Envy (Protectors of the Elemental Magic Book 4)

by Marnie Cate

  Upon arrival, Jameson flung open the door, and growled, “Follow me.”

  I met my mother's frightened eyes. I forced myself to smile, hoping to sooth her concerns. She had never been taken into the tunnels, only directly to the pit.

  “Where are we?” Cedric whispered.

  “The Vetur tunnels,” I said, squeezing his hand. “Stand close to your grandmother, and don't stare. Just keep your eyes on what's ahead of you.”

  A wave of nausea came over me as we entered the cave. We entered the tunnels through a different entrance than I had previously used. I prayed my mother and son would be spared from seeing any more of the Vetur than the carriage's escort. Of course, my wishes were wasted. Jameson led us straight to the infirmary.

  “It smells horrid in here,” my mother said, gagging.

  “Breathe through your mouth, Grandmother,” Cedric suggested as he wrapped his arm around her.

  “Why did you drag us through this way?” I hissed at Jameson.

  “Watch your tongue,” Jameson snapped. Leaning close to me, he said in a hushed voice, “Be careful with how you speak to me. Remember, they would do anything to please Snowystra and to be freed from this hell.”

  The women stared at us as we walked past them. None of the faces were familiar, until I saw Laura, assisting a mother giving birth. I fell back from Jameson and went to her. Curiosity filled me, and I wondered if the child I had nursed had lived. Was she here?

  “Hello, Laura. I don't have much time. Can you tell me if the baby I nursed is here? I would like to see how she's grown,” I whispered.

  “She is over there.” The midwife pointed towards a small child, no older than a year old. The small girl was cradled in the arms of a woman who was nursing her.

  “No, the child I fed sixteen years ago,” I said.

  “You forget the mortal world days go faster than here. Someone told me once eighteen days here is like a year in your world,” Laura whispered back. “Please go before Jameson realizes you are gone.”

  Her eyes pleaded with me to comply. “I'm sorry. I'll go.” I turned, and smacked into Jameson.

  “What are you doing?” he snarled.

  Gripping my upper arm, he rushed me towards my family. By the time he turned to see who I had been talking with, Laura had disappeared. He walked at such a fast pace, I stumbled. Instead of letting me get my footing again, he dragged me across the dirty floor.

  “Let go of her!” Cedric yelled.

  Cedric charged his father, preparing to save me. Jameson hooked him around his neck, and began moving at a rapid pace. As the ground scraped my legs, Cedric cursed at Jameson. I wanted to beg him to stop screaming, but my head was pounding now.

  Unceremoniously, Jameson opened a door, and threw us into a room. Once securely inside, he barked, “You fools are going to get us all killed. Stay here while I go get your mother.”

  “I'm going to kill him,” Cedric said, touching my shoulder. “Are you ok?”

  “He really didn't hurt me. I shouldn't have wandered off,” I replied. “He can't show kindness to us here, son, so don't give him a reason to be cruel, okay?”

  “Don't make excuses for him.”

  “I'm not. Look around this room, Cedric. This is how Snowystra's people live,” I said, trying to stand up.

  “They are trapped in an ice room? Where do they sleep?” Cedric asked, his voice full of doubt.

  “On the pile of blankets,” I answered.

  “Mother, are you sure you are ok? There are no blankets here,” Cedric said, standing up and offering his hand to me.

  The small room was empty. We were surrounded by ice walls, and a steel door. Didn't Jameson drag us through the tunnels? I wondered as I accepted Cedric's hand and allowed him to help me up. Then, aloud, I added, “I'm not sure where we are anymore. This is not one of the rooms they live in. This looks like a cell.”

  Suddenly, the door opened, and my mother was pushed in.

  “Why are we here?” Cedric demanded when his father followed his grandmother inside. He was being too forceful, and I feared Jameson's response.

  “You are here because the Goddess commanded it,” Jameson replied, holding out a black bag. “Get dressed.”

  * * *

  My mother chose the emerald green formal gown from the bag and silver high heels. She left me a dark blue beaded dress. It was knee length, which showed off the scrapes from being dragged.

  I slipped the dress on, and felt Jameson's hand on the small of my back. His touch always sent electricity through me. The pleasure of his touch was only equaled by my self-loathing for being too weak to resist him.

  “Let me help you. I knew this dress would look incredible on you,” he said, pressing his lips against my neck, and zipping the dress up. Whispering in my ear, he said, “I didn't mean to hurt you, Blanche. I just couldn't risk them knowing I care for you.”

  “Do you care for us? You haven't been a part of our life consistently in years,” I said in a hushed tone.

  “One day, I'll make it up to you, Blanche. I'll be what you need,” he promised, kissing my hand.

  “When I am old and grey, and you are still young and vibrant,” I said, the frustration of my lost life building inside me.

  “Nothing will change my love for you. I'm sorry, but I must take you to Snowystra now.” He turned away from me to address our son. “Cedric, remember to be respectful, and we will have no more problems.”

  “Keep your hands off my mother, and I will be sure to be respectful,” Cedric retorted as he adjusted his bow tie. The tuxedo aged him. He looked like a young man, no longer my little boy.

  Though his eyes pinched, Jameson chose not to respond. Instead, he flung open the cell door, and stormed out. We quickly followed his lead, and, once again, he guided us through the tunnels. When a cold wind hit us, a shiver rippled through my body. Much to my relief, we were outside again. The sadness and despair of the tunnels would not be our future tonight.

  * * *

  The carriage had waited for us. I watched out the window as the wintery forest flew by. We soon were approaching the gates of a castle. The building was a dark navy blue brick. It sparkled with a glittery frost as if it was made of snowflakes. The carriage slowed until it came to a stop in front of the intimidating building.

  The entrance was an impressive staircase made of the blue stone. Jameson led us through the middle of a line of Vetur dressed in black and white uniforms. At the end of the steps, there was a large metal door with a spider crest on it. Jameson nodded at the large, overbearing man guarding the door.

  “You are late,” the man chided. “The ceremonies have begun without you.”

  “We ran into a bit of a problem. They are ready now,” he said, pushing past the man.

  We were led through the foyer, past a library filled from floor to ceiling with books and by a kitchen. Staff rushed around us with trays of food. Soon, two guards fell into step next to us. As another set of guards flanked us, my heart began to beat faster. Why is there so much security around us?

  Ahead, I could see a room filled with shapes in black and silver. When we grew closer, I realized it was a ballroom, and the shapes were people. A trumpet sounded as if announcing our arrival and the crowd parted. Peering past the guards, I could see formally dressed Vetur quickly moving and bowing. They created a walkway for Snowystra to pass through.

  The dark Goddess wore a white ball gown with black trim running down it. The off-the-shoulder bodice was covered with thousands of shimmering beads, which formed a spider web. Her hair was smoothed into a sleek bun, showing off her beautiful facial features. Atop her head was a crown of icicles, which flickered in azure blue. If I hadn't known the truth, I would have believed she was an angelic queen with benevolent plans for us.

  “My guests have arrived. Let me see my son,” she cried.

  Our guards stepped aside. The crowd uniformly clapped in response.

  Her silver eyes blazed as they landed on Cedric. “
Bring him to me.”

  I grabbed his hand to stop him from going. He leaned down, and whispered in my ear, “I love you, Mother. Let me go.”

  I let my fingers slip as he stood tall and strode towards Snowystra. My chest tightened, and I realized I had not prepared him for this. I never believed this day would happen, and now that it was here, I was mortified.

  “What a pretty boy,” the Goddess cooed as she stroked his cheek. Placing her hand on his chest, she studied him intently. “How very interesting. I was told for many years you carried no magic. Yet, I feel it pulsing through your veins.”

  She glared at me. Dropping her hand, she began to walk towards me.

  “Goddess,” Cedric called, catching her hand.

  Whirling around, she held her hand out as if to slap him, but slowly lowered it.

  “I am sorry for my informal touch,” he apologized, bowing his head. “The magic I feel just came alive now as you touched my cheek. I have never felt anything like this before. It is as if a snowstorm has invaded my body.”

  Her eyes narrowed onto him. “Are you lying to save her?”

  “No,” he insisted. “She's told me since I was born that I was meant to be your child. She encouraged me to find your gift. She didn't know how to unlock it. She didn't know I needed to return to my true mother to unleash what lived inside me.”

  His words cut me. Did he speak the truth, or was he trying to save me? He had to be trying to please her. It didn't matter. I would not let him become what she wanted.

  Taking her hand, Cedric said, “She means nothing to me.”

  Snowystra led him to the middle of the room, and declared, “My son has been returned to me. I present, Sebastian. The future Shah of Snowstrum.”

  The crowd cheered. This time, the excitement felt sincere. Jameson stepped next to me. A wave of his magic washed over me. Stay calm. Do not draw attention to yourself, Jameson's voice whispered in my mind.

  “We will feast in celebration. Soon, my power will be restored to its fullness, and those who have imprisoned me will be reminded I am the only true Goddess,” she announced, leading Cedric away.

  We were whisked away before I had time to stop her. Snowystra brought him to a table with a place setting for three. Who was the third seat for? To my relief, I was shoved into a seat where I could see them clearly. The empty seat was pulled out and Amaro took it. He held up a glass and toasted. Cedric and Snowystra raised their glasses, filled with a dark red liquid, and drank.

  Cedric coughed as if he was choking. Snowystra smiled, and leaned in to whisper something to him. Cedric nodded in response, and then drank again. This time, he took a small sip and swallowed it slowly. He smiled at her, and took a larger drink.

  “What is she giving him?” I asked in a hiss.

  “Tavi,” Jameson replied, holding a glass to me. “Drink it slowly, and finish it. The sensation will pass.”

  The bubbling liquid smelled fruity. As the tavi slid down my throat, it expanded as if I was drinking strings of ice. I took another drink, hoping it would push the solid liquid down. The Winter magic inside me began pulsing. I finished the glass and held it out for a nearby waiter to refill it.

  “One is enough,” Jameson warned.

  The servant quickly bowed, and backed away.

  “Eat some of your meal, Blanche. The Goddess is almost finished. They will be clearing soon,” Jameson ordered.

  “I don't want her food,” I said. I grabbed his glass of tavi, and took a swig. The cold liquid ran through me as if it was mixing with the magic inside me. I felt amazing.

  Grabbing my hand, he hissed, “Stop it. You will be in the pit by the end of the night if you keep this up.”

  “I don't care. She is taking my son. What do I have left to lose? You're gone. He will be gone,” I said. A veil of mist surrounded me, silencing my words. I could feel the cool vapor on my skin.

  Jameson's eyes narrowed on me, and then directed his attention to Snowystra's table. Amaro smirked at us. My eyes locked with his. I wanted him to come to me, to ask his question again. This time, I would beg him to kill her. I would pay his price as long as my son was freed.

  When Amaro's magic slowly lifted, I realized the tables were being cleared. A servant stared at my plate hungrily. I felt a pang of guilt. Before me was a plate of food, which would feed the young woman for several days, but Snowystra chose to starve her and her people. I knew there was nothing I could do to help her. I was living a different form of torture at the hands of the Winter Goddess.

  “Take the plate to the cell. She will eat it there later. If she does not arrive, it is yours,” Jameson said coldly.

  A flash of hope washed over her face. “And, your plate?”

  “Yes, take mine, too,” he said as his eyes met mine.

  Jameson knew I was too stubborn to be forced to eat. Would this insult to the Goddess be reported? Maybe Jameson really had been trying to protect his people. I watched the gaunt girl bow, and quickly rush off with her prize. At least someone will enjoy this celebration, I thought wryly.

  Music began to play and Cedric offered his hand to Snowystra. She accepted it, and he guided her to the dance floor. A waltz began and the years of practicing with my son showed in his graceful movement across the floor. He appeared regal, already looking the part of a king.

  “You look as if you would like to dance, my beauty,” Amaro said, placing his hand on my shoulder. The threads of his magic ran through my veins, and a wave of desire coursed through me. I found myself standing and accepting his hand.

  Jameson stood to stop me.

  “Sit back down, boy,” Amaro spat. “You don't want me to forget my promise to keep your little secrets, do you?”

  Jameson slowly returned to his seat. Do not agree to his terms, he warned.

  How could I tell him I didn't have a choice? Our son's life was all that mattered to me.

  On the dance floor, Amaro twirled me around. Images of our rooftop dance flashed in my mind. I became disgusted with myself. How could I be having these feelings for such a horrible creature?

  “Yes, remember,” he whispered. “Feed me with your emotions.”

  I tried to break away from him, but he held me closer.

  “She will take your son from you soon. He will try to remain the kind boy you raised, but she will break his useless spirit,” he told me. “He will command her army, and there will be bloodshed.” The song stopped, and Amaro let go of me. “I could stop this. All you must do is ask.”

  An image of a much older Cedric appeared in my mind. His black hair was short and spiked with white tips. He sat on a throne. A woman approached him as he watched her with intensity. I could see the desire he had for her.

  Dark ruby hair streaked with white flowed down her back. Her black eyes were focused on him as she walked slowly across the black granite floor. Her movement was seductive. Red specks appeared on the stone every time one of the silver-spiked heels of her boots struck the ground. I could see clearly the snake design running up the legs of the tight black tops and black leather pants they both wore.

  When she reached him, she handed him a goblet, and then sat on his lap. She traced a long silver scar under his left eye with the tip of her granite nails. I wondered what had caused it.

  Cedric tipped his head back and drained the goblet. Throwing it to the ground, he pulled the woman closer to him, and kissed her passionately. I envied them.

  She pushed him away from her, and placed her hand on his cheek. The ring on her finger glowed blood red. As she stroked his light, black beard, he gazed into the ring and smiled.

  “Soon, love,” she whispered. “Soon.”

  I was jolted back to the present and realized Amaro had left me standing in the center of the dance floor. He whispered something in Snowystra's ear. She laughed in delight, and slipped out of Cedric's arm. As if he was a peasant, she waved her hands at Cedric dismissing him. Amaro scooped her into his arms as the music began. Cedric stood there dumbfounde
d before he saw me.

  “Who is he really?” Cedric asked, as came to stand beside me.

  I could hear the jealousy in his question. Hoping to distract him, I asked, “Dance with me?”

  “Is that wise?” he wondered. “Won't it upset her?”

  “You are right. We don't want her to think you love me, but be wary of Amaro. He will offer you things, but you mustn't accept them. Promise me you will not follow him into the darkness,” I demanded, clutching his hand.

  “I won't,” he promised.

  I wanted to tell him to stay away from the redhead because she clearly would be the end of him. But, the music ended abruptly and trumpets sounded, stopping my chance. The floor began to clear, leaving us alone in the center of the dance floor. As Snowystra and Amaro approached us, I stepped away from Cedric.

  As if she didn't even notice me, Snowystra went straight to my son. “My, how you have changed from the crying baby who lived here. I worried Blanche would indulge you and create a defiant teenager. It appears she has done well to teach you respect,” she said. When Cedric did not respond, she pierced him with an icy look. “Do you not have anything to say to your goddess?”

  Snowystra was wrong. I had not prepared him for her. He did not know she expected thanks for her gifts, for our very existence. He would make a mistake, and she would punish him.

  “I apologize, my Goddess,” he said humbly. “I was, also, taught admiration for those much more significant than humans. Forgive my silence. I was in awe of your magnificent beauty. I cannot understand how I have been so fortunate to be blessed by you.”

  Snowystra stared at him for a moment, and then threw her head back in laughter. “You are delightful.”

  Taking his hand, she addressed the crowd again, “Today is the sixteenth birthday of this mortal boy's life. Once, he was a scrap I threw away, but now, I see I may have been too quick to dismiss his potential. I believe this lovely boy will be very useful to us in the future, my children. I have decided he is more than adequate to be your Shah, your king.”

  “No,” I muttered.

  “Sadly, we must wait. I have been counseled by someone very wise. He, too, has felt the sting of deceit by the Council of so-called `supreme beings',” she said, nodding at Amaro, who nodded back. “I have agreed with his suggestion. Therefore, the boy will be allowed to return to his mortal world so he can age into the strong leader we need.”