“Yes. As long as an heir lives, no one else can claim the throne, even if they have the votes from the other kingdoms. We’ve managed to persuade most of the others not to give it away…to wait for the rightful heir to return.” Ginevra’s hesitant but hopeful expression causes me physical pain.
I don’t want this role.
“Who was behind the mass extermination of the mages? Who started the panic?”
“We were never able to trace it back to the original source. All we know is it was a powerful and dark warlock. One highly seasoned in his magic and deeply entrenched in his hatred. Your mother was a powerful mage who was well-known throughout the kingdom and celebrated until the murders started. He used those events to turn the people against her and make them afraid of what she could do. But, as with most who gain power, he wanted more. He wanted the power of the Easthaven Crest throne.”
“That means he’s still out there, waiting for me.”
“I’m afraid so, my dear.”
“Good. He won’t catch me off guard like he did my parents. I’ll be ready for him to make his move. When can I start my training?”
Chapter 10
“Don’t worry, Sara. I’ve been sworn to secrecy for anything regarding mages my whole life. I couldn’t tell anyone your secret even if I wanted to—the spell prevents it. But I’m glad you didn’t ask me to stay behind when Ginevra took you to her home. At least you don’t have to bear the weight of the world alone. That takes a heavy toll on your shoulders.” Addi has been nothing but supportive and reassuring since we left the Veil.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done, Addi. I’d be completely lost without you. Not that I want to burden you with my problems, but I’m glad you’re on my side.”
I think she knows I’m teetering on the verge of freaking out, and she’s trying to keep me talked off the ledge. Whether that involves hunting down every warlock in Covis Realm or running back to my plain and ordinary world, neither of us can say.
I spent the better part of the day in training—reading illegal books, watching how others use their magic, and learning how to listen to the elements and use them to my advantage. When I brought up the voice in my head, guiding me and talking to me as if someone were right beside me, whispering in my ear, Ginevra’s interest was piqued. She cautioned me about allowing that voice in. It could be as benevolent as my grandmother reaching out to me, but it could also be a trap designed by the warlock to lure me into the open before it’s time.
The trick is distinguishing friend from foe when it’s only a murmur in my head.
I don’t see the problem here.
As a side note, sarcasm is mainly lost on the people of this world, and yet it seems to be my first language. We’re still working through the language barrier.
After we finished in the Veil, we went into Easthaven Crest so Addi could show me around and train me on how to do her job. Since we’re working together in the castle, I need to learn what’s expected of the royal fashion stylist. Although, as she pointed out, Saban and Isla are not royalty, regardless of how hard they’ve tried to get their titles changed. We won’t split hairs over that, though. I’m planning to fly under the radar for as long as I can. I’d still rather find my grandmother before my coming out party, though.
Speaking of flying, I did learn I don’t need a broom, despite what all the myths say and Halloween costumes show. Most mages aren’t capable of actually taking flight. Only a handful of documented instances have occurred in their entire history, and it wasn’t with a broom of any shape, form, or fashion. They levitated from sheer power, mostly under need or duress, but of their own volition.
Learning my way around the city was a good distraction from the seriousness of the rest of the day…and the heaviness in my chest when we walk into the castle. Now that I know my parents weren’t killed in a fluke accident, I’m having a hard time hiding my true feelings. My only saving grace right now is knowing Saban couldn’t have been the one to do it since he’s barely older than me, in my world’s age. He would’ve been way too young to have been involved.
But was his mother or father? Did they want the throne and power? Did they want to set up Isla or Saban as the ruler of the kingdom? As if I didn’t already have trust issues, now they’re multiplied by a thousand. With the added complication of the intense attraction between him and me, and the whole “you’re my mate for life” thing, I’m a walking contradiction of feelings and convictions.
Addi and I take the numerous packages we bought on our shopping trip to the room known as the castle’s master closet. It’s one large walk-in closet that’s bigger than the house I grew up in. All the clothes, shoes, and accessories anyone could ever want or need are neatly arranged by event type and size. This will be my official job in the palace.
* * *
Over the next several weeks, Addi shows me the ropes in working the master closet and the inner workings of the castle—as far as anyone else is concerned, that is. We take a detour on our daily trip to the city and continue my training in the hidden forest of the Veil. My abilities and skills with casting spells and using magic without saying a word grow by leaps and bounds every day. Watching the others and learning from an entire tribe of supportive women has done wonders for my own abilities.
Every evening when I finish my shift at work, Saban waits to escort me to dinner, admire the numerous stars in the night sky, or just spend time together walking in the scenic gardens and forests. Every moment helps me learn more about Easthaven Crest, about Saban, and about what I have to do in the coming weeks. He’s been attentive and affectionate…and patient. He’s expressed multiple times how he’s ready to take our relationship to the next level, to announce to the kingdom he’s found his soul mate and is prepared to live with me for all eternity.
I’ve been hesitant to fully commit to him, and I know he senses it. In this world, mates can’t resist each other, so I know my reluctance to advance our relationship is confusing to him. But I’m no ordinary mate, and these are not ordinary circumstances. I’m torn, and I don’t know which way to turn.
The stolen kisses in the hall aren’t enough anymore. The unmistakable yearning between us is growing harder and harder to resist. I feel it every bit as strongly as he does. One of our recent escapades had us lying on a blanket under the stars. It was a beautiful evening, not a cloud in the sky. The glowing creatures of the night were out in full force.
He’d been baring his soul to me, telling me all of his dreams of being king of Easthaven Crest one day. He wasn’t facetious in the least—he’d shared intimate details with me he’d never told anyone before.
“My parents put this grand idea of being king in my head when I was little. I used to wear a tablecloth tied around my neck, pretending it was the king’s robe, as I strutted around the house. A stick served as my sword—but not just any sword. One that had been blessed by a dragon and worthy of knighting my loyal protectors. I’d pretend all my subjects loved me, I took good care of them, and that was all there was to being king.
“Of course, now I know better. Being in charge mostly means finding a diplomatic compromise that pisses off the fewest number of people. Even that’s usually a stretch. But I still want the chance to prove my worth. I have this sense deep inside me that I’m meant for greatness…not the mundane world of being a servant.”
He was earnest and open with his feelings. Showing his vulnerable side others didn’t get to see. But there was so much he didn’t know that I did. Facts I knew and couldn’t share. Information that would completely change the dynamics of our relationship if I revealed them. Keeping those secrets made me feel as if I had betrayed his trust in an unforgivable way.
I knew I was the heir to the throne…and as long as I lived, he couldn’t have it.
A great sadness settled over my heart and my mind. When he turned to me with his eyes so trusting and full of love, his soul laid open, and his lifelong pursuit shared in such an honest manner, the dam inside my mind broke. H
e leaned down to kiss me, pouring every emotion, sentiment, and desire into it, and a tear trickled down my cheek.
Torrential rain poured from above though no clouds were blocking the twinkling stars. We were both soaking wet by the time we ran back to the palace. He attributed the downpour to a freak of nature.
He was very close to the bull’s-eye on that call.
This is part of why I’m so wishy-washy and indecisive about my feelings for him. When I’m with him, I only want to be with him. When we’re apart, the conflict inside me nearly tears me apart.
Should I stay here in this world, on this path, and claim my right to the throne?
Should I find Nana and escape back to our ordinary and comfortable life, forever hiding from shadows and dark warlocks?
Despite Saban’s declarations of love, I’m not convinced he would accept my claim to the title—or my status as a mage. Especially not as a queen mage…mage queen…whichever. If I came forward now, after we’ve spent so much time together, he’d think I’d been undermining him all along.
I have to wait until the cloaking spell is lifted and my true identity is indisputable. Then I’ll know exactly how he responds when I tell him the full truth.
Addi is the only person in this palace I can fully trust.
One of the special magic tricks I learned from the others was how to communicate by reading minds and allowing mine to be read in return. Now Addi and I can send messages to each other telepathically and keep our conversations far away from eavesdropping ears.
While we work inside the palace, we have a full conversation about Saban and his family’s possible role in my parents’ demise without saying a word.
“I’ve never seen or heard anything that would make me question them, Sara. From what I understand, Sagran was your father’s steward and stood in his place when needed. If the warlock is still looking for you, it can’t be because of Saban’s father. He died in a horseback riding accident.”
“You think I should trust Saban?”
“To a degree. I wouldn’t tell him anything about your magic or who you are. Just remember, if you two are truly meant to be mates, the link between you will eventually become too strong to break. Just take it one day at a time, but keep your secrets close to the vest for as long as you can.”
“Do you believe in this lifelong mate theory?”
“Yes, I do, and I believe he’s yours. There’s no such thing as coincidence, Sara. Especially not one of this magnitude. He’s enraptured by you. You’re smitten with him. He’s ignoring all the other women who have tried to capture his heart over the years. You’re the only one who exists in his mind now. And speak of the devil…”
“Sara?” I turn to find Saban filling the doorway, his sights set solely on me. “I’m sorry to interrupt you when you two are so busy. Can I borrow you for a minute?”
“Of course.” I can’t deny the pitter-patter of my heart or how the wings flutter in my stomach when he’s near. “I’ll be right back, Addi.”
“Take your time. I can finish this.” She smiles knowingly, but I can’t help but feel guilty for leaving her to do all the work alone.
Saban turns to step into the hallway, away from Addi’s line of sight. I swipe my fingers across my forehead and shield my thoughts while no one is looking. It’s not that I don’t trust her, but there are some things I want to keep to myself, especially at the moment. While I’m sorting through my feelings for Saban, I don’t need her sorting through my thoughts and deciphering them for me.
Plus, I don’t know who else may be lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce on my mind.
“Our council meetings ended earlier than I expected. I’d like to get away from here and spend some time alone with you. What do you say?”
Gone is the cocky, confident Saban. In his place is a vulnerable, sincere man. I wonder if he realizes how much more appealing this version of him is—the genuine person behind the masked façade.
“I’d love to go with you. What do you have in mind?” Any thought of playing hard to get just evaporated into thin air. I blurted out my consent without even thinking about it. Maybe there is something to this mate ideology they have.
“Are you up for going out on the water? We can take the boat, swim for a while, and have dinner on deck.”
“That sounds perfect. Let me change my clothes, and I’ll meet you at the main entrance.”
“Awesome. I’ll be waiting for you.” He presses his lips against my knuckles, but his eyes remain glued to mine, making my insides heat from the intensity.
I step back into the master closet and approach Addi with my eyes wide open. “We’re going out on the boat, swimming, and having dinner on the water. Can you help me pick out what I should wear?”
“That’s what I live for, Sara.”
She grabs my hand and pulls me along to another corner of the room. After rifling through the drawers and finding the perfect bathing suit, we move to the hanging racks to find clothes appropriate for a formal dinner. With everything neatly stored in a designer beach bag, she sends me on my way to meet Saban.
As promised, he’s waiting by the front door, already changed into his casual clothes. When I approach, he senses my presence and turns to face me. A smile splits his face in two, making him even more handsome than usual. I can’t deny my reaction to him every time he’s near. The attraction is undeniable, and the powerful draw he has on me is unmistakable.
“Ready to go?”
“I’m ready. I’ve never been out on a boat before. This is exciting.” I take his outstretched hand, and we walk out to the car.
We climb into the sleek vehicle. There are no wheels or tires; it merely hovers above the ground. With a little acceleration, we’re essentially flying to our destination. The inside is as impressive as the exterior. Buttons and lights cover the control panel, but Saban manages them with practiced precision and ease.
“The marina is private. It was named after our last king, Taeral Nemertes. He was well before our time. My father said the people of the kingdom loved him so much, they didn’t care that he was actually an elf. He was adopted and raised by human parents, our king and queen at the time, when his parents were killed in a tragic accident out at sea.” Saban is making casual conversation, but I’m hanging on every word, soaking up every bit of information I can.
My dad was an elf? What?
“What happened to him?” It takes every bit of the strength I have to keep emotion out of my voice.
“You know all about the edict against mages, right? They were deemed too dangerous to our society overall. I mean, we all know they still exist, so we turn a blind eye for the most part, as long as they’re not causing trouble. But even in Taeral’s time, there was a law against a mage being queen. It simply wasn’t allowed, the same as today. Imagine the kind of influence a queen mage would have over a king’s decisions. Who knows how many times she’d use her magic to convince him to do what she wanted, you know?
“Anyway, when the kingdom learned our queen, Wren, was a mage, they revolted and attacked the castle. King Taerel died trying to protect his queen. He refused to leave her even though the people wanted him to remain their king. It’s a tragic love story, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. Do you think that law against mages still has a place in today’s society?” I want to scream, curse, and punch him in his perfect face all at the same time. His story is vastly different from the one Ginevra told me. Now I fully understand why people at home say history books change the story based on what they want future generations to believe.
“I think there’s always room for improvement. I’d like to think we’ve changed and evolved since that happened. Some may have been unfairly judged and condemned to die when they were actually valuable members of society. Some of the pieces of that past are sketchy for me, honestly. I’ve asked questions about what happened and why, but no one wants to answer them. It’s as if they’re ashamed of their contributions to the widespread pan
ic and want to put it as far behind them as possible.”
“If you were king, what would you do differently?”
“That’s a tough question, but one I need to put a lot of thought into if it’s ever to happen. I would be much more tolerant of other people and promote how our differences make us stronger. One or two bad apples shouldn’t be allowed to spoil the whole bushel, and I think that’s exactly what the last generation allowed to occur. We may have to start with laws that govern when and how magic can be performed to make everyone feel safe and level the playing field.”
I know I put him on the spot with that question, but I still get the sense his idea would result in significant violations of civil rights. Come to think of it, do they even have civil rights in this world? There’s so much I don’t know or understand.
“Here we are. Ready for a little playing on the water and leaving all our burdens behind?”
“I’m so beyond ready to have a little fun.” That is the honest to God truth. It was only a few weeks ago when I complained about having a dull, ordinary life. Now, I wish I could return to it, blissfully unaware of civil wars, mass genocide, and grand political schemes.
Chapter 11
I’m utterly speechless as we walk down the pier toward where the boat is docked. The water is a gorgeous shade of crystal-clear emerald green. The waves lap gently at the hulls of the ships as we walk by, vibrant fish dart back and forth, and sea gull chirps carry on the light breeze. There’s so much here that’s the same, and so much that’s the complete opposite, as home. Keeping everything straight and separate is proving more and more difficult.
When Saban stops and extends his arm toward the gangway, my mouth drops open. His boat is actually a luxury power yacht, complete with a captain to navigate and a crew to attend to our every need, leaving us free to roam the multiple decks without a care. As I cross the bridge to the boat, something in the distance catches my eye. At first, I thought it was a dolphin breaching the water in a full jump and flip, but dolphins don’t have human heads and long, flowing hair.
Cloaked: Easthaven Crest, Book One Page 8