by A D Lombardo
Her words grew more intense as she spoke, and it inspired him. After the battle for Port Anahita, he was no longer the innocent prince. Still, he needed to be stronger. Fierce. “So, you don’t care that I am not the prince of Diu? What about the fact that I am full Katori? Or that Keegan is my father?” He wasn’t sure if that mattered, but he knew she would tell him the truth.
“Don’t waste my time,” she huffed, “prince or not. You are full Katori, and about to turn seventeen, now that is a concern. The timing is terrible. Remember, I lived there for over a decade. I know all their secrets. And I do mean all of them.”
Of course, she knew everything. Kai rolled his eyes. “I am lucky to have you as my teacher. Thank you, Riome.” He said, unsure what else he should say.
“Yes, well, don’t thank me yet. As you know, I interrogated Nola. Not that she will recall the moment. The right potions can make you tell your life story and leave you hollow after the telling. This part is important.”
“What did you learn?” Kai stared inquisitively, waiting for her reply.
“I am sure you will be as surprised to hear Nola’s secret as I was. She is Nola Penier, older sister to Landon and illegitimate daughter to Bannon Penier, the Milnos king who killed Iver’s father and uncle. When the event happened, she lived on Ahana. That is where the old king stashed her. His love child.”
Riome’s words drove home the last words Nola had said that night. I’m your… She meant to say, sister. All this time Nola knew precisely what she was doing here. She was plotting. As King Bannon’s daughter, illegitimate or not, she must be out for revenge. How could she possibly love the man that put her father in the ground? Just cause or not, Nola must hate Iver on some level.
“What else have you learned?” Kai leaned in closer. “I know there is more. You hide it well when you choose, but your face says there is more to tell.”
“There is more,” she acknowledged. “Nola sees Landon in secret. She pays the guards well to let her visit. They talk every few days. Although I have not been privy to their conversations, I cannot believe she is happy letting him rot away in a dungeon. Now with Tolan going to Milnos, you will be left here. As far as anyone is concerned, you are the rightful heir to the Galloway throne. She cannot be happy, given her designs to have Aaron on the throne. On top of that, Iver and Nola plan to leave. They are not staying for King’s day. He is taking her on his summer voyage.”
“Yes, I know.” Kai acknowledged. “And as I understand it, you will be joining them. Cazier told me.”
She fingered her long hair. “Which is why tonight I will be listening to Nola from behind the secret passageway. I must learn what I can. I need to hear how she speaks to your father in private. You must be ready. We will need to swap off a few times. Cazier has sent Brannon ahead to Milnos, and Jarrod will be on Tolan and Amelia’s ship as they sail around to Milnos. Spies for Diu. They will send word if they learn anything of note.”
Kai furrowed his brow. “If we know her secret, what do you hope to gain by listening to her tonight? And why are we letting them sail anywhere? Cazier and Dante must be told.”
“I have not shared this knowledge with my father. I need to learn her methods. If I am to undo the damage to your father, I must know how she suppresses him. After dinner, I will wait for them to return to their room. I will wait for them and listen within the hidden passage. Since Iver went hunting five weeks ago and her recent illness, this will be their first night together.”
She stepped to the door and ushered him into the stairwell. Silently they entered the secret passageway. “We can switch off after four hours. If Cazier assumes the worst and arrests her, I might not be able to fully restore your father. She is able to manipulate him even if he seems clear-minded. Plus, I need to find her accomplices. There is no way she is doing this alone. Maxwell may have people in the city helping her. He is in on this, I am sure of it.”
Hidden within the passageway above the library, she braced her hand against the stone wall. “Have courage. We will learn what we need. Get some rest and come to me in four hours.” With nothing more, she stepped into the darkness.
◆◆◆
Four hours later, Kai listened to the Mryken dogs venturing down the family hallway. Footfalls from the guards on patrol echoed down the stairwell. Swiftly he walked down the hallway to the nursery and entered. The door closed at his back; he sensed the guards pass on the other side of the door. He had made it without being seen. Inside the door, he calmed his breathing. Cautiously he passed Cordelia’s bed. His little sister was fast asleep. Kendra was awake, yet she said nothing. She simply turned her head towards the secret panel and nodded.
Luckily, he had shared Riome’s plan with Kendra beforehand. He did not want her alarmed by their movements within the walls. Even though he hated creeping through the nursery, it was the easiest access point into the hidden passage next to his father’s room.
He released the latch and entered the narrow space between the two rooms. Riome stood poised on the stairs, blade in hand. When she saw Kai, she replaced the blade and descended the stairs into the pitch-black space. In his mind, he watched her slip through the music room. Stealthy as a shadow, she moved into the library; her movements were quick. Her ultimate destination was the Master General’s tower and her room on the seventh floor.
Alone he sat in the dark, his back pressed against the cold stone, listening. Nothing more than the sound of breathing emanated from the king and queen’s chamber. They were both sound asleep. He wondered if Riome had learned anything. Did she know how to help his father?
To pass the time, he let his mind wander about the palace. From room to room he searched for people, guards, and the Mryken. Everything was as it should be. Secure and silent. Bored, he took the time to meditate. He focused on his breathing and tried to clear his mind to relieve his throbbing headache.
He had no idea how long he sat. Normally he could sit for over an hour without difficulty. Tonight, everything ached. He twitched as he tried to find a comfortable posture. Stretching out his legs, he massaged his sore knees. Still uncomfortable, he twisted his back from side to side. The more he struggled, the hotter he became. He fanned his face with his hands. His pulse quickened. The narrow space felt stifling. His head swam in circles, and he passed out.
Kai felt a firm hand press against his mouth. “Wake up,” he heard Riome whisper. Slowly he came to. Feverish, he leaned forward to get his bearings. Riome tugged at his arm and pulled him down the stairs. They crossed through the music room into the library. Still, she said nothing. She accessed the hidden passage. He stepped behind the panel and latched the painting in place. Quietly he marched up the stairs behind her.
While he used his sight, he noticed she ran her hand along the wall. It was her guide to know when to make the turn. She could not see as he did—she was only a Half-Light. The truth of being a Half-Light struck him with understanding.
Once within the safety of his room, she opened the balcony doors. A cool breeze chilled his room. “You have a problem. Alenga help you if you don’t take care of it soon.”
He knew full well what she meant. But did she really know, he wondered? Of course, she knew. Conhaspriga called to him. He had a choice to make. Go to Katori now or lose his gifts forever. The one thing he was sure of was that he didn’t want to go without Rayna. He decided to test Riome’s willingness to divulge her knowledge. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Kai. You know full well what I mean. The spirits call to you. You feel them. Don’t deny them. The fever, the headaches. I can only imagine you are having dreams, too. Telling you where to go. Like I said. I know their secrets. I was raised there until I was old enough for them to know I was not full Katori.”
Kai wanted to deny it. Pretend it wasn’t real. How could he choose between the two? Leave his father. His friends. The only home he’d ever known. “I am fine. I just… I got too hot.” He tried to convince her, but she was not having i
t.
She returned to the balcony, arms folded. Cool evening air drifted inside. “Come. Sit outside. The breeze will help your symptoms. Seriously, has nobody told you what you need to do? And when? You must complete your rite of passage before it is too late. My mother said they do not wish you to try, and they will try to stop you. You are Mariana and Iver’s boy. You can do this.”
“Did you know my mother? Were you in Katori when she was there?” His words came out more like a plea than a question.
“I am sorry, Kai, I was too young to know your mother. That and my mother kept me hidden. We lived in the highlands. She did not want me tested. She feared they would cast me out. Send us away. So, I left before the chiefs discovered me. Kai, I have faith in you. They will not make it easy, but I know you can outwit them. Think beyond their silly game. You have allies.”
He shook his head. “You don’t understand. I cannot leave my father. He needs me.”
“Without your gifts, you can’t stop what is coming. Yes, Iver needs you, but he needs this version of you. I am not saying your gifts make you better, but they do make you more useful. While I don’t know the future, I can only trust in Alenga. She has served you well thus far. Why question her now?”
“What do you mean, they will not make it easy?” He thought about that. Her other comment struck him. “Allies. You mean Kendra and Haygan. Haygan has not returned. Probably their doing. Kendra is trapped providing care for my siblings. How could she help?”
Riome shook her head. “Kendra’s mate lives in the forest. On Eagle Peak. He will help you. My mother will help you. She remains outside of the city, near Sabastian. She spoke of another young man. Goes by the name of Liam. She has sent word to him. He waits for you to make your move.” She nodded in agreement. “I believe you are right; I doubt Haygan will return. He is never this late.”
He chuckled to himself. Riome really did make it her business to know everyone and everything. Still, he needed time to think. So did Rayna. She was going through the same thing. She would need to make a choice. Was she ready to leave her parents? He would need to ask her before he left. Before he made his own decision.
Chapter 28
Planting a Seed
There was always one place Kai could get away from the world. His room. When he closed his door, he noticed an open bottle of wine and two empty glasses on the sofa table. A cool breeze and sunshine drew his attention to his balcony.
Nola’s golden hair blew in the breeze around her tall and slender frame. An uneasy feeling settled over Kai. Her being in his room uninvited was unusual. In fact, now that he thought about it, she had never been in this room, not that he could remember. He considered backing out, but she’d heard him enter.
“Kai, my dear, come and join me.”
Cautiously he stepped outside and approached the railing at her side. “Queen Nola.”
“What a lovely view you have. I had no idea you had this wonderful balcony. Dare I say it is almost as large as mine.” She twisted around to face Kai.
She wasn’t wrong. His view was spectacular. Still, he could not relax. Her duplicitous nature sickened him. There had to be a reason she was here. She wanted something. “How can I help you?” he asked warily.
“We never spend enough time together, Kai. You and me. We did when you were younger.” She touched his hand, and he recoiled.
“Sorry. I am dirty from horseback riding. I should get cleaned up.”
“Oh, nonsense. Don’t bother on my account. A little dirt never hurt anyone. Besides, it is a beautiful afternoon. Let us enjoy the sunshine while we have it.” Nola turned her face skyward and closed her eyes.
Everything about this felt wrong, but Kai stayed. He listened to her babble about family and loyalty. Her songbird voice flitted through the air as she spoke of Aaron and his future and brotherly support. Kai desperately wanted to cover his ears. If she said it once, she said it multiple times. “You children are the future. Should anything happen to your father, I will need you, Kai. Promise me you will protect this family.”
The thought of something happening to his father shook Kai. What could she possibly mean? What were her plans? He did not trust her. It was all he could do not to call the guards to lock her away. “Yes, Nola. I understand. I will do whatever I can to ensure the safety of my family.”
He meant every word. He would do whatever he needed to do to save his father.
Her fake smile never made it to her eyes. “You know we are very proud of you, your father and I?” she crooned. “We know you will do the right thing for your family. Family means everything.”
“Of course, Nola. I know my father commands me, and I will do as he wishes. I am ever loyal to Diu.”
A soft exhale passed through her lips, and she wandered back into his room. Head down, Kai followed. What more could she want? I need to rest.
She poured them both a glass of wine and offered Kai a cup. “Here, let’s sit.”
Not wanting to be too close, he sat in the chair while she took the sofa. The smell of grapes lingered above his cup. Nola took a sip, and he did the same. “I must say, Kai, you have grown into a handsome young man.” She nodded and took another sip.
Kai did the same.
“Thank you?” he responded, unsure what else to say.
“You keep yourself so busy these days, we hardly see you.”
“My studies have been a priority.” He nodded, sipping his wine and glaring at her over his glass.
Nola nodded. “Oh yes, your studies. Whatever do you plan to do, now that you are not going to Milnos? Surely you have a plan to occupy your time.”
“I suppose,” he responded, taking a larger gulp. “I will serve my father here, or wherever he sees fit to send me. I still have another year here with the professor.”
“Yes, dear, of course. One year left.”
He took another drink, hoping to send her on her way with his emptied cup. Silence filled the room with eerie tension. They sat there, neither saying a word. An uneasy feeling clouded Kai’s mind. Anxious, he tried to stand. He felt detached from his body. Nola scooted towards him and touched his hand. Her eyes locked on his, her hand softly tracing tiny circles on his skin.
“You have a strong mind, Kai. Unlike any I have encountered. There, there,” she rubbed his hand. “Relax now, and listen to my words.”
Panic squeezed Kai’s heart. He felt physically incapable of moving. With the little focus he had left, he gleaned the palace and searched for Kendra. He was in trouble, and he knew it. A lump formed in his throat. There was little time. With the smallest amount of energy, Kai pushed a thought through the palace—Kendra.
Nola’s green eyes burned into his, and her words pierced his mind. Echoes of her voice danced in his head. “Oh, my dear, I will never be far from you. We are locked together, you and me. We are each other’s future. I am the little bird in your ear. You will do as I say.”
He could not shake her grasp on his attention. Obedience, loyalty, and betrayal repeatedly glided off her tongue. As Nola gushed over the iron city of Milnos and its superiority over Diu, Kai lost his grasp on reality.
◆◆◆
“Kai. Kai.” He felt someone jostle him. “KAI.” Kendra’s face appeared in front of him.
“What?” he questioned, blinking several times.
“What’s wrong? Are you alright?”
“What do you mean? I am fine. Why do you ask?” Confused, he glanced around his empty room.
Kendra’s eyes swam with worry. “I was in the garden with your sister, and suddenly I heard a whisper on the wind. Your voice called to me.” She knelt beside the chair he was sitting in.
Her eyes searched his, and she pressed the back of her hand to his forehead. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
He licked his lips and detected the remnants of wine with his tongue. “I don’t remember drinking…” he let his voice trail off.
“Kai. Can you hear me?” she shook him again.
&n
bsp; He shook his head, again seeing Kendra, feeling confused by her presence. “Kendra. Yes, yes. I was just…” He looked around his room, confused.
“After I put your sister down for her nap in the nursery, I came to your room. You were staring off into nothing.”
Kai felt as if he was lost in a fog. He didn’t even remember coming to his room. His clothes reeked of the stables. Dirt covered his hands. He rubbed his head.
“Honestly, Kendra, I do not remember calling for you. Sure, I have done it in the past, testing my magic to bring you to me. But I don’t remember anything after leaving the stables.”
Kendra looked around his room. “What are you looking for?” she asked.
He wasn’t sure himself. “It feels like there is a shadow over my mind. Like when you try to remember something but cannot.”
“I am sorry I could not get here sooner. If it happens again, maybe we should speak with Sigry. Blacking out or losing time is not normal. I have never seen this reaction to the calling.”
While he appreciated her concern, he simply could not remember what had happened. One minute he’d been in the stables, the next Kendra was shaking him. “I’m fine, Kendra. I just need to get cleaned up.” He rose to his feet, but he was a little wobbly.
“Are you sure?” She caught his arm as he bumped into the chair.
“I’ll be fine.” He motioned for the pitcher of water on the table. “Just a little thirsty. My stomach feels uneasy.”