by Beth Hodgson
Kyle felt the sorceress’s magical grip release him, allowing him to control his body once more. He crawled toward Emerald, but met Derek blocking his path. He felt powerless. The force of the vortex was too great. But he knew that Derek felt the same, as the prince was struggling through the violent force.
As Kyle neared Derek, he yanked the prince’s leg, pulling him forward then pinning him to the ground. Derek fought back, struggling against Kyle and the force of the winds. Derek had more bulk, and both knew the prince would soon overcome Kyle’s inferior strength. But that didn’t stop him from giving the prince a solid punch.
“Kyle!” Emerald’s voice echoed in the wind from behind Derek.
Kyle turned and saw her beautiful face, her eyes full of life. “Em!” he called back to her.
Caught off guard, Derek landed a sharp punch in Kyle’s side, then another blow to his face. He fought back, both men wrestling and throwing punches. Between the blows, Kyle caught a glimpse of the mohawked woman struggling within the violent black force, funneling her violet magic to the staff, attempting to counter Ikaria’s magic and defuse the situation.
Emerald turned sharply, facing Ikaria, closing her eyes. A sweeping magical force filled the room. Swirling dark-green magic followed the path of the vortex, then shot into the sorceress. Emerald’s magic began pulling the life-force from the advisor, and the woman shrieked in agony.
The black vortex stopped, and everyone had free movement again. It was just enough time for Kyle to land a final blow to the prince. Derek slumped to the floor, momentarily stunned.
Kyle grabbed Emerald’s hand, and they split toward the entrance of the sanctuary. He saw the mohawked woman shoot her violet magic, casting a protection spell over the three of them as they bolted toward the exit.
Ikaria’s eerie laugh echoed throughout the church.
Emerald stopped running, yanking away from Kyle. Kyle looked at her for a moment, thinking that she’d lost hold of him. Grabbing her hand, Kyle began to run again. Emerald didn’t move. Instead she released Kyle’s grasp once again, backing away from him.
“What are you doing?”
She responded with vacant eyes once more, the crown on her head glowing a blackish-purple.
“No… No! This can’t be happening!” Kyle yelled. “Em, you have to come with me!” He took her hand, pleading with her.
She eyed it coldly, stepping back toward Derek.
The mohawked woman grabbed Kyle’s hand, pulling him away from the sanctuary. Burning with anger, Kyle flung the woman aside and ran toward Emerald.
More laughs came from Ikaria as she summoned her black magic, knocking him to his feet.
“You can’t have her against her will!” Kyle shouted. “She doesn’t want to be with any of you assholes!” He tried to get up but fell right back down again. The black magic was controlling his limbs entirely.
Ikaria summoned a massive black ice shield between Kyle and Emerald. Through the distorted dark ice, Kyle saw the woman’s image laugh again in amusement as she watched him struggle.
A sudden blast of black magic exploded, burning Kyle’s retinas. The only thing he felt was a hand grabbing his.
Then the black magic within the holy sanctuary melted away, replaced with violet light.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
RED
An outline of an apartment morphed into view while walls began to take form around Kyle. He was in a small room decorated in heavy beads and fabrics. Familiar skyscrapers and skyways were outlined behind a cloth that hung over the single window.
Kyle had no idea where in Arcadia he was, but one thing was for sure—Emerald wasn’t with him.
The mohawked woman reappeared next to him, holding the staff in her hands. The orb’s violet magic began to fade away, returning to its original prismatic color.
“What the fuck?” Kyle cursed loudly. “Why did you make us come here? Em is still back at the cathedral!”
“You’re welcome,” the woman remarked, annoyed.
“Seriously, if I needed your help, I would have asked!”
The woman lifted one of her eyebrows, and her large earrings dangled. “Really? I just saved your butt. You had almost no life, and no magic within you, and I restored it.” She cocked her head. “You would have been a heaping pile of flesh if I hadn’t come.”
Kyle marched right in front of the woman, getting in her face. “I went there to get Em away from those assholes! And instead she’s still with them, and I am in God knows where with who knows who!”
“Geeta. Now you know.”
“Fine. Geeta. But what the hell?”
“There was no way you would have left that place alive. That sorceress has completed the Spectrum of Magic and has immense power. Power you can’t even begin to fathom. Even I could only hold her off for just a fraction of time,” the woman said, seating herself on a large embroidered pillow on the floor. She placed the staff next to her gently, propping it against the side of the wall.
“I don’t believe that for one second. I just needed more time, and I would have kicked that sorceress’s ass!”
Geeta didn’t even glance at him. Instead she closed her weary eyes, sighing.
Kyle began to pace within the apartment’s confined space, frustrated. “We need to go back and get Em!”
“No.”
“What do you mean, no?”
“I mean precisely what I said. No,” Geeta said smoothly, her eyes remaining closed in meditation.
“Well, I don’t need you to tell me what to do. I’m going back,” Kyle snarled, heading for the door.
“You don’t have the strength to beat the sorceress. Not yet, anyway.” Geeta opened her eyes, staring right at him. “We will get the princess, believe me. Reinforcements from the future are coming in two days.”
“Then why did you come to help me if you were waiting for so-called reinforcements?” Kyle asked, irritated. He removed a cigarette from his pack, then lit it, inhaling the smoke deep into his lungs. The nicotine calmed him down slightly, but not by much. His hands were still shaking from the amount of power he had exhausted at the cathedral, and he was so angry that Emerald had been left behind. He resumed pacing furiously around the room, unsure of what to do.
“Because you needed that to defeat the sorceress,” Geeta said as her eyes moved to where the staff was resting in the corner. “It’s for you.”
“For me?”
Geeta nodded, gesturing for him to take it.
Kyle hesitantly moved toward the staff, studying it. As soon as he picked it up, he felt a deep connection with the staff. The orb turned an intense crimson red as his magic began channeling into it, amplifying his power.
This staff doesn’t mess around.
Geeta watched him take in the beauty of the magical device. “I have been searching all of time for you,” she said. “I thought I had almost found you before, however, you did not have the gift at the time. It deterred me, causing me to keep searching.”
“Why?” he asked, looking at her with curious awe. “Why were you looking for me? And why are you giving this staff to me?”
Nothing makes sense anymore, dammit. Kyle pulled out his pocket flask, then took a long swig, grimacing.
Geeta flashed him a dirty look as he drank his liquor but otherwise didn’t protest. “You, by some miracle, will be the one to defeat the sorceress. According to prophecy.”
“Great,” Kyle said eagerly. “If I’m the one to beat the sorceress, let’s get this shit done and go back there!”
Geeta yanked the staff away protectively. “Don’t be stupid! Would you calm down for at least one moment?”
Kyle shot her a look but remained quiet.
“I received a message that was for you, back in my time. It came from a priest from the future, prophesizing that the Ghost Man, you, will be the one to defeat Ikaria, the sorceress you encountered at the cathedral. He also predicted that the staff was the key to you defeating her. And now, here I am,
giving it to you. I will aid you in defeating her, although now I am not so sure handing the staff over is the wisest thing to do.” Geeta glanced at him, then glared at his flask.
“Thanks. I appreciate the compliment,” Kyle muttered, taking another drink and another drag. “So why did this priest think I was this Ghost Man? Someone who can stop the sorceress… Ikar… Whatever the hell her name is. What the hell kind of name is Ghost Man, anyway? I ain’t dead.”
“Ikaria. And I agree, I don’t know how you are going to stop this woman, considering you use your gift recklessly. I am beginning to think the gods made a mistake naming you the one in the prophecy.” She frowned at him disapprovingly. “What were you thinking, running through Arcadia burning through your power without any focus, taking down half the city with you?”
“What can I say? I have a natural talent for fucking shit up,” Kyle remarked sarcastically. Damn, that woman annoyed him. Out of protest, Kyle exhaled his smoke straight into Geeta’s face, then took another drink.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “This is serious. I don’t think you understand that the fate of the world is in your hands. And here you are, barely able to control your power, hardly able to tap into your analogous colors. And drinking and smoking at a time like this!” Geeta huffed. She got up from her pillow, snatched the cigarette from his lips, then dropped it to the floor and smashed it underneath her boot.
Kyle shot up, getting in her face. “I take this damned seriously. The fucking dream team has my woman, and I’m stuck here getting insulted by some chick that criticizes my habits.” He drank the last of his liquor, slamming down the flask on a nearby table. “I never fucking asked to be the one to stop this damned sorceress! Oh, and by the way, it’s not my fault that I don’t know my abilities. What am I? A mind reader? Am I supposed to instantly know what the fuck to do? Just to fill you in, I just received my new power days ago!”
Geeta remained silent, lowering her eyes. There was an awkward pause, making Kyle feel shitty about going off on her.
After a minute, Geeta broke the silence. “You are right,” she said softly, raising her violet eyes, meeting his. “All this time, I was expecting someone who had mastered their magic. But it isn’t your fault. I am sorry.”
Kyle uncomfortably scratched the back of his head. “I didn’t mean to be an asshole. Every moment Em is away from me, I just… can’t…”
Geeta watched him struggle with what he was trying to say. Kyle couldn’t find the words he was looking for. Not out loud, at least. He flashed his ruby eyes at her. “Do you understand? I need to rescue Em. She needs me, and I…” His voice trailed as Geeta raised an eyebrow. “Well, forget it. You get the point.”
Geeta gave him a solemn look, then turned her back to him, glancing at a display of gods on a nearby pedestal. “I do not understand,” she said quietly, “as I have never loved as you do. But I will do my best to help you get her back.” Geeta turned her head slightly, looking over her shoulder. “Please, let me atone for my sins these last few hours of the night. I will teach you what I know tomorrow. Get some rest.”
“And I’m supposed to sleep at a time like this? Just like that, huh?”
“Just like that, tough guy,” Geeta remarked as she began her meditation.
Frustrated, Kyle kicked one of the sitting pillows furiously, then plopped down. He fumed. How in the hell could he sit around in this unknown apartment, knowing that Emerald was in peril? But Geeta was right, his energy was spent. His red fire magic raged in his life-force, angry at him for not going back to Emerald, but the red water magic remained calm inside, reminding him that Geeta was correct, telling him he had to be patient in order to get Emerald back.
Kyle continued to watch Geeta’s strange meditation, his head a bit buzzed. It was a welcome feeling. Being drunk made it easier to dull his anguish over Emerald. God, he missed her. He was so furious that the asshole prince still had her.
The flames from Geeta’s candles were nothing more than a blur in his eyes, while the spicy scent of her incense continued to mingle with the smoke of his cigarette. As Kyle’s heavy eyes closed, the image of Geeta praying echoed in his mind, and he continued to hear her soft whispers, begging for forgiveness to her gods.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
BLUE
The wedding feast was extravagant, just as Derek expected. The main hall was adorned with elaborate white decorations, fabrics, flowers, and festive beading strung all throughout the room. The contrast of the white ornamentation against the black marble made the elegant displays stand out all the more. The servants had done a fine job planning the details of the reception.
Every wealthy lord, duke, and baron from Arcadia and York were in attendance, along with the royals that reigned in Olympia, the Twin Kingdoms, and the Second Kingdom. Of course, Derek’s parents were there, as they wouldn’t miss his wedding for the world. King Samir had a permanent worried expression on his face throughout the entire wedding, likely expecting that Damaris would somehow trick the York royals with one of his undermining plans. Perhaps he fretted about Damaris announcing the secret between them, the one dealing with Queen Elyathi. But Derek knew better and did not dare utter a word to his father about the power that Ikaria held over Damaris. He let his father remain disturbed.
Emerald was seated next to Derek, frozen in her throne without any expression, staring at the guests in silence. He had to admit it bothered him that Emerald wasn’t herself and just an empty shell waiting to be ordered around or given some bit of instruction. In fact, Derek hated it, and as the night wore on, he realized he also hated himself for tricking her into wearing the enchanted circlet. But he did find solace in her touch and the comfort of her kisses. He couldn’t help but succumb to his fantasies and desires, which trumped her empty shell.
Derek scowled as his thoughts turned to that man interfering with the wedding. Hearing Emerald call out to him in desperation in her moment of being conscious filled him with wild jealousy. Yes, it was all the more the reason to keep her subdued. Emerald would ruin the kingdom of Arcadia over that punk, who was nothing more than trash from the lower levels. Derek couldn’t have that.
Food was being served to the wedding party, but Derek wasn’t hungry. Sautéed fish in butter and herbs, spiced dishes. All dishes that Derek would normally love to indulge in. But the thought of Emerald compromised continued to eat at his soul while his jealousy and hatred for Kyle consumed him. In the corner of his eye, he noticed that Emerald hadn’t touched her food, either.
“My love, please eat. You hardly ate anything all day,” Derek urged her.
Emerald glanced at him with vacant eyes, then nodded.
Derek rubbed his chin with his jeweled fingers as he watched Emerald pick up her fork to start in on her dinner. She gracefully ate her food slowly, ensuring that nothing fell on her pearly white satin dress. Derek gave her a smile, admiring her beauty and grace. She then returned his admiration with vacant eyes and a void expression.
Guilt stabbed his gut. Turning his attention to take his mind off his shame, Derek took a drink of wine while his gaze wandered to the wedding guests. His thoughts kept returning to that crazy mohawked woman with violet magic. Perhaps Ikaria knew more about her. The violet woman was clearly aiding that rocker, especially after what happened at the wedding.
As Derek continued to peer into the crowd, he felt a set of eyes on him. Turning his gaze, he met Glacia’s stare from far off. As soon as he made eye contact, she turned away, slipping into the crowd. Her accusatory stare said it all. Somehow Glacia knew what he had done; he could feel it by the intensity of her stares. Derek had to ensure she no longer worked at the palace after the wedding. He couldn’t let anyone near the princess who was suspicious of him in any way.
“Princess, shall we take a few snaps of you and the prince together to commemorate this splendid event?” Derek heard a voice ask.
He turned his attention to see Haze, Emerald’s photographer friend, standing right in front
of the table.
Not this guy. Derek gritted his teeth. “That is not necessary,” Derek said, putting his arm around Emerald, pulling her close. “I think we’ve had enough pictures for one evening.” Derek flashed Haze a fake smile, eyeing him.
“Very true, Your Highness, but perhaps the princess would like some shots by herself to show off her glorious gown. I haven’t gotten a good shot of the details, and you know that the media is chomping at the bit to see all this beading work,” Haze said, giving him a half smile, then turning to Emerald. “What do you think, Princess? Would you like to get some close-ups?”
Damn this man.
“I…” Emerald began, unsure of how to answer.
“She doesn’t want any,” Derek answered quickly, narrowing his eyes.
Haze looked at Emerald, then frowned ever so slightly, enough for Derek to even question that it happened. “If that is what the princess wishes,” Haze said.
“It is,” Derek said curtly.
“Yes. Derek is right,” Emerald murmured. “No shots are necessary right now.”
“You see? She is much too tired and overwhelmed with all this commotion. She is not used to this sort of thing and just wants to eat her meal in peace.” Derek held Emerald closely, giving Haze a look of warning.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Haze glanced at Emerald, then back to Derek. “So sorry to interrupt your dinner.” Haze bowed curtly, then wandered away to one of the visiting royals in the crowd, taking pictures.
He needs to go, too. They all need to go!
“You didn’t tell me that this time era was so much fun,” Ikaria said, traipsing before Derek and slamming a glass of wine as she took her seat beside him. A few of the lords glanced in her direction, some giving questioning looks, others admiring her half-exposed figure.
“Would you keep your voice down?” Derek snapped in a hushed voice, glaring at her.
“What’s the matter with you?” Ikaria asked, holding out her empty glass, waiting for a servant to fill it. It didn’t take long for someone to arrive, as it seemed the servants were nervous around her.