by Jenna Moreci
“You’re supposed to be telling me something.”
“Oh, right.” She tucked his piece away. “God, you must think I’m mad.”
His laughter softened, leaving behind a radiant smile. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“I’m going first. You’ve said enough already. No talking over me, do you understand?”
“As you wish.”
She took in a long, deep breath. “Well, for starters…you’re not dying today.”
“That’s a good opening. I hope this conversation continues on this trajectory.”
“And you won’t be participating in the Culmination. You’re staying here.”
“The good news continues.”
Her heart thudded. “Additionally…I’m not betrothed. Nor am I married. But that is expected of me in the near future.”
“And I imagine laborers aren’t the sort of suitors the palace is looking for.”
Leila scowled. “You’re supposed to let me speak.”
“Apologies, you have me anxious.”
She faltered, his words sinking into Her mind. “You’d want to marry me?”
“Of course,” he said. “Isn’t that the entire purpose of courting someone? To eventually marry? I mean, perhaps not today or tomorrow, but in my wildest fantasies I had imagined it would come to that.”
“In your wildest fantasies, you married me.”
“Well, we did other things too.”
She charged at him like a battalion, Her lips on his. This perfect man. Too perfect? Frowning, She pulled back. “You’re not just saying this because I’m naked, are you?”
“Put your clothes on, I’ll say it again. Though I’ll admit, I prefer you like this.”
Another kiss. Her insides dissolved into a fit of contradictions, finding strength in his arms and weakness in the thought of them pulling away.
“Please don’t be wonderful if you don’t mean it…” She said. “If you’re just going to take it back.”
“Leila, I’m baring my soul to you. Laying out all my cards.” He swept Her hands up in his. “I want you. No matter what you say, I’m yours. And this story—I want to hear it, truly—but all I really care about is whether or not it ends with us together. If it ends with this”—he tightened his hold on Her—“every day. Now finish your story.”
His prismatic light surged through his touch, pulsing into Her palm. Her breathing stilled. “All right.”
She gave him one more kiss, slow and smooth, as if it might be their last. The words sat on Her tongue.
I’m The Savior. This time, She was ready.
A fist hammered against the door. “It’s me,” Delphi said.
Tobias grabbed Leila’s hips. “Tell her to go away.”
“Come in!”
“Leila, that’s the opposite of go away.”
The door opened, and Delphi strutted inside. “Good morning, Leila.” She smirked. “Good morning, Tobias. I see our lost puppy dog has found his way home.”
“This isn’t the best time,” he said.
“I can see that, but unfortunately I must interrupt.” Delphi’s gaze landed on Leila, severe in a way that wound Her muscles tight. “The package is arriving.”
Leila’s back shot straight. “The package? Now?”
“In minutes, if that.”
The fire within Her ignited. She’d finally have Her answers.
But I haven’t told him.
“Tobias…” Leila cringed. “I’m so sorry…”
Tobias furrowed his brow. “Wait, why?”
“She has to go,” Delphi said.
“No, she can’t. She was in the middle of telling me something very important.”
Delphi’s eyes widened. “You still haven’t told him?”
“I was trying to, but he keeps interrupting.” Groaning, Leila hopped from the bed, scampering across the room to Her mirrored wardrobe. Her mothers were conspicuously absent, thank God, but someone else stood in the reflection—a small, mousy man with a headful of curls and eyes like saucers.
Milo.
His gaze latched onto Leila’s breasts, discretion thrown to the wind. Flashing Milo a glare, She yanked the wardrobe open, fishing through Her dresses.
“How can a package be of any importance?” Tobias called out behind Her.
“It is. Trust me.”
“But it’s just a package…”
“Tobias, this package requires her attention far more than your package,” Delphi said.
He grumbled under his breath as Leila situated Her dress. “I’ll be back shortly.” She headed to his side. “Until then, you stay right here.”
“He can’t,” Delphi said from the doorway. “You’ve forgotten the Culmination.”
“He’s not participating. He’s staying here.” Leila turned to Tobias. “Do you understand me?”
Tobias sighed. “Leila…”
“I’m only leaving because I absolutely must. I promise I’ll return, and I’ll tell you everything. Every detail. On my life, I swear it.” Her gaze became pleading. “You’ll stay put, yes?”
His shoulders sagged, but he nodded. “All right.”
“I’ll have Pippa bring you breakfast,” Delphi said.
“But don’t open the door for anyone else.” Leila’s voice came out stern. “The guard will remain on duty, and I’ll return as soon as I’m able.”
She offered a peck only for him to draw Her close, deepening the kiss. He whispered against Her lips, “Stay.”
Passion surged in Her belly, the warm pleasure of the other night alive in Her memory. The package. She pulled away. “I’ll be back soon.”
She leapt from the bed and shot straight for the door, certain She’d lose Her resolve if She looked his way. Delphi and Tobias shared a few barbs, and the sisters left, Leila wincing as Her door slammed behind Her.
A grimace waited for them. Asher wore his shattered ego for all to see, scowling at Leila as if She’d slighted him.
“Are you on duty for the rest of the day?” She said.
“I am.”
“Good. Do not leave this spot.” She pointed to Her chamber. “No one goes in there, is that understood?”
“Except Pippa.” Delphi nudged Leila in the ribs. “Breakfast, remember?”
Asher said nothing, pouting like a petulant child.
“Is that understood, Asher?”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
Delphi dragged Leila away before She could rebut, though there wasn’t a need; so long as Asher kept watch, he could be as bitter as he pleased. As they rounded the corner, Delphi chuckled. “You dirty dog. You two finally fucked?”
“We didn’t,” Leila said.
“It certainly looked like you did.”
“I didn’t want to. Well, I did want to, but not until I told him the truth.”
“I see. So the plan was to tell him You’re The Savior, then fuck?”
“Essentially.”
Delphi nodded. “A wise maneuver. Tell him while You’re good and naked. The elixir goes down much smoother with a heaping dose of sugar.”
A smile overtook Leila’s face, and Delphi laughed. “What?”
“I saw his cock.”
“Was it everything You’ve ever dreamed of?”
“It’s big.”
“Is it now?” Delphi shrugged. “Then again, You are a bit small. I imagine everything looks big to You.”
Leila swatted her arm. “Where are we going anyhow?”
“To fetch the package.”
“I thought the package was arriving?”
“Hush. He’ll explain.”
“Who’s he?”
Delphi didn’t answer, pushing Leila through a doorway. Sparkling gems, golden crowns, and perfume bottles. Hylas stood in the center of Leila’s dressing chamber, fidgeting with his tunic, eyes climbing the walls. He faltered, then bowed.
“What is…?” Leila said. “What’s going on?”
“It’s me.”
Hylas swallowed. “I’m to deliver the package.”
“Where? To whom?”
“To the Sovereign. I’m to bring it to his chamber so he can give it to…whomever else. I imagine he’s hiding his source.”
Leila sighed. Could nothing be straightforward? “So, what is it then? What’s the package?”
“That’s the issue. You see, I have to…procure it.”
“Procure it?”
“He’s requested jewels. A necklace or bracelet. Apparently he used to have a supplier, but his means have since been compromised, so…I’m to find something for him however I see fit.”
The jewelry. Of course. She walked over to a table, snatching up a necklace. Wait—this was one of Her favorites. She grabbed another, shoving it against Hylas’s chest. “Here.”
“You’re sure? They’re Yours.”
“I’m not exactly lacking in jewels.”
He scanned the surrounding pieces as if to validate Her claim. A wavering breath filled his lungs, and he trembled as he exhaled.
“It’ll be all right,” Leila said. “Bring him the necklace. I’ll follow.”
“And then?”
“And then we catch the bitch.” Delphi leaned against the wall, smirking.
Hylas didn’t seem to appreciate her flippancy, gripping the necklace like a lifeline. Leila cocked Her head at the door. “Go on.”
“I thought You were following?”
“From a distance. No one can see us together, Hylas.”
“Right.” He shook himself. “Apologies, I’m learning.”
Leila forced a smile, gesturing for the door. He slipped away from the dressing room in a dense green cloud, and Leila and Delphi shared a knowing glance before following.
It wasn’t hard to track Hylas, as spots of terror trailed him like breadcrumbs. The sisters walked in silence, aloof on the outside, a storm of nerves within. They stopped at the corridor to Brontes’s chamber, hiding behind the adjacent corner. Hylas already stood at the door, his green cloud filling the hallway. Two knocks, and then he waited.
The door hinges creaked.
“Your Highness,” Hylas croaked. “The package, as requested.”
Brontes grunted, the necklace jingling as it passed from Senator to Sovereign.
“Is there anything else I can—?”
The door slammed shut, followed by a heavy exhale. Hylas tumbled around the corner, nearly colliding into Leila and Delphi.
“Heavens.” He staggered to a halt. “Didn’t know you were here yet.”
“He took the necklace?” Leila said.
Hylas nodded. “What now?”
Leila peered around the corner; the door was still shut, Her father tucked away doing God knows what. Servants came down the corridor, and Leila ducked, shielding Herself. “I have to go inside.”
“What?” Hylas said. “How?”
“I can’t stay out here. It’s too conspicuous. What if the traitor is meeting him at his chamber? She’ll see Me and run.”
Delphi crossed her arms. “And if Brontes discovers You in his bedchamber?”
“He won’t. I promise.”
The servants walked past, starting, then bowing at Leila before heading off. She was too visible.
“Your job is done.” Leila offered Hylas what She hoped was a comforting smile. “Continue with your day as if nothing is amiss. If you hear anything of note, find us.” She turned to Delphi. “Wait out here…somewhere. Find a place to hide. I don’t know.”
“How very specific.”
There wasn’t time to argue. Kissing Delphi’s cheek, She summoned Her light.
Brontes’s chamber.
White rays gave way to blackness, the space around Her cramped with linen. She was hunched in Brontes’s wardrobe, wedged between his harem pants and unworn tunics. She pressed Her ear to the wardrobe door. Silence. Cringing, She pushed the slightest bit on the wooden slabs, allowing the doors to part.
A rug. A bed. Brontes was out of view, perhaps scrawling some nonsense at his desk or doing something repugnant She’d rather not see. Or maybe he’s gone. Memories of the hidden tunnel bombarded Her thoughts, but She shook them aside. He was there. He had to be.
The quiet picked at Her for too long before a knock sounded at the door.
The traitor.
“What?” Brontes shouted.
The door crept open. “Your Highness. A word?”
Leila’s throat swelled shut.
She knew that voice.
“Be brief,” Brontes said. “I have a meeting.”
A silk gown glided into view. Leila’s chest burned, a blaze powerful enough to match the woman’s fiery red hair.
Cosima.
It can’t be. Leila knew Cosima had turned, but the secret traitor? It doesn’t make sense. Why didn’t she inform Brontes of the switch from the beginning, long before Wembleton had done so?
Cosima went rigid. “Your Highness, I…wasn’t able to fulfill your request.”
A chair slid across the floor. “Repeat yourself,” Brontes said.
“The Artist. I wasn’t able to sway him.”
“You didn’t fuck him, is what you mean.”
Leila winced.
“He was disagreeable, to say the least.”
“So pin him down!” Brontes spat. “Sit on his cock and ride it wet. Cover his mouth if you have to! God, stupid woman.”
“I tried, Your Highness, truly. I was very forceful.”
“Not forceful enough.”
Cosima staggered backward as Brontes stomped into view, while Leila’s hands shook at Her sides, fueled with rage.
“He pushed me aside. Threw me, really, like a madman.” Cosima watched Brontes pace. “I can try again—”
“The opportunity’s gone. Today’s the Culmination.” He massaged his beard. “God dammit. How many times has She blessed him before?”
“Just once,” Cosima lied.
“You’re certain?”
“Absolutely.”
“Where did he go after tossing you aside?”
Cosima’s gaze drifted to the floor, while pride beamed within Leila. He went to see Me.
Brontes read Cosima’s expression and scowled. “Shit.”
“The Shepherd is strong. He can take down the Artist, blessing or none.”
“I trusted you to separate them. Challenge after challenge, Her light keeps him alive.”
The rage within Leila crackled and spat. So long as Tobias was Hers, he stood in the way of Brontes’s plan.
“He dies today, in the Culmination.” Cosima spoke with assurance, Her chin high. “The Shepherd will see to it. You’ve chosen well.”
Brontes didn’t answer, pacing in and out of view.
“I’m still at your service, Your Highness,” Cosima said. “Provided our agreement stands—”
“Our agreement was clear: the Artist in return for a crown. You had one task to complete. One. And you failed.”
His words quaked within Leila’s bones. The Artist in return for a crown. Did Cosima truly believe Brontes would allow her to rule at his side? How could she be so foolish? So desperate?
The quiet became thick. For a second Leila thought Brontes might kill Cosima, pull out a blade and slash her throat. Perhaps Leila wouldn’t mind if he did. Instead, Her sister raised a suggestive eyebrow. “I’m perfectly capable of any other task you may require. You know this well, Your Highness.”
Her fingers danced down her décolletage to her breasts, and Leila’s stomach lurched as Brontes’s one good eye followed their path. Please don’t. Brontes lunged forward, grabbing a fistful of Cosima’s hair. He shoved her face-first onto the bed, then pulled up her dress, exposing parts Leila never hoped to see. He fumbled with his pants and thrust into Cosima, pounding hard and quick.
Leila stumbled backward, falling into the tunics. Cosima’s forced moans and Brontes’s grunts assaulted Her, and She clamped Her hands over Her ears, trying and failing to block out the horror. Bile ros
e up Her throat, threatening to spill. Get out. But no package had been exchanged, and thus She had to wait, Her eyes closed and teeth gritted as Her father plowed into Her sister again and again.
A guttural groan, and the chamber went quiet. Leila dared to open Her eyes as Brontes walked out of view, Cosima still flat on the bed, adjusting her dress. After smoothing down her hair, she gave a cordial parting Brontes didn’t return, leaving the room with the utmost casualness. Some time later, Brontes followed suit, snatching up Leila’s necklace before disappearing.
Leila threw open the wardrobe doors, crumpling to the floor and unleashing the contents of Her stomach. Wiping the back of Her hand against Her lips, She clambered to Her feet, willing Her gut to still as She stumbled out the door.
Delphi appeared from behind a marble statue, a self-satisfied smirk on her face, though it dropped the instant She caught Leila’s gaze.
“They fucked,” Leila choked. “They fucking fucked.”
“Cosima’s the traitor?”
“No.” Leila shook Herself. “I mean yes, but not the one we’re looking for.”
“What?”
“The package wasn’t for her. He must’ve recruited her after discovering the switch. There’s someone else. He’s meeting them now.” She glanced down the hallway. “Where did he go? Show Me.”
Delphi led the way, the two sisters dashing through the palace until a flash of red appeared in the distance. Brontes was far ahead, and they tried to keep it that way, hoping to remain unnoticed. Her throat burned, Her heart pounding with enough force to erupt from Her flesh, but everything within Her came to a halt as Her father reached the dismal southern wing of the palace.
The hidden tunnel. That must be where he was headed.
Leila came to a stop at the end of the hallway, urging Delphi to do the same. Peering around the corner, She spied the far-off wall—the exact one that had split apart per Erebus’s command.
The one Brontes stood before at that very moment.
Glancing over his shoulder, he pressed his hand against the surface, and the plaster opened up like a toothy mouth. He vanished into the darkness, the wall swallowing him whole.
“Shit,” Delphi hissed.
They hurried toward the wall, studying it. Where did he push? Leila’s eyes landed on a familiar marker—a tiny red crown. How many of these were scattered throughout the palace?
Holding Her breath, She pressed down on the marker, and again the wall folded away, reopening the portal. A glowing speck glittered in the distance, growing farther and farther away. Leila turned to Delphi. “Stay here.”