by Belle Malory
“Ask me something else,” I demanded of Rex. “Your family already has lots of money. Ask me for something you really want.”
I wanted to test the curse. Maybe a hundred times over, just to make sure it was well and truly gone.
Rex took my hand again, pausing to think. A pained expression crossed his face, surprising me. “You would never believe me if I told you what I want.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
Softly, he said, “The one thing I want,” he paused, looking down at his hands as they held mine. “Is you.”
Rex’s words stole the breath from my chest. I stared at him, unblinking.
“You don’t have to say anything.” He raked his hands through his mussed hair, sighing. “I’m pretty sure you only have choice words for me after Vancouver. But there are some things I would like you to know.”
I waited, unmoving, for Rex to finish. He’d managed to capture my complete attention.
“I came here looking for Tatiana, but once I found her, I realized it was a huge mistake. The only reason I stayed here these past few weeks was because I found out about Tatiana’s involvement with the Order. She told me they were looking for the oracle-you. And I knew they had Salazar’s cooperation. I just couldn’t leave after that. I had to stay and pretend with Tatiana, pretend like we were starting over again. But none of it was real.
“I was trying to steer the Order away from you, Estelle. And the way you looked at me last night…” He paused, taking a deep breath. “As if I betrayed you, it was like a knife in my heart.”
“Once you lied for me, I realized what you were trying to do.”
“But you assumed the worst,” he said, shaking his head as if he didn’t fully believe I grasped the entirety of his statement. “I just need you to believe me. I need you to know I would never hurt you like that. I would never betray you.”
I squeezed Rex’s hand. My voice was low, barely audible, but somehow I managed to say, “I know.” It sounded more like a promise.
He finally accepted my answer though, nodding as if he believed me.
“But,” I said the word slowly, letting it linger in the air while I debated whether or not I should admit my feelings to him once again. I decided to be honest. “You still hurt me.”
Rex’s face instantly contorted into a mixture of emotions. He didn’t know what to say and I didn’t want his pity. I didn’t want him knowing I almost cried at the sight of him and Lettie sitting together on the picnic blanket. I didn’t want him knowing I’d missed him every day since we parted.
But I couldn’t just pretend like what he’d done didn’t affect me, either. He needed to know he hurt me.
A knock sounded at the door, distracting us both. Lola peeked her head inside. “I brought some scrumptious food,” she said, smiling. “Who’s hungry?”
I smiled, welcoming Lola’s light, worry-free presence. I wasn’t sure how to deal with the heaviness surrounding Rex. I needed to get a clear head before I spoke to him again.
“I am a little hungry,” I admitted. “Starving, actually.”
Thirty-Seven
The next few hours I spent happily testing the curse, verifying its absence again and again. I was continually delighted each and every time I felt nothing in response to being exposed to someone’s desires.
“Come on, Gabe,” I cajoled Lola’s fiancé. “It has to be something you really want.”
“Fine,” he humored me. “I’d like leads on the top ten most wanted list.”
I waited a few moments before I cheerfully shouted, “No!”
He stared at me blankly.
I flashed him a huge smile. “Isn’t it great?”
“Sure, it’s spectacular,” he agreed dryly. “Why wasn’t I charged an admission price to witness this?”
I rolled my eyes, realizing Gabe shared his sense of humor with his brother. But nothing could burst my bubble. I wasn’t a huge threat to the world anymore. I was simply…me.
Well, that wasn’t entirely true. There was still one little effect left over from the curse. If I looked hard enough for it, my sight still delved into other’s desires. I could still see what people most wished for. However, I couldn’t think of a reason why that would harm anyone. My voice didn’t speak of its own accord anymore. I couldn’t tell people how to get what they wanted anymore, not even if I tried. All I could do was give advice. Like a normal person.
I felt like I could breathe again. With that in mind, I was ready to go home and reclaim my life. Now I could look through my college acceptance letters in a whole new light. I’d be able to choose a university with the intention of attending. That thought brought tears to my eyes.
Unfortunately, the Gabor King delayed us from leaving. I discovered he had summoned Lola for questioning. Apparently, years ago he’d ordered her to contact him if she ever obtained my location. Since she clearly disobeyed those orders, she was potentially facing huge consequences within the Royal Courts. They didn’t take disobedience lightly.
Considering the circumstances, we were all hoping Lola’s meeting with the King didn’t result in actual punishment. Someone mentioned this particular king was more lenient than the others, which could work out in her benefit. On the other hand, her offense was personally directed towards him, specifically. She’d openly defied the king. If pride was an issue, Lola might not get away unscathed.
None of us were allowed to leave until after King Gabor met with Lola. I had a sneaking suspicion it was really just me they wanted to prevent from leaving. The Royals who were in residence watched me carefully. I suspected they were debating for themselves whether or not I was the oracle, which Lola and Gabe steadfastly denied.
Still, for being held as so-called prisoners, they treated us extremely well. We were allowed to roam the castle at will. Our accommodations were lovely and decadent. Even though there was no real furniture anywhere, every room was still luxurious in décor and amenities. The kitchens were stocked with plenty of delicious foods, and the chef would fill the dining room with his creations every three to four hours. On top of everything else, we’d been invited to attend a dinner party amongst the Royals tonight.
However, there was still one uncomfortable presence that couldn’t be ignored: Rex.
After he’d told me he wanted me, all I really wanted to do to fall in his arms and forgive him for everything. Yet I couldn’t. I didn’t want to be that girl. The girl chosen second.
There was definitely a conversation to be had between us, but I was dragging my feet. I simply wasn’t ready for it. I still didn’t know what I’d say or how I felt. If I talked to him now I was afraid I’d lash out on him, still hurt from that night in Vancouver when I’d seen another girl in his eyes.
So I avoided him altogether.
Later that night, Lola brought the awkward subject up. I was in the middle of helping her zip the back of her evening gown, when she blurted out, “So what’s up with you and Rex?”
I arched a brow, surprised by her frankness. Innocently, I asked, “Why, Lola, what ever do you mean?”
She laughed at my lame attempt to play dumb and turned to face me. “He’s been moping all day,” she told me. “Usually, he’s more of a love ‘em and leave ‘em type of guy. With the exception of Tatiana, anyway. So it’s really weird seeing him act this way about a girl. What did you do to him, Essie?”
“What did I do to him?” I sputtered. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Right,” she allowed, considering who we were talking about. “Well, then, what did he do to you?”
“Nothing,” I stated adamantly. I continued to straighten her dress, purposefully not making eye contact.
“That doesn’t look like nothing,” she said. Her words were eerily reminiscent of the conversation I’d had with Aurelia. I was pretty sure she’d said the exact same thing.
“Nothing I want to talk about right this moment,” I clarified.
“Well, well,” she huffed. “Excuse me for t
rying to pry.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Lola always said what was on her mind. Her attitude was very what you see is what you get, and it always had been. For as long as I could remember, actually.
“Lo, why didn’t you tell me I was your mother in a past life?”
The question surprised us both. I hadn’t meant to blurt it out like that. It may have been weighing heavily in the back of my mind.
Lola took a deep breath. “I guess I was waiting for you to remember me,” she said. “And it sounds like you recovered your memories.”
I nodded. “Some of them, anyway.”
“Did you ever figure out why Marcellus cursed you?” she asked curiously.
An image of Lola as a dying, pallid toddler entered my mind. Sometimes it felt like a distant dream. Then again, the emotions were still there, carrying as much force as they did within my other life. I carried a love for Lola as if she were still my daughter.
I decided to lie. “No, I never found out why. Maybe someday I’ll remember the details.”
She seemed disappointed, but accepted my answer. I probably should’ve told her the truth. But I didn’t want her to feel as if any of it were her fault. Even though she’d done nothing, I knew she would still feel badly if she knew I did what I did in order to save her.
The fabric of our gowns rustled as we headed towards the dining hall. Inside, there was a block table set up for about twenty guests, extravagantly adorned in fine china. The table was still uniquely Rom since it was surrounded in large pillows. Clearly my people held no appreciation for chairs.
Gabe was already seated inside. . .along with Rex.
His eyes roamed over me as soon as I entered the room. His gaze was like a beaming laser, locked onto me like I was his target. Against my will, my skin flushed. There was this sense of being devoured as he stared at me. Anyone who took stock of his expression would immediately think we were lovers. At least it appeared as if no one had noticed. Yet, anyway.
An usher directed us to our seats. Lola was sat next to Gabe. I was sat further down the table, across from a tall man with golden hair and green eyes. He introduced himself as Prince Tiberius Renalo Gabor. I was a little stunned, having realized I’d been grouped across from a prince and not placed with Lola and Gabe at the other end of the table.
I wondered if the Royals still suspected me of being their oracle. Maybe that’s why I’d been seated next to them, so they could further inspect me over the course of the meal.
A few moments later, a slender blonde made her way to the dinner table. I froze, watching Lettie innocently glide by Rex, brushing the back of his chair with her fingertips. Rex stiffened, and his eyes immediately flicked to mine, as if to say, ‘that was nothing’.
I presented him with my own disgruntled look, which clearly stated, ‘yeah right’.
“Good evening, Oracle.”
Xavier dropped himself into the seat beside me. “What are you doing here?” I sputtered.
He raised a finger to his lips, gesturing for me to lower my voice. “I was invited,” he informed me. “My uncle had his hearing with the King. Apparently all went well and he’s right on track to regaining his throne. He’s still waiting on a court date, and he’s got several barosans lined up, ready to testify for him, just as you instructed him to do.”
I rolled my eyes, wishing I’d never helped Xavier’s poor excuse for an uncle.
“So you’re here because all is well between Salazar and the Royals?” I asked scathingly. “Don’t tell me I have to look at his back-stabbing face tonight, too.”
“He’s not coming,” Xavier assured me. He took a deep breath. “I didn’t know my uncle intended to sacrifice you to the Order. I swear to God, Estelle, I had no idea.”
A server walked by with a covered tray rattling on top of his shoulder. I was busy staring into Xavier’s dark eyes, trying to discern whether or not he was telling me the truth when the server leaned down in between us, distracting me. “Would you like some cozonaci cu nuca, miss?”
“Oh, um. . .”
“It’s good,” Xavier said. “It’s sort of a walnut bread.”
“Sure, thanks,” I said, nodding to the server.
As soon as he’d walked away, I whispered heatedly, “What do you want from me, Xavier? Because I’d bet my life you’re not here for the food.”
“I want to put a stop to my uncle,” Xavier whispered back, surprising me. “The Order has an agenda. They will not stop until they have their land, no matter what it takes. They say Dimitri is already approved to be an electoral candidate for the fall elections.”
“Okay, back up,” I said, completely confused. “First of all, why aren’t you team Salazar anymore?”
“For many reasons, but he finally pushed me over the edge when he sacrificed you to the Order.”
I opened my mouth, then closed it again. Since when had Xavier turned into someone who cared? Then again, I supposed I didn’t know what Xavier did or didn’t care about. I’d never asked him.
“Also, because I don’t believe in their mission,” he stated firmly. “We were never meant to own land. Anyone who knows our histories can tell you that.”
“You sound like Aurelia,” I mentioned. Xavier took a bite of his food, trying to stay inconspicuous.
“Well, then, this Aurelia sounds wise.”
“She is,” I agreed, nodding. “But wait, what do I have to do with all this?”
“I need you to tell me how to stop the Order once and for all.”
For the first time ever, I noticed a twinge of hope lighting up Xavier’s eyes. He was looking at me as if I was the answer, and amazingly, I felt the weight of my curse’s absence.
I sighed, feeling bad for being unable to help Xavier. “Didn’t they tell you how I got away from the Order?”
He shook his head. “I haven’t spoken to my uncle since I found out he took you to them. I figured you served their purpose.”
“There is no curse anymore, Xavier. I broke it.”
I watched sadly as my news sunk in. Xavier sat back in his seat, staring off into space.
“I’m sorry,” I offered miserably.
“No,” he said. “That’s great for you. I’m sure you’re very happy.”
More servers passed by, carrying a variety of different plates. The food smelled heavenly, causing my stomach to lightly growl in anticipation. But I couldn’t think about food right now. All I could think about was Xavier, looking dejected and sullen. “Do you know what they’re planning?” I asked curiously.
He came out of his trance as he absorbed my question. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he stated, his tone full of warning.
“What is it?”
“They’re looking for the best psychics. I didn’t understand it at first, figuring they’d used your curse already. But it all makes sense now.”
Psychics? I didn’t understand what Xavier was trying to tell me.
After a few lingering moments, he said ominously, “There are only a handful of powerful psychics. One that I can think of who is extremely powerful.”
“Who?” I urged him to tell me.
“Zetta Moori. I heard my uncle mention the name.”
“Lola’s aunt?” I asked, startled.
He nodded. “I think they may try and abduct her.”
“I have to tell Lola.”
“I would advise you to make sure Zetta is well guarded,” Xavier told me. Then, he flicked his gaze in the direction of the Royals. “We probably should discuss the weather from here on out.”
I looked up, noticing the imperceptible tilts of some of the Royal’s chins, as if they were trying to overhear our conversation. Xavier’s hand lightly rested against the table. He must have overheard their thoughts. They were listening.
“Gotcha,” I whispered, before attacking my food.
For the remainder of the meal, Xavier and I spoke only about the food and the weather. It was disconcerting, finding an ally in Xavi
er, someone I never imagined to be trustworthy. Then again, Xavier had kidnapped me twice, but I still had never felt as repulsed by him as I had with Salazar. Maybe I needed to start trusting my intuition.
As soon as dinner was over, I beelined towards Lola. “We need to talk,” I said. “Somewhere private.”
She nodded and we met out in the gardens. I told her everything Xavier had told me. Lola’s expression became worrisome. “I’ll call my dad,” she decided. “I think it’s best if his tribe goes off the radar for a while in order to keep Zetta hidden. Whether or not Xavier’s claims are true, it’s better to play it safe than sorry.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
We both turned, startled by the sound of a rustling bush. Rex rounded the corner.
Lola and I shared a sigh of relief.
“What were you doing conspiring with Dogaru?” he demanded, glaring at me darkly.
“Don’t freak out, Rex,” Lola groaned. “They were just talking.”
I looked at Lola curiously, noticing how she stressed the word talking. What else would they assume I’d be doing with Xavier?
“He gave me some information,” I explained. “He’s not exactly a fan of the Order, or of his uncle anymore.”
Lola continued on by telling Rex, “Xavier overheard a few council members mentioning Auntie Zetta. He was warning Estelle they might try and come after her.”
Rex didn’t seem as if he believed it. “You can’t trust anything Dogaru says.”
“But he doesn’t have anything to gain by telling her.”
“Which means he’s after something else,” Rex stated stubbornly.
Lola threw her hands up in exasperation. “This clearly doesn’t have anything to do with Xavier. I’m leaving.”
Just as she’d said, Lola headed back inside the confines of the castle walls. Rex and I were met with an uncomfortable silence.
A few moments passed before Rex admitted, “Lola’s right. This isn’t about Dogaru.”
I stayed quiet, sighing inwardly. A faint gust of wind drove through the gardens, floating a cluster of leaves across the cement, and propelled a few over my feet. I kicked at the leaves with my heels, flicking them back into the cool night breeze.