After a few minutes of turning in circles, waiting for the lightning to strike so he could see the landscape, Henri spotted a little ravine with a hidden alcove beneath it. They would be squeezed tightly inside, but it was better than being out here or beneath a tree. Henri shivered. As the son of a woodcutter, he had learned early on what lightning did to trees.
Henri took a deep breath and began to drag his shrieking sister over to the alcove. It took a few tries, but he was finally able to shove her down into it. Then he wedged himself inside. The soil that they were pressed into was slimy and thick and smelled of swamp gas, but Henri wriggled himself as deep into the bank as he could, holding his sister tightly so she couldn’t escape. And none too soon, as they had only been there a moment or so before the world outside of their shelter began to explode. Genny screamed with each boom of thunder, and Henri screamed right along with her. Never had he seen such a storm. But then, never had there been such a night.
“Henri!”
Henri moaned and tried to turn, only to realize that he was not on his straw pallet, but squished up against a muddy ravine with his neck cranked uncomfortably. It took him a moment to remember where they were and how they had gotten there.
“Henri! I smell it!”
“Smell what?” Henri slowly pulled himself from the little hole in the earth to where his sister was standing and pointing with all her might to the east. The storm had finally passed, and weak sunlight made it through the thin clouds and crooked trees down to the river bank on which they stood. Everything looked pale and tired.
“The sweets!” Genny looked at him as though their parents hadn’t just lost them in the forest on purpose during a lightning storm. Instead, her pale blue eyes were alight, green shimmering ever so slightly through their depths.
Before he had a chance to ready himself, Henri was hit by the smell as well. He didn’t just smell it, though. A hunger so strong it was nearly nauseating hit him like a stray kick from his father’s foot, and it was hard to think of anything else but the delicacies that beckoned them to come and partake. Why had he resisted this call for so many weeks?
“Let’s go find them!” Genny grinned. “Let’s go find the sweets!”
CHAPTER TWO
Welcome Interruptions
“I don’t think I want to go to the banquet tonight after all,” Ever breathed into Isa’s ear, his arms encircling her waist. “I would much rather stay up here with my wife.”
Isa laughed as Ever held on to her, swaying her from side to side while giving her his most pitiful look through the mirror. “If you don’t hold still, I’m going to drop this earring.”
“You don’t need earrings if we’re staying here.”
“Ah, but we cannot stay here, my love. What of our guests downstairs?”
Ever threw his head back and let out a huff, before walking to the bed and falling on top of it. “I am tired of people.”
“Since when do you tire of people?”
“Since my wife looks ravishing enough to keep to myself, and away from prying eyes forever. Why don’t you wear that color more often?”
Isa shook her head with a smile and walked over to the bed, where she gently pulled her husband up into a standing position. “But you look so handsome,” she said as she straightened his cloak and tunic. “Don’t deny me the pleasure of showing you off tonight.”
Handsome was an understatement. The black tunic with silver stitching made Ever look even more imposing than usual. The strong line of his jaw and the erectness of his shoulders made her stomach warm, even after four years of marriage. A few flecks of gray peppered his golden hair here and there, much too early, Isa thought, for his thirty-one years. And yet, what could one expect with the many burdens Destin’s king was forced to carry? Softly, she ran her fingers through that short hair and drew him down for a kiss. Even the gray hair she loved, for it was a constant reminder of her husband’s love for his people. And his love for her.
“We need to go now,” she said, somewhat breathlessly, as she managed to pull out of the kiss. “They’re waiting for us.”
“Let them wait,” Ever said in a gruff voice.
“They might not need us.” She rested her forehead against his. “But the children do.” Even as she spoke, Isa could feel the tension return to his shoulders, and she briefly regretted saying such a thing. Already, his storm gray eyes had become resolute, and he leaned in for one more less passionate kiss before walking to the door and holding it open for her.
“As usual, you are right,” he said, his voice steeled and commanding once again. “It is time.”
Once they had stepped outside, Ever offered Isa his arm, which she took most readily. Being on the arm of the most powerful, not to mention the most attractive, man in the realm still sent shivers up and down her back. Tonight, however, she felt as though she actually might match his regality, thanks to Gigi’s hard work.
The red gown that Isa wore tonight was not comfortable in the slightest, its stiff material covered entirely with embroidered miniature white flowers, and it was already making her back ache with the formal pose it required. The elegance of the dress, however, made it one of her favorites. The bodice was fitted, with dozens of small ivory buttons laced up the front, a style taken from the far east, Gigi had said. The skirt was a fashion taken from their own tailors, with layers of cloth cascading in a red waterfall down her legs, much like the petals of a tight, slender rosebud just beginning to unfurl. Though intricate, the gown itself was far from soft. Its sharp angles at Isa’s neck and wrists and fierce color of the dress created an imposing combination, which was something Isa would need more tonight than ever before. This meeting of kings and queens was important, and choosing to call such an assembly had not been an easy decision to make, for they had much to ask of their neighbors.
“Your Highnesses.” Garin greeted them just outside the crystal balcony’s doors with a smile and an appraising look. “You look ready to enthrall the world.” He took Isa’s right hand in one of his and placed his other hand on Ever’s left shoulder. “Are you ready?”
Ever, his face set in the dutiful, vigilant expression Isa knew so well, nodded once. Garin gestured to the servants, who opened the doors to the crystal balcony.
A hush fell over the crowd as Isa and Ever cut across the spacious balcony and came to stand in its center, waiting for the music to begin. As they waited, Isa scanned the crowd. Most of the border lords were there, as well as the Tungean and Tumenian kings. A fair group of nobility who also kept lands on their borders surrounded them, as well as the kings and queens of Kongretch, Maricanta, and Anbin. But where were Launce and Olivia?
Before Isa could search more, it was time for the ceremonial dance to begin. Isa turned back to her partner to find Ever studying her face with a soft intensity, the blue fire in his eyes dancing in time to the music.
“You look breathtaking tonight,” he whispered as they began the first slow spin.
“Why thank you,” she murmured. Why did her cheeks still flush when he spoke to her that way? She hoped they’d never stop. “Don’t get used to it though. It took Gigi and three other servants four hours to piece me together like this.”
“It’s not the dress,” he breathed as he pulled her into a more dramatic twirl. “Your eyes sparkle when you’re happy.”
“And how would you know I’m happy?”
“Look.” He glanced down at their feet, and Isa’s heart leapt as the blue spirals of fire danced and twirled right along with them, encircling their feet as the flames rose out of the azure crystal. It didn’t matter how many times they danced on this floor. The sight of the crystal’s fire would never fail to steal her breath. How many dances had they shared here, beneath the light of the moon?
All too soon, the dance ended, and it was time for the real work to be begun. Servants ushered everyone into the grand dining hall, alight with a thousand candles hung from crystal chandeliers that reflected off pearl-laden floors so that
the room shined like a beacon even in the night. As soon as everyone was seated, Ever stood and gave thanks to the Maker for their bounty. Servants appeared, as numerous as ants, and platters full of steaming beef, sweet corn, honey dripped hams, plump fruit so full it was nearly bursting, and dozens of other delicacies filled the tables. The tables themselves were laid out to resemble a horse’s shoe, with Ever and Isa at the front and center, where they could see all of their guests before them.
Just after the first course, as the sugared rose petals were being served, a movement at the dining hall’s door caught Isa’s eye and she allowed herself a sigh of relief. They had made it.
“Presenting,” the herald called, “Launce Armand Marchand, of Soudain, Destin, crown prince of Cobren, and his wife, Princess Olivia Edite Raquel Rocha of Cintilante Areia of Cobren.”
Despite his three years in the Cobrien courts, Launce’s cheeks still burned as he let the servant lead them to their seats of honor at Isa and Ever’s table. As they drew closer, Isa could immediately see that Olivia’s face, however, was an unhealthy shade of gray. Isa’s first reaction was to think the poor young woman had grown ill sometime on their journey, but as Olivia drew nearer, it became quickly apparent that no such thing had happened recently.
Olivia had never been slender like Isa, but had always kept a lovely, soft shape with generous curves and a wide face that was quick to share a friendly smile. But as she sat down heavily beside Isa, the sort of change that had come over Isa’s sister-in-law was undeniable.
“Olivia!” Isa stood and leaned over to give her sister a quick, tight hug. “How... how wonderful! How long...?” Isa glanced up at Launce, who uncharacteristically ignored her as he sat beside his wife. The set of his mouth and the way he tucked into his supper made Isa realize he wasn’t going to tell her anything easily tonight, so she reached out and gently probed his heart with her own. Guilt. He was full of guilt, as was Olivia. But at least Olivia was returning her gaze, albeit reluctantly.
“Please forgive us for our lateness,” Olivia groaned as she leaned back in her chair. “I thought the carriage ride would be well enough, but I have had to stop more times than I can count.”
“No, of course, we don’t mind!” Isa hurried to assure her, trying not to sound as flustered as she felt. “But, Olivia, how long?”
“Five months.” Olivia sent her a weak smile.
Five months. And they hadn’t bothered to send word that they were expecting? That her own brother had hidden such a secret from her irked Isa more than she cared to show. She swallowed and sought to control her emotions. “But why didn’t you tell us?” she asked as kindly as she could. “Mother and Father will be thrilled!”
“They know.” Launce spoke for the first time, taking a deep swig of his ale.
They knew. Of course they knew. Launce might be crowned prince of Cobren, but no title would have saved him from Deline’s wrath, had she found out her son had hidden such a thing. Which meant Isa’s parents had hidden it from her, too. But why would they do such a thing?
“You are to be congratulated.” Ever’s deep voice rang out from behind her, and Isa was immediately grateful for the distraction as she fought to keep tears from streaming down her face. She knew exactly why they hadn’t told her. It was the same reason the expecting women, servants and nobles alike, at the Fortress tended to avoid her until their babes were old enough to toddle around on their own. It was the same reason that Cerise, one of Isa’s oldest friends, had suddenly taken her leave of the Fortress soon after marrying and had not returned.
The food on Isa’s plate suddenly looked dry and unappetizing, and Isa wanted nothing more than to do what Ever had suggested before the banquet, to run back to their chambers and hide there for a very, very long time. But for now, she reminded herself, it was her duty, as a queen and a sister, to do what her heart wished most of all not to.
“I’m so happy for you.” She turned to Olivia, hoping her voice didn’t waver too much.
“Truly?” Olivia watched her through large, brown, careful eyes, so Isa nodded.
“It will be so wonderful to have a niece or nephew to play with. We need someone around here to spoil.”
Just then Ever stood, much to Isa’s relief, and waited for the talking to die down. When the grand hall was quiet, he looked at Isa, who rose and stood beside him. They had work to do.
“I want to begin by thanking you for coming to us,” Ever began in his smooth, reverberating voice. “I know it is not an easy journey for many of you. But there is a matter of grave importance that we must discuss, and I’m afraid it is one that cannot be done through quill and parchment.”
Their guests watched them silently. Even Lady Jadzia, one of Isa’s least favorite people in the world, wore a look of alarm.
“We have discovered a great evil within our borders,” Ever continued. “And it is stealing our children.”
Gasps went up from a few in the crowd.
“In the dead of night, children from all over the kingdom have been disappearing from their beds, but when morning comes, no one can find a way or reason for their disappearance. Common children, noble children, there is no discrepancy. Boys or girls from every station of life, from three years of age up to the age of ten have gone. We have had our soldiers searching for the responsible party for weeks now. I, myself, have ventured out at least a dozen times. And yet, we cannot find where the children are going, nor do we know how they are getting there. All we know is that somewhere at the core of this crime is a magic of the blackest kind.”
Ever paused, Isa knew, to allow such dour news to sink in. Throughout the western kingdoms, there were little bits of magic here and there, often kept hidden by kings and lords to secretly further their own interests. But few kingdoms used the deep magics. For magic was far different from what Isa and Ever and other gifted folk wielded. Theirs was a gift from the Maker, a power that lived in their bones, and was as much as part of them as their hair color or the length of their fingers. Deep magic was conjured, dragged up from the dregs of the earth, substances and powers that no man should ever touch, according to Ever. The only kingdom to use such power in recent years had been Tumen. But even they had sworn off such power in order to promote peace within the realm.
“What is it that you could want from us, Everard?” King Leon of Lingea called out.
“I would like to position groups of my soldiers along all the borders of Destin,” Ever replied. “I have the feeling that we will be smoking the offender out very soon. Should he escape, I would like my men, with your permission, of course, to have the right to chase him down, no matter which territory he crosses into.”
“How do we know this isn’t simply a step towards handing over our lands to you now?”
Everyone turned to see Lady Jadzia stand. Even taller than Isa, and decked in emeralds that made her red hair look even redder, the woman sniffed and tilted her head with a look that made Isa want to smack her. Instead, Isa stood as straight as her own back would allow and fixed her most dangerous gaze upon the noblewoman.
“Would you prefer for the thief to run about your lands unchecked? Because I can assure you, Lady Jadzia, that such a thing would be perfectly possible.”
The two women stood for another long minute, glaring at one another until Lady Jadzia finally sat down beside her snoring, portly husband with a thump. If the woman wasn’t so infuriating, Isa might have felt sorry for her. To be forced to marry such a man twice her age could not have led to a pleasant life. But the sneer on Lady Jadzia’s face kept Isa from feeling too sorry for her.
“Losing the guilty to a man-made border seems a complete waste of time and resources.” Ever resumed his speech as Isa and Jadzia continued to glare at one another. “I would like to personally ensure that he never produces such darkness in another kingdom again.”
“You have our cooperation, of course,” Launce spoke up, Isa noticed, carefully keeping his gaze directed at Ever rather than her. As the other king
s and nobles began to talk amongst themselves, a soldier slid through the door and approached them at a quick pace.
“Your Highnesses,” he leaned over to whisper to Isa and Ever, “another informant has been brought in. General Acelet thought you would be quite interested in this one.”
“Very well,” Ever nodded, “I will be down in—”
“No.” Isa was already on her feet. “I will take him. You finish here.”
“Are you sure?” Ever quirked a brow at her, and Isa gave him a sly grin back.
“I’ve been itching to get my hands on another one.”
At that, Ever flashed her a knowing smile, before turning back to his guests.
Isa followed the soldier as quickly as her legs could carry her, thanking the Maker all the way out of the dining hall and down to the examination room. While interrogating their newest informant would have been an intriguing task on any given day, now more than ever she was grateful for the escape. Anything to keep from having to sit beside Launce and Olivia as the object of their pity.
CHAPTER THREE
Sorthileige
The examination room, as it had come to be called, was located on a lower level of the Fortress. It had no windows and only one door. Ever had argued that interrogating criminals in the dungeon would have been more effective, but Isa refused to go down there. Dungeons of any sort held too many memories for her after the war with the glass wizard, even the upper dungeons that she’d never been imprisoned in. Besides, she’d told Ever, her talent didn’t rely on darkness or his terrifying blue flames. She would better be able to focus in a simple room, one that allowed her to focus on the core of her victims’ hearts. To that, Ever could not argue.
As Isa entered the examination room, a shiver moved across her shoulders and down her back, and she was suddenly thankful for the presence of the two soldiers that flanked her. Can they feel, Isa wondered, the same cold blackness that surrounds their prisoner?
Beauty Beheld: A Retelling of Hansel and Gretel (The Becoming Beauty Trilogy Book 3) Page 2
