by Bailey Dark
The familiar lattice table comes into view. It's decorated with dainty and colorful cakes and desserts. A kettle of tea waits on a warmer, besides various pitchers of cool drinks. Around the table, tall, leafy trees encapsulate the area in a dome of green. But that's not what captures my attention. Fera sits in a high-backed lattice chair. Her blonde hair is piled in an intricate bun on top of her head. A delicate silver crown rests on her brow. She sips on a cup of tea, setting it down gently before lifting her gaze towards us.
“Briar,” she says sweetly, rising. I meet her halfway towards the table and take her offered hands. She squeezes my hands tightly, a bright smile on her face. “It’s so good to see you, though I will confess, I expected you to look much different.”
“I’m not sure what you mean,” I say even though I know perfectly well what she means. “But it is good to see you.”
Fera smiles tightly. "Well, you look gorgeous; I can safely put everyone at ease now." She peeks over my shoulder, eyeing Kane. "But introduce me."
“Of course.” I smile, stepping back beside my betrothed. He stares imperiously at her, power radiating from him like heat from a fire. “This is Kane, of the line of the Gods.”
“A pleasure,” Kane says coolly, dipping his chin. It’s the only show of respect anyone could expect from him.
“The pleasure is mine,” Fera says with a smile. Her eyes dart over him before she takes her seat again. “Not many can say they’ve faced Death and lived to tell the tale.”
“One can only boast such a thing for so long.” Kane pulls my chair out, not bothering to meet Fera’s gaze as he addresses her. “Death always wins in the end.”
“So it would seem,” Fera murmurs. “Please, enjoy. I’m starved.”
I take a few small cakes from the displays, stomach growling conspicuously. A servant arrives to pour tea. I nod my thanks to her. “You’ve been very generous. We didn’t expect an invitation.”
“Why didn’t you call on me when you arrived? I would have invited you much sooner if I had known,” Fera says, popping a bite of cake in her plump mouth.
“I prefer to travel without much attention,” Kane says, taking the lead. I plop four sugars into my tea and stir. “I’m sure you can understand.”
“Does that entail a stay in the city’s most notorious brothel?” Fera cocks a brow and sips delicately on her tea.
I cough in surprise, choking on my tea. Kane's eyes cut towards me, and I feel a swell of his magic around me, trying to calm me. "As I said, I prefer to go unnoticed." Kane's voice is even and unconcerned.
"Of course, it is as you said," Fera says, smiling tightly. Her eyes dart towards me, and for an instant, all I see is cold disdain. "Briar, how do you find the Underworld? Do you think it suits you?"
I hide behind my teacup for a moment. When I’m ready, I lower it and smile at Fera. “I do. It’s very beautiful.”
“And the lifestyle? Surrounded by dead people?” Fera shudders slightly, not even bothering to hide it.
“They are perfectly alive in the Underworld,” I say a little stiffly. Her words cut me, inciting unfamiliar anger. I set my teacup down with a clatter. “But what of this realm? Is your mother still drinking herself into oblivion every day?”
Fera stills, her eyes flashing. She twists her lips into a cold smile. “Why, Briar, I do believe you’ve grown a backbone. I wondered if you ever would. Could it be thanks to your betrothed?”
“I doubt it,” Kane drawls.
"I'm sure." Fera laces her fingers together, and I notice the many rings glinting on them. "But, let's speak more of the dead. You probably haven't heard about the strange deaths plaguing the city. Corpses found with vacant eyes. It's quite gruesome."
“It sounds terrible,” I say, fear flashing through me. I keep my hands in my lap to hide the trembling. “If we can do anything to help, please let us know.”
Fera leans back, her eyes cutting towards Kane. “Oh, I will. Have you ever encountered anything like that before, Death? How do you prefer to do your killing?”
“I leave the killing to others,” Kane says. His voice is like ice and has my skin crawling. He knows exactly what Fera is insinuating. “And no. Those deaths sound curious indeed.”
“Kane wouldn’t kill innocents,” I say tightly. The need to defend him from Fera’s judging gaze has my chest tight.
“It’s admirable – your trust in him,” Fera says. It doesn’t seem as if she thinks it’s admirable at all. “I hope one day I can have such faith in my betrothed.”
Kane rises with a bored sigh. Fera’s eyes narrow at his show of boredom and disdain. “Shall we go, Briar?”
“Please excuse us,” I say to Fera. She’s silent as I stand and take my place beside Kane. I force a smile, anger dripping from it. “It was a pleasure, thank you for hosting us.”
“You’re welcome.” Fera doesn’t rise as we leave.
Our clipped footsteps echo through the conservatory, and I feel my hands begin to tremble with anger. I pinch my lips together, eyes narrowed as we stride through the halls to the carriage waiting to bring us back to the Diamond. I never realized just how unpleasant Fera can be – perhaps how all royals can be. I wonder if I would have done the same if Kane hadn’t expanded my horizons; judged someone by the clothes on their back or their circumstances.
“Thanks,” Kane says tightly as we enter the carriage.
I look up from glowering at the floor. “For what?” I ask, confusion bunching my brows.
“Standing up for me.” His voice is emotionless and flat.
My cheeks blush lightly. “Anyone who knows you would have said the same,” I murmur.
Kane smirks sardonically. “Then you don’t know my friends that well.”
“I’m sorry about what Fera said – at what she implied,” I say. I feel embarrassed that someone I claimed was my friend said such a thing to Kane. “She shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s alright,” Kane says, leaning against the side of the carriage with vacant eyes. “I don’t trust mortals either.”
Chapter 13
Kane
The coachman lingers in the courtyard of the palace and I feel a slash of irritation. I should simply magic Briar and myself back to the inn, but I wouldn’t want word of it to spread from the palace to the streets. So, we wait. I tap my foot irritably, studying the gates leading out into the city. “What’s taking so long?” I ask, sticking my head out the window.
“I’ve been ordered to wait,” the coachman says. He’s an older man, with fine wrinkles lining his face. He stutters a little.
I grumble to myself, knowing full well that Princess Fera has ordered the delay. No doubt, she finds it amusing. I purse my lips, thinking of the unpleasant mortal. She's nothing like Briar, although they share the same status. Briar is humble, while Fera has no regard for others. She seems to imagine she can do and say whatever she pleases with no consequences. I find that highly unpleasant. My lips curl into a scowl as I think of the accusations she made at tea. While she isn't far off in pinning the murders on a creature of the Underworld, she was foolish to blame me. Mortals have little regard for the Gods anymore it would seem.
“Maybe something is wrong with the gate,” Briar guesses hopefully.
I study her coolly. She looks ravishing in the black gown of shadows, with her hair combed and the grime cleaned off of her. I've been careful since our intimacy the other night to avoid looking at her too closely – it's too tempting now that I know she may be exactly what I need. The only question that remains is whether or not she orchestrated the plot to betray me with her father. A girl like Fera might have, but Briar doesn't appear to be like her at all. Briar sighs softly, looking out the window. She's either innocent or the best actress I've ever met.
Suddenly, light footsteps approach and a breathless messenger swings the door of the carriage open. “The Princess sends her regrets, she would like to meet again with you both to apologize,” the messenger pants.
“It might be a good idea,” Briar says, turning towards me with a glint of hope in her eyes. “It’s never good to burn bridges.”
“She’s a mortal princess in a long line of princes,” I say tiredly. “Her bridge is insignificant.”
"Kane," Briar murmurs. She furrows her brows as if I've upset her. "I'm nothing more than a mortal princess in a long line of princesses."
I suck on my teeth, gaze locked with Briar’s. “Fine.” I wave a hand in surrender. “You may go, I’ll wait for you here.”
A small smile blooms on her face and she dips her head in thanks. I watch as she slips from the carriage and follows the messenger back into the palace. She disappears through the doors and the guards close them purposefully. Suspicion broils in my chest as they exchange meaningful looks towards the carriage. I don’t trust these mortals. I feel anxious at the thought of Briar entering a serpent’s den alone. Quietly, I summon the shadows inside the hot carriage. I melt into them, leaving a replica of myself lounging in the carriage to avoid the suspicion of the guards.
My phantom self moves through the shadows towards the palace, leaping from one pool of darkness to the next. I slip past the guards and underneath the palace door into the grand lobby. Finally, inside where shadows prevail, I rise, stretching to my full height. A servant girl hurries past me, and I wait, just a few inches out of reach until she moves on. I stick the shadows, walking along the walls and pausing in corners when mortals wander past me. The doors to the conservatory are open, and I see the messenger leave. Briar must be inside.
The conservatory is an excellent place for my shadows, and I creep through the bushes and trees until I’m only feet away from where Briar and Fera stand. I wait, eyes locked on the two women. Fera clasps her hands together in front of her and takes a deep breath, looking as if she’s smelt something unpleasant.
“Your betrothed didn’t come?” Fera asks stiffly.
“He elected not to, though he accepts your apology,” Briar says evenly. Her face is calm and assured. I suspect she would make a good stateswoman even if she can be timid.
“He has appalling manners.” Fera scowls. “But I confess I’m glad he didn’t. I have a message for your father, and I forgot all about it.”
"My father?" Briar's eyes widen, and she pales. I narrow my eyes. "How did he know I'm here?"
Fera waves a delicate hand impatiently. “I told him, of course, the same day one of my lady’s maids spotted you in the crowd at the market.”
“Are my sisters well?” Briar asks, holding a hand to her chest. Her throat bobs with emotion, but instead of melancholy, I feel anxiety through the bond. Briar is hiding something.
“They are, Rose is being courted by Prince Theodore of Czalla,” Fera says, jealousy tainting her voice. “But that isn’t what I’m meant to ask you. Your father is anxious to know if you’re well. What Kane said to him on the Day of your Collection upset him – he’s very concerned.”
Briar’s brows furrow. “What Kane said?”
Fera’s face crumples with pity. “Of course you don’t know – no one can get any word to you in the Underworld.”
I debate leaping out of my hiding spot and lacing Fera’s lips closed permanently but decide against it. I suspect Fera intends to tell Briar about my threat. I purse my lips, considering allowing Fera to finish. My heart pangs painfully as I imagine how Briar will react. If she isn’t involved in her father’s betrayal, she will certainly be devastated. I’m not sure I want to allow for that opportunity. The pain she feels will be the pain I feel.
“Kane, the monster, told your father he would break you,” Fera whispers, reaching companionably for Briar. Briar is limp, listening vacantly. “He said he would punish your father by making you his puppet to torture.”
Through the bond, I feel Briar's roiling emotions: confusion, sorrow, and disbelief. She stares at Fera, who looks on with pity. Briar allows Fera to take her hands in hers, but she doesn't grip them back. My heart squeezes painfully, and I wince. "I don't understand," Briar murmurs. "Why would he say that?"
“Because he’s a monster,” Fera spits out angrily. “Leave him, stay here with me. We can protect you from him.”
A laugh bubbles up in my chest, and I release it as I exit the shadows. "How?" I cock a brow at Fera. "How would mortals defend themselves from one of the Three? I'm anxious to know of this mortal threat."
She pales, dropping Briar’s hands quickly. “How dare you?” She cries out, trying to sound furious despite all of the fear I can taste dripping from her body.
“Shut up,” I snap, moving to Briar’s side. “Before I tear your tongue from your pinched, little mouth.”
Fera's lips clamp shut, and she backs slowly into the wall of bushes and tropical trees. "Guards," she whispers pathetically.
“So, it’s true then.” Briar’s voice is flat.
I pause, lips pursed. “There’s more you need to know.”
"Is there?" Briar asks. The words are strained as she holds back her emotions. But I can feel them storming inside of her, and it makes my throat tight. "You think that really matters?"
“He’s dangerous, Briar,” Fera says, regaining some strength.
I roll my eyes and snatch Briar’s wrist. I feel the pain I inflict on her streak through my own wrist, but I ignore it. “Let’s go,” I snarl, dragging her from the conservatory.
“Guards!” Fera screeches once we’re out of sight.
I hear armor clanking down the hall and growl irritably. Briar tugs against me, and I can feel it as anger courses through her petite frame. Scowling, I pull Briar into my chest and hold her fast. Soldiers appear around the corner, swords raised. Quickly, I call on my magic and transport us back to the inn. The air rushes around us, and I hear the soldiers yelling in the distance as we make our exit.
The instant our feet touch the floor of the inn, Briar writhes in my grip. She stomps her foot down hard on my shoe and pain lances up my leg. I hiss, tightening my hold on her, but it only makes her fight harder. “Stop,” I snap, pushing her away but squeezing her arms to her side.
“Let me go,” she says fiercely. I twist my leg to the side as she lashes out in a vicious kick.
“You are trying my patience,” I say coldly, tossing her onto the bed.
She lands on her back, gown twisted around her legs. Her face is red, eyes narrowed angrily. Her rage beats against the wall I created, straining to open me back up to the bond. She glowers at me, twisting into a crouched position, ready to lunge at me. “I hate you,” she hisses.
My eyes narrow, and I feel a rush of pain in my chest at her words. "Then you aren't as foolish as I thought," I snarl, pacing towards her.
Briar runs her tongue over her lips, debating attacking. “All this time I thought there was some good in you.” She scowls. “I was wrong.”
“I won’t deny that I told your father I would break you. I won’t even deny trying.” I bark out a mirthless laugh.
Briar's face crumples, and I see a silver glistening in her doll-like eyes. "Already?" She whispers the question.
“Your father betrayed me, Briar. He broke the terms of our agreement.” I lift a tentative hand, as if to stroke her head, but I drop it quickly. “When I saved your mother at your birth, I bargained for the eldest – for Rose. He delivered you instead, but we had already finished the vows when I realized the betrayal."
“Why?” Briar asks breathily. She shakes her head, hands fisted at her sides. “It was Rose you wanted all along?”
“He injured me. I was only returning the favor,” I continue, glowering at the painting over the bed.
“Get out,” Briar whispers.
“But you see, don’t you?” I turn my gaze to her. She kneels on the bed, shoulders slumped. “It was never about you.”
“Get out, you damned demon,” she screeches, rising off of her haunches as if to lunge at me. Her face is contorted with pain.
I step
back, brows furrowed with confusion at the enormous pain in her chest. It feels like our hearts are being torn to pieces. I wrestle the bond closed, bolstering my walls against her raw emotions. She sags back onto the bed, shoulders trembling. Her words ring in my head over and over, like the tolling of a bell. Damned demon. I leave her, only letting myself stumble when I’m out of her sight. And when the door closes, and I feel her ragged pain, I clutch at my chest and turn my head to the ceiling. And we wait until the pain subsides.
Chapter 14
Briar
The grains in the boards of the walls are thin and dark. I trace them with my eyes, already aching and swollen from crying. I hate that the truth about Kane hurt me so badly. It hurts me still. But I’m too empty to cry anymore. So, I lay on the bed, still dressed in his finery, and stare at the wall. The only light in the room is the setting sun, and the orange glow is fading quickly. Soon, it will be too dark to look at anything at all. But it won’t matter, we’ll be hunting the Nephilim.
I twist my lips into a frown. If I simply don't join them, will they leave me be and go alone? I pick at the blanket, moving for the first time in hours. Willem and Aiden already have poor opinions of me. Not that I care what they think, I grumble to myself. They already think I'm weak and useless. If I don't go, it will only bring them satisfaction. And the thought of that fills me with anger that soured ages ago.
I push myself up and strip out of the gown and into my trousers and boots. Carelessly, I pull my thick mane of hair into a ponytail, exposing the back of my neck. I stare at myself in the warped mirror above the dresser for an instant. It's not hard to see the sorrow behind my eyes or the slight pull of my lips downward. I look broken. Just like Kane wanted, I think. I bite the inside of my cheek, tears pricking at my eyes. How could he hurt me for something I didn't do? What kind of person would do such a thing?