The Liars

by Hashmi, Heraa

  “Brother, please help me. I can’t–”

  “Sister.” Chrysander interrupted. “Both you and I know that this wouldn’t have happened if you had married Jace when you were supposed to.”

  “I know. I know, you think I don’t think about it every night? Every waking moment? I pretend to not care but I do, and it kills me inside. Please, brother.” She begged.

  “You know my position, sister.”

  “She’s my daughter. Chrysander, I have to–”

  The door opened and Chrysander stepped inside, closing it as quick as he’d opened it.

  “Goodbye, Tourmaline.”

  He locked and walked over to the bathtub, resting on the edge of it and pinching his nose. Memory remained still, staring across the bathroom to where he was sitting.

  He stared back at her, and even when Tourmaline’s steps echoed into silence, he didn’t say anything.

  “What was that?” Memory demanded. “She has a daughter?”

  Chrysander said nothing, staring at the ceiling. Shaking, Memory crawled out from her hiding spot and stood up, her joints aching.

  “T-thanks for letting me hide. Um, I’ll be on my way.”

  Memory walked back to her room in a daze. What had Tourmaline wanted so bad she begged her brother for help? And a daughter? What daughter?

  She found Diana sitting in the middle of the room, broomstick in hand.

  She wasn’t happy.

  As soon as Memory made a move for the study room Diana got up after her, and a chase around the lounge ensued.

  “Wait, Diana, you can’t hit me!” She cried. “I’m the Princess!”

  “The King gave me orders to make sure you study, and he said any way to enforce it is okay.” Diana threw the broomstick at her but Memory dodged it.

  “Okay, okay! But before you hit me,” Memory picked up the plate of biscuits from the coffee table and threw them at the house maid one by one, “Does Tourmaline have a daughter?”

  Diana chased her around the velvet seats. “No–what gives you that idea?”

  “Never mind, then.” Memory threw the last of the cookies and then flinched as Diana barreled towards her, ready to strangle her.

  Well, on the upside, she finished her homework. There was a bruise here and then there, but nothing that couldn’t be covered using makeup.

  Once she was done, she excused herself to go talk to Queen Beryl. She was here for one sole reason–to get the old woman to change her Will. Without Prince Cassian here ordering her about left and right, she thought getting close to her personally was the way to go.

  Except, much to her annoyance, the redhead was sitting in her spot, talking excitedly with the sick woman. And when Memory entered, she turned to smile wickedly, like she knew exactly what she was up to.

  “Grandmother.” Memory curtsied, taking a seat on the other side of the bed. “I’m sorry it’s been too long.”

  Queen Beryl hushed her. “I have been looked after, so not to worry.” She gestured to Emerald who smirked.

  “I brought you cookies, Aunt Beryl.” She picked up a tray of freshly made cookies, and a delicious smell wafted into Memory’s nose. “Your favorite sugar cookies.” She added sweetly.

  “You are too kind, dear.” Queen Beryl patted Emerald on the head.

  The three conversed for a bit, Memory trying to get as much input as she could. But it was clear all of her grandmother’s attention was on Emerald, so she left, feeling miffed.

  Another week rushed by without any excitement. Life was dull, duller than Memory had expected it to. All she did was study–study things Diana told her she should’ve learned years ago–and gain weight by eating so much.

  Although, she and the head maid had a customary chase through the palace every morning. It had become quite competitive, Memory waking up earlier and earlier every day to beat Diana and get a head start. And it was all worth it, especially because she couldn’t get enough sleep because of the nightmares.

  Many workers at the palace found it amusing, and while some sold her out, many helped her hide. The head cook always offered to let her stay in the extra food storage, but after the first two times Diana had caught her, she turned to the chauffeurs. So on this particular morning, she was lounging in one of the unused cars in the back of the garage.

  “Would you like some biscuits, princess?” Jones asked her, pulling on his white gloves. Memory shook her head, her hands on the wheel of the car.

  “No thank you. Letting me in here was enough.” She coughed, holding her throat, and Jones blinked.

  “Are you alright?”

  Memory smiled. “I’ve been sick for a while. I don’t know. But thanks for letting me sit here.”

  Jones managed a small smile. “Of course.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “The airport.”

  Memory groaned. Jones was a tough man, and gave short answers that frustrated her to no end, like Elliot.

  “Why?”

  “Prince Cassian is arriving with the Viviste family.”

  Memory frowned at that, but bid the man goodbye. She played with the buttons in the car some more, wishing it could be hers, but then got bored and left the garage. Diana would never find her there anyway.

  She ran to the stables, making quick enemies with a horse named Julian. He was white and slightly smaller than Irma, but Irma didn’t let her touch her unless Elliot was around.

  “Give him an apple, Lady Jade.”

  Memory grinned at Elliot who’d just arrived. She grabbed an apple from the fresh supply in the bin and threw it to Julian. The horse neighed in thanks and bit into it quickly. But when she tried to pet him he stepped back, sneering at her.

  “Thanks anyway, Elliot.”

  Elliot didn’t respond and swung himself onto Irma, locking his feet into the stirrup.

  “Wait!” Memory called before he left. “Do…do you think I could ride one?”

  “They are your brother’s, Lady Jade.”

  “I don’t think he’d mind.” Memory insisted hopefully. “And he’s not around, anyway, I think he left yesterday for a conference in Russia.”

  A few moments passed. Relief washed over Memory as Elliot nodded, helping her onto Julian. Julian didn’t like her, but when Elliot murmured softly and gave him another apple, he complied.

  “You’re really good with horses.” She noted. Elliot got onto Irma once Memory felt comfortable on Julian.

  “Thank you, Lady Jade.”

  He talked minimally, only giving her instructions to maneuver Julian where she wanted him to go. They rode quietly near the fence of the palace grounds, the fields stretching far and wide.

  The silence was complacent. Memory felt at ease, and even warm as the sun rose higher and higher into the sky.

  “Elliot,” She started, quickening the pace so she was at his side, “When was the first time you went horseback riding?”

  “Twenty-years ago, Lady Jade.” He replied softly.

  Memory wondered what it would’ve been like if she grew up with horses. Maybe less lonely? “Was it fun?”

  “It was the only time I ever rode with my father, Lady Jade.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes. If you don’t mind me asking,” She stopped as Julian stomped on the ground but urged him forward, “Where are your parents?”

  “In Australia, Lady Jade.”

  His tone was always the same. Soft but strong. He certainly was a mystery, and Memory had an insatiable urge to know more about him. To talk to him.

  They rode around the East Wing and the back of the Guest Wing. They were approaching the garage, which was a part of the Main Wing, when a row of cars filtered in through the palace gates and rounded around to the garage.

  Family members filtered out of the back to greet Prince Cassian and whoever arrived with him. Memory saw his silver crown shine as he stepped out of the car, dressed impeccably in a suit. Unfamiliar faces followed him, all sporting fancy dresses or tuxedos.


  Elliot and Memory trudged forward, the latter reluctantly, and moved closer to the new arrivals. From the crowd, Chrysander waved at her and motioned for her to join him. It was the first time he’d even recognized her since the episode with Tourmaline.

  “Come on, Elliot.” Memory smiled at him, hoping he’d smile back. She turned back to wave at Chrysander when Tsavorite popped out from behind him flailing her arms around. Memory giggled but then heard Julian growl. He dashed ahead, and Memory shrieked.

  They moved closer and closer to the crowd, and Memory saw Prince Cassian’s horrified look and Chrysander and Tsavorite shocked ones.

  “NO!” Elliot bellowed, the first time she heard him use such a loud voice, and sped up. He maneuvered Irma to the left, to cut Julian off before he hit the newcomers, and as expected Julian skidded to a halt, throwing his hind legs up into the air. Memory torpedoed forward, and Elliot lunged after her, wrapping his arm around her waist as they tumbled towards the ground. She felt relatively comfortable, but realized Elliot at hit the ground while she remained in his arms, and screeched.

  “Elliot! Elliot!” She shook him wildly, and panicked when he didn’t open his eyes. “CALL AN AMBULANCE!”

  The crowd dispersed into various directions, but Memory had her eyes trained on Elliot. She grasped his head and with horror saw her fingers covered in blood. He was bleeding profusely, and tears blurred her vision.

  Someone led the horses away, who were still whinnying loudly like they were angry. Another grabbed Memory by the arm and dragged her away. It was Chrysander.

  “He’ll be fine, let him go.”

  “No!” She protested. “It’s my fault, let me–”

  “Tsavorite, please help me.”

  Her other arm was taken by Tsavorite, and the two wrenched Memory away despite her protests.

  She failed to see Prince Cassian off to the side, with his hands outstretched like he was going to carry her.

  Chapter 8

  “What happened?”

  “The horses went wild.”

  “I knew it. I told Edward that it was dangerous to keep those animals around here.”

  “Tsavorite, they’re gentle. For the most part. It was just a freak accident, it’ll be fine.”

  “But if Jade…”

  At her name, Memory jolted upwards with a fright. Her eyes flickered back and forth with a crazed look.

  “Where’s Elliot?” She didn’t care who answered, she just needed an answer. “I said, where’s Elliot?!” She grabbed a pillow and thrust it forward with a surprising amount of energy.

  “You stupid girl!” Tourmaline screeched.

  Her high pitched voice was hell to her ears. “What were you doing out on the horses?”

  Memory felt point fingernails nail into her throat, and just as blood was about to trickle down her neck, Chrysander roughly pried her away.

  “She’s only a child, sister–”

  “I am not a child!” Memory climbed out of her bed, hoping her vision would clear by the time she stood up. Unfortunately, she was even clumsier on two feet than she’d been on the bed, and Chrysander picked her up like a feather and dumped her back onto the bed.

  “Princess, you are going nowhere. If you are to be well for the ball tonight, you best be in here until the clock strikes seven.”

  Memory shrunk back at his seriousness. “Where…is Elliot okay?”

  Tsavorite gave Chrysander a worried look.

  “He…should be fine.”

  “No Tsavorite. He won’t be.”

  Tsavorite swatted him on the shoulder. “He will and you know it. Simply because you don’t like the boy doesn’t justify your attitude. Besides, he is proper and has manners I haven’t seen from anyone in over a decade, including you.” She quipped, and Chrysander rolled her eyes. “And if you must, he saved the Princess’ life. Quit moping.”

  “I agree only because you are older.” Chrysander replied. He gave Memory a pointed look. “Get. Some. Rest.”

  He was gone, and Tourmaline paraded away after him in her tall heels, not even apologizing to Memory.

  Tsavorite, Ruby, and Zoisite were the only ones left in the room. When she noticed the latter two, she tried to smile at them but couldn’t manage one.

  “The bleeding stopped.” Tsavorite raked her fingers gently through Memory’s hair. “He’s in his room, and the doctor’s are taking good care of him. He took quite a great fall.”

  “Yeah.” Memory muttered. “And I’m not even worth it.”

  Tsavorite was silent, and Ruby joined her, rocking back and forth on the bed next to Memory.

  “Horsey play. Horsey fall?”

  “Yes, Ruby. Horsey fall.” Tsavorite patted Ruby on the head, and it struck Memory how motherly she was. And kind. Her eyes were already starting to close from the massage she was getting.

  “Come on, crazy lady. You will be okay.” That was Zoisite, trying to comfort her in her own weird way.

  Memory chuckled. “Shut it, twerp. Besides, didn’t I get you in trouble?”

  “I hate you. But, I got to run. This time, take me on the horses.”

  As she fell into a deep sleep, Memory nodded.

  It was cold. Ice cold. She was running, running so far that her arms became wings made of ice, until someone shoved an icicle into her heart. And then she screamed.

  Her breathing labored, and she woke up with a sheen of cold sweat on her face. As she took a look at her surroundings, she realized she wasn’t running and she certainly didn’t have wings made of ice.

  It was a dream. I’m okay. No one’s going to stab me.

  Memory wrapped her arms around herself tightly. It was still midday, and to her surprise, Zoisite was snoring away loudly next to her.

  She shook the girl awake, and she screeched.

  “Ew, get away get away!”

  Memory narrowed her eyes. “You fell asleep on my bed.”

  “You must have poisoned me. Now I’m infected by the crazy lady!” Zoisite jumped off the bed and rushed towards the doors, screeching. Memory chuckled at her childish antics and rolled onto her side, her arms aching.

  She would really hate it if Elliot didn’t get better soon.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by Diana, who approached her slowly.

  “Why did Lady Zoisite leave your room screaming?”

  “I don’t know, Diana.” Memory croaked. “Could I have some water?”

  Water was brought and Diana filled the Jacuzzi in her bathroom with warm water. Memory settled into it, the pain disappearing almost immediately, and went through the routine of getting ready. She and Diana compromised on a light blue silk gown that swished around her legs when she walked.

  “Are you feeling okay? You’ve been coughing and sneezing for the past few days.” Diana asked, concerned. Memory nodded.

  “I think I’m okay. What’s this ball for?”

  “A welcome party, more like. Now that you have returned, we are slowly introducing you again to the rest of the family and our friends from around the world.”

  “Friends?” Memory asked skeptically as she slipped into a pair of flats. “Or more like business acquaintances?”

  “Call it what you wish.” Diana held up a pair of earrings and Memory carefully hooked them through her ear. “The Vivistes arrived, and they are tough to please.”

  “Hmm?”

  “Oh yes, you don’t know.” Laughing, the head maid shoved her into the chair and started to work on her hair. “They’re not officially a part of the Eastcote family. You know of Harold and Crystal?”

  Memory thought hard, the names extremely familiar. “Yeah, my great grandparents. They got divorced, didn’t they?”After Harold discovered the secret tunnels…

  “They had one daughter, Olivine. She is the half sister of Ara, his majesty’s father and Queen Beryl’s husband. When Harold divorced Crystal, she and Olivine were kicked out.”

  Frowning as Diana pulled her hair into an up do, Memory could only roll her
eyes at the antics of Prince Cassian’s ancestors. Kick out your daughter? Really?

  “Olivine is dead, but she married a French man named Jacques and had four children with them. We had no contact with them until a decade ago, when Crystal insisted on compensation for the money she lost.”

  Memory blinked. “She’s alive?”

  “Yes. You could learn a thing or two about stubbornness from her.” Diana chuckled, pulling the last of Memory’s hair into a tight bun. “To calm her, Queen Beryl promised to marry Chrysander off to Crystal’s grandchild, Topaz. Oh, look at you! Beautiful.”

  She looked odd, and her face was almost lopsided as the bun was so tight it nearly pulled up the skin on her forehead. As a result, her eyebrows were skewed, and her eyes were the size of tennis balls.

  “Yeah…uh, let’s leave the bun.” It was too late to listen to Diana’s protest and Memory yanked out the pins holding it in place. The head maid sighed.

  “My hard work…”

  Memory grinned, loving how her hair cascaded down her back and curled around her face. It made her look messy but in a good way.

  “It’s customary to wear up dos!”

  “Not anymore. Thanks, Diana!”

  Memory had never been in the ballroom, but in one word, it was grand.

  Grand and boring.

  On her way to the ballroom, she had passed by the windows which had revealed a train of limos, each carrying snooty guests with too frilly gowns and too expensive tuxedos. It was nauseating.

  The party wasn’t like she’d thought it would be. There weren’t any disco lights, or loud dancing, just calm classical music and slow dancing. Most people were occupied with eating since there was a buffet.

  She quickly spotted Prince Cassian at a table, chatting with Chrysander and four others, and turned away before he could spot her. She didn’t want to see him.

  Tsavorite was her first choice of company, but she was on the dance floor, twirling away beautifully while her partner, a young man in his twenties, stumbled about. Tourmaline was there too, but Memory gagged when she saw her latch onto some poor unsuspecting lad’s lips.