by Cate, Marnie
His face fell and his brows wrinkled in concern. “I do not think anyone thinks you will be just a housewife. I do think Malise would be the best choice. You know I am here to protect you but I am also here to make sure everything you need is handled. The Shah said that any request you have should be fulfilled.”
Checking to make sure that we were alone, I moved closer to him and put my sharp pointer finger onto his chest. “The Shah just wants you to keep me out of his way so that he can take care of her needs,” I said.
“Please be careful in speaking ill of her. I will be thrown to the dorcha if the Shah walked in on you talking to me like that.”
“Ok, I will behave,” I smiled. “If you really think that Malise will be up for the challenge, go ahead and assign her. But, I can have nothing get in the way of what needs to be done.”
“I believe I will be able to make that happen, min Vizier. I will send in one of the guards to rearrange the furniture immediately,” he said, shifting his eyes to the doorway.
He was telling me that we were not alone anymore. “Fine. Send them directly.” Turning to the doorway, I said, “Laura, how nice to see you.”
“I brought you some tavi,” she said, handing the glass to me. “Did you have anything else you need from me?”
Trying to think how to get rid of her for an extended period, I said, “Yes, I would like my wardrobe reorganized by color.”
“The outfits have already been coordinated,” she objected. “They were hand selected by the Shah and the Goddess for you.”
“Yes, they did organize it while I was not here,” I said, hardening my tone. “I think that I should have it arranged how I like it, don't you? If it is too big a task for you, please send someone else to me immediately.”
“I will do as you requested,” she said, averting her eyes from my cold stare. “Is that all you would like me to do?”
“That will be all,” I said dismissing her. “No wait, please send Christina in to assist me in getting ready for my day.”
“As you wish,” she said.
Laura left the room as Dunn returned with two guards. Looking around the room, one of the guards said, “What would you like moved, my queen?”
“I have changed my mind,” I said. “The Shah was correct in the placement of the furniture.”
Giving the other guard a look, he said, “We will be outside if you change your mind.”
When I knew everyone was out of earshot, I said to Dunn, “We need to find a way to keep Laura busy and out of my way. She is too inquisitive.”
“She does seem to be everywhere,” he said.
“Please bring Malise to me. I would like to speak with her before I make my decision,” I said.
Today, I would decide just who was safe enough to include in my plan to free Cole. There was no going back.
Chapter 50
While I waited, I began to go through the dressers. As I went through each drawer, I put everything I didn't like onto the floor. By the time Christina arrived, I had made a pretty big mess.
Raising her eyebrow at me, she said, “What happened here? Was there an accident?”
“No, I just don't like any of these things. They look like things that Snowystra would wear. When Laura is done rearranging my closet, I want Laura to take these to the Vetur in the tunnels.”
“That is not possible,” she said with concern. “She will not be able to go there.”
“Why not?”
“She is human,” Christina said. “Laura and I hold no magic. We would not survive in the tunnels.”
“That doesn't make sense. I was there and I left with nothing wrong with me.”
“You are special, Mara,” she said. “You have to admit though that you did feel your emotions change when you were there. You saw how Cole's behavior changed. It is a dangerous place. It is not for those that are not strong. It is the breeding ground of her darkness. She uses the pain and suffering of her children to strengthen her own magic. Did you not see that the Vetur could barely function and they were born from it? The pain and violence that they see there is just too much. She sends them into the pit to fight the dorcha. She feeds on their pain. They are barely strong enough to be there. That is why they self-medicate. If not, they would not be able to survive and many don't. If you send someone that is not strong, they go mad.”
Checking to be sure we were still alone, she said, “The bigger reason you cannot bring her there is that you would anger, Snowystra.”
“Why would this anger her?”
“Laura is a loyal servant to her,” she said. “She has been here since she was a teenager and has been the eyes and ears of the Goddess for many years.”
“Fine, I will take everything to them when I go there,” I relented.
“Why would you go there?” she said, not bothering to hide her concern.
“I insisted that Cole take me there,” I explained. “I need to know how the Vetur live if I am to help them. I want to see everything.”
“Do you think that is safe?” she said.
“You just told me I was special. Now you question it,” I said, unable to hide my frustration. “Why would I not be able to go there? I have sworn my allegiance to them. I am their queen.
Silent as if she was thinking, she finally said, “You will need a protection of some sort.” Going to the dresser, she took the charm bracelet that Cole had given me for my birthday. Holding it in her hands, she closed her eyes. Whispering, I could not make out her faint words. The bracelet began to glow and she put it on my wrist where it lost the light.
“This will help ward off the darkness but only for a short amount of time. The longer you are in the tunnels, the more you will be at risk from slipping into their world.”
“You have been a good friend,” I said, taking her hand. “I need to know you will be safe before I go. Can you leave now before anything happens?”
“No, I am here until you are gone. Do not worry about me. I will be safe,” she said, squeezing my hand. “I am not alone here.”
The door to my bedroom blew open and I released her hand. “And make sure that is done immediately.”
“Yes, my queen.”
“My Marina, you have become quite the harsh hand haven't you?” Snowystra said, entering the room.
With long strides, she walked toward me. Her long silver dress dragged along the floor making a painful high-pitched sound. Kissing me on both cheeks, she grasped both of my hands. I soaked in her icy magic. She did not restrain the power she was sending through me. The electrical pulse felt as if it was burning my skin from the inside. Fighting back my urge to pull away, I held her hands tighter.
“Well don't you look every bit the newlywed? Did you enjoy your honeymoon?” she questioned. “Cole can be so sweet and attentive, can't he?”
“It was nice being alone and having him all to myself,” I said, relieved when she released my hand.
Snowystra sat down on the settee at the end of the bed. “Pity that you can't be all alone with Cole again. You did spend a whole month with him, though. That seems more than adequate,” she said with false sincerity. “But, you are now back and we do have much to do.”
“Yes, we do,” I agreed.
“Cole has informed me of your desire to visit the Vetur. He said you even want to go to the tunnels. May I ask why?” she said, watching me carefully. “It seems like everything you want would be up here in my beautiful palace not below in the dirty tunnels.”
“True,” I said, walking to her. “It is a magnificent place to live but you brought us here to fulfill your plan. You want to restore your children to their rightful place. I need to know who your children are…all of them.
Considering my words, she sighed. “I was hoping to have a little fun before you got all serious. I hate to admit it but you are correct. Business must come first.”
Picking up one of my curls, she began to twist it around her finger. “I heard your words to Blanche Drygen at your recep
tion. She was quite displeased but you did make a good point about the boy. She has been quite useless to me and I would hate to waste more potential on her. We will need to collect the child as soon as possible.”
“I thought about that,” I said, calculating my words. “He does need to be brought here but I thought the more time in Danu's realm learning her magic would be a benefit to us.”
“How so?” She let go of my curl. It had turned white.
Holding out my hands, I called the dark air. The room began to fill with purple smoke. Moving my hand quickly to the right, all of the air shifted knocking everything off the dresser and tossing chairs. Moving the air in the direction of Snowystra, the wind blew back her hair and knocked the blankets off my bed.
“As you can see, my magic is strong,” I said as I willed it to stop. “I think it is because I have both inside me. If we let him develop his Air magic, it will be even stronger than my own.”
She looked at the room, taking in the damage. “Interesting. I did hear about you playing with fire. Have you tried any of your other gifts?”
“I have not,” I said with a smile. “Would you like me to try earth?”
“Not at this time,” she said. “Maybe if I would like a new castle, we can utilize your gift to demolish this one.”
“I would enjoy that,” I said.
“Marina, you have become quite the surprise,” she said with a laugh. “Fine, go to the tunnels and see what Danu has done to my poor Vetur. They are my sorriest bunch. They just do not know how to be proper Vetur. They are so weak and emotional.”
Running her fingers over my chair, she said, “Now is there anything that you would like to make this feel more like your home.”
“You have already done everything possible to make it feel like I am at home,” I said. “It is almost perfect except for the small mess I made. Laura and Christina will return it to its prior condition.”
“Yes, they will. On the matter of Laura, I know she has displeased you. She can come across as a bit gruff but she is very loyal,” she said, as if warning me.
“Are you sure that she should not be with you?” I said, forcing a syrupy sweet tone. “I would hate to think any of your needs are not being met because I have stolen someone away from you.”
Laughing, she stood up. “There is always someone to meet any need I have here. And if I want…” Pausing as she walked out the door, she said, “If I want Laura back, I will take her. But, until then dearest just enjoy the time you have with her.”
She was not talking about Laura but about Cole. I fumed with anger. Screaming, I threw a ball of the dark fire at the closed door not worrying that she probably could hear me. I would make sure that she would pay for anything she had taken from me. Her reign as the Goddess of Darkness would soon be ending.
Chapter 51
The next hour or so I spent my time creating more of mess, throwing everything that seemed like Snowystra would have picked onto the floor. Lost in my rage, I did not hear Laura enter the room.
“Min Vizier,” she said. “I have finished arranging the closet as you asked. Would you like anything else?”
“Bag all of this up,” I said. “I made a bit of a mess showing the Goddess my magic. All of it needs to be ready to be taken to the Tunnels. Would you like to join us and help deliver everything?”
“No,” she said. “It is not safe there for…”
“Who is not safe for?” I prodded. “Humans?”
“The Goddess insists that I never go there again,” she said, visibly shaking now. “It will not be allowed.”
“If you would like to join us, I am sure she will make an exception to her rule,” I said, using a kind voice. “I will ask her now.”
As I walked away, she grabbed my arm. “Please don't. I beg you,” she said. “It will anger her.”
“Laura, there is no reason to be afraid,” I said, no longer pressing the issue. “Arrange to have all of this prepared to go. I want to leave as soon as the Shah permits. Is there anything else that you would recommend I bring as a gift?”
“No, no, it's a terrible place. You really should not go there,” she said.
“I understand your concern. It is very dirty and dark there,” I said. “But, I need to really learn about my people. How can I lead those I don't know or understand?”
“There is nothing to learn,” she said. “They are lost there. Only the outcasts are sent there.”
“Have you been there before? Can you tell me what it is like so that I am not surprised?” I asked her. “I would like to learn more about you, also.”
“I don't know anything,” she said, pursing her lips together.
“Do you like living here, Laura?” I asked, changing the subject.
“It is a wonderful place to live,” she said in a robotic voice. “I have been given a great gift and I am very grateful—”
Cutting her off, I took her hand. “No one is listening. You can be honest with me. Can you tell me the story of how you came here?”
“There is no story,” she said, shifting her eyes. “I want to be here.”
“Do you have any family that you left behind? Did you always live here?”
Tears filled her eyes “I have been given a gift to be here. The Goddess has been nothing but giving and kind to me.”
Realizing that she would not answer my questions at this time, I said, “Very well, Laura. You can clean up the mess I made. If you ever change your mind, I am here to listen.”
Leaving her to gather everything, I entered the reorganized closet. Laughing at the rainbow of color and the absurdity of the arrangement, I walked to the wall of black clothes.
“Very interesting decision on how to arrange the closet,” Christina said, as she entered. “You called for me.”
“Yes, I want to meet the Vetur that live in the cottages on the outskirts of the palace today. Pick me out something that is not too regal looking.”
“You want to look like you are their queen,” she said, holding out a knee length red dress. “This would be comfortable.”
Accepting the dress, I slipped into it and fastened it. In my haste, my hair caught in the zipper.
“Here let me help,” Christina said. She released my hair from the teeth of the closure and inspected the white strands of hair from Snowystra's touch. “You really should wear your hair down. The Shah is correct. Your curly hair is beautiful.”
With ease, Christina pulled the sides to my hair back and quickly clipped it. “Let's put a bit of makeup on you and then you will be ready.”
When I was finished dressing, she took a small vial and poured small granules into her hand. “Place these under your tongue.”
“What is it,” I asked, following her directions.
Handing the vial to me, she said, “It will help you with the cold. You cannot let anyone see that you are uncomfortable with it.”
“I am fine with it now,” I said, handing the vial back to her. “Cole and I spent our honeymoon at a winter lodge.”
“Please just trust me,” she said, slipping the vial into my hand. “Better safe than sorry.”
Returning to my room, I found Malise and Dunn waiting. Malise was dressed in a black and white uniform that looked too big on her small frame. Her hair had been pulled back too tightly.
“Christina, find Malise better fitting clothes,” I said. “My new head of household cannot look such a mess and be quick because the four of us are going to visit the Vetur in the cottages. Meet me at the carriage when you are done. I need to see the Shah before we go.”
* * *
Dunn led me through the castle and past the kitchen until we arrived at a solid door. Outside, two guards stood watch.
“The Vizier would like to see the Shah,” Dunn said, using an authoritative voice. “Announce her arrival.”
“He said he did not want to be disturbed,” one of the guards said. “Under no circumstance is he to be interrupted.”
“Ridiculous,
” I said, pushing past them. “Dunn, open the door now.”
“We must insist,” the other guard said, holding me back from the door. “He said for no reason should he be interrupted.”
Holding my hands out, I called Air. This time I focused on creating a powerful gust of wind. A small twister formed in front of me throwing the guards out of the way. They did not relent in their duty to protect their king. Charging at me, I sent a bolt of my dark magic towards them. The green electricity slithered through the air before slamming into their chests. Both men fell to the ground, writhing in pain.
“What is going on out there?” Cole said, meeting me at the door.
“Nothing,” I said. “The guards were confused about me being allowed to see you. What is so important that you can't be disturbed?”
“Another Vetur is missing,” Cole said. “I have been going through everything trying to find out where our security is failing. We are not protected and I can't figure out where the problem starts.”
“I am going to the cottages,” I said, taking his hand. “Why don't you come with me?”
“Can't,” he said, kissing my hand. “I won't be able to rest until I know that they are all safe. I must figure out where the security is weak. If you hear anything that might be helpful, let me know. Now go meet our Vetur.
Chapter 52
The cottages were far enough away from the palace that Dunn insisted that we take the carriages. Christina had dressed Malise in a simple black dress and elegant braid. As we approached the buildings, I could see women and men walking between the buildings. They were dressed in dark clothing but from a distance, they seemed happy and friendly.
As the carriages approached, they left their homes to greet us. Stepping out of the carriage, I felt uneasy. Words of doubt filled my mind. Who are you trying to be? You are just a child pretending to be a woman.
“Min Vizier,” Dunn said. “These are your people.”
A woman came forward with a bouquet of white flowers with a blue center. Holding them out to me, she said, “We welcome you to our village. Your visit is unexpected but we are glad the same.”
