Shadow of The Marked: Divine Series

by J. G. Maltos

  "I need to find the stone if I don't want to be a risk to the people around me. Whatever I was injected with, it messed with my blood," I confess, feeling the weight of my problems lay heavily on my chest. "Above all, I need to see my kingdom. I need to see my people," I finish, hurrying to my room to halt the conversation any longer.

  "Very well, Princess." He trails behind me. "I will refrain from showing myself during your trip. Simply call out to me and I'll be there."

  I make it into my room and stop outside my doors. “Would you like to come in?” I mentally roll my eyes as if he has never been in my room before.

  “Are you not tired?” His golden eyes glisten over as he takes me in.

  I shake my head. “I’ve never been more awake.”

  “I would love to.” Aries bows his head.

  I turn and open the door and walk inside.

  Aries steps in and closes the door behind him. The room instantly feels small. I walk toward the lamp and turn on the light.

  Aries' large figure looms by the door. I have never taken much notice of his build. He straightens his shoulder as he scans the room. Koura has entered my room many times before and it has never felt this stained. Of course, I have known Koura since we were kids and Aries for a few days.

  I fidget with my sleeves. “Um, you can take a seat by the table, or the couch,” I offer and chew on my lower lip, not knowing how to entertain a visitor.

  Aries nods and walks toward the couch.

  I look around my room; I’m feeling nervous all of a sudden. “I am going to change. I’ll be right back.” I rush toward my closet without looking back. I throw on a nightgown and night robe on top of it. I pull my head up in a messy bun and take a large breath. I force myself back into my room.

  Aries leans into the couch, looking more relaxed than myself. His features have softened as the light from my lamp illuminates half of his features. He is still wearing his suit from the ball. I start making my way to my bed.

  Aries straightens out as he sees me. A slight smile pulls at the corner of his lips, exposing some of his teeth. His golden eyes shine brighter as the hues of the lamp land on them. His eyes assess my attire and his smile broadens. “Nice,” he comments, still smiling. I smile back and sit on the small couch that is in front of my bed.

  I relax slightly by his playful tone. I shrug and tuck my leg under my other leg as it hangs. “It’s way better than a fitted dress and painful heels,” I joke back.

  “I like it. You look more relaxed. But, I am glad I was able to see you in a dress,” he compliments.

  I feel my blood rush to my cheeks, “Well don’t get used to it,” I say, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

  Aries tilts his head. “What do you mean? When you become Queen you would be expected to wear regal dresses.”

  My hand moved to pull on my sleeve but instantly realized I was wearing a t-shirt, exposing my scars. I cross my hands instantly. “I don’t know if I could ever be the Queen.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I look at his confused eyes. “ I don’t… I will not be a good queen.” I turn my head away. Had I believed I could be the Queen? To make decisions over all the kingdoms? To have the weight of everyone's lives on my shoulders?

  Aries shifts where he sits, making me look at him. “Can I give you some advice, Princess?”

  “I’m sure you would tell me anyway,” I joke. “But, go ahead.”

  Aries leans in, placing his elbows at the edge of his knees. His palms tie together as he places his chiseled chin on them. “You are not the only person in the world who has self-doubts. I’ve had them and I am sure your parents had them. It makes you human.”

  I raise an eyebrow.

  “A crown is not forged by power, but by its people.”

  I cross my arms, “What people?”

  Aries scoffs. “Your people. The Earth Kingdom. People are uprising in your name. Princess Althea Thierah, of the Earth Kingdom, heir of the Realm.”

  I laugh at myself at the title. It's a name so foreign that I don’t even believe the person that name belongs to is alive. She died in that cell. “I cannot rule a kingdom when I cannot even rule my own mind.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I slam my palms on my eyes. “It’s my nightmares,” I whisper. “I cannot escape that place. It plays over and over again. It keeps breaking me over and over again.” My hands tremble. I clasp them together trying to stop.

  Aries walks over to me and takes a seat next to me. He grabs my trembling hands as I sit shocked by his gesture, but quickly recover and take in the warmth they radiate. “Listen to me.” He leans closer. “I would be surprised if you weren’t having nightmares. They broke you once, do not give them the satisfaction to break you again.”

  “I try not to,” my voice breaks.

  “There will come a time in your life when all that has happened to you will be nothing but a mere memory of a moment in your life where you triumph above all odds,” he says. “Sometimes it takes a few nightmares to get us there.”

  I smile, “Thank you.”

  Aries stands from the couch, “I am here. I will always be here.” He smiles. His eyes dim as his shadows start to slowly creek within his eyes. “I feel like time is up. Let’s try going to sleep.”

  I nod and crawl toward my pillow. “Do you sleep?”

  He rubs a hand on the back of his neck. “Not when I am in the shadow realm. But, I believe if I was back in my true form I would.”

  I look at him in wonder. “Do you miss it? Your true form.”

  Aries smiles. “I do.”

  I move within the covers. “So what do you do when the world is asleep?”

  Aries clears his throat as he tugs my covers higher, tucking them around my shoulders. “ I’ll tell you some other time, now you must sleep.”

  “That is not fair. You know more of me than I do of you,” I tease.

  Aries laughs wholeheartedly.“We will have more time for questions. Now rest, we have a long day tomorrow. I’ll keep an eye out, so you can rest peacefully.”

  I sink deeper into my bed, feeling my heart accelerate as I know what awaits me when I close my eyes. “Okay.” My voice quivers.

  “You are born a Queen. Now, show those nightmares who is in control.” Aries whispers as shadows swallow his eyes, making him appear more menacing.

  I close my eyes. My breathing evens out, as my toes lose feeling. I am in control. I place a hand on my mother's necklace and drift off to a place of horror. But, hopefully this time it won't break me.

  The girls burst into my room in the ungodly hours of the morning to help prepare for my trip. Zee, Odette, and Evie waste no time in throwing my room upside down, packing and grabbing anything that can be of use for Odette to create clothes that will help us blend in better with the Earth Kingdom. My royal gowns aren't much to work with. Odette has to bring back some maid uniforms to make the attire much more believable.

  As the day keeps passing, my mind wanders to Aries. Last night I had a great talk with him. He appeared so relaxed. He always seems to be rigid. My dreams from last night were still so vivid. I try to do what Aries said, but it is easier said than done.

  While the girls are ransacking my room, they have a kitchen maid bring me some porridge and lemon tea to help my body pass the "stomach bug." Had I not needed to pretend to be dying, I would have laughed at Evie's over-dramatic gestures to ensure the maid could indeed understand that I was in no state to be seen by anyone.

  "Oh god, just look at the poor thing," Evie whispers rather loudly. "Such a mess. I've seen used mops in better conditions than her. My heart breaks! She's too weak to even get up herself." As soon as the maid rushes out, I make sure to throw the heaviest pillow at Evie's head.

  After a few hours, the girls head out to give the men their outfits for the trip and to finish their duties throughout the castle. They are making sure to casually drop the fact that I am sick. I only hope they are doing it wit
h better acting skills than Evie. Unfortunately for me, that means I have to stay locked away in my chambers until the time comes, which is not good for my anxious thoughts.

  I haven't seen or heard from Aries all day. Maybe it is because there isn't any reason for me to call him, but it's not like that has stopped him before. Even though his energy is mostly rigid, I can’t help but miss his presence for some reason. Perhaps I just need a distraction from my thoughts. That, as well as the idea of being alone all these years, of not being able to speak with anyone and being bound to a life in the shadows for ages, lay heavy in my heart.

  As the night nears, my anxious mind races for the millionth time. I feel as if my heart is trapped in a cage beating against the bars. Evie helps me into the many layers of clothes to withstand the cool of the night. Odette makes me a leather vest to put over a dark green long sleeve with a matching belt.

  On the sides are hooks for two metal daggers paired with black leather pants that are weather-resistant, but comfortable enough to move in incase I find myself needing to fight. Fortunately, my hair has grown longer, meaning I can braid the sides of my hair into a high ponytail, the way I remember seeing many women in the Earth Kingdom wear.

  Hopefully, with all our efforts, we will blend in with little problems.

  Once the night falls, Zee walks into my room informing me the guys are ready to head out. The guards that patrol the hallways are two floors up, giving us a small window to leave without anyone noticing. I hug Evie and Odette, thanking them for keeping people out of my room and helping to maintain my cover.

  I turn back to Zee, seeing her attire almost match my own. Two braids split in two, coming together at the nape of her neck. Loose strands of hair escape the neatness of her braid, curling beautifully around her face. A flash of warmth enters my heart. We look like we are already back at the kingdom.

  As we near the stables, I see Koura talking to Bash and Nathaniel. They are similar to Koura in stature, clearly built for combat. Even with just a glance, I can see why they are Frost Kingdom's best fighters.

  I notice Nathaniel first. He has a scar that cuts through his eyebrow and trails down jaggedly to the nape of his neck making him easy to point out. His crystal blue eyes brighten beneath the light of the moon. His dirty blond hair is shaved at the sides, leaving his remaining hair tied at the top of his head, exposing his chiseled features. He lightly shoves the dark-haired man next to him, Bash. Under the moonlighting, his facial hair emphasizes his beautiful complexion. He shoves him back exposing his full-length arm tattoo I had never noticed.

  All three are wearing faded black boots, worn-out black jeans, and black leather vests paired with black long sleeves. Over that, they wear long coats that cover their vest, I'm sure to hide the possible weapons they will be carrying beneath. After all, showing up to the Earth Kingdom in full gear won’t exactly give a message of peace.

  The guys turn toward us as we near. I wrap my long jacket around my shoulders, shielding myself from the cold air that kisses my skin in the chill of the night. Koura steps toward me, giving me a warm embrace before doing the same with Zee.

  “Princess,” Nathaniel and Bash bow.

  I look at Koura who is only smiling, “Nathaniel, Bash.”

  They straighten their backs and look at Zee, “Good evening, Zemirah.” Bash says surprising me. Zee gives him a small smile and looks back at Koura who has already started walking towards his horse. He lowers his gaze and steps towards his horse.

  Koura, unaware of what just happened, turns toward me and smiles. “Let's head out before people see us.” He looks at the men. “Flank the ladies and I will lead.” Both Bash and Nathaniel nod and continue adjusting the straps on their horses.

  Zee walks up to me and nudges my shoulder.

  I glance at her in question.

  "Are you ready?" she asks quietly. It’s a simple question, but I understand what she means.

  "I don't know," I say honestly. "But I don't have any other choice."

  I walk toward the spare horse, running a hand through its coat before gripping the side strap of the saddle. I place my leg on the stirrup and push forward with as much strength I could muster. The momentum is cut short when my other leg hits the side of the horse and comes back down with a pathetic thud.

  "May I assist you onto the horse, Princess Althea?" a rough voice cuts through my disappointment.

  I turn and Nathaniel's blue eyes glisten in amusement.

  "I'm afraid it has been a while since I have mounted a horse," I smile to hide my embarrassment. "Please, stop calling me princess."

  Nathaniel inclines his head in respect, "As you wish, Althea." His large hands grip my waist, swiftly lifting me onto my horse with ease. I can’t help but stare in amazement at his strength.

  "Watch out, Koura," I call out, still amazed. "Nathaniel can give you a run for your money." From the corner of my eye, I can see a proud smile splitting Nathaniel's face. Koura, who has just finished helping Zee onto her horse, simply grunts.

  "C'mon, Koura." Nathaniel pats his hand against my knee. "A princess always knows best."

  Nathaniel chuckles at Koura's demeanor and mounts his horse, Bash mounts and passes me a warm smile. I remain silent as I watch Koura mount his horse, his back straight and tense.

  "Stay in formation, men," Koura says with no humor. "And keep an eye out. There's a lot of mountainous land between our kingdoms. We can come across anything the closer we get to the Earth Kingdom. Do not let the Princess and Zemirah out of your sights." Koura remains tense as he jets his horse forward, and I realize he must be just as anxious about the trip as I am.

  The two soldiers come on either side of Zee and I as we follow Koura's lead. Another chill zips up my spine, but this one is different from the cold wind. It is a chill that seeps into my bones and I know that Aries is here.

  A small smile breaks across my face, searching around me to see if I can see any indication of his form. Instead, I am met with Zee's surprised face at my mood. She gives me her warm smile before lifting her hood.

  I do the same, but never stop staring at any shadow that crosses beneath our feet. We travel for what seems like hours, seeing nothing but dirt, grass, and trees. My legs ache from riding. I turn to look at Nathaniel, whose face does not indicate whether or not he is affected by the riding at all.

  Koura is still leading, but Zee has moved her horse up next to him. She probably got tired of the silence, too. They are speaking in hushed tones with each other. My back straightens at the sight of them together. Koura has mentioned before he is not looking for someone but what if. I shake my head at the thought of Koura being with someone.

  Bash's horse nears mine and I feel the all too familiar cold rush up the back of my neck.

  Aries.

  "Are you well, Princess?" Bash's voice breaks through the silence, bringing me out of my thoughts. Am I well? I am thinking about Koura rather than what I am to expect in the Earth Kingdom. My abilities are non-dependable, and I have people wanting me dead. But, I am not about to reveal my whole life dilemma with him.

  "My legs ache from the ride, but it was to be expected." I shrug, shifting in my seat. The cold air pricks my arms and I grip my coat tighter around me. From the corner of my eye, I see Bash extend his hands toward me. I look back at him puzzled and he smiles and lifts his hand once more. I look down and see a pair of gloves.

  "I'm fine." I gently push back the gloves toward him. "Thank you, though."

  But he insists. "I am used to the cold weather. These are meant for you and your companion. I am from the Frost Kingdom after all." I stare at him reluctantly before pulling the gloves toward me.

  Nathaniel chuckles as he notices my immediate happiness at my hands thawing. "Are you ready to see your kingdom after all these years, Althea?" Nathaniel's rough voice sounds from my right.

  It takes me a few moments to reply, careful on how to answer. "I don't think I'll ever be ready. I had lost everything there-"

 
; Nathaniel grips the reins of his horse, "I do not mean to bring up uncomfortable memories, Princess."

  I pull my hood back, feeling the instant prickle of cool night airbrush my cheeks. "Being in a cell for so many years with no one to speak to, can mess with your mind." I catch his sad blue eyes. "I'm not proud to admit this, but I had lost hope of ever returning to my kingdom. Now here I am, on a trip, I never thought I would get again. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified, but I must hold my people above my fears."

  Nathaniel's eyes hold understanding and admiration. “I guess that is where you learned your fighting skills. You may fight better than a few of our men.”

  “I killed people,” I whisper, hoping the wind will pick up my words and grief. “I am not proud of what I have done.”

  Bash straightens his back, “ I don’t think many of us who have killed someone was wanting to kill that person in the first place, but we do things to survive. If not, you would not be riding with us today. But, there are people in your kingdom who are happy you are alive." Bash's voice holds comfort from my left but continues cautiously. "However, there are some who doubt if you are fit to rule over them."

  I look at him with determination and hold his gaze. "True loyalty is won with action, as I intend to do."

  Bash head nods lightly, accepting my answer. He has never been much for words. But, I do know he is a man of honor and duty. He will follow those who he feels are worthy of his skills and dedication. I just hope I can be that leader for him and my kingdom.

  As the conversation ends, I turn to look forward to where Koura and Zee ride. They are so enveloped in their conversation that I notice Zee's body instinctively leans closer to Koura as he explains something to her. I raise my gaze toward the sky, feeling as if I'm violating a moment between the two.

  The entire time, I feel the familiar chill running through my spine, invoking a wave of questions to run through my mind. How does Aries travel? And what does he see? I let out a sigh of frustration at the silent night.

  A falling star shoots across the sky, leaving a light trail of light behind it before disappearing. I am amazed at how much I missed something so simple like watching the stars and I suddenly become so invested in naming every noise I hear. Owls to my right. The horses are huffing around me. Leaves crunching beneath us. The wind blowing soft hums in my ear.