Encircled

by Laurie Lucking

  At her subtle avoiding maneuver, West’s eyes sharpened, although he offered her an easy smile. “My news might be the assistance you’re looking for.”

  Rez offered an awkward bow, his blond brows beetled. “Your Highness, your offer is generous, but I can take care of Darianna. She doesn’t need any more help.”

  “Excuse me? I can speak for myself.” Propping a hand on her hip, she ignored the flash of anger in Rez’s eyes.

  West took a step closer. “May I come in?”

  “Oh, sorry. Please do.”

  Rez was forced to move as West entered the small living area.

  “Would you like some tea?” she offered.

  “I’d love some, thanks.” He sat at the kitchen table and leaned back in his chair while she removed two mugs from the cabinet.

  Rez retreated to a corner of the room while he glowered at the prince.

  West turned to Darianna. “Ruler Audric would like to offer you a residency.”

  Darianna pulled out a box of tea cubes and glanced at West. “Tell me what this residency means.”

  “It allows you to live at the castle and perform when he has guests.”

  “Does that happen a lot?” Excitement fluttered through her.

  “Residencies or performances?”

  “Performances.”

  “Lately, it’s been several times a week. Your food and lodging would be taken care of. Since your father’s away, it will also ensure your protection.” A surreptitious glance at Rez capped West’s statement.

  “When would I leave?”

  “Today, if possible.”

  Rez grunted, his unhappiness a dark cloud.

  Giddiness took over, and she shot a relieved smile at West. “I think it sounds fabulous.”

  He grinned in return. “Do you need time to think on it more? Or are you ready to gather your things?”

  She weighed her options. Either stay here and be subjected to Rez’s “visits” or be permitted to live and sing for others at the palace? Tough decision. She shook her head. “I’ve decided. Rez, please inform your parents I appreciate their willingness to help, but I’ve made other plans for the next few weeks.”

  Moving to her side, Rez gripped her elbow and spoke in an undertone. “How do you know this is a legitimate offer?”

  She felt ten times safer with West than she ever had with Rez. She yanked her arm from his grasp. “We’re friends.” It was a bit of a stretch, but Rez stepped back and eyed the prince.

  West gave Rez an angelic smile.

  “Humph.” After several more suspicious glances, Rez finally left.

  The hot water for tea forgotten, Darianna hurried through the house, gathering her possessions into a bag. She left a message for her father at the company’s main office explaining it all and then took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

  West gestured to the chair opposite him with a grin. “Have some tea before you leave. I poured it myself.”

  Aria

  DARIANNA SHOVED YET another bobby pin in her hair. She’d dismissed the maid an hour earlier, unable to withstand her witless chattering about the new guest. The ivory walls and calming shades of lilac in her new bedroom failed to soothe as they usually did. Under her skin, her nerves tingled. King Jastin’s daughter, Princess Jerissa, had arrived late last night—Darianna would be the entertainment before the meal.

  Life at the palace provided more down time than she’d expected, although a routine had quickly fallen into place in the four weeks since she’d arrived. Mornings were reserved for voice lessons and practices, and her evenings were busy with dinners and performances. But she spent most of her afternoons with West. They’d hiked the nearby forest, practiced with alternative weaponry (although she still preferred her knives), or walked the castle garden, their arms touching as they strolled.

  From the closet, she pulled out the box holding a pair of ridiculously sparkly pumps—a gift from West weeks ago to celebrate her very first performance. He’d included a note with the gift. For my songbird whose personality sparkles more than these shoes. Congratulations! The first three words still had the power to make her heart melt. The flirtatious words were so typical. But today had been different. Despite her best efforts, a somber and quiet West had replaced her fun-loving friend.

  At the knock at her door, she swallowed hard. “Yes?”

  “It’s time, Miss.”

  “Thank you.” After slipping on the glittering shoes, she met the guard in the hall and followed him to the dining room. Ruler Audric had assigned an escort for her as if killers lurked in palace hallways, waiting to attack. She thanked the guard and entered the room, finding her name at the king’s table as others milled about. The gathering in the middle of the room caught her attention, drawing her closer. Usually by now people would be sitting down to eat, but Princess Jerissa had captured the attention of the crowd, which included Ruler Audric and West.

  The princess turned at her approach, her angelic features framed by beautiful curls. She was perfect, from her blonde hair down to her elegantly polished nails. Darianna hid her blunt, unpolished nails in the folds of her dress.

  West stepped toward Darianna, his movements wooden. “Allow me to introduce Princess Jerissa Jastin.”

  Darianna forced a curtsy. “I’m Darianna Chantel. A pleasure.”

  The princess gave her a small smile and tucked her hand into West’s. With her free hand, she waved the people away. “Back up, please. My father sent a gift for Ruler Audric I’m sure will interest everyone.”

  Darianna moved back with the crowd. The princess flicked a hand. A lady-in-waiting detached from the crowd and rolled a mirrored, faceted ball into the middle of the room. With a pop, it spread. Panes of mirrored glass unfolded, connecting to the steel cables that grew from the box like stalagmites. The sparkling spectacle multiplied, the panes shifting until an expanded set of rooms rested on the performance floor like an adult-sized, glittering playhouse. The princess smiled and pushed a button on the metallic cuff on her wrist. Multicolored lights flared to life, shifting spotlights of blue, green, and red, and music played faintly from deep inside the structure. Approaching the glass door, Jerissa pulled a sheath from her pocket and withdrew a knife. Darianna’s breath caught at the sight of the rock-glass keydagger. She’d always wanted one of those. But like new wanderers, such daggers were way out of her budget. The princess inserted the clear blade into the lock. With a flourish, she swung the glass door wide. “Welcome to the Songbird’s Citadel.”

  The crowd gasped and murmured at the dazzling display. Princess Jerissa handed out miniature wrapped candies. “Place an Extended Release Experience Tab under your tongue to fully savor the encounter. Inside the citadel, you’ll hear the most incredible singer in Trystell.”

  “Fascinating.” Ruler Audric inspected the entrance before accepting a tablet from Jerissa. “Thank you for this thoughtful gift. I’m sure it will be an unforgettable experience.”

  People followed the king, disappearing into the glass rooms in groups of two and three. Jerissa worked her way through the throng until she arrived at Darianna’s side. “I’m so sorry, my dear. I don’t have any more ERET’s. I must have miscounted. I’ll make sure I have more next time.” She turned and waltzed inside.

  Darianna frowned. An accidental miscount, or an intentional slight?

  West stood by the mirrored door of the room, a pool of blue light shading his face. “I’m sorry.”

  “Why?”

  “Because she’s being...”

  When he paused to search for the correct word, she held up a hand. “She’s your fiancée. Go enjoy yourself. I’m fine.”

  “You could still come in.”

  “Perhaps. I need a drink first.” She walked over to her seat and took a sip of water from the crystal tumbler. When she glanced back at the door, he had disappeared inside. Curiosity forced her through the glittering entryway, but without the ERET, it was just a maze of mirrored rooms with faint music echoing thr
ough it. As she walked through room after room, her skin crawled. Guests who had entered before her wandered the maze, their eyes filled with awe at visions she couldn’t see. Ruler Audric stood transfixed in a back room, staring at a mirrored wall while tears rolled down his rugged cheeks. Darianna backed up into West. “Oh, sorry.”

  He caught her arm. “Can you see anything special?”

  “No, but it’s a nice set of glass rooms.”

  He nodded, his eyes suddenly filling with wonder. His hand fell from her arm as another wall caught his attention. Cool air brushed her skin where his hand had been, and West drifted closer to the invisible marvel.

  After a few more unexciting minutes, she exited. The serving staff waited at the kitchen door, murmuring among themselves.

  A half-hour later, Darianna put down the roll she’d been nibbling and turned to a servant. “I’ll take the meal in my room, please. I’m not feeling well.”

  It was a wise decision. The next day, rumors of time travel, ancient relics, and evil curses flew through the palace. She pieced together the truth: Four hours after she had gone to her room, Ruler Audric had emerged from the glittering panels, appearing drugged and euphoric. Even after an eight-course meal, he and his guests entered the glass rooms again. The only time anyone had seen the guests was when someone needed a bathroom break.

  Over the next several days, the servants prepared the castle for the upcoming wedding. Doorways and mantels were festooned with white ribbons, strings of tiny lights, and dried flower arrangements. The kitchen staff stayed busy revising menus and seating charts. After asking a housekeeping maid about the guests, Darianna was told most of them were still in the glass structure.

  Of all the castle residents, she missed West the most. She’d grown close to him—too close. She loved his easy laugh during their afternoons together. The time they’d spent teasing and talking had been the bright spot of each day. Although they seemed too close to be called friends, they couldn’t be anything else. And the wedding was in two days. She pushed the depressing thought away.

  After another boring day, Darianna searched the glass rooms. They remained the same as the first time—faint music, twinkling lights, mirrored glass panels. The guests moved in dazed circles, staring into space, their eyes vacant. She found Ruler Audric sitting in front of the same glistening wall as before. He nodded in time to the faint music, until he caught sight of her. “Darianna! So nice of you to join me. Come sing a duet with my wife.”

  Darianna’s smile froze. His wife had died giving birth to West. “What?”

  “Come and sing. The two of you together will be a performance I won’t forget.” He gestured to the wall in front of him, his expression softening.

  With a deep breath, she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t take an ERET. I was looking for—”

  The ruler shot to his feet and stumbled, before regaining his footing. His brow furrowed. “You’re sorry? I invited you in, fed you, and clothed you. Your job is to sing. Do so. Now.”

  She took a step backwards. He’d never spoken to her like that before. An unfamiliar tune lingered in the room. How could she sing a song she’d never heard? She shook her head, her cheeks heating.

  Ruler Audric’s face turned red. “Ungrateful wretch! Get out. Never darken the palace doors again.”

  “But I—”

  “Not another word, or I’ll deport you from the zones. Pack and leave.”

  She flew from the room, then fumbled with the glass citadel’s door. Hurrying toward the hallway, she wiped the wetness from her face with shaking hands. Thankfully, nobody was in the great hall to see her tearful humiliation.

  “Darianna?”

  She turned. The glass door was ajar, and West stood just inside. “Where are you going?”

  “Home.”

  “But why?”

  “Your father wants me to sing with his wife.”

  He nodded, his eyes dull. “That would be nice.”

  Fresh tears welled. Whatever the ERETs were made of, it clouded the mind. Should she leave West in this glass monstrosity with his princess? She paused, a shred of hope lingering in her chest. “Can you help me?”

  He shrugged. “Perhaps.”

  “Come here.” When he hesitated, she added, “Just for a minute.”

  He followed her, his steps dragging. He looked back several times, as though expecting the structure to disappear in a puff of smoke.

  At this late hour, the kitchen was empty. Hurrying inside, she poured a glass of milk and found a box of acina tarts, West’s favorite fruit pastry. “Here.” She handed him the snack.

  “I’m not that hungry.”

  She gritted her teeth. Stubborn like his father. “Well, I’m not sure if they’re still good. The cook’s gone for the evening, but I’d like one. Can you taste it and see what you think?”

  Placing the items on a nearby counter, he popped out the ERET. He placed it on a napkin, before taking a swig of milk.

  Her eyes went wide. Didn’t the tablet dissolve? How long did it stay whole under the tongue? And what the suns was in that thing?

  He nodded and took a bite of the pastry. “The milk’s fine. And I think the tart is, too.”

  She waved the rest of it at him. “Really? I wasn’t sure.”

  Tilting his head, he took a couple more bites before popping the remainder in his mouth. “You know, that’s really good.”

  “Why don’t you have another one?”

  He moved to the counter and picked up the box. “Do you want one now that you’re sure they’re okay?”

  “Sure, thanks.” While his back was turned, she wrapped the ERET in the napkin, then palmed it into the pocket of her pants. She watched his face closely. Were his eyes brighter? Did he appear more alert?

  After they were done eating, West yawned. “I’m exhausted. What time is it?”

  “After midnight.”

  He blinked. “What day?”

  “Well...” She thought back. “I was supposed to sing Sunday night, so that makes today Thursday.”

  He blinked again and shook his head. “Did you say Thursday?”

  “Well, yeah.”

  “You’re telling me I’ve been in the Songbird’s Citadel for five days?” He raised a dark brow.

  “And everybody that was at the dinner that night has been in there for five days, too. Except me.”

  “And what makes you so special?”

  She suppressed a sigh. “I was the only one who didn’t get an ERET.”

  Color drained from his face. “You’re serious.”

  “Yes. I’m not sure what’s in the tablets, but it’s not good.”

  “I could’ve sworn I was in there for only a couple hours. No wonder I’m so tired.” He hid another yawn behind his hand.

  “You haven’t slept?”

  “That night, I left around one in the morning and went to bed. The next day after lunch, Jerissa and I went in. I haven’t been out since. A few snacks were brought in, but nothing big. I think I napped a couple times. The time flew by.” He turned to look at her. “What have you been doing?”

  “Well, I still had my voice lessons, but no performances. And I read a lot of books from the library. I went for a few walks and practiced some knife throwing.”

  When he stayed silent, Darianna sighed. “I didn’t know what else to do. At first, I was annoyed. Then I became worried. And now, I’m supposed to leave.”

  “Why?”

  “Your dad wants me to sing with your mom. Do you remember me telling you that?”

  “Yeah, I do. It seemed to make sense at the time.” He frowned and rubbed his neck.

  “He sees or hears her in those mirrors. Anyway, when I refused, he kicked me out. I’m supposed to be packing now.”

  West shook his head. “No, that’s not going to happen. You’re going to stay here and help me.”

  She crossed her arms and leaned back against the counter. “I see. But since I’m not a castle employee now, I
don’t have to do anything I don’t feel like doing.”

  He grimaced. “That came out wrong.”

  “It really did. Would you like to try again?”

  “I’d like your help. Please, Anna? My dad needs saving. You’ve already saved me.” He touched her chin, his fingers warm near her lips.

  Her stomach dipped. Focus, Darianna. “I hate to say this, but I think Jerissa knows more than she’s saying. Even though she’s your fiancée—”

  He placed his fingers over her mouth. “I agree with you. I’m not sure what’s going on, but this thing needs to be turned off.”

  Relief filtered through her. “Okay. Grab the guard in front of Jerissa’s room. Both of you go back to the ballroom to keep her from leaving. Remember to act spacy like you’ve got an ERET.”

  He glanced at the empty counter before turning back to her with a grin. “You took mine, didn’t you?”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged then followed him out of the kitchen.

  As they hurried down the hallway, his brow furrowed. “What are you going to do?”

  “I’m going to search her room. There’s got to be something in there to shut that thing down.”

  It didn’t take much to convince the guard to leave his post. He hadn’t seen the occupant for days. As the two men strolled down the hall, West suddenly turned and walked back to her. His mouth opened, then closed, his dark eyes full of emotion.

  She held her breath.

  He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Be careful.”

  Well, that was romantic.

  “Sure. You, too.” She clasped his in return and then watched him hurry down the hallway to join the guard. What had she expected? Proclamations of true love? He was engaged. Almost married. Off-limits.

  Once they were out of sight, she drew in a deep breath. Princess Jerissa’s room waited.

  Finale

  THE DOOR WASN’T locked. Darianna slipped inside, thankful the princess wasn’t lurking in a dark corner. A few minutes of searching produced nothing. There were no blueprints, remote pads, or anything else to turn off the monstrosity. She closed her eyes for a minute before they flew open with a memory—the cuff on Jerissa’s wrist. That was how she’d turned on the citadel.