by Krystal Wade
“Ow!” Perth rubs his bicep. “I will teach you if you promise me something first.”
“If it has anything to do with a kiss—”
“Katriona, I am serious. Just promise to bring me with you if you decide to run away. If it gets so bad you cannot handle it anymore and you and Arland and everyone else escape this place to live out your prophecy, please, take me with you. Do not leave me behind with these … these—”
I place my fist over my heart. “I promise.”
“Thank you,” he says, mirroring my action. “So what would you like to know?”
“Well, Rhoswen snapped her fingers and lit most of the candles in here. I’m sure I could do that if I wanted, but is there a word I need to say? She said she couldn’t believe I didn’t know Ground or Sea Dweller magic.”
“She spoke with you again?” His loud gulp shakes me.
“Y-yes. Why?”
Perth paces across the room, running his fingers through his short, blond locks. “Were you planning to tell anyone?”
“I forgot. I sent her away, then you came in, and my mom, and … .”
“Katriona.” He growls. “How could you be so—?”
“If you say stupid, I will burn you.”
He rolls his eyes. “Careless.”
I get to my feet, march to the brooding Ground Dweller standing by my silly throne-like chair, then cross my arms over my chest. “I trust her. Don’t ask me why; I just do. I know you will say I shouldn’t, like so many said I shouldn’t trust you. So if you plan on letting me down, tell me now, then I won’t trust her either.”
Perth strides up to me till our faces are mere inches apart. “Even if she has turned, the others will tell.”
“You don’t know that. Your father will kill her if he discovers she is on the path of Light. And who would want to die? Who would want to be beaten for your father’s cause?”
He leans back, shaking his head as if he’s just been slapped. “No, you are right. My kind is too selfish to sacrifice themselves, but if she tells anyone, anyone who might not be on the right path, we will all be doomed.”
“Now will you teach me Ground Dweller magic?”
Perth pulls out a chair from the table. “Sit. This will take a while.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
“You’re telling me to think only of myself when I want to build a weapon? Weapons—”
“Protections, Katriona. The magic was manipulated because we thought of the weapons as protection. We lied to nature about our intentions, confusing the magic. And in the end, we confused ourselves.” Perth stares at a floating piece of broken chair between us as it transforms into a dagger. The wood stretches out, snapping and blending into a handle all at once. The blade grows, splintering and dropping shards of oak onto the table.
“Go ahead, touch it.”
I reach out my hand, and the newly created dagger darts across the room then lands on my pillow. “What … ?”
He flashes a boyish, lopsided grin. “When I requested help from the magic, I told it to keep you safe while you rest.”
“Why?”
“If someone comes in here, anyone, I want you to protect yourself.” Perth tips his head toward my poster bed.
“It will be invisible to all but you and me. Do you see how dangerous this is?”
“You mean your father could be heavily armed and no one would know the difference?”
He narrows his eyes ever so slightly. “Is heavily armed, and only those who he allows to see know the difference.”
I close my eyes. “Perth?”
“Yes?”
“Does he plan on killing anyone we know?” I try to hide my caution, but it lines my tone, thick and dark.
“The thought has crossed his mind on more than one occasion.”
Standing, I stare at him. “He’s not only a pig, he’s insane!”
Perth catches my hand before I storm away from the table. “Please, do not lose faith in him.”
“Faith? I never had faith in him, Perth.”
“No one has ever taught him the difference between right and wrong.”
“No one ever taught you either and yet here you are. And I don’t have much faith in anyone right now. High Leader Maher caves into everyone’s demands, your father … I have no words for him, my mother is doing her own thing, Arland and Brit are God knows where—”
“And yet, here I am.”
I laugh, high-pitched and shrill, and then the laughter sinks to my stomach, doubling me over until I can’t breathe. “Perth”—I gasp for air—”you always have a way of making me laugh. You’re right; you are here, and I have not lost faith in you.”
Thump, thump, thump.
I freeze. “Who … ?”
“I cannot see through walls.” He shrugs. “But grab the dagger, and find a place for it on you.”
“You said I could only use it in bed.”
“I lied. Just grab it and walk with me. If Rhoswen said anything, they will certainly be here to take you away.”
Turning around, I head for the wooden bed adorned with red drapery, snatch the dagger then shove it down the front of my dress. “Are you positive no one can see this?”
“Only me.” He clasps my hand then leads me toward the door. “Who is it?”
“Vanora.” She clears her throat. “Your father requires you and Katriona be present for a dance in the great room.”
“Why did he send her?” I whisper.
“I do not know. Maybe he wishes to have you view your mother’s next punishment.” Perth’s shoulders slump and he sighs. “Tell him we will be there shortly. Katriona and I are just finishing up a few things.”
“I bet you are finishing her up quite well.” Cyric’s muffled voice echoes through the door.
Vanora snorts. “So have they made a lot of noise then?”
“Oh you know, the occasional giggle, a few raised voices, but none of those noises Deverell and I have so hoped to hear.”
The distinct sound of skin meeting skin rings out, and I know someone was slapped. “You disgust me, Cyric.”
“I thought you liked us Ground Dwellers.”
“There is only one … .”
“Oh, Vanora, wait!”
I imagine Cyric chasing after Vanora, and laugh at how funny that must look; she’s at least a foot taller and as vibrant as life itself, and he’s colorless.
I cross my arms over my chest. “What was that all about?”
Perth’s chin quivers then he shakes his head. “Nothing.”
“And you think I believe that?” I ask, raising my voice.
He puts his fingers to his lips, hushing me. “She and I met when we were little. Long before I ever knew of you or my father’s plans for us, I promised I would be Bound to her. But … .”
“Then you learned of your father’s plans, and he ripped you two apart.”
“We were just children, Katriona, but she has never forgiven me. I had no clue about love or longevity, or my father’s sanity,” he says, running his fingers through his hair.
“Are you trying to tell me you no longer have any feelings for her?”
Perth focuses on me, intensity burning through me, hand squeezing hard around mine. “My heart is tormented, just like my past. Whether I had or have feelings for her is of little or no consequence.” He reaches for the door handle then pauses. “Is this how your friend Brad felt all those years by your side?”
My breath escapes me. Tears build behind my eyes, bringing heat into my cheeks and shaking in my core. “How dare you! He may not have had the courage to say he had feelings for me, but at least he didn’t make me feel like a jerk when I didn’t reciprocate them. A god did. I’m sorry, Perth. I can’t make everyone happy. I can’t even make myself happy. Arland is gone, my sister, Mom, my best friend—their fates are mostly out of my control—and you’re standing here before me, trying to make me … what? What is it you want from me? You want me to kiss you again? You want me to go
out there and pretend to be your future wife a little longer so you can get your fill? Hell, Perth, my mom was right. If a Leader would just denounce what Foghlad did, maybe your people would be better off. You could be that Leader, but all you want is another kiss. I’ll give it to you if you’ll promise to grow up.”
Moving into him, I grab his face with my hands then crash my lips onto his. I part his cold, thin mouth forcefully, greet his unmoving tongue with mine, then push him away. Tears stream down my face. “I love Arland, Perth. I can’t help that. I love him, and he loves me. Together we are the key. Not Perth and Katriona. Remember what the Seer told you, or you will wind up very much alone.”
I storm from the room. Deverell doesn’t even look at me, but I spot a glimpse of blue in his eyes, and I know he’s on the right path. Hopefully he stays that way and keeps this to himself. I’m sure he heard.
“Did you see which way she went?” Perth’s voice is distant from where I hide on the stairwell outside the great room, but I know he’ll find me.
Wiping the tears from my eyes, I stand, back braced against the crumbling stone wall for support. Waiting.
Footsteps clop up the stairs.
My heart sinks to my stomach.
“Katriona?” he calls.
“I am here,” I say, stepping out of the shadows into the dim light cast by one of the burning sconces.
He turns and sighs. “I am so sorry. What I said, it was uncalled for. I did not want that kiss, not that way.”
“Let’s not talk about it.” I glance at the wall where so many candles are missing from their holders. “Have you noticed an unusual amount of light missing? I mean, it is always dark, but now even more.”
“I have. I worry we are running low on wax.” Perth reaches out for me then quickly clasps his hands behind his back.
“Give me your hand. We would not want to disappoint. We have to play this game, remember?” I whisper. “I am sorry for accusing you otherwise. The line between you doing the right thing and you doing this for your own selfish reasons keeps getting skewed in my head.”
“You are not the one who skewed it; that was all my doing. I do have feelings for you, how could I not? As a child I loved Vanora, but she wishes to be evil just for a chance of being with me, and I do not need any more darkness in my life. Please, forgive me for what I said and for the feelings I have no control over?”
“Of course.”
Perth takes my hand, and we enter into the great room to play this game a little longer.
“May I walk the children to their rooms?” Mom asks Dufaigh.
He didn’t bring us in here to watch her be punished again. In fact, he hasn’t allowed her to move from his side or speak until now. The twisted Leader brought Perth and me in here to dance in front of everyone, to smile and laugh, to be in love.
Perth glances at his father. “I do not mind, sir.”
“Very well. Do not keep them up long. Your daughter carries a lack of sleep under her eyes. Katriona needs to be well rested. We have many more events planned for the next two weeks.”
“I understand.” Mom offers me her arm, and I hook mine through. “Shall we go then?”
I smile. “Yes.”
Perth walks next to us, keeping up the slow pace, hands behind his back, gaze on the floor. He steps aside, allowing us to exit first. The wooden doors rattle closed then we all walk a little faster.
“Mom, have you seen Brit?”
She shakes her head.
“Are you not worried?”
“Katriona,” she chides. “Of course I worry for my child, but she is a grown woman. She chose to spend her time with Arland Maher, and there is nothing I can do to stop her.”
Glancing around, I spot the small Ground Dwellers behind us, standing guard over the giant doors. I sigh. “It pains me to know she cares more for him than the rest of her family.”
Mom pats my hand. “I know, dear.”
We enter my room, slide the locks over my cell gate, then take seats around the table. Mom sits next to me while Perth sits across from us.
I rest my head on her shoulder, something I haven’t done since I was little. “Where are they?”
“Honestly I don’t know, Kate.”
I bolt up. “What? How could you not know?”
Her face softens, and her green eyes turn down. “I am just as in the dark as everyone else, and not in a position to go asking questions.”
“The night they left, when I kissed Perth, I had a vi—”
“Shh.” She holds up a hand. “Don’t speak of what you saw. Not to me. The less I know, the less you know, the better off we all are. You should push it from your mind, don’t talk or think about it … just let it go, Kate. Arland would not endanger his people by leaving you alone. He cannot be far.”
Perth meets my eyes then nods, as if he’s agreeing. He cannot possibly agree with this. Or he can—of course he can. He wants me. I’m sure he’s quite happy Arland and Brit are gone.
No.
I have to stop thinking about that. Perth wants to do the right thing.
“My personal feelings aside, Katriona, if you knew where they were … in fact if any one of us knew where they were, we would not appear as worried. The worry comes across for your sister even though your mother and I know it to be different. The emotion works well for us. People see you and me together; they see you looking around for Brit and feel sorry for us. These Draíochtans are blinded by my father’s callous ways, by his bending of truth. And not just my people, Light Lovers and Sea Dwellers alike are confused by him.”
“These people are under some sick impression my presence has saved them, yet your father doesn’t want me to fight. He doesn’t want you to fight. He just wants the power. He’s led by pride.”
“His father is under a spell just like the rest of them. Deep in his heart he wants our people to be united. Did you hear him in the great room? When he wanted to condemn me, I asked him if he wanted to unite our people … .”
I purse my lips. “I heard. But what I don’t understand is why he isn’t hurting you.”
“Did you forget I am the only person alive who can perform your Binding?”
“I guess I did. So is everyone under Foghlad’s spell?”
“Yes,” they say in unison.
I look at Perth sitting with his arms crossed over his chest. “But your father is worse than the rest of them.”
“If the spell is ever broken, he may still be a cruel, heartless man, but I do not know that for sure. And pray it is not his truth.”
“I should go.” Mom stands, smiling down on me and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You have done well, Kate. Your father would be proud of your strength, of your courage, of your pureness.”
“Do you really have to go so soon?” I stand then wrap my arms around her.
She holds me at arm’s length. “This will be our routine. You and Perth will spend every day together. He will come for you in the morning, you will keep your head low, try not to say anything that will give you away to anyone, smile at one another, hold hands, kiss, whatever you must do while we figure out what it is that will bring us together.”
“You mean whatever it is that will break the spell?”
“Yes.” Mom crosses the room then presses her palm on the door handle. “Spend the evenings together as well. And Perth—”
He looks up, no emotion on his face, but his features are even more colored. His cheeks appear rosy, and his eyes are a deep shade of gorgeous green. “Yes, Leader Wilde?”
“I’m trusting you to keep her safe.”
He smiles, eyes turning even darker green, and places his fist over his heart. “I promise not to let either of you down.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sleep is the furthest thing from my mind. It’s been fourteen days since I’ve seen Arland. I don’t blame him for not coming around, but I miss him. Miss his hands, warm and strong, wrapped around mine. Miss his lips, full and sweet,
trailing along my skin. Miss the smell of the morning forest drifting off him. Miss his emerald eyes always radiating with love, locked with mine.
I cannot stand holding hands with Perth, cannot stand the quick kisses in front of our captive audience. He plays into it so well. All the smiling, waving, and telling everyone how excited he is about our Binding—sometimes I forget he’s acting. Sometimes I think he doesn’t want to be.
The lie is more difficult for me.
I’ve had to profess my love for Perth in front of my true love.
The torment on Arland’s face when I ignited in flames during that kiss with Perth has not stopped haunting me. Every day I exit my room and expect to see Arland there, guarding me with his life the way he swore he always would, but the same two Ground Dwellers who’ve followed me everywhere for the last two weeks are the only ones who greet me.
Sitting next to High Leader Maher during meals hasn’t helped any. Our conversations haven’t gone beyond two words—good morning, good afternoon, or good evening—but everything about his appearance reminds me of Arland.
And that’s as far as the similarities go.
The highest, most powerful Leader of Encardia is a fool. He’s weak and scared. I’m not sure how my mom and dad could have ever been friends with him, and I’m not sure where Arland inherited his strength. He and his father are complete opposites. If Leader Maher was different in the past, his current self does little to prove it. Dufaigh walks all over him, all over everyone. He and his people—and some of my own—revel in the glory of having me, Katriona Wilde, deliverer of Light, attached to the Ground Dwellers’ side.
Arland’s soldiers—my soldiers—have been non-existent in my life since we arrived. The few times I’ve run into any of them, they barely looked in my direction. They know this is all smoke and mirrors, but the respect they have for Arland is far greater than what they have for anyone else.
I’m betraying their greatest Leader on a daily basis.
Someone taps on the heavy wooden door. The rolled-up wool sock I’ve been throwing at the ceiling hits my face. Tossing the makeshift ball aside, I prop myself on my elbows then create a flame in my hand. The light illuminates the door decorated with gold-lined carvings of ivy and jasmine—proving yet again how lost these people are.