Crown of Sunlight

by Payton Taylor

  Asteria's was as bleak as a barren desert.

  Jo felt cold being in her grandmother's thoughts, it felt. . .wrong. But the thing that Jo found most odd was that it felt like there was another person there, besides Jo and Asteria.

  Feeling thoroughly creeped out, Jo pulled out of Asteria’s mind. When she refocused on the conversation, Sunny was talking animatedly, but the queen was staring at Jo intently.

  Embarrassed at being caught, Jo’s gaze darted around the room, landing on everything except their grandmother. She could feel her grandmother's stare and started to squirm. When she chanced another glance at her, the queen was smiling, but her eyes were hard.

  Jo decided she wouldn’t enter her mind again.

  She wondered why Asteria’s thoughts were so desolate. Perhaps it was a shielding technique?

  Or maybe it’s her illness, Jo thought.

  The queen had been feeling worse and had missed several meals over the last few days. Sunny had told Jo about the Withering when they had talked about her confession to Asteria. Jo couldn't help but be suspicious of the queen, though. How did they know for sure she was on their side? Could she have been the one that brought them there? She would have to talk with her sister about it.

  Asteria turned back to Sunny. “It was just a dream, my love. I’m sure it did not mean anything.” She spoke in a warm, reassuring tone.

  Sunny looked confused at their grandmother’s dismissal of the nerve-wracking incident as Asteria changed the subject.

  “Jo, today is your first day of training, correct?” she asked.

  Jo nodded, opening her mouth to reply when the queen talked over her.

  “So strange having another Murmur in the family. We haven’t had one around since your grandfather.” She ended with a yawn. “Well, girls, I am afraid I must be going. Let me know how your training goes, Jo.” With that she stood up and swept out of the room, her nurses rushing to follow.

  Jo looked at Sunny. “Something's not right,” she whispered and quietly told Sunny what had happened when she entered Asteria’s mind.

  Sunny frowned as she listened, and Jo was glad that she wasn’t the only one who was confused by their grandmother’s odd behavior. She had been sure that she was imagining the strangely cold or suspicious glances the queen had been giving her, but now that she and Sunny were talking about it, she saw that she wasn’t the only one who’d noticed.

  "Should we run?" Sunny asked.

  Jo wanted to, but they needed to get stronger before they ran off without any plan.

  “We’ll have to keep an eye on her, but we need to strengthen our Gifts,” Jo whispered. "I don't want to meet another Swarog without being prepared."

  Sunny's face looked thoughtful, then she nodded and started twirling her hair, one of her nervous habits. “Start sleeping in my room, Jo. I don't think we should trust anyone. After the ball, when we've gotten used to our Gifts, I say we run. We find a Traveler and go home,” Sunny whispered fiercely.

  Jo agreed.

  *****

  Jo and Sunny didn’t have a hard time finding the training center. The map on the new contacts that Khione had given them was surprisingly easy to read.

  The contacts were about the size of an iPhone, but were completely clear until activated. Once activated, they had many different applications to use, much like the phones back home, except more. They were also equipped with holo-chatting and capable of projecting holographic images.

  Jo was still getting used to the more advanced technology of Writhia.

  The training center was in a secluded area, and they had to follow a short path into a patch of trees to reach it. Once inside, they gave their names to an attendant who led them to a private room where their tutor was waiting.

  The room was made especially for Murmurs, capable of blocking out the thoughts of the people outside the room.

  Their tutor was already waiting for them. He was a tall man with dark, slicked-back hair and an angular face. Jo stared at the man quizzically.

  Have I seen him before? She wondered. He looks familiar.

  His pale gaze roved over the both of them, and then stayed on Jo, almost as if he were dismissing Sunny.

  He was intense. Jo wanted to read his mind, but after the incident with their grandmother that morning she didn’t dare.

  He gave her a knowing smile, reminding her that he could also read minds.

  Hello, girls, he spoke into their minds, my name is Master Dubois. He looked at Jo, I see we have a Murmur and, his gaze switched to Sunny, a Thief.

  Jo thought she heard a note of disdain in his voice. But she didn’t have time to dwell on it because his resonant voice was spoken aloud this time, as he said, “First, we’ll work on control.”

  Chapter 18

  Westin

  Writhia, 5219

  Vianna

  Westin was concentrating so hard on shielding his thoughts from the king that he almost forgot he was holding hands with Leo Cassavant.

  Cassavant was thoroughly enjoying Westin’s discomfort at his close proximity. Though he was grateful for Leo’s ability to keep them from being seen, he resented that it required skin-on-skin contact. Westin didn’t particularly like casual touching with people he barely knew. However, Leo had undoubtedly been useful in finding out the younger sister’s relationship to Azmodeous. Westin was still reeling; his Match was the sister of his greatest enemy’s daughter.

  It was hard not to stare at Sunny, hard to avoid watching her every move. She moved like a dancer, graceful and smooth, and when she laughed his feet itched to bring him closer to her.

  My Match.

  Every time the thought rang through his head, it was followed by a wave of anxiety. He wanted to be near her, yet he knew he should stay away from her.

  A soft voice drew Westin’s attention away from Sunny to focus on her sister. Now that he knew Jo and the king were related, it was hard to believe he hadn’t realized it sooner. They looked so much alike that Westin wondered if the Viannese queen knew this girl wasn’t her son’s daughter, but the daughter of another king.

  The king was training Sunny and Jo while Westin and Leo looked on invisibly. The girls were seated in front of the king, a sheen of sweat across each of their foreheads from the grueling mental tasks he had put them through. He was testing them, pushing them to see how strong they were. Though they were both new to their abilities, neither had yet reached her limit. With every new test they passed, Westin saw a satisfied light gleam brighter in the king’s eyes.

  “I sense an absence of thoughts,” said Jo. Azmodeous had asked them to list everything they could sense, reaching out as far as they could. Jo continued, “It’s like a. . .thoughtless vacuum.”

  She lifted her hand and pointed directly to where Westin and Leo were standing. They both stiffened as the king looked in their direction.

  Sunny's eyes narrowed and it was as if she was looking directly at him and he sensed familiarity through their newly formed bond.

  Westin knew she could sense him, but he could feel her uncertainty. She was second-guessing herself.

  Westin felt Leo tense and smelled the sweat that indicated his fear. They had never been sensed before.

  Azmodeous stared in their direction for several moments, frowning. Finally, he turned back to his students. “There is nothing there, child.”

  “Oh, sorry,” Jo said, flushing. “I thought I sensed something.”

  Sunny shot her a sympathetic look.

  Even so, the king continued to glance in their direction off and on until Leo tugged Westin to the other side of the room. Thankfully, the king didn’t seem to sense their movement, though Jo and Sunny's head tilted to the side before they glanced over to their new position.

  How does she do that? Westin wondered. He could tell Cassavant was wondering the same thing.

  He knew why Sunny could sense him, but that left the question of her sister. Just how powerful was she?

  The class went on for
a while longer, and still, the sisters persisted, neither reaching their limit. However, when the king asked them to make him see an image, they had a bit of trouble and seemed to tire more quickly.

  “Your problem,” he told them, “isn’t that you aren’t strong enough. It is that you don’t understand how the mind works, how the thoughts shift. It is a very complex process. You cannot just shove a thought into someone’s mind—it requires stealth, precision, and delicacy. Your homework is to get to know each other’s minds and practice projecting thoughts to each other. When you’ve perfected that, move on to images. I expect you to be improved upon our next session.”

  Though his words were stern, his gaze softened a bit when it moved to Jo. Westin wondered if it was at all possible that the king could actually care about someone.

  As the king ended class, Jo and Sunny headed for the door. Azmodeous watched them go. Westin was surprised to see that, as the girls left, the king’s gaze followed not Jo, but Sunny. He had barely looked at her throughout the lesson, but now he watched her leave with an almost hungry expression.

  Westin felt a pang of jealousy and silently reminded himself that Sunny barely knew he existed and he had no place to feel jealous. That didn’t stop the feeling, though, or the sensation that there was something more to the king’s expression than simple lust over a pretty woman.

  As Azmodeous left, Leo and Westin followed him out, walking silently over the leaves.

  Westin’s Gift ensured he was light of foot, but he was surprised at how quietly Cassavant moved beside him. The Shadow moved like smoke. Even Westin could barely hear his breathing or footsteps as they walked side by side. Westin was beginning to understand why the members of the king’s court referred to Leo as The Spider.

  As he walked, the king took out his contact and pushed a button before holding it to his ear.

  “Cerise?” he asked briskly. “Ready the guards and send for my best suit. We have a ball to attend.”

  Chapter 19

  Sunny

  Writhia, 5219

  Vianna

  Sunny couldn’t believe she was actually going to a real-life ball. She promised herself that tonight she would push away all of her dark thoughts and worries about getting home, and commit herself to living out her princess fantasy. Tonight she would have fun, make Jo laugh, look hella hot and, most importantly, she would get to dance again.

  The queen and partygoers would have no idea of their plan to escape late in the night. Sunny still wasn't perfect at using her Gift, but she felt she could sense a Traveler if she came near one. She felt bad that her grandmother would once again be without her granddaughters, and have no heir to the throne, but something wasn't right there. Sunny needed to take care of Jo and herself first, before worrying about anything—or anyone—else.

  You okay? Sunny asked in Jo's mind.

  Yeah, just nervous, Jo replied.

  They had been practicing getting to know each other's minds, just as Master Dubois had asked. It was a lot easier working with someone she was already close with, and it helped them sense when someone was in their mind. Sunny had seen their escape plan play over and over in Jo's thoughts. As if she had it on repeat.

  Relax, Sunny sent the thought. We'll make it work.

  If only I had your confidence.

  Sunny gave her a sharp look. You're awesome, you're beautiful, and you’ve got a rockin’ bod!

  Jo's shoulders shook with silent laughter, and the servants gave her a funny look.

  Most importantly, you're you. Uniquely Jo: kind, smart, and wonderful. And those smarts are what's going to help us get out of here tonight.

  Make yourself believe it.

  Sunny and Jo were getting ready together, being pampered and prodded by the stylists their grandmother had hired. Jo had to keep telling the hairstylist that her hair was naturally curly and that her curls would not fall out. The woman kept trying to use a small curling iron on her hair, insisting that the curls would loosen up over time while Jo insisted back that her curls weren’t capable of loosening.

  Sunny’s own stylist had pulled her hair into a classy updo. All of her hair was swept back from her face into a bun on the crown of her head. It looked like one of those impossible updos she had seen on the internet.

  When she was done, she looked in the mirror and blinked several times. She was at a loss for words. She had never looked so elegant. She looked like a real princess. Her navy blue gown flowed over her curves, mermaid-style. It had a sweetheart neckline and was completely backless, showing off her Mark. Blue and topaz jewels covered the bodice and created a pretty pattern across the skirt.

  Ooh la la, Sunny thought, turning back and forth in front of the mirror. She felt sexy.

  She looked over to see Jo doing the same thing. Jo’s dress was more revealing than Sunny would have expected from the girl who’d never even owned a mini-skirt. The dress was made of thin, pale pink lace that hugged her chest and flared out from her hips. A coral pink silk slip underneath came down to mid-thigh, leaving the rest of Jo’s legs visible through the lace. The front and back both had a deep V, though the front didn’t plunge nearly as much as the back. Her hair circled her head in a thick braid with loose curls brushing her cheeks and shoulders.

  Jo looked over and grinned before giving a twirl.

  There was a knock on the door before their grandmother let herself in. She was wearing a long sleeved coral gown with a silk navy belt, and her hair was swept up and topped with a golden crown. In her hands were two small, ornate boxes.

  When her eyes landed on Sunny and Jo, she let out a gasp. “The two jewels of the Viannese kingdom! You girls look breathtaking! I brought you something!”

  She laid the boxes on the vanity before opening them to show two magnificent golden tiaras. Jo and Sunny glanced at each other, and Sunny suppressed a giddy squeal.

  Asteria picked up the first tiara and stood on her tiptoes until Jo crouched down enough for her to place it on her head. Asteria had been acting more and more withdrawn, but tonight she seemed positively thrilled. When Jo stood up and looked in the mirror, Sunny could tell she wanted to bounce up and down with excitement, but she refrained.

  Then Asteria picked up the other tiara and walked over to place it on Sunny’s head. At least Sunny didn’t have to crouch. When the queen leaned back to look at her, she smiled a wistful smile. “This could be a crown someday,” she whispered.

  Sunny tried to smile back, but she was sure it looked more like a grimace.

  “And now for your escorts.” Their grandmother walked over and opened the door. In walked Seren and another man who looked very much like him.

  This must be Kian , she thought.

  Sunny immediately sensed he was a Tempo, someone who always knew the exact time. Some had been known to have the ability to stop time and even reverse time completely, but she knew this man was not that powerful.

  “I’ve asked Seren and his brother, Kian, to be your personal guards. Of course, two princesses require two guards," the queen started, then Seren spoke up.

  "That's not what happened. I volunteered. I know you think I'm odd, but I'm observant and good at what I do." Seren said and the queen flushed.

  Sunny had never seen Seren look so determined.

  Kian scowled and Jo started wringing her hands. Sunny stared at each person in the room, feeling the tension rise, before she finally said, "I think it's a great idea. Jo and I are the princesses. . .shouldn't we have a say in the matter?"

  All eyes went to her, but she didn't back down. Then a gentle smile touched Asteria's lips. "Spoken like a true queen," she said.

  Crap, that wasn’t what I was trying to do , Sunny thought.

  Sunny may have imagined it, but she thought she saw Kian's scowl lift the tiniest bit.

  "Very well, don't let me down," the queen said to Seren and Kian, then glanced back to Jo and Sunny. "I'll see you out there."

  As soon as the queen left, Seren walked over to Sunny and crouc
hed down, rolling one of the gems on her dress gently between his fingers.

  Examining its texture, his expression was hyper- focused.

  Kian looked at them as if daring them to say anything. "Seren. . ."

  "It's okay, Kian. Jo and Sunny told me to be myself and," he glanced back at Sunny with a thoughtful look, "judging by her body language, she doesn't care if I do this, either."

  Kian sighed, and in his mind, Sunny saw Seren when he was a young boy. He walked up to a woman with a sequined tote. He started rubbing the material on his hand, and the woman shoved him to the ground, thinking he was trying to steal from her. Just as Kian reached Seren, he was hyperventilating, rocking back and forth on the ground. By the way Jo worried her lip, Sunny knew she had seen as well.

  Sunny bent down and pulled the bottom of her dress up slightly, and ripped off one of the jewels.

  "Here," she said and handed the gem to

  Seren.

  He grinned in reply, rolling it between his fingers. "Thanks."

  He moved his hand in a gesture that reminded Sunny of jazz hands. Kian clenched his jaw and hovered nearby, poised to pounce like a predator at any wrong move from Sunny or Jo.

  Sunny arched an eyebrow at him in question.

  “That means shiny,” Kian said in a gruff voice. “He’s using the Sea Language of the Subaqueans.”

  Sunny frowned, not understanding.

  Kian sighed. “They live underwater, so they use hand gestures to communicate. It’s also used by people who have trouble communicating, whether they can’t hear or have trouble speaking.” His tone was annoyed as if talking to a three-year-old.

  Oh , Sunny thought. So it’s like sign language.

  She wondered if Seren had used it before, but they hadn’t noticed because they weren’t aware of it.

  Kian looked like an older, sterner version of Seren. Both were wearing fitted, navy blue jackets that emphasized their athletic builds and matching slacks. Their jackets each had a golden sun, the symbol of the Viannese kingdom, pinned to their breast. Sunny noticed Kian’s hands had golden markings on them, similar to the band around Seren's bicep.