by S. K Munt
The hourglass shattered and the sands scattered. ‘What does that mean?!’
She smiled. ‘Kohén’s off ensuring that that will not happen at this very moment.’
My blood turned to ice, going from whooshing in my ears to freezing over and numbing me to everything. I pressed both hands over my mouth and reeled back from her, tripping over my original copy of Romeo and Juliet as I did. ‘What have you DONE?!’
Kelia gestured to the room. ‘I pulled him in here a few minutes ago, and told him to take me on your bed. The real way, you know? I begged for it. He fought me off, of course, and that was when I saw the shoebox through the cupboard door. He went to storm out, and I threw it at him. He started screaming at me over that stupid old thing-’ she pointed to the ruined soccer ball. ‘But then he saw the Bible, then the inscription and then- the letters… so many letters!’ she smirked at me, balling one up and tossing it over her shoulder. ‘And once I managed to read a few lines, I understood everything and illuminated him to the emotional little scene between you and his twin, which I was fortunate enough to catch the end of last night. Now YOU’RE the one who’s fucked! And believe me when I say, he won’t be satisfied in taking you where you’ve already been had, either!’
I fell back against my cupboard doors. ‘How could you? You don’t know! You don’t understand-’
‘I understand that you take everything from everybody, even the things you don’t want!’ she hissed. ‘You took his favour, then Kohl’s, then I see you sliming all over Karol and Ora, trying to wreck that too and it makes me sick to my stomach!’
‘You’re wrong!’ I cried, ripping a pillowcase off one of the pillows and immediately beginning to stash Kohl’s letters and the bible into it. ‘You’re so wrong!’ Fear gripped me like a fist and crushed my lungs, heart- all of me. ‘I’m not trying to take anything from anyone! I’m trying to get out of here before something gets wrecked because of me, me included, but the brothers…’ I shook my head and my hot tears flickered free and made Kohl’s lovely writing smear. ‘I haven’t been had! Kohl and I have not even kissed! If Kohén attacks him over you, it will be you who are the destructive one, not I!’
‘Bullshit.’ Kelia sat down on my bed primly, looking like a lunatic in a ruined asylum, and the calm in the eye of a horrific storm. ‘You’re the biggest whore out of all of us, duckling, and as soon as Kohén hears it from his twin, you can kiss your freedom goodbye!’
No! No, no, NO!
I gaped at her. ‘He’s gone to Kohl? Now?!’
‘Yes. Well, officially he has gone to have his royal family portrait taken, though I don’t imagine that he’ll be able to muster up much of a smile. But despite evidence to the contrary-’ she motioned to the mess on my floor. ‘He still has faith in you both and will not take my word or Kohl’s printed ones, over both of your spoken ones. He told me to get out of sight and speak of this to no one because if I am wrong, he will charge me with treason against Prince Kohl. But if I am right- he will return for me with a golden brand as a thank you for opening his eyes.’ She twirled a gnarled strand of hair and smiled smugly at me while I sobbed into my hands: violent, wracking sobs. I had been so close and now… now I would pay for the fact that Kohén had never loved me enough to win my devotion in return. ‘And I will get to live in Eden untouched forever,’ she finished, ‘like the princess that I was supposed to be.’
I wanted to throttle her, but I knew that if I put my hands on her, I’d kill her. ‘This is not fair…’ I spluttered. ‘No one deserves how hurt and angry he must be feeling-’ I lifted my gaze to hers. ‘No one but YOU.’
‘Nothing in Calliel is fair for girls like us, and this time I’ve decided that you DON’T get to be the only exception,’ she hissed, rising from my bed. ‘But you’re a fighter Larkin, one who has a way of getting more than her share of what she deserves, so to make sure that we don’t get stuck together for eternity- I suggest that you run while you still can. Leave me both brothers, and hide yourself away before you can be made into a hated Companion, or cast over into the Wildwoods as a ruined whore! But the only chance you have left to walk out of here with freedom in your grasp, is to steal it as you have everything else!’
I wiped my tears from my eyes, and my muscles were so locked up with fear that they barely managed that movement alone. I was in so much trouble! Even if Kohl and I had kept our feelings for one another contained, it had been an affair of sorts, and the only shot in hell that I had of saving him from getting raked over the coals for it, was if the duchess intervened on our behalf. She said she loved me like a mother, and she said she understood my feelings for Kohl- and even encouraged them! But could that be enough to save me Elijah’s wrath? Would I be forced to stay in the castle? Or just forced to sign away my life to Elijah on some godforsaken farm in the middle of nowhere?
‘I love Kohl and Kohén in a way you could never understand,’ I said frostily. ‘I will not run from Kohén and allow him to think the worst, and I will not leave Kohl alone to deal with the fallout of what we are guilty of doing, all alone!’ I pushed off the cupboard and turned to the mirror, relieved to see that although I was pale and my eyes a freakish shade of bright purple, I had composure enough still to get close enough to Kohén without affirming his worst fears with a single, damning glance.
‘You’re not going to be able to charm your way out of this one, Larkin!’ Kelia cried, sounding exasperated as though she honestly cared about my well being. ‘You’re a fool if you stay!’
‘They could kill each other!’ I snarled, turning and shoving her backwards while the loaded pillowcase swung in my hand. ‘They could kill other people!’
‘So what if they do? Everyone in this kingdom is an asshole!’ she cried, getting back on her feet and picking up another book- pelting it at me. I saw it coming and dodged it, but it hit the mirror and knocked the frame over. I scurried forward and picked up Gone With The Wind and Romeo and Juliet, my mind whirring- wondering if I should be packing a bag- or a weapon.
Oh my god… oh my god… what do I do? How can I even imagine smoothing this over?!
But I let my tears fall onto the books, and then reached for Memoirs Of A Geisha as well as something glass flew past my head and shattered the glass in a framed photo of Martya and I. If they were taking portraits, Kohén was probably trying to keep his poker face in place well enough to buy me time to explain. But I had to speak to him before he spoke of this to anyone! I had to tell him how things really were, and that it was him I loved with the word more, because it was true!
‘You know what?’ Kelia raged on. ‘I hope they fight! I hope they fight hard and they kill every one of us, especially ME! In fact, I might even throw myself between them and go down as the true hero, hey? Like Satan threw herself in front of Miguel!’ She sank to her knees and sobbed. ‘Will I be a hero if I do that?!’ she demanded. ‘Will I get a statue, Larkin? Will I get everything, as you have?’
I stared down at the weathered old covers through blurry eyes, before sliding them back into my wardrobe. So many romances! So many dreams! But the stories had been so enthralling, that I’d given up on real, flawed love.
But I had learned one thing from the books that had nothing to do with romance, but about severing sentimentality before you could be hung by it.
‘Do as thou will...’ I walked toward the door. ‘For I am done with thee.’
I slammed the door behind us, and broke into a run, immediately dropping my composure so that I’d have strength enough to carry my fear directly to Kohén’s feet.
Given Contract
I name: MARIAH VASQUEZ, employee of the Arcadian monarchy, do solemnly swear that name: LARKIN WHITTAKER aged: 5 is of sound body and mind at the time of the signing of this document on date: June 11th AA632 I understand that as one of her legal guardians, failing to reveal that the signatory is ill, mentally challenged or under the influence of intoxicating substances or a third party at the time of the signing will be seen as negligence a
gainst the signatory and the crown, and that I will be held accountable for concealing any information that could impede the relevance of this document.
Signed: Mariah Vasquez Dated: June 11th, AA632
Given contract and specified obligations
The signatory agrees to the following conditions:
1. That upon signing this, I am agreeing to be emancipated from my parents, preventing them or I, for being held accountable for the circumstances of my illegal conception from hereon out.
2. That the Arcadian government has generously agreed to raise me as a member of the kingdom, and will cover all costs regarding my personal needs, education and healthcare until the moon of my twenty-first birthday, and that they will do so fairly, while adhering to a duty of care which will be monitored by several legal guardians, including, but not limited to- at least one Shepherd.
3. That I have been selected, according to my year of birth and its correlation with the crowned prince’s fifth birthday, to belong to a separate, exemplary caste to the other Given children reaped during standard circumstances. However, I understand that if my behaviour does not please my guardians or my crowned prince, I could be transferred into another sect of Given children, outside of Eden’s walls, at any time by order of the king until my twenty-first year, unless of course, other factors impede his claim on me- including, but not limited to brandings, the ruling of an acting regent, or other similar circumstances, which will be revealed to me after my thirteenth moon.
4. I understand that though my responsibility, first and foremost, is to act as a *Companion to Prince_KOHÉN_ Barachiel, the responsibilities that will fall to me in this position are subject to change according to age, development and behavioural standards- and that by signing this document now, I am agreeing to all future terms and conditions as well, as they have been deemed fair and acceptable by my guardian _Mariah Vasquez_ and because I will be compensated generously for all that I am asked to do, once I have turned sixteen and am able to earn a personal wage.
5. I understand that though I will be prepared for the role that I will play in palace life in due course, full disclosure of all that will be expected of me will not be awarded to me until my thirteenth moon, after I have been deemed mature enough to understand my role and obligations to the crown, completely.
6. I understand that according to the duty of care, my upbringing will be monitored for signs that I am being distressed, abused or coerced against my will in any way. However, to protect the interests of the other Companions, I agree to keep questions, speculations and accusations regarding our future responsibilities to a minimum, and understand that I will be punished if I scare, threaten or intimidate any of the other members of my caste, or my guardians.
7. I agree that although my biological parents are allowed to visit me with me for precisely four weeks of a calendar year, they are in no way obligated to adhere to this, and reserve the right to waive any lingering parental claims on me, until my twenty-first year when I will be considered an independent adult.
8. I understand that my behaviour will be monitored on a daily basis, and that any severe misdemeanours will be punished accordingly- including, but not restricted to: displaying poor manners, using foul language, making Godless exclamations or practicing religion. Though I will be regarded as a minor and an innocent until my thirteenth moon, any gross misconduct after involving the breaking of this contract, theft, physical abuse, sexual abuse, murder, religious practice and attempts to escape will be considered adult crimes, and may warrant canings, whippings, imprisonment or banishment, according to the severity of the crime committed and the ruling of the King and Shepherd in charge at the time of my arrest.
9. I understand that my role is a privileged one, and that I will benefit from my elevated position in many ways. However, any intimate revelations awarded to me by Prince _Kohén_ Barachiel, or any other member of the royal family are to be considered strictly confidential, and so revealing any private information to others gleaned in this manner, will be punished by a whipping.
10. I agree that although responsibility for me falls to King_Elijah_ Barachiel II_, my obligations are to Prince _Kohén_ Barachiel, first and foremost. I understand that I am now considered legal property of the Arcadian monarchy until my twenty-first year ( *subject to pre-emptive release or a requested, legally binding extension via branding) so any wilful, insolent, ungrateful or uncooperative behaviour towards my prince will be regarded as a legal infraction of this sealed document.
11. I agree that I have accepted copies of The 6 Books Of Creation, Arcadia’s legal code and Arcadia’s ethical code. I also understand that a separate handbook, that will cover the guidelines of my allocated caste, will be given to me on my thirteenth moon, and that I will have three years to familiarise myself with it before I am expected to adhere to my obligations.
12. I understand that although this contract is unbreakable on my part, it will be rendered null and void in the event of my Prince’s death, the collapse of the monarchy, God’s Armageddon or by the crown’s intentional destruction.
Signed: Larkin Date: June 11th AA632
PART FOUR
32.
I’d expected that the pictures were going to be taken in the throne room, but when I went out there, I saw only a Shepherd service in full swing. I looked around, wondering where else the royal family would have such a picture taken and then realised that there was only one place; the cottage. My legs moved easily enough in the loose skirt thanks to the slit, but it was still long and I had to lift my hem from the floor so that I wouldn’t trip on it as I flew over the marble tiles.
I have to find him now! Oh God, I hope he hasn’t found Kohl already!
The glass leaves of Eden’s ceiling had been stained an ochre-shade of autumn by the impending sunset, and I stepped on their silhouettes as I crossed the room, gathering up so much speed so quickly that by the time I was closing in on the courtyard door, I was moving too fast to avoid a direct collision with Kohl, who was storming along it toward me.
‘Ugh!’ I slammed into him hard enough to knock the wind out of me, and he let out a raspy grunt and staggered back a foot or so. Winded, I clutched at my stomach and panted for breath as I took in his countenance- his face was as mottled red as his burgundy shirt, his lips were drawn into a tight line and when he lowered his gaze to me, I sobbed in despair, for I had not seen them so black with rage before.
‘I’m sorry Kohl!’ I managed to wheeze out as I rose unsteadily. I looked around the room, but only a few strangers were looking down the corridor and our way with concern from the throne room, so I turned back to him and did a brief assessment, which left me feeling even more breathless for he had his eye-patch in one balled fist- and a piece of paper crumpled up in the other. I stepped closer, squinting at it, and then touched my fingers to my throat when I recognised Kohl’s own cursive. ‘Oh God...’ I looked up at him once more. ‘Kohén has already confronted you about the letters that Kelia found, hasn’t he?’
Kohl squeezed his eyes shut and nodded tightly, and I could tell he was struggling to keep his emotions under control, because the objects in his hand were stained with a subtle blue glow and trembling. In addition to that, his Adam’s apple was bobbing in his throat, and above us, thunder was rumbling loudly enough to threaten the festivities outside.
‘What did he say?’ I whispered.
Kohl lifted his letter listlessly. ‘That he hopes that we’ve both gotten better at hide and seek,’ he rasped, ‘because if he catches either of us alone before our freedom is granted…’ he looked away, his forehead pinching up like the sides of an accordion. ‘I will end up in the tidal fall, and you with end up with a golden brand on your arm and your rightful owner buried deep inside you- to remind you of your place.’
As I processed those words and heard Kelia’s threats confirmed- that Kohén planned to have me before he discarded me- my hand slid from my throat to my mouth to hold in my cry of alarm.
&n
bsp; No! Oh God… Kohén, how could such ugly words leave your beautiful mouth?
Kohl’s lip twitched when he looked back at me and saw my obvious horror. ‘I know, right?’ He shrugged, and I noticed that he was being careful to keep his glowing hand away from me- scratching his arm when he would have usually reached for me. ‘Naturally I didn’t take that threat as easily- or as quietly- as he would have liked me to, so when I threatened to kill him if he laid a hand on you in vengeance, he drew his sword and the next thing you know, Karol was shoving me into the corridor, and commanding me to wait right here for the lecture to follow, while father calmed Kohén down.’ He glanced back down the corridor, sneering slightly. ‘Which is probably for the best. Much as I would have liked to rip him limb from limb, I’m glad that we were separated before either of us were forced to admit that we were fighting over you.’
I swallowed hard and said into the palm of my hand. ‘So they don’t know about us?’ Kohl shook his head as I slid my fingers away from my lips. ‘But what if Kohén’s telling them now?’
But Kohl shook his head, looking back at me with a slightly accusatory look. ‘He would if it was only my ass on the line, Larkin… but he won’t risk losing you by revealing us- not if he can find a way to punish us privately, like he said he would.’