by Chanda Hahn
The door jingled, and I heard a mumble that sounded like my name. I tried to answer, but my limbs felt like lead. Liam rushed behind the screen and saw me crumpled on the ground, the dress untouched.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I don’t deserve this,” I said under a shuddering breath. “I’m not worth it. I’m a sickly thistle.”
Liam turned and glared at Cora. “Did you say that to her?”
“I-I did no such thing,” she said unconvincingly.
“The truth,” he roared.
“I would never say such a thing to my customers’ faces,” Cora hedged.
Liam put things together. “Let me guess, you didn’t say it, but you thought it?”
Cora paled.
“You also thought I was a hot slice of man pie too,” he intoned.
Cora blushed and stammered. “What? I-I don’t know. H-how?”
Liam looked over at me and reached to help me stand. “I think I understand now.” He gathered our purchases and headed for the door. He stopped at the counter where he had placed the gold coins and plucked two back. “That’s for your rudeness toward my sister, and your uncouth thoughts toward me.”
Cora’s mouth dropped open, and we left. The door slamming behind us.
Liam helped me into the waiting transport, my new clothes bunched haphazardly and discarded on the opposite bench. He didn’t even attempt to sit across from me, but immediately pulled me close to his side and wrapped an arm over my shoulder.
“Does this help?” he asked.
I nodded.
He rapped on the ceiling and told the driver to head out of town, and fast. The horses took off, and soon Hinsburg was just a speck of dust on the horizon. I pulled away from Liam and moved to the seat next to my rumpled clothes.
He crossed his arms and legs and looked at me through narrowed eyes. “So you read people’s minds,” he stated.
I swallowed and looked at my folded hands, noticing the dirt under my thumb nail. I tucked it into my fist to make it disappear. “No, I hear their thoughts. They pop into my mind whether I want them to or not.”
“The day in the woods when I thought I was dying. I heard someone in my head.” Liam sighed and looked up. “It was you. Wasn’t it?”
“I was in the field playing a game with my sisters when I heard your mental cry for help. You were too far gone to even speak, but you showed me where you were by images.” I pointed to my temple.
“I didn’t remember at first because I thought it was delirium. But it’s coming back to me. You did something else to me too. It happened again last night while you touched my side. You took away my pain. How? What are you?”
I licked my dry lips, my hands trembled as I nervously explained my power. I was truthful and vulnerable with him. “I’m an Empath. I can take on your pain as my own.”
Liam’s mind shut down like a gate. The iciness I felt emanating from him made me shudder. His eyes became cold, his nostrils flared, and his voice rose angrily. “You will never do that to me again, do you hear?”
I flinched at his tone and waited for his anger to roil through me, but he quickly tampered it down, and I felt nothing. I matched his anger with my own.
“I will do no such thing,” I argued. “If I have the power to ease someone’s pain, then I will do it. I was given this curse or gift, whatever you want to call it, and I alone will dictate how I use it. You have no say over me.”
Liam’s hands balled into twin fists. “You are in my care, and I say otherwise.”
“I can handle myself,” I snapped.
He pointed an accusatory finger at the back of the transport toward Hinsburg. “You couldn’t handle being in a small city. Even in your own hometown one man easily overwhelmed you. We’re heading into a war, and I come to a house full of mages and sorceresses looking for someone to help turn the tide and save a kingdom, and I pick the weakest one,” he snapped.
“You’re right.” I turned my head and stared at the passing countryside. The lush green land filled with sights I had never even seen before. Only once had I traveled outside of Nihill, and it was a disaster. I would not tell him that. Maeve would disappear for days on end and she flew and explored, but not me. I was always forbidden to leave our town but was the one forced to go into Nihill for supplies to test my shielding limits. I guess if I had done better handling our small town and became stronger, Mother would have let me travel farther. “There’s no denying that I’m the weakest of my sisters.” I turned back to Liam and glared at him. “But I’m the only one you’ve got. So deal with it.”
“The pale flower has thorns,” he chuckled. There may be some hope after all.
Chapter Nine
As we rode through the countryside, the land changed from hills to rolling green meadows filled with wildflowers. It was idyllic, peaceful, and I couldn’t stop staring out the window at the beauty of the landscape. Liam handed me a wrapped pastry that he had purchased in town, and I ate it slowly savoring every bite. After a few candle marks, the transport pulled over at a lake to rest and water the horses. I used the time to clean the dirt from my arms, legs, and face before finding a copse of bushes to hide behind while I changed into clean clothes.
Unbelievably the blue dress fit. It was a little loose around the shoulders, but the skirt didn’t need hemming. The new boots squeezed my toes. As I dressed, I had to pinch myself to see if this was real or not. I felt like a different person. I was turning and trying to admire myself in the reflection of the moving water.
Watching the wind ripple across the lake was soothing. The water flickered and a flash of light followed, signaling a spell. Getting to my knees, I leaned forward and touched my finger into the water to answer. When the ripple passed, Maeve’s reflection grinned up at me.
“Somebody’s in trouble,” Maeve sing-songed. “I’m so jealous of you right now. I can’t believe that you would run off like that. I mean, it’s expected of me, but not you. You’re the good one. Then you’ve ignored my calls.”
“I, uh, didn’t run away exactly,” I hedged. “The stranger that came to our house . . . kidnapped me.”
“What?” Maeve’s brows furrowed. “That man kidnapped you? I’m going to roast him alive.”
“No, don’t. It’s fine. I want to be here.”
“Really?” One dark eyebrow raised.
“Yes, I want to help him.”
“Mother is furious.”
“I’m sure.” I sighed.
“No really, she’s so angry that she’s at a loss for words. She hasn’t yelled at me in days, and believe me, I’ve been especially annoying of late.”
“Trying to distract her, are you?” I knew Maeve was covering for me.
Maeve winked, but then her sure smile faltered. “I asked to come after you, but she won’t let us leave the tower.”
“Why not?”
Maeve shook her head. “It has something to do with what she has foreseen.”
“What is it?” I asked fearfully, knowing that Mother must have had a vision of my future.
With the darkness of the lake, I couldn’t tell where Maeve was in the tower, and had to assume she was hiding in the workroom. Her voice lowered to a whisper. “She said a daughter will fall.”
“Fall? Are you sure?”
“That’s what she said, and you know that when she gets these visions. They’re almost always correct. You need to come home now,” she pleaded.
“I can’t. I’m needed here.”
“You can’t help anyone if you’re dead,” Maeve snapped.
I glared at Maeve. “Exactly, so I want to help as many people while I can.”
Maeve gasped and covered her mouth in remorse. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Bye, Maeve.” I thrust my hand into the water, scattering the reflection and thus ending our conversation. I leaned back on my heels as the ripples faded.
“Ahem,” Liam coughed. Oh, please let her be decent.
He came around the bushes, a sheepish look on his face. “You heard that, huh?”
I smiled. “As if you said it out loud.”
“Is it true?” Liam asked. “What your sister said about your mother’s vision. That you’re going to fall—as in die?”
“It’s rude to eavesdrop,” I said. I stood and dusted off my hands. “Everyone dies.” I turned to walk past him, wanting to end the conversation. This wasn’t a topic I liked to discuss.
Liam didn’t like my nonchalant attitude, and he cut me off, stepping in front of me. “Aura, did you know that this could happen?”
“No, not exactly. I guess now I know why. Now we can be prepared.”
“And you’re okay with that?” Liam seemed confused by my reaction.
“It doesn’t mean that it is going to come true or happen to me,” I said. “Mother’s visions can have many meanings. You must trust me on this.”
Liam stood there, his golden hair wet, his chin a little red from a clean shave. He must have used the time to freshen up. His wrinkled shirt sported a bloodstain, but his dark cloak would cover it. I frowned. He should have bought clothes for himself.
He stood there awkwardly, fidgeting with a bundle in his hands. He stepped forward and held it out. “This is for you.”
“What is it?” I asked.
He grinned in boyish delight. “Ah ha! So I haven’t spoiled the surprise for you.”
“No, you do really well at shielding your thoughts. You’re a natural.”
“Okay, let me try something,” Liam closed his eyes and let down his shield.
I saw the inside of Cora’s shop and watched as I headed behind a screen. Seeing myself from someone else’s perspective really did a number on me. Did I really look so small and childlike? No wonder he felt a need to protect me. I didn’t even resemble an adult woman, but rather someone of twelve. When I disappeared, Liam left the building and headed into the next shop a few doors down. Inside, he agonized over picking out a comb, ribbon, and hair pins from a young woman who tried to flirt with him. He was oblivious to her attempts.
She wrapped them in white paper with a blue ribbon, and he scooped it up and hurried back toward the dress shop. Did his steps seem hurried? When he entered, he glanced at the screen and saw a crumple of dresses and my bare foot sticking out along the floor.
I felt his panic as he rushed toward me.
I blinked as the vision stopped.
“What just happened?” I asked. “Never before has someone shared such a long memory with me. I would get glimpses and images, but not an actual memory. I was there. I could smell and hear.”
Liam stepped forward and held up the white package with the blue ribbon. “Did it ruin the surprise by seeing it through my eyes? I think you saw more than I wanted.”
I shook my head. “No, I think it made it even more special.” I took the package and slipped the ribbon off of it, tucking it into my pocket, and I gently unfolded the paper. His memory was false, for this was not a simple comb, but a pearl one, and the ribbons were brighter than his own memories.
“Thank you, I love it.”
Liam bowed his head, the protector mask back in place. “I’m glad you approve of the gift.” He stepped back, giving me space, and turned to head up the hill toward the transport.
He was so funny because he was stiff and formal when he remembered his duty, but then he would slip and treat me as a friend.
I undid my braid and ran the comb through my hair, expertly braiding and using the ribbons to tie it up off my neck. When I came back up the transport, our driver, Fadal, gave me an approving nod. I grinned and stopped by the steps. I turned toward Liam waiting to see his expression.
He stood by the open door, his hand reaching for me to step up into the transport.
I gave a twirl. “What do you think?” I gushed excitedly.
Liam barely glanced at me. “You look presentable.”
Presentable? I would have settled for nice, or lovely. I wasn’t expecting beautiful. But presentable seemed plain. My smile fell. He was back to being aloof again. I let out a breath of frustration and gathered my skirt to get into the transport, ignoring his outstretched hand. I scooted to the far corner and waited for him to enter and take the seat opposite of me.
“We should reach the capital city of Thressia by nightfall. You said you have family in town. Do you think they could afford to lend us a horse and shelter us for the night? I’ve been gone far too long, and I haven’t heard an update from my troops. Even if they let me sleep in the barn, I would repay them handsomely.”
Liam must be remembering where we kept him when he came to my house. He must think all of my family was poor. I kept my face neutral. “Oh, I think they could spare a horse or two.”
When we came into the city, it was the largest I’d ever seen. Brick houses squashed together, one on top of another. Hundreds of years of heritage rebranded and rebuilt over old structures. It gave the streets a very eclectic look, and I loved it. Or rather, I loved what I saw before I had to drop the shade and stare at the lining on the seat across from me. I glanced out the window once or twice and did my best to hide my discomfort by clenching my jaw so hard it hurt. I was proud that I didn’t curl up into a ball and cry. I was determined to prove to Liam that I was stronger than he thought. I had to be strong. A particularly brutal image came to me, and I let out a gasp.
In a flash, Liam was across the seat and pulled me into his lap, both arms wrapped around me, and instantly the assault stopped.
“Thank you,” I sighed in relief.
“Anytime,” he whispered and nuzzled my head.
We pulled up to the gates, and I stared at the royal palace through the iron fence. Three story white brick with hundreds of windows overlooking the courtyard and fountain. A gold sun on a blue banner hung on either side of the grand entrance. I leaned out the window and spoke to the guards. “Can you please let Eden know that her favorite sister, Aura, is here.”
I moved to sit back in the seat across from Liam, but he wouldn’t have it. He pulled on my arm, tucked into his side again. Our hips touching, his arm draped over the back of the bench. Heat flushed through my cheeks, my heart thrummed in my chest, and I sat up straight.
“Relax, just think of me as your armor bearer. A big shield. It’s hardly a big deal for me to stick close to you if it protects you.”
“I just don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.” I blushed.
“And what idea is that?”
“Never mind.” The heat from my cheeks quickly faded.
Liam leaned forward to look out the window. “Your sister works at the palace? I wonder if she knows my old friend, Dorian? It’s a shame what happened with the royal family. I wonder how Dorian is taking it, being the new king.”
The gates opened, and I could feel the anticipation running through me at seeing Eden. I had missed so much and had only watched their wedding ceremony through the enchanted mirror. It wasn’t the best thing to have all the Eville sorceresses congregating in one kingdom. It might cause a war.
The transport pulled up in front of the manor doors and royal guards lined both sides of the runner that came down the stairs onto the drive. Liam helped me out of the transport and kept one hand on my elbow, shielding me.
The doors swung open and a tall dark-haired man in a white jacket and blue sash bounded down the stairs and slowed in front of us, his hand on his decorated sword.
“Dorian,” Liam spoke up in delight. “It’s good to see you, friend.”
Dorian ignored him, his eyes going to Liam’s hand on my elbow. “How is it you’re here?” Dorian asked suspiciously, walking around the two of us.
“I’m passing through. My traveling companion is visiting her family, and we hope to be on our way,” Liam answered.
“Silence.” Dorian waved his hand, cutting off Liam. “I’m not talking to
you.” He pointed to me. “How are you standing here? Answer me, or I will kill you without a second thought.”
Liam reacted. He thrust me behind his back and drew his sword. “You will not lay a hand on her. I’m honor bound, and I will defend Aura with my life, even if that means against you, my friend.”
I laughed a loud, hearty laugh. Dorian chuckled until his laughter became higher-pitched and more like a giggle.
“Relax, Liam.” I pushed his sword arm down and stepped around him.
“What should I tell Mother?” Dorian asked. “She’s been calling our mirror nonstop. In case you showed up here.”
“Mother?” Liam looked baffled.
“Tell her I’m fine. That I will come home soon.”
Dorian’s head turned to inspect Liam. “And who are you, and what are you doing with my sister?”
“Sister?” Liam grabbed my elbow and pulled me into his side. “Aura, this is not Dorian. We must go. Something’s wrong here.”
I glanced at Dorian. “Should we tell him?”
Dorian pouted, an unbecoming face on a male. “Must we? This is so much fun.”
“Eden, there you are, my love.” A second Dorian came out of the palace and stood next to the other Dorian. He sighed when confronting the laughing feminine version of himself who had uncharacteristically thrust out a hip. “I will never get used to this.”
“I had to, darling. I heard that Aura was here, and I know with her gift that she can’t possibly come to Thressia. I thought she must be an imposter.”
“Couldn’t you have chosen the glamour of an old woman or a guard? Derek, even. It’s been a while since you tortured him,” Dorian said.
“Aura, what’s going on?” Liam asked.
I smiled and pointed to the perky Dorian who was now arguing with the non-smiling Dorian. “Liam, I would like you to meet my sister, Eden, Queen of Candor.”
He looked up just in time to see Eden’s glamour fade and shift. My beautiful blonde-haired sister stood before me in a dress of deep navy, a silver crown upon her perfect brow.