Without my voice, I was nobody.
Chapter Nineteen
Etan
I waited for Sarai to leave before turning back to my rambling advisors. The city needed new roads. The crops weren’t growing correctly. Every word that came out of their mouths was negative. I didn’t want to hear it.
“Famine is spreading across the land. Our supplies are running low. Not enough tradesmen are coming through with food.” Tulah pulled out a pile of papers. “We received a notice that tribes from the west are falling ill with some strange sickness after drinking from the rivers.”
“That is enough.” I snapped my fingers. “Tulah, you and Rook go on and get some rest. Tomorrow we will wake up fresh, and I will deal with what needs to be done.”
My head was pounding, and my patience was nearly gone. I would rather be with Sarai. Something about her set me at ease. She made it easier to think, as if her touch was somehow able to sort my jumbled thoughts.
She was a burst of fresh wind that cleared the stale air from a room.
“Prince, we have to discuss the dying crops.” Rook buzzed in my ear.
“Tomorrow.” I waved them away. “Let me settle back in. I will hear you out tomorrow.”
Faces twisted and scowls formed, but I didn’t care. I wanted to tell them Sarai was the answer to our problems, but I couldn’t do that without it leading to more questions and demands I couldn’t answer.
Their footsteps faded, and I was left alone in the small meeting room. Candles burned against the stone walls. Their shadows flickered against the crudely cut stone table where stacks of documents waited.
It had been six months since it last rained. Three of our nearest lakes were almost dry, and our neighbors were going through the same situation.
The land was dying and our kingdoms along with it.
“I’m running out of time.” I slammed my fists against the table.
I was pulled from my thoughts by the click of heels against tile.
“Etan,” Phadrah greeted me with a stiff smile.
“Phadrah.” I rubbed my temples. I knew she would eventually creep in and find me alone. I wasn’t in the mood to listen to her or her problems either.
“You look exhausted.” She pushed a stack of papers aside. “Why don’t you go relax in your baths? I’ll have dinner brought to you,” she kindly offered.
My shoulders relaxed. “That sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Phadrah.”
She caught me off guard. I expected some tears and screaming after she saw me walk in with Sarai. I felt the hostility the moment her eyes landed on us, but she’d kept her anger under control. I was glad. I didn’t feel like fighting with her.
She sashayed away with a smile and a flap of her wings.
“Thank the gods.” I sighed with relief and stood from my seat.
I made my way to my rooms and stepped into the only space I could truly call my own. The floor and tables were covered in dusty trunks and wrapped packages—items I had sent back from my years out searching and exploring.
I found what I came for, a bright red trunk with golden dragons painted onto the wood. Its jade handles were shaped like lotus flowers in full bloom. It contained a robe made of silk that had been harvested from their famed golden spiders that only spun beneath moonlight.
I opened the trunk and pulled out the infamous robe. It was a deep blue with white moons and stars stitched over silver waves. I’d had to trade a jar of my healing sand for it, but it was worth it. Any who wore it would be invisible beneath the light of the moon.
I carefully folded it, returned it to the trunk, and called on a servant. “Take this to the princess. Tell her it is a gift.”
The servant easily lifted the trunk, but he didn’t move.
“What’s wrong?” I snapped.
“Which princess, Your Highness?” He sounded nervous.
I stopped and stared at the wall behind him. “Princess Sarai,” I said softly.
Of course, he would ask which princess. I used to send Phadrah gifts daily, back when I thought she was the one I would marry. Guilt replaced my irritation. I loved Phadrah, I truly did, but I had things to accomplish. She didn’t want the things that I wanted. She wasn’t willing to sacrifice to become stronger. I couldn’t be with a woman like that.
I slammed my door shut, stripped down, and headed into the chamber that housed my bath. I sank into the hot water, closed my eyes, and tried to clear my mind. It had been a long time since I had been home, yet everyone and everything remained the same.
The advisors continued to nag, my subjects continued living their rustic lives, and the palace remained cold and empty. Things were only getting worse across the land. The only thing keeping my kingdom alive was the small amount of magic Isabis had given me. But it wasn’t enough. I didn’t think about the effect the surrounding kingdoms would have on Nueva Vida.
The soft shuffle of falling clothes drew me from my thoughts. I blinked twice, at a complete loss for words. “W-what are you doing?”
Phadrah stepped into the bath wearing nothing but a gold chain around her slender neck. “You seemed so tense. I figured I would help you relax.”
She got onto her hands and knees and crawled toward me. The golden wings on her back shined beneath the warm candlelight. Once close enough, she grabbed my shoulders and straddled my hips.
“Relax.” She nibbled on my ear and trailed her tongue along my neck. My body reacted to her touch, and she chuckled under her breath. “I’m glad to see you missed me.”
“Get off me.” I pushed her away. I knew what she was trying to do, but I wouldn’t allow her to degrade herself for my affection. Giving me her body wouldn’t change the way I felt.
“Don’t be shy.” She giggled and bit my shoulder. The sound of her voice was like nails against stone. “No one will interrupt us.”
I threw her off and stepped out of the pool. “I just wanted some time alone to relax. To think.” I threw her clothing into the water. “You need to leave.”
I stormed into my room, dressed, and left. There would be no peace here, but I knew where to find it.
My feet took me up the spiraling staircase that led to the Rose Tower. I knocked on the door and waited for it to crack open. My future stared back at me with bright eyes and a shy smile.
“Thank you for the robe. It is glorious,” Sarai thanked me and stepped to the side. “Would you like to come in?”
∞∞∞
An hour later, I left Sarai’s rooms feeling worse than when I arrived. Spending time with her was becoming difficult, and I was beginning to enjoy her company a little too much. It was easier when she was avoiding me back in Rotan. Now that I was getting to know her, I couldn’t help but like her.
Sarai was intelligent, witty, and brave. She was funny and observant, and she had something that many didn’t. She wanted things in life. She wasn’t afraid of the world, and I found that…attractive.
I was closing the last button on my cape when I heard a quick knock at the door. Rylo walked in before I could answer, wearing his dark red cloak and an array of shiny knives on his chest.
“I thought it was a celebration, not war.” I picked up my own blade and slid it into the hidden sheath at my side.
“It could be both.” He shrugged and sank into a chair. “It has been three years since you were last home. We don’t know how the people feel.”
“You worry for no reason.”
He shook his head. “I’m being safe so I won’t be sorry later.” He crossed his legs and cradled the back of his head in his hands. “How are things going?”
I dropped my hands. “I don’t know what to do.”
Admitting that fact wasn’t easy. I didn’t know how I would find a way to get Sarai’s voice back. Isabis would know I was back by now and would come calling. I didn’t want to tell her Sarai was mute. I wasn’t ready to face her wrath.
“You will find the answer, you always do. What did the advisors say?”
“What do you mean, they think?” He sat up in his seat. “What are you going to do with her?”
“Isabis wants her…” I turned and looked at my lifelong friend.
“You can’t do that, Etan.” His face turned green. “You know what she will do to her.”
I looked at the lines on my boots. “I am the heir to the throne. I have to do what’s best for my kingdom. The curse states that—"
“I know what the curse entails.” He cut me off and put up his hand. “You told me the Sirensia would break it if you found Myrena. You have her daughter. Take her to her people instead of offering her up as a sacrifice.”
“The Sirensia have ignored my letters,” I smoothly lied. “They wanted Princess Myrena, not her daughter. Myrena is dead. They sent me to accomplish an impossible task.”
They’d known what they were doing when they lured me into their little trap. We will tell you how we acquire our magic if you find and return our princess. Only then shall you know true power, the Sirensian oracle had claimed three years ago on that cold dock.
I’d been ignorant enough to believe her. I left my kingdom behind and traveled the world, searching for their lost princess. The sea took my crew and ship, and I almost lost my life in the process. The Sirensia didn’t care if I died trying to find Myrena. They didn’t even offer to help.
It was Isabis who helped me find Rotan, and it was she who granted me the ability to shift and breathe underwater. She showed me her true power and was willing to share it with me as long as I did as she asked. She wanted Sarai, and I couldn’t tell her no. Not when she was willing to grant me the things I wanted, like peace of mind and security.
“We can all go to Sirensia. Once they see her, they won’t deny her.”
“They will turn her away. Her magic is in her voice. Without it, they will call her a fraud.” I stood up and walked to the door.
“Are you serious? You’re just going to toss her to the side as if you two didn’t share something?” He rose to his feet.
“I don’t have a choice.” Isabis wasn’t one to renege on a deal. I told her I would bring her the princess, and now I had to go through with my word.
“I don’t know, Etan, something is off about all this. I would be careful if I were you.” He joined me and placed a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Sarai is a good woman. Gifts and luxurious rooms won’t make up for what you plan to do. It’s cruel.”
“What am I supposed to do? Wait for Isabis to come for her and watch as she destroys the city for my insolence?” I shook my head. “No, I can’t do it.”
“I think you should be honest with those around you and with yourself. Sarai and Phadrah deserve better.”
“I’m done talking about it. Tonight we celebrate.”
“If you say so.” His brow furrowed, and his eyes filled with disappointment. But he allowed the change of subject, nonetheless. “I look forward to spending time with lady Xiomara. Her conversations are so invigorating.”
“Her conversation?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. She is very wise, and she soaks information in like a sponge. I have never seen a woman so eager to explore.” Of course, he would find that attractive. He never stayed in one spot for too long. He was a bird who refused to be caged.
“It’s in her blood. Her people are known for the ability to remember everything they see and hear.”
“I like her.” He rubbed his chin and stared off into space.
“I do too. She’s kind,” I agreed.
“I like her.” He looked at the wall across the hall. “She makes me want to stick around a little longer.”
“You hardly know her. It’s only been days.” I pushed him out of the room and locked the door behind me.
“It doesn’t matter. Time means nothing.”
“We both know that’s not true.” We began our walk down the red-carpeted hall. “Time is everything, yet we are barely given any to begin with.”
“That is why we have to cherish the time we do have,” he said forcefully. “You never know what the gods have in store for you.”
“True.” I looked at my hands. “If you believe you have found something good, I am happy for you.”
“Thank you, old friend.” We stopped and clasped hands.
“Yeah, yeah.” I pulled away and walked down the steps that led to the main building. “Let us find the ladies and enjoy the festivities. The night is young and so are we.”
Chapter Twenty
Etan
We waited in the foyer. The sun was setting, and it was as if every light in the city had been lit. The streets were full. Music played from every direction, and bells rang from the sides of the mountain. The mouthwatering aroma of roasting meat and fried foods filled the warm night air.
The doors opened, and Sarai gracefully walked down the stairs. She wore the robe I’d gifted her, and it fit perfectly. Her hair hung around her shoulders. Silver clasps that clinked as she walked were attached to each braid. Gold bracelets were stacked on each arm and around her ankles, and a shimmering powder had been lightly dusted on her cheeks.
She seemed to glow beneath the setting sun.
“You look beautiful.” I grabbed her wrist and lightly kissed the top of her hand. She smiled and pulled away. I shook off the sting of denial and turned to face the city. “Look at them.”
I led her out to the courtyard and pointed at the citizens. “It has been a long time since they have celebrated. They need this night. We all do.”
I smiled at Xiomara, who was wearing a simple but elegant red dress that hugged her body and a fur shawl over her shoulders. She looked down at the city, no doubt cataloging buildings, streets, and faces. “What are they celebrating?”
“Life.” I shrugged. “We celebrate the gift of life tonight.”
“What better way to learn about a culture than to immerse in it?” Rylo offered his arm to Xiomara.
I wrapped my arm around Sarai’s waist and pulled her close. “Go ahead. We will catch up with you later.” I waved them away.
“Princess?” Xiomara asked diligently.
Sarai waved her hand in a go motion and smiled.
“If you need me, I won’t be far.” Xio hooked her arm around Rylo’s. “You must tell me more about those hanging lights,” she said as they walked away.
They seemed so comfortable with each other, as if they had known each other for years and this was only one of many nights spent in each other’s company.
“The season is beginning to change. The scent of summer is in the air.” I took in a deep breath of the refreshing air. It was my favorite time of the year.
Sarai walked to the edge of the stairs and stared off into the setting sun. Her braids clinked around her shoulders, and the robe fluttered in the gentle wind.
“Do you like the view?” I stood beside her.
“Beautiful,” she mouthed.
“Yes,” I agreed. “When the gods made this world, they filled it with many things. The sun’s burning touch, the moon’s cool caress, the ocean’s grace, the earth’s strength, and the calming sound of music.”
She turned and raised a neatly arched brow.
“Yes, music,” I repeated. “Birdsong, moving water, the crackle of a fire, the beat of a heart. It’s all music when one truly listens.”
She smiled, shook her head, and sadly looked out over the city. The shadows in her eyes drove the light from her features.
Stars were beginning to make their appearance, and the music from below grew louder. “Tonight I will show you the city and what I love most about it.”
I wrapped my hand around hers. A small shock ran up my arm. Her eyes widened, and I knew she’d felt it too.
“Magic.” I laughed and shook off the unease that suddenly twisted my stomach. My uncalled
magic hummed beneath my skin as if it were being drawn out by Sarai’s touch.
She smiled, and her eyes shined like the stars in the quickly darkening sky. “Show me more of this magic,” she mouthed. “Make me forget who I am, if only for the night.”
∞∞∞
The festivities were in full swing by the time we made it onto the streets. Colorful fairy lights burned within paper lanterns. A herd of bubble elephants was being chased by a group of children with painted faces. And there were food stands set up on every corner. The hearty scent of spiced meat and baked goods made my mouth water.
Children played drums and danced along to the intoxicating beat. A woman with long green hair and bark-like skin played a lovely melody on a wooden flute while her miniature spotted pig danced beside her.
A red man with black nails played a gold harp on a balcony. His long fingers slid across the strings as if passing them through water.
Sarai took everything in with childlike amazement. She clapped her hands when a nymph walked up to us juggling six small glass orbs. He handed her one and walked off with a wink. Inside the thin glass was a golden flower with glittering petals.
“You need a bag to put it in.” I walked her to a stall where a gray-haired man was proudly showing off his wares.
“Ah, our prince.” He smiled and bowed. “I am honored.”
“Assad,” I greeted the old merchant. “My lady needs something to carry her belongings in.”
“Ah-ha, I have the perfect thing.” He clapped his hands and ducked beneath his stall. “I was going to put it out tonight, but something told me to hold it back.” It was a white leather satchel with silver stitching. “Made of the finest leather in Brielle.”
“We will take it.” I slid him three gold coins, more than the satchel was worth, and placed it around Sarai’s shoulder. “Have a good night, Assad.“
He bowed and clapped his hands. “May the gods bless you.”
Sarai tucked the globe into her bag and wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace. I chuckled and hugged her back. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
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