Nightshade

by Jennifer Pierce-Gaeta

  Zoey followed Lydia through a dark blue curtain made of velvet. It was the softest she had ever felt, and she could feel her lioness longing to roll and play with the curtain like a kitten would a hanging piece of string. The image her lioness sent her drew tiny chunks of laughter from between Zoey's lips. The tiny eruption giving Lydia a moment to gaze curiously at the Assassin Princess. Though she did not know of the title, it was one whispered among the people like a vile secret. Each person who had met the princess before she was sent away so long ago was said to have loved her more than they loved themselves.

  Gaging by her reactions to the world around her, these facts were somehow hidden from her. She gave off an aurora Lydia could see, and it swam with sadness through every inch. Queen Elsie of the Lion Kingdom had chosen poorly when she sent this one to train. Her heart would either remain pure, and she would rule this kingdom in a time of peace, or her heart would take a darker path, one that sent shivers down Lydia's spine.

  “What kinda gown you lookin’ for lass?”

  "I was hoping you could design a gown that is functional, yet still meets the criteria of a gown."

  “Are ye telling me that yer wantin’ a battle gown, sans the armor and metal?” Lydia asked her features showing her interest and puzzlement in one strange expression.

  "Exactly, I need to be able to arm myself without it being noticeable, and I need to give the illusion that I am the forgotten princess returned home at last. The people may know of the rumor surrounding my disappearance from everyday royal life, yet they do not conceive of the nature that beats in my chest. I intend to keep it that way until it is absolutely necessary. Are we ready to begin?"

  "Give me but a few moments to think about it. Why don't you go over there and choose the fabric for this creation?”

  “I will. Thank you.” Zoey said as she inclined her head to the dragoness and walked further into the fitting room towards racks filled with fabric as far the eye could see. The thought of a functional gown made her giddy as she inspected rack after rack of horrible pastels and starched church whites. It was enough to make her want to vomit. As an assassin, she was used to dark colors and fabrics that could blend into the shadows without catching the light. The luxurious feel of dull black leather against her skin and soft, rich velvet that clung to her body like the night itself was a delight that could make her blush. These flimsy bits of silk in blazing yellows and pinks made her think of butterflies and flowers; of these things, she was neither. She needed something that showed her strength yet eluded to a softer side.

  With a sigh, she made her way to the racks that held the darker fabrics, careful not to clothe herself in all black she began to finger the materials in the colors that suited her taste. Zoey fingered every leather she could find on the rack searching for that nondescript piece, the one that would whisper to her fingers. Her hands finally settled on a piece tanned a deep black, it mimicked the night sky sans stars and felt movable and breathable. Something about the fabric tingled with magic and called her lioness to the front for a sniff. Chuffing she inhaled the smell of fresh leather and deep magic driven towards protection, Zoey grabbed the bolt of fabric excited. She knew that the black leather could be worked into a bodice and beaded in the designs she had chosen from her drawings; Zoey intended to make a statement when she returned home, and she would have her meaning ring loud and clear.

  Pushing towards the softer velvets, she made her way even further into the racks of fabric the dragoness now lost from sight. It bothered Zoey at first, but she soon dismissed her feelings of unease as she fingered expensive pieces of fabric between her fingertips. As she pushed forward, her instincts kicked in, stooping low she took out the feet of her attacker from behind, allowing her the element of surprise. The familiar "Oomph" made her giggle like a child playing a game.

  "Zephyr, you know better than to sneak up on me," Zoey said with a sly smile growing across her lips.

  "I almost had you, Zoe! What gave me away?"

  “Your heartbeat, the pulse of it changed the feel of the room. I didn’t expect it to be you.” Zoey said her head cocked in at a questioning angle.

  “I need better clothing for the Ball. My ahh.. wardrobe was out of date." Zephyr said his cheeks blushing just enough for Zoey to know that Zephyr’s parents had sent him ghastly hand me downs as well.

  “I take it the clothes you were given were as awful as the ones sent to me?” Zoey questioned.

  "Oh god, yes, they were hideous and lacked any way for me to arm myself. I can't do my job without my tools." Zephyr said his shoulders dropping in relief not to be the only one to face this issue.

  "It would seem our families have forgotten what we are. I intend to remind my family with a little costume change." The smile on Zoey's face could have melted butter, and it made Zephyr laugh at the thought of Zoey somehow stealing the thunder of the spoiled brat heir Princess Sasha. Zephyr had done his research too; he knew exactly what they were being sent to guard. He couldn't help but wonder if Zoey approved of her sister's ways. From what he knew of her, he would guess that this little bit of acting out was his answer. Usually, Zoey would make the best out of what she was given, this time it seemed as if something had pissed her off.

  "Did you find her leather selection yet; I have been looking, but all the pastels keep making me want to puke."

  “They are to your left, Zeph. I swear if they were any closer, they would bite you. I wonder how you keep yourself alive without me around?”

  "Ouch, I guess I do it by blind luck, Zoey," Zephyr said with a snark before visiting the rack Zoey had snagged the magical leather from. She continued to finger her way through the luxurious fabric, searching for something that would grant her stealth in her movements yet be elegant enough to form the gown part of her dress. It had to fall perfectly to the ground yet not touch it; it also needed to have slits that were high and unnoticeable. She needed the illusion to fit the functionality. She would have the seamstress work sheathes for her short sword into the back of her bodice, where she could use the skirt of the gown to hid the handles. It would be perfect if she could find a velvet thick enough yet light enough to suit the task.

  Her fingertips found a light thick royal purple velvet fabric that sent tingles along her skin. She could feel it held armor like properties as well as the stealth she had sought. Lydia’s fabrics were magical, and she wondered what else the dragoness had up her sleeve?

  "Have ya found what yer lookin' for lass?" Lydia said, appearing behind Zoey. It took all her will power not to scream. She had felt no change when the dragon had walked up behind her; it left her puzzled and uneasy.

  "I have," Zoey said quietly as she handed Lydia the bolts of cloth, she had chosen.

  “These are some of my pricier pieces. Are you sure you have the coin ta pay for’em, girl?" Lydia asked her eyes narrowed and unsure.

  Zoey opened her purse and let the jewels and gold pieces fall on the table. She had brought enough to buy a small army, so having the dress made would maybe cost her one of the more significant jewels in the pile even with the magically enhanced leather and velvet.

  “Will this do?” She asked her tone light but still cocky as her patience was growing thin. She did not like that the dragon had gotten the drop on her.

  “It will do. Leave yer designs and let me measure ya; I take it yer gonna need it for the morrow?”

  “Aye, and I’ll pay for Zephyr’s too. I need him in formidable shape but still looking like the prince he is meant to be. Can you do this for me, Lydia?" Zoey asked, causing the dragon to look deep into her eyes. Zoey wasn’t sure what the dragoness saw there, but whatever it was made her sigh.

  “It will be as you command young assassin. Come back to the shop at da’ same time on the morrow. Yer garments will be ready.” Lydia said as she selected to of the largest gems from the pile and slipped them into her pocket. Zoey retrieved the rest of the gold and jewels and left an especially big sapphire on the table as a gift. She had a fe
eling the dragoness would smile when she found it. Slipping her hood and mask back into place, Zoey took to the rooftops and returned to her room faster than a speeding bullet. No one was aware she had even left; the attendants were knocking to announce the last meal service for the night. It was four A.M., and Zoey was tired, yet the smell of breakfast with bacon called to her senses. She ventured downstairs and loaded a plate with all she wanted and returned to her room. No one stopped her or even questioned her actions at this time of night, which was good, because Zoey’s patience had been spent at the seamstress’s shop.

  All Zoey wanted was food and sleep, in that exact order. She set the food down on her chambers private dining table and ate like a starved cub. She would need to shift soon or eat like a glutton to keep her lioness satisfied. She would get hard to handle if ignored. Finishing her food, Zoey stripped out of her clothes and shifted to her lioness form in the blink of an eye. It was a talent only a few in her clan possessed, and those who had it were the most powerful, or so legend said. As Zoey drifted off to sleep, she wondered if her little secret would cause ripples if her mother were to find out.

  Chapter 6

  A Goddess Revealed

  The Head Mistress carried Sasha's limp form, watching as her eyes fluttered with the hellish dreams, she had been trapped in by the spell she had used to subdue her. It was a wonder something so simple could hold the princess; her magical rating was off the charts. She was strong, and yet she failed every class she had. She was beyond brilliant when she applied herself to a task, yet she was content to bully all those around her. Why she chooses to hold everyone at a distance was a mystery, but the Head Mistress would see that she learned through any means necessary. It was a hard task to manipulate a person's mind, but the Head Mistress was one of the few who held enough power. It was a secret she guarded carefully as it was not often that a Goddess could walk among her people, and Nyx would not be forced back to the spirit realm until she had completed her mission.

  This world had held onto peace for far too long to see it thwarted by a tyrant; she would temper this one for now and hope it was enough to stop the chaos she was destined to cause. Nyx considered this her turning point if she were successful this world's peace would continue if she failed, she had one more piece in play and had to hope that its heart remained pure or all would be lost. If only Nyx could find the source for the taint in this world, but it had eluded her beyond her wildest imagination. Every search she had done, whether magical or in the flesh, had yielded no results. She would find the culprit, but for now, her interference had to be limited, less the Fates intervene and take what little power she had in this form.

  Don’t misunderstand, as a goddess, Nyx had more power than anyone could imagine, but it had reserves that needed to be replenished once she spent a great deal of magic. It left her limited to smaller endeavors than she would like. Nyx laid her dreaming princess down into the pentagram she had prepared for the ritual she would need to change the princess's thoughts. With a wave of her hand, silver bindings appeared and slithered their way to the princess's limbs, securing them in place. Should she awaken, she would find herself held fast and unable to escape. Nyx watched as Sasha twitched with the battle she fought in her sleep; for now, she would leave Sasha to the fictitious world she had created. Maybe the trials alone would change the princess into a better person.

  Nyx had to hope the poisons of power had not sunk its claws in too deep, or this world would have a burden to bare before it could ever be free again. Taking a seat at her table, Nyx gazed into a crystal scrying glass. The mist rose like a soft blanket and parted just as quickly at her whim. She watched as Sasha discovered the war-torn land full of monsters. The princess screamed like a beast and began attacking in a fury, wasting precious energy as she ran through the dead forest that had been blackened by magical fire. She chose no direction and seemed to form no plan. She ran, she fought, and she screamed; her dress was torn, thousands of tiny cuts marred her face and arms; in short, she was a useless mess. Nyx waved her hand over the crystal scrying glass, causing a brick cottage to appear in the princess's path.

  Maybe if Nyx gave her a moment to recover, the princess would gather herself and push for some semblance of survival. She had done nothing so far but attack in a blind rage. It was pathetic, after three years in the top magic academy, one would think that Sasha would have gained more knowledge; instead, she was some sort of twisted damsel in distress. Tsking her tongue against her teeth, Nyx shook her head; this would never do.

  Sasha approached the brick cottage, her hand loaded with magic fire, and her footsteps cautious. She doesn't knock when she reaches the door; she kicks it open hard like a Cretan. The door flies open only to bounce off the wall and hit a surprised princess directly in the face. The crunch is audible, and her surprised scream is something Nyx can't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. If Sasha weren't such a beast, she would be pitiful. Her broken nose streams blood as her eyes swell up in a black and blue puffy mess as she finally gathers herself, walks into the cottage, and slams the door.

  The mist in the scrying glass shifts again to show a wailing princess puddled on the floor of the cottage, her bloody nose dripping as she makes no move to stop it or heal herself. Disgusted Nyx waves away the scene in the scrying glass, shaking her head, she moves forward to gather ingredients for the ritual. She would do what she could with the spoiled, angry, beast-like princess. It saddened her that she must start from scratch with this child. Had no one guided her or taught her right from wrong, and wherein all of chaos had that child's ability to love gone?

  There must be a reason for Princess Sasha's behavior, and Nyx would find it. Two days was plenty of time to mold this child, and with her plan in place, she would not be interrupted. She had made heroes in less time than this, yet Nyx was unsure of what she would find with this one. As she took the Nightshade down, preparing it to add to the ritual potion, the princess's body lurched against her restraints. The silver bindings that held her in place screamed in protest as Nyx dashed to her scrying glass. She lit the glass up with raw power pulling the mist to gather as she hurriedly coaxed the scene forward.

  Sasha was tearing the cottage apart, using her elemental magic to have a tantrum. She had not tried to clean herself; she had made no attempt to eat or even sleep; she had wrought nothing but destruction. Nyx watched as Sasha tore through the curtains on the windows with a wind spell, tearing them to shreds. Turning like a woman gone mad, she set the kitchen on fire, all the while choking on the acrid smoke in the air. For fuck's sake! Nyx had hoped that she had more brains than this; her lack of self-preservation was beyond disconcerting; it was non-existent. Shaking her head in disbelief, Nyx sighed; it looked like she would have to do this the hard way. She hated the hard way; it always leads to far more trouble than she wanted to deal with at the moment.

  Waving one delicate hand in the air, Nyx caused the mist to rise from the scrying glass; like a gentle lover, it wrapped around her form and pulled her into the princess's dream. She appeared outside of the cottage door and listened as the princess screamed and choked on her own venom. She did not even seem to care that the cottage was burning around her! Nyx waved a hand, dousing the flames and changing her appearance in one seamless gesture. She could not let Sasha see her as the Head Mistress, nor would it be fitting for her to know the Goddess's true countenance. Creating Sara had given her just the loop whole she needed. As Sara, she could act as a guide and get into the princess's train of thought; Sasha did not need to know she was only in a dream, and as long as no one told her it should help Nyx to tame the beast.

  In her new form, Nyx stepped forward as Sara and banged on the door, making it shake in the frame. If that didn't get the spoiled little princess's attention, Nyx had no idea what would, glancing at her fingernails and adjusting her cloak; she waited her impatience growing at the unanswered door. Just as she raised her hand to knock again, the door flew open, revealing a fireball instead of Prince
ss Sasha. Nyx waved it away with a swipe of her hand and put a shield around her newly acquired form. It would not do to have this form mangled before she had gotten to use it. This princess was more than a pain in the ass; she was a fucking disaster. Rolling her eyes, Nyx took a step forward into the house; she would have to remember to introduce herself as Sara if she was going to pull this off. "Hello." She said faintly, hoping Sasha wouldn't attack again.

  "What do you want?" an angry tear-filled voice said from the shadows.

  "I saw you run in here and thought you might need some help. I am Sara, who are you?"

  "Do you not know your princess? What has happened to this land?" Sasha said, firing off questions like arrows from a crossbow.

  "Our princess died at the beginning of the war; she lacked the skill and heart to fight the monster hoard. She left the people to burn, and karma repaid her in kind." Sara said harshly.

  Sasha could do nothing but gape at the woman in front of her; had she been thrown forward in time? What had the Head Mistress done to her? Confused, she stood and took stock of her appearance, gasping at the blood that coated her fingers and her face. Sasha took in the cottage around her and realized she had lost control again; the shock of this world had let the beast inside out. Using pure chaos, Sasha pushed out with her magic and repaired all she had destroyed. Sara gasped, not sure what had just happened, but she knew there was more to this disaster of a princess then what met the eye.

  "Please make yourself comfortable, I must clean myself up, and then I have a few questions to ask if I may?" Sasha asked.

  "Very well, it looks like you took the hard way into what's left of our village. I will wait." Sarah said. Nyx knew playing this role to perfection was a must if she was to figure out how to rein in the beast that stood in front of her. This world was a glimpse of could be, and she was hoping a harsh training ground would stop the tyrant Sasha was destined to become. Getting up, Nyx made herself useful and found some food in the cupboards and set to preparing a meal. She didn't have to be Sara until Sasha returned. With a wave of her hand, she made sure Sasha would find riding gear and plain peasant skirts in the wash area, and the food she conjured was everyday fare but better than anything they would find in this version of Astra.