by Sela Croft
“I was just discussing with Morrigan how we can travel to the prison.”
Callie appeared wide awake now. “We’ll be able to find Rosamon.”
Morrigan pointed a finger. “Once you’re inside, if you make any mistakes, you could find yourselves trapped there…or worse.
“Many centuries ago, my own mentor helped build that prison, so I know something of its construction. I cannot stress enough…whatever is in there…was imprisoned for a reason.” She looked directly at us. “If you let whatever it is get out, it could result in disaster, for all of you.”
“I understand,” Callie said. “We will be careful. But I’m confident that once I reunite with Rosamon, we’ll find a way out.”
“You are a brave girl,” Morrigan said. “Let us hope you are not also foolhardy.”
Callie and I held hands then followed Morrigan to a stairwell. She led us up to a rooftop to bid us farewell. When she whistled, a great flock of ravens swooped onto the roof. Their wingspan was about four feet.
Morrigan motioned toward the ravens. “The birds will carry you to your destination.”
I looked over the parapet to the ground below. We were at the top level of the castle. I didn’t see any riding gear for the birds, so I only hoped that the magic would hold us tightly to our feathery transport. First, I helped Callie climb aboard. She was on her stomach with her arms around the bird’s neck, as Morrigan directed.
I got on the raven beside Callie’s. I glanced at her, but she seemed intent on just holding on. I wrapped my arms around the silky neck and looked over at Morrigan. But the sorceress was already walking away, unconcerned for our welfare.
The birds took flight with the rest of the flock in formation about them. I rested my chin against the bird’s neck then gazed down at the windswept moors. If it wasn’t for our destination, the ride would have been quite the thrill. The birds swooped over the air currents, dipping and rising as we were swept along.
Chapter 12
Amalia
My chambers were elaborate yet comfortable. I changed the look often, depending on my mood. It was a day for advancement, so I chose opulence and luxury. The interior walls were sandstone, rising to a cathedral-like ceiling. Gothic arches raised the corners of the room, and velvet curtains embroidered with gold thread hung from ceiling to floor over the multi-paned windows.
The furniture was eighteenth century; it was to my liking. A massive stone fireplace was the focal point, although I had no need to light a fire. A plethora of pillows were scattered on the bed, but the mattress remained untouched. I had no use for sleep.
In the center of the sumptuous room was an ornately carved wood table and chairs. I sat in a high-backed chair, surveying my surroundings. I’d spent the morning reflecting. There was much to think about.
My quarters were impenetrable; no one entered without my permission. The tumult of the realm was unsettling. But once I was in place as the new ruler, I would set things in order.
That was the thing: there would those who would unseat me from my rightful position. My father had promised that I would be his successor. I was female, and thus, a disappointment. But I’d prove that I was equal to the task.
A black bird flew in the open window and perched atop the chair across from me. It was about time that I received some news. I couldn’t proceed blindly. “What have you to tell me?”
The bird fluffed his feathers, then settled his oily wings close to his body. “I’ve been to Morrigan’s castle.”
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense…out with it.”
“Logan and Callie have been there, and the sorceress has been co-operative.”
“Not surprising…Logan and Morrigan have a long history together.”
The bird picked at his feathers with the sharp point of his beak, then readjusted his talons over the wooden chair back.
“What else have you learned? So far, you’ve told me no more than I already knew.”
“I have more, princess.” The bird proceeded to fill me in on the details of Logan’s visit, which were quite interesting.
“And…did Morrigan agree to the vampire’s demand?”
The bird blinked his eyes, then dipped his head. “The sorceress agreed to help him…for a price.”
“That was to be expected. What price does she intend to extract from him?”
“I can’t tell you. Morrigan whispered that into the vampire’s ear. Thus, I was unable to hear.”
“That’s disappointing.”
“But I can assure you that the sorceress has called her flock to escort the vampire and the human girl to their destination.”
The black bird was useful. He’d served me better in his bird form than he had as a pointy-eared guard. He’d annoyed me, one too many times, so I’d changed him into a bird. It was his sentence to gain information for me and that he seemed to do well.
When the bird left, I didn’t waste any time. I called for an audience with the king. My father had been ill for a while. It was unknown how much longer he would last. The question of succession had caused much instability in the kingdom.
There was no doubt that I was the rightful successor. Jabari had promised that to me. Yet many vied for the position, lobbying that their qualifications exceeded mine. It was pure arrogance on their part. But some who wished to fight for the role of leader had supporters.
I refused to let such nonsense derail my plans.
My handmaidens arrived to dress me for an audience with Jabari. The fairies twittered about as if I was Cinderella about to attend a ball. I knew of such tales. One of the reasons I was suited to be the queen of the realm was my education and intelligence. I understood other realms, including the outside. And I intended to rule them all.
There was much fuss about choosing my attire. I selected a royal-blue satin pajama outfit with gems studding the hem. My long wavy brown hair was twisted around white bones, souvenirs from luckless enemies. My glowing azure eyes were outlined in thick black. I wore a blue diamond around my neck, a treasured heirloom.
My father wouldn’t care what I wore. But I was a woman and it mattered to me.
My handmaiden with carrot-colored hair balked at leaving.
“What is it?”
“My princess, dare I offer advice?”
“Advice from a handmaiden? That is rare. What have you to say?”
“Your father the king has not been himself, lately,” the handmaiden said. “He is ill, I’m aware. But he has been very irascible. One doesn’t know if he will be cordial or lop off a head. He’s easily roused to annoyance…if you know my meaning?”
I knew my father better than anyone. He did have a temper and his ailments hadn’t improved his mood. “What do you suggest?”
“I think it wise for you to wear your ceremonial armor over your dress…just in case.” The other handmaidens chimed in, agreeing with her.
“I’m not wearing the full armor. It will ruin my appearance,” I said. “But I will make some concessions. You can add a few protections, so long as they don’t detract from my beauty. Or incite aggression by being too provocative.”
That seemed to satisfy the ladies, so they made the final adjustments to my attire. Then I was escorted down the hall to meet the king. Before I’d gone far, I was greeted by a trusted court guard.
“I apologize for delaying you, princess,” the hefty man said. “I have just received news that you’ll want to hear.”
“You’d better hope that I do, because you’ve interrupted me when I’m on my way to meet with Jabari.”
The guard dipped his head in reverence. “One of your rivals has met his demise.”
I waited for more details, refusing to show how delighted I was by this turn of events.
“It was the leader of the southern faction, the traitor who murdered royal guards in a recent skirmish. He sought to unseat you from your rightful position, but another killed him earlier this morning.”
“That is news worthy of reporting,” I said.
“Now move aside. I must attend court.”
It was best not to show how truly pleased I was. I preferred for the royal court to assume I had no serious rivals. That was how I viewed it, anyway. The fools who sought to knock me off course would discover that their efforts were futile. Worse than that, I’d have their heads when I was their new monarch.
No one in the kingdom dared defy me. There was no basis to question my role. The dissenters would find themselves in untenable positions. I would wipe them out, one and all. And I had the power to do that. My magic was superior to any other, besides my father.
I smoothed my hands over the satin of my dress and stood in the hall outside the royal court. I had a right to be smug. Soon I’d be the queen of the Fae land and had the potential to rule all realms. My goals were high, but within reach—especially with what I was about to tell my father.
Two guards escorted me into the throne room. Jabari’s chair was on a raised platform. I approached then lowered into a ceremonial bow. “Greetings, my king.” It did no harm to show respect.
“Please sit, Amalia. I’m curious to know what you have to tell me.”
I navigated the steps to the platform and sat in the chair next to my father. The guards looked on, from a distance. “You look strong today.”
My father had been taken by an illness a few years before. Fae were immune to human illness, but had diseases that were unique to our race. It saddened me to think of my father suffering. But he looked well enough.
He was built large with wide shoulders and a square jaw. His eyes were glowing blue orbs that radiated light. He was handsome in his ceremonial robes. Jabari was my role model. My mother had been killed centuries ago, so we didn’t speak of her.
My father conversed on general issues concerning the realm. He seemed fine and was clear in his conversation. His illness wasn’t observable, but I knew it was destroying him from within.
The topic changed to the war raging forth, and there was an edge to my father’s voice that spoke of fear. “We must overcome and protect our realm,” he said. “You are the chosen one to succeed me. But if fate sees fit to take me without warning, others will seek to usurp the throne.”
“I am not afraid, my king. Any who seek to go against the royal family will realize what a worthy opponent I am.” I paused, not wanting to seem too anxious to relay my news. “I have something to tell you.”
“I assumed so. What is it, my daughter?”
“The event we’ve so patiently waited for, is about to happen,” I said, unable to conceal my pride. “The daughter of the sorcerer is being transported to the prison, as we speak.”
The king’s eyes glowed brighter. “That is the key, what we’ve anticipated, far too long.” He looked at me. “What we do next is vital. We must proceed as planned, and save you, save me, save the Fae realm. It will save us all and ensure that the vampire plague is out of our way…forever.”
“I agree, wholeheartedly.” I bowed my head solemnly. I was gracious for my father’s support, especially as I was about to put our plan into motion. “I won’t let you down, my king.”
Chapter 13
Rosamon
My regret turned to guilt. I’d encouraged Noah to rescue me from the prison, which was selfish. I’d warned Callie away, so why in the world did I think that Noah should enter the prison. Now he was trapped with me, and my hope for release hinged on a father I barely knew.
“Father, do you have any idea how to escape?” I glanced at Noah and held my breath. “Because I don’t have a clue. Travelling as an illusion has its benefits, but it doesn’t release my physical form.”
“I understand more about this prison that you do,” my father said. “I’ve been here much longer than you have, so I’ve learned a few things. And my heritage gives me an advantage. I know the history of this place.”
Noah’s eyes widened. “If you know then you’d better tell us. I’m not sure how long it will be before the guards arrive and that will make getting out more difficult.”
“After our release, I can tell you much more about your lineage, Rosamon. I don’t have the luxury of delving into that,” my father said. “As your friend pointed out, our window of opportunity may close so we’d best not delay.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” I felt a tiny flicker of hope. “Do you know enough about this prison to get out of it?”
“I have an idea that I’m convinced will work.” My father hesitated.
“If you’re worried we won’t listen, you need not be concerned.” I took a breath. “We have no other options.”
“Then you should know the nature of the prison that has you within its walls,” my father said. “The construction is unlike any other I’ve known. The structure was created out of a power that transcends some of the greatest magic in the world.”
I swallowed. That was saying a lot. I began to feel overwhelmed. What confidence I’d gained about my magic paled against the force of which my father spoke. “Then how can we hope to defeat such a power?”
“We will need to break the spells that hold all of us here.”
Noah said, “That can be done?”
“It can definitely be done,” my father said. “It’s called transformative power.”
I was baffled. “I haven’t heard of that.”
“Noah is a vampire.” My father stated that as fact, and I didn’t stop to wonder how he knew. I supposed that a sorcerer could recognize other supernaturals.
“Yes, I didn’t know about Noah’s true nature when I was on the outside in Oregon. He became my friend, but I didn’t find out until after I’d been captured that he is a vampire.”
Noah gave me a smile.
“The vampires in this realm are magic. I’ve been paying attention to at least that much,” my father said. “That means that Noah has his own power.”
I dared not interrupt.
“And you have my blood, Rosamon. You are a sorceress.”
“I won’t argue that,” I said. “But how does that give us the ability to break free of this oppressive prison?”
“The best way is for you to drink Noah’s blood…and for him to drink yours,” my father said.
I recoiled against the idea without knowing why.
“If you drink each other’s blood—your sorcerer heritage, plus, the witch’s spell that imbued the vampires with magic—will provide enough combined power to allow us to be freed.”
I was stunned. “That’s transformative?” I knew the answer but was stalling for time.
“Exactly so,” my father said.
“Our powers would be shared through the exchange of blood?” Noah said. “And that would transform us into a stronger magical force?”
“It would increase the power by many times, possibly more than you imagine,” my father said.
Noah balked. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m concerned for Rosamon’s safety.”
“Why would you be concerned?” my father said. “She will be more powerful than ever.”
“Maybe, but there are dangers.” Noah had a distressed look. “When I was weak I drank some of Callie’s blood and Logan had to intercede.”
Noah had told me about drinking my sister’s blood, but not about how it had affected him. “You would have hurt my sister?”
“Not intentionally. The blood craving took over. I wasn’t even aware of what I was doing.” Noah took my hand. “My hunger for your blood is greater. I’ve been forcing myself not to partake, every time we’ve been together.”
How had I not known that?
“Drinking Rosamon’s blood might be too much for me. Once I had the first taste, I don’t think that I’d be able to stop,” Noah said to my father.
All of this required quite a leap of faith and I had questions. I wondered what power my father had and what power I’d inherited from him. Playing around with the mirrors was likely only a sample of what was possible. “I want to know more about your power, Father. And I need to underst
and what power or potential I’ve inherited.”
“You should know that I’ve been treated unfairly,” my father said. “The power of a sorcerer is great, the magic powerful. When we are out of here, I’ll school you in your abilities. You’ve shown great aptitude and have much potential…more than you might believe.”
“What happened? Why are you in the prison?” I was still mystified by why I was in captivity. Maybe my father could shed light on why he was imprisoned, though I doubted he understood how I’d ended up there.
“I was a powerful yet benevolent sorcerer, responsible for many good deeds,” my father said. “I was trapped in this place by jealous enemies, who wanted to stop me from wrecking their destructive plans.”
I wanted to hear the entire story, but seconds were ticking by. That would have to wait.
“I promise that Noah’s love for you will stop him before he harms you,” my father said.
Noah looked at me, probably thinking the same thing that I was. “I’m worried that if Noah craves my blood to such an extent, wouldn’t I crave his, just as much?”
“You must drink each other’s blood,” my father said. “It’s the only way.”
I was reticent. “Let me put it to a test. Then I’ll have more confidence to proceed.”
There was no reply. My father had gone quiet. Maybe he didn’t think my test was wise. Or maybe the Fae guards had entered his cell. I cringed to think of what they might do to him. During our brief talks, my father had shared that he’d been tortured.
That was all the more reason to get out of this godforsaken place.
I reached for Noah’s arm and lifted his wrist to his mouth. “I need to smell your blood.” His fangs extended then he pierced his own skin, drawing blood.
Leaning close, I breathed in, taking in Noah’s scent. The attraction was strong. The urge to drink his blood was nearly overpowering. I became dizzy and weaved slightly. Noah put his arm around me, but the room continued spinning—then I collapsed.
Chapter 14
Callie
The flock of ravens speedily transported Logan and me on their silky backs. It was an incredibly dizzying and unsettling experience. I wished that Morrigan had come with us. She knew more about the prison and would have been useful. But I supposed that she’d already done more for us than she’d preferred to.