“They killed Allison!” Sierra yelled.
“We know that,” Natalia said before Alastor could respond. “We were there, Sierra. We don’t expect you to understand because we’ve kept you out, but we are fighting against the Protectors every day.”
She crossed her arms. “How?”
Natalia shook her head. “That’s not for you to know. What is important for you to know right now is how you treat the Protectors who are in positions of power.”
Sierra bristled, rolling her eyes.
Natalia sat next to her. “Sierra, do you understand what we’re saying? You need to act a certain way in certain situations. You need to please the right people so you can hurt the wrong people later.”
Sierra could agree with that. “Fine, I understand.”
“Good,” Alastor said, sitting in the chair behind his desk. “You’ll have to if you’re going to Renaul with us come Victory Day.”
Sierra’s eyes widened as she looked from Alastor to Natalia. A slow smile spread on Natalia’s face.
“Are you serious?” Sierra asked. “Oh, really? Honestly, I can go?”
“Yes, you can,” Natalia said, grinning now.
Sierra threw her arms around Natalia. Every year, Evan and Dar and their parents had left Sashe and Sierra behind as they all went to Renaul for Victory Day. They came back with wares from the merchants, with stories about the fireworks and celebrations that filled the city square. Dar told them all about the castle and the nobles, and Evan told them about the Avialies from Belisha. Even Seth had gone the last two years since he’d moved here.
“Thank you so much!” Sierra said. “Don’t worry, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“You must be,” Natalia said, her face stern again, “because we’re be staying at the castle. We will probably see Tisha and Niculai again, so you can’t mouth off to them.”
Sierra nodded frantically. “I understand.” She stood up. “Can I go tell the others?”
Alastor waved his hands. Natalia laughed as Sierra darted for the door. Finally, Sierra was going to Renaul for Victory Day.
***
Two weeks later, their caravan was riding north to Renaul. Wagons were filled with cherries, treats of Lina’s, jewelry Sierra and Sashe had made. Matilda and her mother were coming, too, with blankets and scarves from their business. The roads were crowded with travelers, and Sierra always sat by the window so she could watch the passing scenery. Evan told her about the passing cities and villages and stories of past travels to Renaul.
They stayed the night in Gladin, and the next evening they arrived in Renaul. It was a sprawling city, much larger than Rahuda, and the inns and streets were full of travelers. The king and queen always hosted the governors and their families, so the caravan separated in the city, Sierra going with Alastor, Natalia, and Dar to the castle.
“Don’t forget us commoners!” Evan called to her while the carriages went separate ways. Sierra remembered when he used to be jealous of Dar’s wealth and status. Now, he seemed to view it as a blessing since the Protectors wouldn’t be watching him constantly when he grew older, unlike Dar.
Her stomach twisted as they grew closer to the castle. “I can’t believe they’re letting me stay here, too,” she said.
“They’ll probably try to talk you into leaving Rahuda again,” Alastor said gruffly.
Natalia patted Sierra on the back. “You do whatever you want, Sierra.”
“I’m not leaving Rahuda,” Sierra said, crossing her arms.
Natalia kissed her forehead. “Good, because we’d miss you.”
The castle was everything Sierra imagined and more. Servants grabbed their trunks and luggage for them after checking them for weapons. The stone castle was huge, and inside, the ceilings were high, the decor lavish, the tapestries larger than Sierra’s entire bedroom. The prince, only a couple years older than her, was quite handsome, and he greeted them in the sitting room. He told them the king was already in bed, but said that he’d greet them in the morning.
Servants escorted them to the west wing, where the guests were staying during Victory Day. Alastor and Natalia were taken to an extravagant bedroom, but they stopped her in the doorway.
“We’re not staying with you?” Sierra asked.
“They have a room for girls your age,” Natalia said, “and Dar will go to the other for boys.”
“But. . .” Sierra trailed off, glancing around at the wide corridors. She didn’t want to be left alone.
Natalia squeezed her shoulder. “Sierra, you’ll be fine.” She leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You’re safer than we’ll be.”
Just because of her blood. Sierra sighed. “Are you sure I can’t stay with you?”
“This is how it goes every year, Sierra,” Dar said. “Don’t worry.”
She nodded and shrugged. “Okay. Goodnight.”
“We’ll see you in the morning. Enjoy yourself. Make some friends.”
The servants took her to her room next. It was a long room with canopy beds lined up along one wall. Giggling nobles and handmaidens flittered around the room which was dimly lit by candles. A servant took her trunk to a canopy bed for her. Sierra looked over her shoulder and waved at Dar. He grinned at her, giving her a thumbs up. She didn’t have time to say goodbye before the door closed.
Two girls, twins with curly blonde hair, flocked to Sierra. “Hello,” they said in unison.
“I’m Jane, daughter of Lord Ronald of Belisha.”
“I’m Jewel.” They both curtsied. “Who are you?”
Sierra forced her voice steady. “Sierra. My adoptive father is Alastor, Governor of Shyra.”
The girls gasped. Jane put her hand over her heart. “Your brother is Dar, isn’t he?”
“Yes.”
Jewel sighed. “He’s so dreamy.”
Sierra raised her eyebrows. Seemed like the girls in Rahuda weren’t the only ones who liked Dar. “Really?”
A servant came up to Sierra with a tray of sweets. “Ladies?” It seemed every person in the room was female. That was a comfort, at least.
“Oh, yes!” Jane took a sweet.
Sierra yawned, covering her mouth with her hand. “Well, I’m tired from traveling all day. I should get to sleep.”
“Oh, but we’ve just started the games!” Jewel said. She grabbed Sierra’s arms. “Come on!”
There were six other girls in the room, ranging from age eleven to nineteen. All nine of them had come from afar, and had either lords or governors for fathers. The oldest was a girl from Nyad named Khloe; she was in charge of everything. Their games consisted of truth or dare games, pillow fights, scary stories, talking about boys, dressing up like peasants and princesses. Despite herself, Sierra had fun. She had to force them to let her go to sleep after two hours, though, and shoved the curtains around her bed closed. Despite their voices, she was so exhausted she fell into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning, Sierra dragged herself to breakfast with the other girls. The dining hall held three different tables, and Sierra’s mouth fell open at the size. Dar waved her over from one of the tables, and she rushed over to him.
“Morning,” she said, sliding into the seat between Dar and Natalia.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Natalia asked, picking a piece of lint off of Sierra’s dress.
“How was it?” Dar asked. “I always wonder what the girls dorm is like.”
“It was fun. They stayed up so late, though.” Sierra yawned, then grinned. “They all like you.”
His eyes widened, and his cheeks darkened. “What do you mean?”
“When I told them you were my brother, they told me how dreamy you were and asked if you were courting anyone and it went on all night. I had no idea you were so popular with the nobles, Dar.”
“Of course he is,” Alastor said. “He’s my son, isn’t he?” He ruffled up Dar’s hair. Dar skirted away and smoothed his hair back down, making Sierra giggle.
Victory
Day wasn’t until tomorrow, so for the morning, they traveled around Renaul, visiting the festival grounds, Evan’s family at the inn as they prepared for the next day, and more of the royal city. That night, the castle hosted a large party for the nobles. Nobles from Renaul attended, and Dar introduced her to various people their age. Sierra didn’t remember most of their names.
She and Dar danced, and a few nobles asked her to dance. She felt awkward around most of them. How could they live their entire lives like this, so proper and orderly? She doubted they ever played games in a barn or went swimming in just their undergarments.
Though Dar was fun, she wished Evan could be there with them. He put a new spin on everything. Seth and Sashe would be fun, too, of course, but if she had to choose just one person, it would be Evan. That didn’t make her a very good sister.
“I’m glad you could come this year,” Dar said as they ate pastries by the wall. “I wish Evan and the others were here, though.”
Sierra smiled. “Me, too. You think we could sneak them some of these pastries? They’re amazing!” She picked up another one.
The nobles definitely knew how to throw a party, The festivities went late into the night. Sierra couldn’t imagine what tomorrow might be like, when it was actually Victory Day. She and Dar escaped the ballroom to walk around the royal gardens. They were lit up with lanterns, giving the place a romantic feel. Kissing couples were hidden in the bushes. A few sat on benches, unafraid of spying eyes. Yes, Sierra would much rather be here with Evan than Dar. Oh, god, what was happening to her? She shook her head and turned to Dar to say something when two men approached them.
The first man, black-haired and pale, she recognized as Tisha. Sierra stilled in her steps, narrowing her eyes at him. She barely refrained from making a disgusted face.
The second man she didn’t know. He was an inch or two shorter than she was, but had a wide frame.
“Sir Dar, Sierra,” Tisha said. “This is my colleague Kilar.”
Sierra recognized the name. He was also a Protector. Dar inclined his head. “Are you enjoying the Victory Day festivities?” he asked.
She crossed her arms, letting the disgust show. How could he be so civil with them? She had to force herself to keep her mouth shut, remembering what Natalia said. Please them to hurt them later.
“Very much,” Tisha said. “I was wondering if I could have a word with the both of you.”
Sierra and Dar exchanged glances. She decided to stay quiet and let Dar take care of it. She’d promised Alastor and Natalia she wouldn’t mouth off to them again. Not to mention Dar was the master with words.
“Of course,” Dar said.
“Perhaps we could go inside and find a quiet place to talk,” Tisha said.
He led the way back inside the castle. Sierra hesitated. What did they want? Dar motioned to her to follow, and she trailed behind him reluctantly. “Should we tell our parents where we’re going?” she asked.
“It’s just a little chat, Sierra.” Tisha looked over his shoulder. “And they’re not your parents.”
She clenched her teeth as he took them to a sitting room not far from the ballroom. A few other men were in the room, playing cards and smoking, but they paid no attention to the new group. She took in the lavish decor, the gold trimming on the furniture, the crystal chandelier.
Tisha motioned Sierra and Dar to a couch, and he and Kilar sat across from them in two armchairs. “I know you weren’t very happy with me the last time we met,” Tisha began, “so I wanted to right things between us.”
“You mean you’re going to undo the curse?” she asked, tilting her head.
Tisha chuckled, glancing at Kilar.
Kilar raised his eyebrows and smirked. “This one has some cheek.”
“I know. I think she’d be useful on our side.”
“On your side?” Sierra repeated. “Are you crazy?” She pursed her lips and took a deep breath. She wouldn’t yell at them and lose her patience like last time.
“I don’t understand why you’re so set on staying with the Avialies,” Tisha said. “You don’t have a future with them.”
“Just because I couldn’t have children, I have no future?” Sierra asked.
“So, you’re planning on marrying an Avialie like your sister did?”
Sierra thought of Evan and sputtered. “No, I—I—that’s what I thought you meant.”
Tisha and Kilar both chuckled this time. Tisha leaned back, setting his ankle on his other knee. “Well, I hope you wouldn’t be so foolish.”
Kilar stood and walked to the table pushed up against the wall with wine and flutes. “A young girl like yourself doesn’t belong with Avialies.” He poured out two flutes, then motioned to Dar and Sierra. “Would you like some?”
“No,” Sierra said.
He sat back down, handing Tisha one of the flutes. “I would honestly reassess your position, Sierra. Alastor may have said some things about us that weren’t completely true.”
She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them to look at Kilar steadily. “This has nothing to do with rumors. People are dead because of you. One of my best friends is dead.”
Tisha frowned. “We told you that was an accident.”
“A very convenient one for you, considering you told Lyle you’d kill his family if he didn’t help you.”
Tisha glanced over at the men playing cards by the fireplace. Their voices and laughter had risen in volume. “Young women should not spread lies.”
She opened her mouth to yell at him, but Dar spoke first. “Why would she lie about something like that? What does she have to gain?”
“That’s a good question.” Tisha looked at Sierra. “Tell me, why are you telling people that we said such things?”
“Because you did!” She shook her head, pursing her lips. “And even if you hadn’t, you killed two dozen Avialies when they came to talk to the king—”
“They were in Renaul murdering Protectors—”
“You used that Thieran to curse us—”
“Us?” Tisha repeated, narrowing his eyes. “You’re not one of them and you never will be. You shouldn’t be living with them, defending them.” He dropped his voice. “You deserve better than this life.”
Sierra stood up, her hands shaking from anger. “I already told you I’m not leaving the Avialies. Please don’t waste any more of my time.” She looked at Dar.
He stood and nodded to the men. “Have a blessed Victory Day.”
Rolling her eyes, Sierra turned and left the room, Dar behind her. In the corridor, Sierra let out an exasperated yell. “Why do they even care about me? I’m sixteen years old!” She shuddered. “I’m going to bed.”
He studied her for a moment, then he nodded.
She hesitated. “What is it?”
He shrugged. “I’d understand. . .if you left.”
She rubbed her forehead. “You know I’m not going anywhere.”
“But if you ever wanted to, to keep yourself safe—”
“Dar, stop. It’s late, and I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.” She turned away before he could say anything else. When she got to her room, only one other girl was there, and she was reading on her bed. Sierra changed out of her dress without the help of a maidservant and collapsed in her bed.
After pulling her curtains closed, she lay down and close her eyes. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow, when she could get out of this castle and spend time with normal people again. Especially Evan.
She suddenly remembered the letter he’d given her yesterday when they’d parted ways. She pulled it out of her trunk. The two of them had been writing letters ever since Seth and Sashe’s wedding. Even though he never failed to proclaim his love for her, she enjoyed reading them and writing him back. It was one more way for them to celebrate each other and their friendship. Friendship. Nothing more.
***
The fireworks lit up the sky, and the sparks showered down, lighting up the faces around him.
Evan leaned towards Sierra and whispered, “Hey, do you want to see these from a better view?”
She looked at him with keen eyes. “Sure.”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. “We’ll be right back,” he told his dad. He led her out of the crowd, her hand warm in his. He loved the little moments he could have with her like this. He was glad she’d decided to stay with them tonight instead of going back to the castle with Dar and his parents.
He took her to a small hill by the festival grounds, which was where they were setting the fireworks off. They had to sneak around a caravan of gypsies before they hiked up the hill. From the top, the fireworks seemed so much larger. Their vibrant colors filled the black sky. He sat down on the grass and patted the spot next to him for Sierra.
Grinning, she sat down. “This is great!”
He lay down, which made it seem like there was nothing in the world but the fireworks. He couldn’t see the festival grounds or anyone around him. Just the starry sky ignited with sparks and shapes.
She lay next to him, her shoulder pressing against his.
“So, how was your first Victory Day?” he asked.
“It was really fun. I had so much to eat, and Alastor bought me a new scarf. Oh, and the fire dancers were so amazing. Did you have fun?”
“I did.” He’d worked most of the day, but when his parents gave him breaks from the booth, he walked around with the others. He felt the necklace in his pocket. “I got you something.”
She gasped, looking at him. “You did?”
“Yeah, but I think we should wait until you can see it.”
She propped herself up on her elbow. “Oh, come on, you can’t do that!”
He grinned. “Are you sure you want it now?”
“Yes!”
He sat up, pulling the necklace out of his pocket. It was bundled up in a piece of cloth. He lay down on his side and handed it to her. Another firework went off, her skin blue as she unwrapped the necklace. Another burst of light filled the air as she gazed at the necklace and held it up. It had cost him quite a bit, but he thought he instantly when he saw it.
Fire and Light Page 6
