Nightsong

by Vella Wolf

  I blinked a little befuddled. “The environment? Is this common?”

  Esu nodded his head, “For other species, yes. Our land is so different, so is the food. The lack of sun is the main factor. Even Ophelia took some time to adjust. You will too.”

  I frowned a little. I could understand that being the case, but surely Esu couldn’t blame the environment for my blood change. I felt like he was holding something back, but I was too tired to press further right now.

  I smiled at Esu. “Well, I guess that is a relief then. Thank you.”

  “Now excuse my rudeness, but I must be off, there is still testing to be done and wards to make,” Esu said as he took a bow and stood up from the table. He walked with haste towards his laboratory, his plush grey tail swinging behind him.

  I turned back to Raest. “What are the wards for?” I asked.

  “Just some insurance. People will be travelling from everywhere for the festival, a perfect opportunity for Secosa's men to slip in. The wards should keep out anyone with bad intentions, if only for a few days.”

  I had some understanding that wards took a significant amount of magic to power. A small one could be kept up for years, but one as large as the city would drain its caster in a matter of days. A shame, keeping one up forever would solve quite a few of our problems.

  Raest looked at me, uncomfortably. “Don't be too cross with Eed, I know she tends to get into everyone's business, but she means well. At least this way I won't miss the festival. My absence would have caused concern and to tell you the truth, I have been looking forward to taking you.”

  “Hopefully I am well enough by then. I don't think people will be impressed by their queen heaving over the feast table,” I jested trying to lighten the mood.

  Raest looked as if he was about to laugh, but a sombre look came over him. “Sabyr. I would have never forced you to get rid of the child.”

  Fucking Eed, no such luck then.

  My face flushed, I felt embarrassed. “I think I knew that,” I mumbled.

  I wanted to leave and let that be it, but my feet froze as I watched remorse creep onto Raest’s face.

  “I know I forced you into this marriage situation, but I would never force you to do anything like that. I’m selfish but not a monster.”

  I didn’t want to have this conversation.

  “You don’t need to explain yourself, I know you that much.”

  “When I opened Eed’s letter, for a moment, my heart was filled with joy and fear. The joy that we would be a family so soon and fear of trying to keep that safe.” Raest paused, his eyes drifting from mine. “But of course, the realisation that it would not be mine came quickly after, the irrational feeling of betrayal, followed after. Then I started to think about how we could make it work, how you would feel, and then I finally forced myself to read the rest of the letter.” His frown turned, and a light chuckle emerged. “All those emotions and panic, and in the end, you weren't even pregnant. Serves me right, I suppose.”

  I gave him a smile, unable to find the words. He ran his fingers through a lock of my hair. “There will be festival preparations this week amongst everything else, but I will see you when I can. Perhaps when it's all over we take the Laefluer up on their offer?” he said.

  The promise of sweet fresh air and broken boredom.

  “That would be wonderful.”

  A shiver crept over my skin, this house felt colder than usual. Raest looked concerned again, pulling off his cloak and draping it over mine.

  “Please go back to bed,” he fussed.

  “Will you be coming tonight?” I asked.

  “No. I’ll let you rest. I hope that you feel better in the morning.”

  He kissed me on the forehead, his lips lingering just a little too long and with a gentle push, I returned to my room.

  Chapter 32

  I was not better in the morning. Nor the day after that, or any day on the lead up to the Solar Eclipse Festival. My nausea had worsened, my skin continued to pale, and weakness overtook me. By the time the eve of the festival came, I was struggling to get out of bed. Nyx, Ophelia and Ora had kept me company when they could. Eed had continued to fuss, and Esu started feeding me various tonics and tinctures. I had barely seen Raest, just glimpses of him rushing through hallways, apparently too busy with festival preparations. A bitterness was beginning to take root in my gut.

  Ophelia held my hand to steady me as Eed took the final measurements for my festival gown. Eed frowned at the tape measure before pinching my side.

  “You have lost more weight. I’ll have to bring it in again.”

  I pouted. “I could just not go. I feel far too ill anyway.”

  Eed’s features warped into a sneer, her long ears twitching in annoyance. “Your attendance is not up for debate. Do you have any idea what people would think if their queen didn’t show up to an event like that? How that would reflect on Raest?”

  I turned to Ophelia, a pleading look, but she smiled weakly and patted my hand.

  “You really are unwell if you are refusing fresh air. Unfortunately, Eed is right though. If you start to feel worse, I’ll take you back home after an hour or so.”

  I knew she was right but with how I’d felt I’d give anything to stay at home. I looked in the mirror. My face had become so gaunt.

  “Help me dress her so I can pin it in,” Eed said to Ophelia as she brought over the skirt of the dress. It was made of a chiffon-like fabric, and it was long enough at the back to create a small train. The colour was something like I had never seen. The edge was a bright orange that finished in a midnight black at the waist, a slow fade representing the sun disappearing into the darkness.

  They pulled it over my head, and it dropped to my waist, hanging lax. Eed brought the bodice of the piece over and placed it across my chest. It was the same midnight colour of the skirt but lace-edged above the cup, travelling across my skin like vines. Tiny silver, white and gold beads were sewn throughout, matching the stars. Eed tried to clip up the back, clicking her tongue at the loose fit.

  I stared back at the mirror as Eed pinned. The dress was indeed a masterpiece, I could see why people were so fond of them. I might have even looked pretty if I was well.

  “Ophelia, Esu told me that you were sick when you first came here?” I asked.

  “Yes, but a little different to you. Mostly some weakness and water withdrawals for about a month. From where I come from, the water is warm, and there is so much sun. Our city lies half on land, half at sea. It was a big adjustment coming to a place with little sun and such cold waters. I had a heated pool placed in my room, I still use it now.”

  I paused, considering my next question. “What about your blood? Did it change at all?”

  Ophelia raised her brows. “No, it remained the light blue it has always been. Why do you ask?”

  “Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” I muttered as I shook my head.

  She reached out to pat my arm. “You will get better. It’s only a matter of time.”

  Eed finished her pinning and began to untie me. Once the dress was placed on hangers, she helped me back into my night attire.

  “The festival begins at ten tomorrow morning, I will come to dress you at nine. Get some rest and call Julis if you want anything, I’ll be busy,” she said as she gathered up the dress and headed towards the exit. She bid Ophelia goodbye before leaving.

  “I should be going too,” Ophelia said as she took my hand, “Everything will be alright, and you will look beautiful.”

  Her comfort was appreciated but warmed me little. All I could think about was how tired I was and how I missed the sun on my face. The change of season was already withering the daylight hours from seven to five. Not to mention the sun here didn’t have an ounce of the potency it had at home. Everything here was cold.

  “I will see you tomorrow. I can’t wait for you to see what I’m wearing,” Ophelia smiled. I managed to force a grin in return as I waved her goodbye. I crawl
ed back into my bed, pulling over the thick covers and I waited for tomorrow to come.

  Chapter 33

  As promised, Eed arrived at my room at nine to prepare me. The corrections to the dress were perfect, and it finally sat snug on my body. My hair was tied along with my fringe, so the diadem across my forehead was exposed. This piece was not my regular crown but one matching the festivities. Three large gems sat in the band, two black and one orange, the metal, a shining moonsilver. After Eed had finished smearing on a dark rouge, something to make me look alive she said, a knock came at the door.

  “She’s ready. You can come in,” Eed called.

  The door creaked open. Raest floated in, dressed in robes the same fading colours as my dress. Matching outfits, his idea for sure. His eyes seemed to sparkle as he ran his gaze across me. I almost scowled at him.

  “You look absolutely stunning. Breathtaking,” Raest smiled.

  I managed a polite nod as the words rang hollow.

  “Are you feeling any better?” he asked.

  “Perhaps a bit,” I muttered. Lies. I felt worse, and I wished for nothing more than to stay in bed.

  “I promise I won’t keep you out there long. Though I can guarantee that once you have seen our celebration, you won’t want to leave,” Raest grinned.

  Once again, I nodded politely, and Raest held out his hand to me.

  “It’s time for us to go.”

  I reached for his hand, soft, warm skin, almost hot against my own frigid fingers. A flicker of concern flashed onto his face at my touch, but he began to lead me to the hallway, nonetheless. Four guards waited in the hallway for us, two to lead, and two to follow. We took our places and began to head down the stairs and towards the festival. I had been informed it would be taking place where all their celebrations took place, the old arena.

  “Where are the others?” I asked.

  “They are already there. It’s always tradition for the king and queen to arrive last.”

  The arena was not far from the castle, and to my relief, we arrived after only a short ride. We stepped out of the carriage, and I shivered in the cold air. Raest draped a cloak over my shoulders. I could barely leave the house without a heavy cloak, but the Illyd people wore clothes as if it were spring. Hand in hand, Raest led me towards the arena. He carried a little of my weight as I tried to conceal my frailty. Guards were everywhere, and as we entered the dark stone arches, trumpets sounded our arrival.

  My first step into the arena was breathtaking. Decorations of the likes I had never seen sparkled in the morning sun. Ribbons, baubles, flowers, potted fruit shrubs and various other decor filled the arena. Their colours ranged from blacks and purples to yellows and golds. Large tables filled with great feasts dotted the ring. I noted some of the flowers before me, night lilies and lunar blossoms. They sat closed in anticipation of the incoming darkness.

  Raest and I walked down the aisle, and the Illyd people around us paused their revelry to watch us in reverence. I had never seen so many people in one place. Men, women, children of every shape, colour and size. The full wondrous diversity of Naedis bared before me. I couldn’t help but smile as I caught the gaze of two children smiling up at me. Kera children, just like Esu and Fye.

  Together we ambled towards the centre of the ground, a large elevated stage sat in the middle. Upon it sat three large feasting tables, one for our circle, one for the province rulers and the last for other high nobles. I could already see Fye and Ora waving to me as I approached. Ophelia, Verona, Nyx and Esu already sat in their places.

  Esu’s caster robes were coloured to match the occasion, purples and yellows. Verona was in her usual attire. Ophelia was awe-inspiring in a glittering, black and silver dress that plunged almost to her belly button. And lastly Nyx, a little scruffy as always but still so handsome. He wore a black shirt and pants along with a silver vest. He looked at me with a mixture of sadness and adoration. He looked at me a little too long, long enough for Raest to notice and cough uncomfortably.

  Raest and I took our seats, and the feast commenced. Similar to our wedding, there was an extensive array of fruits, meats and desserts, I still struggled to identify. I nibbled on this and that as people spoke around me, still too sick to eat anything considerable. Raest had already strayed from the table, chatting with people I didn’t recognise. So much for wanting to take me to the festival. Ophelia had dragged Verona off to another table while Nyx sat alone and drank. It wouldn't be wise to join him at such an open event.

  I let my gaze roam from table to table, examining the new strangers. They laughed, ate and guzzled wine as if it were water. The noise from them and the crowd was enough to make my head spin. I turned to look for Fye but managed to catch Lusin’s eye instead. He grinned from the other table and waved enthusiastically. He wore an indigo shirt, the top three buttons open. Draped over his shoulders was the same long black trench coat from the wedding.

  Lusin rose from his table and began to walk towards me. Shit. I averted my gaze, hoping he would change his course. I wasn’t in the mood for talking, especially not with someone who had come across so arrogant. Reaching across the table, I went to grasp some sort of blue peach, but as my fingers grazed the flesh, a set of black claws stole my prize. Lusin grinned as his canines pierced the skin of the fruit. In the corner of my eye, I could see Nyx, leering.

  “Hasn’t anyone taught you table manners?” I hissed at him.

  He chuckled deeply. “I was taught to take what I want. Some call it a bad habit.”

  “That seems to be a common lesson here,” I mumbled. Lusin raised an eyebrow at me before returning to his usual airs. He took another bite from the fruit before tossing it away like it was trash. “If it makes you feel any better, it was very bitter.”

  I leered back at his simper, tapping my nails on the soft wood. He shrugged off my sneer and turned his head towards Raest, gesturing towards him.

  “Does your husband leave you alone at every party?”

  “Haven’t you got something else to do?” I growled.

  Lusin gave a pout. “Aw, he’s rubbing off on you already. Come on, I’m just trying to be friendly, and you looked pretty lonely over here.”

  “I’d call it peaceful.”

  Lusin gave off another laugh before eyeing off the table. He hovered over a few different bowls before plucking an ugly, dark fruit from a tray.

  “Try this,” he said as he held the fruit out to me. “It doesn’t look like much, but it’s sweet, much better than the peach,” he said as he held it out to me.

  “Is this the part where you say, it’s just like you?”

  Lusin flicked back a dark lock. “No. I’m gorgeous and kind of an asshole.”

  I sighed and took the fruit from his hand. As soon as I took a bite, my mouth was filled with a sweet fresh flavour. It was almost like a sweeter and juicier version of the grapes back home.

  “My goodness, you might have actually found something I want to eat,” I said as I reached for another.

  “I noticed you looked a little off, but I figured I would get a slap if I started the conversation with, you look terrible,” he sniggered.

  I looked up to glare at him, but the sky drew my attention away. It was almost time. The moon hovered close to the sun, threatening to devour it. The light was slowly beginning to change.

  “Have you ever watched it before?” Lusin asked.

  “A few times. It’s not really a big event for my people. We tend to take a look and then continue with what we were doing.”

  “That’s a shame. But I imagine it’s not as glorious as it is here.”

  Lusin picked another fruit from the bowl, leaning in close enough to dangle it in front of my nose. “I promise you, tonight will be an event to remember.”

  The sound of metal scraping forcefully across wood, grinded to my left and I turned fast enough to see Nyx making his way towards me. He made no effort to conceal the anger and irritation from his face as he stalked towards us.
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  Nyx growled at him, “Is he bothering you?”

  “No. Not as much as I thought he would,” I said, as I gave a dry laugh.

  Nyx and Lusin didn't break eye contact.

  “Are you the one who got saddled with the job of scaring away admirers?” Lusin mocked.

  Nyx continued to glare.

  “Or perhaps you're just one of them?” He sniggered. For a moment, it looked as if Nyx was about to grab Lusin by the collar, but instead, his hand slammed firmly onto the table. The noise was enough to attract the attention of the nobles close by. Lusin knew precisely what buttons to push. I was beginning to understand why people weren't fond of him.

  Lusin leaned towards Nyx, whispering, “You were always too easy. Careful, Raest doesn't have much use for wild dogs.”

  And with that Lusin swaggered off, grinning madly, waving goodbye to the both of us.

  I looked up to Nyx, “What was all that about?”

  “Raest once said that to him,” was all he murmured.

  The light was beginning to dim further, and we both turned our attention to the sky. The moon began to phase across the sun. Darkness began to take over the land. Off to the side, I could see Raest returning to our table. He took his place next to me. Nyx didn't move.

  I watched as everyone in the arena turned their attention to the fading sun. Darkness fell over the earth like a veil, the gloom devouring the light as it ran across the land. Night lilies and lunar blossoms began to bloom as the shadow graced their petals. Their pollen, like cerulean stars, drifted across the stadium in the breeze. Utterly mesmerising. The last trace of light ebbed away as the moon fully obscured the sun.

  We stood together in silence, enveloped in the darkness. Before another second had passed, the people before me began to glow like candles in the night. I had never seen or heard of anything like this in my life, each Illyd lit up in their own personal aura, a rainbow of lights. My mouth gaped as I watched the people around me burst into life.