“Absolutely not.” Saban slams down his fist on the table, keeping me squarely in his sights. He doesn’t have to read my mind to know I’ll be the one who volunteers to find a way.
“Saban, we have to try.” Armand isn’t backing down.
“Yes, there are ways. They obviously like the attention they’re getting, so give them more. We can do news interviews, use the illuminated signs on the larger buildings in the city, and send notices out to all the residents, giving them a contact number. We can promise anyone who comes forward in good conscience will be held harmless.”
“And who will handle these meetings? You?” Armand’s elitist arrogance rears its ugly head.
“Yes, I will. Why wouldn’t I? Diplomatic relations manager is literally my job, the one Saban assigned to me.” Saban catches the sarcastic tone in my voice, but it goes right over Armand’s bloated head.
“Wonderful. It’s settled, then. We have at least an idea of the next move to make.” Armand barks out assignments to various people—arranging meetings with the most popular morning news programs, drafting messages for the scrolling boards, and crafting letters for the residents. Everything has to be worded perfectly to avoid more widespread panic than we’ve already seen.
“Sara, may I speak to you for a moment? Privately?” Saban’s lips move, but his teeth remain glued together when he speaks.
“Of course.” I understand he’s concerned for my safety, but he’s about to learn he doesn’t control me.
We step into another room, and he locks the door behind us. When he turns toward me, his face is blood red, and his hands are shaking. But I’m no shrinking violet, so he’d better be prepared to get as good as he gives. I fold my arms across my chest, furrow my brow, and dare him to utter the wrong words.
One glance at me, and he knows this conversation will not be easy…and will not end in his favor. He inhales a deep, cleansing breath and releases it slowly. The red tinge to his skin begins to fade, and his eyes lighten to nearly their normal shade. My guard remains fully intact, though, because I’m dead set on this course of action. I can’t send anyone else into the firing line, knowing I can defend myself.
I just can’t explain that reasoning to him yet.
“Did you really have to do that in there?” His raw emotions bleed through his words, softening my heart and mind ever so slightly. “Do you think for one minute I can send you on this assignment and not completely break inside?”
“Yes, I really had to do that, my handsome caveman. I’m not afraid to do this. In fact, I’m the perfect person for the assignment, and I need you to trust me. I can handle myself. But if we don’t get control of this soon, tensions will escalate even more, and we’ll face a lot worse than we’ve already seen.”
“If anything happens to you, I’ll lose all sense of reason and end this war by killing them with my bare hands. I’ve told you before, but I don’t know if you realized how serious I was at the time. So, I’m telling you again, from the bottom of my heart, I can’t live without you. Losing you would be the worst form of torture anyone could inflict upon me, and I don’t think I could stand under the weight of my grief. This is not me trying to manipulate you or control you. I just want you to realize how hard sending you into hostile territory is for me.”
“I absolutely understand, because I would be no less worried about you. But if you felt strongly about being able to help, I would trust you to make the best decision for both of us. That’s what I’m asking you to do for me now. This is happening whether you like it or not, but your support would mean the world to me.”
He struggles with my request. One part of him wants to give his full support and watch me shine. He would relish the chance to brag on me to all his friends and colleagues. The other part of him wants to lock me in the highest tower for my own protection until this is over and behind us.
“No one has ever called me a handsome caveman before. Is it wrong that it kind of turns me on? I have visions of throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you off to my cave to have my way with you.” He slides his hands around my waist, intentionally skimming along my skin underneath the hem of my shirt. “Then I’d chain you to the wall and keep you there as my personal sex slave, far away from the danger you enjoy putting yourself in.”
The semi-serious expression on his face makes me burst out in laughter. “As appealing as you make cave life sound, I’m afraid I’ll have to decline your invitation.”
“You know, you’re one of the few people here who understands sarcastic humor. I guess you picked up on it from people who frequently went to the other world. When you make those wisecracks that no one else gets, I feel like it’s a private joke between us. I like it.” One soft kiss from him makes my knees weak.
“Did you spend a lot of time in the other world?”
“Yeah, I spent a lot of time there before my dad died. It’s a long story, but the gist of it is we were looking for someone who disappeared a long time ago. The story was she got into a lot of trouble here, then tried to dodge her punishment by staying away. I never found her, though—and believe me, I looked—so we had to let it go.”
“Wow. What did she do that was so bad you’d still look for her after so long?” My mouth is so dry it feels as if I’ve packed my throat with cotton.
“She was the royal au pair, and she kidnapped our princess. She stole the baby from the king and queen and fled from our world. Since no one has been able to track her, both she and the princess were presumed dead many years ago, but we’ve never really given up our search for either of them.”
“That’s a fascinating story, and it brings up an interesting moral dilemma.” I swallow hard, pushing the ball of emotion back down my throat before it suffocates me. “If the au pair had a good reason for doing what she did, do you think she should be forgiven and pardoned?”
“You never fail to keep me on my toes. Hmm. She would need one hell of a compelling reason. Her actions and deceit changed our way of life in this kingdom. An impact of that multitude isn’t easily swept under the rug, but I’d be willing to listen to her.”
“Hmm.” I nod and remain calm on the outside while I’m sweating bullets on the inside.
“Did I pass?”
“Pass what?” I draw my brows down and crinkle my eyes in the corners.
“Your moral dilemma test. Did I give the answer you were looking for?” His eyes twinkle, knowing he’s caught me unaware. And he did. I was so engrossed in his story I didn’t even hear his thoughts.
“Did you mean it? Would you consider her side of it before passing judgment?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then you passed.”
I, however, am about to pass out. I’m not sure how I’m talking when I can’t breathe, but my lungs are absolutely not working. For all this time, Saban has been looking for Nana and me. What would’ve happened if he’d found us? Would he have listened to her side and defended me? Would he have recognized me as his soul mate?
Don’t worry, Saraya. Your soul mate will still love you when you tell him the truth about who you are.
Why am I not so sure?
Chapter 28
After a lot of arguments, threats, and negotiations, I finally convinced Saban I had to meet with the mage leader alone. Our campaign ran for more than two weeks before anyone stepped up and offered to meet with us. Going alone was the least I could do to make her feel safe and secure. Had I shown up with a full military escort, she would’ve disappeared.
That was my argument anyway.
The past two weeks have been pure hell.
The magical attacks on humans have increased in intensity and frequency. Day after day, the body count has increased, and the pressure from the kingdom residents landed solely on Saban’s shoulders to resolve it. Many who had been staunch supporters turned on him overnight, calling for someone else to step up and fix the issues.
When the attacks started bleeding over into the neighboring kingdoms, I had a
hell of a time calming those leaders. The more contentious the representatives were with me, the more protectively Saban responded on my behalf. I had to remind him, many times, our roles are diplomatic in nature, so we have to react tactfully rather than threatening.
Convincing Ginevra to meet with me on behalf of the mages was another miracle in itself. She was more than reluctant, understandably, because of how mages have been treated for the last eighteen years. But more than that, she was concerned about my safety in case we were seen together by the wrong people. The cloaking spell is still working, but it’s obviously not foolproof.
We agreed on a secret location without announcing the meeting to anyone ahead of time. Having it in the Veil wasn’t an option. When I take the information to the people, I want to be able to give specifics about our meeting to help reassure them. Everyone is on edge enough as it is and suspicious of everyone who crosses their path.
Now that I’m on my way to meet Ginevra, I have the distinct sensation I’m being watched. I don’t know if Saban had someone follow me for my protection or if the warlocks and witches are up to their tricks, but the hairs on the back of my neck feel as if they are standing at attention and saluting a five-star general. A sidewalk bench up ahead catches my eye, so I hurry toward it and take a seat as if I belong there.
With my thoughts focused on who’s following me, I open my mind and let the inner expressions flow in from those around me. I’ve learned to filter out the noise more effectively so I can pinpoint exactly what I’m looking to find. Two familiar voices stand out, and I immediately know Saban sent men to follow me. I’m not mad since I know they’re here for my protection, but I’m not thrilled with his overreach either.
When a taxi stops in front of me to drop off a fare, I slide into the back seat and give the driver an address close to the area where I’m meeting Ginevra. The two men on foot won’t be able to keep up. Even if they’re able to find out where the taxi drops me off, they’ll be too late to find me.
After a short ride, the driver pulls over to the curb and looks at me over his shoulder. “Should I put this on Saban’s account?”
My thoughts were on the men following me, so his question catches me off guard. My face must do all the talking for me because he immediately follows up.
“I recognized you from the news. You’re working on the task force to stop the attacks. They also said you’re Saban’s mate, so I just assumed…”
“No, it’s fine. It’s my fault. I was lost in thought about other things and didn’t even think about the fare. Yes, please put it on his account. Thank you.”
When he drives away, I jog across the street and head toward our secret meeting place. Ginevra is already there waiting for me when I reach the plush hotel suite. After a long embrace, we move to the sitting area to talk.
“Do you have any news for me?” I’m hopeful, but I’m also a realist. If she’d learned anything urgent, she already would’ve contacted me.
“Nothing concrete. We know it’s the dark element of this world, but what’s still not clear is why they’re blaming us. They’ve always been secretive about their coven and practices even toward other magical people, so these blatant attacks are out of character.”
“But you have an idea.”
“There’s only one reason that fits. Only one motive that would make someone go to such extreme measures and act so out of character.”
“Power. They’re planning a power play against me. They’ll reveal me and blame me for everything when I’m no longer cloaked.”
“That’s what I’m advising you to prepare for, yes. I’m sorry, sweet girl.”
“Prepare for? The only way to prepare is to tell everyone now and beat them to the punch. The moment I do that, it’ll be like opening Pandora’s box—and all hell will rain down on everyone else.”
“Start small. Tell Saban first. Then a couple more people. Then a few more. Let them react to the person they’ve come to know one-on-one instead of telling a roomful of people at once. An individual is smart and compassionate. A mob is angry and unreasonable. Whatever happens, happens. Don’t worry about the rest of us. There’s someone powerful, influential, and devious after you. We are not your primary concern at the moment.”
“Ginevra, I don’t know if I can do this—any of it. I grew up in Montana, in the middle of nowhere. The most exciting event in my life was the yearly homecoming dance. Now, my nana is missing, you’ve told me I’m supposed to step up as queen on my next birthday, and I have to tell everyone I’m a mage. Someone is out to kill me, Ginevra. I mean, I haven’t even graduated from high school yet.”
She takes my hands in hers, and tears swim in her eyes. “The hardest lesson to learn is just how unfair life is. Courage has nothing to do with not being afraid. It’s about facing your fears and doing what needs to be done, regardless of how hard it is. It’s about deciding what’s right and what’s wrong, then standing firm on your convictions. It’s about helping those who can’t help themselves.
“Yes, too much falls on your young shoulders. There are too many uncertain factors you have to face. But you have a lot of friends behind you, cheering you on, watching your back, and willing to defend you when the time comes. Remember us when you’re feeling down.”
What she doesn’t say, but I feel the burden of anyway, is that those same people who have my back are also depending on me. They’re waiting for me to pave the way so they can be free. They’re counting on me to change the laws, sway the public opinion, and be the public face of the mage community. So, while her speech was moving and inspirational, her motives aren’t entirely altruistic. She has a stake in this game, too.
But she is right about the people willing to help me when I need them.
Like my nana.
The only reason why I’m continuing this death wish of a quest.
She’s still out there somewhere, and I will find her.
I push down the fear trying to take control of me and square my shoulders. If this is my destiny, I’ll face it head on, whether I feel prepared to do this alone or with an army behind me. Regardless if I’m ready to be queen or mated or anything else that requires more of me than I’m prepared to give. When I think about what Nana gave up to save my life, I’m humbled and energized at the same time. If she could move to an entirely new world with a small child, with nothing to her name except the clothes on her back, and craft a life and a home for us, I can do this for the people of Easthaven Crest. For Nana. For myself.
“Okay. Moment of panic averted. Back to business. I’ll go back and have a talk with Saban first. He deserves to hear it from me. I honestly don’t know how he’ll take it. His family has had their eyes set on the throne for years now. My showing up at the last minute and claiming heir status won’t sit well with them. He may think I’ve been trying to trick him all along.”
“Have faith in him, Saraya. He may surprise you.”
“Fingers crossed.” I shrug because there’s nothing else I can do at the moment except hope for the best. “I’m heading back now to tell the council about the warlocks and witches, explain the difference between the dark and light, and try to persuade them to band with the mages and put their prejudices aside. Wish me luck.”
“I believe you can do anything you set your mind to.” She pats my cheek with a smile that doesn’t reflect in her eyes. There’s hope in them, but there’s also an uneasiness brewing inside. I don’t bother trying to read her mind, knowing her shields are firmly in place anyway.
* * *
When I walk into the palace, the eerie silence causes shivers to run up and down my spine. Something is extremely off with this picture. There are always multiple people actively rushing back and forth, completing various tasks, and chattering in the hallways. Especially during regular business hours like now. Plus, Saban wouldn’t simply disappear, knowing I was alone at a meeting with the leader of the mages.
I dash up the stairs and down the long corridor to his office area,
but I already know he’s not inside before I open the door. Nothing but silence greets me on the other side, and a terrible feeling sweeps over me.
What happened while I was in that meeting?
Though I haven’t had a need to use it much since we’re usually together, I still carry the phone Saban insisted on buying me. After calling his number several times and getting his voice mail on the first ring, I talk myself off the panic-induced ledge until I have concrete information.
I rush downstairs to find Addi, knowing if anyone has a clue about what’s happening here, it would be her. She’s in what we’ve affectionately dubbed “the closet” when I burst through the door.
“Addi, where is everyone? What’s going on around here? I need to talk to Saban right now, but I can’t find him.” I blurt everything out as I move toward her, my eyes still glued to the phone in my hand as I continue to redial his number.
When she doesn’t answer me, I look up at her and raise my hands palm up. She’s staring straight at me but doesn’t respond or move. “Can you help me out here, or what?”
“Sara?” She barely whispers my name. I don’t think she even moved her lips.
“Yes. What is going on around here? What’s wrong with you?” I rush to her side, thinking she’s been put under a spell or something.
“You’re alive.” She reaches up and touches my face tentatively, as if she’s afraid I’ll evaporate into thin air.
“Am I not supposed to be? Talk to me, Addi. I’m completely out of the loop, and it’s not a good feeling.”
She pulls her phone out of her pocket, clicks on a news channel app, and plays the site’s featured video. I watch in horror as Ginevra and I leave the hotel together and say goodbye. The moment I turn my back on her, moving toward the taxi, Ginevra lifts her hands and hurls a broad swath of black magic at me.
In an instant, my body is completely vaporized, disappearing into the breeze. Ginevra is left staring directly into the camera on her, sporting an evil grin and coal-black eyes that are as cold as ice. She cackles menacingly before twirling her hand over her head and disappearing into a cloud of black haze.
Cloaked: Easthaven Crest, Book One Page 22