Possession

by Samantha Britt

  He remained silent, even though he was the one who’d brought up the scroll inside his desk first.

  I refused to be deterred. “Is it because you are trying to counteract your birth prophecy?” I asked, forming the theory as I spoke. “I’ve read the cursed lovers prophecy. ‘Evil comes to an end at the hands of the cursed lovers… fated souls and the perfect balance to restore the days of old,’” I recited the phrases I remembered from the text Cris helped me decipher.

  I continued without waiting for the prince to respond. “It sounds like the lovers aren’t really cursed. Rather, they will bring peace,” I repeated what I’d said to Cris in the library when I’d first read the prophecy. “Are you trying to counteract whatever your birth prophecy says?” An exhilarating feeling of accomplishment wrapped around me. I couldn’t explain why, but I felt like I’d discovered something crucial about the stoic prince.

  Brion’s father disliked him, and anyone who believed in prophecies would suppose the prince was evil. Yet, Brion was trying to find a way to negate his fate. I sympathized with him, and I wanted more than anything for him to find success with his plans.

  I forced myself to remain silent and waited for Brion to say something—to confirm I was right.

  Moments later as the steam from the shower began fogging the mirrors, Brion uttered in a low voice, “What on this world would make you believe such nonsense?”

  My smile dropped. “What?”

  “I do not live my life like my father,” he practically growled. “I do not live by the whimsical words on an ancient piece of paper.”

  Even as he said it, I doubted him. I’d seen and heard the prince when he first mentioned his birth prophecy. He might have been experiencing the effects of alcohol, but I knew the damning prophecy bothered him. He didn’t want to be considered the doom of the kingdom.

  He could deny it all he wanted, but I wouldn’t believe him.

  “I understand.” I turned on my heel to return to the bedroom. “My apologies.”

  I stepped towards the door when I heard Brion murmur, “Lissa.” He sounded conflicted, but I didn’t turn around. The time for honesty had passed, and I would not make the mistake of trying to force more information out of the prince. Not now, anyway.

  “Enjoy your shower, Your Highness.” I closed the door behind me and immediately gathered one of my borrowed cloaks and left the room, leaving Brion to deal with whatever was going on in his head alone.

  If there was one thing I learned growing up with a headstrong brother and stubborn sister, it was when to pick my battles and when to wait for the dust to settle.

  24

  Two days later, Prince Brion and I sat in Lord Meck’s daytime parlor, continuing to avoid each other. We’d scarcely said two words to one another after the uncomfortable conversation in the bathing chamber. It wasn’t an easy feat considering we shared a sleeping space, but we were nothing if not impressively obstinate. I was determined to wait until he broached the subject before resuming our tentative friendship. After all, I’d only tried to understand him and his troubles. He was the one who shut me out.

  I sat beside Lord Meck at the desk in the room, looking over his shoulder at a recipe for a potion to treat seizures.

  “But all the ingredients are so simple.” I reread the list of easy to find herbs and natural plant oils. “Anyone can replicate this recipe.”

  Well… almost anyone, I corrected myself. I would have trouble finding the vegetation in Caldiri’s dry soil.

  “I know,” Lord Meck replied in an excited voice. “Trials with patients are still ongoing, but the results have been phenomenal. The alchemists fully expect a wide range of application across the region in the coming year.”

  “Amazing,” I breathed, marveling at the organization and their ability to distribute among their population.

  “I’m glad you think so.”

  I looked up and saw Lord Meck gazing at me with a soft expression. I turned back to the book before he could see the color rise in my cheeks.

  On the other side of the room, I heard Brion laugh at something Valeria said. There were other draekon speaking, but his voice stood out above the rest. It was nothing short of annoying.

  A solider, one of the few I’d seen in Villam, stomped into the parlor and appeared next to Lord Meck. “Sir, we have incoming horses.”

  Lord Meck spoke with authority. “Are they the prince’s men?”

  “We believe so, Sir. They are flying the royal banner.”

  Without hesitation, I pushed back my chair and rushed out of the parlor. I heard Brion and Lord Meck call for me to wait, but I didn’t listen. I hurried through the foyer and pushed open the mansion’s front door before the stationed manservant had the chance.

  Picking up my borrowed skirt, I flew down the steps and didn’t stop until I reached the fence bordering the noble’s home. Through the iron bars, I could see the team of horses trotting down the road.

  I cried out when I saw Jasper, alive and well, riding atop a brown stallion. Spotting me, he kicked his heels into the animal and broke ahead of the group. Two servants pulled open Lord Meck’s gates, and Jasper entered the courtyard. He’d barely slid off the horse before I threw myself into his arms, hugging him tightly.

  “You’re okay,” I mumbled into his shoulder. I’d worried the rebels had managed to take him from the forest, and I couldn’t begin to describe how relieved I felt at seeing him uninjured and back with me.

  Jasper patted my back awkwardly. “There’s no need to fuss, Lissa. Nothing happened.”

  I leaned back and eyed him with curiosity.

  What did he mean? Qwell had betrayed us, and we’d nearly been kidnapped.

  Before I could demand he explain himself, Jasper flicked his eyes over my shoulder meaningfully. I turned and saw Prince Brion standing there, a smirk on his face, except he wasn’t looking at us.

  The prince watched Lord Meck, who was frowning as he observed me hugging my friend.

  I stepped away from Jasper but held onto his arm. I wasn’t ready to let him out of my sight.

  “Nice to see you in one piece, Amelissa.” Agent Min led a horse by the bridle. He reached out and wrapped an arm around me and squeezed.

  I returned the embrace with my free arm before he stepped away.

  “I’m glad you are all safe, too,” I told him. I looked back and counted all the soldiers, who besides Qwell, were accounted for. Including the wagon.

  “The objective of their attack wasn’t to rob us then,” I said, nodding towards the undisturbed vehicle.

  Min’s lips turned down, and he confirmed what I already knew. “No, it was not.”

  “Amelissa. Min,” Brion called. “Let’s save this conversation for when we are not standing out in the open.”

  Chastised, both Min and I nodded. The agent and the rest of the team continued to lead their horses through Lord Meck’s gate.

  As Jasper and I neared our host, I tugged on my friend’s arm. He stopped.

  “Lord Meck,” I said, gesturing to Jasper. “This is a fellow Caldirian recruit, Jasper. He’s a soldier in His Majesty’s army, and he’s a good friend.” I added the last remark to encourage the draekon to drop his disapproving frown. I understood my enthusiastic greeting might not have been considered proper, but I wouldn’t apologize for it.

  Jasper dipped into a respectful bow. “Lord Meck, it is an honor to meet you.”

  Lord Meck paused for one long, purposeful second before replying, “Indeed, and I am honored to meet any friend of Lady Amelissa.”

  The noble turned away and addressed all of the prince’s team. “Please allow me to welcome all of you to my home. Servants will direct you to the stables and show you to your rooms.”

  The soldiers muttered their appreciation and followed the four servants whom seemed to have appeared out of thin air. The moment their master mentioned them they were there. I wondered where they could have been hiding.

  “Lissa?” Jasper sounded
amused.

  I lifted my eyes to his tired face. “Yes?”

  “You’re going to have to let go of my arm, so I can take my horse to the stables.”

  “Oh.” I dropped my hand. “Right. Sorry.”

  Jasper grinned. “I’ll see you later?”

  “Yes.” I bobbed my head. “Absolutely.”

  With a wave, Jasper moved to follow the rest of the soldiers across the courtyard. I walked to stand by Brion, avoiding the questioning stare from Lord Meck.

  I crossed my arms and watched Jasper walk away. “They didn’t take him,” I murmured.

  “No,” Brion exhaled. “They did not.”

  “Don’t you think that’s strange?”

  “Not really.”

  My forehead creased, and I frowned up at him. “What? Why?”

  He gave me a sidelong glance. “We both know who they were after.”

  I crossed my arms and moved my attention back to the departing males. Sure, the rebellion wanted to abduct me. Not only were my parents their alleged leaders, I was also the reason the organization could no longer mount attacks on the draekon capital. Once I was in their custody, they could resume organizing and carrying out their violence in Draek.

  But why wouldn’t they take Jasper back with them? Not only did he see their faces and could offer that information to the prince, but Jasper was Caldirian. Surely, the rebellion would try to sway him to their cause?

  That’s what I would’ve done.

  “Shall we go back inside?” Lord Meck’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

  He held out a hand to me and continued, “There are many more medicinal developments and trials I would love to share with you.”

  He looked so hopeful. Despite my desire to pursue the unusual result of the rebellion’s attack, I didn’t want to insult the male who had been nothing but kind and accommodating since I entered his home.

  “That would be wonderful.” I placed my fingers in his hand.

  Lord Meck beamed. “Excellent.” He escorted me past Brion, and there was no missing the amused glint in the prince’s eyes as he watched us.

  Sensing my gaze, he met my inquisitive stare. His smile only broadened. He looked like someone who knew a secret, and he found it absolutely hilarious.

  I couldn’t begin to imagine what had put such a happy smile on the broody male’s face.

  25

  A soft knock traveled into the bathing chamber.

  “One moment.” I stepped out of the bath. Water splashed onto the floor as I hurried to dry myself. Wrapping the fluffy, white robe around me, I tightened the thick belt and opened the door.

  As I expected, a maid stood there. Three dresses were draped over her arm. It was our last day in Villam, and Lord Meck had arranged for an elaborate farewell party before our team moved on to the region of Mar. Our host told me he would send a maid to help me prepare for the event, but he hadn’t mentioned the exquisite dresses I would be allowed to choose from.

  “Lady Amelissa,” the woman ended my stunned silence. “I am here to help you dress.”

  “Of course.” I stepped into the main room, relieved to see Brion had kept his promise to prepare for the evening’s festivities somewhere else. I spun around and asked, “Where would you like me?”

  The skin around her eyes crinkled when she smiled. “Let’s dry your hair first.”

  I nodded and sat on the stool she gestured to. The maid rubbed my hair with the towel, squeezing out excess moisture. It felt silly to have someone dry my hair for me. I could easily accomplish the task on my own, but I’d given up arguing about such things weeks ago. I just sat quietly and let the maid do her work.

  She pinned strands of hair on top of my head to expose the bottom layers to the room’s air. “Forgive me, my lady, but is it true you used to work in the castle kitchens?”

  I met her eyes in the mirror hanging in front of me. “Yes. It was my first position as a recruit.” I expected she, and many other servants, wondered how a kitchen worker managed to rise to the ranks of the princes’ royal secretary. If only they knew the truth of my family’s treachery, they’d realize mine wasn’t a fortunate climb to the top.

  “I hope you don’t mind me asking,” she continued, “but I was wondering if you happened to meet another server during your short time there? Her name is Bitty.”

  My smile was genuine. “Of course, I know Bitty.” There wasn’t a soul in the kitchens who didn’t know the charismatic young woman. I remembered Bitty’s history. “Are you her mother?”

  The maid beamed. “I am.”

  “What a small world,” I said, continuing to smile. “Bitty was one of the first people to make me feel welcome in the castle.”

  “I could have sworn she told me about a friend named Lissa,” Bitty’s mother confessed, “and I’ve heard His Highness address you as such, but I wasn’t sure you were my sweet girl’s friend.”

  “One and the same.” My smile slipped as Bitty’s description of me to her mother gave me pause.

  Did I consider Bitty a friend? Of course, but shame filled me when I realized I hadn’t been acting like it.

  I’d shut everyone out after Lorie left, and I moved into the princes’ apartments. But it was wrong of me to avoid reaching out to my friends. I should have tried to stay connected. No wonder Kenzie had been so dismissive of me at the court dinner.

  “Well, my daughter certainly didn’t overstate your beauty,” she went on, unaware of my inner turmoil. “You have nearly all of the young men here foaming at the mouth.”

  I chuckled, feeling awkward at the unusual description.

  Bitty’s mother stepped back and looked over at the dresses. “Your hair needs time to dry before I can begin styling it. Why don’t you change first, and then we apply cosmetics?”

  I nodded and moved towards the bed where she’d laid out the stunning gowns.

  “Which one would you like to wear? I have shoes to match each.”

  I examined the silky fabric and elegant beadwork. “I’m not sure. They’re all so beautiful. Which one would you suggest?”

  Her brown eyes assessed my frame, then the dresses. “This one.” She picked up the shimmering black gown and held it up towards me. “The dark color will make your hair and eyes stand out.”

  I deferred to her judgement and changed, forcing myself to not compare the inky color to the irises of a certain moody prince.

  Nearly an hour later, I was down in the salon adjacent to the dining hall.

  Once Bitty’s mother, Hannah, had finished helping me get ready, I decided to forgo waiting for an escort to arrive. I didn’t know if, or when, Brion was supposed to be back, and I’d been cooped up that morning while reading over the texts Lord Meck sent me. I was eager for a change of scenery.

  My unconventional entrance caused a stir, but the room’s occupants abandoned their curiosity within minutes. I just inserted myself into a group’s conversation, blending in like I’d never been able to in Draek.

  “Tell me, Lady Amelissa,” one of the draekon said—Nero, I believe—handing me a champagne flute from a server’s tray. “How does it feel to be the guest of honor for this evening?”

  The other two males and their human companions chimed the same inquiry.

  “What do you mean?” I glanced between everyone, searching for an explanation to the odd question.

  “Oh no,” Sara, one of the companions, cried, “we have ruined Lord Meck’s surprise.”

  “What surprise?”

  “That you are his esteemed guest, of course,” Sara explained. “Please don’t tell him we told you. I can only imagine how disappointed he will be.”

  “I’m sure he will get over it if the evening goes like he hopes.” Nero winked at me.

  “There you are.” The aforementioned noble arrived, silencing the discussion.

  Lord Meck positioned himself between Nero and me as each of us bowed in greeting.

  “I went to your rooms, but you weren’t there.”
Lord Meck let his eyes trail over me, and a pleased smile tugged at his lips. “You are exquisite. I was hoping you’d pick the black gown.”

  I shifted, uncomfortable with the direct attention while we stood among a group. “Thank you, Lord Meck.”

  He took my hand, lifting it to press his lips against my fingers. The move reminded me of Lord Erwin and his flirtatious antics at the castle, but I didn’t detect the same amusement in the draekon’s gaze as in the troublesome ambassador’s. “You are welcome, Lady Amelissa.”

  With impeccable timing, Prince Brion entered the salon. I withdrew my hand and followed the room’s lead as everyone bowed or curtsied to the prince.

  Straightening, I saw Valeria had already draped herself over the prince’s arm, smiling brightly to those she passed as Brion led her farther into the room.

  Not wishing to start any rumors by staring at the couple, I returned my attention to Lord Meck. “Thank you for sending the additional books this morning,” I told him, referencing the two volumes a manservant had delivered to my room shortly after breakfast. “I’m almost done with the one about birth prophecies.”

  From the corner of my eye, I saw Prince Brion stiffen. I ignored him and kept my attention on Lord Meck.

  “I am very happy you are pleased,” he returned affectionately. “I cannot tell you how refreshing it has been to speak with someone so likeminded these past few days.”

  My smile was genuine. “I know what you mean.” I’d missed the feeling of comradery. I never expected to find it in someone like Lord Meck in Villam. He was a noble draekon, after all. I sipped on my champagne. I listened to the conversation around me and focused on not watching Brion waltz around the room with his stunning partner, charming everyone they encountered.

  I was listening to Lord Meck share our recent visit to the alchemists’ facility when a manservant entered and announced, “Dinner is served.”