Crown of Sunlight

by Payton Taylor

  Jo took one last look in the mirror to make sure she looked presentable. She particularly liked her hair that day, the gel the maids had used was a miracle worker. What was usually a mass of frizzy curls now fell down her back in perfect, flowing ringlets. She felt like one of the girls from a shampoo commercial.

  She looked around her room that was just as beautiful as Sunny’s, but with a different color scheme. Whereas Sunny’s room was teal and pink, Jo’s room was done in aquamarine and pale orange.

  She smoothed her dress down and left her room to meet Sunny in the hall like she did every morning, reminding her of their morning routine back home.

  A pang of sadness tore through her. Instead of leaving for work, they were going to meet their queenly grandmother for breakfast to discuss today's royal schedule.

  Oh, how times have changed, she thought with a sigh.

  Sunny came out of her room wearing a dress much like Jo's except it was light blue, bringing out her eyes beautifully. Her golden blonde hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves.

  "You look hideous!” Jo said in a horrible cockney accent.

  Sunny grinned, her eyes lighting up. "As do you, my dear sister," she replied in the same accent. "You guys are so mean to each other," Seren said, coming out of his room.

  They both laughed. "We're just kidding, Seren," Jo replied. "We have a weird sense of humor."

  He looked at them for a moment before his features erupted in a smile.

  The three of them walked to the giant room that their grandmother referred to as the family dining room. They never needed help finding any location because Seren had memorized the layout of the castle.

  The room was huge with a vaulted ceiling. Everything was beige, coral, and navy blue. There was a long wooden table in the center of the room, with fancy, high-backed chairs. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. The savory scents of breakfast drifted through the room, making Jo's stomach grumble.

  Their grandmother was seated at the head of the table wearing her usual ivory gown, her hair coiffed regally. Though she tried to hide it, she still looked ill, and Jo wondered when the appropriate time to ask what was wrong would appear.

  Sitting to the queen's left was Khione, and further down was their grandmother’s two nurses, Jada and Milo. A guard stood at the door, his uniform the Viannese colors of coral and navy blue.

  Jo, Sunny, and Seren all sat to Asteria's right side. Jo wasn't sure when Seren would go back home, as he seemed content to stay there with them. They had all become rather fond of Seren, and she would be sad to see him go.

  A voice spoke up in the back of her mind.You’ll never see him again, anyway. You're going home soon.

  The table was already loaded with eggs and rolls and some type of meat, with glasses of sweet red juice at each plate. Though some of the food was the same as back home, many things were quite different, and Jo and Sunny were still getting used to the meats and oddly colored fruit. They had chicken and steak, but there were also other animals Jo had never heard of that they cooked and ate here.

  Jo and Sunny had asked for coffee, but no one had understood the word and there wasn't a translation for it in Valadan. After a dozen attempts to explain what it was, a servant had brought them some kind of dark tea called kahv. It tasted a tad bitter, with a hint of a creamy undercurrent. It would take some getting used to, but as the familiar feeling of caffeine began buzzing in her veins, Jo decided it would do.

  "So, girls," Asteria began after everyone had filled their plates. She seemed quite jovial this morning, her eyes shining with excitement. "I have decided to throw a ball in your honor!" she declared as if expecting them to jump with joy.

  "Oh, umm. . .that sounds nice," Jo said softly, not really knowing how to react to the news.

  Asteria frowned. "Allow me to explain. Every time a new heir to the throne is born, the kingdom has a ball in their honor. While we had one when Noelani—sorry, Sunny—was born, we had no idea of your existence, Josephine. And now that we have you both back, I thought we could just do it now, as a way to reintroduce you to the kingdom."

  "Oh, you really don't have to do that," Sunny said. "Please, don't go through all that trouble."

  Jo nodded in agreement.

  Jo and Sunny shared a look. They didn't want to sound rude to their grandmother, but their primary goal was to go back home, not stick around Vianna going to balls and getting to know people.

  "We just don't have a lot of balls back home," Jo tried to explain. "We've actually never been to one."

  "Please," their grandmother said quietly. "I want to do this."

  Sunny and Jo couldn't say no to the fragile woman, so they smiled and pretended to be excited.

  Their grandmother sighed in relief. "Luckily, I am great friends with the emperor of Morianna, and his daughter visits often.”

  The doors opened, and a girl about Jo and Sunny's age entered.

  "Oh, here she is now. Marzanna, dear, welcome. Marzanna will help you adjust and show you around the city when she takes you to get fitted for your dresses for the ball. Girls, meet Marzanna Chors. Marzanna, my granddaughters, Sunny and Josephine."

  The girl before them was tall, maybe even taller than Jo, with flawless dark skin and an aura of peace and tranquility. Her hair was braided into dozens of tiny braids with flowers woven through them and she had kind green eyes. She wore a pale pink gown in the Viannese fashion.

  Her Mark was a bit difficult to see due to her dark complexion, but upon closer inspection, Jo noticed it was dark green and shaped like a vine covered with flowers that twined down her arm.

  She gave everyone in the room a bright smile, and Jo noticed she flushed a little as her gaze lingered on Khione.

  Ugh, why does she always fluster me, Jo heard Marzanna's thoughts.

  As she walked over to take a seat beside Seren, Khione's eyes followed her across the room.

  Jo overheard Seren's thoughts as Marzanna sat next to him.

  She smells good, like the lilacs in Lizea's living room. Should I say that? Is that strange? No, Kian says people like compliments. . ."

  Jo blocked out the rest of his thoughts.

  Though she didn't have a problem reading minds to keep her and her sister safe, she didn't want to invade the privacy of the people she trusted. And though she hadn't known him long, Jo decided she trusted Seren.

  A moment later, Seren spoke up as if he'd made up his mind. "Hello, my name is Seren. You smell nice."

  He looked relieved when Marzanna beamed back at him. "Thank you, Seren. I am Marzanna." Her voice had a slight accent, lyrical and with rolling r's, unlike anything they had heard so far.

  Then she looked at Jo and Sunny.

  "It's very nice to meet you all. I look forward to getting to know you."

  *****

  After they finished eating, Jo and Sunny went dress shopping with Marzanna for the ball.

  Seren stayed behind, as the Queen said she needed to speak with him about something.

  Asteria sent a guard to drive them, and follow them through the square, another thing Jo and Sunny weren't used to. Thankfully, their guard stayed a short distance behind them, trying to appear inconspicuous.

  As the three of them tried on countless dresses, Marzanna had explained to them that she was a Botano, someone who could control plants.

  "So that's why I've had the sudden urge to take up gardening," Sunny said, grinning.

  Marzanna and Jo laughed. "I forgot you could sense other's Gifts. What's that feel like?"

  "Overwhelming," Sunny replied.

  Marzanna’s eyes drifted over to Jo, I wonder if she knows about the Ettrian King.

  Jo frowned, and Marzanna’s eyes widened. "Sorry, I can't control my thoughts," she said, realizing Jo had heard. They must know how I feel about Khione! Her thoughts sounded panicked as she blushed.

  Jo put a hand on Marzanna’s arm. "Relax, we understand no one can control their thoughts. We're not actively picking through anyone's
minds unless we feel threatened. Although, we would like to know about the Ettrian King, please."

  "Well, King Azmodeous is a Murmur. The most powerful one Writhia has ever known. That's why it's odd, Jo, that you and him both have the same Gift. I only know of three other people in Writhia who are a Murmur: King Azmodeus, his second-in-command, Cerise, and the man your grandmother chose to be your tutor. It's very rare." She looked around to make sure no one was listening then lowered her voice, "King Azmodeous. . .he keeps to himself. I don't think he's very kind. I've only traveled through Ettria once, and. . .something was off about him. I don't know how to explain, but maybe steer clear of there if you can." Her eyes were grave.

  "Well, hopefully, we’ll never meet him," Sunny said, "And, to be honest, we're going back home at some point. We just need to find a Traveler. Do you know of any?"

  "I don't personally, but what about your grandmother? You're her heir."

  Jo and Sunny shared a look, and in that look, Jo knew Sunny was going to be her usual blunt self.

  "I'm no queen, Marzanna, and, honestly, I don't want to be queen, either. I'm glad Jo and I have gotten to meet our grandmother and learn about our father, but we don't belong here. We need to go back home. You can understand that, right?"

  Marzanna nodded sadly. "I was looking forward to having friends here my own age, but I understand," she said quietly.

  "Thank you," Jo said.

  "Yes, thank you," Sunny said, and then, "So what's up with you and Khione?" She asked the question with a devilish grin.

  Marzanna sputtered, while Jo said, "Sunny!" and lightly elbowed her.

  Sunny chuckled, "What? You're freaking gorgeous girl, go for it." When Marzanna looked even more embarrassed, Sunny said, "Sorry, you don't have to tell us. I just couldn't resist asking. I sometimes have a weakness for gossip," she nodded her head in mock sadness as if her weakness was truly horrible. "I only like listening to gossip, though, not spreading it. Your secrets are safe with me." Sunny mimicked zipping her lips.

  Jo rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. Were my secrets safe with you when you told Tommy Laurens I liked him in the ninth grade?"

  "Okay, first, I have apologized time and again for that incident. B, I already knew he wanted some Jo goodies. And three, you had a date for the homecoming dance. You're welcome."

  Jo couldn't help but laugh even as she launched into a list of other times Sunny had blurted something out she wasn't supposed to.

  "Mrs. Tiddwell?" she accused.

  "That woman was terrifying and you know it," Sunny sniffed.

  "The cornfield incident?"

  "It was the cops, we had to run."

  Marzanna looked extremely amused at their banter as they continued through Creseon, her head bouncing back and forth as if watching a ping-pong match.

  As they walked through the crowds, Jo couldn't help but be distracted by the bustling city. Large, flashing screens blared news segments and advertisements from every direction. Hover cars— transports, Jo corrected—zipped by, honking at one another while drivers yelled at each other to go faster.

  Jo jumped as yet another hologram appeared before her.

  "Hello there!" The translucent woman chirped before fanning herself, "It sure is a hot day here in Vianna. What do you think, Xander?"

  A holographic man appeared, a hand on his hip and an unnaturally wide smile across his face. "It sure is, Xylie! I sure could use a cooldown!"

  Xylie turned back to Jo, "Now, for a limited time only—"

  "No, thank you," the hologram shut off as Marzanna walked through it, grabbing Jo's hand.

  "It's nice to know that some things never change," Sunny said causing to Jo to laugh.

  Their laughter had faded when they walked into a busy intersection, and Jo was hit with a sudden onslaught of thoughts and images. She stopped and put a hand against a wall for balance while she pressed her other hand to her forehead.

  Beside her, Sunny stopped as well, body twitching. She looked down, and a flower grew out of the sidewalk due to Marzanna’s close proximity. She had a hand pressed against her head as well.

  Sunny clenched her fist and ripped a chunk of rock out of the building she was leaning against.

  Marzanna hovered over them. "Deep breaths, girls, deep breaths. I know it’s hard, I had trouble, too. I can't imagine being your age and just getting your Gifts." She reached into the pink satin bag she carried and pulled out a vial. "This is an extract from one of the plants in my garden. It will help you to relax."

  Jo took the vial and took a sip, her muscles immediately relaxing so she could focus on pushing the anxious thoughts out.

  Sunny took a step forward to take the vial, but she let out a surprised noise as her step turned into a dead run and she took off, almost faster than their eyes could track.

  Chapter 14

  Westin

  Writhia, 5219

  Vianna

  Westin had been following the three women for hours. Well, technically, two women. The Moriannan princess was not included in this mission. Westin wished he wasn't, either. The king's orders had been clear: “ If the Viannese princesses leave the castle, abduct them.” Westin didn't know the exact details, but he knew if the king had access to two powerful princesses, there would be war.

  Especially if they were kidnapped. Though he couldn't see him, he sensed

  Cassavant following close behind. Leo's informants were the ones to notify them that the women the king was so interested in were in fact princesses and that their Gifts were that of a Thief and a Murmur. Westin's sharpened eyesight had given them the confirmation they needed since their significant Markings were so openly displayed on their backs.

  Westin had been shocked to find out that the tall brunette had shared the same Gift as King Azmodeous. He knew Leo was as well because he'd heard his sharp inhale as soon as she'd come into view.

  Westin was full of dread and curiosity as he watched the women who had now become the king's number one obsession.

  They looked completely harmless.

  The women were walking around, laughing and joking with one another. They looked like any ordinary citizens of Vianna. He felt ashamed, knowing he was spying on them for his king who he now despised.

  Westin knew the king would capture these women eventually. What King Azmodeous wanted, he took, and then he would be unstoppable. Westin could not let that happen. But how could he get out of the king's hold? He had his family to think of.

  Even if he became extremely skilled at mind- shielding, he was only one person. The king had an entire army he alone could control.

  Westin would make sure his family was taken care of and vowed he wouldn't go down without a fight. He'd rather die with honor than live a coward.

  Abruptly, the two women he sought staggered to a stop, each gripping their head and leaning against a building for support. Their guard hovered nearby anxiously.

  Westin was instantly on high alert.

  The taller of the two stood still with her eyes closed as if she had a horrible headache, but the shorter one looked as if she couldn't stand still. The Moriannan princess handed the tall brunette something to drink, but before she could give it to the light-haired woman, she took off running fast enough that even Westin had trouble tracking her.

  Good thing he was just as fast.

  Westin glanced around before taking off after her. He kept a discreet distance behind, in case there was a trap, his enhanced speed making it easy to keep up.

  The guard took off after her as well, but quickly fell behind, unable to keep up.

  The woman's head suddenly whipped in his direction.

  "It's you!" she yelled, panting.

  Westin looked behind him, and then glanced back at her, then pointed to himself. "Me?" he asked and started to run to her side.

  "Gift—" she wheezed, "I. . .please," another wheeze, "Stop!" she cried, just as he'd reached her side, and one quick glance at him was all it took.

  For she w
as running too fast and ended up running right into the gate overlooking the river.

  As her body went tumbling in the air, Westin didn't even think.

  He leaped up, grabbing her with one hand while the other found purchase on the railing of the gate. His legs flew over his body in an arch. When their skin made contact, he felt an alarming shock move through his entire body.

  Now, dangling over the bridge, he heard the girl whimper and looked down at her and his whole world shattered.

  She had a light sheen of sweat to her golden skin, her full lips parting as if to shout, but she didn't have the breath for it. But when Westin stared into her crystal blue eyes that shone with unshed tears and held such courage, such passion, such determination. . .

  He knew he'd met his Match. "Please, don't drop me," she said.

  He gasped as her fear hit him full force. It coursed through his veins, ramping up his adrenaline as if it was his own.

  "I’ve got you," he said. "When I lift you up, wrap your arms around my neck and hold on." She closed her eyes and nodded.

  With little effort, Westin brought her up to his chest. Her arms went around his neck, and a soft piece of golden hair tickled his nose. Westin couldn't help himself—he took a deep breath, inhaling the soft scent of floral shampoo.

  She felt delicate in his arms as he easily climbed up and over the railing to safety. Setting her down gently, he saw that she was as fragile as she felt.

  "Thank you," she said quietly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

  Westin couldn't believe this was his Match, the person the gods had picked solely for him. The person he would now form a bond with, a bond so strong they would be able to feel each other’s emotions. He'd never believed the stories he'd heard about people meeting their Matches when they touched, but now he knew that it was real.

  His eyes couldn't stop roaming over her, drinking in every detail. Her blue gown hugged her toned, yet shapely body. A rivulet of sweat cascaded down into the neckline of her dress and Westin watched, mesmerized.

  Until he heard a throat clearing. "Like what you see?" she asked.