by Rachel Crist
“Livia, I’m not..” Amah begins.
“Amah, please?”
Her lips purse before gently nodding for me to go on ahead.
I follow Reddik to the front of our procession. We pass by Oliver, and he and I wave to one another. It’s good to see him well.
“I want to thank you for healing him. It shames me to know I haven’t said it before now,” Reddik confesses.
“Oh! I am just glad we made it to him in time.”
Reddik’s mouth curves up. “Well, we both owe you a great debt. If there’s anything you need, just ask.”
“Thank you.”
“Will the celebrations still be going on?” Amah asks from behind us.
“We should be arriving on the last day of the festivities,” he replies. “It will be a gift to everyone, once they see who we are bringing through our gates. They’ll not be expecting it.”
“I can’t wait to see it all,” I exclaim.
“Well, wait no longer, princess. Behold the city of Pynth.”
We ride over a small rise, and a grand wall stretches out to the horizon. The tops of buildings barely poke above it, teasing at what may be inside. In the distance, I see something that I’ve waited my entire life to view—Willobourne Castle.
Even from here I can see the intricate spires stretching high into the sky. I’m awestruck, and nearly urge Rosie to a gallop to get closer.
“Welcome home, Your Highness.”
We proceed toward the main gate, across a field of grass. The scenery is magical and everything I imagined it would be. Harvested fields cover an area west of the fortified walls. The people working them are small dots to us.
“Is it everything you thought it would be?” Amah asks.
“Oh, Amah, it’s all that and more. I can’t believe I’m finally here.” I bite my bottom lip. “What if they don’t like me?”
Reddik laughs. “Princess, they’ve been waiting a long time for this moment. They’ll adore you.”
His comment catches me off guard but the look in his eyes seems honest, and I try to hide my admiration.
The city gate is massive, held together with great iron bands and nails. The hinges moan under its weight as it opens outward. I look up as we pass by, and the guards in the towers peer down. They are as curious of me as I am of them.
As we enter, the road widens into a large courtyard. Reddik leads us through it to a main road where shops with big windows and painted shutters line both sides, along with a street full of people gathered to see me.
The moment I appear, a thunderous cheer ripples through the air. They move to the sides of the road to let us pass by, but keep close enough to satisfy their curiosity. Their cheers fill my ears, and I can’t help but smile when they call my name.
I admire the colorful clothes they wear—even the men. Like their clothes, their energy is full and bright. They wave excitedly, with unrestrained joy. Do I really mean this much to them?
The buildings behind them are grand; even the inns look elegant. There are so many different kinds of wares in the storefronts, from fine clothing made by seamstresses to items of steel from guild masters. The air tastes heavenly, and I see merchants standing out with trays of fresh baked goods. The smells beckons me in, and remind me how hungry I am.
White petals fall from the sky, distracting me from my want of food. Women with small children standing on balconies are releasing white petals from woven baskets. They swirl around gracefully, and the children down below try to catch them, collecting them in their pockets.
The joyous sound buzzing all around me is infectious and it gives me a confidence that I never knew I had. I look to Amah, but I find her gaze searching the crowd and being ever so watchful for any kind of threat. Even a city behind a well-guarded wall isn’t enough to keep her at ease. I find Reddik doing the same. I seem to be the only one enjoying this celebration.
We near a massive bridge made of white stone. At its opposite end, towering high up into the sky, is Willobourne Castle, a breathtaking sight. As we begin to cross over the bridge, we see men lighting lamps hung on poles, preparing for the oncoming darkness.
Birds squawk overhead and my eyes follow them as they fly over a large stretch of deep blue water. Below the bridge, soft waves cover the water’s surface, bumping into large boats that are coming back to shore. The sailors on deck see me and wave from their vessels. I wave back.
I gaze over the enormous silhouette of the white stone castle that’s built on a mountain island of its own. I see patches of trees on all levels, and windows are aglow, filled with a soft yellow light.
We go through a huge gate that comes out from a thick outer wall. The horses’ hooves echo inside the long, arched opening. My excitement turns to nervousness. Soon I will be meeting Regent Grif—my uncle.
We come to the stables to where I can finally dismount. Boys dressed in neat livery, with a white willow on their vests, take Rosie over to a small field within the grounds.
“Are you ready to meet your uncle, My Lady?” Reddik asks.
My stomach knots up and my hands become clammy.
“Yes, of course.”
Amah takes me by the arm, and we both follow Reddik across the courtyard and up the steps to the main doors. They open into a vast chamber with vaulted domed ceilings.
Standing in the center of the large empty room is a tall man with large muscles beneath a freshly pressed grey uniform. His white hair is tied back at the nape of his neck, and he looks intimidating with all the decorating pins and medals spread across his chest. Next to him is the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen, with the longest of red hair. She is dressed in a flowing blue gown. This has to be the Regent and his wife.
Reddik walks up to the Regent and converses quickly before he leaves the room. The Regent develops a scowl, but quickly smooths it away. He takes a step towards me, looking nervous himself.
“Welcome home, Princess Livia. I am Regent Grif, your uncle, and this is your aunt, Lady Ella.” He turns and presents his wife, who bows her head slightly, her lips barely curving up. I can’t tell if she is smiling or grimacing.
I swallow down my nerves. This formal meeting seems awkward, as my uncle and I both stare at one another, neither of us knowing what to do. Do I run over, and give him a hug?
Before I can give it much thought, he takes the remaining five steps between us and instinctively I rush to him and we embrace heartedly. So long I’ve wished for a family, and here it is before me.
He pulls back to get a closer look at me. I notice how much his features resemble my own, especially his straight narrow nose. His misty dark eyes mirror my emotions, and I brush away a tear that has escaped down my face.
“You look just like your mother,” he says.
A smile spreads across my face. “Do I? I’ve never seen an image of her. I always hoped I would.”
“Would you like to see one now?”
Not able to contain my excitement, I bounce up slightly. “Yes, please.”
Regent Grif escorts me up a grand staircase that has a thin grey carpet going up its center. Lady Ella politely dismisses herself, letting me know it was nice to meet me. Her words, however, don’t match her expression, leaving me feeling as if I’ve done something wrong.
“I’m glad you’re finally here,” my uncle says, interrupting my thoughts. “There’s much for you to discover and learn about your kingdom. I hope you find that I’ve done my best to rebuild it, and to retain the memories of your parents’ reign.”
“I’m sure you’ve done brilliantly, Regent Grif. Much more than I’ll ever do. My skills rest in nature, and I’m a bit overwhelmed by this whole new experience. I hope I’ll catch on quickly and do what’s needed of me.”
What I really mean is, please don’t leave me. I have no clue and I will fail. But I know I can’t speak these thoughts. One thing I’ve learned from Amah all these years, is when you speak your doubt, it creates a seed that can grow into failure. I have always been to
ld to refrain from making a bed that I could not get up from.
We continue through long corridors, ascending stairs that spiral around to the next level, to his study. Regent Grif pushes it open, revealing a dark room. He enters in first, and brings to life lamps set all around.
The room is spacious, able to fit a very large oak desk in its center. A fireplace is against the far wall, with two light-colored sofas to either side. My heart begins to pound when I see a rather large painting hung above the mantel. A powerful looking man is standing in magnificent violet robes, and a beautiful woman is positioned in front of him, sitting with her hands placed neatly in her lap. Her smooth white skin glows, along with her gorgeous white hair. I know instantly who they are—my parents.
My lips part, admiring the art that perfectly depicts them as I’ve always imagined them to look.
“The shape of your eyes and mouth are identical to your mother’s. You even have the family nose.” The Regent comes up next to me and points to my father. “Of course, that black hair of yours is from your father’s bloodline.”
I can see myself in both of them. From the raven black hair of my fathers, to the delicate features of my mother. I can’t be any happier knowing how much alike we all look.
“I wish you had known them, En Oli.” Amah approaches me, and stands at my side. My eyes shift down, and became glazed with a glassy layer of tears. “Me, too.”
The Regent clears his throat. “Livia, I know you’ve only just arrived, but there are some things that were brought to my attention upon your arrival.”
Amah steps forward, and my uncle’s scowl returns.
“Yes, Amah. I’m aware of your secrets, and I would like to inform you of your ill judgment in keeping such things to yourself. I am surprised she hasn’t been told already.”
“She isn’t ready,” Amah says forcibly.
I look back and forth between the two. The tension in the air puzzles me.
“Are you really going to do this right now?” she says. “She’s only just arrived, let her enjoy it.”
“This is not my fault,” he responds gruffly. “You should’ve told her a long time ago. Now you give me no choice.”
Amah steps aside, defeated. She keeps her eyes downcast, avoiding my gaze. Worry gnaws at me. My uncle’s eyes shut for a moment, and he takes a deep breath. I can’t take the intensity anymore.
“Just tell me.”
He opens his eyes, and I see regret reflected on his creased forehead. “You know the story of your parents and the raid from the East?”
“I do.”
“What you don’t know is they came for the newborn heirs. Amah was lucky enough to save you. However, she was unable to save the other. One Silent Watcher got away, and was able to smuggle your sister to the Eastern Kingdom.”
“My sister? But I don’t have a sister.”
My eyes shift over to Amah, who refuses to look at me.
“Amah, what’s he talking about?”
She looks up, tears shimmering in her eyes.
“It’s true, En Oli. You have a sister, and she’s your twin. I’ve kept it from you, and I’m sorry.”
My stomach churns, and it feels like my heart just fell off the side of a cliff. Amah reaches out to me, but I recoil. “Don’t.”
I can’t even look at her. Feeling this way is foreign, and all I want to do is run. This whole time that I’ve been hidden safely away, I’ve had a sister living with the malicious Eastern King?
Just moments ago, I was full of excitement and in awe. Now I’m plunged into another kind of reality and I’m unsure how to swallow it. My uncle’s face is full of concern.
“I need a moment alone,” I confess. “If you could take me to my room, please.”
I refuse to break down in front of them. I need space and I need it now. My foundations have been shaken, and my world has turned over. I feel sick, and I don’t want anyone to witness my breakdown.
11
Golden Mirror
The moment her eyes close to sleep, Livia enters back into the magical realm with the golden mirror. She stands before it once again. Her white gown flutters in a windless breeze. She peers into the mirror, but her reflection isn’t there. She’d hoped to see the girl who looks like her, as she did before.
Having recently discovered she has a twin, she wonders if the girl in the mirror might be her sister. She plans on asking her, but a part of her is curious how the girl will respond. After all, if the girl is her sister, she’s been living in the East for most of her sixteen years. Does she even know about Livia?
Livia steps closer to the mirror, and sees nothing.
Where is she?
Vera stays away from the mirror. The last time she peered into it, there was a girl standing there who looked like her, but wasn’t her. She is almost afraid of what she will see if she stands before the mirror again. She wonders who that girl is, and what kind of magic the mirror holds. But she doesn’t dare look. It could very well be the Enchanter.
In their dreams, both girls keep their eyes on the golden mirror. One’s curiosity is peaked, while the other remains wary. Their thoughts are of each other, and each promises herself that next time, questions will be asked.
12
Vera
The light from the lantern helps guide me down into the forgotten chamber. I was allowed to leave my party over an hour ago and I’m now on my way to meet my friends. After the show I put on, the king insisted I stay awhile, ignoring the fact that I’d just killed a man known by many who were there.
Any opportunity the king has to expose my distress, he takes every time. I remember seeing Bellek’s distaste. But what did he expect me to do in that situation? My hands were tied.
Reaching the damp corridor, I enter into a side chamber and set the lantern down on a broken table. No matter how hard I try to make this dank room into anything, it is useless. There are far too many cracks that let in moisture and there is nothing to hide the strong smell of mildew.
Finding a salvageable chair, I carefully sit and wait. My thoughts go to Zyrik. The king had him taken away after the killing. I hope he doesn’t understand what I did, but the thought of him seeing me create chaos churns my stomach.
Tonight was just a taste of the control the king has over me. I worry what he’ll have me do next. The last thing I want is to become a monster. Which is why I want to meet with my friends—I need advice.
My ears perk to the sounds of their voices. Nate, Karl, and Murrow push through the door mid conversation. Their voices fade when they see me.
Murrow whistles. “Hell, Vera, you didn’t have to dress so nice just for us.”
His smile melts away when he sees my stone face.
“What is it?” Nate says.
“The king had me use my gift to kill someone tonight.” Their expressions darken. “Once again he used Zyrik to force me to do his bidding. I’m worried what other things he will have me do, now that my gift has manifested.”
Murrow looks to the others, then to me. “What is your gift?”
“Didn’t you hear what happened to Slyk?”
“Someone said one of your knives went through his eye, and his arm was broken. No one knows exactly how it happened. Kah announced how you deserved all ten lashes though—asshole.”
“Oh. Would you like me to show you how I did it?” I wiggle my fingers at them.
Karl shakes his head. “How about you just tell us first. You did just say you killed someone.”
I roll my eyes.
“Use it on me,” Nate volunteers.
Murrow and Karl shake their heads and mutter “crazy” under their breath. I know Nate trusts me and I’m not surprised he’d be the one to step up to be tested.
I try to bring forth my gift, but nothing happens. I try again. Nothing.
Murrow looks over to Nate, and grins. “Looks like she has the gift of concentration.”
My annoyance flares, and my gift surfaces. Nate turns and slaps Mu
rrow across the face.
“Hey!” Murrow shouts.
I close off Nate’s throat, and he frantically grabs at his neck. Karl and Murrow’s eyes dart between us, and I can see they are full of confusion. When Nate begins to turn red, I release him.
He hunches over and coughs, trying to regain air back into his lungs. “Shit, Vera. What the hell did you just do to me?”
“I can control you.”
“That was what you did to him?” Murrow gulps.
“Can you imagine all that I’m capable of now?”
Understanding passes over their faces.
“What are you going to do?” Karl asks, as he runs a hand over his mouth.
“She’ll do what she’s told, Karl. What other choice does she have?” Nate snaps. I sense his frustration; he always grasps things quicker than the others.
“Nate is right, I have no other choice. I fear the king has a plan for me, and it scares me to think what it could be. But I’m more scared for Zyrik. What if the king keeps his son at his side even more, just to make a point of how powerless I truly am?”
“You have to make the king believe his demands are what you want, too,” Nate says. “If he sees you cooperate willingly, then he won’t need to use Zyrik. The question is, can you do it?”
I chew over his suggestion, trying to analyze its practicality. What he says makes sense, but it means I’ll have to think dark thoughts, and become someone I’m not. But for Zyrik’s sake? I have no choice.
* * *
Morning comes, as does a message from the king requesting my attendance on him. I still have the image of the golden mirror and the strange girl from my dreams in my thoughts. The only thing that makes any sense to me is to believe the magic is showing me another side of myself. I wish there were someone I could ask. Maybe Bellek would know.
I tighten my leather bodice over my threads and look at my reflection. The tough outer shell I constantly display will be what I’ll rely on to convince the king that I am his. Just as Nate said, if I can go along with the king's plans, Zyrik will be safe. I take a deep breath. I’ll let that be my comfort.