“Boys, boys!” Annette implored. “Now is not the time for this nonsense. We need to get along so we can help think of a way to rescue poor Maya.”
“Mia!” Noct corrected her, swallowing a mouthful of sandwich and frowning. It had been a long night of convincing him to trust them. While impacted by their story and aware of his importance to their group, the boy hadn’t come quietly. The idea of standing up to Nestor seemed out of the question, but he’d accepted their offer to assist him in rescuing Mia.
“―to rescue Mia, forgive me,” Annette conceded.
Gavin laughed bitterly and put a hand to his forehead. To Penny, it sounded more like an incredulous sob. He forced a smile to his lips.
“And what is so funny?” Annette demanded.
Gavin’s mouth hung open for a moment before he spoke, as if he were still deciding whether or not to speak to her. “Annette, you don’t even realize how insane this is, do you?” he hissed, not making eye contact with his cousin. “You’re actually going along with this deranged plan after this beast tried to kill your friends. He is obviously unstable, and you’re going to swallow this trash about some poor lost sister? And did you even bother to find out the miracle behind his little fire-juggling act―or did that not draw your interest? Do you not see what’s wrong here? Do you not realize how you’re endangering everyone you care about?”
The room grew tense as Annette took slow, steady breaths. Noct’s agreement to stay with them was already precarious.
“Gavin, dear, there are certain things you don’t understand about this situation, certain things that―”
“No, you don’t understand. You’ve been acting like you’re some tragic, noble hero ever since you decided to go to Hulver. You refuse to listen to reason. Are you really just going to jump from one silly fantasy to the next until you completely lose your grip on reality? Or has fame made you that much of a fool?” Gavin’s gaze remained fixed on the wallpaper, oblivious to Annette’s tears. Argent and Hector had stopped talking and were looking at Annette.
“Don’t talk to her that way. She’s got her reasons,” Argent said quietly.
“Oh, yes. Reasons that she can share with a ruffian like you, Mr. Clemons, and not her own family,” Gavin shot back, rising from his chair. Annette reached out to him with a shaking hand, but he turned on his heel and exited the room. Annette shut her eyes as she took a deep breath.
It was Noct’s voice that broke the quiet. “Why does he dress like that? Is he trying to be a lady? It’s not working very well.”
Annette swooped up from her seat and with the quickness of an angry wasp, slapped Noct across the face. The boy shrank back, whimpering as he clutched his smarting face. Penny watched the scene with wide eyes, no longer in need of tea to wake up.
“I’m sorry if that hurt, but that’s my cousin and you’ll treat him with respect while you stay in my house,” Annette said with controlled anger. “He’s not trying to be anything; he’s excelling at being himself. Any other intrusive questions you’d like to ask?”
“N-no, ma’am,” Noct meekly replied, bowing his head to Annette. Hector looked around and cleared his throat.
“Ah, it appears that everyone is still a bit tense after everything that’s happened yesterday. Goodness knows the entire city is in a panic because of what happened last night, but it simply would not do to get carried away with our emotions and lose sight of what’s important here.” When he seemed sure that no one was going to verbally attack him, he continued in a more confident tone, “Now, it’s not going to be easy working together at first, but we’ve gotten through tougher times than this, so let’s do our best to include Noct.”
“I still don’t see why we don’t just turn him in to the Rangers,” Simon grumbled.
“Because he’s got one of the eyes of Seival. I thought this had been established,” Penny reminded him. “Look, Della told us that Seival carefully chose each of you to be the ones who would carry his fragments after Nestor destroyed him. That means he must’ve selected Noct and Mia for a reason. I personally think it’d be pretty dumb to go against his decision.”
“Well put, Penelope,” Hector said with a smile, looking relieved that someone was finally agreeing with him. “Judging from the astronomically low chances that any of us would simply happen upon one another, I would have to conclude that there is another force at work here. I believe we who preserve the remains of Lord Seival are drawn to one another.”
“Like living magnets, then?” Simon asked.
“Well, that’s not how I would’ve phrased it, but I believe you’ve grasped the concept,” Hector affirmed.
Argent flashed his lopsided grin and asked mockingly, “Well then, shouldn’t it be easy for you to find this Mia girl? Shouldn’t fate be sending you to Aulbaine in a golden chariot and handing you a gift-wrapped key to Umbrie-Alantier, while it’s at it?”
As Argent spoke, something clicked into place in Penny’s mind and her brow furrowed. She could hear the conversation continuing on without her, but her attention was suddenly focused on trying to grasp at the elusive thought that was floating around in her mind. Her mind repeated Argent’s words again and again, hoping it would help jog her memory.
Suddenly she had it. Penny snapped her fingers as the answer sprang into her mind. Everyone looked in her direction.
“It might be a step down from a golden chariot, but I think I’ve got a plan.”
SIMON, HECTOR, NOCT, and Penny walked side by side down the crowded streets of Iverton. Everywhere people were talking in low, frightened tones about the terrible news and casting suspicious glances at the four of them as they made their way through the Business District. Noct had convinced Hector to return his mask to him, and wore it as they walked. Hector kept a careful watch on the boy to see that he did not try to run away.
“Remember, Noct, you’re pretending to be my cousin, so if anyone asks you, that’s what you’ll say,” Penny whispered as they passed a group of well-to-do citizens who looked at Penny and her friends with undisguised opposition.
“You’ve said it over a hundred times now,” Noct spat back behind his mask. “I understand the concept. I’m not stupid.”
“Are you sure this is going to work, Penny?” Simon cut in, looking unsettled.
Penny’s scowl deepened and she shook her head. “Absolutely not. In fact, he might have already left Iverton, but I still think it’s worth a shot.” She was trying not to think about what would happen if Noah wasn’t there, and even more what would happen if he was. The plan made her feel sick with guilt. She kept reminding herself that it would be for the greater good of Elydria, but still, the affirmation felt to her like a desperate justification.
“We ought to hurry, then. Noct, when we reach the palace do try to be polite to the people there and if, Heaven forbid, the King wants to see you, I beseech you to keep your mouth shut completely,” Hector urged and Noct scoffed. As they picked up the pace to cross the bridge that connected the Royal District to the Business District, Simon sucked in a sharp breath and halted in his tracks. Penny followed his gaze and groaned when she saw the subject of his attention.
Penny recognized the girl who leaned languidly against the marble rails of the bridge. Her sandy blonde hair was just as much of an alluring mess as it had been the day they first saw her among the goblin caravans. Simon hung back as Hector led Penny and Noct on, bouncing nervously on his heels as he looked from the lithe frame of the sandy-haired girl to his friends. He made a quick noise of frustration, then called after them, “I’ll catch up with you guys later!”
Penny frowned as she watched him run over to the giggling girl’s side. Hector shook his head disdainfully and they kept walking, leaving Simon behind without a word.
They arrived at the castle and were escorted inside. Penny felt a hot stab of guilt as they passed by the crowd awaiting their own audience with the King.
“I shall alert His Majesty. Kindly wait here,” their escort told them.
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Hector turned to Noct. “The mask, if you please. You’re not going to meet the King looking like that.”
“You don’t tell me what to do,” the boy snarled.
“Give it to me at once,” Hector repeated with more of an edge to his voice.
“Why don’t you try and make me, old man?” Noct challenged, little sparks fizzing in the air around his head as his shoulders tensed up. Hector was still for a moment, and then made a quick grab for the mask. The two of them struggled, but Hector succeeded in removing it seconds before the door swung open and the man returned to usher them into the throne room.
Though Penny had seen most of the grand castle, the throne room had been one of the only places she was not permitted to simply stroll into during her stay the year before. When the doors swung away to reveal a brilliant sight of rich red walls, and masterfully carved gold, which graced the edges of the shining white pillars, she found herself quite lost for words. A beautiful ornate crystal light fixture hung from the ceiling, draping it in sparkling diamonds and pearls. Amidst all the sun-bright mirrors, marble pillars, and luscious crimson curtains sat two masterpieces of craftsmanship.
Two thrones stood side by side. While the right stood empty, the left was filled by Noah, who looked so handsome and regal reposing on its soft, velvety cushions it was as if Penny was looking at a magnificent painting and not a man. When they stepped into the room, Noah rose and greeted them with a smile, striding over and bowing to Hector.
“Welcome, friends,” he greeted them, though Penny could see weariness behind his eyes. “Good to see you again, Mr. Arlington. And who might this be?” he asked, looking toward Noct, but the boy was speechless.
“Noah, this is my cousin. He arrived just last night and he’s always wanted to see the palace, so he wondered if he might come along,” Penny lied.
“How do you do?” Noah asked Noct.
“V-very well, Your Majesty,” Noct murmured, looking uncomfortable, but Noah’s attention was already diverted to Penny. For a long moment they held eye contact, Noah seeming unaware or unconcerned by Hector and Noct’s presence.
The silence was oppressive, and Penny fidgeted. Noah spoke again, his gaze not wavering. “Would you gentlemen mind giving us a moment alone?”
Before she could think of how to stop it, Hector had turned away and was leading Noct out of the room. Penny watched him go with a strange aching feeling in her heart, but it dispelled when she felt Noah grasp her wrist. He led her across the room in the direction of the thrones.
“I’m very happy you’ve come to see me again before I must leave tomorrow. I was rather hoping you would, though I didn’t expect it, I must say,” Noah said, his voice rich with affection. “It’s been absolutely mad here, I haven’t slept a wink. So many things to take care of before my departure. But never mind all that! I’m just grateful to see you again so soon. Did you come to wish me farewell?” He sat on the golden throne, his eyes glued to her.
Penny hesitated, unsure whether she wanted to go through with her plan. It was a lot easier to think of doing this in theory, but now that I’m actually standing here looking into his eyes, it’s starting to feel impossible.
The silence was growing too lengthy. She had to act.
“Well, actually,” she began tremulously, hating herself already for what she was about to ask of him and feeling her heart being dunked into a bubbling stew of guilt, “after I went home last night I got to thinking.”
“About what?” Noah encouraged, then quickly patted the seat of the silver throne beside him. Penny’s legs were tired and sore from the long walk, but she could not bring herself to take a seat there and politely shook her head.
“Well, I felt really terrible about what happened. About how those people criticized you because you were out with me.” It made her feel marginally better to know that these words were sincere and it helped her gather confidence. “And I was wondering if there would be anything I could do that might help you. I heard last night that you’ll be going to see the faerie Emperor and Empress, and I’ve been told how difficult the faeries can be to deal with―especially on matters of alliances. The Empress, you must know how she’s obsessed with meeting famous or talented people and I was thinking, I mean after what happened last fall, that maybe my friends and I might be enough to impress her. Would that help you?” Penny asked, wanting to cringe at how unenthusiastic her voice sounded.
The warmth in Noah’s expression faded. His eyes fell to his knees and he heaved a deep sigh. “That’s a nice thought, Penny. It truly is. But―but I can’t see how that would be acceptable. No, I don’t see how I could allow you to accompany me.”
The quality of his voice felt like a knife ramming into Penny’ chest. She swallowed around the sudden tightness in her throat. ”Oh.” She was somewhat relieved that her plan had failed; she would not have to lie to Noah anymore.
“Of course. I understand. I feel really dumb for asking now. But thank you for listening, and sorry if this cost you any valuable time,” Penny said quickly, then bid him goodbye and swiftly made for the door that would lead her back to Hector.
“Penelope. Turn around again, please,” Noah called, and her feet became rooted to the ground. His tone was brisk, but the way he said her name made her stomach churn. She turned slowly, feeling her cheeks burn as she faced him. His expression had gone from neutral to miserable.
He stood and approached her. “Penny. My dear friend, my…my firefly,” he whispered, brushing dark hair away from her eyes.
“What?” she gasped in a strangled whisper.
“You don’t,” Noah began, his voice husky, “you don’t have to lie to me, you know. I won’t be cross with you, no matter what it is you’re hiding.”
Penny’s eyes widened and she opened her mouth to protest, but Noah chuckled.
“You think I didn’t realize it all those times? When you asked me to send you to Hulver? And when you came back, and drove Lord Nestor away? And about all your friends and their peculiar abilities? How could you expect me to believe that all to be a coincidence?” Noah shrugged, smiling in a melancholy way as the sound of rushing blood pounded in Penny’s ears. “Do you honestly think I didn’t know you were lying to me? Of course I knew. I’ve known it all along. But I also know that you’re a good person, and you’re here to help us. And that you probably have your reasons for doing what you are, so I let you get away with it. But it truly bothers me that you don’t trust me enough to tell me what it is you’re up to. So, I just wanted to let you know, you don’t have to be afraid of telling me the truth. You can tell me the real reason you want to come to Aulbaine, if you like.”
Penny felt as if she had been gutted. She stood with her entire body frozen, her eyes wide and staring into Noah’s. Her chest ached with the urge to let all her secrets come spilling out, but her throat seemed to be blocked by all the words.
“Noah, I’m…” she tried.
“Yes?” he coaxed in a way that seemed voracious all of a sudden.
Penny looked into his eyes, seeing again that desperation, that unknown emotion that scared her. The fear of what he was thinking in that moment kept her from confessing.
“I must sincerely apologize to you,” she exhaled at last, squeezing his hands with a forced smile. “It’s just like you said, I haven’t been honest. But you were also right about something else. There are some very good reasons why I can’t tell you the truth. There are things that you may be better off not knowing, for now at least. But aside from that, can you believe me when I say that it is killing me to keep them hidden just as much as it kills you to be kept in the dark? Can you believe me when I say I never intended to hurt you like this?”
Noah’s face contorted and he swallowed, then nodded and squeezed Penny’s hands. She felt her burned skin sting as he crushed the injured flesh under its cocoon of bandages, but she ignored the pain as best she could.
“I really wasn’t lying when I said I wanted to help you, though.
But there is another reason I need to go to Aulbaine. That boy who was in here just now.”
“Your cousin?” Noah smiled knowingly and Penny smiled back at him.
“He’s got a sister, and he’s certain that she was taken there as a changeling child, but we have very good reason to believe that she’s still alive. We want to try and rescue her, because that girl has gifts that could be vital in stopping this world from falling into chaos. It has to do with another Angel, Noah. Nestor’s brother. Someone who could help us. But that’s really all I can say,” Penny said.
Noah’s eyes searched hers. “Nestor’s brother? How could that be? But, I knew it, I sensed there were larger forces at work here,” he murmured. His eyes begged her for more, but when she didn’t speak, he stepped back and took a deep breath. “Though it completely goes against my better judgment, I’ll see what I can do, Penny. I’m not making any guarantees, but I’ll try. But please keep in mind that I’m trusting you with quite a lot here. I only wish you trusted me as much.”
“Oh, Noah. How can I thank you?”
“You can promise me something, that’s how,” Noah said, placing a heavy hand on her shoulder. “You can promise me that one day you’ll tell me everything. Whenever you feel the time is right. But one day soon, I hope. You can promise me that, right?”
Penny held her breath as she thought it over.
“Yes, I promise. One day soon.”
A hand shook Penny out of her dreams, bringing her back to the dark reality of her bedroom.
“Wake up.”
“Wha―what is it?” Penny mumbled thickly, rubbing her eyes and blinking up to see Hector staring down at her. Though it was only minutes after dawn, he was dressed and alert.
“Get up and get your things together. The drivers from the palace will be here to collect us in less than an hour,” Hector told her.
Penny groaned and tried to hide under the covers, but he yanked the blankets away. “Noah’s really going to let us come?” Penny asked through a yawn.
Eden Undone (The Dawn Mirror Chronicles Book 2) Page 7