Interference: Book One

by A. F. Presson

  A colossal set of gold-trimmed double doors on the left side of the hall came into view. The frame shimmered against the light, evidence of the spell protecting it.

  “Ah, is this the chamber of the mighty queen? The spawn of Satan. Wearer of slutty clothes and thick concealer. Anyone?” I glanced around at the Custos escorting me.

  Silence followed my attempt at humor until a soft snicker erupted through the crowd of guards. I couldn’t be sure, but it almost sounded like it came from the front. Someone had a sense of humor.

  We stopped at the next door on the left. Although less regal, it still portrayed a sense of entitlement with gold embellishments along the frame. Did Aadya keep Felix this close to her? And why? A shiver ran up my spine at the thought of her mating me to someone she’s already had her way with.

  “Wait inside,” a guard announced.

  I opened the door to a large bright bedroom—the floor and walls composed of sleek white stone. My stomach turned at the sight of the massive bed with thick black posts in the center of the room. Black curtains framed tall floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Seregalo River.

  A large tiled bathroom, complete with soaking tub and walk-in closet, took up an entire side of the room. There wasn’t a towel or washcloth out of place. Sorry, Felix. We’d never work out, I thought. A click echoed throughout the large room as the door opened, and I spun to see Felix smiling boyishly.

  He stepped forward. “Finally, I thought they’d never get you out of that horrid cell. My apologies, my love.”

  Oh, dear.

  I clasped my hands together and spoke as if he were a toddler. “Felix, while I appreciate your kindness, you don’t even know me.”

  “I know everything I need to, Mercy. I’ve seen a vision of our future, and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a mate.”

  I knew Aadya had orchestrated our union, but Felix believed in us with all of his heart.

  “You don’t think there’s the tiniest little chance that Aadya had something to do with our vision?” I placed my index finger and thumb in front of his face, measuring out the possibility of that scenario.

  Ignorance shined from his eyes like a lighthouse. “Oh, she did,” he insisted.

  My eyes widened, surprised at his admission. “I think so, too.”

  “She sat down with me and interpreted the meaning of it all. If it weren’t for her, I might have never known it was you, Angel-cakes.”

  I puked a little in my mouth.

  “Plus, my Allegato mark is the combination of the moon and water. Do you have any idea how many people I’ve met with more than one gift?”

  “Um, five?” I guessed.

  “Two. My Aadya and my mate.” He grinned.

  His Aadya? What the hell?

  “We have a surprise for you.” His excitement caused my stomach to clench and my heart to race.

  “A surprise? Awe, Felix, you shouldn’t have.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Aadya has arranged for us to have a mating ceremony along with a wedding since you’re used to formal customs. She planned it all for tomorrow. I thought it was very considerate—the thought of you missing out on anything had my knickers twisted, if you know what I mean.” He winked.

  “What, um, knickers . . . wedding?” Just stop talking.

  “A Regalian mating ceremony is very private, between the man and woman in their bedroom, exchanging vows before they consummate. We’re going to incorporate a wedding ceremony for you. Aadya has it all planned out, Mercy. She’s going to give you away, and Marley will stand by your side.”

  I watched his face, lit with enthusiasm over my perfect day. “Wow, Felix. That all sounds like a dream. I’m curious, then what?”

  “What do you mean?” His brows pulled together in confusion.

  “After tomorrow, will we live together at the domicile?”

  “Oh, heavens no, Cupcake. Our mansion is far greater in Dolderia. You’ll love it, I promise.”

  “In Dolderia?” I asked. “Where is that, Felix?”

  “Well, under the Swiss Alps, of course.”

  “What?” I sat down on the side of the bed, stunned. Then quickly stood when I realized what had probably happened on that mattress.

  He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me. “Dolderia is our hidden underground land in Switzerland. I will be the next ruler, and you will be by my side.”

  My father had told me there were rumors of other hidden lands, but he said there was no proof. “I had no idea Dolderia existed,” I admitted.

  He leaned forward as if sharing a secret. “No one does. Our world has been kept secret for over a hundred years. You can only enter at the permission of our king—my father. Unlike Seregalo, nature will not dictate who rules our country,” he spat.

  That’s when it clicked. Every attempt Aadya made at getting rid of me had failed. So she planned to mate me to another, far away, to eliminate the threat—and she wanted it done quickly. She knew if Felix took me to Dolderia, he’d never let me leave.

  “I’ll teach you everything you need to know, I promise.” He leaned in further, studying my mouth. Right before he kissed me, my hand pushed against his chest, halting him.

  “What’s wrong, angel?”

  “I, um, well,” I stuttered.

  Felix’s face fell. “You don’t have to say it. I already know about Drake.”

  “You do?” My eyes widened.

  “He won’t be a problem any longer. Nothing will keep us from being together. I promise you.”

  . . .

  I stood at the window all night—thinking, planning and worrying. No matter the situation, I’d always been able to come up with something on the fly. Every scenario I conjured placed someone I loved in danger. If I made a wrong move at all, they’d kill Drake or Nora. I still had no idea where Neela was—what if they had taken her too? I had to be smart.

  I couldn't lose them. I wouldn’t allow them to die by the hands of my malicious aunt. I didn’t know what to do, so I prayed for guidance. I prayed for grace and protection over my loved ones. I prayed for the people of Seregalo and all the innocent lives that Aadya had tortured. I knew I didn’t have long before she would summon me to the ceremony, so I stole a few quiet moments to think about everyone in my life that had molded me into the Regalian I was in that moment.

  I could feel my source, awakening as the effects of the dungeon dissipated. A storm raged within and I had to wait—choose the perfect time to unleash the fire within.

  As the sun rose over the mountain, the bedroom door opened without so much as a knock. Aadya rushed in, overjoyed, with a group of women trailing behind her. Marley stood in the back—her eyes full of sorrow.

  Aadya announced, louder than necessary. “It’s your big day! I have a lovely surprise. Marley, come here.”

  Marley hesitantly shuffled forward and handed me a garment bag.

  “What’s this?” I asked.

  “Open it,” Aadya demanded.

  I unzipped the garment bag and pulled out a long ivory silk dress. My gaze took in the thin fabric. I blinked hard, controlling the tears that fought to escape.

  “It was Annabel’s favorite.” Her voice took on a sickeningly sweet tone that made me want to stab her in the eye.

  I glanced up at my sister. A combination of sadness and anger surrounded her.

  “Can I go back to my room now?” she asked.

  She didn’t want to be a part of this any more than I did. Marley didn’t wait on a response, she turned and left the room.

  “You won’t be going to the party if you keep acting like that, Little Miss!” Aadya screamed—then quickly turned toward me with a toothy grin. “Can you excuse us, ladies?” The women filed out of the room.

  I zipped the dress into the bag as rage built within me. How far would she go?

  “Why are you doing this?” I whispered.

  “Don’t be selfish, Mercy. Think of the good you’ll do. Ruling your own country instead of stealing mi
ne . . . and you get to live. Win-win.” She giggled as she threw her hands in the air.

  “And Marley?” I asked.

  “I haven’t decided.” Aadya’s long red fingernail tapped her chin, thoughtfully.

  My eyes narrowed. “You can’t force people to stay with you. I assumed when my father left, you would have figured that out.”

  Contempt filled her eyes as her mouth drew up in an evil sneer. “You don’t understand what you’re talking about, you little brat. You think you know what it takes to rule a hidden land like Seregalo? You don’t know the first thing.”

  I tilted my head to the side and whispered, “I think you feel threatened that I’d make a better leader than you.”

  Her back straightened as she jutted her chin forward. “We’ll see about that.” She stomped off toward the door. “Get dressed. Do something with yourself—it’s your wedding, for heaven’s sake.” Before slamming the door, she looked back and sneered, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep Drake company in the meantime.”

  . . .

  My fear for Drake and Nora persuaded me to take a shower and look presentable. Aadya had left a bag of hair and makeup supplies along with the dress, so I styled my hair in waves down my back and attempted to hide the exhaustion on my face. The dark smokey makeup that outlined my eyes reflected the grim and depressed soul within. I chose the brightest red lipstick I could find and stepped into the silky gown. Perfect fit. I still wore the firestone earrings, my mother’s ring, and my necklace from Drake. She couldn’t take those away from me.

  I’d always dreamed of slipping into something like this one day, but it felt wrong. There were no friends styling my hair and gushing over the way I looked. I didn’t await my father to kiss me on the cheek or walk me down the aisle, and the man of my dreams wouldn’t be waiting for me downstairs. This was just another nightmare.

  “Hello? Ms. Monroe?” I turned at the unfamiliar, deep voice at the door.

  “Yes?”

  “I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Josiah Foster, an Elder in Seregalo. I, well, Noah was like a brother to me. We grew up together, and I just heard of his passing. A good man, your father.”

  A middle-aged man, average height, with sandy blonde hair stood calm and confident in the doorway. His dark suit and white dress shirt fit as though it had been custom tailored.

  “Aren’t you a little young to be an Elder, Mr. Foster? I imagined them to be the oldest in the city.”

  “Aren’t you a little young to lead the elders?” He smiled.

  “Point made.” I grinned. “Forgive me, but why are you here?”

  He stepped forward and lowered his voice. “Because I believe in you. I have faith in our way of life and her time has run out, Mercy. She’s failed us.”

  “What do you suggest?” I asked.

  “I don’t know what the answer is. We’re tired, Mercy. Exhausted. If we don’t do something, there won’t be any Regalians left. Just know some of us are prepared to fight with you if it comes to it. That’s, well, that’s all I wanted to say.” A kind, half-grin spread across his face as he walked out the door. “And, Mercy? Noah would be proud of you. I know he would.” He turned toward the door.

  I took a deep breath. “Mr. Foster?”

  He glanced over his shoulder toward me.

  “I have no intention of going to Dolderia. I can promise you that.”

  He exhaled, relieved. “Good to know.” Then the door closed with a final click.

  The noise outside beckoned me to the window, and I glanced out onto the lawn of the domicile. Such a strange, beautiful sight laid out in the enchanted land. They constructed an extravagant white platform, centered in front of the building, and rows of chairs perfectly lined around the stage. Wine and champagne circulated among the dreary crowd, hoping to revive their spirits about marrying off their next chosen leader. Or did they even know?

  “Get a move on—your mate is getting restless,” a snappy voice called out.

  Aadya, dressed in a tight, black dress with a slit up one leg, looked as though she already wanted to strangle me. She’d piled her hair loose on top of her head, and a large emerald necklace nestled low in her cleavage.

  “Where’s Marley?” I asked.

  She feigned interest in her perfect nails. “She decided to stay in her room.”

  “She decided?” I asked.

  “I don’t have all day, Mercy. Let’s go.”

  “Have you told her?” I asked.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Told her what? We don’t have time for this.”

  “How you killed our mother in the woods that day and left her body on the ground. Does she know? Have you explained how you ordered two guards to hold an unarmed, weak woman, while you played with her mind until her body crumbled? Does she know our parents hid, watching over us our entire life so you wouldn’t kill us? How you tore our family apart because you were jealous? No? I guess it hasn’t come up.”

  Her eyes widened in shock, but she quickly recovered. “Time to go,” she sneered.

  Aadya led me outside, the sunlight glinting off the emerald around her neck. An icy hand grabbed at my palm, forcing me to portray unity that didn’t exist. Lifting the skirt of my dress with one hand, I stepped onto the stage, and cheers rang out among the crowd. Aadya waved, smiling brightly at the applause. A sharp pain ran through my hand as she twisted it, hinting for me to portray the joy of a happy bride. I couldn’t even force it.

  My sensory gift reacted, burning her hand as her grip tightened. She hissed, then jerked away, her eyes filled with anger.

  My gaze caught sight of Drake at the left side of the stage, identical to my dream. Shimmering shackles gripped his biceps, and the muscles in his chest tightened from his heavy breaths. We made eye contact for all of three-seconds before she pushed me forward. There, in the front row, Nora sat hunched and weak, a Custos on each side. A threat, in case I didn’t cooperate. Nora’s weak gaze lifted toward mine and nodded once.

  “Let’s be smart, Mercy. For once in your life, do what’s right for everyone else,” Aadya whispered. “After today, we’ll never have to see each other again.”

  Felix’s hand swept out in front of me, the intricate D visible on his wrist. The tattoo I assumed symbolized his country. He waited for me to accept him as sweat broke out across my neck and chest. My eyes cut toward the domicile where Marley watched from her window.

  Her pale, sad expression was visible from the lawn, as her palm pressed against the glass. I wish I’d known what went through her head at that moment—it might have saved me heartache down the road.

  Mr. Foster sat with unwavering eye contact from the Elder’s private section. At least a dozen men and women sat within the roped off area—posture straight and heads held high. An air of importance surrounded them as the people of Seregalo nodded their greeting in the Elder’s direction—respectfully.

  One to two hundred guests sat before us, excitement humming through the air. She impressed me by throwing everything together so quickly. It looked beautiful, but no amount of beauty could wipe away the despair and darkness in my heart at that moment. Gray clouds blocked the sunlight and the wind whispered gently through the strands of my hair. My gaze roamed to Drake—then Mr. Foster.

  I closed my eyes, remembering my vision so clearly. Mr. Foster nodded, knowing exactly what needed to happen. His hand reached forward, and he began turning clockwise, slowly. I felt the vibrations of magic in the air and a spark of energy that carried an undercurrent of determination. He didn’t turn it back. He slowed it down.

  Every second dragged around me, and I could see the perfect time to make my move. The combination of adrenaline and Drake’s need for violence fueled my power like never before. I slowly slipped my hand into Felix’s, taking advantage of the shift in time while I could. Could Josiah stall the moment long enough for me to do what I needed?

  I glimpsed at Nora as the short, fearless Custos beside her lifted the hood of their cloak. Neela. My heart cried ou
t in relief. Neela had survived and waited for the right time to expose herself. Caleb and Colton stood in the back, waiting for my move.

  As soon as Felix gripped my hand, my mother’s ring illuminated under the glint of the sun. My palm warmed, and I couldn’t breathe from the energy pulsing through me. A satisfied cackle erupted behind me, and a blade emerged at Drake’s neck. It was the only chance I’d get.

  I let the power flow through me—from my chest outward. I gave it everything I had. What started as a mild burn, turned into raging flames as heat ran down my arms angrily. An explosion of magic released in that moment, knocking down anyone within a fifty-foot radius, including myself. I barely remembered the surge as I raised up from the hard ground, shaking off the dizziness and double vision. My hearing faded in and out like a radio station with a poor signal—as if a bomb had struck the domicile. Neela had dove on top of Nora protectively, and the spell holding Drake’s shackles dissipated as panic broke out across the lawn.

  That moment would change everything for us, for all of the Regalians, if we could stay focused and rally against Aadya. The explosion confused the people of Seregalo, and they were unable to tell the difference between a leader and a villain. Some ran and others stayed behind to take a stand against the unknown force.

  The sky blackened as a storm swirled overhead. The wind picked up, whipping chairs and flowers from side to side. The power of the Regalians blew along with the breeze, wrapping around me and fueling my flame. Energy from all sides collided mid-air as rain poured down onto the city. Fighting broke out, magical and physical, as I fought my way to Aadya.

  Anger, fear, and confusion made a catastrophic mix in the magical world. Large-scale tornadoes devastated the domicile, trees lifted by their roots, and people stumbled across unmoving bodies throughout the lawn. Emotional interferers evoked fear into the citizens nearby and some absorbed panic from those surrounding them.

  An intense push from the subconscious interferers caused pressure to build inside my head, forcing me to shield my mind. Unable to handle the energy assault, the weaker Custos sat brain dead from the power colliding around them as blood dripped from their ears and nose. Drake fought his way toward us, fighting multiple Custos at any given time.