by Anna Lewis
“I don’t know,” Nessa replied. “What are offering?”
“A queenship?” He said.
“I don’t want that.” Nessa could feel herself cringing at the thought.
“Gold? Jewels?” He tried. “The key to the royal treasury?”
“No,” she replied.
“She wants to be free to use spirit magic,” Charlie said, smiling. “It is her birthright.”
“You want to be above the law,” Ra remarked, his eyebrow raised.
“I want to be free of it,” she explained. “I won’t misuse it. I want to see what good can be done with it. I want to study it.” The two brothers looked at each other.
“I can help her,” Charlie said. “I can make sure that nothing bad happens.” Ra nodded slowly. He looked over at Nessa.
“You may study it for academic purposes only,” he said. “And only with Charlie to assist.”
“Agreed,” Nessa said, thinking of all of the possibilities.
“Excellent,” Ra said, standing. “You will move into the palace immediately. There are requirements that come with living here. You must also attend a certain function this evening.” Nessa sighed.
“What is it?” she asked mournfully.
“A ball,” he said simply. He glanced over at his brother. “Mother expects you to attend, as well.” Charlie nodded. He looked tired. Nessa felt disappointed. She wanted to begin to try spirit magic, not spend an evening rubbing elbows with the court.
“Must we go?” Nessa asked.
“Yes,” Ra replied. “You are employed by the court. We must show them that the chosen person is someone that they can trust.” Ra left the room. Nessa looked over at Charlie.
“I’m guessing you don’t want to go, either,” she said.
“Not really. It’s very hard to keep from getting inside of people’s heads when you are surrounded on all sides,” he explained. “I much prefer my books and my tower. However, duty calls. We’ll survive.” He gave her a sobering smile. Nessa looked down at Charlie’s hands.
“If you can take me other places with the gloves on, then what happens to people when you touch them without the gloves?” She asked. A cloud seemed to pass over Charlie’s face. He opened his mouth to answer. Before he could, the door to the tower opened, and a palace maid peered in. She had a perfectly done chignon, and she wore a simple black dress.
“Hello, Professor,” she said. “I’ve come to show you to your rooms and to help you prepare.”
“I’ll see you in a little while,” Charlie said gently.
“Okay,” Nessa replied, following the maid out of the room. She glanced back at Charlie, who smiled at her.
***
In a short while, the maid, Sophia, had helped Nessa prepare. Nessa’s rooms were not far from Charlie’s tower. It was a room with cream-colored walls and large mullioned windows that overlooked the palace lake, which was a deep blue. The bed was large, and had a pile of soft pillows and a plush down comforter on it. Nessa looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She barely recognized herself.
The gown that she wore was a deep emerald color. It had a full, satin skirt and a tight-fitting bodice. Her hair was pulled into a neat chignon, and her makeup was flawless—gold eyeshadow, a touch of bronzer, pale pink lipstick. To top it off, Sophia brought out a simple diamond teardrop pendant on a gold chain. Nessa placed her hand on top of it. It was delicate, the perfect accent. Nessa felt the soft satin of the dress, hugging her midsection tightly.
“You look marvelous, my lady,” Sophia said.
“You certainly can work some magic, Sophia,” Nessa replied. There was a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Sophia said, walking to the door. She opened it, revealing Charlie, who looked rather flustered. He wore a black tuxedo, his hands covered in white silk gloves.
“Don’t you look charming, your majesty,” Sophia said.
“Ah, thanks,” Charlie said, clearly uncomfortable. “Can I come in?”
“Certainly,” Nessa said. He entered, rubbing the back of his head so that his hair stuck up in the back. “Is everything alright?”
“Ah, yes. No. You look… fantastic,” he said in rapid succession. Nessa smiled at him.
“So do you,” she replied. “Do the gloves help?” He looked down at his gloved hands.
“A little,” he said. “Sometimes visions are activated by touch. Other times, it’s just by proximity.” Nessa studied him for a moment.
“Can you read my mind?” She asked. He laughed, a sharp bark.
“No,” he said. “I can just feel the alternate fabrics of the universe.”
“How so?”
“There are threads which weave the fates of the universe together,” he explained. He was staring at the carpet as he thought about it. “I can see the way that they fit together. I can see the way that they are being affected by different things that are happening. I can see how they are being manipulated by different individuals.”
“That is quite a gift,” Nessa said.
“It’s a bit of a curse sometimes,” he said, looking at her. She could see how exhausted he was—how apprehensive of going out and being among people he felt.
“If you want, you can stick with me,” she offered. He smiled.
“I’d like that,” he said. “They’re all really awful, you know.”
“I expected as much,” Nessa replied. “I know how power can go to people’s heads. I do work at the university, you know.” She placed her hand on Charlie’s arm. She could feel tendrils of electricity emanating from his touch. He was holding it back. He had a strong control over his gift. But she could tell that it was a constant battle for him.
“Wait, miss!” Sophie cried out. “Shoes!” Nessa laughed.
“Of course!” She exclaimed. “I am so nervous, I almost went barefoot.” Even Charlie was able to crack a smile at that one. Sophie placed a pair of gold satin slippers on the floor before her. Nessa stepped into them, and then she and Charlie left her tiny room.
As they walked along the halls, Charlie pointed out different tapestries, explaining to her what had happened. They stopped before a tapestry of a golden dragon, poised above an army of what looked like the dead. The figures of the army were all pale, blue. There was one figure who stood above the army, tall and dark. The figure had no skin on his face—instead, there was a pale, grinning skull, bright red eyes glowing from the sockets.
“This was when the Death’s Head Necromancer attacked the castle in 1885,” Charlie explained. “The king shifted into dragon form, and met his dead army on the fields of battle in the realm of death.”
“How did he win?” Nessa asked, her stomach roiling with nerves. It was likely that she would have to face this new Necromancer. Charlie shrugged.
“The king never returned. The Death’s Head was defeated by Spot two years later,” he said. “I am worried that the same demon is trying to return.” Nessa nodded. She was beginning to think that perhaps she should have asked for something other in return. It was likely that this was a suicide mission.
“Don’t worry, Nessa,” Charlie said. “I’ll be with you the whole way. And Ra is strong. He doesn’t show it, but he is strong as a dragon.”
“What about you?”
“I can shift into dragon form, but I am something else.” That much was true. Nessa wasn’t entirely sure what Charlie was. It was uncommon for someone to be both a shifter and a powerful seer. Charlie was more than he was letting on. They walked to the ballroom of the palace, standing by the door.
The room itself was cavernous and exquisitely designed. It was lit by a massive candelabra, which hung and blazed brightly from the very center of the ceiling. There were large, ornate mirrors covering the walls, making the space seem larger than it was. The ceiling was painted with a large mural—surrounding a circle of pure, blue sky, were cherubs in the clouds, and paintings depicting mythical characters. The floor was made of pure marble—dark black rectangles surround
ed by a border of pink and green.
It was crowded with people, all dressed to the nines. Silks and satins rustled as ladies walked, and all of the men wore dark suits in elegant cuts. A string orchestra was playing light music in the corner. The courtiers merely milled about, talking. It seemed that everyone held a delicate champagne flute. Waiters made their way through the crowd, ensuring that everyone had something to drink. Ra walked toward them, dressed in a tux almost identical to Charlie’s but with a bright crimson sash across his chest. He wore an elaborate golden crown upon his head. He bowed to Nessa. He held out his hand.
“May I have the honor of this dance?” he asked.
“I don’t know how to dance,” Nessa responded. She looked at Charlie, who was grinning.
“You don’t have to,” he said. “Ra will show you.”
“I promised…” she began, but Charlie waved her off.
“Too many people are looking at us,” he said in mock complaint. “It’s better if I slink off alone. I can disappear into the shadows without a pretty woman on my arm.” Stung, Nessa took Ra’s outstretched hand. He led her to the middle of the room. Her heart was pounding. What Charlie had said was true—all eyes were on her. She raised her chin, straightened her back—anything to appear more confident and graceful than she felt. She glanced over at Ra. He was smiling at her. She felt her heart almost stop. He was gorgeous. He moved toward her, placing his free hand on her hip. He pulled her in close to him. She could smell his scent—it was spicy, masculine. It made her heart pound harder. He pressed his hand into the small of her back, bringing her closer as he held her other hand aloft.
“It’s going to be a waltz,” he explained in an undertone. “Just follow my lead.”
“Okay,” she said breathlessly. His face was close enough to hers that, should he lean in just a fraction more, they could kiss. She looked at his lips, which were full, bee-stung. His teeth were perfect, white. Nessa bit her lip. She was just here for a job. It would be no good to fall for a prince. Especially the crown prince. That would entail duty and… things. Things which Nessa did not want. Like attending balls and having a bunch of courtiers watching her. Judging her every move. It was almost painful.
The music began, the four-string orchestra playing a light tune. Ra began to move, guiding her through the steps. Her long, voluminous skirt hid the many mistakes that she made with her feet. Ra spun her around the marble-floored hall with ease. Nessa looked into Ra’s eyes, which shone.
“You’re doing magnificently,” he said proudly.
“It’s easier than I thought it would be,” she replied coolly.
“There’s nothing to it,” he said, smiling. Nessa could feel the many eyes of the court on them as they moved to the music. She felt the weight of Ra’s hand on her lower back, pulling her in closer to his body. She felt so conscious of it—he was solid and warm. He placed his cheek up against hers. She inhaled sharply, breathing in his scent. Her heart hammered in her chest. She could feel the edge of his lips curving upward against her cheek.
“What?” she asked.
“Hmmm?”
“You’re smiling,” she accused him. He laughed.
“Is that a crime?” He asked.
“I suppose not.”
The dance finally ended, and Ra led her off of the floor, into the crowd. The courtiers looked at them curiously as they passed through them. Nessa could see them all whispering to each other as she and Ra passed them.
“Is your life always this much on display?” she asked.
“Always,” Ra said.
“Does it get exhausting?”
“Eventually, it becomes nothing,” he replied simply. She looked over at him. His look was impassive, yet confident. This was just another day at the office for him, she realized. If it wasn’t her on his arm, then it would be someone else.
“Where are we going?” she asked him.
“You must meet Mother,” he replied. Nessa’s heart beat quickly, like a caged bird. The queen was notorious for being the country’s iron maiden. She had been ruling since the death of her husband, almost a decade before. When Ra came of age at twenty-five, then he would take over. That time was coming soon. She was a strong leader, someone not to be trifled with, and Nessa instantly felt cowed at the thought of meeting her.
The crowd parted, and Nessa could see the queen in her massive throne before them. The chair was made of iron, and crafted with intricate design. It was a work of art, and looked incredibly uncomfortable. But the queen sat on it, back straight, face impassive. Charlie stood beside it, looking exhausted.
Nessa looked at the queen. The woman’s deep blue eyes stared back at her, sizing her up. While her eyes were the same color as her sons’, they lacked the joyful sparkle that Ra and Charlie possessed. The queen wore an elaborate gown. On any other woman, that dress would have worn her. It had a tight bodice, and long, elegant sleeves of structured fabric. The design on the fabric was elaborate—a gold design on a blue background. The skirt was full, covering her legs and her feet. The crown on her head was a massive concoction of golden spires and blood-red rubies. Nessa could tell that the woman was a dragon from the way that she held herself, as though at any moment, she would erupt into flame and gold scales.
“Mother,” Ra said, clearly comfortable in this situation. “I would like to introduce Nessa Kant, the daughter of Elias and Libba Kant, the Necromancers who were taken with father.”
“I am sorry for your loss,” the queen said. “Your parents were quite an asset.” Nessa arched an eyebrow. An asset?
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said.
“Have you been working much in spirit magic?” the queen asked. Nessa recognized the trap.
“No, Your Majesty. I was completely unaware that I was a Necromancer.” The queen nodded.
“For the best,” she said. “Are you as strong as your parents were?”
“I hope so,” Nessa said. “For the sake of the country.” The queen liked this very much. She cracked the smallest of smiles and nodded.
“As do I,” she replied. She stood up from her throne. “Imrahil, you and your brother should mingle with the court. I would like to speak to Miss Kant privately.” The queen stepped down from her chair and began to walk in the direction of the set of French doors, which were open to the terrace. Nessa glanced at Ra and Charlie. They both smiled at her, but remained where they were. Nessa sighed and followed the queen, who was walking out through a set of French doors to the side of the throne.
The terrace was empty of people. It was paved with deep red brick. In the center, there was a grand marble fountain, with the sculptures of running horses set in the center, the water bubbling about their hooves. The terrace was filled with well-cared-for rosebushes, which bloomed luxuriously. The queen reached out toward one pensively.
“You know, the king was killed when your parents were taken,” she said.
“I didn’t know they were taken,” Nessa replied. “I was told that it was an accident. That their bodies were unrecoverable.”
“They were all fighting together,” the queen explained. “The Necromancer took them all. She killed the king, and she took your parents for their powers. This battle is as much yours as it is my sons’.”
“Is there any chance that my parents are alive?” Nessa asked.
“If they are, then they are going to be a shade of what they once were,” the queen said, looking over at Nessa. Her face was heart-shaped, her cheekbones high. Her skin was perfect, young for her age. Her hair, beneath the crown was elaborately done. She wore crimson lipstick, which made her mouth look bloody, her teeth perfect and white. “You must free them, let them go into the afterlife.”
“But you must also stop the Necromancer,” she went on. “Neither one of my sons will be able to do it. Imrahil is strong as a dragon, but flame is no match for spirit magic. Charlie is a seer. The Necromancer will target him first. He has the power that she wants.” The queen looked directly at Nessa
.
“Ms. Kant, you must protect Charlie,” she said. “I’m saying this not as a mother, but a queen. Charlie’s powers are great. If he chooses, he could do terrible things. You are the only one going into this battle on even footing with the Necromancer.” Nessa nodded. She felt cold all over.
“The only thing that truly concerns me,” the queen began.
“My inexperience,” Nessa said. The queen laughed.
“No,” she said, surprising Nessa. “I’ve seen the way that both of my sons look at you, Ms. Kant. It should come as no surprise to you. You’re a beautiful woman. An absolutely stunning creature.” She placed her hand beneath Nessa’s chin, gripping it between two fingers. She looked Nessa in the eyes.
“Don’t get caught between princes,” the queen said. “Especially twins. You will never come first. They already have each other. They require no one else, but a fight between them could spell disaster. Understood?”
“Yes,” Nessa replied. The queen let go of Nessa’s chin. She smiled coldly. Nessa felt the utter difference between the queen and her sons. This woman was dangerous.
“I’m glad that we can see eye-to-eye,” she said. “After all, you are common. What good would it do for you to fall in love with a prince?” She turned away, walking back inside. Nessa watched her go, having the distinct feeling that the queen reminded her of a snake—ready to strike at any moment. Nessa stayed out on the terrace, listening to the sounds of the orchestra inside.
“Nessa?” She turned to find Charlie standing at the door. He looked handsome in his tux, even if he did look a tad bit awkward. He pulled at the gloves that covered his hands.
“Hey,” she said.
“What did she tell you?” He asked.
“Nothing you don’t already know,” she replied vaguely. He walked over to her, grabbing her by the hand. He led her over to the fountain, where they sat down on the marble lip.
“Are you nervous?” He asked her.
“Terrified,” she admitted. “But if my parents are still alive in some manner, I have to go and free them.” Charlie nodded and said nothing.
“Have you seen them?” She asked him. He nodded, but he didn’t respond. “Tell me, Charlie.” He looked sad.