Sage squealed and grabbed onto Zwaantie. “Is that the sun?”
Zwaantie didn’t look at them. She couldn’t take her eyes off the yellow light in front of her. “It is.”
Leo stood on her other side, not saying a word.
“What does this mean?” Sage asked.
“Leo and I are king and queen of the whole world. My father died yesterday.”
Sage gasped. “That means the kingdoms are truly one.”
Leo scratched his head. “How does this play into the prophecy?”
“The prophecy had nothing to do with the sun rising, only the vipers.”
“Yeah, but why did they stop early then?”
Zwaantie brought her hand to her stomach. “Because of the heir.”
Leo crossed his arms and nodded.
“Now what?” Sage asked.
Leo frowned. “I don’t know. I’m not sure any of us will know until this evening. Have the kingdoms reversed? Or will we get both sun and stars?”
“The wall…” Sage said, cocking her head.
“What about it?” Zwaantie asked.
“Do you think it’s still there?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. We should go check it out.”
“Stars,” Leo said as sunlight bathed the city below. “This is incredible. I never knew Stella looked like this.”
The entire city appeared different in the sunlight. The buildings, which lit up with different colors in the dark, were various shades of brown or gray. Zwaantie was certain that it wouldn’t take long for the Stellans to find a way for them to be just as colorful in the daylight. They stayed up on the tower for longer than they should have. Zwaantie reveled at the feeling of the sun on her face. She really thought she’d never see it again.
Sage grabbed both her and Leo’s hands. “Let’s go. I want to see if the wall is gone.”
Zwaantie didn’t look at Leo, but she eagerly followed Sage.
Even if the wall was still there, the lives of everyone in Stella and Sol were about change. Hopefully for the better.
Chapter 13
The Party
Ajax, Phoenix, and Lyra joined them on the boat to The Black City. It would be several hours until they arrived, but all six of them were glued to the Ticker the entire ride. The wall had indeed fallen. Stellans were dancing in the streets. They spent quite a bit of time on the disc with Tauro, lower king of The Black City, discussing the party that would last for the next twenty-four hours or so. No one wanted to miss the sunset or the sun rising the next day.
“We should have you guys officially declared king and queen over both lands,” Sage said. “Right where the wall used to be.”
Leo nodded. Zwaantie wasn’t so sure. “Sol is probably not going to take to this so well. Where the Stellans are excited, Solites are going to be scared when it gets dark.”
“Well, then we’ll show them it’s not scary after dark. This is the best time to lay claim to both lands before someone else decides to complicate things like declare your mother queen or something,” Sage said.
“Any word on the Voice?” Leo asked.
“No. But that doesn’t mean it’s gone. We’ve no word from Sol at all,” Sage said.
The Black City was in absolute chaos. Not a soul was indoors. Some people ran in the streets, laughing. Others stood still, eyes closed, their faces turned up to the sun. People stopped when Leo and Zwaantie passed by and bowed deeply.
“Why are they bowing?” Zwaantie hissed.
“Because we’re king and queen.”
“They never did before.”
“That’s because we were still a prince and a princess. Do you see how they treat my father now?”
Zwaantie turned around. People were shaking his hand and kissing his cheek.
“I don’t understand. I’ve rarely been around him when he was in public.”
“He’s no longer king. He’s approachable. We are not.”
Zwaantie wasn’t sure which she preferred. Leo flagged down a carriage. “Let’s go visit Tauro’s castle and get ready for tonight.”
Four hours later Zwaantie and Leo arrived at a huge open arena that had been put up. A large grassy area sat in the middle of large risers. It could seat thousands. On the far side of the arena were two large thrones.
“It’s incredible to think that a few hours ago, this was a wall of mist,” Leo said.
“I know. What is all this?” Zwaantie asked, studying the arena.
“A show. Tauro said they’ve been preparing all day. It will be magical. I hope we get several Solites. This will be a new experience for them.”
People were already starting to arrive and fill the seats. They bowed low to Leo and Zwaantie. A small building had been erected next to the arena with a handful of guards.
“We should wait in here until it is time.” Leo said
“What’s with the guards?” Zwaantie asked.
“We still aren’t sure how safe you are.”
The inside of the building was spacious with a handful of white couches. Zwaantie sat down, still worried about her own safety. It was hard to think of serious things when everyone was so incredibly happy.
Sage and Phoenix burst in. Zwaantie jumped and placed a hand on her chest. “You guys know how to make an entrance, don’t you?”
Sage grinned and flopped down on the couch. She pulled a bag of grapes out of her back and popped one in her mouth.
“Mm. Real food.”
“Were you in Sol?”
“Yeah. Phoenix and I went to see if we could rustle up a few Solites for tonight’s party, but everything was locked up tight. There was no one out. Not even guards.”
“That’s not good.”
Leo sat next to Zwaantie. “Maybe you should call your mother.”
Zwaantie made a face because she still blamed her a little for Ari’s death and didn’t really want anything to do with her.
“I know, but she’s the only one who can explain,” Leo said.
Zwaantie pulled out her disc and said, “Mother.”
Mother’s face appeared almost instantly. Her face was full of fear. “Are you safe?”
Zwaantie creased her eyebrows. “Of course I am. Why are all the Solites locked up?”
“Because the wall fell. We aren’t safe.”
“Safe from what?”
“Stella!”
“I’m the queen of Stella. You have nothing to fear.” Her mother was exasperating, and Zwaantie really had no patience for her fear. She should, but she didn’t like her mother at the moment.
“What happens when it gets dark?”
“Nothing. It just gets dark. Why is everyone locked up? Surely someone is curious.”
“The Voice. It says we can’t go anywhere.”
Zwaantie exhaled. “Of course. Okay, Mother, we’ll talk later.”
“Are you coming home? Sol needs you now more than ever.”
“I’m claiming the throne tonight. You are welcome to come. We’ve built an arena where the crossing was.”
Mother hesitated for a moment. “No. I can’t.”
“Okay.” Zwaantie hung up before she could say anything else, and she really didn’t want to argue with her mother anymore. The offer for Mother to come was a polite gesture. Zwaantie didn’t really want her here.
The four of them stared at each other for a long minute before anyone spoke.
Sage finally broke the silence. “So. The Voice wasn’t your dad.”
“Maybe it was, and it’s simply operating on its own.” Zwaantie wasn’t quite sure what to think anymore.
“That doesn’t explain the new order to stay inside.”
Leo put his hand over hers. “Maybe we should not join the party tonight.”
“What? No,” Sage yelled.
“Sage is right. I’m queen. I cannot hide.”
“But the Voice wants you dead, and we know it’s still alive.”
“I’ll be fine. We still have guards. If there are no S
olites, then there should be no threat, right?”
Leo let out a breath. “I suppose.”
A knock sounded on the door, and everyone jumped.
Leo cracked it open cautiously. Then his face split into a grin, and he opened it wider.
Nash and Xandria strolled in. Nash immediately found Zwaantie and dropped into a low bow. He grasped her hand and kissed her knuckle. “You brought the sun, my queen.”
Zwaantie gave him a smile. “I can’t…” Zwaantie started, but Leo kicked her foot.
“We will be forever indebted to the queen for her gift,” Leo said.
Zwaantie looked at him quizzically but didn’t respond. Nash stood up and gave Leo a short bow. “My king.”
“What brings you here?” Zwaantie asked.
He spun and faced her. “Your dress of course.”
Two hours later, Zwaantie clutched Leo’s arm, ready to enter the chaos. Nash dressed her in a bright yellow dress with a short swishy skirt. Leo was wore a bright blue suit. Xandria placed their crowns on their heads and smiled at both of them.
“Night and day. How can I be of assistance this evening?”
“Perhaps you could simply introduce us,” Leo said.
“Very well, after you.”
There weren’t many people outside the arena. Those that were snapped pictures on their discs.
Leo and Zwaantie entered at the back of the arena. Zwaantie took a deep breath, and as they stepped into the light, the stadium erupted into cheers. Flowers rained down on them.
Zwaantie waved to the crowd, and more cheers followed.
“You are their hero. Let’s keep it that way,” Leo said, squeezing her hand.
“Because they think I brought the sun?”
“Yes. They don’t realize your father died. They simply think that once you were crowned queen, the wall fell.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
They climbed up a few stairs to their thrones and waved to the crowd for several moments. Xandria stood in front of them, and the crowd silenced.
“Ladies and gentleman,” she said, her voice far louder than Zwaantie thought was possible. “I present to you the king and queen of Stella and Sol.”
The crowd roared once more, and tears pricked at Zwaantie’s eyes. A few months ago, she would’ve never imagined such a phrase would’ve been possible. Now, here she was. Queen of the whole world that had both a sun and stars.
Chapter 14
The Invasion
The party lasted long into the night. The next morning Sage and Zwaantie left for the City of Stars early. Ajax wanted to explore the border with Leo, so they decided to take a later boat back.
Leo and Ajax took a carriage along where the edge of the wall used to be.
“I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime,” Ajax said.
“Sol or sun in Stella?” Leo asked.
Ajax gave a small smile. “Both.”
“So much change. I didn’t expect to be king,” Leo said.
“I know.” Ajax rubbed his face. “I wasn’t quite ready to give up the throne. I planned to reign for several more years. I’m not quite sure what to do with my time now.”
“I’m sure Zwaantie and I can find something for you to do if you want.”
“I would appreciate that.”
Leo had his father alone for the first time in a long time. He hesitated, wanting to ask something, but he was scared of what he might learn.
“Did you…did you know about Zwaantie and Ari?”
“You mean the affair or the wedding?”
“Both.”
“I suspected, but I didn’t know the extent of it until they got married.”
“And you approved of this?” Leo felt foolish for being the only one out of the loop.
“No. I only knew because the magic of the kingship transferred the moment he got married. You’ll feel it as well when your firstborn marries.”
“You mean Ari’s child.” He clenched his fists. He was trying to forget about that.
“Yes. I didn’t realize she told you.”
Leo furrowed his brow. “So you were in on it as well.”
“I counseled her to let you think the child was yours. I thought it would make things easier.”
He couldn’t believe his father had part of the plan. Treachery from both him and Zwaantie. “Yes, it would’ve if I’d slept with her, but I haven’t yet. Probably never will. Once things settle, she and I will live apart. She’ll probably live in Sol, and I’ll stay in the City of Stars.”
Ajax leaned forward, his face serious. “Son, you’ve always had a clear head and made good decisions, but this is absurd. Both you and Zwaantie deserve happiness, which you will only find within yourselves.”
“She’s carrying my brother’s child.”
“Who will never know his father. Don’t blame the child. You will be a good father.”
“I’m supposed to forget everything that happened?” Leo asked.
“Yes, you are. Ari is dead. If nothing else, he showed us life is fleeting, and we need to forgive, and embrace what is front of us. Zwaantie deserves a chance to be loved by you.”
“She’s had two,” Leo grumbled, but knew his father was right.
“You’ll regret it if you hold onto that anger.”
Neither Leo nor Ajax spoke for several moments. Perhaps he could rule with her, but just as friends for now. He wasn’t ready to give up his heart. She’d crushed it too many times.
Later that evening, after everyone arrived back in the City of Stars, Zwaantie ran into Leo and Ajax in the hallway outside of her room. She and Sage were on their way to talk to Lyra.
“Oh, good, you’re back. We need to talk about Sol,” Zwaantie said, meeting Leo’s eyes. She could finally look at him without wanting to slap him. Perhaps the wall falling would have more effects than she thought.
“Yes, we do,” Leo said.
A guard approached them. “Your Majesty,” he said with an incline of his head to Leo. He looked Zwaantie in the eye, and something changed in his face. He gripped his sword and whipped it toward her. “The queen must die,” he growled.
Sage touched his forehead, and he dropped to the ground.
Leo grabbed Zwaantie’s hand. “You need to hide.”
Zwaantie didn’t fully understand. “What’s going on?”
Leo didn’t answer as he rushed her into their rooms, Sage and Ajax right behind him. He slammed the door and locked it.
Zwaantie spun on them. “Why did he just try to kill me?”
“I imagine the Voice. He must’ve figured out how to get into Stella. Stars. Zwaantie, you won’t be safe anywhere.” Leo picked up his disc. “Lyra.”
Within seconds her face bobbed up and down on his disc. “Well done, you two,” she said.
“Not exactly, Mother. Are you wearing your necklace?”
She touched the disc on her throat. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“The Voice is now influencing Stellans. We need to get necklaces on everyone. Zwaantie will not be safe until we do. Not to mention that once the Voice realizes he has control over the people of Stella, he could do something drastic and have us all killed.”
Lyra cocked her head. “We prepared for this.”
“You did?” Zwaantie asked.
Lyra snorted. “We were planning a full-scale invasion of Sol. We needed enough necklaces for our entire army and most of Sol. We’ll start distributing the necklaces immediately. Leo, will you help, or will you protect your bride?”
“I’ll help. Sage needs to come as well. She’s more valuable out there than she is in here. We’ll put necklaces on the guards first and post them both inside and outside of the room.”
“Very well. I’ll see you in a few. Hurry,” Lyra said.
There was no way Zwaantie was going to hide here while her friends got to go around handing out necklaces. This was her life on the line.
“This isn’t fair,” she said to Leo.
<
br /> “It’s the only way. You won’t be safe otherwise. We do need your help though.”
“How?”
“I’m going to send Sage into Sol with a carriage full of necklaces. Will your mother cooperate?”
Zwaantie shrugged. “Probably not.”
It was what she wanted to talk to Leo about. She’d need to stay in Stella as long as the Voice existed, but she would need a regent, someone to rule in her place. If Mother was cooperative, that would make the most sense, but she would not be.
“Then we’ll have trouble doing anything in Sol.”
“Not if I appoint a regent to act in my stead.”
“Who did you have in mind?”
“I have no idea. I asked Sage, but she said no.”
Sage snorted. “Not on your life.”
Ajax stepped forward. “I could do it.”
Zwaantie cocked her head. She hadn’t thought of him, but he knew what it took run a country. He’d do a good job.
“Yes. I like it. Let me write a letter.”
Leo pulled a box out from under the bed. He propped open the lid. It was full of plain necklaces like the ones the slaves wore.
“Why would you keep those here?” Zwaantie asked.
“After we discovered the Voice followed the slaves, several of us keep boxes of these under our beds in case something like this happened. I always thought it would be because the Voice figured out how to cross the wall, not that the wall would actually fall. Sage will help me get these on the castle guards. Once I feel like you’re protected, we’ll head outside. I’ll stay here in the city. We have an efficient distribution system. The entire city should be pretty well protected by nightfall.”
“But that means I can’t go outside.”
“There is always tomorrow. Your safety comes first. Sage will go with my father. They’ll have a harder time in Sol.”
He unlocked the door and slipped into the hallway. Sage stayed with Zwaantie.
“Why will you have a harder time in Sol? There are fewer people.”
“Here, we can motivate by money. We’ll get the necklace on around a hundred people, and they’ll each receive at least ten necklaces to put on someone else. The more necklaces they put on a person, the more gold they earn. Trust me, by the time the sun sets, every person in the city will be protected from the Voice. We have no way to incentivize the citizens of Sol.”
Stella and Sol Box Set Page 57