The Kingdom Journals Complete Series Box Set

by Tricia Copeland

  At dinner, I picked at my food, pretending to be too exhausted to eat.

  “A good night’s rest will do you wonders.” Maria stroked her hand down my hair.

  “I’m sorry. Do you mind if I retire early?” I set my napkin on the table.

  “Not at all, dear.” Maria squeezed my hand.

  “I’ll call Carmen and Alex.” Miguel stood and made his way towards the exit, pulling a phone from his pocket.

  When Maria’s eyes followed him, Jude cut his eyes to me. Are you okay.

  Yes. Just testing to see if needing a midnight snack will get me into another part of the building.

  Crafty.

  Thanks, we’ll talk later. I pushed the thought to Jude as I stood.

  Carmen and Alex escorted me to my chamber, and I snuggled up near the fire with a blanket and my study texts. When I heard Jude in the hall, I waited patiently for his voice.

  Well thanks for leaving me with Dr. and Mrs. Strange.

  They’re not that bad.

  Oh, you haven’t heard about the old days yet.

  Sorry.

  What time are you planning your outing?

  Around midnight. Wish me luck. I need to study now.

  Yeah, me too. Goodnight.

  Goodnight.

  I stayed up studying as long as I could. My stomach grumbled around ten, but I figured it was too early for all the staff to be off duty. Drifting in and out of a light sleep, I made it to twelve thirty before my stomach demanded food. Slipping on a sweatshirt and slippers from my closet, I stepped into the hall.

  Carmen turned from his position against the wall, his arms folded across his chest. “What are you doing up this late?”

  “Do you ever sleep?” I looked from him to another guard I hadn’t seen before.

  “Alex and I trade off nights. I nap during the day. What do you need?”

  “I’m hungry, and I can’t sleep. I was hoping to get some warm milk.”

  “Warm milk? The kitchen staff has long retired.”

  “Please.” I used the puppy dog eyes that always worked on Mom. “I don’t mind making it myself. It always helps me doze off at home.”

  “You should’ve finished your dinner.”

  “I’m sorry. I was exhausted before.”

  “Okay, well, I’ll take you to the kitchen.” Carmen motioned for me to walk in front of him.

  “Would you like me to come too?” The guard leaning against the other wall asked.

  “No, we’ll be fine.”

  We took two turns to the elevator. When the doors shut, he spoke again. “It’s best you don’t share this outing with Miguel. I’m not sure he would approve of me escorting you around the compound at such a late hour.”

  “Thank you. My lips are sealed.” I pretended to lock them and throw the key over my shoulder.

  “Teenagers are such trouble.”

  “Do you have a family?” I asked.

  “I’m a soldier. Soldiers do not have families in Michael’s coven.”

  “Do you enjoy it?”

  “Most of the time.”

  “Except when you’re on whiny teen duty?”

  His eyes cut to me. “You’re not that bad.”

  On the main level, we wound around to the opposite side of the castle.

  “This elevator is only for staff, but it’s the fastest way to get to the kitchen.” Carmen put his finger on the screen for a print scan and stood before a camera for a retina scan.

  Inside the elevator, I noted the cameras mounted on the ceiling. The control panel held more buttons than the elevator we normally took. There were three additional basement levels. Carmen pushed the button for B3, the level below the gyms we worked out in.

  When the doors opened, we stepped into a dark hall. Carmen’s heavy steps echoed on the hard floor as we passed many closed doors without signage.

  “What are these rooms?”

  “Storage, I think.” Carmen noted.

  After a few turns, he opened a set of double doors to a large kitchen.

  “This way.” He pointed to a wall lined with stainless steel doors.

  Opening one after the other, we found milk in the farthest refrigerated chest. Setting the glass container on a counter, he opened cabinets until he found a small saucepan.

  “No microwaves.”

  “Ghastly things.” Carmen’s face shriveled up.

  I fought jumping up on the counter while the milk heated. “What do you think I’ll get to do in the coven?”

  “Can’t say. What do you want to do?”

  “Well, I wanted to be a veterinarian.”

  “A healer? Hmm.” Carmen rubbed his fingers across his stubbly chin.

  “I guess.” I paced to the other side of the room and back. “You know about me, right? That Miguel thinks people may be after me?”

  “I know you are wanted by a coven that seeks to steal our hold on the tribunal.”

  “The tribunal?”

  “The ruling body of the witches. There is a representative from each line. But the high priest is always of Michael’s line.”

  “Because those in Michael’s line are rulers?” I gave in to my desire to sit atop the counter.

  “Yes, and we have the biggest coven.”

  “I don’t really understand why I’m special.”

  “If our connection with our ancestors is lost, we will lose all our power.”

  “All the witches in your line will lose their powers?”

  “That is the common belief. I don’t think any of us want it tested.” Carmen lifted the pan from the burner.

  “And the other coven is willing to give up their magic?”

  “To set us free.”

  “So our souls can find peace?”

  “And we’re not required to be gypsies.” He poured the milk into a mug.

  “I’m not sure what I would choose.”

  “I believe by the time you’re done with your training, you’ll choose to keep your powers. If your healing force is strong, why not use it for good? Over a millennia how many lives will you save? Witches were born to serve humanity, keep evil from the world, and we have a sworn oath to fulfill that role. Those that seek otherwise are greedy heathens that wish to misuse their power.”

  When he put it that way, it kind of made sense. I wondered if he were right, if all witches would lose their powers. “Do you know how I can be used to achieve what they want?”

  His eyes locked on mine for a second, and then he held the mug out to me. “I shouldn’t be conversing with you in this manner. This is information reserved for coven members. Once you’re initiated, I’m sure Miguel will brief you. In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you kept this chat private.”

  Feeling a little victorious, I took a sip of the milk. “Of course. I’m sorry. I just wasn’t sure if you knew about me.”

  “Alex and I have been briefed on your situation. That is why one of us will always be with you.”

  “Thank you.” I lifted the mug to my mouth and took another gulp. “Would you mind checking in on the search for my dad?”

  “I’m sure Miguel is keeping tabs on it.”

  “You did say he was really busy.”

  “Madam, if they haven’t found him yet—”

  “Stop, I’m tired.” I strode from the kitchen, horrified to think about what his next words were. I wouldn’t entertain that thought. I couldn’t. I wasn’t giving up on Dad.

  I couldn’t wait to share the line of Michael’s view on the repercussions of using the sword with Jude, but it would have to wait till morning. To distract myself from thinking about Dad, I pieced together all the information I’d gathered. It was hard to guess who might be telling the truth, but my instincts kept leading me down the same path. I trusted that Alena and Hunter were on the side of justice. If the sword would strip all witches of their powers, why wouldn’t Miguel just tell me that? Instead, he’d lured me to the compound under suspicious pretenses.

  “You look l
ike hell,” Jude told me as I joined them in the hall before breakfast.

  “Thanks.” I glared at him.

  “That’s no way to talk to a lady,” Alex said as we followed him and a second guard down the hall.

  “Well, where I come from it’s perfectly acceptable.” Jude shrugged.

  I didn’t dare try to converse with Jude until Miguel left us to practice our magic in a workout room later that afternoon.

  I agree with you, he said once I’d told him all the information Carmen revealed. Where is Carmen by the way?

  He was up all night, so I’m guessing he’s sleeping.

  That’s never happened before. Odd.

  I hope that doesn’t mean something bad.

  Like they found out what he told you. Seems like Miguel would try to rearrange the information in your mind.

  Or convince me I was dreaming again.

  There was still no Carmen by dinnertime, and I asked Miguel about his absence.

  “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “They change guard duties all the time. How are you two feeling about your studies?”

  “Good,” we said in unison.

  “Perhaps we should meet one on one. I’ll arrange some time in the schedule tomorrow so we can check in.”

  Sitting in Miguel’s office waiting for him, I crossed and uncrossed my legs, tapped on the arm of my chair, and twirled my hair in my fingers. If Carmen had been reassigned because he’d gotten too close to me and said some things he shouldn’t, Miguel had played his part perfectly. He’d asked to meet privately under the guise of checking in with us but hadn’t made it seem like an emergency. Should I fake dreaming or sleepwalking? Were there cameras in the kitchen? I didn’t remember seeing any.

  Of course, there were cameras everywhere else, so more than likely Miguel would know Carmen and I had walked to the kitchen together but maybe they had no idea about our conversation. Based on Carmen’s admission, I believed he overshared. I could pretend there was no exchange until I had proof Miguel knew something.

  “You have good instincts.” Miguel’s voice rang out behind me as he closed the door.

  I spun to face him. “About?”

  “Your training is progressing well.”

  I let out a breath and rubbed my hands down my pants. “Good.”

  “Did you expect me to say otherwise?”

  “It’s hard to know how to assess my progress.” I covered my anxiety over Carmen with another worry.

  “You needn’t dwell on any imaginary bar or hurdle. Your magic is growing stronger. For a halfling you have good instincts, as I said before. Do you have any questions about the texts?”

  I looked to the ceiling, trying to think of some questions. “It all seems so biblical. My family isn’t really religious. But then when I think about magic existing, it’s hard not to believe in angels.”

  “You have a true heart of that of the line of Raphael. You seek out how to help people. Do you have any reservations about this process?”

  “No, I’m excited to learn all I can.”

  “And what about dreams or hallucinations.”

  “I’ve had none.”

  “And your thoughts about your previous visions.”

  “Your theory about awakening my magic seems like a solid one. It makes sense that the dreams stopped once I embraced my nature.” I’d rehearsed over and over my answer to the question I knew he’d ask so it flowed out of my mouth as naturally as a breath.

  “Good, well, you have a couple more days of work, and then I look forward to your first assessment. How are you dealing with your father’s issues?”

  “I couldn’t sleep last night.”

  “Yes, you looked tired this morning. Did your dad leave any clues? Can you think of anything else we can go on?”

  I moved to the front of my seat. “So, I know this is going to sound odd, but I’ve watched my share of witch entertainment. Are locator spells real? Could we do a locator spell using my blood? I mean I am half of his genetic makeup.”

  “There are such spells. Let me see if I can contact our strongest locator. The spell could be performed in the courtyard.”

  “There is a courtyard. Like with grass?”

  “Well, it’s brown now, but yes. In the summer, it’s quite beautiful. I will inquire about the witch’s whereabouts right after my meeting with Jude.”

  “Thank you.” I wondered if I could just open my window and bleed on a map. I guessed the magic barrier might block the spell. But Miguel had mentioned the courtyard. Perhaps it was the one place magic could get in and out of the compound. If I could get to the courtyard, then maybe I’d be able to contact Alena and Hunter.

  “So, the mention of Jude’s name has no effect?” Miguel asked.

  I looked him right in the eyes. “We are here for a month, and then we’ll go back to our own homes. There’s too much to worry about without thinking about some teenage crush.”

  “So, you are okay with how things ended?”

  “I was hurt initially, because of being so wrapped up in my delusions. Everyone at the camp was making the whole thing out to be one big love fest. I think I got caught up, which isn’t like me. The whole rescue thing had me a little off.” I rambled through the words as if on a train of thought. I’d pondered for hours what questions he might ask, and what my response and reaction would be to each. There wasn’t room for error.

  “Unfortunately, it’s hard to avoid such behaviors. Do you have other questions?”

  I asked how we would be tested, and he described the magic skills section and then the private oral exam. Exiting his office, I passed Jude in the hall.

  All good?

  Yes. Talk to you later.

  Okay.

  My new bodyguard hovered not a foot behind me. Tall and looming, I could feel his breath on my scalp. Carmen was gone. How much longer could I endure without real human connection? No, I told myself. Jude had to be enough till we found a way out.

  The week passed and our first trial with it. Miguel said nothing else about the locator spell. When I asked, he said the witch with the greatest power was away on vacation. I wondered how I might get a map and try out the spell myself and thought of our textbooks.

  The next section was the element of air and witch lineage. Flipping through the first volume that evening, I found a map of the continents. It was a crude rendition, but I figured it was better than nothing. My try at drawing would have been far worse. I traced the lines on a sheet of paper and sat in front of the window. The frigid wind pelted me with freezing mist, but I wanted the best chance at locating Dad. With a pin from my sewing kit, I pricked my finger and let the drops fall in the middle of the sheet. The first few soaked in, but then they began to pool on top of each other.

  I closed my eyes. Picturing my father, I forced my magic to the map. The spots of blood sat in the same position when I opened my eyes minutes later. Frustrated, I balled the page and threw it in the flames. There was no way to know whether the spell hadn’t worked or Dad was being held in the castle. I convinced myself that an invisibility or cloaking spell was the only way to pass through the compound undetected. If I could get to the lower levels, I might find Dad. In the courtyard, I would message Alena and Hunter.

  What if you get caught? Jude asked when I informed him of my decision.

  Then, I get caught. How much worse can it be than the prison we’re in now?

  I’m thinking a lot.

  If they wanted me dead, they would’ve killed me already. I made bug eyes at him across the gym.

  Let me do the snooping.

  Are you kidding? I doubt they care about you. You’re probably just here to keep up the ruse that this whole thing isn’t about snaring me.

  Miguel knows my birthdate. You don’t think he’d suspect I was connected?

  I don’t know. I’m going to work on the invisibility spell, I pushed to him as we passed on the track.

  Okay, well, be careful. I don’t know about you, but I’m all
but spent by the end of the day. Leave the window open so I can keep tabs on you.

  What do you mean? If I pass out, how will you know?

  I can sort of sense your feelings when we don’t have magic preventing walls between us. He looked my way from the opposite side of the oval.

  Why didn’t you tell me that before?

  It took me a while to realize that was what I was experiencing.

  Well, a heads-up would have been good.

  Why? You trying to hide something from me?

  Well, obviously, I won’t now. I should get to work. I slowed as I reached the locker room.

  Back in my room, I paced the space wondering how to begin. Figuring standing in front of the mirror was the best way to know I was cloaking myself, I went to the bathroom. I had no idea which direction to take the spell. Pushing energy out of my core, I imagined creating a barrier around my skin. My reflection held after several tries at increasing the energy level. Drained, I sank to the floor. Thinking I might need to approach it differently, I stood back up.

  Imagining my skin matching my background, I noticed my fingertips disappear. I doubled my efforts, and my hands disappeared for a few seconds. Calling all my energy, I shoved a huge blast of power through my body, and my reflection faded and was gone. I sucked in a breath, and it reappeared. Sweat beading on my skin, I gripped the counter for balance. My head swam, and I ran to the toilet and emptied the contents of my stomach.

  Camille! I heard Jude’s voice in my head.

  I’m okay. I got it to work.

  How did you do it?

  Imagined myself as camouflage.

  But I sensed you were in trouble.

  Made me a little ill, but I’m okay now. Need to practice more.

  Rinsing my mouth, I looked in the mirror. I’d done it. But I had to get stronger, be able to hold the camouflage for longer periods of time. I figured I had two weeks. Even if I could only hold it five to ten minutes, it might be enough to get some intel. The only window I had was at the gym. If I went in the ladies’ locker room and came out invisible, I could sneak around the compound undetected. I’d been studying our routes to the tech room, and I remembered how to get to the lower levels from when I’d gone to the kitchen with Carmen. If I faked a shower, I might even get fifteen minutes to explore.