ate it. It would be nice to have to work for it for once. I would enjoy the chase. “No way. I'm too loveable.”

  Marcus coughed. “I think I just threw up in my mouth.”

  I grabbed the bottle of wine, removed the stopper, and poured two glasses. “You can wash it down with this.”

  He took one of the glasses. “What are we toasting?”

  I shrugged. “Being awesome?”

  “To our continued awesomeness,” he replied, tapping our glasses together with a clink.

  Chapter Three

  Damn, I look good.

  My normally unkempt hair was slicked back, my face cleanly shaven. I checked out all the rest of my angles in the mirror. Somehow, without ever being measured, the all black suit in my closet fit perfectly. The matching shoes were a bit snug, so I decided to wear my leather boots. I'd rather be comfortable anyway. No telling how long this party would run. They've been known to last for days.

  Marcus left a while ago to get changed. He said someone would come to escort me. I had been pacing for hours. At the ball, it would be easy for me to pull my mother aside and get to the bottom of her decision. There was a small part of me holding onto a shred of hope that her offer might be genuine. But the rest of me knew there was much more to her decision.

  I had learned not to trust her a long time ago. She would turn on anyone if it benefited her.

  As soon as one of the knights showed up at my door, we made our way down the long hallway. The walls vibrated with the sounds of sensual, rhythmic music. The noise level escaladed the closer we approached. My nerves tingled with anticipation. I had never been invited to one of these events. But if it was anything close to the rumors I'd heard, it would be a wild night.

  A gust of wind whipped against my face as the doors opened to the ballroom. The room was flooded with black feathered elementals elegantly dressed in a cascade of colors. Candlelit silver chandeliers illuminated the dimmed dance floor. Bodies clung to one another, moving to the beat of the erotic song. Wooden tables lined the walls where groups sat, laughing and drinking from crystal flutes. My eyes roamed the room for Marcus but I didn't see him anywhere.

  The music stopped, and a single trumpet wailed.

  The crowd turned to face me. I swallowed hard. “Prince Rowan of the House of Djin,” an unfamiliar male voice announced. Whistles and claps rang from every corner.

  I waved, keeping proper protocol.

  The tuxedoed knight was leading me toward my mother's table when my siblings stepped into our path. Valac’s appearance never changes. His clothing always was pristine, like it was on a mannequin. Tonight, he wore a suit eerily similar to mine. As always, his slicked back black hair was perfect; not a single piece out of place. His face reminded me of cold stone because he very rarely expressed any emotion. His twin sister Selene stood at his side. Her red, floor-length gown looked like it might have just come from a fashion house in Milan. She glanced at me quickly, smiled, and then returned her attention to her brother.

  “Congratulations on your upcoming coronation, brother.” Valac said, his voice monotone. “I'm sure you'll make an excellent king.”

  “Thanks, buddy. It almost sounded like you meant it.” I patted him on the shoulder. “Seriously though, I appreciate your effort.”

  “He does mean it, Rowan.” Selene interjected, playing the mediator as usual. “We both do.”

  If she didn't worry so much about Valac's opinion, she probably would have been happy for me. Selene has never given me the impression she wanted the throne. She relished in all of the spoils a royal life offered. Mother made sure she had the best of everything. She has always favored my siblings, adopting them both centuries ago after they were abandoned.

  Mother told me I was conceived after she was raped. I didn’t see how that was even possible considering she was the strongest of all the fire elementals, but even to this day, I have no idea who my father is. From birth, she has treated me like an inconvenience—a pebble in her shoe. Which was why Mother’s decision to pass the crown on to me didn't make sense.

  I need to speak with her immediately.

  “Well, this was uncomfortable. We should do it again sometime in the never future.” I circled around them before either had a chance to respond. I spotted Mother’s table in the far corner of the room. Her red gown was so tight I couldn't even imagine how she was breathing. Several council members surrounded her. The members were wearing suits with a red shawl hanging loosely over their shoulders to alert every one of their positions. They carried on by themselves, not yet noticing I stood there.

  I came to stand directly in front of Mother. “Great party. When do the strippers get here?”

  Her eyes examined me from head to toe. It was like I was having a physical without being naked. “You look ridiculous with that metal pierced into your eyebrow.”

  Score one for me. “I was wondering when you'd notice. I hope you don't mind, Your Majesty.” It took everything I had to hold back the smirk paining to grow across my lips.

  “It will be removed before your coronation,” she said, eyes squinting. Her tone was all statement, zero request. Man, she seemed even more pissed than I envisioned. I gave myself a second point.

 
“If it pleases you, I'll take it out.” I bowed. It will go back in the moment I'm crowned.

  “The royal families have arrived. Each has their own table,” she said, pointing to the other side of the room. “Go greet each member accordingly.” Wow, the love coming from her was deep.

  “Do you think we could talk first?” There was a reason she'd chosen to pass on her crown. She never made a move unless it benefited her in some way. I had to find out her motivation.

  “There will be plenty of time once you've properly greeted our guests.” She shooed me away with her hand.

  I could feel her scowl searing the back of my head as I sauntered toward the other regal tables. Without question, I knew where I was heading first. I wanted to meet the air elemental that Marcus had fallen for, Ariel. On my way there, three barely dressed females attempted to wave me over. They clung to one another, swaying to the thumping beat of the music. My body ached to join them, but I didn't have time for any of that.

  The air elementals long, rectangular table sat empty. The group stood in a circle in front of it, talking amongst themselves. Their knights kept watch over them, lined up a short distance away. The air court was the most modest of the four. Nothing about their attire was ever lavish or embellished. For the most part they kept to themselves. Preferring to spend their time in the mountains. The beautiful young female refilling their wine glasses caught my attention. Her blond hair was so light, it was almost white. She had to be Ariel.

  I was about to say hello to her when King Taron noticed me. I hadn't seen him since I was seven or eight. It had been one of the few times I had been invited to visit with my mother. After a council meeting, he had found me hiding from Marcus during one of our games. He seemed huge to me back then. I must have looked scared because he bent down each time he spoke to me. That day, he had spent an hour showing me some tricks with his wind magic, even letting me throw fireballs at him. I remember wishing I had a father like him. Or any father for that matter.