by Isu Yin
Myrna opened her hands to either side of her. “Listen, we hear a lot from travelers and clients, and Madam is very open with us. Before you arrived, we received notice that she would be taking you under wing as her pupil.”
Tori closed her eyes and opened them again, looking fiercer. “Interesting, isn’t it? I already knew when I came here, that the Princess of Macellarius was the Capital’s precious Heiress.” She sneered, “Lost princess? You’re a kingdom away. I wonder why they don’t just take you back.”
“Tori!” Myrna’s brow furrowed. “Look, we don’t know all the details, but the Madam seems to be striking up some kind of rebellion.”
Fortuna entered the hallway from a room down the hall, her arms folded to support the weight of her bosom. “Myrna, Tori, don’t try to explain things you don’t fully comprehend.”
Myrna bowed her head. “My apologies, Madam.”
Fortuna smirked. “The three of you, come with me.”
Tori and Myrna exchanged glances and looked back at Fate, and all three girls rushed into the room after Fortuna and sat down.
Fate clutched the skirt of her dress. “Is it true? Am I really supposed to be the Future Heiress?”
Fortuna responded simply, “Yes.”
“Then can’t I just go to the Capital?”
“No.”
“Then what are they talking about when they say there’s a rebellion?”
Myrna ran her fingers through her short curly hair. “I don’t understand. Why aren’t they looking for her? If they searched then they would have found her immediately.”
Fortuna’s golden eyes gleamed in the shadows. “This information must never reach anyone outside of the Rebellion. If it does, I’m afraid we will have to hunt you down and kill you.”
Tori’s mouth twitched faintly.
Fortuna shot a glare. “Especially you, Tori. You must learn to humble yourself.” She looked at each girl carefully. “The decisions you make after today will either save or destroy the empire. Each and every one of you will play a role in this grand design. Whether or not your role is big or small is irrelevant. A machine cannot run without every cog functioning properly.”
The three girls nodded at each other.
Fortuna sighed. “I cannot tell you everything you wish to know, not without endangering you. The first thing you must know now is that the current high power has been tainted.”
Tori’s voice strained. “Tainted?”
“I shouldn’t say tainted, as that’s inaccurate. What I mean to say is the High King has been infected by miasma. The Empire is in danger of falling at his hands. This rebellion you’ve just heard about is a group of highly trained Ancients working to restore balance to the Empire. I’m a part of it, as are many others whose names I have no right to disclose. If they should tell you themselves, that’s another matter.”
Fate glanced at her new sisters’ ghastly expressions. “What is miasma? I don’t understand.”
Fortuna raised her brows. “Praise be, child, miasma is negative energy that contaminates and plagues the people of Mu. Most people can’t see it but the air grows heavy whenever someone is infected. There are people known as the Tainted who emit this energy and cause ailment, destruction, and even death everywhere they go. By law, it is required to turn them into the Council to prevent the plague from spreading.”
“You said the High King is tainted?”
“That was a mistake on my part. He’s infected with the plague, not tainted. Still, those infected can spread it as well. That’s why it’s very serious that the High King is infected. Everyone around him could potentially spread the disease.”
Fate’s skin turned cold. “Is that why you tried to stop me from running to the Capital?”
Fortuna’s eyes blistered with consternation. “It’s not just the High King. We cannot trust the Council with our affairs. This betrayal began long ago, and I wish nothing more than to put an end to it.”
Tori sat back, pressing her hands over her mouth. “Even the Royal Council? What’s going on?”
Fortuna cringed when she replied. “I believe this matter is far grander than the state of the Empire. I fear someone is corrupting our world for a greater purpose, but am still unclear on many of the details myself.”
Tori slapped her hands against the mats. “What? Who? How could this be? You mean someone is intentionally infecting our leaders?”
Fortuna quickly checked the hall. “Listen, I am here to protect Fate. This is no time to be bitter or angry. We must teach her quickly and prepare for the storm ahead.”
Myrna reached out and patted Fortuna’s hand. “Madam, what can we do to help?”
Fortuna looked at Tori first. “Tori, you are a brilliant girl. I have mentioned your talent to the High Queen, Heqet.”
Tori’s cheeks flushed. “What?”
“You’re from a lost family. I was able to bargain with the High King. When you become of age, Queen Heqet will send a representative to serve at the auction. If any harm should come to you prior to the auction, you will immediately be taken in by the Capital to protect your bloodline.”
Her blue eyes grew wide. “Madam, I’m sorry. I’ve been awful.”
Fortuna folded her hands properly and nodded. “Your heart is kind, Tori. You must learn to express that generosity.”
Tori sat forward quickly. “Madam, how can I help? I wish to assist your cause.”
“Tori, you will become our eyes and ears at the Capital. You must become our scholar and learn as much as you can under Queen Heqet’s wing. Complete any task she sets for you.”
“Yes, Madam!” Tori bowed her head. “I swear my allegiance!”
Fortuna fought a chuckle. “Praise be, girl, you are trouble.” She turned her attention to Myrna next. “Myrna, I have found you a suitable patron. My accomplice....” She trailed off and shortly returned. “He’s taking in several of my apprentices to fund a small organization. That organization will travel Mu and record private data to support my private foundation.”
Myrna bowed her head as well. “It would be an honor, Madam.”
Fate watched the other two girls in confusion. “What about me?”
Fortuna finally concentrated on her. “I will raise you here until you become of age. Use that time to grow and plan your future. I don’t know what path you will choose, but I will support you and help bring balance back to this kingdom.”
“That’s all I have? I don’t have more—”
Fortuna lifted Fate’s chin with a finger. “More guidance? No. There are many complicated pieces to your puzzle. I will teach you to the best of my ability, and then you must use your skills to choose your own destiny. Will you pursue the Empire or reclaim Nex? Do you wish for vengeance or do you wish to take Abyssus and run far away? The choice will be yours. I will simply offer my guidance, no matter what path you may choose.” She stood and cast a smile over her shoulder. “Choose wisely, and remember always: you do what you must to survive.”
I never once imagined living my childhood within the walls of a brothel. The wonderful days I spent by my brother’s side vanished within the blink of an eye, and ideas of the Rebellion flooded my mind with the might of a tidal wave.
The brothel’s activities focused on entertainment and etiquette, which many of the girls enjoyed, but I knew why we were learning. I couldn’t forget my father’s purpose for selling me off, that he wanted to marry me. Every day, I was reminded that the man who raised me would grow to be an old man by the time I was purchased.
To make matters worse, Neco brought in a new storm just before my last visit. That storm was a soldier named Mortis, and I knew from the moment I laid eyes on him that he was going to be my worst nightmare.
Fate arrived outside the entrance of Macellarius Palace, impatiently waiting to see her brother. The doors opened and, rather than seeing Abyssus, she stared wide-eyed at a red-haired man towering over her. She knew of people like him—the Aska. They were rumored to be the most for
midable warriors in existence, and she could see why.
The man’s green eyes pierced through her as he stooped to fit through the doorway.
Fate felt a hand on her shoulder, and instinctively withdrew from the entrance. All the while, her gaze fixed on the colossal man in utter dismay.
Fortuna gasped faintly, “Praise be, you startled me.” She took a second glance at the menacing man and her eyes widened. “Mortis?”
Mortis narrowed his eyes at her, then trudged towards the main gates.
“Not very friendly, is he? That’s fine. We’re not here for his company.”
Fate couldn’t stop watching him. Her heart still pounded even after he left her sight. The man kept her so entranced that she nearly jumped out of her skin at her brother’s welcoming embrace.
“Sis, I have so much to tell you!” He had already dragged her halfway across the hall by the time he told her to follow.
She staggered upstairs after him, looking down into the main hall. For a moment, she met eyes with Neco, and he sneered as usual. The mere thought of him made her stomach churn.
Abyssus rushed her into his room and closed the door. His movements were so rapid and erratic that he zipped through her line of sight. After collecting his journal, he stepped outside to sit at the corner of the balcony. “Let’s talk out here.”
She tucked her dress under her knees and sat beside him. “Out here? Do you think it’s safe?”
“Safe?”
Images of Mortis seared into her head. She checked the yard, expecting to see him staring back at her. “That tall guard is scary.”
“You mean Mortis?”
“When did he move here?”
“Hmm... I think it’s been seven suns. Anyway, I found something interesting, and I wanted to show you.”
His negligence caused her unease. She wanted to believe in Firmus’s ability to protect Abyssus, but couldn’t help thinking the worst. “What do you want to show me?”
He grinned from ear to ear and pointed down towards the hedges. “It’s over there. I made notes about it in my journal.”
She looked closely as her brother raised his journal. He had written many notes about the hedge, something about a hole that led to the other side.
He said, “I’ve decided that I’m going to start taking notes for you. You know, just in case.”
“In case... what?”
He often got his way by being endearing, but never with Fate. She disliked that he even tried what she called rabbiting free of conviction. The term worked well, because he both prattled and used his charm to escape.
She peered at him through her thick blunt bangs. “How about you just stay out of trouble.”
“I can’t waste time hiding from Mortis. I have to prove my worth.”
“If this is about worth, then you’re worth more than the world to me.”
He hid his face behind his open journal.
She recognized that he lacked confidence, but she admired his inventive mind. The only trouble was his boundless curiosity, which she feared would one day bring him misfortune.
He climbed down the pillar with the journal tucked under his arm. “Come on!”
Fate followed as quickly as she could while he scanned the yard. She hardly had time to catch her breath before he ran off towards the massive hedge that separated the two palaces.
They drew closer towards a patch of sparse leaves.
Fate placed her hands out at both sides and pushed through the tangle of twigs. The branches slapped against her face as she walked. Before she realized it, she had become trapped by the skirt of her gown. When she tried walking again she tripped over her brother, and they hit the ground. The impact sent his journal soaring from his hands, out through the opening of the hedge and straight to the lawn on the opposite side.
He raised his head and leaned against his elbows. “Sis!”
She buried her face against his back. “I’m sorry.”
He crawled out to collect his journal, and she followed. Instead of retreating, they stood in the yard to observe. The neighboring palace stood close by, its white walls reflecting the sun into their eyes.
“This is Nitor Palace,” he said.
She stood closely, attempting to hide from the guards that might’ve been watching. “We should go.”
He patted her arm and pointed to the balcony hanging over the yard. “Hey, I know that guy.”
She followed his gesture, hoping to put an end to the distraction, but she ended up staring. She also recognized that guy as the boy she saw on her seventh birthday.
Now he stood on his balcony railing, dangling one foot over the edge.
Panic surged through her body and she screamed, “Don’t jump!”
The white-haired boy tilted his head. His eyes were so unusual, so spiritless, in spite of their unique mint color.
An armor-clad woman gazed up at the balcony, horrified. “Hero, what are you doing? Get down from there!”
Fate pulled her brother’s arm. “Abyssus, we have to hide!”
As soon as they were out of sight, he parted the leaves and watched the scene occurring outside. “Sis, I think that’s the Prince of Nitor.”
“Why does it matter? He’s about to jump from his balcony!”
“Nah, he won’t jump.” He turned to write something in his journal.
“How do you know?”
“He’s a Caeles. If you had studied like me then you’d know better.”
Fate huffed at him. “Can you stop being sarcastic?” Even though he was frustrating, she had to admit he was right—Prince Hero didn’t jump, and he was soon removed from the balcony.
Abyssus slipped a piece of hard candy in his mouth. “He’s one of the last ice elementals in existence. He can’t die, because the Council would have a fit if he did. That woman was probably there to guard him. Believe me when I say, we have a higher chance of seeing the sky fall.”
If that’s true, then how did he end up on the balcony? Why weren’t they watching him more closely?
“Is this what you’ve been doing since I left? Snooping around?”
“You didn’t leave, you were sent away. Don’t get confused.” He thumped his journal shut. “I’m studying for the greater good.”
“What’s that?”
He maneuvered back towards Macellarius with Fate trailing behind him. “I threw away the Cruentus family name. I will never serve Neco. I will fight against him until the day I die.”
She pulled him back as they exited through the other side of the hedge. “Abyssus, this isn’t funny. You’re really going to be killed.”
“He can’t kill me. If he does, he’ll lose you.” He may have been right, but only about Neco.
A shadow stretched over the siblings like a cloak. They traced it from the ground to the man looming ahead—Mortis.
He reached out a hand and gripped Abyssus by the head.
Fate froze, afraid that a single blink might cause Mortis to crush her brother’s skull.
The hand gripping Abyssus’ head strained so hard its veins bulged. Mortis’s presence chased away the natural flow of air. He was a spiritual pollutant that radiated menacing intent. Being around him was asphyxiating.
The attack lured Neco outside, and his expression darkened. “Unhand him! Abyssus is not to be harmed.”
Mortis deeply contemplated the request. It would have been too easy for him to take control. He clutched Abyssus tighter and sneered in delight. His enticement kept everyone still, even Neco, as they waited to see whether or not he’d decide to kill Abyssus.
Finally, Mortis removed his hand and continued his patrol.
Neco heaved a sigh of relief before returning to the palace. His plans had nearly collapsed before his eyes, all because he brought Mortis in.
Fate swung her hand and cracked her brother against the head. “Are you stupid? Why are you testing him? Can’t you see that something is wrong with him?”
He jotted down more notes in
his journal. “More so than I imagined.”
“What are you doing? This isn’t the time to take notes. He almost killed you!”
He sighed deeply. “I know you don’t understand—you couldn’t—but one day you’ll thank me.”
“What are you thinking? Won’t you tell me?”
He sat down next to the hedges to continue making his notes. After finishing part of it, he patted the lawn, beckoning Fate to join him.
She settled in by his side to listen.
“Something bad is happening in the Empire,” he said. “I’ve been trying to take notes since we first started studying together. I know you lost interest, but I couldn’t get it off my mind. I did some research and discovered that the Capital has a problem.”
She thought back to her discussion with Fortuna. “They don’t have an heir.”
“How did you know that?”
“Well, it’s completely mental, but Madam told me that I’m the Lost Heiress. She also said that the High King is corrupt.”
He leaned back to look at her carefully. “No, it makes sense.”
“It does?”
He flipped through his journal and stopped on a page titled Dolls. “It’s all beginning to make sense! If you’re the Lost Heiress, then that would mean we’re Dolls. That would explain why we can’t remember anything from before that day in the Capital!”
“You sound crazy. You’re just jumping to conclusions on your own. Do you know what people say about Dolls? Nothing good, that’s for certain. You’re excited, but you should be praying we’re not like them. Dolls only bring chaos.”
She took it from his grasp so she could read more clearly. He had written down an account of the Grim visiting the Capital at the High King’s request. It was recorded that the Doll was intended to be Bound to the Capital’s successor, Iunu Kyou, but she’d vanished during her welcoming ceremony.
“I found that information buried in some weird book,” he said.
“What was so weird about it?”
“The book just appeared out of nowhere, like magic.”
“There’s no such thing as magic.”
He pulled out a note from the back of the journal that read: I hear you like secrets. Shall I tell you one?