The Grove

by J. R. King

  “As the only true son of the king, I should command respect without a word. Instead, I’m starting fires and terrifying people. Being liked and being feared are not the same, and I’d rather have one over the other. They don’t respect me, and they never have. I’m nothing but a curiosity, just like that stupid witch that gave birth to me and then took off. Everything I am, I am because of her. I don’t want to have magic. I don’t want to run around casting spells. I just want to be normal.”

  Rome stared at him in the silence. “I respect you,” he said. “And I think you’re better than any of them will ever be. So what if you’re different? If I could wish one thing for you, it wouldn’t be to make you normal. It would be for you to stop fighting what you are, and start fighting for who you are. Besides, I think you have someone pretty powerful on your side. Someone who cares about you, even if their actions seem less than ideal. I don’t know what your father’s endgame is, but you’re already here. You might want to make the most of it.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  We’re Longing to Be

  Rain trickled down the glass at the back of the dining hall, sprinkled drops distorting the misty view. Rome sat down with his tray, rolling up his shirt sleeves. Danny had followed him from the line, taking up space at the otherwise empty table. “Your cousin’s not back in town yet, is he?”

  Danny grinned. “Are you having that much trouble staying away from her?”

  Rome frowned at the food in front of him, remaining silent.

  “I think you’ve got an opportunity,” Danny said.

  “And what is it you think I should do?”

  “I think you should go for what you want and don’t settle, or all you’ll ever get in this life is what you’re given. For some that may be enough, but for guys like you and me, we’ve got to be smarter than our lot in life. I’m not saying you have to be ruthless, but do you really think anyone on top got there by playing it safe?”

  Rome listened quietly, letting thoughts slip through his mind.

  “You want to know how I see it?” Danny said. “The world’s one huge casino—complete with bright lights, games, and smiling faces. But anything free is a marketing ploy. And you and I, we are not the house. We’re already at a disadvantage. You want the girl? Then you’re going to have to get her to start playing by your rules.”

  “It’s not really up to me,” Rome said.

  “No, but what you do is. Regret is a big burden to bear.”

  Rome grinned. “And yet I don’t see you taking your own advice.” He watched Danny feign ignorance. “Never mind.”

  ***

  A laugh split above the den, breaking through the sounds of other, more timid chatter. Ariahna sat at their normal table, watching Scarlet converse loudly with someone on the phone. The people pressing past slowed to gaze at them with curiosity, noting Scarlet’s complete lack of interest in present company.

  “So then,” Scarlet said, “are you ready for this?”

  Ariahna waved a hand at her. “You’re drawing attention.”

  Scarlet moved the mouthpiece aside, smiling widely. “Honey,” she said, “that’s what I do.” She pursed her lips at Aria’s expression. “Fine, I’ll be right back. I’ve got to take this.”

  With a sweep of long black hair, she disappeared from sight, leaving Aria to her lunch tray and the pile of books assembled beside it. The groups of students scattered throughout the open room left her with a sense of being surrounded. And there was nothing worse, when surrounded, than being utterly alone.

  Aria reached into her blazer, examining the scratched locket where it rested against her palm. She lifted the chain to the nape of her neck, securing the pendant and letting it fall over the buttons of her blouse. It wouldn’t do not to wear it, merely because she was afraid something might happen. This was the best way she could force herself to remember.

  “What’s a pretty little thing like you doing all alone?”

  Aria’s eyes snapped up, connecting the voice to a face. “Logan,” she said. “I was just waiting for someone.”

  The seat beside hers screeched across the tile, turning to face her as he melted against its frame. Slipping one knee over the other, he regarded her with an amused smile. “That’s just too sad a story for you to tell. Why not spend your lunch with me and my friend instead? We have a lot to talk about.”

  A boy lingered loosely at his shoulder, straight dark hair falling across a tanned face. Narrow eyes managed to become smaller still, and his mouth tightened in what seemed to be either a grimace or a frown.

  “I’d rather not,” she said, moving to collect her things. “Somehow, I doubt we have very much to discuss at all.”

  “How about our future engagement?”

  Ariahna stilled, glancing warily at his acquaintance.

  “Don’t worry about Trent. He’s not even here.”

  She settled, leaning forward to account for how low her voice had become. “We don’t know that for sure. It’s mere speculation at this point.”

  “My father has assured me that you are my best, if not only match as the future leader of the Collective. We will be married, make no mistake. It’s just a matter of when.” He folded his arms behind his head, leaning backwards in the seat. “Unless you’d rather kill the wait and elope? I’m sure your daddy wouldn’t mind. The sooner you become a Scott, the better.”

  Aria scooped her books into her arms, turning to regard him with distaste. “While I am aware that arranged marriages are still common in more traditional families, not all of us listen to everything we’re told. It’s my choice in the end. And respectfully, I would never choose you.”

  The sound of Logan’s amusement followed her all the way to the glass doors. “Don’t be so sure,” he said. Followed by, “You’ll come around.”

  Ariahna sped across the courtyard, heading nowhere in a hurry. The rain had stopped, but Logan’s abrupt declaration of their engagement had sent her spiraling into a state of near panic. Without thought, she found herself venturing into the Performing Arts building. She dropped her books outside the theater, throwing her weight into the hinged metal door. The auditorium was empty, the rows of seats spanning out like a skeletal frame for the large hall. Aria took to the stage, walking over the wooden floorboards towards the grand piano.

  Her father couldn’t force her to marry Logan. It was the truth, he couldn’t make her. He could just make her life very difficult if she didn’t. He could disown her, take away her inheritance, leave her penniless and alone as soon as she turned eighteen. That’s all, she thought bitterly. That’s the worst he could do. She sat down at the bench, lifting the dust cover from the old ivory keys. A deep breath left her lungs, her eyes falling closed in concentration. That wasn’t the worst he could do, she realized. He could make it so that she could never see her mother again. Aria slammed her hand against the keys, shrinking as the room filled with the chaotic sound.

  “Hey,” a voice said.

  She startled, looking up from the piano. Rome was standing between the aisles, holding her books in one arm.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  Ariahna nodded. “Yeah.”

  “You kind of stormed past me back there. I said your name, but I guess you didn’t hear me. If you wanted to be alone, though…?”

  She shook her head, watching him climb up onto the stage. “I thought this might make me feel better, but I don’t even think I can.”

  Rome set her books down. “May I?” he asked.

  She regarded him with curiosity. The implication alone had intrigued her (enough to concede politely and allow him to occupy the instrument at its center). She watched as he poised his hands over the keys. And after a moment, his fingers began to move over the ivory in a slow and delicate dance. It felt as though they were sitting in an empty ballroom, haunted by the sound of his music. Seeing the passion racing across his face sparked a joy in her heart. Without even knowing what was wrong, Rome was making everything better. She
could almost pretend that nothing outside of this theater mattered. Only his soft playing filling the spaces in her that had otherwise been inhabited by doubt. “…Where did you learn to play like that?”

  “My mother,” he said softly. “But I’ve always preferred the feeling of an old acoustic. It just suits me better.”

  “I’m not sure that’s true,” she said. “That was beautiful.”

  Rome rubbed a hand over his neck. “Is it weird to say that I miss you? I just can’t seem to shake the feeling.”

  “You don’t actually think…”

  “That we’re cursed? Your father seems to think so.”

  She folded her hands in her lap, staring over the top of the piano at the plush velvet seats. “My father has a lot of ideas in his head that aren’t necessarily true. He isn’t the authority on everything.”

  Rome hid a smirk. “Does that mean you’re ready to make your own mistakes?”

  “I wish things were simpler…”

  “Why can’t they be?” A lighthearted laugh left his lungs. “Why does it have to be complicated?”

  Ariahna wished she could tell him it was that easy, that they could see where things went. She just couldn’t bear the lie.

  “I’m engaged,” she said.

  “…What?”

  “My father’s been talking about it since I was young.” She stared at her hands in her lap. “Whoever has the most to offer, that’s who he’ll set me up with. An older family, someone with connections and money.” Ariahna watched Rome look away. “I’ll be expected to do this, for my family. My father did.”

  “An arranged marriage? But that’s so—”

  “Archaic?” she said. “I know.”

  Rome moved his fingers over the piano keys. He was quiet for a time, contemplation evident in his eyes. “Do you ever want to throw caution to the wind?” he asked.

  Aria smiled sadly. “All the time,” she said. She shook her head. “I can’t count all the times I tried to run away. I just… never got very far.”

  “Why do you think that is?”

  “Fear? The fear of not knowing where or what you’d be without all of the things you wanted to leave behind.”

  Those words nearly rendered him speechless.

  “I can see what we could have,” he said, “and it’s beautiful.”

  “That’s a fairy tale. This is real life. We don’t get that.”

  Part of him knew she was right. “We’re afraid of making a mistake, but what if the mistake is in never giving it a chance? What if the regret comes regardless of what we do?” he said. “Maybe we can’t have forever, but does that mean we deprive ourselves of right now?”

  “What are you asking?” Aria said.

  Rome looked at her compassionately. “That you accept what little I have to offer, and know that whatever moments we make will be ours to keep.”

  “So will the pain of everything we have to potentially lose.”

  “I’ve put a lot of thought into all of this,” he said. “And what I decided on in the end is that I’m not afraid of dying. I’m more concerned that I’ll spend my time being too afraid to actually live. That I’ll be so worried about how things could end, that I miss out on all the best parts. I may not be able to spend my entire life with you, but I can promise you memories that will last a lifetime.”

  Ariahna held still, gazing timidly at his face. The fabric of his shirt was brushing lightly against her arm, and she could feel the gentle rising of his chest with each silent breath. No one had ever looked at her like this before, made her feel like this – like she was worthwhile, precious, something to be desired. He bent unhurriedly, leaning in slow as his breath washed over her skin. She smiled at the sensation, letting her eyes finally slip closed as his lips swept just barely over her own.

  The whirr of a rope coming loose above their heads interrupted the moment. A sandbag crashed to the stage, making the two of them start. Rome stared back at it, heart now pounding for an entirely different reason. When he looked up, the curtain was rocking gently, but the space behind the stage appeared to be vacant.

  Ariahna chuckled anxiously. “That was unexpected…”

  Rome noted the puddles of water on the floor then, trying to recall if he’d been the one to track them in. “Maybe there’s somewhere better we could talk.”

  “Somewhere my father won’t see us?” She smiled warmly. “We’ll have to find a safe place. Somewhere we can spend time together without drawing attention.”

  “I don’t suppose you have any ideas?”

  The sound of the lunch bell crept in from the main building.

  “We’ll find a place,” she said. “I promise.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Searching for Faith

  Ariahna perched on the edge of her bed, twirling the stem of a daffodil in her fingers. Scarlet was sprawled out on the comforter, flipping through magazines with the latest celebrity gossip. They were supposed to be bonding (as Scarlet put it). But instead they found themselves right where they always did. Although this time wasn’t entirely Scarlet’s fault. Aria had been splendidly scattered the past few days, most of her time occupied by Rome, or thoughts of Rome.

  “You’ve been awfully chipper lately,” Scarlet said.

  Aria smiled shyly. “Have I?” She set the flower down on her nightstand, ignoring the distinct sound of the magazine being slapped closed.

  “Alright,” Scarlet said, “spill.”

  Ariahna laughed. “What?”

  Scarlet gave her a saucy look. “That’s the same flower you had at lunch yesterday. Who is he, and why haven’t you told me about him?”

  The two girls stared each other down. Scarlet was insistently quiet, and Aria wavered under the pressure.

  “I just… I can’t,” she said. “If my father found out…”

  Scarlet smirked. “While I’d love to get on that man’s good side, I wouldn’t do that. I like gossip, but I don’t start it.”

  “I want to tell you, but—”

  “Afraid I won’t approve, Hon?”

  “Maybe.”

  Her friend laughed – a deep, sultry chuckle.

  “What?” Aria said.

  “If you don’t think I already know, then you’ve got a lot to learn about me.”

  Ariahna frowned. They’d yet to find a secure place, but she and Rome had been so careful. “If you know so much then why don’t you enlighten me?”

  Scarlet propped her head up in her hands. She’d been waiting for Aria to call her bluff. “Well, there have been two boys hanging around you like lost puppies, so I’ll start there. You’ve got Christian, Vardel’s most self-obsessed bachelor, and known ladies’ man. But he gives little more than a smile and a few clever lines. He doesn’t strike me as your type, either. And flowers are definitely last on his list of gifts. Too heartfelt.” Scarlet smiled, staring at her smugly. “That leaves Rome, the bad boy with rugged good looks and an apparent affinity for redheads. Question is, does he have a soft side?”

  Ariahna smiled, feeling her face flush.

  “I knew it,” Scarlet said. “And no, he’s not who I would have picked for you, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued. Start from the beginning, and tell me everything. When did this torrid little love affair begin?”

  “I’m not really sure. The moment we met, maybe?”

  “Have you kissed him?” she asked.

  Aria hid a smile. “Yes.”

  “What about the whole… lives in a trailer, thing?”

  “Do you honestly think that would matter to me?” she said. “Rome’s thoughtful and kind, and he’s probably the most genuine person I’ve ever met. He makes me feel inspired.”

  “I’m glad he makes you happy,” Scarlet said.

  “He really does. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this happy before. I just hope I can be all of those things for him, too.”

  “That boy is the lucky one,” Scarlet said, “and don’t you forget it.” She sat up, re
sting one of Ariahna’s pillows in her lap. “So when did he give you the flower?”

  Aria looked at it on her nightstand. “The other day,” she said. “He keeps leaving them for me to find. It’s how we communicate sometimes. If I place the flower by his door, it means I want to see him.”

  A knock at the door interrupted Scarlet’s thought. An annoyed look crossed her face then. “Is that him?” she said.

  “I don’t think so.” Aria rose to answer. “Who is it?”

  “It’s Christian. Open the door.”

  She cracked it a few inches, peering outside. It was late, but there were still a few students lingering in the halls. “Hi,” she said.

  “Hey. Can we talk?”

  Aria stepped out into the hall, leaving her door ajar. She couldn’t help but notice the sweat on his brow. “Are you alright?”

  “Yeah,” he said. Christian glanced down the hall. “Can we do this in private? I don’t really feel comfortable talking out here.”

  Aria looked back at the doorway.

  “You can trust me,” he said. The floor squeaked on the other side, and Christian frowned. “Is someone in there with you?”

  Scarlet answered by opening the door and leaning into it.

  He tried forcing a smile, but it came across as anything but. “Never mind,” he said. “It wasn’t that important.”

  “Christian,” Aria said.

  “Let him go. That boy is nothing but a box of problems.” Scarlet stared down the hall after him. “I still can’t believe what he did to Dallas.”

  “You don’t know the full story,” Aria said.

  Scarlet arched an eyebrow.

  “I thought you’d have heard… I think a couple of people have by now. Christian and Dallas are brothers. That’s what that fight was about. Dallas knew, and he didn’t say anything.”