Clara and Claire

by Lindsey Richardson

  Ezra ignored my question, but I feared being isolated. Despite the trust I gained for Ezra, tonight I needed to focus on my own survival before Claire’s. I was in the most vulnerable position with no one but this man to either help or harm me.

  We walked toward the dining room, but Ezra stopped at a door before it. The door looked nearly identical to the others in the castle, though the doorknob was rusted. Some of the wood was faded and marked. Ezra waved his hand over the door and turned the knob. He motioned for me to step inside first.

  I walked inside with little expectations of anything comforting. However, this room seemed larger than the dining room. I watched as Ezra joined me, closing the door behind him. He waved his hand over the knob again, and we were “safe.”

  The room reminded me of the library, though seemingly larger. Bookshelves covered the walls, but stepping closer, I realized there were no ordinary titles on the spines. Instead it described the type of spells each one contained. A large desk in the middle of the room was covered with opened spell books. Candles lit up the room, but I felt as though I had regained a lost part of home. Some books contained ripped pages or loose spines, but their handwritten words received no harm.

  I glanced at a large desk, which Ezra paced in front of, ignoring me altogether.

  “What is this room for? No one ever mentioned it before,” I said, glancing at the door. It had been protected by magic for a reason. The room was silent compared to the chaos that ensued upstairs. The only way we would hear someone was if they entered inside.

  “This room is a secret only certain people in the Council know about. Jhase, Gemma, and myself are the only ones with knowledge of this room. Declan will be informed of its existence when he marries Claire. Since spell books are rarely used in Ninomay, this is a sanctuary. It’s a temporary hideaway,” Ezra explained. Though he stopped and stood in front of the desk. I turned and faced the bookshelves again. If I had seen something like this in Rajoor no one would have believed me.

  “In Rajoor this room would be worth a fortune,” I said.

  Ezra chuckled. “I know. I lived there once too. Though my memories of it are vague, I learned a lot about it from my uncle. You’re not an outcast, Clara.”

  “Was the fire an accident? Or did someone try to kill me? After the Council learns about my relationship to Claire, a fire just so happens to start in my room? I’m in constant danger... even now as I am here with you.” I turned and faced him, but his head lowered. Perhaps I sounded harsher than I had intended, but I remained honest. Ezra held advantages over me, and if he wanted to destroy me this was his golden opportunity.

  “If I’m the assassin, shouldn’t I kill you now?” Ezra sat down at a chair in the corner of the room, folding his arms over his chest.

  I shrugged and grabbed the spell book closest to me, flipping a page. It did not matter if I had proof of who the assassin was. Whether either of us wanted to admit it, the killer was in this castle. Perhaps they remained on the premise while we wasted time arguing with each other. Ezra could be right. I might accuse the wrong man. Letting my guard down would require complete confidence in my decision.

  ‘What was that thing I saw upstairs? Did it try to harm you?”

  I blinked and shrugged again. He growled and jumped up from his seat, rushing to where I stood. Suddenly I was the cornered animal and he the hunter. My fears of him being the assassin flashed through my head likes images from a nightmare.

  I held out my hand, prepared to cast a spell if he tried anything. Instead he stood in front of me and withdrew a small staff from his belt. He threw it on the table, reaching behind his back he pulled out a dagger and chucked it in front of me as well. He held up his hands, surrendering to me.

  In a whisper he said, “Your move.”

  I glanced at the weapons on the desk and slowly lowered my hand. I expected him to retrieve the weapons as soon as I surrendered, but he did not. He stared at me and waited, breathing heavily. His nostrils flared, but his eyes remained calm. They were the eye of the storm, and the only reminder that he was the same man who promised me a safe return home.

  Sighing, I said, “My magic is… not like anyone’s I’ve ever witnessed. My mother sought the guidance from numerous healers and mages, but no one could ever explain it. I am different, and I’ve never told anyone about it.”

  The corners of Ezra’s mouth turned down, and a wave of calmness washed over his face. His eyes glistened, and he knelt down as I debated on how to continue. No one forced me in this moment to tell Ezra the truth. I could tell him what he wanted to know and leave it at that. On the other hand, telling someone the complete story would be a relief. I had held in the truth behind my magic since I was old enough to cast spells. Someday I did not desire to hide in the shadows about my powers. If anyone knew the strength of my powers they might not challenge me at all.

  “I learned magic the same way all children do in Rajoor. Spell books were my mentors, and I practiced everyday. I didn’t need hand motions or words to perform spells. If the thought was in my mind I commanded my body to perform it. It happens without hesitation.”

  I shuddered. “But what you saw tonight was nothing that could harm me. It is a part of my magic, and another mystery no one can solve. That dark figure came to me during a time of need. My father... Isaak beat my mother one night. They argued over everything, but on that particular night he threatened to take me away. It would just be he and I alone, and even as a young girl I hated the idea. He tried to grab me and drag me out of the house, but I stopped him. The dark spirit appeared and pushed him away. It was because of my magic that he was finally arrested.”

  Ezra paced once more, and I watched him silently. No one knew about the dark spirit that protected me besides my mother and Isaak. Not even Ren knew, despite the years we spent together. Perhaps the new knowledge of my powers scared him. Mother warned me that my magic was not safe to perform in public. After Isaak’s arrest she had begged me to not use it unless absolutely necessary. We had witnessed its strength and the danger that came from using it.

  “But this dark spirit did not protect you when Gemma kidnapped you?”

  “No, and I can’t explain why. I’ve tried to control it, but over the years I’ve learned I have no control. It’s as if it has a mind of its own. Tonight I didn’t even know it was there until you told me,” I said. For endless nights I had wondered why the dark spirit never saved me from this island. Had this been a part of my destiny that I could not run from? The idea was foolish and hopeful at best, but I was no longer the only one who thought so. Its choice on when to act were mysterious and might remain that way as long as I lived.

  “Nothing with magic has a mind of it’s own…” Ezra murmured, though loud enough for me to hear. He returned to stand by his chair, though he picked up a blanket off the floor. It was the only one in the entire room, and he brought it to me. He threw the blanket at me, chuckling lightly as I struggled to poke my head out. I stuck my tongue out, laughing for the first time in what felt like months.

  Reverting to a more serious demeanor, Ezra said, “Try to sleep. I’ll keep watch for Jhase. He might not return for us until morning, but you’re safe for now.”

  I wrapped the blanket around my body and offered a faint smile. Ezra sat in his chair, facing the door. Though the room was large it was open enough that we could see if anyone stepped inside. Ezra’s weapons remained on the desk, though I had no need for them. I carried no weapons for myself, and if I needed defense I had my magic.

  “You can take these back,” I said pointing at his dagger and staff.

  He shook his head and pulled his hood over his hair. “Keep them to ease your mind. I have skilled aim when it comes to magic.”

  Though I was not tired, I closed my eyes and sunk my face into the blanket. Though it was warm against my face, it did not mask the smell of smoke from my clothes. I could not escape the smell, and it seemed my clothes were ruined. As much as I wanted to change into someth
ing else, I needed more than a fresh dress to smell clean again.

  I peeked one eye open, but Ezra remained in the same position as before. If he stayed true to his word he would not sleep for the remainder of the night. I considered keeping him company, but what harm could a quick nap do?

  ***

  Opening my eyes, I glanced around the room. Momentarily I wondered where I was, but memories of the night quickly returned. My eyes flashed to the chair in the corner, but it was entirely empty.

  I stood up, dropping the blanket on my seat. Ezra’s weapons lay on the desk, but I did not see any sign of him in the room. Had the assassin struck again while I slept? Guilt rushed over me like a waterfall, and my eyes welled up. I could not afford to let this happen when he was here to protect me. Perhaps he had been right after all; he was guilty of nothing but caring too much for me.

  “Ezra?” I whispered, straining my voice. My hands trembled as I stood up and approached the door.

  “Clara, what’s wrong?” Ezra called out. My head snapped to the right, and I noticed he stood in the opposite corner of the chair. It was covered by shadows, but he stepped out of the darkness and rushed to my side. Panic rose in his voice as he asked me again what was wrong.

  Shaking my head, I responded, “Nothing.”

  Ezra’s hand touched my face, and a single tear fell down my cheek. “Are you crying? What’s the matter? I only switched corners, I swear. If anything happened to you Jhase would never forgive me. I would never forgive myself.”

  I pushed away his hand, wiping the tears from my eyes. “I feared you had left me. It must have crossed your mind. I’m not Claire. I’m a nobody here in a rich girl’s dress.”

  His expression hardened. “I don’t protect you because of who you’re ‘supposed’ to be. I’m following orders, and also here by my own choosing. Wear a poor girl’s dress for all I care, and you’ll still be somebody to me. Honestly, Clara, how little do you think I value your life?”

  He grabbed my hand and held it against his chest. His heartbeat raced, matching the speed of mine. Whispering, he said, “Tell me when I have gone too far.”

  Without hesitation he kissed me. His warm arms wrapped around my body and pulled me in closer. For only brief seconds our lips parted to allow us to breathe again. We kissed slowly and then quickly as if we had been two lovers distanced by war. I wanted to tell him he had not gone far enough, but words did not matter in this moment.

  Ezra was gentle with me and did not insist on taking anything that did not belong to him yet. It was just the two of us and the gentle flicking of the candlelight on our faces. He sucked energy out of me but replenished it with every new touch of his lips. My face was heated, but no one remained near to stop us. There was no judgment or rules in this room. It could be minutes or hours before Jhase sought us out. I had become the pawn on a chessboard. Ezra had complete control over me in this moment. As long as these kisses lasted he controlled whether I lived or died.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Birthright

  My dignity and pride remained intact, and somehow I managed to live longer than the assassin desired. Ezra and I sat in the corner of the room with the blanket wrapped around us. We had not done anything either of us would regret in the morning.

  It remained impossible to determine how much time had passed since the fire. There were no windows in this room, but it was time for us to face the reality of our situation. As much as I preferred to hide in here for the remainder of my days in Ninomay, I had duties. My responsibilities could not vanish because the time Ezra and I shared together. Once we stepped outside of this room our relationship ended. Just as it had when we left the library. No one could ever know about what happened tonight. If word spread that I shared a connection with Ezra it could permanently destroy Claire.

  Someone knocked on the door, repeating the knock two more times. Ezra jumped up without explanation, but I assumed this was a code he and Jhase made. I sat up, though staying wrapped in the blanket. Though my mind reasoned with me, my heart was not ready to face the Council. Jhase would certainly call a meeting after tonight’s events, and perhaps we would step closer to the answers we desired. However, our enemy was prepared to kill me in the dead of night. Whatever patience they once had to play with my thoughts ceased to exist. They wanted me dead, and I needed to find out why.

  Waving his hand over the doorknob, Ezra turned the knob and opened the door. Jhase stepped inside and hissed at Ezra to close the door quickly. Once it was shut the three of us were alone.

  I released the blanket and stood up to face him. His face was flushed as if he had spent the night chasing after ghosts. Our eyes met and locked, but I wondered if he saw me as Claire in this moment. His daughter had almost died tonight... again. This game of hide and seek was too risky for us to play anymore. Lives were at stake, and we had to take charge of the situation.

  “The fire last night was not an accident. Several servants confirmed that they saw someone wandering the halls late at night. We must uncover your assassin’s identity. Until we do, I’m afraid it’s too dangerous for you to travel outside of Ninomay,” Jhase said with a grave face.

  My head perked up at the words “last night.” I had spent the entire night alone with Ezra. Though I could not leave Ninomay, staying here meant giving my assassin confirmation. Even now as they spoke they probably already knew I survived.

  “Perhaps another meeting—”

  Jhase held up his hand. “Say no more. It’s already in motion. I’ll hold a meeting with the councilors. Declan will watch over you in the meantime. Rest assured, everything will be done to prevent another attack.”

  “And our time here is finished...” Ezra murmured, glancing around the room one last time.

  I wondered if he shared the same thoughts as me. Once we left this room we left behind the feelings we shared. He was my ‘protector’ but never anything more, especially while Claire remained missing. All this time we spent searching for her and I never considered what might happen when she returned. How could I be selfish enough to worry what others would think? She deserved to be home with the people who loved her.

  Facing me, Jhase said, “I advised Declan to take you outside and enjoy the fresh air. Alas I fear I can trust the locals more than those who walk through the castle. It’ll give you time to consider my proposal.”

  Though Ezra lifted an eyebrow, I remembered Jhase’s proposal from earlier. Either I stayed in Ninomay and accepted my bloodline, or I returned to Rajoor as if nothing happened. Despite the plans I had to return to Rajoor, the lies and secrets had ruined it for me. I did not want to go anywhere and pretend as though I was the same woman. My time in Ninomay affected numerous lives, and if Claire and I survived I wanted it to mean something.

  No one spoke another word, and Jhase accepted our silence as an agreement to his plan. He led the way out, unlocking the door for us. I followed behind Ezra, saying a silent goodbye to the hidden room as we left. I shut the door behind us, and Jhase sealed it shut with his magic.

  We quickly moved away from the door and continued down the hallway. He pointed at the front door and explained that Declan waited outside. I snuck a longing glance at Ezra but accepted our fate. This was the way it had to be, and I approached the front doors. As I turned the doorknob, I listened to the men converse casually. Their voices were calm, and I prepared myself for what waited outside. It was not Declan who I needed to wear the mask for. The rest of the world expected me to hide myself away. What purpose did my illusion hold now with an assassin on the loose?

  Opening the door and stepping outside, Declan jumped out and greeted me. He referred to me as “Claire,” and I let out a long sigh. For one night I returned to my normal self and had forgotten about the illusion. I no longer had that privilege, and the seriousness of keeping up with this act intensified after the fire.

  Declan and I walked down a dirt path, which he explained would lead into the city. It was not far, as one could see it from
outside the castle. While the night had passed, the sky remained dark and fog covered everything in the distance. Goosebumps covered my arms, but I welcomed the cold. It was a reminder that no matter what illusion hid my true identity nothing took away my feelings.

  Voices filled my eardrums, and the smell of fresh pastries filled my nostrils. Dirt paths led to houses and small shops each with their own specialty. Declan nudged my elbow and pointed out a large manor. It was a humble size compared to the castle, but he explained that there were several of these. Several remained as inns for mages to take up board, especially for travelers. Other houses belonged to individual families, but none of them were modest in appearance. The architecture on the buildings stunned me. The houses appeared to be made out of white oak, while the ones belonging to families included plants wrapped around the wood.

  Declan laughed. “Ridiculous, isn’t it? In Shadowland we don’t have houses like this either. This kind of work requires a lot of magic and patience.”

  I nodded, though taking in everything around me would require time. Declan stopped in front of a bakery, pointing out that Ezra’s home was several houses down from where we stood. He lived with his uncle and aunt, though I wondered why Ezra spent so much time at the castle. Since his decision to spend nights at the castle he had become more involved in Council matters. I did not know whether this was normal practice or irregular for him to do so. Would locals suspect something of him?

  The people on the streets greeted Declan as if he was a long lost friend. They smiled and waved, and they offered me the same courtesy. Despite the numerous mages who lived in Ninomay, they seemed as familiar with each other as we were in Rajoor. The only difference being that in Ninomay secrets outlived people.

  “Do you and Ezra always stay in the castle with Jhase? It seems... tiresome to constantly be called upon,” I said.

  We continued walking, but Declan halted in front of a clothing store. It was small, though still designed with white oak. Asking this question risked overstepping my boundaries. Even so, it made more sense for Declan to stay nearby Claire and Jhase rather than anyone else.