The Liars

by Hashmi, Heraa

  Perhaps she loved him.

  “Lulu, can I talk to you for a minute?” Memory asked. She opened the door to find her sister sitting on her bed with a bowl of food, noodles hanging out of her mouth.

  Ever since they’d returned from Sugrove, her sister had developed a massive appetite. Even more so than Memory’s, which was a feat in itself.

  “Hm?” Lulu said, looking up. She slurped up the rest of the noodles and put her bowl away. “What’s up?

  “I thought I told you not to eat in your room?”

  “Yes, mom.” Lulu jumped up, handing her the bowl. “Could you do the dishes tonight? I have a lot of homework–”

  “I’m leaving.”

  Lulu dropped the bowl. Thankfully, it was plastic, and simply rolled around until it came to a stop.

  “Again?”

  Memory, wanting to be honest with her sister, sat her down and looked at her with a vacant expression.

  “How do I start? This is a bit of a long story.” Memory looked at her between the eyes.

  Lulu, sensing the severity of the situation, nodded furiously.

  “Okay, but you’re helping me with my homework, you complicated simpleton.”

  Memory smiled. “You’re too good for me.”

  The first thing Lulu said when Memory was finished relaying the hour long story (with things omitted here and there) was;

  “You’re an idiot.”

  “I’ve heard that a lot.”

  Lulu stared open mouthed at her. “So you’re the reason why that weird woman was just banished.”

  Memory frowned. “Was it on the news?”

  “Yeah.” Lulu let out a long breath. “This explains the sudden buying of everything in sight.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Twenty–five million? Memory, do you know what could happen if you get caught?”

  At times, Memory despised her sister’s rational behavior. Really despised it.

  “Why are you doing this?” Her sister asked.

  That was a difficult question which she didn’t want to answer.

  “I shouldn’t have agreed in the first place but it was so…tempting.” Memory sighed wistfully. “I need to fix things up.”

  Lulu blinked back tears, falling onto her pillow. The two sisters were silent for a minute.

  “You like him, don’t you?”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “You’re horrible at lying, you know.”

  “Oh the irony.” Memory breathed deeply. She grasped the folded piece of paper in her pocket and with shaking hands gave it to Lulu.

  “Our mother.” She said. “Find her for me, would you?”

  Lulu started to cry, and Memory wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug.

  Could she do this a second time? What if someone else other than Tsavorite or Diana had found out? It wasn’t just a blunder that could be ignored. It literally threatened the fate of the entire country.

  But Prince Cassian was willing to take the chance.

  So was she.

  Epilogue

  Elliot would get better in a month’s time. While it was enough to make Memory sigh in relief, she wondered what would happen next. There had been enough excitement in the past four months–horseback riding would do for now.

  It was a bit ridiculous, trying to go out for a ride when she could barely balance the crown on her head. It was like the exercises they used to do in primary school, with trying to walk around with books on your head, except the crown wasn’t a book and she wasn’t in primary school.

  She was busy petting Julian, eager to go racing with him, when Alexa entered the premises.

  “His majesty is calling you.”

  His majesty was Edward now. It was odd, having him as king, but Memory was rather looking forward to the changes he would implement. He certainly seemed like a better man than King Darius.

  Prince–no, King–Edward looked sickly, just like everyone else Memory encountered. Yellow skin, heavy eyelids, and sunken cheeks.

  He sat at his newly furnished desk, arm in a sling, tapping his pen against the desk.

  “You are quite intelligent, Princess.”

  Yelping, she suddenly straightened her back. “Um, thanks?”

  “I am truly sorry for what happened.” He said, and Memory grinned at his manners.

  “Yeah. It’d be nice to be trusted, sometimes.”

  “Had I known about Lady Tsavorite earlier, I…”King Edward trailed off, setting down his pen. Memory jumped in before he could say anything else.

  “It wasn’t anyone’s fault.” She cleared her throat. “Where is she, by the way?”

  “In Canada. She is never allowed to return.”

  She saw the pain in his eyes, and coupled with the fact his father would never wake up from a coma and that he was the new king, it could be a handful.

  “And Martin?”

  “Martin?” The King raised an eyebrow. “What about him?”

  “He was only trying to help.” She clarified. “Could you…take back the banishment from the palace? And maybe restore his family’s honor? I know Martin’s brother tried to kill you and all, but he was manipulated by Tsavorite–”

  “Done.” King Edward resumed to his writing. “Any other requests?”

  “Tourmaline.” Memory said suddenly. “Her daughter.”

  He nearly fell out of his seat. It took him a full minute to recover. “She has a daughter?”

  Prince Cassian hadn’t told him?

  “She does. You know, it’s a long story.” A story she didn’t want to repeat. “Could you let her stay here? Actually, could you just remove the permission thing from the palace? It’s really annoying.”

  He stared at her skeptically. “As long as you do not run away again. Or escape.”

  “Escape?”

  “Do orange curtains remind you of anything?”

  Memory huffed. “It was Zoisite–”

  “Do pardon me, but I have somewhere to be.” King Edward interrupted smoothly, staring at his phone. “Princess, I must ask something of you.”

  “Go on.”

  “I realize you have not finished your studies, and given your past…education, I wish for you to study abroad.”

  Had it not been for the King’s completely serious expression, Memory would’ve thought he was joking.

  If he was capable of joking.

  “Study abroad, your majesty?” Memory said slowly, and he confirmed it by giving her a quick nod.

  “In London. I have enrolled you in their best school for two years.”

  “I…” Memory was rendered speechless. “Do I have to?” She implored, attempting to change his mind.

  “Yes, if you wish to uphold your title. I will not have you besmirching the Eastcote’s name.” King Edward nodded to her, moving to leave. “Two maids will accompany you. You will leave tomorrow.”

  The doors shut, leaving no room for argument.

  The halls were quiet, still echoing with Queen Beryl’s death. Emerald, for once, didn’t wear a sneer but a desolate frown, like she was lost and couldn’t figure out where, or what, she wanted to do.

  She slid down against the wall next to where Memory was sitting. The two didn’t say anything, each aware of the animosity present. Yet, Memory didn’t push her away. All her energy was gone.

  “I’m tired.” Emerald said in a small voice, unlike her typical condescending tone. “I don’t know what to do.”

  Tell me about it.

  “Of course you don’t.” Memory jeered. When Emerald raised her green eyes to meet hers, she resumed to staring at the wall in front of her. “Neither do I, I guess.”

  “We are in the same situation, I think.” Emerald sighed, looking down at her hands. “Neither of us belong.”

  “That’s not for you to decide.” Memory snapped.

  “I don’t need your permission.” Emerald retorted. “And as of right now, I’m more powerful than your dear brothers. I could kick all of you
out. I would be careful with what you say.”

  Memory, unsurprised at her defensiveness, knew she was powerless. Yes, financially, Emerald was on a pedestal–but the girl had spent her life lusting after power, wanting to be at least accepted into the family despite her blood. And yet, when she finally got the position, she had no idea how to use it, how to move forward.

  “Your parents.” Memory said suddenly. “Are they happy, then?”

  “They always were.” Emerald admitted. “But I was mad. So mad that my dad was just as worthy to be king, in fact even a better king than Ara.”

  “Blood is always thicker than water.” Memory mused bitterly, reciting a well-known adage. “Always was.”

  “And somehow, I, who never had the blood, am better suited to this life than you who does.”

  Memory rolled her head to look at the redhead. “Once you’re outside…you never want to come back. I don’t think you’d understand.”

  Clenching her hands at her side, Emerald fumed. “Why did you? Everything was ruined. I could have had everything!”

  It certainly was an interesting question. Why was she here? Why was she sitting in the emptiness, in the dark halls, when the light was shining outside?

  I don’t know. I don’t know.

  “Because…we’re a team.” Memory murmured to herself, echoing Prince Cassian’s words. When Emerald gave a questioning hum, she cleared her throat. “I don’t need to answer you.” She moved to stand up.

  “You have everything you want. Take care of the country, please.” Memory curtsied, smiling with a dangerous glint in her eye as the girl’s eyes widened.

  “M-me? Are you–?”

  “Take care of my brothers, too. It’s your responsibility, Emerald.” With that, Memory left, the words a heavy burden weighing down on her heart.

  Diana had packed all her bags alone. Whether it was out of guilt or love, Memory didn’t know. What she did know what that she would never talk to the woman again, with the exception of telling her,

  “I won’t fire you. In return, keep your mouth shut.”

  The woman cried as she folded Memory’s clothes with care. Memory, gritting her teeth, grabbed her pajamas and left to sleep in Zoisite’s room, oblivious to the silver pen Diana gently packed in the bag.

  Prince Cassian was closing the door to Zoisite’s room when Memory arrived, and she watched him carefully. While before, he would move with a confident stride and even paces, he was fidgety. Twitched, kept his eyes cast down, and moved so fast so he wouldn’t have to run into anyone he didn’t want to see.

  Which is what he tried to do as he rushed by Memory, but her loud voice stopped him.

  “I’m leaving.”

  He stopped in his tracks as Memory shifted her weight from one leg to another.

  “I mean–”

  “I managed to quiet Zoisite. Let us not awaken her.” He said, refusing to look at her. “We will talk outside.”

  The fountain was lit up with blue lights, in honor of the new King. Water spouted out of Grantham Eastcote’s spear and fell to his feet in a cloud of vapor. Prince Cassian sat down on the ledge, crossing his legs and waiting for her to speak.

  Memory fidgeted.

  “I. Well.” She started, hoping her anxiety wouldn’t shine through. “I’m just full of words today, aren’t I?”

  He observed her curiously. “There is much to do. Either tell me or leave. I am quite tired.”

  “I am leaving.” She stressed.”Tomorrow.”

  “Leaving? Did you not promise me that–”

  “Oh come on, I keep my promises.” She nudged him. “I don’t know if your–our–brother told you yet. But…he’s sending me to London. To finish my studies.”

  Prince Cassian’s eyes softened.

  “How long?”

  “Two years. I accepted.”

  From his expression, she knew exactly what he wanted to know: why?

  Sighing, she sat down next to him, hands clasped together. “You know me. I can be selfish, impulsive, and irrational.” He snorted quietly, and she waved her hands around.

  “Understatement of the year, but no one cares. Anyway, I…this game. I can’t do what I want unless…unless I’m prepared. Until I learn the rules, I can’t beat the system.”

  Prince Cassian’s lips curved into a sad smile. “It’s a dangerous game.”

  “Yeah, but I’ve got you, which is equivalent to winning. I think.” Tears were threatening to spill, but there were none left. She had cried so much in the past month that her eyes were sucked dry of any bit of moisture they had.

  “It’s not too late.” He said with a hopeful glance.

  “What, does the offer to run away still stand?” She punched his shoulder. “I might take you up on that.” As she joked, he turned to face her seriously.

  “If you want to go, that is your choice.” He stared, “But I will do everything in my power to restore your–”

  “My life?” Memory questioned. “I don’t have one anymore.”

  “All your troubles started with me.” He pointed out, and she couldn’t help but nod. “I was being selfish. I want you here, but if you stay, any chance of you returning to Whecombe Pass is gone. Your future will be set in stone.” He was rather poetic when upset, Memory noted. “You are Princess Jade. There is no way out once you step in.”

  “Then I’ll take the first step.” Memory said, finding comfort in the pair of eyes she’d grown so accustomed to. “And I won’t look back. Take care of my sister, would you? She’s scared to death about going to university.”

  “She knows?”

  Memory chuckled. He didn’t sound too surprised. “After your little sting at the hotel, she was extremely suspicious. And her stubbornness beats even mine.”

  “That is hard to believe.”

  They stood up and he walked her back to her room. As they stood outside her door, he lifted his hand, like he was about to touch her cheek, but then curled his fingers. “If you stay, Memory Confiance might die.”

  “Second thoughts already?”A hot tear escaped her eye and rolled down the bridge of her nose. It reached her lips and it tasted like salt. She inched forward without thought, and lightly touched her lips to his.

  He didn’t move.

  Memory closed her eyes.

  “If you’re here, I can breathe.”

  Preview of The Traitors, the second installment in the series.

  ~ ~ ~

  It was the first time she heard Chrysander’s voice in three years. He sounded jolly–happy, even–but his voice was laced with urgency. Urgency that even Memory couldn’t disregard as him falling into a fit of dramatics. Chrysander, despite his nature, wasn’t prone to histrionics so even the smallest hint of desperation from him set her on edge.

  “Uncle?” She asked when he quieted, the scratching of her pen across her notebook slowing to a lull.

  “Uncle? Has London returned you to formalities, now?” He teased.

  The edges of Memory’s lips tugged downwards. “Uncle, my time is limited. Why the sudden call?”

  He and everyone else normally emailed. Calls were a pain for Memory especially since she hadn’t finished her classes in the two years King Edward promised. So here she was with her third year coming to a close, alone with two maids and barely grasping at the ropes of becoming a princess.

  Princess.

  She heard the word at least a dozen times a minute, yet it always had the same effect. Chills would crawl down her spine and her hands would quaver just the tiniest bit.

  It was like a ticking bomb. The fear of being found out was a lingering shadow behind her, accompanying her at every moment of the day relentlessly. It was a dangerous game she was playing at, one she couldn’t hope to escape alive.

  “I think it would be best if you returned, Princess.”

  Memory stared at her half–written report and let out a long breath.

  “I think that is for his majesty to decide.”

  “Yes,
but you can finish your degree here.”

  “I have a semester left.” She replied scathingly, having not the faintest idea why Chrysander had called her. Didn’t he have better things to do with his time?

  “You do not sound like I remember, Princess.”

  Resigned that she wouldn’t be able to finish her report without rudely hanging up on the King’s uncle, Memory stood up, stretching. She motioned for the maids–Alexa and Chelsea–to leave.

  “Voices tend to change, Uncle. Especially when you do not hear them on a daily basis.”

  “I apologize.” Chrysander said, almost surprised with her tone. Memory had to admit, she didn’t expect to pick up the speech patterns of the family so quickly, but surrounding herself with the supposed elite of the world tended to drown out her ‘commoner lingo’. It was almost second nature, especially in the vicinity of people who thought she was a Princess, and Lulu never wasted an opportunity to make fun of her for it.

  “No need to.”

  “I am getting married.”

  There was a slight pause.

  “Oh.”

  With the Viviste family back in good graces, Memory expected as much. What did he want, then? For her to attend the wedding?

  “Princess Jade, I am sure you are aware of the financial crises Helviera is in.”

  She was. Her major had been switched to financial economics, after all.

  “With former Queen Crystal insisting on the marriage and the King’s troubles with the situation here, I agreed.”

  Well. That was a problem. The old hag’s still alive?

  Memory’s frown deepened.

  “What about Emerald?” Emerald held half of the Eastcote fortune, after all. Surely she could do something.

  “Her…family name has grown. They hold one of the largest hotel chains in the world.”

  Her eyes flickered to the bookcases in her study, raking over various reports that she’d received about Emerald. “And she refuses to help?”

  “Yes.”

  “The little…” It took all her energy to refrain from insulting the redhead. She cleared her throat. “What do you need me for, if I may ask?”

  “You have had experience living as a citizen.” He explained. He sounded uncomfortable. “His majesty thinks it would be helpful with returning the country to its formal glory.”