The Liars

by Hashmi, Heraa

  It was too good to be true.

  But what did she have to lose?

  “Yes.” She agreed immediately. “But are you sure that–”

  “I’ll transfer the money to your bank in substantial sums monthly, starting tomorrow.”

  Memory held a hand up to her mouth, trying to repress her excitement. It didn’t work as she immediately started to laugh and squeal. The Prince didn’t say anything, letting her wallow in happiness.

  After a few minutes, she calmed down and leaned forward. She was getting good money, so she was going to do her job as well as possible.

  “Why me? What do you need?”

  Prince Cassian held up a briefcase and opened it, pulling out a wad of papers.

  “Sign this. You’re under a contract. As a reminder, if you try to escape, I can easily track you down. And what would happen afterwards would not be in your best interests.”

  She nodded eagerly. “I won’t.” Ten million!

  Prince Cassian let out a breath of relief, giving her the papers and a pen. He then reached into the briefcase and picked up an old photo, frayed near the edges.

  “How familiar are you with the history of the Eastcote family?”

  Memory shrugged as she quickly signed all the papers, only skimming through the contents. She handed them back to him, jumping up and down excitedly like a child. How quickly her night had gone from bad to good.

  “King Darius had three children with Queen Opal. Crown Prince Edward is the oldest.”

  Memory nodded, knowing at least that much. “And you’re second.”

  “The third, Princess Jade, vanished eleven years ago at the age of seven.”

  Her eyebrows rose in shock. How did she not know this? She shuddered, wondering how she’d feel if Lulu suddenly went missing. But then again, the Prince’s own half-brother had died about a month ago and he didn’t seem to be sad at all.

  “It was around the time of King Darius’ marriage to his second wife, Queen Pearl.” Prince Cassian handed her the old photo, and she examined it carefully.

  “I was ten years old at the time. She was last seen by my cousin, Myron, playing outside the palace walls. There were no traces of foul play, but kidnapping was a possibility.” He explained, and Memory slid her fingertips over the glossy photo carefully as if it would rip.

  In the photo stood a little girl, who looked a lot like the Prince sitting in front of her. She had dark hair that fell to her waist, a cold smile, dark blue eyes, and flawless skin. A princess, through and through.

  The little girl was standing next to two adults, who looked extremely out of place. They wore beautiful clothes, but their faces…they didn’t look like they were related to the girl.

  “Who are they?”

  Prince Cassian held up a hand. “I’m getting there. After Princess Jade disappeared, the search for her lasted about a year before she was declared dead. Her body wasn’t found.”

  The way he talked so casually made Memory shiver.

  “Well. What does that have to do with anything?”

  He harrumphed in annoyance. “It has everything to do with this. For the past year, I have been searching for her. The incompetent investigators left many leads unsearched. This photo is the last trace I found of Jade. She is about eleven in this photo.”

  “Where is she?”

  “In Vietnam. The two standing next to her are an upper class couple who adopted her.”

  Confused, Memory scratched her head. “How did she go from this country to Vietnam without anyone knowing?”

  “She was kidnapped, it turns out. A group–with its roots in this town–made money by kidnapping children and selling them to couples who couldn’t have any in other countries.”

  Memory almost slapped herself. So that’s why he was here.

  “Jade no doubt was worth a lot.” He took the picture back and filed it away. “There’s nothing else I could find. Six months ago I came here, found this photo, and visited Vietnam. The couple had died years ago in a tsunami, and there’s no trace of Jade after that. I returned here to see if I could find anything else but there’s nothing.”

  “So you’re not as smart as people think.” Memory snickered but stopped when it earned her a glare. She cleared her throat. “So what then? How do I fit into this?”

  “You’re going to pretend to be my sister. Pretend to be princess Jade.”

  The pieces finally fit. A light bulb went over Memory’s head as her jaw dropped. She spluttered incoherently. The Prince suppressed a chuckle.

  “Surprised?”

  Memory stopped blubbering and took a deep breath. “Kind of. But…why do you need me to do that? What’s the point in telling the rest of the world Jade is alive when she probably isn’t?”

  Prince Cassian narrowed his eyes. “It’s a bit…complex.”

  “You’ve got to tell me.” She urged unabashedly. “I can’t just parade in and announce I’m your freaking sister without knowing why.”

  “I suppose so.” He conceded. “There is an issue back at the palace. Queen Beryl, my grandmother, is–”

  “Dying of liver cancer?” Memory blurted out, and much to her surprise, Prince Cassian smirked.

  “So you aren’t as dumb as you present yourself to be.”

  “Hey!”

  He ignored her protests. “Queen Beryl and the rest of the family refuse to acknowledge that princess Jade is dead. And…she harbors a grudge against King Darius and as such refuses to give any of her possessions to him or his children, since she is the eldest living member of the Eastcote family and owns everything.”

  Memory’s lips contorted into a frown. “That’s sad.”

  “She hates the current patriarchal system, for more than one reason, and when she dies, all her possessions will be given to her sister, a mere clerical worker.” He explained.

  She had to laugh at that. “And that’s a bad thing?”

  “Everything.” The Prince emphasized. “Every last penny. It’ll be the destruction of the Eastcote family.”

  “Boo hoo.” She responded in a child-like fashion. “How terrible.”

  “We have tried everything, to get her to change her mind and write us into her will, but–”

  “Or you could actually work for change in this country and run it without sitting around and doing nothing.” Memory suggested, and it came out more bitter than intended. “I really don’t see the problem.”

  He blatantly overlooked her suggestion. “…but nothing works. But there’s a way. She was extremely fond of Jade, and it’s believed that if she returns, she could convince her to change her will. King Darius sent various family members out to find princess Jade. Time is running out, though, as Queen Beryl is not expected to live much longer.”

  Memory couldn’t believe this. “So…” She started slowly, “You want me to come back with you, pretending to be princess Jade, and convince your dying grandmother to change her mind?” It was the most ridiculous thing she’d ever said in her life. It made no sense whatsoever.

  He’s crazier than I thought.

  “Exactly.” The Prince responded, shutting his briefcase and tossing it in the back. “Until I find the real Jade. I’m glad you understand.”

  Whether it was out of shock or confusion, Memory shot up and thwacked him over the head.

  “Are you–are you kidding me right now?” She attempted to hit him again but he ducked just in time. “There are so many things to say that I can’t even…! What are you going to do if the real Jade is found? Or if people find out I’m not her?”

  Prince Cassian ducked again but Memory still managed to land a hit on his shoulder. “You’re under contract.” He reminded her smoothly. She fumed.

  “To hell with it! I can’t trick a dying woman, nevertheless the entire country! Everyone will know it’s a scam–”

  “It’s only until she passes away and there will be no news of the supposed princess Jade’s return, I’ll make sure of it.”

 
; Memory stilled for a moment, and then her expression turned dark.

  “I have pepper spray.” And before her could shout no, she sprayed it in his face ruthlessly. When he began to tear up, she shot out of the car and ran.

  Chapter 4

  He was following her. Memory briefly contemplated returning to her apartment, locking herself in her room, and getting a restraining order. It probably wouldn’t end well, though.

  But did he have to join her on her walk to work?

  “Go get some other girl.” Memory shrugged him away. “I’m busy.”

  “You’re suited for the role, though.” Prince Cassian even had the audacity to ruffle her hair. She snorted.

  “Yeah, right. Like I can look like a princess.” Her cheeks puffed up in agitation. “Go away.”

  “Contract.”

  “No.” She replied flatly. “Nope. Not happening.”

  He sighed. “What exactly do you have problems with?”

  “Everything.” Memory snapped. “I told you to go away.”

  “I can’t, not until you come with. I’m due back at the palace the day after tomorrow.”

  She stopped walking and whipped around. “Then that’s your problem.” She couldn’t believe the nerve of this guy. Where were his manners? Weren’t princes supposed to be charming? Prince Cassian reminded her of bugs she stepped on with her shoes.

  I’d love to squish him like a bug right about now.

  “Do you want another dose of pepper spray?” She held it up confidently. His constant smirking was infuriating.

  “I have two guards following me today.” He pointed to the right, where a seemingly normal looking man was going for a stroll. Except, when the Prince waved at him, the man pulled out a gun and waved back.

  “The other guard is at the café.” His smirk grew wider, and Memory screeched.

  “Go away!”

  “Perhaps this will help.” The Prince reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture of Lulu. It was her school picture. Memory gasped.

  “Where did you get that, you creep?!”

  “I have my resources.” He quickly tucked it back into his pocket, too quick for Memory to reach out and snatch it. “I’ll ensure that she gets accepted into Helviera University. That’s where she wishes to go, doesn’t she?”

  Memory’s hands curled into fists. “How did you know?”

  “In your current condition, it isn’t possible. But she has fairly good grades. It wouldn’t be hard to convince Helviera University to give her a full ride scholarship, and if not, I’ll personally pay her.”

  “Pay her with money you might not get unless I trick your grandmother, right?” Memory sniffed. “You can’t do that.”

  “I can. And I will.”

  “I can pay for Lulu.” She said stubbornly. “And she’ll get in. She’s a good kid.”

  “The chances are next to nothing. Helviera University is the most selective in the country, and have you noticed that only upper class students manage to get in?”

  He had a fair point. The first time Lulu had told her of her ambitions, Memory had almost hit her for being so unreasonable. She could barely manage in the local college, going to a university like Helviera would be even worse to handle.

  Memory sighed. “Can you not always shove the fact that I can barely live on the money I make every time we meet?”

  He blinked. “It wasn’t my intention.”

  “I’m sick and tired, okay? Go away. Please.” She pleaded in a strained voice. “I’ll be late for work.”

  “Twenty million.” He called. “This is your last chance, Miss Confiance.”

  She didn’t have the heart to ask him how he knew her name.

  “Twenty?” She squeaked. He nodded, grinning like he knew what her answer would be. But she pursued her lips and let out a single, “No.”

  It was painful – that much money she would never make no matter how hard she tried…but she couldn’t do such a thing. She couldn’t pretend to be the child of the king, to be the grandchild of a dying woman. Especially if she had to leave Lulu and go somewhere with a man she barely knew. What was she thinking when she agreed?

  “It’s your mother, then.” He said softly. Memory snapped out of her thoughts as her eyes widened to the size of golf balls. She had lost her voice to respond.

  “You want to find her, I presume.”

  The wind seemed to stop as her eyes began to glisten with tears. Memory gritted her teeth and roughly wiped them away.

  “Stop it!” She shouted hoarsely. “That’s none of your–”

  “I’ll help you find her.” Prince Cassian interrupted calmly. “Once I find the real Jade, my efforts will be focused on finding your mother.”

  Memory choked out a cry and fell to the ground, shaking. “Why?” She murmured to herself. “Why…” Her voice cracked and she crumpled to the ground, hating it when a single tear rolled down her face and hit the cement.

  She heard the Prince kneel onto the ground next to her, and he was silent. He didn’t say anything else, just letting her piece herself back together. All Memory could think of was when she last saw her mother–walking away, leaving her alone on the streets. She’d never looked back.

  The child inside her wept even though Memory managed to wipe her tears away.

  Stupid. Crying is stupid.

  She didn’t get up from the ground. She wouldn’t get a chance like this. She was being stubborn and stupid. Images of Bryan hitting Lulu when they were young, her mother crying, and herself getting countless bruises on her back swept over her like a wave.

  She was already so ruined. What did she have to lose?

  “Make it twenty-five million.” Her voice was so quiet it could barely be heard.

  It was funny, how quickly she could change her mind when money was involved.

  The plane ticket that arrived in the mail the next day only made everything seem so much more…real. It weighed heavy in her hands, and she shook with dread as she stepped into her apartment.

  Lulu bounded out of the room and lunged at her, squeezing nearly all the air out of Memory’s lungs.

  “What?”

  “The principal called me in today. He said….wait for it…that Helviera University wanted me to come to their school! They want me! ME!”

  Memory laughed, but it was more out of nervousness than true happiness. “Really? How did that happen?”

  “Well, I do have amazing grades.” Lulu smiled widely. “And all the extracurricular activities, and the volleyball team won the state championships you know, and…” As she rambled on, Memory watched how happy she was. Smiling so brightly, glad that all her hard work had paid off.

  Maybe…maybe she could honestly do this. Maybe, if it meant seeing her sister like this all the time and never having to dry her tears in the dead of the night, she could pretend. She could lie. She never had problems lying before, so why should this be any different?

  “Lulu.” Memory grasped her sister’s shoulders tightly. “I…I’m leaving tomorrow.”

  The sparkle in Lulu’s grey eyes dimmed instantly.

  “What do you mean?”

  Memory sat her sister down, and as per instructions from the Prince, explained to her in the simplest terms possible. One condition of the whole scheme was that no one was allowed to know the truth, including family members.

  “There’s this trip. It’s sort of like the one you went on, except I won’t be leaving the country. It’s a research opportunity, we’ll be near the ocean.”

  Lulu pouted. “Do you have to? Who are you going with?”

  Memory looked down at her lap. “With some classmates. I’m leaving early in the morning tomorrow.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

  Memory shrugged. “I don’t really know. I’m sorry.”

  Her sister, bless her heart, smiled understandingly. “It’s fine. Have fun, okay? How long will you be gone?”

  This was the part Memory didn’t want to an
swer. She hesitated. “Well…three months.”

  Lulu yelped. “That long! You’re going to leave me alone for that long?”

  “I convinced Viletta to let you stay over sometimes if you wanted to.” Memory winced, remember how earlier that day in the café, her former friend had almost chucked the cash register at her. It was not fun. “And she’ll let you borrow her old phone. That took a lot of convincing, by the way.”

  “I used to hate her a lot, but I guess even hags can be nice.” Lulu wrinkled her nose. “Call and email often?”

  “Of course, twerp.” Memory nudged her with her elbow. “Don’t be stupid and do your homework.”

  “Got it, mom.” Her sister rolled her eyes and went into the kitchen, preparing two sandwiches.

  Memory sighed.

  The rest of the day she took off. Prince Cassian, apparently, didn’t let anything go unnoticed. Lisa had already been informed that Memory was quitting her job (and she was less than happy about it), and she was already transferred from her local college to the one he attended, although according to him royalty didn’t need to attend school.

  Although, being ordered to buy “proper clothing” and a new phone was unexpected.

  “I transferred three thousand dollars into your account today. Make good use of it.” He told her over the phone. He even knew her number, which should’ve worried her but instead made her roll her eyes.

  “Fine.”

  “Also, for a few days after your arrival, you will be staying at a hotel while I get everything organized at the palace. Make sure you stick to the story I told you–that after the tsunami that took your adoptive parents away, you lost your memory.” He said, and Memory inwardly thought it was ironic how she supposedly lost the thing her name symbolized.

  “A tourist from Helviera found you and brought you back. You were put in foster care and I, after carefully working with investigators, found you in Whecombe Pass.”