by R L Medina
I leapt to my feet and threw open the door. Grimera returned, ordering a group of dwarves to push in a large tub and to return with water. They grunted and shuffled away. She glided toward me and wrung her shimmering hands together. Worry radiated from her form.
“How are you feeling?”
My lips pursed at her question. I wanted to snap at her but held my tongue in check. The hurt of her betrayal stung sharper than the others. I’d called her Grandmere and counted on her to look after me. Now, I knew better. No one would look out for me. I was alone.
Sensing my anger, she trembled. Sadness rolled from her. A warmth spread through my body, startling me. My magic. The sensation still new and alarming to me. I lifted my hand and debated using it to read her thoughts. But it had taken me a lot of work to create my mental shields and taking them down now would mean I’d have to build them back up. Instead, I sighed and touched her translucent hand.
“I’m scared.” I admitted.
“I’m sorry, Renée. Your mother didn’t want this life for you. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. We failed you.” Her voice rose an octave.
Pain pierced my heart at the mention of Mom. If only she’d prepared me. Even if we’d stayed in the Outer World, my magic would still have grown. I could never have been a normal girl.
“I want different clothes. No more fancy dresses.”
She nodded her head. “Of course, Princess.” With a wave of her hand, she glided out the door.
When she returned, I happily pulled on the soft blue leggings and long-sleeved gold and blue tunic dress. Not quite my style, but at least I could wear pants again. The slipper-like shoes, I kept. Grimera and Mag brushed my hair and parted it into two braids.
Afterwards, I stared at myself in the large mirror. The same freckled face I’d always seen, but somehow different. My eyes held a sorrow that hadn’t been there before. I didn’t look like a girl who’d just turned sixteen and had her whole life ahead of her. No, this was someone whose future looked grim.
“Ready?” Grimera’s voice startled me out of my thoughts.
Ready? How many times had I heard that question since I’d arrived? How could I ever answer that? I was the furthest thing from ready. Resigned, was more like it. Life dragged me forward whether I was ready or not.
Nodding, I followed her out and down the hall. Blue sky peeked in from the small windows along the wall. We walked the coral stairs in silence. My thoughts whirled inside my head and worry gnawed at me. I didn’t want to face my uncle again.
The stairs led to a landing with a golden railing engraved with sparkling jewels and shells. We waited as Aunt Cindra descended from the opposite stairs and joined us. Her brow shot up at my outfit. I tensed, ready to argue.
She smoothed down her puffy red skirt and inclined her head towards me “Good morning. Feeling better?”
I nodded and released my breath. She didn’t mention my new clothes. Grimera bowed and glided down the stairs ahead of us. I steeled myself as I followed Aunt Cindra down and in the opposite direction as Grimera had gone.
Three elven guards bowed to us as we passed. I tried to ignore the emotions radiating from them. Disgust. Anger. Loathing. Because my father had been human? I shuddered and moved closer to Aunt Cindra.
We walked to a large beautifully carved door where a pair of guards stood and bowed before opening them for us.
“Princess Cindra of the Court of Flame,” they announced behind us.
Me, they ignored. I glanced around the room, my eyes fell on Aunt Maloret who sat at one end of the long table, winking at me. Uncle Mortemer drank from a golden goblet, ignoring me. A few other elves sat, noblesse courtiers, judging by their extravagant clothes and sneering faces.
Sunlight streamed in from carved out windows, lighting up the gold and blue tapestries lining the walls. A large fountain stood at the back of the room, made from the shiniest and whitest stone I’d ever seen. Dwarves and fairies, dressed in uniform shuffled and flew, bringing in trays of food. My stomach rumbled.
Aunt Cindra motioned for me to sit. I sat next to Aunt Maloret and pulled my chair closer to the table. The salty smell of the ocean mixed with a variety of savory and sweet food filled my nose.
“Those are your cousins.” Aunt Maloret nodded to the fancy dressed courtiers.
I glanced at them. Their eyes met mine and narrowed, hatred simmering from them.
I averted my eyes and stared down at the steaming crab shell filled with sea-weed and some type of pink fish. Uncle Mortemer and Aunt Cindra talked to other elves who ignored me. The excitement in their voices while they discussed my trial made my lip curl.
Aunt Maloret turned her attention to me. “Don’t like fish?”
I grunted. “Guess the prospect of dying today has ruined my appetite.”
She chuckled. “Ah. Not today. The trial is tomorrow.”
A shudder ran through me. “Well that’s… comforting.”
“Yes, but if I were you, I’d hope for a quick trial.” Her face scrunched up as she leaned in. “Less time to screw things up.”
Glancing around at the other conversations, she scooted closer. “Here. Put this on your bracelet.”
I took it and held the little gold shell up to my face. “What is this for?”
She smiled. “Think of it as a belated birthday present.”
With a wave of her hand, she stirred dark tendrils ad tied the charm next to my wooden horse.
“Thank you.”
Her eyes twinkled. She clasped her hands together. “I would have come to the party, but no one invited me.”
I winced. “Sorry. I didn’t know about it until the day of.”
She tapped her lip with a long nail. “How typical of Cindra. You know you don’t have to go along with everything she commands. She’s kind of a bossy butt if you haven’t noticed.”
My mouth dropped. I didn’t know what to say to that. Her words seemed at odds with the power humming from her. Aunt Cindra warned me not to trust her, but wasn’t she the only one who could track Mom?
“They won’t go easy on you because you’re a halfling. If anything, they’ll make the challenges even more… challenging.” She popped a tart in her mouth.
A cold fear trickled through me. They didn’t want me to survive this. I rubbed my unicorn charm and took a deep breath. I needed a plan. Though the thought made me snort. A plan required having options. What were mine? Fail and die or by some miracle survive long enough to find Mom. Or run. I dismissed that thought quickly. Where would I go? I couldn’t leave without Mom.
I shoved my food to the side of my plate and kept my head down. Nausea rose, forcing me to look away. My eyes met Aunt Cindra’s. Concern flashed across her face. Uncle Mortemer noticed the exchange, his lips curling into a cruel smile. I turned away and forced down a sip of water.
After several uneaten courses, they let me excuse myself. I retreated to my room, not wanting anyone’s company. Wary of my sour mood, Mag disappeared down the hall with a quick bow. I sprawled across my bed and stared up at the ceiling, letting my gloomy thoughts consume me. Somewhere outside, voices drifted. Happy voices. I scoffed. Of course, they were happy, they didn’t have to worry about dying.
A knock startled me.
I sat up and stared at the door, not sure if I wanted to open it. If it was Grimera or my aunt, they’d just let themselves in, anyway. Another knock. Sighing, I slid down and opened it a crack.
Warm, hazel eyes peered back at me.
I blinked in surprise. “Sacha?”
He bowed his head slightly and glanced around the hall. “Princess, I apologize for disturbing you. Would you like to accompany me for a walk?” His words flew out faster than I could process them.
My heart missed a beat. Ugh. Traitorous heart. I wanted to be angry. He’d kept something important from me. But watching him standing there with a hopeful gaze blew the fight out of me. Clenching my jaw, I nodded and stepped out beside him. He bowed again and led me pa
st the other rooms.
“Where are we going?”
A smile cracked his face. “To the seashore.”
I paused. “For the… trial? I thought it was tomorrow.”
“No.” He winced. “I mean yes. The trial is tomorrow. But we’re not going there for that.”
Relief flooded me. At least I had one more day before my body went into full panic mode. I snorted, picturing a clock ticking down to my next episode.
Sacha glanced at me. A blush crept up my neck. Great. Probably thought I was weird. Before I could decide if I should clarify, the hallway opened into a dark stairwell. Too narrow for us to walk side by side. He strode forward, and I followed, trying to adjust to the unlit stairs.
“Here.” I could barely make out his outstretched hand.
Light flashed, coming from a glowing object on his palm. I took it from him and inspected it.
“An enchanted rock,” he explained.
The cold stone felt lighter than a feather and shone as bright as a flashlight. I held it over the stairs, thankful for the warm glow it cast.
“Thank you. How did you know I needed this?”
He gave me a sheepish smile. “Des said humans couldn’t see well in the dark.”
I scoffed. Knowing Des, Sacha was probably paraphrasing one of Des’s usual insults.
“Did you enchant this? How does it work?” My voice echoed off the walls as we continued down.
“No. Only higher castes can practice enchantments.”
My lip curled. “Why?”
He shrugged. “King’s law.”
I bit back the words waiting on the tip of my tongue. He was the perfect picture of an obedient soldier, but I’d seen the spark in his eye. The subtle way his jaw hardened when he explained the caste rules or the slave customs. And I’d seen how free he’d been in the Gray Court. Without the rules. There was something else too. Something in his past that involved that elf girl I’d seen. I wanted to ask him about her, but every time I thought about bringing it up, I couldn’t.
Cool, salty air hit my nose and sunlight lit up the bottom of the stairwell. I rushed past him and out into the open. The sea. Bright blue waves rose and crashed against the golden, glittering sand. Above us, long white clouds drifted by in a sky almost as blue as the water. My eyes drank up the view.
I slipped out of my shoes and rolled up my tights.
Sacha stepped back in alarm. “What are you doing?”
Without answering, I dug my toes into the soft, cool sand and took off toward the water. Wind whipped against me, making me shiver, but I didn’t stop. I glanced back at Sacha and smiled. Somehow, he’d known I needed this. He caught up to me in a few strides and stopped before we reached the water. I jumped right in, up to my ankles, squealing as the cold water splashed up around me.
“It’s freezing!”
He laughed. A rich, throaty sound that made my heart flip flop. His eyes sparkled, greener now than they usually were. I blushed and turned away before he could see my emotions so clearly written out.
Feeling bold, I reached down to scoop some water and threw it at him. He jumped out of the way before it could reach him. I laughed. My cheeks burned from smiling so hard. Flirting with an elf you barely know while Mom’s missing. The sobering thought pierced right through me. I turned away from Sacha and stared out at the vast ocean. In the distance, giant, rainbow scaled fish shot up, snapping at blue-haired pixies as they flew by.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sacha approach. He stood beside me, gaze focused on the horizon. A gentle humming drifted on the wind echoed by jarring squawks as a flock of silver winged birds flew by. Despite my anxiety floating under the surface, I smiled. No courtiers shooting venomous glares at me. No expectations or rules. Here with him in that moment, I felt free.
“Have you been practicing your magic?” Sacha’s voice broke through my thoughts.
I shrugged. “Sort of. Not sure how it’s going to help me with this trial. No one will tell me what it will be. Do you know?”
His smile faltered. “No. But if I did, I would tell you, Princess.”
My eyebrow arched. He looked sincere, but I didn’t know if I could trust him.
Sensing my disbelief, his chin lifted. “I promise.”
Determination radiated from him. I stared at him, the temptation to read his thoughts struck me but I banished it as quickly as it came. I couldn’t betray him like that. We were friends, weren’t we?
“Thank you.” I rubbed my arms as the wind grew stronger. It was cold, but I didn’t want to leave yet. Who knew if I’d get another chance for this.
“Princess Aubri would be proud of you. You have a natural gift for using your magic. You’ve already surpassed my skill.”
I glanced at him sharply. A dimpled smile on his face. My heart pounded. Why had I inherited so much of the power? Didn’t anyone else question it? A halfling with rare magic.
“I’m scared.” I cringed at the pitifulness of my voice.
His eyebrows drew together in concern. “Of your magic?”
I blew out my breath and threw my arms up in exasperation. “Of all of it. My magic. Feylin. The fae. This stupid trial. The Goblin King.” My voice cracked.
Rubbing my face, I turned away before he could see the tears welling up.
“Princess.”
I summoned my magic and let it run through me, numbing me to the core. Steeling myself, I faced him again. Kind, hazel eyes met mine. Wind whipped his long, coiled hair and carried his scent towards me. Woodsy and crisp. It reminded me of the Gray Forest.
He moved closer to me, shielding me from the wind. “I wish I could tell you not to be afraid, but fear is good. It will push you to survive.”
My eyes searched his. “What if I can’t?”
His jaw tightened. “You must. Princess Aubri needs you. We need you.”
Shivers crept up my spine as the words echoed through me. I wrapped my arms around myself and stared out at the water. The last thing I wanted was to let down everyone counting on me, but I wasn’t ready. Deep down, I knew I wouldn’t be ready for what they would throw at me. Waves rippled and crashed against the sand. I clutched my unicorn charm and sighed.
I’ll try, Mom. Anything it takes.
17
The sky was still dark when Mag woke me up. In my half-asleep state, I stumbled through my morning routine. Bathroom, bath, get dressed. When the first sip of coffee—or their version of it hit my tongue—my eyes widened in realization. The trial. Nausea made it impossible to eat the pastries they’d sent up for me. I waited in my room, summoning my magic and practicing mental shields.
A firm knock at the door, made my heart leap into my throat. Chest tightening, I gripped my bracelet and tried to ward off the panic. I couldn’t afford to lose it now. I needed all my faculties working at prime. Grabbing my enchanted stone, I shoved it in my pocket and stood.
Grimera bowed and motioned Mag and I out. With a wave of my hand, I opened myself up to my magic and let it numb me. I moved like a zombie as they led me down the hall. Dark thoughts played on repeat in my mind. I’m going to die. I can’t do this. And without letting myself feel the emotions, it seemed so strange. No fear of death. No hope of survival. Nothing. I shoved my emotions deep down, but they remained. Like an itch at the back of my mind, warning me.
Both my aunts and my uncle stood waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. Grimera and Mag bowed and let me descend first. I squared my shoulders and stepped down. Ignoring their imploring faces, I glanced around for Sacha. Wasn’t he coming?
“And here I thought we’d have to drag you kicking and screaming from your room.” Uncle Mortemer’s sharp laugh caught my ear.
His eyes narrowed on me when I gave him no response. Aunt Cindra silenced him with a glare while Aunt Maloret winked at me.
“Am I doing the trial here?”
He sneered. “Of course not. The guards will escort us to where the trial takes place.”
Getti
ng the hint, the guards formed ranks around us and bowed. Uncle Mortemer waved them forward. We followed them out of the palace and through the little village. Outside, courtiers scrambled after us, whispering.
She’ll never make it. Halfling. Cursed. She’s not one of us.
I built up my walls, silencing their nasty thoughts. Again, I looked for Sacha. Eager to find a friendly face. Shouldn’t he be coming to watch? Before I had a chance to ask my aunt, I spotted him. He pushed his way through the crowd that had gathered and strode beside me.
“You can do this, Princess.” His voice whispered above the chattering elves.
My emotion barrier cracked, and I winced as fear rose. I forced it back down and sealed up the walls. The sound of many footsteps against the gravel road echoed in my ears. I felt the sharp shells poke up through my soft slippers. The pain a welcome distraction to the emotions that threatened to spill over.
Cold wind whipped against me, carrying the salty and fishy smell of the sea. Nausea rolled inside me. I took a deep breath and followed the others down to the end of a large dock. Water rolled beneath us.
Aunt Maloret clucked her tongue. “You might want to take off that cloak and your shoes.”
I followed her gaze to the edge of the water. My heart skipped. “I have to swim?”
Swimming, I was used to. In a pool or lake, but here? The clear water swirled and darkened. I shivered. What horrors hid in its depths? Aunt Maloret had warned me about the sirens. How did they expect me to fend one off?
Uncle Mortemer turned to address the crowd who waited, not daring to step on the dock with us. Sunlight reflected off the golden shells embroidered on his ruffled blue shirt. “You are all witness of this trial here today. To determine if this halfling.” He waved at me with a snort. “The child of Princess Aubri, is worthy to live.”
Murmurs echoed. I refused to meet their eyes as they glared at me in open hostility. My skin tingled as energy pulsed through me. Magic. Raw and ready. I snorted. Ready for what?
Turning to me, Uncle Mortemer sneered. “Retrieve the oyster shell from the dead siren queen and you win. Get caught by the guardian, and you die.”
