She tells me about the intergalactic war and the rival families. She speaks of the Council, which the queen now heads, but she doesn’t say much more concerning her life, and I’m not going to push the topic.
I also learn that Pumalia and Mapu are embroiled in a separate war that started after the galaxy’s war, and that beings from both sister planets have been fleeing to other planets, or they have gone into hiding—like to Aurora, I assume—because they fear the New War and the destruction it will cause. Basically, my mother wants to rule over Pumalia and use its resources for Mapu.
Miri also tells me all about her mother, and how she’s a seamstress—I think she would be considered a fashion designer if we were on Earth. The guards deliver letters between her and her mother. I think that’s sweet. I can tell from my brief interaction with Gabe and Gavin that the guards aren’t all that bad.
“What about Makin? He seems awful.” Even though I try, I can’t keep the disgust I harbor toward him from my voice.
“Well, I try to stay away from him. He’s not nice, and he uses people the same way she does. Please stay away from him, Alexa—he truly is evil.” Her posture shrinks and her voice quivers at the very mention of his name.
“Do you know Michael? I think he may work for Makin.” An overwhelming sense of sadness runs through me as I picture the brown-haired boy who once wanted to take me to the dance. Or the boy who saved me from Pumalia. Or worse yet, my very first kiss with the boy who betrayed me and handed me over to Makin.
“I know Michael. He’s the one who talked the queen into letting my mother visit on my birthday. He’s nice, but I know you might not think so because you think he tricked you, right?”
My eyes start to water because I truly don’t know who Michael is. “Yes, he did trick me. I thought he liked me, but it was all a ruse to get me here.” I bite my bottom lip, creating a painful diversion so I don’t cry over him again.
Miri places her hand on mine and smiles. “I’m sorry this has happened to you, Alexa. You must be so confused and sad.”
Her small gesture is so very comforting and meaningful at a time like this. Biting my lip isn’t working. I can’t hold back my inevitable tears. Once they start, I know it will be hard, if not impossible, to stop. However, I don’t try—I let myself cry and be comforted by my little sister.
Chapter Fifteen
The walk back to the castle is peaceful. I enjoy the beautiful scenery and listen to Miri’s stories. She has the ability to talk and talk. She tells me all about the guards and how Gavin and Gabe will sometimes sneak chocolate cake to her room when she’s having a tough day. The picture she paints of this place doesn’t seem as bad as I had imagined.
As we round the corner toward the castle, Michael comes into view. I quickly look out to the ocean, not wanting to make eye contact. But he stops in front of me.
“Alexa, can we speak for a moment?” His voice sounds more authoritative than friendly or familiar.
“Princess, I must go get cleaned up before dinner.” Miri curtsies and runs off before I can stop her. I wonder why she’s so formal all of the sudden.
“So you not only kidnap people, you scare them off, as well?” The biting words escape my lips before I can stop them.
“Alexa, it’s not like that. I had no choice. If it wasn’t me, it would have been someone else chosen by Maddox and your mother.”
His words rip my attention from the beach and throw me back into my new reality. My mother has kidnapped me from a planet where I had already been taken under false pretenses.
“Well, you didn’t have to go so far as to pretend to rescue me and be my Prince Charming. For that matter, why did you pretend to care for me? Why the deceit?” The anger writhes inside me. I hate feeling like a joke.
“They took my family.” His eyes bore a hole into me. They’re moist with unshed tears.
“Oh.” I remember him saying he had to save them—“them” must be his family. I don’t have any words for him, or for this unbearable situation.
He reaches into his pocket and hands me the crinkled photo I had found in his backpack while setting up the camp. “This is my father and my little brother, Jonah. They were taken last year when Makin first approached me with this job. I had no choice.” He looks down at his hands when he speaks to me.
“I’m sorry this happened to you, but you could have told me. I would have helped you. Instead, you used me. You pretended to like me, and I started to really like you.” My bottom lip trembles and I sense the tears will come soon if I don’t get away from him.
He sighs and twines his fingers with mine. “Alexa, please believe me when I tell you that I wasn’t pretending.” Tears fill his big, beautiful eyes just enough so they don’t spill over.
Part of me wants to believe him, but a bigger part of me wants to run from him. “Michael, I can’t do this right now. I don’t know who I can trust—if anybody at all. In the past few days, I’ve learned I’m not human, I was hidden on Earth by my father—who was thought to be dead, but isn’t—my mother is a mad queen, I have a half sister, and I’m once again held captive in a place I don’t know.” I pull back my hand. “I forgot—I also have magical, coveted powers that for some reason aren’t working now.” Saying it out loud makes me want to laugh. This just can’t be my life.
I take a step back. Giving myself some space away from him allows me to clear my mind and breathe. “Was your family released after you brought me here?”
“No, not yet. Makin says I’m not done yet. I was able to speak to my father, and he seems okay. But I don’t know where they are.” His voice trembles.
“I’m so sorry, Michael. But right now, I need some time and space to figure all this out,” I answer coolly.
Michael slowly backs away, not looking at me. “I understand. I’ll leave you alone. I’m sorry that all of this has happened to you.” He pauses. “I…I know why your powers aren’t working. I overheard Makin speaking with the Queen. An evil sorcerer has bound them, and they won’t work until the binding spell is broken. I don’t know who this sorcerer is, but when I find out, I’ll tell you.”
As quickly as Michael appeared, he is gone. He leaves me alone to ponder what he said. Who is this strong sorcerer that put a spell on me? Maybe Miri would know.
I stand there, not wanting to move, not wanting to believe this is my life. All I want is to go to the dance with Michael and live a normal teenage life. To think less than a week ago, I was studying for a biology test and making plans for a school dance. Now I’m stuck in outer space, and I’m a pawn in an intergalactic conflict soon to be an all-out war.
Being summoned for dinner is a little different than Elena calling up the stairs to tell me the pizza has been delivered. There’s a knock at the door, and when I open it, I find Gabe standing there with a sealed letter addressed to me, and a large, pastel-pink box.
“Thank you, Gabe.” I take the letter from him and reach for the box.
“Princess, I will carry this in for you.” Gabe walks though the door and says over his shoulder, “May I place it on the bed?”
I look up from the off-white envelope in my hands, wondering what all this fuss is for. “Yes, thank you, that would be fine.”
Gabe returns and stands in the doorway. “Do you need anything before I leave, Princess?”
“No, I’m all set; thank you, Gabe.” He quickly inclines his head, then disappears around the corner.
I can’t wait to see what the queen, my mother, is up to. I quickly open the envelope and am surprised to see an invitation:
Please join me in welcoming my daughter, Princess Alexis DeMarquis, to the island. Your attendance at tonight’s honorary dinner is mandatory.
~ Your Queen
Great, just what I want to go to—a formal dinner with the queen and her people. Part of me is curious about who will show up. Will the elusive Council family members be there? Will Michael be there?
I glance over at the bed and remember the large,
pink box waiting for me. “Hmmm, what could be in there?” My hands tremble as I lift the top off. A small green card sits perfectly on top of something protected within tissue paper. This time, the note is handwritten:
Alexa, I believe this dress will fit you perfectly.
~ Your Mother
I fold aside the tissue to unveil a stunning, silky-black gown scattered with glittering sequins. Gently, I lift it out of the box, in awe of its beauty.
Moving to the full-length mirror, I hold the dress up against my body. The sparkles are eye-catching. I’ve never in my life seen such a gorgeous gown. My purple eyes seem to glow against the midnight glamour of the dress.
I close my eyes and pretend to be home, enjoying a moment of happiness with Elena. I imagine her helping me get ready for my school dance. We would laugh and she’d lecture me about boys, but it would be memorable and heartwarming. Then guilt wells within me as I remember where I am and who I am. How can I put on a dress and attend a dinner when the ones I love are in danger because of who I am?
A knock on the door pulls me from my self-pity. I assume it’s Miri, and that makes me happy. I slap on my best fake smile and open the door. “Miri, I’m so happy you came by. Are you attending the dinner tonight?” I move out of the doorway so she can slide in.
“Of course I am. Attendance is required of everyone on the island. I also hear that some are making the trip from the homeland just to see you.” She flashes me a toothy grin and jumps on my bed.
“Coming to see me? Why?” I never liked being the center of attention, and this makes me feel I’m the feature at the circus tonight. This reminds me of my first and last attempt at dance. Elena made me commit to a summer of dancing and in the end I had to perform at a recital. It was horrible. Being the center of attention is my worst nightmare.
“Some beings have been waiting for you to return since your birth was first announced,” Miri replies. “I think they’re ready for a new face on the Council, since its members have dwindled over the years.”
A sequin glints on the gown. It captures her attention, and Miri gasps and holds out her arms. I drape the dress over them. “That is gorgeous!” She studies the dress and then me. “Alexa, you’ll be the talk of the evening in this stunning dress. Well, you’re lovely now,” she hastens to add, and giggles. “But this dress is just so pretty.”
“Thanks,” I say as I take it back from her. “It was sent from the queen.” I try to appear happy, but the thoughts of Elena and my old life spiral around in my head.
Miri springs up off the bed. “Well, I just wanted to check in on you. Last time I saw you, Michael was insistent on speaking with you. Did that go well?”
I shrug. “I wouldn’t say it went well. It’s complicated. He lied, and I don’t think I’ll be able to forgive him or forget what he did. If he had been honest, then maybe I could.” Michael’s face comes to mind—his beautiful, big eyes and his soft lips that have left such a memorable impression. Why did I have to fall for him?
With a sigh, Miri walks to the bank of windows that overlook the beach. “That’s too bad. Michael really is nice, and I do believe he cares about you. He’s very protective of you, especially when you first arrived. He never left your side. You wouldn’t know that, because you were unconscious.”
The thought of Michael by my side does warm my heart, but it doesn’t last long when I think of the big picture. “I need to focus on one thing at a time. Enough about Michael. Let’s get ready for the dinner together.”
Miri’s face lights up. “You mean it? We can really get ready together?”
“Of course! Let’s ask Gabe or Gavin to retrieve your dress. Then we can put on our makeup and do our hair.” Miri’s excitement is contagious; even I’m getting excited at the prospect.
Miri is still smiling, but she sobers just a bit to say sincerely, “Thank you, Alexa. I’m so happy we have each other now.”
Her words bring some contentment to me, and for now, that will have to be enough. Tonight I need to see what Mother Dearest has planned for me, and who this sorcerer is. I’m ready to take control of my powers.
Chapter Sixteen
I try to keep my head down through dinner by focusing on both the delicious spread of food and Miri, who is sitting to my right. To my left sits Gabe and Gavin. Unfortunately, they have been by my side all evening. What am I, six years old again? This time I have two overbearing nannies. How am I supposed to sneak around and find a way out of this?
Behind our table sits my mother in the most beautiful, flowing, sea-green dress, along with the rest of the Council members. She sits in the middle with an elderly gentleman on each side of her. She hasn’t introduced me to them yet, but I anticipate that time is coming.
In front of us, there are about twenty large round tables with twelve beings seated at each. I try not to stare, but I can’t say the same for the guests. I can feel hundreds of eyes drilling holes through my body. Focusing on Miri helps because her laughter is infectious, but I can’t quell an ominous feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Miri, which way is the bathroom?” I murmur, and she gives me an awkward side glance, then motions toward a door with her hand.
“Through the door and to the left. Do you want me to come with you?”
I know she’s just being nice. Plus, I’m a big girl and I can take myself to the bathroom alone. I smile and shake my head as I slowly push my seat back and rise. A sudden commotion of screeching chair legs in front of me makes me jump. Gazing out toward the audience, I’m shocked to see everyone standing, all staring at me. The disapproving glare from the queen behind me doesn’t help, either.
Dumbfounded, I ask Miri, who is also standing. “What’s happening?” I whisper.
Miri covers her mouth with one hand and whispers back, “Well, for starters, you’re their princess, and it’s customary to rise when royalty stands up.” Miri grins bashfully and sits back down.
I nervously fumble past my chair and make a quick exit. I need air; I need to get out of here. Behind me, I can hear the chairs moving and the chatter resuming. I think it’s safe to assume that dinner has continued.
I stand in the hallway for a minute, catching my breath, trying to process what just happened. This life is very different from the one I had been living. A familiar feeling flutters in the pit of my stomach and I gasp.
“Could it be—Jax?” I whisper to myself.
Jax can’t possibly be here on this island. He is far away and only reachable from my dreamland. He has no idea where I am. It would be crazy to think that he could be here. Even so, the thought of his familiar face warms me. Although he took me from my home, I know that he cares about me. Why else would he be trying to find me?
“You’re here to bring the water, are you not?” The woman startles me from my thoughts. She came out of nowhere. When I don’t quickly respond, she grabs my arm and digs her nails into my flesh.
“Stop, that hurts!” I protest. Where are Gabe and Gavin when I need them? “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you have me mistaken with someone else.”
For an older woman, her grip is strong. Her gray hair is slicked up into a traditional bun on the top of her head. Her purple, chiffon dress fits snugly, accentuating her slight frame.
Her dark-gray eyes grow wider with my answer. I think she’s expecting something else from me. “What do you mean, you don’t know what I’m talking about? Why do you think you’re here? Why do you think they have been searching for you for the past seventeen years?” She lets go of my arm and stands stiffly in front of me, waiting for an explanation, one that I don’t have.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Michael approaching. I sigh with relief.
“Good evening. Can I help you find your seat?” He holds out his bent arm for the woman to take.
“Please, and thank you. I was just paying my respects to the princess.” The woman doesn’t take her eyes off of me while she speaks to Michael.
&
nbsp; Her unexpected outburst has left me confused. Water? I have no idea what she was talking about. This will be something else to ask Miri about when this charade of a dinner is over. I return my attention to the hall, where my mother the queen now mingles with the citizens of the island, who are all standing. She catches my eye and gives me a disapproving scowl.
I move in her direction, trying to soften the disaster I seem to have created. I flash her my best fake smile and she responds with a forced half-smile of her own. I don’t know what’s more confusing, the fact that I’m here attending my own welcome princess party, or the faint desire to please my mother. Both thoughts demand way too much energy, and that’s something I need to conserve in order to find the truth.
“Princess.” She glides toward me, extending her arm. “I take it you’re settling in well here?”
“Yes, thank you.” My half curtsy is as embarrassing as me ducking out during dinner. I really have no idea what I’m doing.
“I want you to meet two dear, dear friends and fellow Council members.” She guides me around so I’m facing the two men who had been flanking her at dinner. “This is Penn Roberts and Eroch Finch. Gentlemen, this is my beautiful, gifted daughter, Alexa.” Both gentlemen bow toward me.
As graciously as possible, I smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Gifted daughter repeats in my head. What does that mean?
The man introduced as Penn Roberts won’t take his emerald-green eyes off of me. His gray locks look snarled and greasy, but I try not to stare, afraid my mother will catch me. Even though I’m not used to the customs here, it’s safe to assume that staring is in bad form, no matter what planet you’re on.
Eroch stands there idly waiting for something to happen. The awkward moment seems to last forever before my mother saves us all from the deafening silence.
Deceit (The Stellar Series Book 1) Page 13