Chapter 11
The Baby Killer
Candace waited on the dock. Zwaantie took a deep breath and stepped out to meet her. Last time they talked, things hadn’t ended well.
“I thought you weren’t speaking to me anymore,” Zwaantie said.
“You’re here, aren’t you? Thank you for coming.” Candace’s face was tight, and her fists clenched, but at least she was trying. That was probably the best Zwaantie was going to get from her.
The docks in Deep Sky weren’t nearly as busy as City of Stars. This island was a mountain, and the city crawled up the hillside. Perched on the top was a castle similar to the king’s but slightly smaller.
She and Candace climbed into a carriage, and Zwaantie stared out the windows at the shops. The buildings here were shorter.
“Are all the outlying kingdoms small like this?”
“No. Mine is the only one that is built on a mountain, and I think it’s the prettiest.”
Zwaantie gave her a smile. “It is pretty.”
“Thank you.” Candace seemed to relax.
“Where’s little Raaf?”
“At home. I don’t take him out much because I don’t want to worry about anything happening to him.”
“Of course. What about Leo?”
“Busy. He’ll be back in time for dinner. Another baby died last night.” She creased her eyebrows but didn’t elaborate. Zwaantie’s stomach fell. That baby’s death was on her, and she was grateful Candace wasn’t blaming her.
***
Leo rushed into the room shortly before dinner and swooped her up into a hug. She returned it. He was warm and safe and sweet, so very different from Ari. She pulled away before he could try and kiss her.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he said, beaming.
“Me too.” She tried to match his smile, but she was certain she failed. “How are things going?”
He furrowed his brow. “Not well. We’re no closer to finding a solution on how to stop the vipers than we were when this started.”
She should tell him what the Old Mother said, but then he’d expect her to love him. Try as she might, she couldn't turn it on.
“What are you going to do?”
“I have no idea. I’m working closely with a few other mages to see if the protection spells around houses that will last through the night. They’re tricky and difficult and take forever to cast. We’re starting with homes that have children turning one soon. So far, none of those houses have been attacked, but we don’t know if it’s because of the spells, or if we just got lucky.”
“I hope it works.” If they could find a workaround, then maybe it would give her more time to fall in love with Leo.
“Me too. We’re going to have dinner in here if you don’t mind. I want some alone time with you.” He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He was lying about something.
“What are our plans after dinner?”
“We could go up to the tower. The stars are brighter here.”
As appealing as that sounded, she didn’t want to be alone with him. She wouldn’t be able to muster up strong feelings in such a short time. They needed time to get to know one another. If he tried to force romance, she’d end up resenting him. Love wouldn’t grow in that environment.
“Maybe we can go see some of Candace’s kingdom. This is new to me.”
He led her to the table set with dinner. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said with a frown.
“Why not?”
He let out a breath. “Because the people of Deep Sky aren’t crazy about you.”
Her chest tightened. “What do you mean?”
Leo played with the food on his plate. “Did anyone explain to you about the different Tickers?”
“Yes.” She wasn’t sure if she liked where this was going.
“A few of the more, uh, negative ones, blame you for the babies’ deaths. A lot of people here want someone to blame. You’re an easy target since it started after you arrived.”
Zwaantie slammed her fork down. “I’m here because I want to make sure it stops.” She was so sick of being blamed for everything. This wasn’t fair. Though true.
He put his hand on her arm. “I know. But you can’t reason with some people. They’re going to believe what they want, and this won’t change until the deaths stop. I’m sorry.”
If only there was an easy solution. Marry Leo, sure. Love him, not so easy.
“This seems ridiculous.” What would happen if the people knew the truth? She’d be crucified.
“I know. As long as you’re in Deep Sky, it would be best for you to stay in the castle. If you don’t want to go see the stars, maybe we can watch a movie.”
She nodded numbly. She didn’t like the thought of people hating her. Though she did deserve it.
Leo tried to keep the conversation light during dinner, but her mind kept wandering to the babies.
“What kind of movie would you like to watch?” Leo asked
“A funny one.” Anything that would take her mind off the events of the day.
She sat on his couch and watched him play with his disc. The wall lit up, and he collapsed next to her. He put his arm around her and kissed her temple.
“Thanks for coming to see me. It really does make me happy.”
She was surprisingly okay with his affection. It wasn’t any more than she’d shared with Sage. There was no fire, but that was okay. It was comfortable. She allowed herself to relax into him. Maybe this wouldn’t be as hard as she thought it would be.
The movie made her laugh. After it was over, the nerves in her belly started. They would be retiring to bed soon. She was in Leo’s room. That meant she had to share a bed with him.
“So, I have to go,” Leo said. “I’m sorry.”
“Go?”
“Yes. We’re staying in the homes with children who are turning one tomorrow.”
Relief flooded through her, but she didn’t let it show on her face. “That’s too bad. Who’s we?”
“Myself and a few other mages.”
He leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back, not wanting to cause suspicion, but he deepened the kiss. It felt odd. Wrong. Why couldn’t the Old Mother have said she needed to love him as a friend? That was doable. This wasn’t.
He pulled away and gave her a sheepish grin. “See you tomorrow.”
She locked the door after he left and collapsed into bed. She missed Ari. The way he touched her. His smile. His kiss.
She felt bad for Leo. If it weren’t for Ari, she might actually be able to love him, but there was no way to know now, because her feelings for Ari were stronger than ever.
***
Leo’s face hovered over the disc. “I’m sorry. I know you have to go home tomorrow, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get back until late tonight.”
Zwaantie let out a breath. This wasn’t working. “How about I bring you lunch?”
“That would be great. Just stay out of sight and wear a cloak. Ask Candace to get you a carriage. I’m at the cottages. Call me when you get here, and we’ll have a picnic.”
Picnic. Okay. Now she needed to find the kitchen. She slipped out into the empty hallway.
She turned the corner and found a woman rushing by with a handful of towels. Zwaantie stopped her with a touch.
The woman jerked away. “Don’t touch me. Baby killer.”
Zwaantie resisted the urge to snap back.
“I’m looking for the kitchen. Can you point me in the right direction?”
The woman glared at her for a second. “Second floor. Third level.”
“Thank you.”
Zwaantie tried to walk away with her head held high, but she wasn’t sure she succeeded. She didn’t dare stop anyone else, and after a few wrong turns, she found the kitchen. They gave her the food without too much fuss, and before she knew it, she was climbing out of the carriage at the cottages where Leo waited for her.
He pulled h
er close as soon as she stepped out and kissed her hard. It felt all kinds of wrong. She wiggled away. “Here’s your food.”
He frowned. “Thank you.”
She didn’t know how to make this work. She laid her head on his shoulder. “Where should we eat?”
“We’re on the beach, so the sand makes sense, yeah?”
“Sure.”
She spent all of the lunch pretending to be interested in what he had to say, but her heart wasn’t in it. She was fairly certain that if Ari had greeted her with a kiss, they would’ve ended up back in the carriage, lunch forgotten.
Chapter 12
The Dress
On the boat ride home, Zwaantie was reflective. She was unsure of how the rest of her life would be. She’d barely seen Leo, and the moments they were together were incredibly awkward. She worried things could never be easy between them.
Her stomach buzzed at the thought of seeing Ari. She shouldn’t be thinking about him, but she couldn’t help herself. She wondered what she could do to avoid him, because it would be the only way she would ensure she didn’t do something she’d regret.
During her stay in Deep Sky, Zwaantie had spent a good amount of time reading about Stellan customs and history. The more she learned, the more she wanted to stay and rule here, not in Sol. She felt like she now knew more about Stella than she did about Sol. From the rulers to the magical customs. At home, the Voice kept a tight rein on what people knew. Her own library wasn’t nearly as extensive. In every way Sol was stifling; Stella was free.
So far, Sage hadn’t found much about how the Voice worked in Stella. But if it wanted her dead, then Zwaantie couldn’t very well go home. Then again, she didn’t want to sit in fear either that something could happen to her. She’d never been one to run from a problem or let it stop her from doing what she wanted. If she stayed in Stella, would the Voice win?
If she wanted to return to Sol, she would have to figure out how to defeat the Voice. It seemed like such a daunting task, but the people of Sol were trapped under his tyranny. Perhaps she could remain in Stella and still get rid of the Voice.
The boat docked, and she rushed out. She was slightly disappointed to see Sage standing there.
“Where’s Ari?” she asked before she could help herself.
Sage rolled her eyes. “I haven’t seen him in a couple of days. But I told him to stay away from you.”
Zwaantie scowled. “I could’ve told him myself.”
“Uh huh, until he kissed you again. It’s better this way. Trust me. We have an appointment anyway.”
It wasn’t Sage’s job to keep Ari away from her. But it was better this way. Sage had a far steadier hand than Zwaantie had known before. Perhaps the crazy partying girl was an act.
“An appointment?”
“We’re getting your dress made.”
Zwaantie’s heart stilled. It was one thing to think about Leo and having to spend the rest of her life with him. It was quite another to think of the actual wedding.
“Are we going to use a castle dressmaker?” She’d gotten used to shopping in the Stellan shops, but she expected this wasn’t something she could go out and buy.
“Uh, no. There is only one dressmaker in town if you want an awesome wedding gown. Let’s go.”
Sage dragged her off the docks and into a carriage. Fifteen minutes later Zwaantie blinked at a deep black, perfectly square building.
“I feel like it should be shaped like a wedding dress or something,” Zwaantie said. She was almost disappointed. She’d gotten used to everything in Stella being grand in some way.
“Not Nash. He likes things classy.”
They entered the building where a short man in a bright green suit greeted them. He had a severe face and was balding.
“It’s about time you came calling,” the man said to Sage, his voice light and happy. Then he turned to Zwaantie. “Princess, I’m Nash. I was beginning to think you’d picked another dressmaker. Less than three weeks until the big day.”
“Nonsense,” said Sage. “There is no one else.” Sage kissed him on the cheek.
Nash straightened his tie and raised an eyebrow. “That’s what I thought. Oh, I’m excited about this one. Whatever you choose will be the wedding dress fashion for months or even years to come.” His eyes twinkled a little. “And I will be the only one they come to. Ah, I can hear the money rolling in.”
Sage gave him a grin. “We’ll get pictures of you two together before we leave. Viggo will put it at the top of the Ticker.”
Nash brought a hand to his chest. “Ah, you do know how to make my day, don’t you?” He looped his arm through hers.
Zwaantie followed them up a short flight of stairs and through a curtain into a circular room. A few silvery blue couches were scattered about the room, facing a three-foot round dais situated in the middle. Silver and pink curtains covered every wall. Classy.
Sage plopped down on a couch. Nash pointed to the dais. “Take your place, dear.”
Zwaantie took a small step up onto the dais while Nash circled her.
“Take off your clothes,” he commanded, his light and happy voice gone.
Zwaantie threw a panicked look at Sage, who shrugged.
Nash snapped his fingers. “Don’t be shy. I haven’t got all day. I can’t make you a dress if I can’t see your figure.”
Zwaantie tentatively pulled her shirt over her head and slid off her skirt. She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling extremely exposed as Nash studied her. He snapped his fingers again.
A long, silky black dress appeared on her body. She looked down in shock and relief. At least she wasn’t naked anymore, but no one had magicked clothes on her before. Nash waved his arm, and the curtains disappeared. Every inch of the circular walls were mirrors.
The dress was plain and loose. It reminded her of the dresses in Sol but with no sleeves.
Nash continued to circle her.
“What do you think of the color, dear? Black looks good on you.”
“In Sol, we wear white.” Black was for funerals. White symbolized purity and new beginnings. She wanted a white dress.
Nash frowned. “Here wedding dresses are very dark. Only a few are black, most are navy, deep purple, maroon, or dark green. I always start with black and go from there.”
Zwaantie clenched her fists. She’d always pictured wearing a white wedding dress. She didn’t see why just because she was in Stella it had to be different. They were in the process of merging their cultures. Maybe this would be one way to show it.
“I’d still like a white dress.” There, she was standing up for herself. Something she didn’t do often enough in Stella.
Nash rubbed his head. “Sage, talk to her. I’ll be the laughing stock of the country. I can’t do white.”
Sage wrinkled her nose. “White is for babies and little kids, not adults. You’re getting married.”
“I want a white dress. In Sol, I would’ve worn white. I’m still the Solite princess. If I wear your colors, I’m giving up my identity.”
Sage tapped her chin and studied Zwaantie. She spun and faced Nash. “She has a point. Maybe it will start a new trend. Can you at least try to do a white dress. For her?”
“This could ruin me.” Nash snapped his fingers and the dress on her changed suddenly from black to bright white. He walked around her. “That white isn’t quite right for you skin. It washes you out.”
He fingered the edge of the fabric, and it went a slight different shade of white. “Nope, not that one either.”
He continued massaging the fabric. Zwaantie stared in the mirror as the dozens of shades of white flashed by. She didn’t know white was so diverse. Finally, he nodded. “That’s workable. Sage, what do you think?”
Sage nodded. “I wouldn’t want ivory for myself, but I like it on her. Are you sure you want white? Maybe we could do yellow instead. Look like the sun.”
Zwaantie shook her head. “This is a good color.”
“Good. Now for style. Do you have a preference?”
“I don’t know what the different styles are. In Sol all the wedding dresses looked the same.” And they did. Like a tent. Aside from the color, she wanted the style to be wholly Stellan. It would be neat to see the two cultures combined. She felt inadequate as he stared up at her reflection. She didn’t know what to say.
“Okay, I’ll show you several different styles, and you say yes or no. That will give me a better idea of where to go. We can do this quickly if you don’t hesitate with your answers.”
He snapped his fingers, and an enormous gown with a twelve-foot train appeared on her body. She shook her head. The train disappeared, and the bodice became a little tighter.
“Better, but no.”
The dress clung to her body but poofed out on the bottom.
Sage started laughing. “She looks like a mermaid.”
Zwaantie tried to move her legs but couldn’t and was reminded of the day Ari took her the funhouse. “I don’t think I could walk, but it’s pretty.”
He snapped his fingers, and the entire dress nearly disappeared. The new dress had no sleeves and a slightly poofy skirt that landed just above her knees.
“No, but we’re getting closer.”
“You like the short? I didn’t think Solites did short.”
“I don’t want a Solite dress. Just a white one.”
“Nothing short,” Sage called. “It’s a wedding dress.”
Nash winked at Zwaantie. “What do you think, dear?”
Zwaantie pursed her lips. “I like it, but a little longer wouldn’t be bad.”
He circled her and tapped his fingers on his lips. Then his eyes lit up. “Yes, I have it.”
He snapped his fingers again, and this time Zwaantie knew he’d done it. The front of the dress was above her knees, but got progressively longer until it stretched into a six-foot train.
“Yes,” Zwaantie said before Sage could say a word. “This is the one.”
“Perfect. Now stay still.”
Then Nash really got to work. Zwaantie enjoyed watching him. He never once touched her, and yet her dress changed constantly. He created a pattern of flowers all over the dress that changed color, but all were shades of purple and pink. Zwaantie loved it.
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