Indeed, they shone down so brightly, it could be mistaken for a cloudy day. “I never realized it was so beautiful here. Or that anything like this could exist beneath my very feet. If anything, I imagined the entire Underworld would be just like Taroth.”
Demetri was silent for a long time and I wondered if I had insulted him. “I was born here. When Krev attacked our kingdom in the Upperworld, we fought until we had nothing left. We lost many...but this has always been our realm.”
“Who would ever want to leave here?”
“So you like it here?” he asked, stopping to look at me. Before I could respond, he continued. “Some would prefer Taroth to Empyrea.”
“Not me. In Akeldama, I would always find myself among the roses behind the palace.” I paused, hesitating before telling him the truth. “It was one of the only places I could go freely.”
“But you are a Princess. Why...” His question trailed off.
“Because my family is ashamed of me, of my weakness.” I wished I could take the words back as a smirk cross his face. “Because I can't heal.”
“You are not weak, Elara.” His fingers brushed the hair from my cheek, tucking it behind my ear before we continued. As we walked, the castle came into sight once more.
“Back there...” I began. “I saw a woman in the forest.”
“The Forest of Souls,” Demetri explained. “Those that have died will often linger here in the Underworld before they pass on to the Shadowlands. Their soul is attached to this world, or to people within it. They're like ghosts. We call them Shades; and they are part of the Shadow.”
Demetri stopped to pluck a flower, handing it to me. A vibrant red rose. I accepted the gesture with heated cheeks. “Thank you.”
With nothing to give back to him, I pulled the star from my pocket and pressed it into his palm.
“This is yours, you found it,” he said, rejecting the crystal-like stone.
“It doesn't feel right to keep it. It's a piece of your Goddess.” I persisted until he took it.
“She's your Goddess, too.”
We strolled the rest of the way to the castle, and began to part ways. The emptiness of the castle showed the late hour better than any other indicator. Demetri turned around as I watched him walk away and he spoke. “About those girls. You have nothing to be jealous of.”
21
I laid in bed, facing the windows and looking out at the starlight. Though I had convinced myself that I had adjusted to the passing of time in Astrea, I couldn't sleep. My armor pierced at my side but I was too lazy to stand and remove it all. My mind jumped from one thing to the next. It had been days since my walk with the Prince in the garden and I had not said a word to him since.
The rose sat in a cup on water on the bedside table, its petals wilting.
A light knock at the door caused me to spring up, draping a robe around my shoulders to give the illusion that I had been asleep. I tied the front, reminding myself it was probably only that pesky servant bringing breakfast, and I had gone the entire night without sleeping again. I swung open the door.
Demetri stood there, a smirk planted on his face. “Tired?”
My heartbeat raced with excitement, any sleepiness draining away. I shook my head.
“I had this made for you,” he said, pulling a sword out from behind his back. The blade was sheathed, but the hilt had the star I found inlaid into the hilt in place of a pommel. “It makes you one of us. Even when you're back in the Upperworld.”
He tossed the sword at me and I caught it, pulling it from the black leather and admiring the fine bladesmithing. The dark silver seemed almost invisible in the starlight. A vine with metal flowers wrapped around to form the bell guard. Roses.
“It's beautiful,” I whispered, unable to take my eyes from it for a long time until I finally looked up to him. “Thank you. But I can't accept this.” I said, knowing how much the sword would go for in Krev.
His cheek pulled up into a playful smirk. “Then what else are you going to fight with?” He asked, jerking his head down the hallway, disappearing in the Shadow.
I jogged after him, but despite my attempts to keep up with him, he walked far ahead of me, even jumping from one Shadow to the next.
We entered deep into the garden, walking through a tunnel of vines. I still carried the sword in my hands when he stopped within a clearing of trees and hedges.
“Get ready to fight,” he ordered, his voice almost harsh. I strapped the sword to my belt, clasping the buckle. I pulled the sword out, holding it outward. But he let his remain in his sheath. He shook his head, laughing. He walked around me, and I felt his eyes checking me at every angle. His footsteps crunched on the leaves behind me and my breath caught when he wrapped his hand around mine, his entire body pressing against my back.
His breath hit my neck. “Even without a shield, fighting with a rapier is similar to fighting with a short sword.” His fingers rested on my hip, gently turning me to the side a few inches. “Use your rapier to deflect, keep your momentum with cuts, and when you can, stab.”
The sword felt heavy in my hand, my entire body shaking.
“Hold yourself in form.” Frustration entered his voice as he held my hand up, holding my hand tightly onto the grip. I nodded, but my head spun with confusion. “What are you doing?” His voice caught as I let my arm fall, heart thudding and my head turned, meeting his eyes.
My face heated up, realizing what he had seen in my eyes. I jerked around before he could stare any longer. For some reason, his words rang in my head. As if I have any desire to touch a Red.
“Let's just fight,” I found myself saying, somehow my voice came out even.
I turned around, trying to hold the correct stance. Demetri nodded, pulling out his own blade and positioning himself across from me. He took the first swing and I dodged, flurrying my weapon at him and forcing him backward.
“Good,” he said calmly, as he parried and retook the advantage, as if he had given me the advancing steps. Despite this, I beamed at the compliment, barely smacking away his next attack in time.
“You're still trying to use strength to win your battles.”
“Why are you training me?” I asked. “I thought I was your enemy.”
“I'm training you because I know what it will take for you to become Queen of Krev. Don't be afraid to hit me, Elara. I will fall on my own sword before you ever win a fight against me.”
His taunt sparked my anger, a will to prove myself. He may be the Prince of Darkness, but I had fighting in my blood. I had been raised for it.
My sword struck his, the clang echoing in the air, slamming furiously, unafraid of hurting the immortal Prince. He backed off, his smile fading.
The fury of the fight pressed me close to him, unafraid of his blade as I blocked his every swing. Adrenaline pulsed through me, and confidence laced my every move. He fell backward, tossing his sword aside to catch his fall. My feet tangled in his and I collapsed onto him.
I lazily waved the sword at him in my breathless victory. “I win.”
“You forgot one thing, little Red.” He said, his breath as ragged as my own. Grabbing hold of my shoulders, he rolled over on top of me, a dagger at my neck. “Always have a back up.” He closed the inches between us, concealing the dagger once more. His lips brushed against mine, meeting me in a kiss. Our bodies pressed against each other, I was unable to respond.
Demetri jumped up and backed away from me, grabbing his sword from the ground several feet away. “We should get back. It's late.”
I stood and put my sword back into its sheath, walking next to him back to the castle. The Prince was careful not to touch me as we walked, keeping a safe distance from even our arms bumping. We were almost back to the castle before either of us spoke.
“Why did you hold my hand in the sewers?” I asked, determined to figure him out, to find out how he really felt about me.
“You were scared. It was dark.” He responded simply, not stopping to look at me
as he spoke. I caught back up to him, walking at his side and turning to look up at him. His eyes were locked on the castle ahead. “And because I wanted to.”
Keiran walked behind me through the colorful courtyard basking in the starlight. When I had proposed I was going to town, he had agreed to escort me, and I had been too afraid to refuse his help. But now that we were actually there, neither of us said a word. I wished Gwen had been able to go, but she was no where to be found. Zander mentioned something about her crystals.
Sounds of life and happiness filled the city. Sounds very different from what I had grown up in: where the only excitement was the clang of swords. Where even laughter could be frowned upon.
The streets at my feet were cobblestone, not equipped to handle long-term usage of wagons or oxen. Everyone walked on foot, or rode along in the boats in the canals alongside the narrow streets. Though it was in the same architectural style as Asphodel, it was brighter, happier with the light from the stars.
“So...Elara, what exactly do you need in town?” His question highlighted his suspicion.
I shrugged. “Just would love to see this place before I'm gone for good.” I paused, looking to Keiran. “You know, you don't have to call me Elara when the Prince isn't around.”
“Well, I'd hate to slip up around him.” Keiran rolled his eyes and walked into a shop, saying he'd meet me back at the castle. I continued down the road, and instantly regretted leaving Keiran behind. I quickly realized I had become lost in the maze of shops and cobblestone streets.
Someone bumped into me, pushing me into an alley, and I slammed into someone's arms. I screamed loudly before they muffled the sound with a dingy hand.
My elbow slammed into the figure, but a layer of fat and muscle absorbed the blow, The man stood at double my height, pulling me deeper into the alley, showing no sign that my struggle hindered him.
His hand came lose and I screamed again, trying to free my arms.
A cloud of Shadow appeared in front of us and the man stopped pulling me. “Who's there?”
Demetri stepped out from the Shadow and the man jumped back, immediately letting me go. Demetri rushed forward to help me, but I pushed him off of me, assuring him I was okay. He scoffed. “And they left you here alone.” He muttered to himself, shaking his head.
We walked back to the castle in silence, his hand gripping tightly around my wrist. Demetri clearly angry that he had to come to my rescue and my sword had not even left its sheath. When we entered the throne room, he released me from his grasp and moved to the throne.
The Shadow moved around him, vibrating in his anger as he called into the Shadow. “Keiran! Zander!”
Two clouds of Shadow leaked into the throne room almost instantly.
“Yes, my Prince?” Keiran asked, while Zander remained perfectly still, his eyes moving between me and the Prince.
“I asked one tiny favor of you two.”
“I went with her to the city. I—”
Demetri interrupted Keiran. “And then you left her there?”
Zander stepped forward finally. “Prince, she is safe here in Empyrea.”
“Tell that to the bastard I saved her from.” He jabbed his finger in my direction. “Even thieves can pretend to be good.”
“Someone tried to take her? Here in Empyrea?” Zander asked, his tone unbelieving.
“Have you forgotten that Erro will have all of Taroth after her by now?” Demetri snapped.
“I will dispose of this vagabond, my Prince,” Zander said. Keiran nodded in agreement.
“No.” The Prince waved the two of them away. “I will take care of him myself. Clearly the two of you are incapable of following orders.”
22
Demetri knocked on my door once again that night. His eyes glanced to the glowing sword at my side and he tilted his head for me to follow. He didn't say a word as we walked through the hallways until we arrived at a large training room. The wood floors were covered with black rugs to lessen the impact of a fall.
“Did he take your sword?” the Prince asked, a layer of anger behind his voice and a hint of liquor in the air.
“Who?” I asked.
“The one who tried to kidnap you.” He spun around, his back to me. “We will begin training every night. You must be fit to fight the ruler of Akeldama to take their place.”
When Demetri turned, his sword was drawn. He dove at me before I had the chance to draw my own. Both of my hands gripped my sword. Just in time, our blades clashed, inches from my face at the crushing weight.
Adrenaline surged and I flung my arms forward, sliding his blade from mine. He regained his stance and charged again, this time I was ready, twisting my body to avoid his blade and slash at him.
When I was out of breath, he stopped, leaning against the wall near a rack of swords. “Good.”
“Good?” Someone said from the doorway. Zander entered the room, giving me a double take. “She's almost better than you.”
Demetri laughed, pouring a few glasses of amber liquid and passing me one. He looked in my eyes as he spoke. “I'm not even Shading. With the Shadow at my side, she'd be dead before she knew there was a fight.”
It twinged to be reminded that Goddess had denied me a gift. The bourbon burned as it passed down my throat.
“You ready for another, Demetri?” Zander asked, pulling out his sword.
The two fought, filling the room with clouds of Shadow. Keiran joined us soon after, fighting against Zander.
And every night I found myself in that room, practicing with them. Gwen never joined us, though several times she passed by, telling Keiran or Zander to be nice, a knowing smile on her face as she left.
It was the only times I saw Demetri, as during the day, meetings occupied his time. Meetings that I had come to realize were actually introductions of the women of Astrea, pledging to become his wife, his Queen, and he had his pick of the lot.
During the days, I practiced. I would run laps around the courtyard, do push-ups, and find potential sparring partners. Most often, it was Keiran, who released his anger about having to babysit me in our sessions. At least he didn't go easy on me.
Most nights, Demetri didn't say much to me other than small corrections or criticisms. But he would fight me, his energy endless while mine would be sapped after a few minutes. I would force myself to go longer, taunting him to fight again. Zander and Keiran laughing at his refusal until he agreed. And I relished in that time with the Prince.
Soft music floated under my door and enticed me to get up. My body ached, and while weeks ago I hated it, it was now a pleasant sign of me getting stronger. I dressed, stepping out onto the balcony. The stars beamed brighter than when I had fallen asleep, and the light woke my tired eyes. I had adjusted to the schedule of Astrea.
I slipped my boots and armor on, taking a moment to untangle my hair before strapping my sword to my belt. I tucked a small dagger in my boot until it was invisible. The handle dug into my ankle, but after so many days with it, I had gotten used to it.
When I opened my door, the music grew louder. Happy and upbeat notes. But the closer I came, a hint of melancholy twinged the tune. Other than the beat of the war drums or the occasional jester, Krev was devoid of music.
The doors to the main hall were wide open, bustling with activity. Decorations streamed from the ceiling, small lanterns and navy blue ribbons finding their places. A small stage housed a practicing string quartet, the source of the music.
The dining room was filled with small tables, white and blue flowers from the garden graced the centerpiece. Within the huddles of people, I caught sight of the bright purple hair and approached Gwen.
“What's going on?”
She glanced to me, giving a huge smile. She dropped the basket of flowers to the table and gave me a hug. “A ball! I'm so happy you are going to be here.”
Her excitement was contagious, but a layer of anxiety laced the fun. I had never been to a ball. And the celebrations in Kre
v were never so extravagant.
“On Tides, we celebrate Carnival,” Gwen was saying. “Everyone in Empyrea wears masks. Of course, there's a feast...” My thoughts raced, unable to control my nerves. “...and dancing!”
All the air left my lungs. Dancing? I had never danced. I had never even watched anyone dance.
“Yes, tomorrow night is the masquerade ball.” She looked down at my armor, her lips pursed. “But first, your dress.”
“I don't have one.” Nobody in Krev wore dresses. The closest thing was the robes of the outsiders who lived in rural villages deep within the desert. Everyone wore chitons, tunics, or trousers.
Gwen led me through the castle, the buzz of excitement beginning to seep into me as we entered my room. Several servants followed us in, taking my measurements.
“And now we need to talk about colors, styles, accessories—”
I shook my head. “Gwen, I have no idea about all that stuff. Can't you just pick something that will look good on me?”
I glanced sidelong at the mirror, wondering if there was anything. I tried to imagine myself in a dress, but however I pictured it, it didn't look good.
With much persuasion, Gwen finally agreed to pick out my dress. “Fine, Elara.” She held her hands on her hips as I did my push-ups in the training room. Zander lifted weights and watched the two of us with amusement. “But if you don't like it, it's your problem.”
She left with a huff and Zander laughed. “I think you've killed her hopes of having another girl around, Elara.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” I demanded, pushing myself up from the floor and looking to him.
“Well, you know, she's into dresses and balls and you're into weapons and fighting.” He treaded the subject carefully.
“I can be girly!” I said, maybe a little too defensively.
I trudged out of the room, my thoughts now flooded with concern. Was I not girly enough? I flew to the mirror and stared at myself, pinching my cheeks and tossing my hair in different directions. Was that why Demetri didn't like me?
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