by Deirdra Eden
“What does that mean?” I tried to keep my voice lady-like and gentle, though my eyes narrowed.
“He asked if I had ever seen a member of the Shadow Legion, and I told him no. He thinks you might be a fraud.”
“What?” I almost shouted. “I killed a Legionnaire less than an hour ago. They are real. You haven’t seen any because I’m doing my job.”
“My lady.” King Edward took my hand and patted it. “I’m not going to dismiss you. I would much rather see you married to one of my deserving military leaders.”
I clenched my teeth and slammed all the doors to my heart shut. I was not a reward for the king to give. I pulled away and crossed my arms.
Edward looked around the room. “Where is that lovely dress I just got you?”
“It’s with the seamstress for adjustments,” I explained. “The dress was too low-cut for my taste.”
“But not for others’ tastes.” Edward smoothed out his moustache and turned to Eleanor. “Fetch the scarlet dress from the seamstress.”
“Wait.” I thought quickly. I didn’t want to wear something that would reiterate the king’s beliefs that I was just an object of visual pleasure. “I want to wear this dress.” I motioned toward the one I wore. “It was the last gift your father gave me. I want to honor him by wearing it to the celebration of your latest victory over the Scottish.”
King Edward smiled. “It was one of my greatest victories. You will see, Lady Auriella, this war is in everyone’s best interest. When the French or Spanish grow restless, England acts as a shield for Scotland and Ireland. It’s best we unite these countries under our flag if we are going to protect them.”
I nodded. Thankfully I had distracted him from forcing me to wear something that would make me feel uncomfortable.
“We are even providing them with modern medicine and education. I don’t know why the Scottish and Irish barbarians keep fighting us.”
The king shrugged, and then ran his hand over my cheek. My body went rigid under the gesture. “Don’t worry about the barbarians, m’lady. You have more pressing matters, like enjoying the festivities of tonight.” The king kissed my hand then headed toward the door as if he was leaving. A wicked smile curled his lips. “One more thing,” he said catching my attention. “Leave the sword behind.” His jaw hardened, as did his icy voice. “That is an order from your king.” He slammed the door behind him.
Chapter Two
New Captain
I gripped the belt that held the sword to my waist. If I didn’t know better, by the way King Edward tried to stop me from doing my job, I would think he worked for the Shadow Legion. I had the distinct feeling he wanted to eliminate my position as England’s Watcher. No matter how many times I explained to him in confidence that I was not a human, he still saw me as just a woman, and women in this society did not hold protective positions.
I unbuckled my belt and dropped the sword on my bed. I refused to be defeated so easily.
“It’s best to follow orders,” Eleanor reminded. She cringed at the sword as if it were a cockroach lying on my pillow.
I ignored her and dug through the mahogany chest at the foot of my bed. A Watcher had to be ready at any moment for a fight, but I would also have to be discreet to appease everyone. I found a brass-handled dagger under several quilts in the chest and unsheathed it.
“My lady?” Eleanor gasped. Horror washed over her face. I tried not to laugh at her overreaction.
I lightly touched the blade to make sure it was sharp. “If I let down my guard for one moment, I could be killed. I’m not an Immortal you know,” I said in my most serious tone, hoping Eleanor wouldn’t try to stop me.
She wrung her hands. “But the king said–”
I cut her off before she got too worked up. “As a Watcher, my orders come from the King of Neviah. Besides, King Edward said, ‘no swords.’” I held up the dagger and winked. “This is not a sword. No one will even know I have it.” I hiked up my skirt, exposing my legs. “Hand me some hair ribbons.”
She shook her head and reluctantly handed me the ribbons from the vanity drawer. “I have a feeling we are both going to get into trouble for this.”
I tied the weapon to my leg, smoothed out my dress, and then clasped the ruby necklace around my neck. “There. Now I’m ready to go.” I felt like a warrior in disguise and loved the devious energy rushing through me. Having a weapon always made me feel more confident, especially when my energy was low.
Eleanor crossed her arms and assessed me. Despite her opposition to what I was hiding under, she seemed to approve of my lady-like appearance. “You’d better hurry. You’re already late.”
I sprinted down the hallway to the ballroom. The train of my dress whipped behind me like a ship’s flag in a storm. As I approached the ballroom, I slid my back against the wall and peered around the corner. The doors were already closed, which meant everyone was sure to notice my entrance. I smiled and tried not to look suspicious as I glided toward the ballroom. Two doormen bowed and opened the double doors wide, exposing me to the hundreds of people inside.
Laughter and music from the ball echoed throughout the room and hit me with warmth. Torches blazed on the stone walls, and the red and gold flag of England hung over the banister. Lords and ladies danced methodically around the great hall. Flavorful scents of perfume and of the prepared feast washed over me.
There was only one problem. “A masquerade ball.” I slapped my hand over my forehead. If I had gotten a formal invitation with the details instead of just being expected to show up, I would have known I needed a mask. There had to be something I could use for a mask. I looked around the hall and yanked a laced doily out from under a vase and put it on my head.
I made my way along the edges of the ballroom and discreetly took my place two seats from King Edward. My fingers trembled as I fussed with my layered indigo and silver gown. I tried not to make eye contact with the king, hoping he hadn’t noticed my entrance.
“Ah! Lady Auriella!” My whole body tensed and my teeth snapped together when I heard his boisterous voice. “Delayed by demons again, were we?” He wasted no time with his mockery. Edward and the other men at the table laughed and threw me sardonic glances.
I ignored them and focused on the plate of food in front of me. I didn’t want to cause more of a scene than Edward already had. Hopefully he’d go back to his drunken conversation.
“Lady Auriella, is that a doily on your head?” he asked.
I pulled it off my head, causing a few of the beads Eleanor had meticulously placed in my hair to be flung to the ground and roll under the table. This night was already a disaster.
King Edward leaned over the man sitting next to him and gripped my knee.
I jumped and put my hand protectively over the dagger.
“Nervous?” he asked with a crooked smile.
I searched his eyes for hidden meaning. Did I look as subordinate as I felt? I didn’t exhale until King Edward released his grip on me. I turned my gaze to the lords and ladies dancing around the room, but I could still feel the king’s eyes on me. I had to distract him from his scrutinizing assessment. “Congratulations on your victory over the Scottish,” I said without looking at him. Distraction by flattery always worked with Edward.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Edward lean back and relax. “Our kingdom’s military is strong. We are undoubtedly a world power. Not even Erebus and his Shadow Legion could defeat us.” Mockery laced his tone and invited the other men to laugh at me.
The statement was a direct assault at undermining my position again. Despite his cruelty, I forced myself to smile pleasantly. “Erebus is a master tactician,” I reminded. “There is no kingdom on this planet immune to the dark powers of his Shadow Legion.” My lips lifted in one corner, and I looked into his eyes, trying to pierce trepidation into him. “If your kingdom is so well protected, perhaps I should move on and find another that needs me.” It was the best I could do at threatening him witho
ut losing my life or being banished.
“I’d rather see you married than leave the country and become a traitor.” King Edward laughed politely, but his teeth snapped together when his jaw flexed.
I pretended to be shocked by his comment. “No, Your Highness, I wouldn’t dream of leaving the country if you still need my protection.” I put my hand to my heart and batted my eyelashes innocently.
King Edward laughed and pounded his fist against the table, making the dishes rattle. The guests at the table held their wine goblets to keep the liquid from spilling. “My lady,” Edward said, “Look! I have all these strong men to protect me.” He motioned to the captains on his right and left. “I’m sure they can handle anything a Watcher could face.”
“And there’s the new captain of the guard,” one of the men added.
“That’s right,” the king said. “He should be here any moment.” He took a sip from his goblet and changed the subject. “Any suitors come to call, Lady Auriella? You’re twenty-three now, right?”
“Nineteen,” I corrected. Angry heat rose to my face. “I guess I’m doomed to be an old maid because I’m too intimidating,” I quoted Eleanor and tried to sound like I didn’t care.
The king shook his head and waved his hand. “Nonsense, you’re fragile and vulnerable just like any other female.”
I furrowed my brow. Did Edward not remember I was one of the best warriors in England? I could make fire come from my hands and owned a necklace that could heal me while I fought. I touched the ruby in the gold and silver pendant of my necklace. I turned away and pushed back the pain swelling in my heart. I had to focus on something else before I started feeling sorry for myself. I picked up a spoon and pushed at the food on my plate. Maybe if I didn’t look and act so human, the king would respect me. I looked down at the rainbow ring glistened on my finger.
The king gulped down his wine and slammed the empty goblet onto the table. “I’m sure there are more productive things a woman like you could do instead of chasing phantoms.”
He wasn’t going to let this go. He was intentionally trying to aggravate me. I shook my head. “The Shadow Legionnaires are real.”
King Edward was only partially paying attention to me as he listened in on another conversation down the table. “Yes, yes, another pile of ash, I presume.” He turned to the other discussion and made a remark.
I broke my perfect posture and leaned as far back in the chair as my corset would allow. Things had been much easier when King Henry was alive. He fully supported my position as England’s Watcher, while King Edward treated me like a nuisance. He never cared to hear any of my reports or take precautions to protect the castle against the Shadow Legion.
The king turned back to me and I prepared for another verbal beating. “Lady Auriella, would you mind saving a dance for the new captain of the guard?” His eyes wavered with drunkenness.
My jaw tightened, but I forced myself to sound polite. “Unfortunately, Your Majesty, I will be retiring early tonight.” Before he could argue, I stood from the table and marched through the crowd of nobles toward the exit. I didn’t need to be harassed like this, not even by an ignorant king.
It didn’t matter how strong England’s armies were. Humans could not stand on their own against the Shadow Legion. Erebus wanted Earth for himself, and the only way to achieve his goal was through the complete genocide of the human race. I pressed my lips into a thin line and sped toward the exit.
I didn’t feel bad about leaving early. I had made my appearance, been the source of rude entertainment for the king and his captains, and then left.
Even with the late hour, the castle seemed eerily quiet. I rushed down the vacant hall toward my room. The windows let in streams of silver moonlight and broke up the pitch dark hallway.
I dropped my hand to my side. The metal of the dagger pressed against my warm thigh. I entered my quiet room and shut the doors to drown out the sound of the war celebration. King Edward would be disappointed that I didn’t dance or even meet with his new captain of the guard.
The new captain had already accused me of being a fraud. Our relationship wasn’t going to be pleasant. I was glad I got out of there before I was forced to dance with him. My pained reflection in the mirror stared back at me. My earrings clinked when I dropped them in a porcelain dish next to the mirror. I had duties, and my duties always came before pleasure. I pulled the pins from my hair, letting the locks fall around my face.
I replaced my elaborate dress with a simple linen night gown and wandered onto the balcony. London glinted with lamplights, like the sea of stars above. The cold night air whipped through my hair and clothes, bathing me in a refreshing storm. It was selfish of me to desire more than what I had been given. It’s a flawed human trait to want what you can’t have and not appreciate what you do have. I slouched pathetically against the railing and touched my ruby necklace. If the feelings of love, loss, guilt, and helplessness were so human then why was I feeling this way?
I let out a deep sigh and looked at the night sky. Somewhere, on a planet near the North Star, the war against Erebus and his Legion started. We would finish the battle here on Earth.
I turned to my room and noticed an ivory parchment on the dresser next to my mirror. It was marked with a seal. At first, I thought it was King Edward’s seal. Of course, he never sent me letters or invitations. A crossed rose and arrow embossed the red wax seal. This wasn’t from Edward.
I carefully broke the seal and read:
Aura, London is Erebus’s next target. Help is on the way.
I looked around my room. Who had sent this? What did they mean by help is on the way? How did they know this?
The lamps in the room extinguished, darkness flooded my chambers, and the air went bitterly cold. I dropped the letter.
“Erebus,” I whispered. He was already here?
I lifted the skirt of my nightgown and slid the dagger strapped to my leg from the scabbard.
A figure stood ominously in the moonlight streaming through the balcony.
“Show yourself!” I demanded and then whispered to myself, “Oh, please don’t be a Shadow Wolf.”
The room illuminated as a flame burst to life. I squinted as the small flicker of light touched the top of an oil-soaked lamp wick.
My eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness.
As soon as I made eye contact with him, I collapsed to the ground. How could this be? All strength in my body dispersed. The dagger fell from my grip. It couldn’t be him. I covered my mouth with a quivering hand and gasped for air. This wasn’t possible.
I lifted my head and met his gaze. “Lucas?” I hadn’t spoken his name since he died, yet it fell from my lips with surprising grace. “Lucas? How –”
Lucas rushed forward and knelt on the floor beside me. I reached for him, but stopped, afraid my hand would pass through the phantom of my past. Lucas must have sensed my hesitation. He reached out and caressed my face. I leaned into his touch—solid and gentle. Calluses from the years of hard work in the stables still marked his strong, familiar hands.
As I had done hundreds of times before, I reached up and pushed back the stubborn lock of hair that always hung in his face. His jaw was firmer than I remembered, but it was him. His shoulders and chest had broadened over the years, and he was stronger, much stronger.
“Surprise,” Lucas whispered. He gave a soft, low laugh. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just saw your balcony doors open and –”
“How did you climb up here?” I didn’t wait for him to answer. I knew. It was the same way we always snuck out to be together when we lived at the manor in Oswestry.
All my tension melted away, but elation, disbelief, and confusion swirled inside me. Lucas helped me to my feet and held me close.
I stammered, trying to explain, “The crusades . . . we got a letter.” My thoughts and emotions ran together as I realized my fiancé was back from the dead.
“My lady, Auriella.” His vo
ice echoed in my mind, pulling buried emotions to the surface. “You are still so beautiful, just as I remember.” Lucas’s cold hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me close.
“You are freezing.” I hurried to the balcony doors and shut them. I held his hand to my lips and blew warm air on his fingers.
“Where have you been?” Liquid pain burned in my eyes and streamed down my cheeks. “Why didn’t you come for me sooner?” My legs shook as I leaned against him.
“I am here now,” Lucas said, with an apologetic smile. “It wasn’t easy finding you.” He kissed my hands, making me shiver. “I promised I would return for you. You can always trust me to keep my promises.”
Happy memories flooded over me. He was my best friend, and I shared all my secrets with him—every secret, but one. I had never told him about my ethereal heritage or powers, and I regretted it.
Looking back and seeing him here now, I knew Lucas would love me no matter who or what I was.
“Lucas.” I took his hands. “I have something I need to tell you.” I sat on the bed, and tried to stream my swimming thoughts into elegant words.
“What is it?” Concern washed over his face as he sat next to me. He had a look that said, “You can tell me anything.”
I furrowed my brow. “Have you talked with Alwaien?” I thought for sure Lucas would have returned to Oswestry first. That’s where he left me, and that’s where he promised to return.
“Alwaien?” Lucas looked confused.
Now I was confused. “Your brother?” I prodded.
Lucas lifted his hand to his head. “I was injured. Some of my memories aren’t as clear any more, but I have seen you in my dreams every night since I left and have thought of nothing more than returning for you.”
“I thought about you every day too,” I said and reached for his hand. So much had changed since then, but the truth about what had happened after he left crushed down on me. I keep my voice soft and sympathetic. “Lucas, I’m not the Lady of Oswestry anymore. I gave up my inheritance and title.”
I held my breath and waited for his response.
