by LJ Andrews
Killian pursed his lips and cursed Speron under his breath. “I wasn’t made aware. Would you mind helping me? The feast is going to start soon.”
The old Glacien smiled and waved his hand for Killian to follow him inside. “Just take a look around. You vill find something I am sure of it.”
The shop smelled earthy, but the man was right rows and rows of shelves were bombarded with trinkets, jewels, and boxes filled with anything he could imagine.
“Where did you get all these things?”
“As I said, I have traveled very far in my years. I have had za opportunity many times to present leaders of other realms with my fine gifts, and as a reward I am usually presented vith a token from za realm.”
Killian smiled at the kind man and brushed his hand along a wooden table filled with jewelry, jars of shells, small packaged boxes, and black Ignisian rocks. He stopped when he saw a small black box with a gold lock on the front pushed far behind jars of exotic herbs and spices. A small ebony key was pushed deep in the keyhole. Killian picked it up and unlocked the intriguing box.
Inside was a small gold chain with a gold hoop at the end. Prongs jutted along the circle as if the center jewel was missing.
“Interesting you vould choose zat box.”
The old man’s voice broke him from his dazed inspection. “I don’t know why either, I just saw it and…had to open it I guess. Is a piece missing?”
“Yes, now zat you mention it. Zere once vas a rare pearl in the middle, but I sold za pearl years ago.” The old man limped over toward Killian and held his hand out for the black box. He rolled it over in his hands as if pondering on the pearl he’d taken out. “It vas passed through my wife’s uncles family, but he died many years ago and after she died I kept za pearl in za shop. You know, zere once vas a rumor za pearl had a powerful magic inside, but I never sensed such a thing.”
Killian’s heart leapt to his throat and he gulped hard before he spoke. “You heard it was magic? The pearl wasn’t green was it?”
The man scrunched his eyebrows together. “Vell, yes it vas. A green pearl is a beautiful find, most Glacien pearls have a blue coloring. I vas paid vell for za pearl. It helped save my shop zat struggled after my wife died.”
Killian closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. “You don’t have any children? Is there anyone left in your wife’s family?”
“No,” the old man shook his head. His voice rattled as Killian questioned him further. “Zat is why she left it to me. You ask so many questions, vat is your interest in za pearl?”
Killian met the man’s blue eyes and debated whether he should trust him with such important information. “It’s nothing. I was just curious who would be so interested in the pearl alone and leave the chain.”
The man relaxed his face as Killian’s voice calmed. “I vondered za same thing at za time. But it vas a difficult year after my wife’s death, he was a Glacien, and I couldn’t refuse za offer.”
“I understand, I would do the same thing,” Killian declared, taking the small box from the man and returning it to its spot behind the herbs. “I think I’d like to get those shell earrings for the empress. They seem to represent Glaciem well.”
“Oh vonderful choice,” the store owner replied as he reached for the pair of white, glimmering shells. “Tell her zay are found at the deepest point on the sea. Very beautiful.”
Killian paid the man with two silver coins. Miller had given each a small pouch filled with Glacien money for their journey. He thanked the man and rushed outside, where he allowed his heart to race once again. The relic. The shop owner had had the relic, but now it was gone.
Killian jogged quickly back to the palace to tell Speron and Lucan what he’d discovered. When he entered the grand entry the décor was glimmering in brilliant shades of gold and white. One enormous table spanned the length of the room and was filled with sweet meats, fresh breads, endless trays of seafood and multi-colored drinks.
He saw Speron and Lucan standing in a corner mumbling to one another. They had both changed clothes into long white tunic robes with blue sashes around the middle.
“Lucan,” Killian whispered as he approached.
“Thomas, where have you been?” he hissed back, Speron looked away. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“I’m sorry, I just…had to leave. I have to tell you something, it’s kind of an emergency.”
“You want to know something that’s an emergency,” Lucan whispered angrily. “These dresses they are forcing us to wear.” Lucan bunched up a handful of the material and shook it. “I’m sure the Trinity will run away screaming when they see us like this.”
Killian smiled, forgetting for a moment about the relic. Speron cleared his throat and turned toward them. “We are to be dressed in the traditional clothing, and we’re lucky to be invited to such an important ceremony.”
“Yeah, I know Speron,” Lucan huffed. “But we came with Mercedes they wouldn’t kick us out because we were in our Ponderi uniforms. I feel exposed.”
Speron rolled his eyes. “What did you want to tell us Killian?” His voice was terse, but calm.
Killian leaned in close so no one would overhear them and recounted everything that had happened in the small shop. Lucan’s breathing was hoarse when he spoke again.
“Thomas, if someone bought it then it’s over.” Lucan’s eyes widened. “What if the Trinity bought it?”
Killian rubbed his forehead. “Why would the Trinity buy it? They kill for the relics.”
“He said it was years ago,” Speron added. “The Trinity wouldn’t want to bring attention to themselves. It’s only been recent that they’ve been taking brash action.”
They were interrupted by a lovely piano interlude. Lars stood on high steps above the increasing crowd. “Honored guests, za empress vill be joining us shortly. Please place all coronation offerings by za vindow and stand by your assigned seats.”
Shuffling feet filled the entire room as people, all dressed in flowing white robes, moved around depositing their gifts and searching for their seats.
“What offering?” Lucan asked.
Killian frowned at Speron who had placed a slim box on the table with his name embossed in gold on the lid. “Apparently someone was supposed to tell us about the coronation gift.” Speron cleared his throat but didn’t acknowledge them. “Don’t worry I picked one up today it’ll be from both of us.”
Lucan nodded in relief. Killian placed the packaged earrings on the table on top of Speron’s gift thinking how strange it was to talk to Lucan so relaxed.
“I wanted to say sorry about earlier,” Killian whispered.
“Just don’t lose control again, Thomas.” Lucan’s voice was surprisingly calm, strange compared to the typical brash responses.
Killian smiled and walked toward the long table. “So, when we get back to the Praetorium are you going to go back to hating me, or has this little trip changed your opinion?” Killian chuckled trying to lighten his mood, but Lucan didn’t smile.
“I don’t hate you Thomas. I just want you to earn your positions like the rest of us. When you showed up as a hidden guardian, the fact your ancestor was the founder, I thought you’d get special treatment.” Lucan plopped down at the table as his face flushed.
“You didn’t give me much of chance to prove otherwise Lucan.”
“Fair enough. It’s just things kept happening to make you more important. You skipped the Potential phase, you were a Custodis, you have Infinium, and Miller is your grandfather.”
“That’s true, but I never wanted any of this.” Lucan stopped spinning a gold napkin ring and looked up at Killian stunned. His dark eyes filled with curiosity. “It’s true. Lucan and I would’ve told you that if you’d said this months ago. All I wanted was to find my family. I don’t know your story, or about your family, but I grew up with no one. I don’t want this thing in my brain, you saw what I did earlier. I just wanted to know where I came from. Bu
t after some good advice from good people, I can’t sit back when I could help protect Terrene. When all this is over and we find the relics, I’m going to find some exotic beach deep in the Hemisphere and stay there…forever.” Killian leaned against the soft padded dining chair and sipped from a crystal glass filled with a sweet purple drink.
Finally, Lucan let out a soft chuckle and tucked his black hair behind his ear. “My parents are both analysts.”
Killian nodded and flicked his eyebrows. “That’s cool.”
“You asked about my family. Both my parents and older brother are analysts. We’ve never had a recruit in our family, and when I was a Custodis recruit, well I wanted to prove something I guess. So I worked harder and anyone who threatened my hard work I…well I wasn’t pleasant.”
“Yeah, I got that and I have scar to prove it,” Killian laughed remembering the first day they met and Lucan’s knife slicing into his side.
“Yeah, sorry about that. You’re a good man Killian, just be careful with that thing inside your head.”
A light tinkling of crystal interrupted their conversation and brought their attention to the front of the dining hall.
Lars stood tall and proud in front of a regal throne in the center of the room. “Most honored guests. Thank you all for coming to zis historic gala, and for showing za new empress proper respect in your formal, traditional dress.” Lars’s gaze fell on Killian who felt self-conscious for being the only one dressed in a drab gray uniform compared to the brilliant white robes. “Please stand vith me and velcome our beloved ruler, matriarch, and leader; Empress Mercedes!”
The ground shook as every person stood from their seat. Killian sucked in a breath as he anticipated her arrival, the knot in his stomach made him feel like a hand was twisting his insides like a wet towel. Two young, Glacien women entered first. Their white hair was piled high on their heads with blue flowers pinning up their curls. Behind them he saw her. Her lightened skin flushed close to the familiar tan. They had dressed her in an amazing gold gown that hugged her body tight, but had a flowing train embroidered with symbols of Glaciem. The new auburn color in her hair brightened as the pale, fading sunlight shone on her. Her new sapphire colored eyes twinkled in excitement as she strode near his seat. She met his eye briefly, before turning toward the center throne.
The crowd fell to one knee as Mercedes took her place upon the grand seat prepared for her. Killian mimicked their movements, but found he couldn’t keep his eyes from Mercedes. She was regal, no angelic in this world.
“Thank you all for coming this evening,” Mercedes said. Though her appearance had changed the confident, kind voice hadn’t which made Killian smile. “I am grateful for the warm welcome you all have given to me, even if it is only for a short time, I’m honored to serve as your empress.”
Lars nodded his approval at her short speech before turning to the crowd. “Let us toast to our empress and a long, prosperous life.” Lars initiated the honorable toast and held his crystal goblet up high. The crowd followed suit chanting the words “Långt liv” before taking their seats once more.
The food was passed around the tables generously, and Killian found he was enjoying himself. Glacien nobility and legislators from all around the realm spoke to him with fascination about life at the Praetorium and how he had come to know Mercedes. Speron occasionally glanced at him, but hadn’t said a word since the meal began. During a lapse in conversation with people near him he caught Mercedes looking at him. Speron was walking away as if he had just been speaking to her. An overwhelming feeling of frustration and disappointment filled his chest. She furrowed her eyebrows as if it would cause the discomfort of the emotion to hurt more.
Killian frowned when Speron locked eyes with him and his muscles in his hand flexed around his spoon.
“What now?” Lucan questioned during a loud slurp of a thick yellow soup.
“Speron decided to tell Mercedes about what happened this morning.”
Lucan snorted. “Figures. Just go over and explain your side.”
Swinging his legs around the comfortable chair Killian nervously made his way toward the magnificent throne, but suddenly Speron crossed his path.
“Speron, move.” His voice was rough and trembled as he pushed down the burning fire searing along his neck. He could feel his eyes pulse heat and knew the brilliant bright orange circles were igniting.
“She deserved to know the risks she was taking spending time with you.”
“You think she hasn’t seen it already?”
“Not that side of you.”
“Don’t kid yourself Speron,” Killian’s muscles seized with each angry pound of his heart. “You’ve wanted her since you met her, so don’t pretend anything you do is for her; it’s all for your selfish interests.”
“Enough.” Killian tensed at Mercedes’ angry tone. “I can decide for myself without you two determining what is best for me.”
Killian turned around and met her furious gaze.
“I wanted to explain my side of what happened earlier,” he said sheepishly.
Mercedes pursed her lips and looked at the ground. Killian noted Lars standing nearby, but looking the opposite direction. “What Speron told me is despicable behavior Killian. You aren’t that person. You never were, even though you think you were. I know when we first came to the Ponderi you thought you were some cold, bitter angry person, but…” She paused and took a deep breath. “You saved me from Kevin that day; you saved us from the Malumians. You even tried to save your wretched foster mother. You have never been the lost person you keep trying to be.”
“Mercedes I’m—”
She held up a hand. “No, let me finish. I know you aren’t that person, but quite frankly I’m tired of continually trying to convince you of it. You could be so easy to love Killian, but I don’t know if I can keep battling to prove it to you.”
Killian’s heart twisted as he absorbed every word she was saying. She gave him a desperate sad smile before squeezing his hand briefly and returning to her seat. Killian felt a hot brimming tear line his eye. Something he hadn’t permitted in years. He locked away such emotions and coated them with the bitter outer layer Mercedes spoke of. Granting Speron one angrier glance, it appeased him to see the stunned regret written on his flawless face.
Pushing passed him Killian stormed out into the grand entry hall and peered up through the enormous window at the large white moon that brightened the crisp sky. Wiping the stray tear away he hid his face in hand embarrassed by his emotion. Clearing the blurry water from his eyes he peered at the window once more, only this time it wasn’t just the moon he saw.
Grappling for his spear he released both ends as numerous dark cloaked Deshuits repelled from the enormous palace walls. Padded footsteps ran in the darkness behind him, but he turned in time to see a jagged, gold blade swing at his back. Throwing his spear his caught the shoulder of the Deshuit. A deep male voice cried out in pain and fell to the granite floor. Killian ran toward him and yanked hard on his spear, making the wound in the Deshuit’s upper arm wider and gush more blood.
“What are you doing here?” Killian hissed at his dark painted face.
The Deshuit laughed maniacally. “I’ve seen you before, always in the right place at the right time, sorcerer.”
Killian swung his spear rod hard against his face. “I’m no sorcerer, now why are you here?” But the Deshuit didn’t answer. Screams coming from the dining hall spurred the furious power inside him to life. Dashing away from the chuckling, bleeding Deshuit he rushed back to the feast.
The dining hall was in an uproar. Thick, black cloaks contrasted against the white robes of the Glacien people. Glacien guards clanged their fine weapons with the jagged Deshuit swords.
“Thomas!” Lucan shouted when he saw Killian. He was jabbing and swinging his knives furiously with a Deshuit woman. “Get Mercedes!”
Killian’s eyes darted around looking for her, glimpsing her gold gown he saw her po
uncing onto the back of large Deshuit and jutting her dagger into his side. The man cried in pain and Mercedes pushed him to the ground with her foot. Lars was combating two swift Deshuits near her, but others were encircling them. He wouldn’t get to her in time. Hearing Dalia’s words to embrace Infinium, and let it in he slowly brought both hands to his chest and closed his eyes.
His neck, head and upper back were on fire. His skin pulled and tugged as if it were charring as he stood there, silent. Mercedes was all that mattered to him, and he would not let anything happen to her.
Opening his eyes, the room had the faintest orange tint, and a frightened Glacien woman who had taken cover under the long table next to him, stared upon him with a frightened wonder. Pushing his palms to the side of him furiously the exquisite table broke in two pieces with a raging crack and the two pieces flung across the long hallway knocking half of the pursuing Deshuits off their feet.
Grabbing his spear once more he lunged into the small pursuing group. They thrust their swords against the sleek steel of his spear. He locked his attention on their weapons, pulsing his anger and energy a strong pulse filled the room. In a loud cry he pushed the building power against the small group of Deshuits. In one moment their swords cracked and the gold dust littered the floor.
The room silenced, swords clanged against the floor and Glaciens and Deshuits alike stared at Killian in a bewildered, terrible silence.
The beautiful granite was stained red with blood from both sides, black cloaks lay atop white tunics. Killian grimaced at the lost lives. Desperately, he searched and found Mercedes as he stalked slowly up the path of quiet stunned people. Mercedes was heaving breaths, and bleeding from one arm. He jogged toward her and pulled her in tight to him.
“Are you alright?” he asked, feeling the fierce burn fading with each calming breath.
“I’m fine,” she whispered. She turned away from him and faced the room. She continued in a loud, strong voice. “Where is the Deshuit leader?”
