by Nicole Adamz
“Excuse me, Caelum Maewyn,” interrupted a familiar voice. I glanced into Niles’s unhappy face and guiltily stepped away from Davin.
Niles’s lithe frame looked dashing in the formal green and silver brocade Warder uniform. Uncomfortable, I flushed at the quiet longing in his brown eyes. I’d rebuffed Niles’s attention because of family complications. Remorse pricked at me for letting him think my family didn’t want me involved with any man. They did—just not a man like him. His arduous letters made me happy, but I knew our relationship was doomed.
“Your Tyro is looking for you,” Niles said stiffly. My heart dropped at his disapproving tone.
“Oh, uh, thanks,” I said awkwardly, turning toward Davin with an uneasy smile. A sly expression slid over his face. “I was looking for Ari before we ran into each other,” I explained.
“Ah, well, I suppose I can’t convince you to keep me company. Although, I want to meet Ari. I haven’t met the Tyro apprenticed to the Second Born Story Weaver,” Davin said, wrapping an arm around my waist and nuzzling my neck.
Conflicting sensations bombarded me as I stood between the two men; one promised dark pleasure and the other promised love. I can’t get involved with Niles, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to. Davin is just…the heady smell of his oil washed over me, and I melted into his embrace.
Chapter 16
Maewyn
NILES CLEARED HIS THROAT, and I jerked away from Davin in surprise. Shame surged through me, but Niles strode into the crowd, leaving me to follow in his wake. My heart twisted, and I bit my tongue to keep from calling his name.
Quickly apologizing to Davin, I dove after Niles’s dashing figure. People automatically avoided his stalking form. I struggled to reach his side, panting at the bulk of my gown. Niles finally stopped, leaning against an arched marble column in the Main Courtyard. The shadows of the crowd shifted.
Catching my breath, I straightened and prepared for the censure on Niles’s face. I stared angrily at my fidgeting hands. Why do I feel guilty? I didn’t do anything wrong.
“If I’d known…” Niles began and cleared his throat. “If I’d known you preferred someone else, I wouldn’t have pursued you.”
I blinked, surprised. Is Niles apologizing? I reached for his hand, but he shifted away, disappointment filling his gaze. Dismay rushed through me at his rebuff. I’d never been rejected, but I steeled myself. It’s better this way. We weren’t meant to be together. Maybe, if things were different…
“Niles, I…I’m sorry.” I said, looking up. My gaze traced the blooming marble flower carved into the arched column.
Niles’s rough fingers touched my cheek, but I didn’t turn my face into his warm palm. Even now, I don’t want to let go of the light you exude. He slowly withdrew his fingers, and I peeked at him beneath my lashes. He stared at me, smiling sadly.
“Ari is waiting for you in the tent.” Niles said. I nodded, unable to speak. A few feet away from the pillar, Niles lightly put a hand on my arm and stopped me. “Maewyn… it might not be my place to say this but stay away from Davin.” Niles said.
I turned, frowning. “You know Davin?”
“There are…rumors…about him.” Niles said carefully.
“There are always rumors about people. What do you mean?” I demanded.
“I won’t go into detail, but the rumors regarding Davin aren’t kind.” Niles said, his lips thinning.
I stared at Niles, processing his words. “Okay. Thanks.”
He dropped his hand, and I slowly walked toward the tent, looking back once. Niles’s hair gleamed brightly in the pale light, fading as he walked away. I shook off my yearning for him and stepped into the dark shadows. When I entered the tent, Ari was ingesting the buffet. Seeing me, she paused mid-chew before swallowing. She smiled unrepentantly when I shook my head.
“Is my harp ready?” I asked.
Ari jerked her head toward the gleaming object in the corner. I lovingly caressed the familiar curves of the wooden grain. Wiping grease from her fingers, Ari checked the schedule and nodded sharply. Leaning the harp on its wheels, she moved it out of the tent. I followed, waiting for the current act to end.
An autumn tree burst from the ground with dazzling red and gold hues, and a small meadow unfurled around the base. The High Lord’s insignia flowed from the greenery in groups of flowers. The Augment Caelum’s finale received murmurs of pleasure and a smattering of applause. When they withdrew, Ari set my harp in front of the large Aerie doors. I wouldn’t play on the same stage as everyone else.
It’s risky…but surely the High Lord won’t mind. I idly strummed the strings while reaching for my Talent. Sometimes, I saw a cloud of bright silver light pulsing deep inside.
Wisps of fog twisted from the pearl sand like serpents, rising to my knees. I pulled on my Talent until a dense pool of fog filled the space around me. The crowd gathered, watching it bend to my will. The misty area widened, growing dense and thick.
When I’d built a base for the Story Weave I paused before firmly brushing the harp strings once. It rang through the Main Courtyard, and a tall broad-shouldered man appeared in the mist. He was so densely crafted that he seemed real, and I smiled at the crowd’s gasp.
Dark skin covered the thick muscles roving the man’s body. His tunic, the color of a tawny stag, was stained with blood. Dark hair matted his head, and steely eyes stared into the crowd, daring someone to draw near. An assortment of weapons I’d seen at Ward Tower Three were secured across his back and waist, but it was the scar that completed him.
A thick turgid scar, white with age, raked down his face, over one eye, like a badge. Everyone knew of our first, scarred High Lord, and his bravery. I’d crafted the image from tomes in the Great Library and took the extra effort of adding a sheen of sunlight to the metal on his weaponry. High Lord Silco stood battle ready in front of the Aerie.
I tweaked a few details to heighten the tale of adventure and bravado culminating in the first Elysian High Lord. The fierce wars High Lord Silco participated in against the Dwellers earned him the unwavering loyalty of the people. Cheers ignited the crowd at each brave deed. The woven tale divulged High Lord Silco’s plea to the True One for complete ownership of the sky—the precursor to the Catalyst.
The crowd tensed at the True One’s refusal, and High Lord Silco’s secret meeting with Aeolus. A collective gasp slithered through the crowd at the finale. High Lord Silco, smeared with blood, knelt before Aeolus. His image faded, morphing past generations of royalty into High Lord Bera.
Silence reigned at the last strum of my harp. People slowly shifted, putting hands to their chests and bowing. I turned, staring into High Lord Bera’s blue eyes. My heart stuttered, paralyzed by awe and fear at the power of the man behind me. The image I’d created was a good likeness. Clasping my hand to my chest, I bowed deeply in front of the most powerful man in Summit.
“Your Talent is to be commended, Second Born. You have honored me and complimented my family line,” High Lord Bera said.
The words Second Born rankled. I was the only Story Weaver at Ascension, but I pushed the feeling aside. He’s the High Lord, and I’m his loyal subject, I reminded myself. I’ll do anything to please him. Anything. When High Lord Bera extended his hand, I prayed he wouldn’t notice my tremors. Exhaustion threatened to swamp me, but a lingering euphoria swam in my veins. I’d created the most corporeal images, delving further into my Talent than I ever had.
This is it! This is my chance to gain my family the highest favor in Summit. High Lord Bera tucked my hand into the crook of his elbow, escorting me into the Main Courtyard. Jealousy whispered through the crowd. Everyone here would pay handsomely to be in my place. Two Warders filed rigidly behind us, and two more swooped from the sky.
High Lord Bera led me toward a cluster of people on the Aerial Council who greeted me with oozing graciousness. I pasted a bright smile on my face. Amid my euphoria I could feel Ari’s presence hovering quietly in the background
. My eyes roamed over the faces surrounding us.
Where’s Castia? I’m on the High Lord’s arm—a position she should be in. Has she been spurned? If Castia was spurned, I could seize this opportunity. I hadn’t seen the Durus family or Heir Talon tonight, and the family wanted me to attain a position of power. What higher position is there than High Lady? I wouldn’t have to wait for Heir Talon to ascend the throne.
High Lord Bera absently stroked my arm while conversing, and I subtly pushed myself closer to him. The Aerial Council spoke casually about the continued hunt for True One believers and their sects; one had recently been found and imprisoned. My mind wandered in boredom, but a noticeable lull in the conversation grabbed my attention. I smiled uncertainly.
High Lord Bera stroked my fingers, “We’d like to know who your little shadow is.”
I spotted Ari on the outskirts of a crowd anxiously watching me. She knows I’m drained. My eyes strayed toward the Warder behind her, but it wasn’t Niles.
“Ari is my Tyro,” I said.
“Ah, that explains it,” High Lord Bera chuckled, “We thought you’d gained a follower.”
High Lord Bera abruptly motioned to Ari, and I tensed. How do I explain her appearance? Ari slipped toward the Aerial Council, and I winced at the faint rust marks beneath her nose. She’d had another nosebleed and failed to clean it all. Ari stopped several feet away from the Aerial Council, her face downturned. Good. They won’t notice her eyes or the blood if she stays there.
High Lord Bera’s smiled congenially, “Caelum Maewyn will be staying at the Aerie tonight.”
Ari shifted uncomfortably, keeping her gaze on the ground. I laughed breathily, drawing attention away from her. Please don’t look up, I silently begged Ari.
“High Lord Bera, I can’t possibly stay. I didn’t bring anything with me,’ I said with false humility. Accepting immediately seems too eager.
The High Lord’s eyes gleamed, “There’s always room for a beautiful woman at the Aerie, and there are plenty of possessions for you along with a magnificent on-site healer.” He purveyed the crowd and raised a hand.
A stunning woman with midnight blue eyes emerged. Her oval face was framed by hair so dark it challenged the night. She drifted over gracefully like a messenger from Welkin, shifting onto High Lord Bera’s open arm. His attention shifted away from me with her presence, and I bristled, loathing her immediately.
“Healer Willow is a jewel among her peers and is staying at the Aerie. She can take care of you if you need assistance.” High Lord Bera said. He whispered something in Healer Willow’s ear, and she chuckled throatily.
Healer Willow demurely fluttered long lashes, “You flatter me, High Lord.”
“Beauty should always be flattered, so I surround myself with it—an indulgence I allow myself,” High Lord Bera said. Several of the Aerial Council members chuckled. “I hope our appointment isn’t cancelled,” High Bera murmured suggestively to Healer Willow.
“No worries,” Healer Willow purred, “I’ll make certain you’re taken care of.”
High Lord Bera laughed merrily. “Do I need to have anything ready?”
Healer Willow inclined her head, smiling coyly at the High Lord, “Just your good health.”
The men laughed uproariously, but I glared at her. Did High Lord Bera push Castia aside for this Healer? Seething, I studied the woman. She isn’t more beautiful than me.
Her midnight hair was intricately styled around the golden Healer’s Coronet on her brow, framing a flawless complexion. Rosy lips pulled into a small, secret smile as she gazed at High Lord Bera. How can I get his attention? I glanced at Ari, standing at the edge of our group, but her eyes were strangely fixed on Healer Willow. It gave me an idea.
I sagged against High Lord Bera, putting a hand to my head. Ari started forward but stopped abruptly at the look I shot her. Wilting, I suppressed a grin when his grip tightened. Healer Willow’s keen blue eyes searched my face, but I avoided her gaze, focusing on the High Lord.
“Do you need rest?” he asked.
“I think you were right. I should stay,” I said delicately. “My Tyro’s greatest concern is for my well-being, and it will alleviate her mind to know I’m being cared for by a Healer.”
I waved a hand toward Ari, watching her jaw tighten. Even with her eyes downcast she vibrated with disapproval. This might be the only opportunity I have, and if I have nothing to report to the family about tonight…I took a deep breath. I must do this.
High Lord Bera lifted my chin, his eyes speculative. When he searched my face, I parted my lips invitingly, “I can see why you have avid admirers. We can’t disappoint them by letting your health fail.”
Smiling triumphantly, I looked at Healer Willow. Our gazes clashed, and anger streaked through me at her smirk. If High Lord Bera replaced Castia with you, then he’ll replace you with me. Tonight, I’ll make him want me by his side.
Ari’s lips thinned irritably, eyes gaze darting between me and Healer Willow. Her disapproval is almost palpable. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. If she follows the Old Traditions, then she’ll never understand my choice. I can’t care about her opinion.
“Ari, you can leave. I’ll be the High Lord’s guest tonight,” I said firmly.
Ari turned sharply, almost knocking over an Anomaly. Carelessly grabbing a goblet from the tray, anger dripped from her rigid shoulders when she shoved into the crowd. My brow furrowed, but I smoothed my face into a brilliant smile when I turned back to the High Lord. She’ll get over it. This is the only decision I can make. Tonight, I’ll give myself to the High Lord.
Chapter 17
Ari
WHY WOULD SHE STAY? I fumed. Doesn’t she know what he meant? Of course, she does. Only an imbecile wouldn’t know. Even I know what it meant! I swallowed a gulp of dark wine, angrily wiping a crust of blood from my nose, and smacking my lips at the sweet taste. Weaving in and out of the shifting, shadowy crowd was difficult.
I sneered at the opulence. Shortages were posted around Summit, but the Aerie wasn’t suffering. Everything was overabundant. On my fourth cup of wine I made it through the archways of the Main Courtyard to the solid wall of the Inner Courtyard and sagged against it.
Unconsciously I searched for Maewyn in the crowd. It wasn’t hard to find her. Her dress paid homage to her petite body with every stitch, the velvet encrusted with pearls and silver embroidery. She was a diamond against the multi-hued backdrop, resembling a moon sprite.
She’s giving herself to the High Lord for social status! When Maewyn’s head disappeared, I gazed at the blurring crowd. The goblet was empty, and my head was fuzzy. An orb floated by, and I smiled stupidly at the small pricks of light huddling together. My next thought sobered me a little. Why is Willow here? Has she given up the Old Traditions Zora taught us to become the High Lord’s newest pretty bird?
I wanted to snort at the ludicrous idea. I suppose her overwhelmingly kind nature warms the cockles of High Lord Bera’s heart, I thought sarcastically. She didn’t even acknowledge me. Without a declared Talent I suppose she wouldn’t want our family connection publicly declared. A cool autumn breeze slithered against the wall, touching my skin. I breathed deeply.
The floating colored orbs made my head spin, so I leaned back and tilted my head. The stars sparkled happily. Why do I care what Maewyn does? She worships the Usurper like everyone else. There are plenty of women who casually sleep with men…I just didn’t think she’d be one of them. I sighed heavily. I know Maewyn doesn’t believe in the Old Traditions, but her actions are so…debasing.
Opening my sachet, I fumbled for my necklace and jumped when an obscure figure thumped beside me. I swung my head to investigate what occupied the wall with me and the world swayed. A shaded man lounged there, watching me with a small smile. I frowned, and he chuckled.
“Hello,” he said. I ignored him in favor of the stars. When he spoke again, I stood—or tried to. The wall leaned away from me, and I scowled. The m
an rose, and I squinted into an amused face bordered by ebony hair.
“I’ll help you,” he said.
I carefully shook my head, waiting for the wall to stop defying me. Forming coherent thoughts was like flying through a storm: pointless. I don’t want your help. There’s something oily about you, I thought fuzzily.
“Come on, you obviously need help, and I know a place where we can step away. We won’t be missed,” he said, shifting closer. His sweet scent draped over me.
I jerked when he touched my arm, stumbling over my feet. My stomach pitched, rolling in hot waves of nausea that burned my throat, and I put my forehead against the cool wall. I shouldn’t have had the wine.
“Ari! Skies!” I heard above me. Niles swooped down on a whoosh of cold air that made me shiver. I stared at him blankly.
“Davin, right? I’ll make sure she gets to Ascension safely,” Niles said authoritatively.
Davin gave Niles a slow, measuring look, holding out his hand, “You dropped your…necklace.”
Glaring, I snatched my pendant, tucking it safely into my sachet. Davin looked at me and smiled slowly, sauntering off. Niles watched him fade into the crowd before turning to me with a curious expression. He blinked and stared hard.
“It is you, ferret,” he said in awe. “You look like a woman! Well, except for the hair.” Niles ruffled my short crop of hair and I scowled, tripping when I shoved his hand away. “You’re three pieces of parchment to the wind, aren’t you?” he laughed.
I wobbled, placing a hand on the wall for balance. Could the evening get worse? Great. It couldn’t be a random stranger who witnesses my inebriated state. No, it’s the one person who will haunt me with it until I’m ash. Even then he’ll probably sing it into the wind on my way to Welkin, I thought sullenly.
“Skies, Ari. You need to be careful. There are plenty of men here who would take advantage of a drunken woman,” Niles said, carefully turning me around. I stopped listening to his lecture when the smell of sugar wiggled into my nose. I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes.