Gilded

by Renita Pizzitola

“Even if it were about me, what’s the big deal? I’m here, as predicted, end of story.”

  “Maybe, but oracles aren’t as simple as ‘you will have a house guest.’ They’re big life-altering events.” He gestured with his hands.

  What could have been in that prophecy? “Do you think you could find it?”

  “I had another idea.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Go to the source.” His expression filled with excitement.

  “The wise woman?”

  “Yes, the cailleach feasa.”

  “I guess we could do that. Is she here? In the castle?”

  He shook his head.

  “The village?”

  “No. She lives in a wooded area nearby.”

  Liam had lost his mind, if he thought we could stroll out of the castle and into the woods. “How would we ever get out to speak with her?”

  “I couldn’t get out. I’m too recognizable and guarded, but with my help, you might be able to do it.” His face brightened as he shared his idea. “Conor could go with you. He could guide you and keep you safe. It’s a day’s journey, there and back. I could cover for you that long.”

  I exhaled a big breath, wary of his plan. “I don’t know, Liam.”

  “What if this is why my father wants me married to you?”

  He had a good selling point. I was dying to know what made me special and if this oracle held the answer, I had to know what it said. Plus a get-away to search for it might be the perfect opportunity to free Grant. That alone was worth the risk. Liam’s idea sounded better by the second.

  “Okay. Let’s do it.”

  “Seriously?” His jaw went slack and he leaned forward.

  I laughed. “Why are you surprised I said yes? You’re the one who came up with the idea.”

  “I guess I’m not used to being the person others listen to.” He shrugged.

  “Liam, you’re the future king. People will listen to you, if you speak up. Plus, your idea is a great one. If this holds the answers then we might solve our problem. Had you not remembered the poem, we would have no direction to look in.”

  He nodded as his face flushed.

  “We have to get Conor onboard.” I sat on the bed and crossed my legs. “And we need a solid plan. No mistakes. We have to cover our tracks and be sure no one gets in trouble on account of me. I can’t be responsible for ruining anymore lives.”

  With a small smile, he shook his head. “You aren’t ruining lives, but yes, I agree we need a plan. We need to get with Conor and work out the details. It’ll take a few days to get everything ready, but in the meantime, we can’t look too suspicious.”

  “Agreed. Shall we meet back here later?”

  “I’d rather not meet in the castle. Too risky. Let’s meet at my mother’s memorial garden. No one goes there so it’s secure and private. Tell Conor we’ll meet there after dinner.”

  “Okay, and Lexie. I’m not leaving her out of this.”

  “Of course not. She’s a part of this too.”

  Little did Liam know how big a part she would play in this if it all went the way I planned.

  After he left, I lay on my bed as my mind raced with new ideas. With Lexie’s help, maybe the guards could be tricked into letting us in the dungeon. My plan might come together. Someone rapped on the door but I didn’t answer. The knock repeated, followed with a click. Figuring it was Ida, I pretended to sleep. After a moment of hesitation, footsteps tapped on the floor. The wardrobe doors were pulled open, and I peeked out, confirming Ida’s presence.

  She pulled out clothes for tonight’s dinner.

  I needed to speak with Cara. Learn my way around the castle. Get Lexie on board. And pray like crazy I didn’t get anyone hurt or killed.

  After a few minutes, Ida exited the room. A simple dress in a muted earthy brown with matching sandals had been laid out for me. Cara would have chosen something in a vibrant color with tulle or satin, designed specifically for me. I didn’t just miss her eye for fashion, I missed her.

  Rolling onto my side, I stared at the wall. How was Grant doing locked up? Was he scared? Hurt? Alive? I shuddered. He had to be alive. If he wasn’t, I’d sense it. At least that’s what I convinced myself. A tear escaped and created a warm path down my face. It dripped onto my satin pillowcase.

  I had been so busy trying to figure out how to save him, I hadn’t had much time to think about him, but now, alone with my thoughts, I missed him like crazy. My heart ached. More tears trickled and my pillowcase became damp. Tired of being unhappy and crying, I rolled onto my back and wiped away my tears.

  My plan would work. I’d free him. I had to keep moving forward or I might stop altogether. Life without Grant was no life at all. My stomach turned and my insides felt hollowed. I wondered if I had left Liam feeling this way. My heart ached more. I was glad Liam had found his peace with it, but I don’t think I ever would have. Losing Grant meant losing myself.

  Ending my pity party, I forced myself up and decided to find Lexie to keep my mind on the task at hand.

  I never found her, but managed to wander about enough to recognize several of Cara’s landmarks, including a long hall with three doors opposite a large painting of none other than Alastar. Knowing it was close to the final hall prodded me to explore a little further. A picture developed as to how I would reach the prison entrance but when I turned a corner, I’d reached a dead end.

  If the map was correct, this should have been the final hall, which led to the entrance but instead I stood staring at a stone wall. Frustrated, I turned, rounded the corner and slammed into a tall figure.

  Swearing, I looked into the face of a young guard, not much older than I.

  “May I help you?” He crossed his arms over his massive chest. The short sleeve shirt tightened around his bulging biceps and stretched taut across his pecs.

  “I’m lost.” My voice cracked. I was busted and didn’t know how to dig my way out. Far from my room, the dining hall or any other place I belonged, I had no explanation for getting this off course.

  He cocked a grin. “You’re the half-human, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. I’m Kylie.”

  “Kylie.” He said my name as if testing it on his lips. “That’s a pretty name, for a pretty girl.”

  “Um, thanks.” The quiet hallway had little light or room to move.

  “How’d you get lost?” He ran a calloused finger over his chin as he smirked.

  “Wrong turn.” I kicked myself. I should have planned for something like this.

  “Around here, some girls make wrong turns to find exactly what they’re looking for.”

  His suggestive grin caused my stomach to churn. It irked me he thought I was one of those girls like Cara mentioned. I wasn’t some stupid faery looking for a good time, and for all he knew, I was a future princess. I straightened my shoulders and glared.

  “Sometimes assumptions lead to demotions.” We sized each other up and I refused to look away.

  He conceded, “I think you misunderstood. I’m sorry if I offended you.”

  I exhaled the breath I’d been holding. My defenses remained but I wanted to end this conversation and get out of here. “Mistakes happen. I need to get back to Liam now.” His name, I hoped, served as a reminder of who would be hearing about this if it didn’t end well. I brushed past him.

  “Nice meeting you, but remember, Princess, you don’t want to get lost around here. Especially if you aren’t willing to play nice.”

  His threatening tone infuriated me. I twisted my head and stared him, and that stupid cocky grin, down. “Trust me when I say I don’t get lost often. In fact, I have an excellent memory. It won’t happen again. I will remember this, and will repay you for your kindness shall I ever run into you again. That’s a promise.” With a fierce glare, I turned and walked away.

  A hearty laugh echoed behind me. “Oh, Kylie. I see why Grant finds you so appealing. Speaking of whom, I should pay a visit to tell him all about
our delightful meeting.”

  It took everything in my power to keep moving at the mention of Grant but I did and promised myself, if ever given the chance, I’d teach that asshole a lesson.

  Wait. How did he know about Grant and me? His tone implied he knew more than he should.

  Just outside my bedroom door, I ran into Liam.

  “Kylie? Are you okay?”

  I looked up, gathering my thoughts. “Yes. No. I got lost and some jerk guard said a bunch of stuff to me.”

  Liam narrowed his eyes and his jaw tensed. “What kind of stuff?”

  “Stupid stuff.” I regretted mentioning it. I didn’t think I’d ever seen him look angry.

  “What was his name?”

  Good question. I hadn’t even bothered to get the guy’s name. No wonder he didn’t find me threatening. I couldn’t even report him if I wanted to. “I didn’t get it.”

  Liam remained quiet, his stance stiff.

  “It’s fine, though. Just some idiot guard, no harm done.” I hoped to sway Liam into letting it go, concerned the guard’s mention of Grant was to serve as a reminder. The repercussions of my actions might in some way hurt him.

  “Are you sure?”

  I threw on a smile. “Hey, I went to high school. Dealing with assholes comes with the territory. I can handle it.”

  He chuckled. “I’m sure you can.” His face relaxed and he stuck out his arm. “I’ll walk you back to your room.”

  I looped mine through his.

  “Did you get a chance to tell Conor about tonight?” he whispered as we approached my door.

  “Crap, no. Sorry. I forgot to tell him. I don’t even know where he or Lexie is staying. Which room is hers?”

  “Their room is three doors down on the left,’’ he said, gesturing with his free arm.

  “Their?” Lexie got to shack up with her boyfriend while mine was locked away in a dungeon?

  Liam snickered. “Yes their. Conor’s keeping a close watch on her.”

  “I bet,” I grumbled, miffed about her roommate situation.

  His mouth twitched. “For her protection,” he added with a hint of amusement in his tone.

  After my encounter, he was right and I reined in my jealousy. “Well I’m glad she’s safe.”

  We had reached my room.

  “It’s getting late. Why don’t you go ahead and dress for dinner? We can mention our meeting there.”

  My door was flung open. Ida stood in the doorway with a scowl. “I thought I heard you out here.” She turned to Liam and her cheeks flushed. She bowed her head to him. Her stance became subservient. “I’m ready to assist whenever you are ready,” she said, her angry tone softened. She ducked into the room, leaving me dumbfounded.

  “I need to keep you around. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything that nice come out of her mouth.”

  “That was nice? Do I need to have a talk with her?”

  “Liam, stop worrying. You can’t fight all my battles. Let’s face the facts. I’m not exactly anyone’s favorite person around here. I can’t expect a warm reception from everyone.”

  “That’s not true. You’re my current favorite.” He smiled, causing my stomach to twist. Though he teased me, unspoken feelings hung in the air.

  “Current favorite, huh? Does that change often?”

  “Nah, not too often, usually monthly, occasionally weekly. Although it has been known to be hourly before.”

  “Geez, thanks. Glad to know I’m your favorite of the hour.” I nudged him, but when his gaze met mine I saw something I wished I hadn’t. Feelings. The same loving way he used to look at me was still present. No matter how much he tried to pretend we were friends, I worried I’d never be just his friend.

  “I better get dressed before Ida has a conniption.”

  “Yeah.” He chuckled, looking at his feet. When he looked up, he’d masked what I’d seen. “We’ll talk more at dinner.” He walked away.

  “Bye,” I called, as I stepped into my room and shut the door.

  Ida stood in the corner. “I hope you don’t hurt him again.”

  So did I. “Why, hello, Ida. It’s so pleasant to see you this afternoon. My day? Oh, it was lovely. Thanks for asking. And yours?”

  She narrowed her eyes and studied me. “You seem to make him happy and I guess that’s enough for now.”

  “Splendid. I’m so glad your day was productive. Now if you don’t mind, I must tear myself away from this delightful conversation in order to prepare for dinner.”

  I earned an eye roll from Ida, but the slightest hint of a smile danced around her lips. I grinned. Maybe one day this girl wouldn’t despise me.

  Chapter 7

  Lexie and I walked to our secret meeting in the garden. Since Conor had decided we shouldn’t be seen heading to the same place together we planned to meet there.

  “Have you thought more about your little plan?” Lexie whispered.

  “Yeah. I have a few more details to work out but I think it might work. I’ll explain it better soon, but first, listen to what Liam has to say. I think you’ll find it interesting.”

  “Ooh, can’t wait.” Her expression lit with classic Lexie intrigue, but then turned serious. “Kylie, how are you? Like really, are you okay?”

  “You know, a few months ago I never would’ve made it through this, but now, yeah. I think I’m going to be okay. I can’t explain it but something has come to life inside me. Look, watch this.” I focused on a rose bush, concentrated and redirected my emotions. The anger burning within me for Alastar, the love swelling inside me for Grant, the sadness I carried for Liam, all those emotions melded together and flowed through me.

  A bud unfolded into a lush rose. Its velvet petals deepened to blood red. Beneath the burgundy bloom several new puckered buds appeared. Before they opened, Lexie’s gasp broke my concentration. The blossoming halted.

  She touched the curled back petals. “Kylie, that’s amazing. That’s like– It’s magic.”

  “It is magic. Faery magic. I’m connected to the earth. It’s my element so I can manipulate it at will.” I raised my hand to the tree of life necklace she’d given me for my eighteenth birthday. The cool metal always comforted me.

  “That doesn’t surprise me, but I had no idea you could do all this.” She gestured toward the flowers.

  I leaned closer and whispered, “Lexie, that’s nothing. I have the ability to manipulate tree roots right out of the soil. I can even shake the ground underneath your feet, and my abilities are getting stronger every day. I feel it.”

  “That’s a good thing, right?”

  “I don’t know. Something tells me powerful magic is a bad thing, not for me, but for others. I’m kind of thinking people with power don’t like to think they can be outdone.” I urged her along. “We better hurry. Conor and Liam may begin to worry if we don’t show up soon.”

  Lexie stayed quiet the remainder of our walk. If she needed my reassurance everything would be okay, I had no words to offer. It might not be.

  When we turned the final corner, the boys were talking. Before I even had a chance to speak, Conor stood in front of me.

  “Kylie, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve lost your mind. You really want to try this? If you get caught–” He paced, mumbling something about Grant. I wished I could tell him Grant wouldn’t mind because he’d be leaving with us.

  Lexie looked around at the three of us. “Wait, what’s going on? I need someone to catch me up here.”

  Liam said, “I believe there’s an oracle about Kylie. I don’t know if you remember me mentioning a poem about eyes like hers but turns out it wasn’t a poem. I was so young when I read it I had no idea, but now I know it’s an oracle. Problem is it’s been removed from the book.”

  “Okay, so what’s the problem?”

  “I think this might be important. It might answer some questions Kylie and I have but there’s only one way to find out what it said.”

  Conor huffed. “
They want to find this lady who had the vision and get her to tell them what it said.”

  “A lady?” Lexie asked.

  “A cailleach feasa,” Liam said.

  “She’s like a soothsayer,” I offered. “Thing is, she’s not here. She lives somewhere in the forest.”

  “So we go to her.” Lexie shrugged.

  “Lex. Don’t encourage them,” Conor pleaded.

  “I’m sort of on lockdown around here.” I pointed out. “We can’t just leave. We have to sneak out, and Liam has offered to help cover for us while we’re gone.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” She grinned.

  Conor smacked his palm against his forehead so loud it had to hurt.

  I tried to hide my amusement. If he thought Lexie wouldn’t be down with some kind of crazy adventure, he must not know her quite as well as he thought. “So Conor, will you help us?” I pressed my palms together in plea.

  “Of course I will. It’s not as if I have a choice. If you two are going, I’m going.”

  Liam beamed. “I’m going to get Cara to help out.”

  I turned to face him, surprised at this new information.

  “I need an explanation for why no one will see you for an entire day. I’m going to sneak her into your room and she’ll pretend to be you. We can say you’re ill and let her lie in your bed. Ida can tend to you and we’ll allow no visitors until you’re better.”

  I shook my head. “Ida won’t do it. She’ll rat us out.”

  “I think she’ll listen to me.” Liam spoke with confidence.

  “She’ll listen and do as instructed, but that girl hates me, like seriously loathes my existence. She’d love the opportunity to ruin me.”

  Everyone turned to me.

  “Why does she hate you?” Liam asked.

  “Because,” I cleared my throat, realizing how awkward the explanation would be in front of all of them. “I hurt you.”

  “That’s ridiculous. If I don’t hate you, she has no reason to. I hold no ill will toward you.”

  “Well maybe you can tell her.” I doubted it would change her mind about me though. She seemed pretty convinced I was scum.

  “It would be easiest if she knew and was on our side, but if she won’t help it’ll still work without her. I’ll talk to her and see if I can convince her.”