Ember herself was too rough around the edges, not soft or welcoming like Hasley. Her clean and poised look fit in so well with the rest of the shop. Ember had a more angular face with small green eyes and skin tinged grey. It added to her forlorn look. It was impossible to hate Hasley for her natural ease and graceful disposition, for Hasley cared about everyone she met. Ember felt trapped in her secrets.
She absently scratched her chest through the material of her dress and nodded at Hasley as she passed. Ember repeated her mantra in her mind, “there is nothing strange about me,” as she stepped out the door. It was a lie, but it was a thought that surfaced whenever she walked out into the open air. She repeated it again, and it rang even more false the second time. The lie was a comfort, nonetheless.
She walked down the familiar u-shape of shops and stalls, each province fitting a similar pattern. After traveling to all the provinces, she could see that Firetop was more caring about their patriarch God and his Goddess pair. There were more churches and religion-based shops.
When Ember made it to Crawford Baker’s shop, she shifted her bag to the other shoulder, unwilling to wear it across her body. The aroma of pie started to waft into Ember’s nose as she stared at the long line forming.
“Dragon’s piss,” she muttered. She did not want to be around so many people at once. But Crawford Baker was now the only baker since her competition had become afflicted. His empty shop lay a few feet away. While little was known about the fateless plague, it was discovered that it was not contagious. The common thought now, was that it was a curse from the gods. Workers were in there now, salvaging what materials they could from his shop. Now that he was gone, they had to distribute his wares. Nothing would be wasted.
She moved around the line, aiming to enter through the side food delivery entrance. She didn’t think Crawford would mind Ember stepping in for this special occasion present.
As Ember approached, voices became clearer behind the shop. She paused beside the loading area, a carriage between her and those speaking.
“Why are we wasting our time here? He isn’t going to find her. No one actually expects him to after so many years,” a deep voice complained.
“Of course, but he has it in his head that she is out there,” a higher pitched voice answered.
She peeked around the carriage to see who was speaking and her heart quickened in her chest. Two men stood there: one tall blond with short hair and a brunette. They wore the uniform of the royal guard.
This was about Jedoriah Knight. Were they waiting for him in the bakery at this exact moment? She should leave. Ember knew logically that this was now an unsafe place and she should mind her own business and walk away… but she couldn’t. She had to know who he was looking for. Would they leave soon or stay in town? Should she grab her go-bag and leave Hasley behind?
Ember wished she was like her momma, Echoris. She was good at blending in, spying for needed information. Ember did not have that talent.
“I wouldn’t let it go if I were sworn Knight to the queen,” the deep voice commented. “Failing to find the heir would be inexcusable.”
Ember breathed a sigh of relief. If they were looking for the heir, they would have no reason to pay any attention to her. If she snuck away, laid low until they left, she may not have to move towns.
It was a sore spot to mention in society—the continuity of the Drakul line—but with Aaleia denying a second blessing to the Queen, many were starting to wonder if it was their intentional downfall. Like the Fateless, the royal family must be cursed by the gods. There had never been a second heir before, but there was no need for one. Ember didn’t know what that could mean. If there wasn’t a second heir was that proof that the lost Princess was alive? She didn’t know, but with even the dragons abandoning the kingdom three generations ago… doom seemed more likely.
“No, nothing of importance here.” A red-haired guard came out from the back entrance and spotted Ember before she could duck back. She froze like a moth to a dragon flame.
Her mind whispered the lie automatically as her heart catapulted. The guards walked forward. "You shouldn’t be here,” the redhead said. He left the two guards behind him, his imposing stature advanced towards her.
Recklessly and far too loudly, Ember ran away.
She was aware that this was causing more attention than she needed, but she was unable to stop herself. She pushed her legs as far and as fast as she could. Turning away from the delivery area and out back into the crowd, she ran towards the bookstores. She could not run back to the jewelry store. She did not want these guards to know the general direction she came from and question Hasley. She could not go home; it was too far.
“Stop!” The guard called. He gained ground quickly, his long legs giving him the advantage over Ember’s height and impractical dress. If she hadn’t have made the fuss, she knew they wouldn’t be chasing her. This was making everything worse. But she couldn’t stop. She was not as stealthy as her moms had been. She was not as safe. She tried to be, but her instincts failed her there.
The burned and run-down bookstore, yet to be recommitted by the province, came into view before her. Citizens gave her a wide berth, staring agape at the usually demure jewelry attendant running wildly—assuming they even remembered her face.
Part of Ember knew it was already too late. He was too close. He’d see her hide there, or at the very least, knew the direction she went. Feet hit stone but it was barely audible through the rushing blood in her ears. Making a split decision, she bolted in a new unpredicted direction. Could she make it to the mines? That would do, though she could get lost in there. Then again, so could the guards.
Not looking where her feet were landing, Ember’s sandal slipped in a hole in the path before her. The material gave way and the strap snapped from her ankle. Ember tumbled down. Her face hit the stone and her vision blurred. She tried to regain purchase, bracing her hands against the floor.
She tried to pull herself up, not noticing that her dress had also snagged on the uneven floor. Her worst nightmare ripped into reality. A simple rip of fabric and it was all over.
“Stop right there!” The guard called mere feet away.
Her scales were visible for all to see.
Two
Dragonia
Three Years Ago
“Happy 13th birthday, Dragonia,” Echoris said to Ember, smoothing her hair and giving her a quick hug. Ember used to hate being called dragonia, a term used for troublesome children. But from Echoris? She knew it was said with mischief. Ember liked thinking that a little bit of herself was mischievous, even if that was far from the truth.
“Thank you, Momma,” Ember replied with a smile. They were going out to eat today to celebrate, something she and her moms never did. Outings were not a common occurrence, especially not a celebration.
Echoris smiled at her, adjusting the single pearl on her necklace, a gift from Ember. Her long cream gold hair reflected in the white.
Today was a special occasion. While it wasn’t common, it was possible to find your fated pair at thirteen. The next likely celebration would be her apprenticeship start at fifteen. Ember wondered where they would be living at fifteen. They had only moved to Truest two months prior and would move on twice before then.
“Where would you like to go?” Echoris asked as she straightened.
“Anywhere,” Ember responded easily. The fact that they were going somewhere, other than school or church, was a welcome overwhelm to her routine. Ember adjusted her black tunic, triple checking it covered the right spots.
“I know just the place then,” Echoris encouraged, keeping it a surprise. Julimore didn’t speak, instead, she checked her bag for their usual emergency supplies.
Together, the three of them walked down the street towards the market sector, bypassing the shops to walk where restaurants all sat in a row. Ember walked between the two, holding both of their hands as if she were a child again. She had always felt sheltered,
separate from the world by necessity, but today she felt welcomed.
Julimore tensed, hearing the sound first. She gripped Ember’s hand harder and looked to Echoris with unreadable eyes.
Before Ember could ask what was wrong, she heard it too. Uniform marching steps beat like drums into the pavement. Around the corner of the last restaurant on the street, purple-uniformed guards emerged. At the middle of the group was an anchoris-drawn carriage. Hands waved from windows on either side, one seemingly male and the other female.
Onlookers called out to the Queen and her fated pair, Jedoriah Knight, excited to have the royals visiting their province. Julimore and Echoris jumped into action, already working through a plan that was unknown to Ember.
“I love you, Dragonia,” Echoris said as she dropped Ember’s hand. A feeling of dread pooled in Ember’s heart.
“Be right back, honey,” Julimore said to her pair with strained casualness. They hugged briefly, Ember trapped between them before Julimore pulled away.
Echoris nodded again, her smile not meeting her eyes, and turned to a bystander.
“How lovely to see the Queen! What a surprise! Why do you think they are visiting?” Echoris said to the stranger.
Julimore pulled Ember in the opposite direction before she could hear what the stranger replied. She walked with a quick step, but not an outright run. Almost as if she was annoyed to have forgotten something at home, she led Ember down the street. Her palm began to sweat in Julimore’s tight grip.
“Don’t say a word,” Julimore whispered to Ember as they walked. Frantic to be separated, Ember spoke anyway.
“Why is Momma not with us? Where are we going, Mother?” The tears were already starting to break.
“Momma is getting more information. We are hiding, don’t ask stupid questions,” she answered in a rush. They reached a scribe’s bookstore and walked behind it, crouching down between the dumpster and the wall. Julimore knocked on the wall, and a knock rang back a moment later.
Julimore’s shoulder-length brunette hair began to fray from her bun, but she sighed in relief at the response. Ember stared at the wall, confused why it would echo back the knock.
“Shouldn’t Momma be hiding too?” Ember said with a whimper. She placed her hand on her chest to steady herself and to be closer to her secret.
“Ember,” Julimore said seriously. She turned to Ember in the dark of the alley and held her by the shoulders. Her pupils dilated in the low light of the alley, and Ember could feel her shaking.
“There is something you must understand about pairs. Fated pairs complement each other. They have different strengths so that together they are whole. You will see this one day, with your kn—” she paused and corrected with a slight cough, “with your pair.
"I jump into action. I am a quick thinker. Momma gathers information. She knows how to hide in plain sight and get what we need. She went to do that for our family, to learn more about the royal family’s visit, while I protect you.”
Ember listened, trying to take in the words, but it didn’t seem fair. Why should a fated pair be separated?
“But I’ve done nothing wrong. Why do we need to hide all the time?” Ember felt the lie like a weight.
“Ember, you know they will kill you,” Julimore chided. “You are not a child anymore. If they see the gift Aaeleia and Mutrien have given you, they will kill you.”
“It doesn't feel like a gift,” Ember whispered. She felt it like a stab to the heart. This supposed gift only led to pain.
“I know. I know. But one day, you’ll understand it. Your purpose will be clear to you. Today is not that day.”
“Promise me something,” Julimore added. “If you ever see the royal family or the royal guard and we are not with you… get away. Run. Don’t trust them. Don’t. Trust. Anyone.”
She punctuated the words with a shake, her emerald green eyes wild. Ember envied those eyes, the beauty she showed in her strength. Ember did not feel as connected to Julimore, not like Echoris. Echoris treated her like a treasure. In a world where Ember wasn’t allowed to shine, it was welcome. But Julimore was her protector, and that commanded a certain love too.
“I… I can trust you and Momma…” Ember whispered. They were all each other had. The sad smile that Julimore responded with did not reassure Ember.
They waited behind the dumpster for the sounds to pass. When the marching came closer, Julimore covered Ember’s mouth with a firm hand. Their bodies were stiff, keeping as still as possible as the onlookers followed the Queen, her Knight, and her guards. They stayed like that until the sound had long died away and another knock came from the wall of the building. Julimore knocked back and stood, speaking no more of the incident.
Julimore and Ember went back home to find Echoris pacing the small hall between their door and kitchen. Echoris covered her mouth to muffle the sound and sobbed when they entered the room. They never had that special dinner.
The next and final family outing was one year later at the annual Aalein festival. Shortly after, Ember never saw her moms again.
Three
A Monstrous Secret
“Do not resist, fateless,” the red-haired man with the signet ring said. He moved closer, and Ember couldn’t help but notice his striking blue eyes. He looked at her with distaste, assuming she was afflicted with the fateless curse.
There is nothing strange about me. There is nothing strange about me. There is nothing strange about me, Ember repeated over and over again from her crouched position. She wished it with all her might as her hands held the ripped fabric of her collar tighter around her dress.
“I am not fateless,” Ember said through her tears.
The blue-eyed guard crouched beside her and asked, “then why would you run?”
Ember didn’t have an excuse they would believe. She was scared and anxious. And to be frank? She panicked. She had been raised to run away and hide in their presence, and she was not as stealthy as Julimore had been.
“It was a misunderstanding,” she insisted weakly. She felt like a skittish baomtot, cornered, scaled, and fearful. Feeling her options close in on her, Ember leapt to the right to try and use the element of surprise.
It was an utter failure as the redhead immediately grabbed the back of her dress and pulled her backwards. The dress ripped wider. Ember struggled, attempting to escape his vice grip.
Ember cried out at the ripping sound and cowered to the floor. She wrapped her arms around her chest again, whimpering to herself. The guards took this as submission. The redhead and brunette pulled her arms behind her back to tie them up, releasing the fabric she held. The blond, shorter than the redhead but taller than the brunette, stood in front of her. He looked to be only a few years older than Ember, in his purpose for maybe five years or so.
“We will be taking you to the local security. They’ll decide what...” He halted his sentence, staring at the peek of Ember’s chest visible from the ripped collar. Ember shook her head back and forth, a pleading look in her eyes as she stared back at him.
“Don’t hurt her,” he called and the two guards tying her restraints looked up.
“What? I wasn’t tying them too tightly,” the redhead said from behind her, indignant at being told what to do.
But the blond didn’t answer. He stared at a space above Ember’s heart. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Two years without her moms and she had already done everything they warned her not to. She settled in one place, made a friend, and became noticeable. And now, her secret was out. Her supposed beastly gift was visible, and she was going to die.
“Please, don’t,” Ember whispered to him, her knees beginning to ache on the hard floor of the market. She hoped he’d stay quiet about what he had already begun to see. Her arms tied behind her, Ember was powerless to cover what he saw. For what Ember had always hidden was not her body, but what marred her skin. What the guard was staring at now was the death of her, the reason for her moms’ passing.
> Ember prayed for the first time in years, reciting in her mind Aaleia, guide me home, heart to Fate, a blessing from Mutrien’s wombsake— a children’s rhyme for those desperate to find their pair and begin their family. She had never once asked Aaleia for such a thing, nor prayed to Mutrien for the blessing. But to have those two things, she would need to stay alive.
As if hearing her prayer, the guard began to pull off his jacket. He kneeled down before her, untying her arms and helping her put on the jacket. Ember stayed still, petrified and grateful of the blond soldier.
“I can’t believe it,” he whispered as his eyes darted back and forth from his hands and Ember’s shining eyes.
A tear fell down Ember’s cheeks. The surrounding guards moved around her, wanting to see what the commotion was.
“What’s wrong?” One of them asked. Ember couldn’t see who, her eyes were focused on the grey pools of the man before her. He was searching, unsure what to answer back, his eyes a confusion and exhilaration at once.
“Our mission is complete,” he said after a few silent seconds. He lifted Ember up from the ground. Her body shook, in shock and confused. Did they know there was a scaled woman in hiding?
Ember had always thought she was anonymous and alone. Her moms implied that should she be noticed, she would die—not that they were actively looking for the cursed girl. While her moms had never called her cursed, instead saying that she was gifted with a sign of the beast, Ember never felt that way. She understood their undertone. If someone was scaled and not in the royal family, she was a threat. With a missing Princess and their favor with the gods in question, the royal family would not tolerate any threats.
Not that Ember wanted that. She wanted to be alone.
Royalty Fantasy Boxset: Ember Dragon Daughter & Hasley Fateless (Fated Tales Series 1 & 1.5) (The Fated Tales Series: YA Royalty Fantasy) Page 2