“You look different,” she said.
“Yeah, look who’s talking.”
She squinted her eyes and made a face at me, and then she rolled off the chair.
“So this is where you live?” she asked.
I followed her figure with my eyes as she explored the room. “Um.., no,” I answered. “This is my first night here, and I don’t get to stay. I don’t know where we’ll be after this; I haven’t been there yet.”
She stopped at the window and looked out. “Is it hard?” she asked. “Training with them?”
“You know me,” I answered.
Her head tipped, but she didn’t turn around.
She stuck her foot out behind her as she leaned forward. In Shaundakul she always had her hair in these long braids, and even at parties it was up in some weird style. Let loose, it fell all the way down her back. I watched her as I walked over to the bed and sat down. I decided the wine must have been having a weird effect on me because I didn’t usually think about Ellia’s appearance all too much. Or maybe it was just the setting.
“I mean because they’re so evil,” she corrected.
I had to hold back a frown. My hopeful prospects of just being able to have fun with her grew distant. Until I realized… it didn’t really matter if she kept saying stuff like this. It wasn’t like she was going to do anything without me. I smiled, then I laid back on the bed.
“Come sit down,” I said.
I didn’t watch to see if she obeyed; within seconds she was beside me. I nodded to the pillow next to mine.
When she gave it a weary glance I gestured to the ceiling. “I just want you to see this.”
“What?” she asked.
“No. Don’t look yet,” I instructed, then I patted the pillow.
With a little huff, she laid down and looked up.
There was a picture above us, made with rock tiles like the ones that decorated everything.
“What is it?” Ellia asked.
I started laughing while I answered. “I don’t know. That’s why I wanted you to look.”
“It looks like some sort of animal,” she said. I watched her bite her lip; it was painted red. “Do you think they could be the Akadians’ granted animal?”
“You forgot what they were called already?”
“I didn’t forget.”
“Then what are they called?” I grew a smile. I had my head resting on my arm closest to her. I turned a little more.
She looked at me, scowl already in place. It slowly fell. Her cheeks grew pink, to the point that I thought mine might as well, then her eyes shifted to my arm.
When she looked back at me I knew that she was thinking of the crown and I knew why. Kissing had seemed like a much better idea when I’d thought we were both about to die.
“Behemoth,” I answered, dropping my head back into my pillow.
She didn’t say anything, but I heard the blankets rustle and felt her shifting away.
I put my arm over my eyes and closed them. After a while she sat up. “Cyric?” she whispered. I didn’t answer. She got out of bed and walked across the room. I thought she might sleep on one of the chairs, but she came back and got under the covers. I tried to fall asleep, but it wasn’t working. When her breathing slowed, I opened my eyes.
The room was dimmer, but not so much so that I couldn’t see. Her head was turned away from me. I swallowed. Then I pulled the sleeve up on my arm and examined the crown. As expected the large turquoise stone was back on it—like it hadn’t been every time I was away from her. I wasn’t sure if it did it just for Ellia, or if it would come to life for anyone from her bloodline, but since it was so similar to the color of her eyes, I thought it was probably the first. I stared at it for a while. That was the last thing I remembered.
*
ELLIA:
*
I woke to the sound of knocking. I sat up, imagining that I was back in Shaundakul and late for some ceremony, then I felt the arm over my stomach. I realized it belonged to Cyric at about the same time that his eyes opened. His brow dipped in confusion, then the door banged again and he turned to it.
“Someone’s been knocking,” I said. I heard the sound of activity outside the window; a fair amount of sunlight was pouring in.
Cyric looked back at me, then he removed his arm without saying anything and rolled off the bed. My heart was high in my throat as he walked to the door. As soon as he opened it, the man outside lifted his arms up high.
“Cyric,” he cheered.
He wrapped his arms around Cyric and I saw two other men behind him. They wore uniforms like the other soldiers, but without armor.
As the soldier released Cyric, he spoke. “You’re not an easy man to find. I had to bribe that servant that took you off to get him to tell me where your room was. We come bearing gifts.” He gestured to the soldiers behind him, who were carrying trays of food.
Cyric scratched the back of his head.
“It’s breakfast, friend. But first… you have to show us your…” he stopped when he saw me. He’d stepped past Cyric and now he was staring at me. For a moment I was frozen—mostly because all Cyric was doing was yawning. Then I pulled the blanket up to my chin. “Good old Lox,” the soldier exclaimed. He playfully jabbed Cyric’s arm, then he waved at me.
I narrowed darkly. And Cyric, he smiled. The other soldiers started to enter the room and I took the opportunity to get off the bed, on the opposite side, away from where they were.
“Where should we put the food?” the first soldier asked.
“Umm…,” Cyric drawled. “There’s a table there.”
They all started walking towards the lounge area. It was close to where I was so I crossed my arms over my chest and stood straight against the bed post.
They each introduced themselves as they passed me. The one who had done most of the talking was named Salthor. When he lingered to wait for a reply, Cyric prodded him on.
“Don’t be so possessive,” said Salthor. “I was only a few seconds behind you.”
“Try a few minutes,” Cyric replied.
“If you hadn’t cheated I would have beaten you flat.”
“Let it go, Salthor,” said one of the others. “He’s been talking about this all night.”
They were all sitting down now. Cyric laughed.
If he’d been looking at me, he would have gotten a furious glare, but he wasn’t. They all just started eating.
“How about some wine,” Salthor suggested. “Do you have some here?”
Cyric nodded across the room where drinks and glasses had been set out since the night before. “Over there if you want.”
“I’ll get them,” said the smallest soldier.
Salthor put a hand up to stop him. He whispered something to Cyric. Cyric’s lips formed a smirk, then he shook his head.
Salthor waved it off and looked at me. “Excuse me, could you bring us some wine from over there?” he asked.
My nostrils flared. I could feel my chest rising and falling.
“You can eat with us after that,” Salthor added. He held up a slice of bread.
I had to close my eyes to maintain composure. I reminded myself that Cyric must be acting the way he was for a reason, and that I needed to behave as a normal handmaiden.
I walked down the steps and went to grab the drinks. The boys started talking about the training they had to do today. It was apparently going to begin right after they ate and continue on till dinner. I just hoped it didn’t mean I’d have to leave Cyric. I walked back with the wine and cups and set them down on the table. They grew quiet as I neared. Before they could ask, which I truly couldn’t bear, I poured two drinks.
Salthor lifted the glass and nodded beside him. “Sit here if you like,” he offered.
I dropped my brow then plopped down next to Cyric. It sent them all laughing.
“Looks like you’ve already got a fan.”
“What could he have possibly done in one night
?”
“Very funny, Thorne,” said Cyric. “How about you tell me what the new rooms are like.”
As Thorne launched into a description, I felt Cyric’s hand press over mine. When I looked at him, he made no reaction, he just went on smiling and eating.
After they finished, we all left for the new soldiers’ quarters, where Cyric had to go to pick up his uniform. Cyric’s room was one of a dozen that branched off a common area in the middle, with couches, a fireplace, and many pillars. It was very busy.
Cyric took me with him inside his room. It was much smaller than the one we’d shared last night. It had no windows, except for a skylight, shelves in the corner for clothes and armor, and a single bed. As soon as Cyric had closed the door, I turned on him.
“Who were they?” I asked. Quite loudly.
He shushed me.
“Since when have you made friends with the Akadians?” I added.
“They’re not Akadians. Salthor’s from Birmha. The other two are from Carba.” He moved past me to face the shelves. “Would you mind turning around?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said incredulously. “And I don’t care if they weren’t originally from Akadia. They’re acting like Akadians. They drink. And fight. And—”
Cyric pulled his shirt over his head.
“What are you doing?” I demanded.
“I have to change,” he said, pausing. “Would you like to wait outside?”
My mouth clamped shut. I frowned, and then I turned around.
“Look, I’m sorry you’re in this position, Ellie,” he said. “But it doesn’t have to be that bad. We’re at least together, right?”
I didn’t say anything. I could hear him moving behind me. I hugged my elbows.
“When I get back tonight—”
“What?” I turned without thinking, but luckily he was finished dressing.
He shoved his old clothes on the shelf. “I can’t take you with me to training,” he said.
“Why not?”
“They don’t allow it.”
“I’ve seen girls there watching.” I strategically moved in front of the door.
Cyric grabbed my shoulders and shifted me over. “If you’re there and someone starts to bother you, I’m not going to be able to stop and do something about it.”
“What if someone bothers me here?”
“They won’t as long as you stay in this room.”
I gestured around. “You can’t be serious. There aren’t even any windows.” I moved back in front of the door.
“Fine. You can go out in the common room too, then.”
“Why is that any safer?” I demanded.
He dropped his brow. “Because the girls that come to watch the soldiers are looking for a good time. They’re free territory. The soldiers here know you’re mine.”
“A good time?” I repeated slowly. “Free territory?”
“Just stay here, Ellie,” he said. “Haven’t I done enough to prove you can trust me?”
I felt my mouth clamp up. He was looking right at me, his features severe. I stepped away from the door.
“Thank you,” he said, and grabbed the door handle.
“I still don’t like the way you were acting this morning.”
“The key word is acting,” he told me, adapting his character smile, then he opened the door.
The common room was still crowded, with soldiers going all directions. Salthor caught sight of Cyric and waved him over. I stopped in the doorway. Cyric returned the wave, then glanced back at me. He was about to leav,e but before he could I grabbed the neck of his uniform and kissed him. It was not more than a quick peck, and I released him immediately. He stared at me with blank features, and then Salthor called him again.
I had to look away. By the time I was brave enough to turn back, he was gone.
~ ~ ~
CHAPTER EIGHT
ELLIA:
*
Two hours after sitting in the common room, I had perfected the ability to make my entire hand up to my forearm disappear. It was something that I’d been working on ever since it had happened by accident in the tunnels, and the large abandoned room seemed the perfect place. It wasn’t difficult really at all for me, not even odd, it felt natural.
I waved the empty absence of smoke around boredly, the sleeves of the new blue dress I’d found in Cyric’s room flowing with it. Then I got the idea of trying my feet. I was sitting on a couch. I bent over and tapped my toes on the stone floor. It took a few tries, but soon they were floating in and out of form with a wisp of black smoke. They made no sound as I tried to hit the floor with them—because they weren’t only invisible, they were no longer there.
It made me think of Scholar Padril. Which made me think of Kraehe. Which made me think of Tobias and what he had said about the granted animals visiting. Suddenly I was struck with a thought I just couldn’t get rid of. I chewed on my lip a while, then I waved my feet back to normal, stood up, and marched out of the room.
The first man I saw was to no surprise a soldier. He stood at the end of the hall I was in, which I realized as I drew closer was also the side of a street. He didn’t notice me until I cleared my throat.
“Excuse me, soldier?”
There was no surprise on his features. “Yes?” he said in reply.
“I was wondering if you could direct me to Captain Tobias. Do you know of him?”
The soldier smiled doubtfully. “Of course. But he could be a number of places at this time of day.”
“Where would I have the most luck?” I asked.
With one brow high, he pointed down the street. I had to walk outside to tell where it was. Then I blinked. I looked back at the soldier. “Are you sure?” I asked.
“His room’s on the third floor. If you talk to the guard just inside he can give you exact directions.”
“And I’m allowed in there?” I checked.
The soldier shrugged. “So long as you’re palace district level.”
I gave him a quick glance, then thanked him and started walking. I thought his remark had something to do with their ridiculous grading system, but nothing was going to stop me from trying. The building he had pointed to rose up at least two stories above every other, except for the palace buildings, which stood very close. The guard inside did give me directions and it seemed too soon before I had reached the hall proceeding Tobias’s room. Windows lined the right side. The floor was carpeted. Without much hesitation I walked up to his door and knocked.
I anticipated some surprise when he answered, but the expression he wore when he saw me was complete shock.
“Ellia?” he said.
I was about to answer, when I saw a figure shift behind him.
Past an archway inside the complexly decorated room stood a woman I had only seen once before, in the square the day of the sorting. She wore a silver dress, her hair was long and white, but now I could see her face well enough to tell that it was aged—she was perhaps as old as my father.
Tobias followed my gaze, then looked back at me. He blinked twice, then opened the door completely. “Come inside.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?” I asked.
He waved me on without responding.
I walked inside just enough to allow him to close the door. The lady kept her eyes on me, but I was too nervous to say anything; I kept my hands folded.
“Ellia, this is Lady Amalia,” Tobias said, walking exactly between us. He nodded to me. “And this is Ellia.”
I noticed then that her hands were folded too. She took two steps forward, so that there was no longer a pillar between us. Her chin was sharp and she held it in a regal manner that reminded me, to my embarrassment, of Tobias’ horse, Fauna. I had to remind myself to lower my eyes, as I had not been accustomed to doing whenever meeting such a lady in the past. Then I bowed.
She returned the gesture.
I turned to Tobias. “I am sorry for coming without warning. Should I wait?”
&
nbsp; “Well…”
“No,” Lady Amalia said, holding a testing gaze on Tobias. “I was just leaving.”
Tobias dipped his head in seeming exasperation.
“It was a pleasure to meet you,” she told me dismissively, and then she started walking towards the door.
Tobias watched her with his hand on his forehead, then he glanced at me and said, “I’ll be just a moment.”
I nodded, but he was already walking after her. I could hear them in the hall. She spoke first.
“Let go of me.”
“I’m not going to let you leave like this.”
“Don’t pretend my feelings bother you now,” she scoffed. “If they mattered, you would listen to what I say.”
“It’s more complicated than that,” Tobias replied.
“It is not. It is simple. Do you know what will happen if you continue?”
“You’d have me live like this forever?”
“I’d have you live as you always have.”
“But things are not the same,” he countered, loudly enough that I self-consciously turned away from the door. But I could still hear them.
“We have nothing to discuss, Tobias,” she said. She sounded close to tears. “If you will not listen to me, I may as well let you go now.”
There were loud steps moving off. For a moment I wasn’t sure if Tobias had followed her, then the door opened and he walked back inside. He had his hand on his head; he closed the door behind him. When he saw me he jumped.
“Sorry,” I said.
“No. I forgot you were here.” He rubbed his eyes.
“I’m so sorry for interrupting.”
He waved me off.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked.
He let his hand fall, and then he considered me with a smile. “I’d much rather hear what you’re doing here and why you’re wearing that. Did you decide to become a handmaiden after all?”
“No,” I said. “I told you that I didn’t want to. Why won’t you believe me?”
He shrugged; he still seemed distracted.
I took a deep breath. “A soldier found me. A commander named Lox. He made me one.”
Tobias’s smile suddenly vanished. He straightened up. “Wait. What?”
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