Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

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  Kai splashed water across his face. Stubble raked across his palms. In the mirror, he looked at his reflection. His little boy face was long gone. He was a man now. Tonight, he would try again to connect with his father.

  Next to his water basin sat a large wooden box containing his straight razor and shaving powder. He hadn’t shaved in days, but today was important. He wanted to confront Iver about his future.

  Clean-shaven, he pulled on a fresh white shirt. Feeling a little too warm, he opened his balcony doors and let in the cool spring air. Below he watched the guards patrol the grounds. Kai noticed a difference. Where there were four men yesterday, now only two stood guard. Finally, he thought.

  Outside his room, he scanned the hall. No guard waited to shadow him. The palace was back to normal, men did not loiter around every doorway.

  Before he could close his door again, he heard Kendra. As he buttoned his shirt cuff, he turned to address her. “You wanted to talk the other night, but Cordelia was unwell. How is she, by the way? Better, I hope.” He’d heard the rumor she had the same illness Nola had. He very much doubted that, since Nola was deliberately given a sickness. Riome wouldn’t dare risk his sister’s life to cover her tracks. Would she?

  “She is considerably better. Her fever is gone, and her cough is much better. But I did not come to talk about your sister. I came to talk about your future. Have you made a decision?”

  Kai fastened his cufflink. “I need to speak to my father first.”

  “I think you should travel to Katori. Not because you will suffer greatly if you don’t. The pain will pass. Not because you will lose your gifts. Plenty of Katori people live without special gifts. I think you are meant to go. It is something I cannot explain, but I felt guided, almost pressured to encourage you this morning. I don’t believe…” her voice trailed off and she looked away.

  “Kendra, we agreed—no more secrets.” Kai lowered his head to find her eyes.

  “I do not believe you are meant to destroy our world but change it.” She cupped her hand over her mouth. “I should not have said that.”

  “What do you mean? Who says I am meant to destroy your world?” His face twisted with concern. “Kendra.”

  Taken aback, she tilted her head. “Sabastian told me I should not return to Katori. The elders are angry with me. I have helped you too much. I believe they are keeping Haygan in Katori. They do not want him helping you anymore.”

  Kai watched doubt change her expression. “I am full Katori,” he placed a hand on her shoulder, “we know that now. I am not a Half-Light. I have every right to go to Katori. And let’s be fair, most of what I learned I did on my own. Yes, you helped me search for my mother. And it was probably a mistake to light up the world. But what’s done is done.”

  “Every Katori felt your power that night. With the arrival of the Caroco ships and Keegan, I am sure the Chiefs and the Uni came to the same conclusion—you are no Half-Light. Kai, your future is not set in stone. Be your own man. Let Alenga guide your soul.”

  “Kendra, what are you not saying?”

  “I have so much to lose, Kai. I want to go home. Katori is my home. I want to raise a family there. My children must know their homeland.”

  “I will not force you to tell me, but I would be better equipped if I knew what you do.”

  “That’s just it, Kai. I cannot be certain. They cannot be certain. Everyone fears change. The loss of control. Legend speaks of a story depicted on the walls of Alenga’s lost Agora. Literally carved in stone. Two warriors stand against one man. A man whose soul is as black as night. Our chiefs believe they will destroy our way of life. Lucca is certain the symbols point to war among our people. I believe you may be one of those warriors, but again I can only guess. The carving also shows two maidens—young Lumens—who will change Katori. Perhaps your children.” She paused to let him absorb her words. “If the chiefs can prevent you from completing the Conhaspriga, they may avoid a horrible future.”

  “Let me guess. Keegan, my father, is the man with the black soul. I saw his crystal—solid black. Who is the other warrior?”

  “You know Kai, I was as shocked as you to learn your mother’s secret, but it makes sense to me now—why she did not return. Katori would have been the first place Keegan would have searched when she fled. Being pregnant with Keegan’s child she probably feared the elders might shun her. Chief Lucca being her father would have made no difference.

  “I knew Keegan,” Kendra stared at her hands, “when I was young. He lost his way years ago, when he attacked Agora. If there is anyone whose soul has turned black, it’s his. As for the other man. There is one man who could fit the story. I believe your grandfather—Keegan’s own father, is the other warrior. Most believe Benmar is dead, or at the very least half-crazy. The last anyone heard, he was living on top of the Katori Mountains. Nobody sees him anymore. But I have seen him. Spoken with him in this very room. Years ago. He left you his book. It sits there on your shelf: The Invisible Thief. I am sure you recall finding it on your desk the day you moved into this room.”

  Kai peered at his bookshelf. “I remember the book. How could he get into the palace?”

  “Your grandfather has a very special gift. He can turn invisible. Even if you gleaned to search for him, he remains hidden. It is this magic Keegan sought, but could not attain. Drove him crazy trying.”

  “But…” Kai stared at her and then the book, “that was a work of fiction.”

  Suddenly unsure, he stepped to retrieve the book. The leather binding was weathered, the individual pages stitched together. Handmade. He had known the book did not come from the library. It felt and looked old. He had simply assumed it was left behind by cousin Cazier during his childhood. “You mean to tell me the story is true?”

  “I have not read the book,” Kendra admitted. “I have no idea if the story is true. I just know your grandfather left it for you. He said it was a way to get to know him. His cunning nature. His sense of humor, his courage. Even see his rebellious choices. Like I said, I never read the book. I simply put it on your desk as he instructed and let you read it.”

  His head swam with information. Invisible warriors—Lumens—his own children. More curious than ever, he had a thousand questions.

  Before he could ask, Kendra interrupted his thoughts. “Look, what matters first is making your decision. I cannot speak for your mother, but as someone who cares deeply for your future, I believe you should go. I have watched Rayna over the years, her Katori light shines bright. Talk to her. She needs to understand. She needs to tell her parents she may never return.”

  “You think Rayna will leave with me?” Kai asked.

  “I have no doubt Rayna will follow. She may be torn about leaving them, but she will go with you. I would lay my life on it. She learned to glean to be closer to you. Everything she has done: the nightly running, even the minor hand-to-hand combat you’ve taught her. She has endured it all to be closer to you.”

  He thought about what to say. The decision would need to be Rayna’s. His words could not sway her into leaving. “Thank you for the advice. I will speak to her again.”

  Kendra walked to the door. “Don’t wait too long. You should leave within a few days of your birthday. I believe your father is dining in his room tonight. I saw maid Mary carry in a tray before I came to speak with you.” Her lips pursed in a straight line. Graciously she nodded and left.

  Kai was irritated by the news. Tonight would be another wasted night. Disappointed, he made his way down to the kitchen to dine with Lizzie and Dean. Happy to have him, they made a place at the table. Although it was highly irregular for a prince to eat with the servants, Kai didn’t care. He cared for them deeply. They were every bit his family. Shared laughter warmed his soul. He would genuinely miss them when he left.

  On his way out, Julia stopped him. “Kai, have you spoken with Shane? You should find him. Not sure it is my place to tell you, but he is making plans
to move to Albey. I plan to join him.” She smiled bashfully.

  “I will speak to him. Thank you, Julia,” he nodded in response. “Shane mentioned he’d sailed back to Albey twice in the past two months.”

  Julia shook her head. “The new year did not start well.”

  Kai rolled his eyes. “The Winter Festival is meant to celebrate the new year; instead this man Keegan turned it into a night of fear. Then with the battle in Port Anahita a few days later, security has surrounded me. Shane and I have not spoken since.”

  Parting ways, Kai walked outside. The evening air felt thin and cold. After a few warm evenings, tonight’s shift surprised him. After another failed attempt to speak with his father, he felt the need to find Rayna. He watched her from afar as she left the bakehouse. She pressed one hand to the side of her temple, and each step seemed to be agonizing. Unable to go any further, she sat in the grass outside. Knees up, she held her head. She rubbed her temples.

  He wanted to go to her. Like him, she suffered from the effects of their delay in performing the Conhaspriga. Near the edge of the orchard, he waited for her to see him, he leaned against the stone wall that surrounded the orchard. Her pain worried him. Still, he gave her time to calm her mind, release the tension.

  Feeling better, Rayna looked up. He waved. Quick to her feet, she joined him in the orchard. Once hidden within the trees, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him without warning, and he let her. After everything, this was the first time he’d been alone with her since new year’s night.

  Rayna held him tight. “I’ve missed you so much. It has been torture not being able to speak with you since you returned. I can hardly enter the kitchen or the laundry without being questioned. What do they think I might do?” Her tone was sassy but light.

  “Don’t worry about the guards. They are keeping order. Dante is not willing to make another mistake. Landon’s betrayal hurt Dante. Landon lived here for years. We thought he was one of us. Anyway. We have more important things to discuss.” Kai gleaned their surroundings for guards. “Are your headaches getting worse? How is your fever?”

  “No fever today, but my head hurts. It helps to sit and rub my temples. Meditation helps release the tension, but the headaches only return. Thank Alenga for Charlotte. She is a blessing to my parents, a blessing to our family. Did you hear that Charlotte married the blacksmith’s apprentice? She will be a permanent addition now.”

  “I had heard. Speaking of Charlotte helping your parents, have you told them you may be leaving?” he asked delicately.

  She looked away. “I have not. I am not sure I can leave my parents, but I want to go with you. Honestly, I am not sure what to do. How can I leave them? They would never understand.”

  “They will understand,” Kai assured her. “Charlotte was hired to ensure the bakery ran smoothly. Your father knows you were planning to move to Albey. It was all you talked about last fall. Why change your mind now?”

  She twisted her hair between her fingers. “I am not going to Albey. I am going to Katori. They would never understand. How would they visit me? We both know they could not come to see me. There is no way to know if I will ever come back. Ever see them again.”

  He understood her hesitation. It would not be an easy decision. “You need to make a choice. Either way, your parents will understand. Be as honest as you can about where you are going. Tell them you are searching for your birth parents. Tell them we are leaving to see where my mother was born. Tell them whatever you wish—aside from the actual truth.” He ran his hand down her forearm.

  She looked away. “I need more time. Please don’t make me choose today.”

  “I would never make you choose. Follow your own path. Talk to your parents. You do not have to make your decision alone. Let them help you. I promise they will listen. They are more observant than you may believe.” Along the orchard’s periphery, he sensed guards pacing. “I must go.” Kai kissed her cheek, and they parted ways.

  Chapter 26

  Clarity

  Head pounding, Kai buttoned his shirt. He’d been having headaches for days. Thankfully his body had not yet spiked with fever; still, he did not feel right. An urge nagged at him to leave Diu. It was apparent, he should have left weeks ago for Katori, but nothing was going as he’d hoped. Now the rite of passage was upon him, and if he did not leave soon, his power would burn out.

  If only he could ask his uncle what he should do. Stay or go. Unfortunately, Haygan had not returned from his winter trip to Katori. Kai wondered if it was his fault his uncle was detained. Kendra believed the Katori elders must be keeping him.

  Kendra provided no new information. Unfortunately, his young sister Cordelia was four, and she loved repeating phrases. It was impossible to speak privately, as she needed more attention. He dared not take a chance Cordelia might repeat something they discussed.

  Kai originally thought being called to Katori would feel exciting, but he knew better now. The closer it got to his seventeen birthday, the more uncomfortable he felt. The question was what should he do? Should he make the journey and finish the Conhaspriga? Or let his gifts burn out? He knew he had already made his decision, but he wanted to be sure. These were not questions he would solve today. Today was about another matter. Overwhelmed with anticipation, he left his room.

  Taking a deep breath, Kai knocked on the open door to his father’s study. He had built up the courage to talk about his future. Speech prepared, he planned to tell his father about how he felt for Amelia. He needed to convince him they were a poor match, he loved her like a sister. He needed to convince the king there was another option.

  “Father, may I speak with you?” Without waiting for a reply, he continued. “I turn seventeen tomorrow, and I am aware you have plans for my future. The security of Diu and its peaceful connection to Milnos depends on uniting our two countries. I know this summer I am to travel to their city and spend the year before the wedding preparing to be king.” His heart ached at the idea.

  Iver silently offered Kai a seat while he stoked the fire. The chilly mornings still had a chill in the air, and the fire’s warmth felt like a cozy blanket. His father tossed a new log on the fire and knowingly took in his son’s nervous demeanor. “I am listening.”

  Anxious, Kai watched the flames pop and crack around the newly placed wood. No matter how many times he had rehearsed this moment, he knew it might not change anything. He took another breath and let his hands fall to his lap. Posture open, he looked seriously at his father. “I know duty commands Amelia and me to honor the betrothal made all those years ago. I understand you need someone you can trust in Milnos, someone bound by blood, loyal to the crown. Loyal to you.”

  Interrupting, Iver put up his hand to calm his son. “Son, you are nervous about the move and the marriage. It is a big step for someone at any age. You will have a year together in Milnos before…” Iver stopped short. The frustration on Kai’s face must have caught his eye. “Do you need a moment to compose yourself?” He gestured towards Kai’s white knuckles.

  Unaware he was gripping the chair, Kai rubbed his hands together. “Father, Tolan’s love for her is true, and she feels the same for him. Why trap us?”

  “I know how Tolan feels towards Amelia,” Iver replied. “It is why he continues to campaign to be stationed in Milnos. Just as I know that you care for Rayna. Everyone knows.” Iver paused. “I warned you. Others warned you. Your duty commands you to honor my commitment. The future of our country depends on your loyalty.”

  Waving off his father’s justification, Kai bellowed. “I cannot, will not, marry my sister. That is how I feel for Amelia—it would be wrong. And if I need another reason not to go, I am not your son. If anyone found out, it would tarnish your word.” His words spewed like an angry wave.

  Unhappy with how this was going, Kai rocked back into his seat. Nothing was coming out right. His emotions twisted each word. There had to be another way to say what he felt. No, he needed to let go of
the emotional side and appeal to his father as a king.

  Iver plopped into the sofa, visibly shaken by Kai’s words. “Is that how you really feel? I know you are angry, but I never thought…” He brushed the front of his lips with his fingers. “I don’t know what I thought. But all these years I have loved you as my own. You are my son, now and forever. Unless you feel different...” Iver tilted his head, waiting for his son’s response.

  Kai wiped his brow. Heat welled in his core. He needed to relax. “I’m sorry for my outburst. I do consider you my father, always and forever. But you know it is true. If somehow the truth came out, it could spell disaster for both of us. Diu, Nebea, everyone would question every decision you’ve ever made. The legitimacy of Aaron and Seth...” Kai crossed his arms. “I cannot deny my decision is influenced by my own feelings for Rayna. I want to be with the person I love. Like you chose my mother.”

  Shifting in his seat, Kai touched his chest. He could feel his mother’s necklace rest against his chest. Searching for anything he thought would sway his father he shook his head. “Before you decide, allow me to offer one more consideration. Strategically, Tolan fits the role of King of Milnos. He is unquestionably loyal, with years of military experience and political connections. He has spent considerable time in Milnos, learning the area and their culture. His rank as captain means he could become a Kempery-man or a Duke, like his father. His strategic thinking during the battle of Port Anahita saved the city. He personally saved Aunt Helena and Uncle Kaeco. He is a decorated hero. His love for Amelia is true. His love for Diu is true.”

  That was all he could come up with—either his father would see reason, or Kai and Amelia would be trapped forever.

  Iver’s eyes drifted from one idea to the next. The room fell quiet. Only the crackle of the fire was left to challenge the silence. As Iver was often known to do, he paced around his study, calculating every possible outcome. Somehow movement aided him in finding clarity.