Child of Beauty (Prophecy Series)

by T. N. Hayden

  Viveca’s foot shot out, and Rayna stumbled. She cried out as her skirt brushed the fire, scorching the fine material. Wilma pulled Rayna back before the flames ignited her skirt.

  “Are you okay?” Wilma asked.

  “The Adlig must have tripped over her own feet.” Zenia stated.

  “She did.” Paige added. “I saw it.”

  “I will be fine.” Rayna turned and looked Viveca in the eye. “I am still wearing purple.”

  Viveca lip curled up. “Perhaps you will get burned.”

  Wilma pulled Rayna farther from the bonfire. Mae was too busy talking to a handsome trainee to notice the interaction.

  “Thanks Wil.” Rayna smiled. “Did you toss your stick into the fire?”

  Wilma glanced at the dancing smoke. “Of course.”

  “Look.” Rayna nodded toward her sister.

  Jerrika sat by herself on a stone bench, a long stick lying over her knees. Staring at the glowing embers and lithe fumes, Jerrika remained by herself on the outside of the circle.

  “To the Soldats!” A cheer erupted.

  “To the Soldatas!”

  “To the Woplers!”

  “To strength and nobility!”

  Rayna looked down, unsure what she should shout.

  Jerrika sat by herself, watching the other trainees throw their sticks into the large fire as they danced and laughed together, unaware of her lonesome self. She looked across the smoke, almost seeing herself and Garrik, both dressed in purple, with Kurtis, dressed in blue, at so many earlier ones. Kurtis was the only trainee she’d ever known who had never thrown a stick into the bonfire. She’d asked him about it four years ago.

  “What makes someone noble?” Kurtis looked at her.

  “Their parents?”

  “Exactly.” Kurtis sighed. “I think nobility should be about something deeper than blood. Who cares who my father is if I am not someone of compassion, honesty, and principle? Nobility should be something deeper, something within.”

  “No one here believes that. Everyone agrees with the king.”

  “Perhaps the king is wrong.” Kurtis paused as he turned to look her in the eye. “You did not throw your stick in this year.”

  She nodded. “Things have changed for me.”

  He raised a brow. “How so?”

  She stared at the blaze as she thought about Barrett. She trusted Kurtis, but would even he understand that she’d fallen in love with someone of common blood? Someone who barely gave her the time of day. Barrett was all business, but Jerrika couldn’t help but fall for someone so… noble. If anyone would understand her secret passion, it would be Kurtis.

  Jerrika blinked back to the present as she continued to watch the sparks fly from the fire as the wind whipped them around the trainees. That had been the first night she told Kurtis about Barrett. A slow smile made her way across her face. Who would have thought Barrett, who hated that she was high noble, would fall in love with her? Perhaps the future wasn’t as written as she believed.

  ~ Chapter 10 ~

  Jipso 539

  Barrett pounded the heated steel as he shaped a sword. He enjoyed working, but some days were easier than others. As his mallet smacked the steel, he thought about his sister. Faryn. Was she alive? Was she happy and healthy? Or was some noble smacking her around like he smashed the steel.

  Barrett dunked the steel into a tub of water, closing his eyes as a strong hiss filled the room. Did Faryn even remember him? More than anything, he wanted to be reunited with his twin sister. They had always had an inseparable bond, always able to tell when the other was hurt, even at a young age. Barrett didn’t feel pain from his twin, and he hoped time wouldn’t dim his connection to his twin. He knew if he ever saw her again, he would automatically know who she was.

  What did she look like? Did they still look exactly alike? Or did she look more like Aileen now?

  He shook his head as he grabbed several horseshoes from where they were they had been cooling down. Barrett walked into the main part of the Smithy, glancing up as the door opened.

  Jerrika’s frown creased her forehead, and she looked forlorn. He tossed the horseshoes aside, immediately rushed to her, and embraced her. “You look like you need a hug.”

  She laughed. “Oh Barrett.” She buried her face into his shoulder and silently cried.

  Barrett touched the silk mauve scarf which covered her head.

  “No one likes me.” She blubbered. “Rayna is never going to be my friend. Her best friend Mae is so cruel to me. She is always doing horrible things. Wilma is the only one who is nice to me, but she will never be my friend. She is Rayna’s friend. Kurtis was my only friend, and he is gone now.”

  “Who’s Kurtis?” Barrett asked.

  Jerrika looked at him through tear-soaked brown eyes. He thought he saw a hint of annoyance in them. “Really? You ask about that now?”

  “You’ve never mentioned him before.” Barrett paused. “Actually, you never really mention Krijar or anyone there at all.”

  “Because no one likes me.” Jerrika took a deep breath. “I have no friends. My brothers are all gone from school now. My father ignores me, same as my sister. I share a room with Rayna, but she will never forgive me.”

  “Forgive you?”

  “I ruined her friendship with the princess.” Jerrika paused. “The princess is very cruel; she is truly her father’s daughter.”

  “It seems to me that she’s the one who should be asking you for forgiveness.” Barrett paused. “She should beg you for forgiveness.”

  “But she is not the one who is so cruel to me.” Jerrika looked at him. “Mae is cruel.”

  Barrett led Jerrika upstairs. “Who’s Mae?”

  “Rayna’s best friend.”

  “So Rayna lets her best friend torment you?” Barrett gently touched her shoulder. “Rayna seems as horrible as Mae.”

  Jerrika paused and closed her eyes. “Maybe you are right. I do not know.”

  Barrett sat on a wooden bench upstairs and pulled her to sit next to him. “I know they’ve all hurt you, but I know you’re special.” He brushed his fingers along her jawline. “I love you.”

  She smiled. “I know. You are the only one who truly loves me.”

  “What about this Kurtis guy?”

  “He is just a friend.” Jerrika paused. “His affection is directed toward Rayna, but he is always been loyal to me. Kurtis wanted Rayna and me to try to be friends.”

  “He sounds wise.” Barrett stated.

  “You do not know my family.” Jerrika stood. “My mother is malicious, and she has raised Rayna to be just like her.”

  “Is Rayna just like her?”

  “Not exactly.” Jerrika turned to look at him. “Mother wants Rayna to marry the prince, but I am pretty sure Rayna’s affection is with my friend Kurtis too.”

  “Were they courting?”

  “No. Neither would admit their feelings, but I have seen them kiss.”

  “Would your mother approve of Rayna marrying Kurtis?”

  “Never.” Jerrika closed her eyes. “Kurtis is from a noble family. Mother would never allow them to marry.”

  Barrett stood and went to her, taking her hands in his. “She won’t ever allow us to marry.”

  “Never.” Jerrika whispered.

  Barrett cupped her neck and used his thumbs to gently push her head up. She opened her eyes. He stared into the yellow lines within her brown irises. Barrett slowly brought her lips to his, gently touching their mouths together. She kissed him, threw her arms around his back, and pulled him close. Heat flashed around him as Barrett was lost in the kiss. He stepped closer to the wall, bracing Jerrika against it as she continued to kiss him.

  “Really now?”

  Barrett and Jerrika jumped apart.

  Aileen shook her head.

  Jerrika’s breathing quickened. “Hello Aileen.”

  Barrett smiled. “Did I take your breath away?”

  Aileen groaned.
/>   “You and Jonathan were just as bad.” Barrett stated.

  “Jonathan?” Jerrika asked.

  “The man she’s in love with.” Barrett explained. “He’s from Waden, and he asked her to move to Derbon. He’s coming back for her.”

  “I am sorry.” Jerrika looked at Aileen. “It must be painful watching Barrett and I fall in love as you are missing your own.”

  “And it must be painful watching a loving family when you don’t have one of your own.” Aileen set a small box on the table. “Mum sent us letters from everyone.”

  Barrett couldn’t believe his sister.

  “You never talk about your family.” Jerrika looked at him.

  “They live in Kapok.” Aileen stated. “Our mum is a seamstress. She taught us how to read and write. Our dad is a blacksmith. All four of us apprenticed under him for a time.”

  “Aileen was his first apprentice.” Barrett stated. “My older brother, Peyton, is his apprentice at home still. I only apprenticed under Dad for less than a year. I needed to leave Kapok, so when Aileen came out here, I insisted I go with her.”

  “Besides Mum and Dad would never allow our sister out of their sight.”

  “Why not?” Jerrika looked between the siblings.

  Aileen glanced at Barrett, and he quickly stated. “Delisa’s thirteen.”

  “Why did you want to leave Kapok so bad?” Jerrika asked. “Obviously Aileen did to meet her love. But why did you?”

  Faryn. Barrett looked at Aileen. For a moment, neither spoke. They didn’t tell anyone about Faryn, especially people in Derbon. No one here knew of their misfortune. Barrett turned his gaze back to Jerrika, and her look told him she realized something was going on.

  “It doesn’t matter.” Barrett shrugged.

  “Hm…” Jerrika nodded slowly. “Well I should get back to Krijar before someone sees me here. I do not want my family realizing I am in love with Barrett before the time is right.” She touched his shoulder. “I love you, and I do not want my family ruining us. I hope you will fully trust me one day.” She walked down the stairs.

  Barrett groaned and rushed after her. “Jer.”

  She turned around at the door. “Yes?”

  “I’m sorry. I do trust you, but there’s something we don’t talk about anymore. It’s not about you; it’s about us.”

  “Sure.” She nodded as she moved toward the door.

  “Wait.” Aileen took the steps two at a time, holding a small wrapped package in her hand.

  Jerrika stared at her.

  “Barrett and I got you a little something for your birthday.” Aileen grinned as she held out the package.

  “Thanks.” They were the first to remember it was her birthday.

  Jerrika slowly unwrapped the package and grinned as she pulled out a dagger and sheath.

  “We both made it.” Barrett explained.

  Jerrika turned it over in her hands, reading the inscription on it aloud. “Made for each other.”

  “It’s true.” Barrett stepped to her and wrapped her in an embrace.

  “Thank you.” Jerrika grinned as she ducked out of their Smithy and into the chilly wind of winter.

  Barrett watched her go. Perhaps he should tell her the truth about Faryn.

  “It’s up to you.” Aileen stated.

  Barrett turned. “What’s up to me?”

  “Telling her about Faryn.”

  “I was just wondering that.”

  Aileen stepped closer to her brother. “Tonight.”

  His hope swelled, but he needed her to specify.

  She smiled, seeming able to read him. “You will join the rebellion tonight.”

  Barrett was thrilled to finally come among the ranks, seeing the men and women, of different ages and talents, in the rebellion.

  “Hello.” Even though she was dressed as a common boy, Barrett could tell she was high noble.

  Her brunette hair was straight and long, braided and only partly hidden under her shapeless hat. Her cobalt eyes held secrets he couldn’t understand, and the way she held her sword spoke of years of practice.

  “You must be Soldata trainee Wilma Reece.” Barrett paused. “Or Wil, as you’re called here.”

  She nodded. “You must be Aileen’s brother.”

  “Barrett.” He met her eye.

  Wilma paused as she looked him over. Her brow narrowed as if she was deep in thought and she seemed to be seeing something he wasn’t sure about.

  “Everything alright?” Barrett asked.

  “Yeah.” She blinked. “Sorry, you just remind me of someone, but I do not know who. Anyway, Aileen said you know how to fight.”

  “Been trained since I was four.” Barrett stated. “When my parents started the rebellion.”

  “Why did your parents rebel?” Wilma asked. “Aileen never speaks about it. I know the king has done hundreds of horrible things to his people, but what made your family rebel?”

  Barrett looked at her. “Sorry, but you won’t get that out of me either.”

  ~ Chapter 11 ~

  Fobst 539

  Jerrika rode home with her father and sister. She was looking forward to the long weekend at home. Monnaie Eve, celebrating the god of water, was a family celebration, one which everyone was expected to be present for.

  Of course that meant Jerrika would spend time with Sage and Garrik. She desperately missed her brothers. After four months of loneliness, Jerrika was ready to have a friend again.

  As they pulled into the courtyard, Jerrika was surprised to see the estate decorated with ivy and torches. While her mother loved holidays, she rarely incorporated other people into the festivities.

  “Looks like your mother is planning on having a party this year.” Viktor stated.

  Rayna nodded, silently getting out of the carriage.

  Jerrika followed. No one was there to greet them, as there usually was. Perhaps her mother had forgotten about their arrival?

  Jerrika entered the estate behind Rayna and Viktor. She looked around at all the servants scrambling about, seeming desperate as they rushed through the hall, throwing ivy on all the banisters, candleholders, archways, and chandeliers.

  “What is going on?” Jerrika asked one of the maids.

  The young woman rushed straight past her.

  Jerrika frowned.

  “Oh, right.” Ederra walked into the room, dressed in a rich green of the forest. She looked absolutely lovely with her dark hair pinned back. “We have some guests joining us for Monnaie Eve today.”

  “Who?” Viktor asked.

  “Some of Garrik’s friends.”

  Jerrika looked at her mother. “Is Kurtis here?”

  “Yes, the Adlig is here.” Ederra sighed. “And Prince Navion is here as well. He requested to see you when you got here Rayna.”

  “Where is he?” Rayna looked at her mother.

  “In the front parlor.”

  Rayna left to see her prince. Jerrika shook her head. Her sister was always eager to be with the prince. Kurtis was in love with Rayna, and she returned his affections in secret. But when everything came down, Rayna would always choose the prince.

  “Where is Kurtis?” Jerrika looked at her mother.

  “I do not know.” Ederra walked off, pulling Viktor along with her.

  Alone in the grand hall, Jerrika frowned as she walked upstairs to her room. She had barely gotten home, and already she was expected to get dressed for the festivities. Couldn’t her mother just allow her peace and quiet for one night?

  “You look beautiful.” Prince Navion greeted Rayna as she entered the front parlor. He and Garrik had been reading quietly until she entered.

  “Thank you.” Rayna answered.

  “I should get ready for tonight.” Garrik paused. “Mother really wants to make sure we are all dressed up.”

  “Of course.” Rayna moved to sit beside Prince Navion. “How are you enjoying your joining year?”

  “It is well enough.” Prince Navion rep
lied. “I would rather hear about you than talk about me.”

  She smiled. “Everything is going well. Mae and Wilma are well, and Radley still eats with us. We have him in our class this year, so Wilma and Radley study together. I still study with Mae.”

  Prince Navion nodded.

  “Well I should get ready for the festivities.” Rayna stood. “I will see you later.”

  Prince Navion bowed. “See you soon.”

  Kurtis looked around the Little’s estate. His gaze was captivated by a painting of a garden overhung with ivy, the plant uncertain of its place among the flowers and vibrant colors. Kurtis took a deep breath. Would anyone figure out the truth about him? No one had thus far.

  He was curious as to how people would react if they did find out the truth.

  Kurtis looked through one of the windows to see Rayna leave Prince Navion in the main parlor.

  It had been several months since he’d seen her. He truly missed her, and Kurtis hoped she also missed him. He touched the gold charm on the leather necklace he wore. She’d given it to him for his fifteen birthday. He still wondered why the charm was the letter F instead of R. Perhaps one day she would explain it to him.

  Kurtis looked up, wondering which room belonged to Jerrika. Six windows. He paused. Only five balconies.

  ~ Chapter 12 ~

  Jerrika, dressed in the deep green and bright blue associated with the holiday, touched her sea blue scarf. Some of her hair was starting to grow back, but she continued to keep her head hidden. It would be a surprise when people saw her hair again. She was sure of it.

  “You look lovely.” Kurtis bowed.

  He wore formal leather britches and jacket, and his shirt was a dark blue. It was odd, having a noble guest in the house.

  “Your mother pretended to be nice to me.” Kurtis whispered.

  “She called you Adlig when we came home.” Jerrika stated.

  Kurtis chuckled. “Sounds like the mother you describe.”

  Jerrika nodded. “Come, let us go outside.”

  They walked through the back double doors and into the large backyard, branches decorated with ivy and blue fabric intermixed together through the trees, and two round tables were decorated with silk blue tablecloths.