by Nina Walker
Jessa, just listen to me. With a sharp breath, I severed the telepathic link and walked toward the palace doors.
“Jessa,” he growled. “We’re not done here.”
“Yes, we are.” I shot a knowing look toward the guards. His mouth fell into a grimace and his eyes narrowed, but he didn’t say another word.
We parted without continuing the argument, both upset with the other. I hated going to bed mad at someone, especially him. It was one of those things, that no matter how it happened, it always felt terrible. But one of Mom’s old sayings came back to me just as I’d drifted off to sleep. Things that look scary in the dark always look much different in the morning. She was right.
The next day at breakfast, he was waiting for me. He’d never said a word as we picked through our food. But as we got up to leave, he’d pulled me into a hug.
“Okay.” Was all he had said, but it was enough. The tears burned, and I’d quickly wiped them away.
The hours had moved at lightning speed after that, no matter how much I tried to slow them. My magic seemed utterly useless without control over time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to make the rules.
Classes ended for the afternoon and I found myself pacing back and forward in front of Lucas’s suite.
I had no idea how I was going to get Dad out of this palace by myself. The national ballet was located within walking distance of the palace, so that was lucky enough. But with security everywhere, we’d never be allowed off-property, let alone to go downtown in the middle of the day. And even if we could, people would recognize me.
I didn’t exactly have a getaway plan.
I could possibly get him out to the street. But that wouldn’t end well. He might be recognized. There would be witnesses, adding extra risk to Madame Silver and the others who’d agreed to help me.
I huffed, strolled past the guards with their suspicious eyes, and knocked on the Royal’s door.
Nobody answered.
“Can you let me in, or what?” I tossed toward the nearest of the guards. He raised a cool eyebrow. “I need to speak with my fiancé.”
He cocked his head, but then with the quick rattling of keys, let me into the royal apartment.
“He’s in his room,” the man barked after me.
Head up, I strode down the hall, past the family room, past Richard’s private office, toward Lucas’s bedroom. I knocked softly. No answer.
Okay, don’t worry. Maybe he didn’t hear it the first time.
I knocked louder, expecting the door to swing wide, but nothing. Was he here? I pressed my ear to the door and heard the faint sound of ruffling bed sheets. My hands began to shake. What if Lucas didn’t want to talk to me? What if he wouldn’t help me?
I pounded on the door this time, the noise three heavy thuds.
“I don’t want to talk about this again, Father. You already know how I feel about it,” Lucas called out from the other side in his sharpest tone.
“Um–sorry,” I said. “It’s me. Jessa?”
Why did I just say my name like it was a question? I wanted to kick myself. Lucas didn’t need to know how nervous I was coming to him.
The door flew open.
His pewter eyes, cast in shadows, ran the length of me. “Come in.”
I did, closing the door carefully behind me. We stood in the center of his bedroom, a distance between us that felt like we may as well have been on opposite ends of the earth.
I chewed on my lip, gathering the courage to tell him my plan.
“If I asked for your help, would you help me?” I said, my insides twisting.
“Anything.”
Expression guarded, shadows still cast over his eyes, he hid his depths from me. But he’d said yes, so it was now or never. My truth burned in my throat.
“Okay.” I bit my lip, reaching to my necklace. I connected with the purple. Then crossed to Lucas and placed my hand on his chest.
Showtime.
It’s about my Dad, I said, the telepathy snapping to life between us.
He leaned back and studied me with a shocked expression.
“Since when can you do that?” he asked incredulous, “That’s rare magic, Jessa.”
I hushed him.
Since, I don’t know? A week ago? You can talk back to me through the link I’ve created, I said. All I have to do is touch you with it once, and it’s there to use again and again, depending on the distance between us. It’s safer for us to talk this way.
He eyes flashed when I mentioned the distance but I didn’t let myself dwell on the double meaning there.
So you can hear me? he asked, and I nodded slowly, trying not to smile. It was pretty cool, and something I was proud of. What do you need, then?
I explained the situation as carefully as possible, making sure not to leave any important details out. I walked to the window, appearing as natural as I could. He followed, his face grew darker and darker.
What’s the matter? Spinning on him, anger bubbled up inside me. I knew we were about to argue over this. You won’t do it? I thought you said you would do anything.
I’ll do it, he snapped back. But why aren’t you going along? Isn’t that what you want, to leave this palace and never look back?
Not anymore.
He scoffed. I’m confused. You suddenly want to stay and marry me?
No.
So what is it? You just want to stay?
I had my reasons. And he should know better than anyone why I wasn’t eager to tell him my secret plans. Will you help me or not?
The silence sliced between us, like an impenetrable wall.
This is his chance, Lucas. Please.
He’d gone completely still, watching me like he didn’t know me.
Fine, he said, his tone a sharp knife through our link. But you should go, too. There’s nothing here for you anymore.
I relaxed, exhaling deep. And at the same time, pain buried in my chest, like he’d put the knife there himself.
We don’t have time to argue about this, I said. If he’s going to make it in time, he needs to leave as soon as possible.
I guess I better get my coat. It’ll be a cold walk to the theatre.
“Thank you,” I breathed aloud. The telepathy waned, and I pushed it back between us.
You want my white magic, obviously, Lucas said. Guess I’m good for something.
It’s not like that.
He held up a hand. Tell him to meet me in the garden in twenty minutes and to bring whatever he needs. Twenty minutes should be enough for you to say goodbye, right?
It wouldn’t. But I nodded.
Or if you’re as smart as you think you are, maybe it will be enough for you to change your mind.
I guess I’m not smart. I glared, annoyed at his jab at my intelligence.
Suit yourself. He brushed past me to open his door. Better get moving.
As I left, I reached out to Madame Silver with my mind, hoping maybe this time she would be able hear me. We’d talked through the link enough times that it had grown. It was almost as if I could feel her, this far-off person attached to a tether reaching back to me. I tugged on it.
Can you hear me?
Jessa? Jessa, is that you? Where are you? Her voice sounded grainy, but it was there just the same. A thrill poured down my body. I was getting stronger. Last time the telepathy hadn’t reached that far, but this time, it did. Maybe I would be able to communicate with Dad after he left. Could I be so lucky? We’d established the mental connection, but it was newer.
I’m in the palace, I replied. I just wanted to let you know that the plan is a go.
That’s wonderful! We’ll be waiting for you.
Guilt gripped me as I ended the connection. I couldn’t explain to her why I wouldn’t be showing up with Dad. There wasn’t time and honestly, I didn’t have the courage. I hoped she could forgive me.
A heady mix of emotions swirled through me as I walked closer and closer to Dad’s door. Gratitude that Lu
cas was willing to help. Excited that my father was getting out. Nervous at the possibility this plan wouldn’t work. And most of all, broken. Broken that I was about to say goodbye to another family member, another piece of me.
But most of all, broken by Lucas’s words, now etched into my heart.
There’s nothing here for you anymore.
15
Lucas
We trudged along the sidewalk, arm in arm, invisible and careful. Being that it was broad daylight and late afternoon, people were out and about. As soon as the workday ended, they’d pour out from their buildings in droves. I needed to be back to the palace by then to avoid getting stuck. Christopher and I had already dodged a few unsuspecting bystanders, and also had a near miss. Rush hour would be a nightmare. I sighed; maneuvering through the city streets under the guise of magic wasn’t as easy as I’d thought. Especially not with my fiancé’s father lumbering against my arm.
“Were you the one who got my daughter out of there?” Christopher asked under his breath.
“Unfortunately, Jessa refuses to leave.”
“Oh, believe me, I know all about that nonsense,” he said, his frustration matching my own. “No, I’m talking about Francesca. Or, I guess you know her as Sasha.” He huffed. “I’ll never get used to that new name. Hopefully, it’s just a phase. I’ve missed my Frankie for way too long.”
I understood the feeling and my heart went out to the guy. “Oh, yup, it was me who got her out. This invisibility magic is my secret, and now it’s yours too.” I cleared my throat and tugged him along.
“I’ll keep your secret safe,” he replied.
“I wanted to help all three of you, but you and Jessa were already en route to the exhibition the night I got Sasha out.”
“And now, here we are,” Christopher said.
I nodded, though I knew he couldn’t see me.
We walked in silence, and I wondered if he knew this part of the city. Was he observing it like it would be the last time he’d ever see it? And if I were in his shoes, would I feel good about the idea? The palace was my home, but the urban city that surrounded it was my backyard. Before things had gotten so crazy, I’d spent a lot of time here. I didn’t think I could leave it behind, if it were me.
The city buildings cast cool shadows across the sidewalk as we moved at a steady pace. The architecture was a mix of old and new, though mostly new. And most of the buildings reached up into the sky, pillars of innovation. I looked down at my feet, momentarily stunned that they weren’t there. Invisible magic had a way of doing that, no matter how often I used it. Luckily, all the snow had melted, the puddles mostly dried up. That was good for our ability to stay hidden, but I could have done without the prickly wind. It cut against my face, traveling down into my coat despite the zipper being so far up the plastic was nearly in my mouth. I fought the urge to complain. The cold was the least of our worries.
“You’re not a bad kid, you know that right?” Christopher’s gravelly voice floated gently through the air. He nudged me with his shoulder when I didn’t respond. “Jessa seems to think you take after your father, after everything that’s happened between you two, but I have to disagree.”
My heart twisted into an angry lump. “She told you about us?”
“That girl, she used to tell me everything. We always had a strong bond, you know? And then she kept her alchemy hidden. I wish she hadn’t. We would have helped her. After losing Francesca, we would have done anything to keep Jessa. But anyway,” he paused. “Yes, she told me about what happened between you two. I can’t say I agree with you, but I understand it. What you did…you were blinded by love.”
“She doesn’t see it that way.”
“I know. But I get why you did it. Sometimes we men do stupid things when we’re trying to keep our loved ones safe.”
“Well, I think it’s all too late, anyway.”
“Either way, I just wanted you to know that I don’t see your father in you. You’re his spitting image, yes, no denying that. But your personalities couldn’t be more opposite. You’re a good kid, Lucas.”
“Thanks,” I replied, so quietly I wasn’t sure if he heard or if it was lost to the wind.
Was he right? Could I believe that about myself? I wanted to, I really did. I had never wanted to be my father. But lately it felt like everything I did ended up hurting someone, usually someone innocent. And that was exactly what Richard did. At least getting Christopher out of New Colony could be one positive strike on my record.
At least I had that.
“We’re almost there,” I said, changing the subject. “Any last words you want me to pass along to your daughter?”
“No, we already took care of that back at the palace. But Lucas, can I ask you to do something for me?”
I stiffened with uncertainty. “Sure,” I replied.
“Take care of her.”
Something caught in my throat. “I don’t think she wants me to do that. Besides, she’ll be back to you eventually,” I said. “One day she’ll realize the palace isn’t what she wants, and nothing will stop her from finding you again. And I’ll help her when that day comes.”
He was quiet for a long moment.
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” He tugged on my arm. “This is hard for me to admit, but I don’t see how this marriage can be avoided. She’s not even eighteen but you’re going to be her husband very soon. Just promise me you’ll be a good one.”
I swallowed hard. “I promise.” For months now, thinking about Jessa had consumed me. And now the idea of our future marriage terrified me. Not because I didn’t want her, but because she clearly didn’t want me.
The theatre loomed in front of us. It stood tall with huge, shiny glass windows and white stone pillars lining the front. We swept around the expansive plaza, dodging puddles, to the alleyway in the back where we found the stage entrance. True to their word, a man stood at the door, tall and lanky in block stage clothes. His brown eyes shifted as if waiting for someone to jump out at him. I doubled-checked we were alone.
“I guess this is it,” Christopher said, clearing his throat. “Thanks again.”
“Good luck.” I released his arm and took several steps back. He materialized instantly. The man at the door startled, rubbing his jaw, his eyes opening wide. “I’m not even going to ask,” he muttered.
Christopher laughed then turned back to where I was standing. Even though his eyes couldn’t see me, it felt as if he were staring into my soul. Like he knew everything dark there and didn’t mind the view. “I meant what I said. You’re not your father.”
Before I could utter a response, he turned toward the man and they disappeared behind the rusty door.
The white magic flickered through me, burning at my fingertips. The beginnings of exhaustion crept toward the surface. All the practice lately at invisible alchemy had allowed me to go for longer sprints each time, but the magic still demanded a physical payment on my body. Knowing my time was short, I took one last look at the barren alleyway, and sprinted toward home.
Nothing could have prepared me for what I found.
As I neared the palace, lungs burning, I caught the faint scent of smoke. A prickle of panic gripped me, and I ran faster. One hand still in my pocket, the head of the white rose between my fingers, I squeezed at the magic. My thumb caught a thorn, sharp as a tack, but I didn’t care. My shoes echoed against the pavement, a mistake for an invisible man, but I didn’t care about that, either.
All that mattered was figuring out where the sound of sirens was coming from. They drowned out everything else around me, blaring through the city streets, a rolling thunder. I hurried around another corner, knowing it was a straight shot down the road to the palace. I screeched to a stop. Even from here, I could see the flames.
“No!” I cried, gasping for air.
The palace was burning.
Jessa. She was my first thought. My father was my second.
My feet slammed hard against the pa
vement, toward the gate. I didn’t have to wait for a car to come through this time, as it had been left open for the fire trucks and ambulances. They zoomed through the gate and up the drive in a stream of noise and flashing lights. I followed on foot, holding on to my invisibility for as long as I could manage. Knowing I’d lose my concentration at any moment, I jumped into a cropping of trees to turn myself back and discard the rose. I took off again.
My eyes stayed glued on the raging fire, smoke billowing into the gray winter sky, flames climbing along the rooftop. It was consuming the side of the palace I called home: the Royal Wing.
I’d been there an hour before, resting in my bedroom. It was where Richard usually took his afternoon siesta. Where Jessa might be at that very moment.
I exploded with speed, my morning running habit paying off tenfold as I raced toward the palace entrance.
“You can’t go in there!” someone called after me, but I didn’t know the voice. I never turned to see who it was, nor did I waver or stop my crusade. I climbed the marble stairs in seconds.
“Jessa!” I screamed, pushing through the doors. “Jessa!” I yelled again, coughing as a wall of smoke hit me. I pushed past it toward her room. Since it was across from our apartment, it had to be on fire.
She could’ve been in a lesson, in the GC wing, as she most often was.
Or the ballet studio, not quite where the flames raged.
But I wasn’t willing to take the chance. Knowing her as I did, she’d have skipped all of that to have a good cry alone in her room after her father had left.
I pressed on. My eyes burned, my throat too, but it didn’t matter.
I had to find her. I ran deeper into the palace, the darkness of smoke surrounding me as the heat became suffocating. The acrid stench of smoke, mixed with the sweat from my own face, filled my nostrils. I coughed over and over again, but I pushed on, arms covering my face. My skin screamed, like I’d been dropped into a furnace. My throat burned. My eyes prickled.
But I was almost there.
Lucas, her voice rang through my mind. Where are you?