The Argent Star

by Emerson Fray

  Chapter 8

  Each member of the royal family took a different scow down to the festival. Ren thought it was a bit much, but Garret insisted it would help show Novae just how powerful they were; it was all for show, to instill confidence in the people. Ren didn’t quite understand why they needed constant reassurance about their new leaders. Regardless of what she thought, Ren sat impatiently beside Sheridan and Abetha and waited for the scow to arrive at its destination. She was certain it was driving slower than normal just to torture her; she wanted this over with.

  Abetha gripped the seat. “This is very uncomfortable.”

  “I know,” Ren sighed, knowing they were talking about completely different things. She peeked at Sheridan from the corner of her eye; Sheridan’s formal wear fit her well. It looked much like Elian’s suit, with a high collar and buttons hidden beneath a flap of fabric, but in all black rather than silver. She didn’t look like she would be a deadly Sotarian at all. In fact, Ren thought Sheridan looked more like a model than anything. She even looked more like royalty than Ren did. Well, as long as she didn’t move her arms; when she did her muscles rippled beneath the cloth, giving her immense strength away. Her hair was tied to the side as it draped over her shoulder and shone against the dim lights. Ren thought the suit was just a touch too small for her.

  Ren picked at the bandage on her wrist, and caught Sheridan looking at it. Her jaw tightened, holding back words about the subject. She’d been acting strange all day but Ren didn’t know if it was because she said it was okay for Sheridan to speak her mind, or if it was because Sheridan had failed in her duty. After all, if Ren hadn’t been vaccinated by the Monarchy, she’d be dead right now. Even though Naomi had suggested covering the bandage with a corsage, Ren thought that might be misinterpreted by Maks; she wanted him to know she wasn’t ashamed of what she’d done. She flattened a small wrinkle on her dress. “How long do you think the festival will last, Abetha?”

  “Most of the night I imagine,” she replied, flinching as they went over a small bump. Ren looked out the small window and watched the pine trees whiz by. How many people would she have to dance with? And how many of them were Garret’s eligible bachelors?

  “Do you dance, Sheridan?” she asked.

  It was Sheridan’s turn to flinch this time. She looked to Ren, eyes wide. “Dance?” she repeated. “What do you think?”

  Abetha gave a small gasp at Sheridan’s blatant disrespect. But it just made Ren chuckle; of course Sheridan didn’t dance.

  “I think Garret is going to make me dance with his bachelors,” Ren explained. “I don’t really want to.”

  “Then don’t,” Sheridan replied. It was a simple answer to Ren’s dilemma, but an impractical one. There was no way she was going to get through the night without dancing with at least one person. Before she could say anything else, the scow came to a stop. Ren’s heels clicked together as she straightened, waiting to hear the roar of a crowd but it was almost silent. Only whispers came through the door.

  Anxiety rising, Abetha was first to step out; or jump out really. Voices grew louder, and Sheridan was next to leave. She stepped down from the Scow and offered her hand to Ren, helping Ren onto the cobblestone path. It was almost impossible to stand with her heels, and the sudden cheers from the surrounding people made her nearly fall over.

  She gripped Sheridan’s arm tightly, taking in the festival.

  Lanterns hung from strings across each building, lighting Mahendra in blue and green. Banners and decorative cloths coated each little booth that displayed food and drinks and small trinkets for sale. Citizens lined the street, all of them smiling and clapping at her. Elian approached her.

  “They’ve all heard about your heroism,” he revealed with a laugh.

  “My what?” Ren asked. For a moment she’d completely forgotten what the people thought of her. They thought she was a hero for saving one of their own, even though Ren had had no idea that’s what she was doing.

  “When you saved Abetha,” Elian said. “They heard about it; they kind of love you even more now. I mean, the flowers were one thing, but check this out.” He gestured to the crowd and decorations behind him.

  Ren tried to back peddle but Sheridan kept her in place. “I’m not a hero.”

  “You are to us,” Abetha said, her smile growing. Ren’s nails began to dig into Sheridan’s suit, but she never complained. Instead she started walking Ren through the crowd, careful to watch anyone that came too close. But much like before, the Novaeans didn’t try to get any closer than three feet. They shouted their thanks at her, waved and smiled. Still Ren felt threatened in a way.

  The sounds of strings played from somewhere far away, reminding Ren she had places to avoid. If she didn’t get too close to the music, maybe she wouldn’t have to dance with anyone. She searched the area for Garret or Maks but couldn’t find either of them.

  “What do we do now?” Ren asked Elian.

  “We party,” he replied. “Try not to strain yourself on the concept.” He swatted Ross’s arm. “Come on, let’s get a drink!”

  Ross groaned, but quickly followed after Elian as he ran off.

  “Wait!” Ren called, reaching out for her brother too late. She stumbled forward after letting go of Sheridan, almost falling to the stones below when an arm shot out to steady her. She looked over to find a splash of white hair, and Kian’s green eyes glowing in the lantern light.

  “Careful,” he said, “the stones are a little uneven.”

  Ren jumped back again, crashing into Sheridan as she tried to distance herself from Kian. “Right,” she agreed, knees shaky.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, “I didn’t mean to—”

  “It’s fine,” Ren interrupted, rubbing at her arms. She’d never been so uncomfortable touching someone, and she blamed it on her anxiety in the new situation. She never had been able to touch others so easily. “Thank you, though.”

  “It was the least I could do for you,” Kian answered. “Considering your kindness to us.” He smiled, but something about it felt wrong. His words always matched his expression, Ren realized, and that was what put her on edge. She was used to people like Maks and Sheridan, or Elian; not this…fake kindness she felt from Kian.

  Ren looked around, unsure of where to go. Everyone was watching her, maybe wondering if Kian was going to be the one Ren chose over all others on Novae. She didn’t want to get too far away from Sheridan, finding Sheridan’s presence more than a little comforting, especially tonight.

  Maybe Maks was right in giving her a Sotarian.

  “Would you care to dance?” Kian asked. “I chose the best musicians from across the villages for tonight.”

  Ren didn’t have a good enough excuse to say no. Kian stared her down, waiting for her to say the inevitable yes so he could escort her to the dance floor, wherever that may be. She swallowed audibly when Sheridan began to pull her away.

  “Just one dance,” Ren said, feeling she could stomach it with Kian for a short while. “I’m still feeling a little woozy from the bite.” She held up her wrist as if that were proof. There was a small sound of disapproval from Sheridan’s throat as if Ren had disappointed her greatly. Maybe it had been a test to see if Ren really could say no to someone on Novae. As Kian offered his arm to her, she thought that was becoming more and more impossible. No matter how much she kicked and screamed, the Monarchy was going to get exactly what they wanted from her, weren’t they? She shivered as she reluctantly took Kian’s arm.

  Trying to make herself feel better, she made sure to send Sheridan a look. A look that was a silent order to save her should the dance last too long. Sheridan didn’t give any sign that she understood, and only followed beside Abetha as Kian took Ren closer to the music.

  Soon they found the line of musicians, and what Ren would call the dance floor. It was the centre of the capital, a large stone patio with the national symbol
painted on it. Dozens of people danced, already clearing a small path for her and Kian.

  “How do you dance here?” Ren asked.

  “I believe like this,” Kian replied. He set his hand on her waist and put hers on his shoulder. Their free hands held together, Kian’s grip was tight. Before Ren could ask anything else he whisked her across the dance floor, easily taking the lead.

  Ren began to feel dizzy watching the blur of people move around her. She tried to focus on something else but Kian moved her too quickly around the floor and all she could do was look at him to keep from being sick.

  He really did have nice eyes. “You’re experienced,” Ren said.

  Kian smiled. “I was forced to take lessons,” he revealed, “I never believed my father when he told me they would come in handy one day.”

  Ren chuckled. “My father made me take weapons training, and defence classes. I’ve yet to use it.”

  Kian faltered, but quickly recovered their pace. He cleared his throat before speaking. “That is very…unusual.”

  “I noticed that there weren’t many older female Sotarians,” Ren went on, her eyes going to the surrounding crowd. She could see some of the Sotarians that had fought against Sheridan, and some she didn’t recognize. None of them were over the age of thirty. “Are they not allowed to be Sotarians?”

  “There have been a few,” he answered, “but many choose another profession when they want children. Some of the men do as well; it is hard to risk your life when you know it is not just yours you risk.”

  The words resonated within Ren, and some part of her hurt because of it.

  “Which reminds me,” Kian went on, oblivious to her feelings, “would you like to visit the ruins with me? Your father has taken care of most of the rebel threat—I do not see why it should be so dangerous if we took a Sotarian with us.”

  Ren blinked hard and began to feel a little light headed, and just as she was about to politely leave Kian on the dance floor they crashed to a stop.

  “May in interrupt?” Sheridan asked. The smile on her face was blindingly beautiful, and Ren wondered where it had come from. Even Kian’s footing stumbled under the beam that was Sheridan.

  “Yes,” Ren said fast, “I think I need a break from the movement.”

  “Of course,” Kian agreed, immediately letting her go. “My offer still stands, my Princess.” She’d thought he’d put up more of a fight, but easily walked away after a bow.

  Ren all but ran to a clear spot away from the dancers, where there were no booths selling anything and nobody playing games. The heels of her shoes were sucked into the grass with each step, making it an awkward walk until she was able to lean against a large pine tree.

  “Thanks,” she said to Sheridan.

  “Would you have said yes?” Sheridan asked, ignoring her thanks.

  “Yes to what?”

  “To Kian’s offer to visit the ruins,” Sheridan replied.

  “Oh, maybe,” Ren said. “Is it so dangerous?”

  Sheridan took a deep breath, struggling with something. “There are places I can take you, if it means you will not go anywhere with Kian—especially the ruins.”

  Ren eyed Sheridan in the dark, noting how her dress reflected shades of blue and green onto Sheridan’s face. The lanterns swayed in the wind above them, casting down shadows of every colour. It was so warm but there was a hint of a chill on the wind of the coming winter. From the edge of her vision Ren could see small flashing lights dotting between the trees.

  As much as Ren wanted to ask why Sheridan had such a grudge against Kian, she wanted to know what these places were. “Where?”

  “We can go now, if you wish.” There was a smile growing on Sheridan’s lips, different from before. More real this time, Ren thought. Like she was genuinely excited to do something.

  Ren perked right up, and didn’t even take a second to look to where Abetha had run off. She nodded her head eagerly. “Absolutely.”

  Sheridan nodded her head towards the forest behind them. “It is not very far.” She reached overhead, easily grabbing onto a lantern and untying it from the string. It lit their way into the forest with an eerie blue glow. Even Ren’s dress emanated a soft grey light it seemed, illuminating her skin.

  When they started walking Ren found it difficult with her shoes. She asked Sheridan to wait, and when they were safely hidden in the darkness of the trees she took her heels off, letting her toes sink into the grass and dirt.

  “That is so much better,” she sighed. Sheridan didn’t say anything but glanced approvingly at Ren’s feet. The Princess doing something so unlike royalty must have been interesting for her to see.

  Ren hadn’t been in the forest yet, or ever, actually. Every time she looked between trees she half expected someone to be tossing a knife at her head. But now it was different and she was free to take in the world around her. She studied the way it smelled, the way the dirt was soft and occasionally wet where she walked, and how small drops of water would drip onto her head. Fallen leaves decorated the ground, all of them differently shaped; it made her think of snowflakes, and she couldn’t wait until it was winter.

  “Where are we going?” she asked Sheridan. The Sotarian was two paces ahead of her, and Sheridan finally stopped to let her catch up.

  “You will see,” Sheridan replied. Ren caught her lip twitch in a resisted smile. Was she excited to show Ren this place?

  After a few more minutes of walking they approached a large hill, something bright green glowing on the other side. Sheridan easily climbed it, but in bare feet it was slippery for Ren. Her Sotarian noticed, and offered her her hand, which Ren hesitantly took. Lifting her higher on the hill, Sheridan said, “This is holy land of sorts for Novae; the Jade Lake.”

  She pulled Ren atop the hill, revealing a bright body of water. It was the clearest water Ren had ever seen, letting her view the precious gems that sat on the bottom. Ren couldn’t see where the reflected light came from, only that the world was lit up in sparkling green. Sheridan hung the lantern on a nearby tree, and waited for Ren to react.

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Is it natural?”

  “This lake has been here since The Beginning,” Sheridan replied. “It’s where Mahendra gets all of its gems from.”

  “They look like emeralds,” Ren said, “not jade.”

  “When a piece is taken, it regrows overnight,” Sheridan said, “nobody has found an answer why yet. I believe the mayor is afraid of telling the Monarchy about its capabilities.”

  Ren started walking down the hill, letting her feet slide until she reached the bottom. “Why?” she asked. “We have biologists that could figure it out, I’m sure.”

  Sheridan shook her head, following Ren down. “That is why. They would destroy it.”

  “Well, they would take samples,” Ren argued, “not destroy it.”

  The closer she got to the lake the more she thought Sheridan would stop her. Sheridan never did, and only followed behind as if they were in the manor. She knelt beside the water, watching it wave in and out of the sand gently with the breeze.

  “Why did you bring me here?” she asked. It was against Maks’s rules, and though Ren had only known her a short time, Ren hadn’t thought Sheridan would break the rules so easily. Yet she still brought Ren to one of the many places Maks had forbidden, and didn’t even know about.

  “When one is battling a river it is best to travel with the current,” Sheridan replied, a small smirk appearing. She knelt beside Ren and dipped her fingers into the water, swirling them around to create a line of green light. “This place is magic; I thought you could use some magic.”

  “Magic isn’t real,” Ren said, although she enjoyed the idea of it. She wasn’t one to shy away from the entertaining tricks, from smoke and mirrors, but she knew it was just that. Tricks. “There’s probably some kind of algae here to create the glow, and maybe some kind o
f advan—”

  “Not everything needs to be explained,” Sheridan said. “Sometimes it just is.”

  That made Ren quiet and she kept her opinion to herself. If the people of Novae believed in certain magics then that was fine. She didn’t want them to force their beliefs on her, so why should she force hers on them?

  “Thanks,” she mumbled, “for bringing me here. You know, you’re actually really sweet.”

  Sheridan blanched, her hand stopping all motion and remaining in the water. “What?”

  “You try to hide it,” Ren said, her lips turning upwards, “and you always have those things on your back.”

  Sheridan tilted her head to glance at the weapons she was never without. “They’re kamas,” she said before looking back at Ren.

  “But I can see it. You act like you couldn’t care less about the world and what people think but you like Novae.” Ren was careful with her words. “You don’t like the Monarchy.”

  Sheridan took a deep breath. “I don’t. And neither do you.”

  Ren whirled, almost toppling over before she steadied herself. “They’re my government.”

  “Nobody likes their government,” Sheridan said, her eyes squinting. Ren stood, nervous that the Monarchy was somehow listening to every word but knowing they couldn’t be. She’d left her communicator at home tonight, since it hurt too much to wear over her bandages. Sheridan stood as well, her teeth showing as she grinned. “You can say it, I won’t judge.”

  “I don’t hate them,” Ren said. “I just…I don’t trust certain people they choose to put in power.”

  “Like Maks? I’m sorry, His Grace?”

  Both Ren and Sheridan rolled their eyes. Ren admitted, “Like Garret.”

  “That is the smartest thing I’ve heard you say,” Sheridan said with a laugh. She glanced over her shoulder towards the festival. Ren couldn’t hear any of the music or voices from here, but knowing they were on the other side of the trees made her stomach sink. She didn’t want to go back just yet, not after Sheridan had finally opened up.

  “I say plenty of smart things,” Ren retorted, finally coming to her senses after a long pause.

  “You think them,” Sheridan countered, “you don’t say them.”

  Ren flinched and changed the subject. “What other places did you have to show me?”

  “Another day,” Sheridan answered. Either she didn’t notice the sudden change in Ren, or she didn’t care. She looked back at the blue lantern, how it hung loosely against the pines, and still didn’t want to go back despite Sheridan’s subtly harsh words. A festival wasn’t a place she wanted to be; she wanted to stay at the lake with Sheridan, if only for a few more minutes.

  Ren hugged herself, letting her shoes fall into the sand. Sheridan didn’t push to make her head back to the festival, even though she thought Sheridan would have. Should have, even. They’d been gone a while, and Abetha or Garret would probably be searching for her.

  “I guess it isn’t so bad,” Ren murmured. She crossed her arms and looked out over the lake.

  “Are you referring to the Jade Lake or Novae?”

  Ren took a moment to think about what she meant. She’d never had any sort of attachment to anywhere. Her home back on Earth was so small, just a single island floating against a planet of hot blue water, that it had never occurred to her what the rest of the universe was like. Her duty to her father and Elian, and even the Monarchy, just didn’t seem important when she stood next to Sheridan.

  “The people of Novae,” Ren answered quietly.