by MJ Prince
“Why the hell did you do that?”
“Because I don’t think either of us is ready for that and … I trust him,” I reply evenly.
She seems to be thinking that over for a moment, then flashes me a smile.
“Good for you,” she replies finally, which reinforces my belief that I’ve done the right thing.
That feeling doesn’t last long, though, because a second later, Raph makes his entrance and right by his side is Layla.
All eyes turn to them as they walk through the ornate entrance carved entirely of ice. Raph looks devastatingly handsome in a white suit jacket and black tailored trousers. Layla is wearing a shimmering ice blue gown which makes my own black and silver dress look plain in comparison. Individually, they’re both undoubtedly model beautiful and stunning, but together they glow with an almost ethereal light. Any fool can see how perfect they look together and suddenly I’m not feeling so good about my decision. But I remind myself that I could have stopped this from happening, if I had only said the word.
I’m comforted somewhat by the clear look of displeasure on Raph’s face as he enters the ballroom and by how his eyes search for me, softening instantly when they find me.
“Speak of the devil,” Keller says.
Jael’s eyes follow Keller’s and my gazes to the entrance and his mouth drops open.
“Wait—is Raph your boyfriend?” he asks.
I hadn’t really thought of us in terms of labels, but …
“Yeah, I guess he is,” I reply with a faint smile.
Jael frowns then.
“That can’t be right because—”
He breaks off mid-sentence, and I notice Leo cutting him a warning look.
Keller and I eye the twins curiously.
“But you remember what we heard mom and dad saying …” Jael says.
“Have you two been eavesdropping on mom and dad’s conversations again?” Keller demands, looking annoyed.
Leo grabs Jael’s arm suddenly.
“Gotta go,” he blurts, turning to make a run for it and making sure to drag Jael with him.
“Wait—” I call out, but they’re out of earshot in a split second. Damn, those two are fast.
“What the hell was that?” I ask, as I turn back to Keller. She only shrugs dismissively, probably used to her little brothers’ antics. But I’m not and Jael’s words have left me feeling more than just a little curious.
“There’s been a flurry of Dynasty sessions and advisory meetings lately. Something’s going on in the Dynasty chambers, I guess, but who knows? They keep most things strictly confidential behind those doors—well except for when my little brothers happen to eavesdrop on my mom’s meetings in her study or when they go snooping through her papers.”
The whisper of curiosity grows louder in my mind, but I don’t have time to ponder on it though, because a moment later, I feel a muscled arm curling around my waist.
“You look so beautiful tonight,” Raph’s voice in my ear sends shivers down my spine. But I’m well aware of where we are and of the eyes on us. I jerk away instantly and Keller stifles a grin. Raph, however, doesn’t look amused.
“I hate this,” he says with a sigh.
Thankfully, I’m saved from having to come up with a response as Baron bounds over with Lance in tow. I look across the ballroom to see Ivy standing with Layla among a group of nobles. But no Dani. She mentioned that she probably wouldn’t come, even though Lance did ask her to go. She seemed pretty elusive about her reasons, though, and it’s definitely something I plan on grilling her about later.
“Where are your dates?” Keller asks, eyeing Baron and Lance.
“Or did you two finally admit how crazy you are about each other and decide to come together?”
“Ha. Ha.” Baron replies, rolling his eyes.
“If you must know, I’m taking a break from all this dating business,” he adds.
Keller’s eyes look like they’re about to fall out of her head. Raph looks equally baffled, and I’m pretty sure my expression is similarly confused.
“You don’t date girls—you only sleep with them, remember?” Keller says slowly, as if she’s talking to a lost child.
Baron looks genuinely offended, which baffles everyone even more, because he’s usually so proud of this reputation when it comes to the opposite sex.
But he doesn’t say anything, stalking off to the other side of the ballroom instead.
“What’s up with him?” Keller asks.
Lance just shrugs.
“He’s been acting really weird since the beginning of winter break.”
I notice Lance’s own downcast expression then.
“I guess Dani decided not to come along then?” I ask.
“Yeah, she said she had stuff to do with her parents, but I’m not sure if there was some other reason, too. We haven’t had a chance to speak much lately.”
“She probably is just busy with her parents,” I say. “It definitely sounded that way when I spoke to her last anyway.”
Lance’s frown eases a bit at that. He turns to talk to Keller, and Raph takes the opportunity to pull me aside.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” he asks, his eyes searching mine.
This is definitely not the time or the place to be having this conversation. Especially when I can feel Jethro’s eyes on us from across the ice ballroom, watching us like a hawk. I’m also all too aware of Magnus’s watchful gaze and the troubled expression on his face. I stifle the groan of frustration working its way up my throat.
I told Raph that Magnus has been less than pleased about finding us together. I didn’t go into any detail about why exactly. I certainly didn’t repeat Magnus’s words about the St. Tristan Dynasty being toxic and not to be trusted. But I got the feeling that I didn’t need to. I may be new to this world and the web of power and politics that weaves it together, but Raph certainly isn’t. He clearly doesn’t seem to care about any of that at the moment, though.
“I’m fine,” I reply, forcing myself to meet those vivid blue eyes, schooling my face blank.
His frown deepens and he opens his mouth to say something, but I don’t let him. I need to get as far away from him as possible right now, otherwise I’m certain that I won’t be able to stop myself from kissing him right in the middle of the ballroom, with the entire goddamn world watching.
“I’m going to go check on Baron,” I say finally, moving to walk away. Thankfully, Raph doesn’t follow, but I feel his eyes on me every step of the way.
“How about you ask me to dance?” I ask, as I reach Baron on the other side of the ballroom. His expression lightens, and he holds his hand out to lead me across the ballroom in a waltz.
I see Raph across the dance floor, finally deciding to play along as he leads Layla in a waltz. Except, as I watch them together, it’s difficult to remember that he is only just playing along. God, I hate how perfect they look together. Like a golden prince and his princess, right out of a fairy tale.
I turn back to Baron, because if I let myself look at Raph and Layla together for a minute longer, I won’t be able to stop myself from scratching my own eyes out.
“So, what’s up with this break from dating thing?” I ask.
He lets out a long sigh.
“I guess I’m just tired of people thinking that’s all there is to me,” he replies. There’s no sign of his usual carefree expression. I’m surprised by it, but at the same time, glad for him.
“That’s good,” I say gently, and he smiles slightly in response.
We’re silent for a long while as Baron continues to lead us through the waltz.
“What made you finally trust Raph?” he asks finally. The question surprises me, and I’m not sure of the answer at first.
“I guess it’s because he showed me that there’s more to him than the arrogant prick that he makes himself out to be,” I reply.
Baron flashes a grin at that, which makes me break into a smile, too.
; My expression turns solemn then.
“Whoever she is, she’s a lucky girl,” I say. I don’t know what makes me say that. But I guess I just figure that it has to be because he’s finally found someone worth taking that step for. I have no idea who, or whether I’m jumping to conclusions. I don’t think I am, though—because I know from experience that it’s only when you feel something fierce for someone that you’d risk losing yourself just to find them.
Baron looks surprised by my knowing words, but he smiles in response. The waltz ends, and as I walk off the dance floor, I’m intercepted by a group of nobles who tell me they knew my father. I’m not entirely comfortable with the conversation, but I do the best I can to veil my emotions the way that everyone here seems to do so well.
When I finally manage to excuse myself from the group, I’m intercepted by another and the night goes on like that. Magnus comes to join me on a few occasions, and he seems to be glad that I’m getting the hang of this meeting and greeting the nobles thing. But the whole thing is entirely exhausting.
I’m glad that it keeps me distracted from having to look at Raph and Layla all night, though. I hadn’t thought about how difficult it would be for me to actually see them together like this—entertaining the courtiers, totally in their element. Whenever I catch a glimpse of Raph, there’s not a hint of his earlier displeasure, so it’s either gone entirely or just very well hidden. I tell myself it’s because he’s been trained since birth to play this part. It reminds me that this is his life; he’s made for these grand balls and the opulent ceremonies that go with them. Layla hangs dutifully on his arm, like any good queen would, and it makes me wonder what in the hell I’ve gotten myself into. Because just as Raph was born for this, so was Layla. I wasn’t. And although Raph had told me once before that I do belong here and that I belong with him, doubt still gnaws at the back of my mind.
It’s nearing the end of the night, when a strikingly beautiful woman who I recognize from that first ceremony, and from my Eden politics book, introduces herself. She shares so many of Keller’s features, that I know who she is, even before she says her name.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you properly, Jazmine,” she says and unlike disingenuous words and barely veiled looks of disapproval that have been directed my way from some of the other nobles, she seems entirely genuine.
“Vega Aspen, head of the Aspen Dynasty.” She holds out a hand to me, which I take willingly.
“I believe you’ve become quite good friends with my daughter, Keller.”
“Yeah, Keller’s great,” I reply with a smile.
“I’m glad to see it—our two Dynasties have always been close allies. Your father and I were good friends. He was like a brother to me.”
Her expression grows sad at those last words, and again I’m uncomfortable at the mention of my father.
“You have his eyes,” she says, after a moment. “It’s like I can almost see him looking out through them.”
“Magnus told me the same thing,” I manage to say.
“Your father was a great king, Jazmine. One of the best kings to ever sit on the throne of Eden,” she says.
“One day, I hope that you’ll be able to follow in his footsteps.”
I don’t think I hear those last words correctly. Because they make no sense.
“Raph’s next in line to the throne,” I finally manage to reply. I never did give it any thought as to how the whole sovereign Dynasty thing works. Magnus told me that the rule of Eden always falls to one of the sovereign Dynasties. My father had been the last king, but Raph is next in line to the throne. I’m guessing that the crown probably alternates from one sovereign Dynasty to another. That the St. Tristan Dynasty and the Evenstar Dynasty take turns at taking the throne. It’s the most logical explanation. But something about Vega’s expression makes me think there might be more to it than just that.
My mind starts racing then and I get an image of a thousand jigsaw pieces laying before me. Fragments, suspicions, words. But I can’t make sense of it, I can’t put the pieces together and every fiber in my being is screaming at me not to.
I realize that I’m just staring at Vega in utter confusion, as her expression grows even more troubled. My stomach churns as my discomfort levels soar to new heights, and I can feel my heartbeat pounding painfully in my chest, making it difficult to breathe.
“Magnus hasn’t told you?” she asks finally.
“Told me what?” I demand, any vestige of politeness out the window.
Vega shakes her head.
“It’s not common knowledge yet, but I would’ve thought that Magnus might have at least mentioned it to you by now.”
“Please, can you just tell me what the hell you’re talking about? Because Magnus sure as hell hasn’t said anything to me. But that’s no surprise because keeping me in the dark seems to be his favorite past time.” I’m fully aware that I’m being rude now, and that this woman doesn’t deserve to be on the receiving end. But I’m too confused and alarmed to care. A bad combination.
“It’s not my place to tell you,” she replies regretfully, and I think I’m going to scream in frustration.
“You should speak to Magnus,” she adds, then walks away before I can say anything else.
Damn right I’m going to speak to Magnus.
I look around the ballroom which is already emptying. Jethro’s icy gaze lands on me as I cross the ballroom, but Raph is nowhere in sight and neither is Layla. But that’s not who I’m looking for just then.
I find Magnus across the ballroom and when I march over to him, I can see that he’s either been watching the entire exchange between me and Vega, or my face is just that pissed.
“We need to talk. Now,” I say bluntly.
Magnus doesn’t say anything because he already knows. He searches my face for what seems like an eternity and I meet his gaze with a merciless one of my own.
“Okay,” he says finally.
“Let’s go back to the palace. There is something you need to know.”
I should be glad to hear those words, but they have a ring of finality to them that only deepens the sickening feeling of dread in my gut. As I walk out of the ice palace into the dark night, the chill in my bones only grows colder and I’m certain at this point that I don’t want to hear whatever it is that Magnus is about to tell me.
34
I’m sitting across from Magnus in what appears to be his study. The large wood paneled room is dark, apart from the light of the fire blazing in the large fireplace at the center.
Neither of us says a word as Magnus stares into that fire, as if it might give him the right words to tell me whatever it is that he needs to tell me.
I don’t force those words, because whatever they are, I know I don’t want to hear them. Not at all.
But he turns to me, and says them anyway.
“I told you before that the rule of Eden has always fallen to one of the two sovereign Dynasties. The St. Tristan Dynasty and the Evenstar Dynasty.”
“Yeah, so there’s some kind of rota where the throne alternates between the two sovereign Dynasties.” I speak my own assumption out loud, then hoping that in doing so, it will make it true. Only when I do speak it out loud, I realize just how ridiculous it sounds.
“No,” Magnus replies simply, and my world grinds to a halt as I wait for him to shatter it.
“The crown has always fallen to the eldest sovereign heir—the first heir from the St. Tristan Dynasty and the Evenstar Dynasty to reach their eighteenth birthday, ascends to the throne.”
The churning in my stomach intensifies, until I feel like I might throw up all over the polished wood floors.
I remember that day at the amusement park. Raph telling me that we have the exact same birthday—down to the very second.
Magnus is watching my face and the look in his, tells me that he can see I already know. But he says it anyway.
“You and Raph share the same birthday, Jazmine. Down to t
he very second.
“Your father didn’t know about you, no one knew about you. So, from the moment Raph was born, it was always assumed that he would be next in line to the throne.
“When the Dynasties first found out about you, everything about you was a mystery. We had no idea who you were, let alone what day you were born. There was always the possibility, of course, that you’d be older than Raph. But even if you were, it was always assumed that because your blood is tainted with human blood, whilst you could take up your rightful place as heir to the Evenstar Dynasty, ascending to the throne was out of the question,” he continues.
“But when I obtained your birth certificate, I discovered that you were born on the same day as Raph, at exactly the same second. A true phenomenon, which could not be ignored.
“I told only the Evenstar Dynasty’s closest allies at first. But somehow, Jethro also found out. The Dynasties have since been examining the laws of Eden and debating in secret for months, as to what needs to be done. Nothing like this has happened in centuries, let alone in any of our lifetimes. It was resolved that no one should find out about this phenomenon, until it was decided what must be done.”
“Raph knew,” I find myself saying, almost involuntarily, my voice barely a whisper in the dimly lit room.
Magnus’s eyes turn to me.
“Yes, he must have. I don’t doubt that Jethro would have told him.”
I get that image of a thousand jigsaw pieces scattered in front of me again and I still have no idea how to put them together. The way that Keller’s little brothers ran off after Jael’s surprise at Raph and me being together; Magnus’s own warnings and Jethro’s less than pleasant words to me at the Fall Ball.
“What—what does this mean?” I ask, although I’m certain I don’t want to know the answer.
“It means, Jazmine, that something must take place, which hasn’t taken place in Eden for centuries. It means that nature itself requires that there must be a Crown Trial.”
“What the hell is a Crown Trial?” I demand, although my voice is shaky, because my whole universe feels like it’s spinning right now.