She carefully replaced the book where she’d found it and returned to Sabina. She ran a hand lightly over the princess’s sleeping form. This time, Kaida growled a warning that sounded much stronger than her size. Not wanting to try Kaida’s patience, Marissa placed a light kiss on Sabina’s lips and left the tent.
She kept to the shadows to avoid any unwanted attention. As she rounded the corner to her tent, a hand clamped over her mouth, and she was whisked into absolute blackness. Her scream fell in silent air. A moment later, she was standing on the far side of the lake, staring up at the steely gaze of Valterys. She twisted from his grip and looked around wildly.
“Blood and ashes, what are you doing here?”
“Protecting our future. Something you should be doing but, since you are too preoccupied with satisfying your lustful cravings, have woefully overlooked.”
Marissa could see the tents from where they stood, could see soldiers patrolling the perimeter. If she could see them, they could see her. “We should move this discussion to the trees.”
Valterys barked a laugh. “They can neither hear nor see us, my darling.” He stroked a finger from her temple to her chin. “While you were visiting my son, I’ve been spending time with your lady-in-waiting.”
“Celia? Why?”
“Are you aware of her plans to use the Summerlands girl to bring Kaldaar out of exile?”
Marissa was agog. Celia? Her Celia? “Impossible. He was banished to the world of nonexistence. There is no return.”
“False. She’s somehow learned how to do it and is very close to carrying out her plans.” He wrapped an errant curl around his fingertip. “Our lord is most vexed to hear his brother might gain his freedom while he simmers in his prison.”
A tremble started in her heart and made its way to the tips of her toes. “She wouldn’t. Couldn’t.”
“Oh, but she would and she has. She’s working with a pathetic twit, but someone else is helping her. I can’t tell who, but they are skilled in the Black Arts. A Master would be my guess.”
“But why her? Why now?” Marissa glanced back to the encampment. “Is this because of Taryn?”
“She plays into this somehow, but I’m not sure exactly. From what I’ve learned, Celia’s Master has been grooming her for some time. Several seasons is my guess. The timing of the Eirielle’s return can’t be a coincidence.”
“For several seasons? I would’ve known.”
“That’s the tricky thing with the Black Arts. You never know until it’s too late. Celia was lured by the promise of everlasting love.”
Marissa scoffed. “You’re jesting. Love? She’s jeopardizing everything for something as trivial as love?”
Valterys’s eyes softened, his breathing deepened. “For some, love is the only thing that matters. For Celia, it’s worth destroying Aelinae.”
“What do you need me to do?” Marissa fumed. She’d given Celia plenty of love, but it wasn’t enough, apparently.
“Stop her. Prevent her from carrying out the ceremony. If the vessel is filled, Kaldaar will return and all our plans will be for naught.”
“What’s this vessel?”
“That, my darling, is for you to discover. Even Celia doesn’t know for sure.” He looked to where several lights bobbed by the shoreline. “You should be in your tent or they might sound the alarm.” He wrapped her in his embrace, and once again the darkness folded around them.
Sound returned, and she stood in the center of her tent, alone.
Celia wasn’t in her cot, a fact that irritated her. The girl was out of control.
The tent flap opened, and Celia rushed in, out of breath, her hair in disarray. Upon seeing Marissa, she knelt before her mistress, kissing her fingertips.
“Where have you been?”
“I went for a swim in the lake.”
Marissa eyed her dry hair, the slight blush to her skin. “You are lying to me, my dove.”
A frenzied madness lurked in Celia’s eyes. Her cloak slipped to the ground, revealing her trembling, naked body.
“You were with him, weren’t you? Your mysterious lover?” Marissa ran her hand along Celia’s full breasts.
“I can’t help it, my lady. When he calls, I feel compelled to join him. I’ve tried to stay away, but I can’t. I’m weak.”
Marissa knew all too well the pull of Dark Shanti, its intoxication. “What does he tell you when you are together?”
“He tells me I’m beautiful.”
Marissa let her fingers trail down the curve of Celia’s belly to the apex of her legs. “And what do you tell him when you are alone?”
A shudder passed through the girl. Pleasure? Panic?
“I tell him what he means to me. How he makes me feel.”
“Is that all?”
Celia’s gaze darted around the room, an uneasy dance that ended with her eyes rolling up until only the whites could be seen. She collapsed in a heap.
Marissa leapt back, glancing from left to right for the source of Celia’s ailment. She spread her arms wide, fingers outstretched. “Morn dracthmas kuldirath benyous, soulvalkas teramir.”
A hiss issued from the unconscious girl, and a moment later, the tent filled with blackened smoke. Marissa stared down the face that billowed in the haze. Its unrecognizable features shifted and expanded, its gaping mouth elongating, moving quickly over her until it consumed her and everything went black.
Chapter Forty-Six
A cheer went up from the travelers when the Crystal Palace appeared on the horizon, with Taryn adding her voice to the others. The trip had been uneventful, but the amount of apprehension surrounding her was claustrophobic. Ebus kept watch on Celia but had witnessed no other visits. In confidence, he told Taryn about the conversation he’d overheard in Marissa’s tent after Celia’s visit with her phantom lover.
Ebus didn’t see anyone else enter the tent, but when he heard Celia collapse and Marissa’s hastily whispered spell, he’d known something terrible had happened. Not wanting to expose himself, he’d screamed, high-pitched like a woman, calling the attention of a nearby guard. They’d found Marissa unconscious, a dark stain covering her hands.
It had taken the healers until morning, but Celia and Marissa had recovered, neither remembering anything. After that night, neither woman mentioned the lover again.
For the remainder of the trip, Taryn had divided her time between riding alongside the younger princesses’ carriage and that of her oldest sister. Despite their claims of amnesia, Taryn suspected Marissa and Celia recalled everything. They’d danced and drank as normal, but a haunted expression hid in the depths of their eyes.
The entourage crested a ridge and outriders raced to greet them, once again escorting them through the streets of Talaith. Kaida rode in Taryn’s pouch, face and paws hanging out to better see. She barked at the same time a chill ran down Taryn’s spine.
Baehlon wheeled his horse, scanning the area, as did Rhoane, but they saw nothing. The icy clutch of dread did not leave Taryn as the group continued up the short hill to the palace; only once they were through the gates did Taryn truly let out her breath. She kissed the grierbas on her head, whispering, “Welcome to your new home, Kaida.”
My home is with you, mi carae.
“Was that you?”
Of course. Who did you expect? Kaida’s high-pitched voice sounded much like a small child’s.
I didn’t know you could speak to me.
Kaida’s little mouth opened as if she were grinning. It is you who finally learned to speak to me.
Are we speaking the language of grierbas?
Of course. What do I know of the language of man?
Taryn laughed out loud, eliciting strange looks from Hayden and several other riders. She fluffed Kaida’s fur, kissing her again. I love you, my little furball.
Kaida growled, but with her little muzzle and tiny voice, it came out more like a giggle and not at all threatening.
Taryn didn’t know who was
welcomed less at the palace—Lorilee or Kaida. Ellie reserved her opinion, but Cora made it clear neither was appreciated. When she refused to speak to Lorilee or acknowledge Kaida, Taryn had no recourse but to release her from service. Incensed, Cora stormed from her rooms, vowing the empress would hear of Taryn’s actions.
“You’ve not made a friend with that one,” Lorilee said with no small amount of relief.
“I think I’ll get over it.” As a precaution, she warded all her rooms to keep Cora out.
Although little had changed at the palace, her return to Talaith was much different from the first time she’d arrived. She had a household to set up, and with Hayden’s help, within the first week she’d added several members to her staff, including a new maid named Saeko. She blended well with Lorilee and Ellie, but there was something mysterious about the girl that intrigued Taryn. Margaret Tan supervised Taryn’s choice for her House colors and insignia, settling on a silver sun and star pierced by a sword on a midnight blue background.
Settling into her new role as head of House Galendrin was only part of the challenge Taryn faced on their return. Kaida grew at an alarming rate, her soft puppy fur giving way to a smooth overcoat covering her gangly adolescent body. Despite her insistence that she knew nothing of man’s languages, Taryn spoke to her mostly in Elennish, only using the language of grierbas for private matters.
Since Taryn refused to leave her penned up in her rooms, she brought her everywhere she went, except formal dinners and feasts, where Lliandra forbade her presence. Her mother’s fear of Kaida becoming a wild beast was unfounded; in truth, Kaida was better behaved than most of the courtiers.
Taryn spent most of her free time in the library poring over ancient texts, trying to unravel the mystery of what happened between Rykoto and Daknys, believing that in their story lay the crux of what was happening on Aelinae. She was determined to discover all she could about the prophecies and the Shadow Assassin.
She was rushing through the halls one afternoon, late to meet Sabina and the others, when she almost collided with Herbret outside the library.
“I’m in a bit of a hurry. If you’ll excuse me,” she said, motioning him aside.
Herbret stood in front of the heavy doors, and Taryn had to step around him to enter the library, but he blocked her with his bulk. “I’ve been meaning to find you to discuss Harvest festivities.”
Taryn gave him a blank look. “What? Yeah, okay, make an appointment with my seneschal secretary guy. I really am in a rush.” She nudged past him, but he was like a statue. “Herbret, what’s wrong with you? Move.” He harrumphed and planted his feet into the marble floor. “Seriously? If you don’t move your ass this instant, I’ll hang you from the top of the flagpole in your small clothes.” She could probably do it.
Herbret scooted a fraction to the side, fat droplets of sweat dotting his upper lip.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re trying to hide something. Are you, Herbret?”
A slight squeaky tremor to his voice gave him away. “Of course not, Your Highness. You’ve been locked in here for too long, and I simply must discuss some important matters with you.”
“As much as I’d love to stay here and discuss whatever it is you think is important, I’m late to something I think is important. I won’t ask you again. Move.”
He sidled a step to his left, and she pushed past him to open the door, breathing in the musty aroma of the library. A lightness settled around her as it always did when she entered the cavernous space.
The library took up five floors of the north wing. Merchants and courtiers moved through the stacks, silent in their quests. She sped past them to the secluded corner she’d staked out as her own. Dozens of threads of ShantiMari protected the space from anyone not permitted to enter. Not her ShantiMari, but the librarian’s. Scrolls and parchment were scattered across the top of a huge table where she’d left them the previous day. She rummaged through a stack of papers, looking for the letter she’d received from her uncle. It had a message for Hayden she needed to share. Tucked under her teacup was a sealed envelope. The front was blank and Taryn knew the letter inside would be unsigned. She’d received several similar notes since arriving in Talaith. Always anonymous, always with a clue to help with her research. She had no idea who sent them, or even if they were an ally, but she read each and annotated her findings based on the clues.
A movement to her right distracted her from her search, and she looked up to find Celia pawing through a shelf of rolled scrolls. Taryn knew the section well. It housed ancient prophecies and utterances from oracles the world over.
“Celia? What are you doing?”
She spun around, a manic look in her eyes. Her hand whipped behind her back. “Nothing. I mean, the crown princess asked me to recover an old register.” She waved the scroll in the air. “Found it.” Before Taryn could ask to see the paper, Celia ran off, her slippers shushing on the thick carpet.
“Okay, then,” Taryn muttered and debated following her. But she was already late, and Celia often borrowed scrolls from the library. She shrugged it off and resumed her search for the letter. Once found, she hurried to the beach.
Kaida ran along the shore, barking and snapping at the waves as they tumbled against the sand. Taryn paused in her steps to relax, to savor the moment. The people she loved most were at the cove, waiting for her. She looked down at the gathered group and counted her blessings, which, she was happily surprised to find, were many.
She jogged the rest of the distance and flopped on a blanket beside Sabina before handing the letter to Hayden. He scanned his father’s words and carefully folded the parchment, placing it in his tunic pocket. Instead of the stiff breeches and heavy frocks they’d previously worn, Taryn had Tarro make them shorts, and for the girls, midriff-baring tank tops made from soft cotton. It was the scandal of the court, but with the next tide there would be a new scandal.
“I worry about you.” Sabina sat next to Taryn, watching her face. “Since we’ve returned, you spend your days fighting or studying. You need more of this.” She waved her hand expansively around the cove.
“It’s true, darling. You work yourself much too hard.” Faelara sat under a skirm tree, its broad leaves providing shade, but still she wore a huge straw hat to keep the sun from her skin. That she’d even come to the beach surprised Taryn.
“No rest for the wicked, eh?” Taryn joked. But they were right. Since returning to Talaith, she’d left little time for anything fun.
“Race me.” Sabina took off before Taryn had a chance to recover.
She sprinted past Tessa and Eliahnna, who were introducing Kaida to the depths of the ocean, and dove into the waves. The cool water flowed over her, and she swam with even strokes to the rocky island where Sabina waited. Hayden splashed beside her, pulling himself up first before reaching out a hand to help Taryn. They lay on their backs, shielding their eyes from the sun. The days were getting shorter, the water colder, as they headed into Harvest. Summer’s last breath was sighing into the past.
“Where were you when I was growing up?” Hayden asked his cousin. “Those girls never liked to come down here until you arrived.”
“I am quite curious to know where you were raised,” Sabina admitted.
Taryn pointed vaguely at the mountains. “Over there or maybe there,” she said, nodding toward Haversham.
“You’re such a bloody tease,” Hayden said, mimicking her speech. He pushed on her shoulder. “Why’s it such a big secret?”
“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me for a start, and if you did, well, then, I’d have to kill you.”
“I tell you my secrets; it’s only fair you tell me yours.” Sabina pouted.
Taryn leaned forward, beckoning them closer. “I come from beyond the stars.” They both slapped her leg, and she laughed at their stricken faces. She rolled to her side, facing them. “Hayden, can you come to my rooms tonight? I want to try again.”
His lips pu
rsed in displeasure. They’d met several times since returning to Talaith, but Hayden hadn’t been able to teach her any of his Dark skills. It was as if there was a void where her Dark Shanti should be. She could sense it, almost pull from it, but could never quite grasp it.
“Are you certain? Last time you nearly set yourself aflame.”
That wasn’t entirely true. She’d been recreating the ice and fire effect she’d discovered after her coronation and lost control for a split second. She’d doused the flames and no one was the wiser. Except Hayden, who’d witnessed the whole thing.
“I’ll be more careful. Just one more time, please?”
“When have I ever been able to deny you?” He tugged on a strand of her silvery hair. “You’ll be the death of me.”
“Don’t say that.” Her tone held an ominous edge. “Never say such a thing.”
“It looks as though your beloved has decided to join us.” Sabina squinted toward shore, where Rhoane and Baehlon were setting down two large baskets. “And he’s brought tea. I’m famished.” She dove into the water and swam away with elegant strokes.
“She can sense the future, you know. It sometimes upsets her to the point of melancholy.”
Taryn didn’t know. Apparently Sabina did keep secrets. Her friend emerged from the waves, shaking her long hair free of water.
“You were telling the truth, weren’t you?”
“Yes and no.” She didn’t want to lie. Not to him. Not anymore. “Someday I’ll tell you where I was all those seasons, but not yet.”
“I think I’ve known since that day at Ravenwood when you kicked the sword off me. We were already connected mentally, but the sword strengthened the bond. It wasn’t until the Narthvier that I realized all the strange images and memories I was having were actually from you.”
The Stones of Resurrection Page 43