Shadow of The Marked: Divine Series

by J. G. Maltos

  I wrap my arms tightly around him, pulling him closer to me. I take in his lavender smell, embedding this memory into my soul. I remember the times he and my father would walk into the court with presents for Zemirah and me I. Sometimes, when my father would be out on a tour and would be gone for months at a time, Aesir would visit me and tell me all sorts of stories about my father on the battlefield. He is the closest thing I have to a parent in my life right now.

  "General Aesir," I whisper as if saying his name out loud would solidify the man who I thought I would never see again.

  "Althea, my little princess," he soothes me, as he runs a fatherly hand down the back of my head. I feel a hot tear land on my cheek. I look up and see that he is, too, crying as he peers down at me. Within a few seconds, another pair of arms surrounds us. Zee threw herself in our embrace. I look at her, and she leans her forehead onto mine. A great piece of our hearts is here with both of us.

  To my dismay, my uncle releases us from his embrace. He gives both Zee and me a caress at the back of our heads as he sits back down. I examine the room fully now. We are in a room similar to where I stayed, only this one was larger, large enough for a makeshift living area.

  The ceiling is really low and the walls appear to also be losing its paint with no windows. Aesir and Zee sit next to each other on the sofa. Koura sits in a chair across from them, while Bash is next to him tilting his chair back with the heels of his foot throwing me a guarded smile. Nathaniel gives me a thumbs-up as he sits on the sofa next to the general. He stands and offers his seat to me. I smile warmly.

  "Thank you," I nod my head.

  "I would assume you would want to sit next to him." He smiles and places a warm hand upon my shoulder.

  I pat his hand for comfort. He lingers next to me for a minute longer, “Whatever happened back there does not matter, we will not leave you."

  "That means a lot to me." I half-smile. "But, I will fix this." I turn my gaze towards my father's best friend, feeling overwhelmed with happiness. He has a loving hand wrapped around Zee's shoulder. A small feeling of envy pinches my heart, but I wave it away.

  "It has been a long time," Aesir states.

  “I am so happy that you are alive, Aesir." I shift in my seat. "But what is this place? And why are you here?"

  "I will answer all of your questions, my Princess." He slows me down, patting my knee. "There is so much that has happened and is happening at this very moment." He gazes at everyone in this room seriously.

  Koura and the guys lean forward ready to listen.

  "I have been here recruiting people ever since the fall of the Earth Kingdom. I had known the other kingdoms had started to feel tense with our increasing power, but I had never imagined anyone could be capable of plotting against the High King and Queen." His eyes glaze over, deep into his memories. "This attack wasn't normal. All of the invaders were going straight to your parents' chambers, on a mission to extract someone."

  Koura taps his foot, deep in thought.

  "They killed almost anyone who would fight them. In normal takeovers of the kingdoms they would fight the army, and then invade." His eyes land on Koura, an experienced soldier. He nods in agreement, and he rubs his chin deep in thought.

  "It had to be the Lightning Kingdom. I've heard everyone speaking of their dissatisfaction with our kingdom before everything. I saw lightning strike the kingdom through my window," I say eagerly.

  "Normally, I would agree, Princess. However, there were factions from many different kingdoms involved," he says in a tight voice. "I ran throughout the kingdom when I was looking for Zemirah." His eyes land on his daughter, and Zee looks back in shame and guilt. "I saw people from the Fire, Air, and I'm sad to also say, Frost." That last statement was enough to send half the room onto their feet.

  “I still can’t believe that Frost is involved,” Koura states.

  Aesir shakes his head. "There are people from all regions who oppose the Reign of the High King and Queen," he turns to me. "My Princess, I have been hiding here because my life, too, is at risk." Aesir's voice deepens, catching everyone's attention. "I am the leader of Phoenix Rising." He scans the room, but he meets the faces of very confused people.

  “What is the Phoenix Rising?” I ask, intrigued. Memory of Ezra from the cells, and the hushed voices being afraid of Phoenix Rising.

  "It is to put you right where you belong, Princess. As Ruler of the Realm," Aesir states confidently.

  “Ruler of the Realm?" I choke out, baffled more than anything else. I remember Arie’s mentioning this to me, of people fighting in my name but I didn’t there to be a whole Order. "I wish to help my people. But, is this truly only to help me?" I trail off, unsure of how to continue.

  “T-there is more to it, of course.” He stutters, “We have people everywhere, gathering information on those who oppose your title, above other things.”

  “Princess, I understand why you don't approve of this order. But, people conspired against the crown. You are the rightful heir of the kingdoms." Aesir stands, crossing his hands. "I am sure you have all heard of how the people that remained in the Earth Kingdom are being treated." He squares his shoulders, "I have been smuggling as many as I can from the Earth Kingdom to here. They are suffering too much under the Lightning Kingdom's thumb. We are not alone, Princess. Just as the Rebellion had other factions, so does Phoenix Rising. We have people who believe in our cause and are willing to help, and with you on our side, we are sure to succeed."

  I turn to Koura, silently wondering if it would be okay to reveal the real reason for our travels. “This sounds like a rebellion, Aesir.”

  “A form, yes. We are rebellion against the idiotic makeshift crown.”

  “I’ve heard the stories of the Earth Kingdom. That is one of the main reasons I wanted to go back but also something else. Which I think you should know before you start promoting my name on the streets.” I turn to Koura with a questionable glance. He nods and I turn back to Aesir and continue. "I require the Earth crystal to help me with my powers. "

  Aesir leans forward, a look of worry on his face. "I’m not sure I understand?"

  "My powers are becoming difficult to control." I hesitate to say. "It's hard getting them to surface, but when they do they come out blazing."

  He leans away, examining me completely. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, tugging at the hem of my shirt when he notices the scarring on my arms.

  His brows furrow closer together. "How long have they been like this?"

  "My powers were muted while I was locked away. They used something on me for my powers to be that way. Since I've been out, my body must not be reacting well to being left without it.” I pull at the hem of my long sleeve. I throw a glance at Koura and he smiles in return. He does not question my decision on not wanting to tell Aesir about my other abilities.

  "Back at the clearing—"

  "I do not know what that was," I cut him off, ashamed more than anything that I lost control in that way. "That has never happened to me before. All I can think of is that it has to do with the serum as well, although I don't know how." Something foreign flashes across Aesir's eyes, but it's gone before I have a chance to know what it was.

  Aesir goes straight to military mode. His attention zeros in on Koura, asking every little detail of our plans.

  Koura has a response to every question they throw at him. Bash and Nathaniel move to stand on either side of Koura, their hands clasped behind their backs. Zee leans in close to her father.

  Nathaniel glances my way and gives me a warm smile that I could not return. Something unsettles me. I have a feeling that Aesir knows more than he lets on, though I can’t explain where this feeling comes from. The room suddenly feels like it is not as big as I first thought.

  The walls are wanting to close in and the need to get fresh air becomes overwhelming. Without another word, I turn toward where I came in from and walk until I find the inevitable exit. I hear my name being called behind me in prot
est but I ignore them.

  The once welcoming sunset feels painfully bright against my eyes now. We have been here longer than we had anticipated. I look around and see everyone carrying on their daily duties. The wind picks up the roasted meat they are cooking for dinner and I spring toward my left, heading for the clearing where I had first ridden the horse.

  I keep running even though my legs ache in protest. I run out in frustration at what my life is becoming, an endless maze of obstacles. I reach the clearing and enter into the forest, not caring where I am going. Sweat trickled down my face.

  I wipe them away before they could sting my eyes. My arms pump next to me, keeping up my pace.

  I struggle to breathe but my body keeps moving forward, ignoring the burn that has built-in my chest. I pass a large opening within the trees and come to a sudden stop. A clearing with a wide array of mixed flowers expands before me. I walk slowly. My heart tugs at the sight and the memories of my mother rush forward.

  Chapter 13

  I used to love going into my mother's garden with her, staring at her for hours as she would decorate it with new flowers or exotic ones she would create on her own. I had started to help her when my powers were developing.

  I bend down and touch the softness of the pedals, taking a deep breath and smelling the salty air. Toward the very end is a small cascade of water that creates a small mist, giving the flowers nourishment. I smile, momentarily forgetting everything the elephant's foot that presses on my chest. I notice the ghost of a pathway that crossed the clearing and decide to take it instead of ruining the flowers.

  As I near the opening of a cave, my mouth opens. I am near the side of the waterfall that is flowing down the side of the mountain. The side of the water has an opening so I decide to walk under, letting the mist of the water tickle my face. A rainbow glows from within the mist and hovers over the small lake. I take a seat on the rocky floor and take off my shoes, letting my toes dip above the cool water. The cool breeze tickles my arm. I sigh knowing Aries is near.

  "Now is not the time—" I don't finish my sentence as I notice another familiar figure.

  Rowan, dressed in a loose white shirt and shorts, stands at the mouth of the waterfall. His feet are bare and the ends of his long, curly hair are wet from the mist. It appears he had been here first.

  "I'm sorry.” I blush, suddenly more interested in the rocks than the waterfall. “I thought you were someone else."

  "I should be the one apologizing, intruding on the Princess' thoughts." His tongue drags on my title. I look up at him, surprised at his mocking demeanor. His clear disdain at the Elitehood unnerves, but I would have thought he would be more careful especially if he knew I was the princes. "Don't be frightened. I am Aesir's right hand. There is nothing he doesn't tell me." He brushes off a strand of his curly hair that has crossed his face by the wind.

  I relax slightly and turn back toward the beautiful waterfall. I had hoped he would take that as his queue to leave. To my dismay, he plops down next to me. I grind my teeth in annoyance. At this moment I do not care for anyone’s company, especially Rowan.

  "I may not know much of you—I lived in the village not far from the castle—but from what I've heard from your friends, it would seem Aesir's big revelation could be considered another burden for a princess to bear. Especially after everything you had to endure already," he says as he turns towards the waterfall.

  “Yeah, a lot to handle is an understatement,” I mumble, grabbing a pebble and throwing it into the lake.

  "Don’t wallow."

  “Excuse me?”

  Rowan shakes his head. “You have abilities and people who are devoted to you. Hell, the Earth Kingdom started revolting against the Lightning Kingdom when they heard you were alive.” He turns his head. “So don’t wallow because there are people who have suffered just as you have.”

  I stay silent, not knowing what would come out of my mouth once I open it. Sitting here in the most beautiful scenery wants me to word-vomit every single thing that is rushing through my mind. I want to yell and scream to the winds all of my burdens, hoping it would take them all with them. I want to rip away the memories that slither closer and closer to my heart every day, tightening with every heartbeat and crushing it slowly. I want to cry until I'm all out of tears. But instead, I grind my teeth, forcing my pain back into the pit it came from. Who am I to express my burdens and heartaches?

  Rowan's eyes roam my face, unaware of the inner battle that is happening before him. He turns towards the water, his sharp profile blocking some of the rays of the sun. His dark, curly locks move with the wind, blocking his eyes.

  "What keeps you here in the Order?’" I ask after a moment’s silence.

  Rowan straightens beside me. "That is quite a long story. But, I'll give you the short part." He extends his legs, his toes grazing the edge of the water, causing a ripple to form in the water. "As I mentioned earlier, I lived in a small village not far from the Kingdom with my parents and younger sister. When the Earth Kingdom fell the Lightning Kingdom destroyed our village. I believed that we would all migrate to the Earth Kingdom. I lost my father and sister that night." Rowan splashes his toes in the water once more, causing a larger ripple to form and extend farther into the water.

  I stare at the water with a knot in my throat, unsure what to say.

  "Aesir’s team saved me and I joined the rebellion. The anger and hate kept growing and this helps me channel it towards something better. It helped me become his right hand." Rowan's attention turns toward me. Just as I am about to reply, Rowan says exactly what has been floating in my mind. "You are not the only one who's suffered at the hands of the Lightning Kingdom."

  My eyes widen at the similar thought. "You took the words right out of my mouth," I say.

  Rowan's lip tightens into a thin line and he leans back, causing his shirt to tighten around his biceps. "We are leaving tonight to the Earth Kingdom," he says and he once again moves his hair sideways, exposing his eyes.

  I stare at him for a moment, unsure if I heard correctly. "We?"

  "Aesir informed us that you are searching for the Earth crystal,” he says as if it were just another errand.

  I push myself to my feet, wiping away the dust that settles on my clothing with a sharp hand. "We don't need you."

  "I'm going," His tone leaves no room for argument, but I guess I don’t hear it.

  "No, you are not."

  "Koura already confirmed it. I'm going." He turns slightly toward me, the corner of his lip lifting into a wide grin.

  "If you die, don't blame me." I move to step around him, but something tugs me back. I look at him wide-eyed.

  “I told you something personal from me to make you understand you are not the only person who has suffered. I am not afraid to die for the people I care about.” His stone-cold eyes turn away from me and I am left gaping where I stand.

  The smokey scent fills my lungs and Aries manifests behind me. “I know you haven’t been around people much but eavesdropping is still considered rude.” I throw out and turn around to face him.

  Aries crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow. “Me? He was the rude one. I don’t see you telling him anything,” he defends himself.

  I look back where Rowan had left, “He is hurt. I am the last person to judge someone by what they say or do when their emotions are involved.” I glance at Aries. “May I remind you of the ballroom,” I point out.

  “Duly noted.”

  “Was there something you wanted to speak to me about?” I ask.

  "Ah, yes." He clears his throat. "It's about Phoenix Rising."

  I bite my nails. “I heard of them in the cells, and in the Frost castle. They were afraid of them.”

  Aries nods. “I think there is more to this order than they are telling us.” He looks back at me, “and your abilities?”

  I cringe at the mention of my abilities. "I know you've warned me to keep my emotions in check." I sigh. "But they are getting harde
r to control by the day."

  Aries stares at the waterfall, his head tilts. "I can only imagine knowing Aesir is alive would make you react the way that you did."

  I shrug. "Reaction or not, I shouldn't be able to freeze people in place." I smile to myself. "I can't help but remember how he would watch over me and Zee. He had always wanted me to live as much of a normal life as I could, you know, given everything. I never thought I'd see him again. I don’t know what I would have done if I had hurt him."

  “How are you feeling?”

  The question catches me off guard. No one has asked me how I am feeling, “I don’t know how I feel. It’s too much information, too much pressure to be the leader they are already wanting me to be. It hasn’t even been a month that I was rescued from the cell.”

  “What about Aesir?” His voice lowers.

  I look at him in question. “What about him?” Was he there during our meeting? Did he notice Aesir act differently also?

  He focuses on me. "He is the leader of Phoenix Rising, Princess," Aries says. "A group dedicated for you"

  "Oh,” I sigh. “I know." I sit once again down by the waterfall. I grip my mother's necklace, wishing it could give me a sense of calmness like it had done many times before. "I know people started rising after they found out I was alive, but the idea of people fighting for me—" I kick at the water. "I don't know how I feel about that." I was just a damaged princess, stripped and beaten from everything she was.

  Aries leans in, begging me to listen. "Times like these, Princess, people need hope to carry them through. That is what your people finally have after so many years." The halo of the lights kisses his already tan cheeks. "You suffer, but that is because you are lucky enough to know what a world is like without violence and hate. In your kingdom, there is a new generation born where all they know is violence."

  I chew at my lip at his revelation. Guilt floods my mind as I picture children painting nothing but a cruel world that surrounds them. Meanwhile here I am, their Princess, hiding away from the very nightmares that inhabit their daily lives.