Her mother sounded more like a tour guide. And had she heard a sarcastic edge in her voice?
“You don’t like the palace much, Mom,” Maray assumed as she fell into step beside her.
“If you had grown up here, you would not like the palace much, either,” Laura answered with a hard expression on her gentle features, but as she noticed Maray’s eyes on her, her face softened. “All in time, Maray. Let’s get to Scott first. I’ll tell you all the old stories one day.”
Maray nodded. All the stories. Whatever stories she’d hear, they’d all be new for her.
When they arrived at the ambassador’s chambers, a pacing Scott awaited them.
“Thank God, Your Royal Highnesses,” he hasted toward them and bowed, “Ambassador.” His balding head had showed pearls of sweat. “I apologize, Miss Cornay.” He apparently remembered that she had asked him not to call her Royal Highness. “I thought something terrible might have happened to you.”
The barking voice of their first encounter when Jemin had smuggled her into his room in the servant quarters was entirely gone, leaving him sounding like a concerned friend.
“Something terrible?” her mother inquired, sounding precisely like the dignified royal she was expected to be.
“Boyd and Brendal returned from patrol earlier today, informing me of an attack of your residence in the other Vienna.
Maray froze. “Are they okay?” she burst out, without considering whether it was the right moment for her to speak, and earned a sideways glance from her mother. It wasn’t a disapproving one, but it made clear that there was a lot she had to learn before she was fit for court.
“I hope they are unharmed,” Laura prompted, rephrasing Maray’s question.
“They are indeed, Your Royal Highness.” Maray’s heart returned to normal speed. “But I am afraid your apartment is not.” Heck’s voice came from the door on the other end of the red-tapestried room. “It’s as if a Yutu nested there.”
Maray threw back her hood and darted through the room toward him.
“Slowly, Your Royal Highness.” Heck caught her, a grin wide on his face, chocolate eyes sparkling with amusement, before she hit him in an embrace, and he bowed, holding her at a distance with both arms.
“Shut up, Heck,” she laughed and whispered while freeing her arms to hug him. He crushed her toward his chest without regard for their status in court. “I am glad you’re okay.”
“And I am glad you are okay, Maray.” Jemin’s velvet voice swallowed her like a spring tide. Her eyes searched the space behind Heck and found Jemin’s bright-blue ones a little bit behind him in the room, watching her with an expression that she had learned to read. It was a contained face, emotions boiling somewhere, anywhere but on the surface, a soldier’s face with a crack of blue fire behind his irises, giving away how much he had been aching to see her. And as he took a step forward, she didn’t even realize how her arms dropped from Heck’s neck to make room for Jemin.
But the moment she was about to storm into his arms, she noticed that they remained patiently by his sides, not moving an inch.
She stopped right in front of him, this time uncaught by any hands but refrained by her sense of avoiding awkwardness.
“Good to see you again, Your Royal Highness.” He indicated a bow, and the tiniest of smiles crossed his face.
Despite the lack of oxygen in her brain as she looked at him, she realized that he had taken the safe route. He was in protector mode; Jemin the soldier, not Jemin her… what was he? Not boyfriend. They had never talked about it, and after two weeks without seeing him, who knew what had changed for him.
For her, the butterflies in her stomach remained the same, and judging by the burning blue flame in his eyes, his feelings, whatever they were, hadn’t changed either. So something else must have changed.
“I am truthfully grateful that you are unharmed, Maray,” he remarked, his expression supporting his words, but other than that, he didn’t show any signs of what had happened between them.
Maray was searching for words—safe words—she could use to express how she had missed him, how she was sorry that her status was going to make it difficult for them to be together, and how she was going to do anything to give them a chance—
“Jemin, Heck, please come closer.” Maray’s father came to her aid, not letting her stand and stare any longer; and at the same time taking away whatever tiny chain of words she might have mastered in that moment.
The two boys joined them, standing a step or so behind where Maray stopped, not leaving a view on their faces.
“The heroes of Allinan,” Parsin Scott praised them.
“Yes, Commander, only no one knows about our heroism.” Heck’s amused voice came over her left shoulder.
“It is safer this way,” Laura noted with a mild face. “We cannot inform the public about what is really going on with Rhia. It would cause disturbance and instability. We already have enough instability.”
She sounded like a true monarch, thinking about what was best for her queendom. But was hiding the truth the best for anyone? Maray remembered endless discussions about whether or not diplomacy meant lying. Twisting the truth in order to achieve higher goals for everyone, maybe, she had agreed with her father. But, with Rhia striving for omnipotence in addition to her immortality…
“Thank you for recognizing our part in securing the future of Allinan, Your Royal Highness… Laura,” Jemin said, sounding embarrassed as he used her name even when they had switched to a first name basis after he had carried her through the corridors under the castle to escape the dungeons.
Maray flinched a bit as Jemin addressed her mother like that when he had chosen to be formal with her. It was almost as if he was building a wall on purpose. With a surge of heartache, she shoved her thoughts aside and focused on what was actually going on.
“So, how are we doing this?” Heck asked, naturally comfortable with anything defying hierarchy. “Are we going to make an announcement?” He chuckled. “That Queen Rhia is no longer available for ruling and all…”
“Heck,” Jemin whispered behind Maray, and she glimpsed over her shoulder just in time to watch him ram his elbow into Heck’s arm, making Heck curse under his breath.
“As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what we are going to do,” Laura agreed. For a moment, her face was the mother who had read her bedtime stories and sang her lullabies as she smiled at Heck. Then, she composed her features into an image of dignity, and the queen in waiting continued in all her glory. “We will inform the nobles about Rhia’s indisposition, and I will take over the daily business in her place. And at the same time, we will announce to the public the marriage between Ambassador Johnson and me and about the next Princess of Allinan: Maray.
Maray’s skin started to itch at the thought of being introduced to this world. What did she truly know about Allinan?
“But first, we have a couple of things we need to take care of, and I need all of your help.”
“Anything,” Parsin Scott reacted promptly, earning a smile from Laura.
“Then, I will need to borrow Jemin for a little bit,” she said with something that looked a lot like a wink at Maray. Her mother didn’t wink. A queen didn’t wink. And that was what her mother was going to be. Maray felt Jemin straighten behind her, a ready soldier. “I need your best fighter to instruct my daughter so she will be able to defend herself.”
Almost able to picture Jemin’s smug face when Laura called him Scott’s best fighter, Mary had no problem sensing Heck’s twisted grin of objection.
“Heck is an equally good fighter.” Jemin surprised Maray with his statement. Hadn’t they disagreed at any opportunity on who was more skilled and a superior soldier? What on earth made Jemin attempt to weasel out of Laura’s request?
“Very well, Jemin. Heck and you can take turns.” Something on her mother’s face told her that the boys’ expressions were priceless, and hadn’t she been so upset with Jemin’s sudden di
stance, she might have checked over her shoulder again to find out if the blue fire was still there in his eyes.
Maray couldn’t stop staring. “This can’t be right.” Never in her life had she seen a bedroom like this.
“This used to be mine when I was your age.” Her mother walked into the tremendous space, setting one light foot after the other on the parquet floor as if she was parading in front of an audience.
Gerwin had stayed in the ambassador’s chambers to consult with Parsin Scott about the best timing to inform the nobles. The plan was to call in all the nobles in Allinan for a private audience with Princess Laura. Maray wasn’t supposed to be there for the event, but later, when they all had declared their loyalty to her mother, she would be publicly presented to the people of Allinan. Open invitation. She felt like a prize pony.
“What will I do with all the space?” She was used to less roomy accommodations. In the other world they had always lived in small houses or apartments that might even fit into this very room.
“Yoga?” Her mother suggested with the war smile she was used to and sat down on the dark wooden bed, gesturing for Maray to join her. “This is all new for you; I am aware of that.” Her forehead creased as she paused, thoughts going to a place Maray couldn’t follow. “There is a lot you’ll have to learn before you’re fit to step in front of the Allinan people.” She looked deep into Maray’s eyes, wisdom emphasized by the grey of her hair. “Your people.”
Instead of focusing on her mother, Maray stared at the tapestry behind her. Blue. A deep, lapis-lazuli blue, like her mother’s eyes; like her own eyes. White flowers were splattered across the walls, a pattern that seemed as random as it seemed planned.
She couldn’t think of Allinan as her world yet. Uprooted from the other world, she needed to get accustomed to the one of her origin. And her mother’s decision to bring in Jemin and Heck gave her at least some hope the transition would be easier.
When she didn’t respond, her mother continued. “You will have a handmaiden, someone who helps you with formal dresses, hair, and makeup when the time comes.”
Maray shook her head in horror. “I don’t want servants, Mom.”
“When I was your age, I was just like you. Except that I grew up with servants.” Laura just smiled, understanding. “I still believe that we can take good care of ourselves, but there are certain positions at court that come with great honor. People will line up to be your handmaiden, and given the difficult circumstances, we can’t afford to disappoint our people.”
Something about the way she said it let Maray wonder if Laura believed that the people of Allinan were going to welcome Maray or question her legitimacy.
“One step at a time.” Laura rested her hand on Maray’s shoulder. “First, you need to get ready to face this new world. Jemin and Heck are going to train you in fighting skills, and Corey will help you with your magic.”
She couldn’t wait to see the annoyingly pretty girl with the silken black skin again. Despite her own history with Jemin—Maray just knew there had been something—Corey showed every sign of rooting for Maray and Jemin.
“When is she coming over?” Maray asked, eager to have someone to introduce her to the concept of magic and hoping to finally be able to switch those magical basins on and off by herself.
“First thing tomorrow.” Laura smiled.
“And the handmaiden?”
“Not any time soon.” The look on Laura’s face as she got to her feet reassured Maray she would have a little bit of time to adjust to her new life in Allinan. “Oh, and don’t leave this area of the palace until we’ve got things figured out.”
“Sure, Mom.” Maray nodded the way she had when she’d been five, her black hair bouncing over her shoulders as she did.
“You’ll find everything you need in the closet.” She pointed at a door that was hidden in the blue tapestry. “Food will be brought to your chambers. And you’ll find me and Dad next door if you need us.” With those words, she walked to the door.
“Wait,” Maray called her mother back, uneasy about staying alone. “What if anyone comes here?”
“No one will come here,” Laura said and returned to give Maray a hug. “At least no one we can’t trust.” A smile played on her lips as she spoke, and Maray wondered what her mother had in mind as she watched her leave the room.
It was mid-afternoon. Maray slipped out of her cloak and dropped her messenger bag on the white sheets of the bed. She was wearing Corey’s Thaotine pants and a moss-green sweater to keep her warm. The palace was surprisingly warm, fireplaces crackling in the corners on each side of the bed, with large mirrors hanging above them, throwing reflections of orange flames and cold November light into the room.
For a moment, she sat and gazed into the room, not knowing what to do with herself, until she had finished a staring contest with every piece of furniture within sight. Finally, ready to explore the closet, she opened her bag and pulled out the few belongings she’d brought to Allinan: some sets of underwear, a couple of pairs of socks, jeans, toothbrush, and a hairbrush. She got to her feet and approached the closet, heart beating faster. She couldn’t tell exactly why that was, but somehow she feared to see what awaited her behind that door.
Gingerly, she rested her hand on the door and, as she couldn’t find a handle, pushed.
“I honestly thought you were never going to open that door.”
Maray’s heart almost stopped beating.
“Take a breath, Your Royal Highness. You look like you’re going to throw up.”
“Heck!” Maray exclaimed and peered over her shoulder for something to throw at him. “You almost gave me a heart attack.” There was a pair of folded socks within reach, and she grabbed it and aimed it at him, earning an amused grin.
“What’s a heart attack?” Heck jumped past her and made himself comfortable on one of the blue chairs.
Maray turned and eyed him as he rested his feet on the carved, wooden board at the foot end of the bed, speechless.
“No, I’m serious,” Heck clarified with a grin. “What’s a heart attack? Is that one of your fancy illnesses in the other world?”
“You are never serious, Heck.” Jemin’s voice came from behind her, making her almost fall over as she spun around. “I am.”
He caught her by the forearm to stabilize her.
“You are what?” She mumbled, unable to look away from his smiling eyes—an expression she had never seen on him.
“Serious,” Heck interpreted and laughed.
Maray wanted to laugh with him but couldn’t. All her humor was stuck somewhere between her larynx and her teeth.
“What are you doing in my closet?” she hissed, unsure whether she would be in trouble if her parents found out. She didn’t know the rules about what was suitable for an Allinan Princess, but she was certain that hiding boys in her closet wasn’t on that list.
When Jemin let go of her without warning, she stumbled forward again.
“Yeah, he sometimes has that effect on people,” Heck commented, “especially when they are of the fairer sex.”
Jemin shot him a dark look that should normally have silenced him, but Heck was on a roll. “Wasn’t Princess Laura right, Jem? Everything Maray needs was in that closet.”
Maray swallowed, feeling her cheeks burn crimson in embarrassment. Had her mother known they were hiding in there?
“Shut up, Heck.” Jemin stepped past Maray, face back to unreadable, and joined Heck, taking a seat on one of the blue chairs—way too many, Maray noted.
Maray took a last glance into the closet, checking whether anyone else was inhabiting it, and found herself looking at a variety of dresses made of silk, velvet, and Thaotine. She sighed. “Now, is either of you going to tell me?”
“Tell you what?” Heck responded with a grin up to both his ears.
“What you are doing here,” she clarified with an eye-roll and crossed the room to sit down with them.
She wasn’t ex
actly upset but annoyed that they had managed to sneak up on her like that. What if it had been someone else… Langley? Or worse, Rhia and Feris?
“I’m sorry,” Jemin’s voice interrupted her pending panic. “We didn’t mean to scare you—”
“Speak for yourself,” Heck interjected.
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” Jemin corrected, Heck’s chuckle a background melody. “All I wanted was to make sure you are okay.”
He leaned forward, the blue fire smoldering in his eyes. “After what we found in your apartment, we thought—I thought Langley might have gotten you.”
“Mom doesn’t know you’re here?” Maray asked, just to verify if she ought to have prepared a surprised look in case one of her parents showed up.
Jemin shook his head, a caught look on his face.
It appeased Maray that he had snuck into her room to make sure she wasn’t hurt, but he could have done that earlier with her parents and Parsin Scott around. And Heck? Was he here because he wanted to be, or did Jemin, confident, unshaken Jemin, suddenly need a wingman? Or a chaperone—
“That’s kind of you,” she said curtly, smothering the fire in her own chest. It was a fire of confusion, licking in all directions inside her heart, pushing her state of mind into insecurity. Everything was changing for her. Not knowing what was going on between her and Jemin just added to that list.
“Kindness is my middle name,” Heck commented and got to his feet. “Well, now that we know she is all right…” He headed back toward the closet. “You coming, Jem?” he asked over his shoulder, stopping on the threshold to the closet.
Jemin didn’t show any signs he was going to move—much to Maray’s delight.
Heck, on the other hand, shrugged and continued into the rows of clothes. “See you at Core’s,” he called before he vanished.
Two Worlds of Oblivion Page 4