Shadowed

by Tara Jadestone

  After deciding to finally call in the night, I retreated to my chamber to sleep. My maids undressed me into my nightgown when I noticed that its hem rested some inch or two above my ankle when it had previously brushed against my feet.

  “Seventeen must be your year,” Ayah said after I had pointed it out to the three. I raised an eyebrow.

  “My year for what?”

  Ayah looked over at Yana and Blaire. Neither spoke a word.

  “Must I order you to say it then?” I inquired.

  “Older women tend to say it around young girls when their sons are out looking to get married,” Blaire said. “But I, for one, do not believe such ludicrous things.” Yana snorted, earning her a glare.

  “It actually represents the year of change for a woman,” Yana said. “Most girls reach this stage when they first fall in love.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “I have never heard of that before,” I said, crossing my arms. “Are you three mocking me?”

  “Us, lie to you? Of course not. Different towns have different tales about it.” I nodded at this. “But let us get you some new fitted dresses now,” she added, indicating that Blaire and Ayah take out the clothes in my wardrobe. “We shall be right back.” I nodded to them in thanks before they left.

  I walked over to the standing mirror, running my hands through my loose hair. I did not look any different; my hair was still dark and plain, just as my eyes were, but perhaps I was changed, on the inside. Changed because I was in love?

  I shook my head. That was far from likely. But these past months have been full of change…would it be for the better or for the worse? I could only hope it was for the better. What could possibly be worse than my life now?

  “Enjoying the view?” a familiar, haunting voice asked from behind me.

  From the edge of the mirror, I saw him approach.

  I quickly turned around, taking a step back, and stumbled into the mirror. My heart began to hammer painfully in my chest.

  The Shadow Reaper smiled.

  “Of course not,” he went on, “you would rather look like this.” Cold, ghost-like fingers gripped my shoulders, forcing me to look back into the mirror.

  I gasped at the refection. The girl I was staring at looked like me –with my eyes, my face, and my height– but she was dressed in a splendid light green gown, glittering in lace. She looked far more beautiful than I could ever be. Behind her was the Shadow Reaper, dressed in his usual dark green but in a king’s attire, not in the cloak he wore now. The girl smiled at me, content with the way she was.

  “Wh–who is that?” I whispered, staring at her.

  “Why, that is you, Melanie,” the Shadow Reaper said, grinning. “If you could use magic.”

  I swallowed hard. The girl in the mirror looked happy. Would I be happy, too, with magic?

  “And Selenah,” I heard myself asking, “What would she look like without her magic?”

  The Shadow Reaper looked delighted by my asking, and instantly, the mirror clouded. It cleared, and I could not hold back my shock at the girl before me.

  The magic-less Selenah was dressed in a thin, dingy white dress. Is that an Infirmary gown? Her once golden hair was now a dull straw color and hung limp on her shoulders. Her face looked pale and the light in her eyes was gone.

  I breathed in deeply, unsure of what I was seeing. If anything, she looks ordinary, like me.

  At last, I came to my senses, stepping out from the Shadow Reaper’s cold grip.

  “How are you here?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Selenah’s magic protects the Palace.”

  The Shadow Reaper walked over to the windowsill, glancing outside. His image wavered before he turned to face me.

  “Indeed, her magic does,” he said, frowning, “and you are fortunate my magic is weak right now. But soon, I will not always have to rely on others.” He held out his hand as he spoke. “Take this chance now, Melanie, and aid me in my efforts.”

  I stared at him; jaws clenched. “Do not think I am so easily persuaded,” I said, troubled that he sought me for assistance still. “I will not turn my back on those that I care about. I will not be like Mhellany as you wish me to be.”

  The Shadow Reaper pulled his hand back, green eyes lit with fury.

  “Believe what you will now, but when I am King it will be because you alone have given it to me. Remember what you saw here, Melanie. It is a future I know both you and I want to see.” I opened my mouth to counter him, but he was gone.

  Yana, Blaire, and Ayah walked into my chamber just as the Shadow Reaper disappeared.

  “Were you…talking to someone, Mistress?” Blaire asked. “We heard…”

  I could not meet their gaze. How am I to tell them that the Shadow Reaper was just here? I shook my head.

  The three looked at me with furrowed eyebrows but said nothing. Silk and fine cotton dresses of all colors were draped over their arms. They were quiet as they fitted and adjusted them. I could not bear to have them believe I did not trust them, but I could not bring myself to speak the truth, either.

  “I am sorry,” I said in a low voice. They did not question me any further.

  The sky was a dark purple, near black, by the time all the dresses were altered. But I could not put myself to sleep knowing the Shadow Reaper –even if he were only a projection– was able to enter the Palace grounds. It made me panic, not knowing what to do, or who to tell. There was only one Royal Guard I could trust with the ability to help me deal with this without involving Selenah. But I knew he would not come. He was busy protecting Tenebris after all.

  “Tiran,” I whispered into the still night air as I leaned out the window’s edge. “If only you were here. You would know what to do.” I tilted my head and closed my eyes as a slight breeze passed through.

  I had to do this on my own.

  ****

  I stared at him; my eyes blurred with tears. The Dragon, a massive dark shape with curling black wings and a rigid spiked body, stood where a Royal Guard lay at its feet, unmoving.

  A laugh echoed through my ears and I whirled around, looking around for who would delight in Tiran’s death. My eyes met the cold green eyes of the Shadow Reaper, who stood atop the Dragon’s head.

  “I have warned you, Melanie. Let this be a lesson to you.” With that, he and his beast vanished in a cloud of thick black smoke.

  Racing over to Tiran, I begged him to live, to forgive me for causing him so much pain. He did not respond to my voice or my hand that gripped his. Blood pooled around him, soaking into my knees, and staining my dress black.

  His family would never forgive me. I would never forgive myself.

  I heard the distant wingbeats of the Dark Mage’s crows and the lizard-like shadows of several other dragons flying overhead.

  We were doomed.

  “Tiran!”

  I awoke, screaming out Tiran’s name. When I realized it was only a dream, I laid back down, my eyes staring up at the fabric of my canopy bed. Seconds later, my maids rushed in.

  “Are you all right, Mistress?” Yana asked.

  I nodded absently, but the image of Tiran dead brought tears to my eyes.

  “What happened? Did you have a nightmare?”

  They were oblivious of the Shadow Reaper’s ability to control dreams, and his threat stopped me cold.

  I tried to stand up, wanting to know if Tiran was alive. The three protested, but could not stop me. I ate breakfast quickly. I was selfish for not going to see him or seeking to know of the dragon attacks when I was at the King’s Castle. For all I knew, he could truly be dead.

  As I made my way to the palace gates, a carriage approached. I stood off, anticipation tensing my nerves as I wondered who had come. When the coachman opened the door, three noblewomen stepped out. I greeted them as their duchess, and they politely made conversation before going inside. My maids saw my disappointment and tried to help.

  “Perhaps the new nobles know something that we do not?” Ayah suggested. The t
wo nodded with her.

  “If they have allowed nobles to travel openly, it should be safe to assume the Royal Guards would return to their stations,” Blaire added. “So, do not worry, we will figure out what you need to know, Mistress.” She and Ayah walked after the noblewomen.

  Out of impatience, I sought out for a carriage to take me to the King’s Castle. The Palace Guards refused and told me I was not to leave the Solstice Palace. When I asked upon whose orders they were following, they named the Archduke and her Ladyship.

  This time, I obeyed.

  I turned back to walk by the Palace woods. Yana followed silently. I slumped against on the trees, my head in my hands, feeling hopeless. The dragons might have been defeated, but I had no idea if there were any casualties.

  After some time, Yana said, “I shall go inform the others where you are,” before leaving.

  Looking up, I tried to breathe calmly and stared into the trees. Tiran is alive. The Shadow Reaper was only doing this to scare me. But I could not bring myself to believe it until I knew for sure. Please, Tiran, be safe. I would not be able to bear it if he was killed like how the people of Brassion were.

  I glanced over my shoulder at the sound of light footsteps approaching.

  “What news do you have?” I asked, rising to my feet. My voice slightly shook.

  My three maids looked nervously at one another.

  “The nobles know nothing more of the dragon assaults other than what we already suggested,” Blaire started slowly. “But they did say that the Archduke left the King’s Castle unattended and it has caused some stir among his family.”

  “Left?” My breathing faltered.

  “We do not know for sure, but they say he fled the King’s Castle. No one knows of his whereabouts.”

  “No, no, no,” I whispered, turning away from them. Owen’s disappearance was too close to what was going on. Is he going to be killed like Tiran had been in my dream? “Did they not send search parties to look for him?” I asked.

  “We heard his father, the Lord of Herington, hired some townsfolk to look for him since both the Castle and Royal Guards are unable to leave their posts,” Ayah said in a low voice.

  I swallowed hard. Who will I lose next? I shuddered at the very thought of it. I turned back to them.

  “And Selenah? What of her?” They shook their heads.

  I sighed. I need magic.

  The noon went by quickly, spent on futile swordplay lessons from Palace Guards who were reluctant to offer them. But I could not get the thoughts of Tiran’s death and Owen’s sudden disappearance out of my mind. Without knowing for sure if either of the two were alive, I felt miserable.

  What if they were dead? I would be the one to blame if they were. Should I have taken the Shadow Reaper’s offer? I scolded myself for thinking such a thing. Their fate would be far worse if Tenebris was under his control. Right?

  I had barely any hope left for their survival when a rider entered the gates by mid-evening. The hours had eaten away at my happiness, my heart shadowed by the fear and guilt that had begun to consume it. I did not imagine it to be either Tiran or Owen, alive and well, as my hopes of such had dwindled as the day passed by.

  But I was astounded when I noticed who had come after being notified of a guest; he shined in his armor, a sword glowing at his hip.

  “Tiran!” I exclaimed, racing over and throwing my arms around him.

  He chuckled at my enthusiasm. Tiran had begun to pull away when I pressed closer to him, fearing someone might overhear what I had to say.

  “The Shadow Reaper told me you were dead,”

  I whispered. I felt Tiran’s embrace tighten as if telling me he was truly here.

  We pulled away and he patted my shoulder, giving me a solemn nod that I knew meant we would talk about this later. We walked back into the Palace, now glowing under the last rays of the sun.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  A CHANGE OF HEART

  “I came here once I was dispatched from the dragon hunting unit,” Tiran explained as we made our way to the dining quarters. “I am sorry you worried for my safety. We managed to defeat them without losing a single life. Cleaning up after their attacks will be our next course of action. Now, tell me, has the Shadow Reaper contacted you only through these dreams?” he asked, as we settled in for a late supper.

  I hesitated. “No. He came before me as a projection within the Palace gates.”

  “That is impossible,” Tiran exhaled, leaning back. “No one can break through her Ladyship’s barriers. Not even the Captain can.” His voice became thoughtful as he spoke on. “I think it is best that we tell your sister what is going on before this gets out of hand. She may even be able to fortify the barrier even more so that the Shadow Reaper cannot appear within these walls again.”

  I shook my head. “No, I am sure he will use it against me. The more I am in contact with her, the more he will want me on his side.” Tiran watched me for a moment.

  “You are right,” he conceded. “But I am afraid the Shadow Reaper will come back for you,” Tiran added in a low voice. “We cannot trust someone who uses death, destruction, and fear to win. So, right now, I ask that you stay strong, Mel. For all of us. I will contact the Captain and see if something can be done without Her Ladyship’s involvement, but I cannot guarantee it. The Castle is in no condition of fighting on so many fronts.”

  I nodded at his words and sighed before continuing our meal. It felt strange, but admittedly wonderful, knowing Tiran believed I played such a pivotal part in the battle against the Shadow Reaper.

  After the dishes were cleared, Tiran sighed. “It is getting late and I want you to rest.” Nodding at his words, he then escorted me back to my chamber. “Good night,” he added, opening the door for me.

  I smiled and nodded before closing the door behind me. But almost immediately I felt an odd pressure in my chest. The memory of Owen saying good night to me flooded my mind. Will I ever see him again?

  It was another sleepless night. Not only was I up feeling wretched that there was a chance of Owen being dead or held captive, I was also afraid to close my eyes, to dream another nightmare of the death of someone I cared for.

  ****

  The next morning, I awoke, feeling light-headed. I was not sure when I had fallen asleep, but despite the lack of rest, I dressed myself quickly and quietly, so I would not wake my maids any earlier than usual. I could barely keep my eyes open and took all my effort to complete the simple task at hand: eat breakfast. My thoughts slipped back to Owen’s chance of being in danger because of me. Because of who I am to the Shadow Reaper.

  To busy myself with other things, my maids suggested spending time with the other nobles. I did as they asked, only half-listening to what the noblewomen spoke about.

  “Can you believe one of my servants ruined my gown?” one of them exclaimed. “The scamp sent it to a laundry maid who cleans palace uniforms as if my peafowl feathered dress were one of their plebian garments!”

  The others gasped in horror, hands to their hearts.

  “For shame!” one cried.

  “Duchess, you must do something about these maids!” another said.

  I frowned but nodded to get their attention away from me. I could not care less about the mistakes of a Palace maid. There are lives at stake because of what the Shadow Reaper is doing, and this is their first worry?

  “If she were under my authority, I would have her sent her to cleaning chamber pots for a fortnight,” another noblewoman commented. The others agreed.

  “That is such great thinking,” the first speaker gushed.

  I sat upright, giving them a sour look and excused myself from their meeting. My maids were at my side instantly, but I did not feel better by their company. All of this was my fault. There was no denying it. Had I never been born, Selenah would not have me as an enemy...

  I bit my lip to stop the tears that threatened to break free. I broke into a run, heading for the chamber Tiran ha
d spent the night in. Surely, he would have a plan for us.

  But he was not. A maid walking by had said Tiran had left for home and had said he would return by the next morn.

  I dropped to the floor by the chamber door, letting my tears flow. Why is my life so pitiful? I could not do anything to protect the people I cared most about. My maids sat with me, glancing at one another before Yana spoke.

  “What has you so upset?” she asked.

  “Please tell us!” Ayah added, nodding her head several times.

  I opened my mouth and then shut it. How can I explain that I feared for Owen’s life because the Shadow Reaper was threatening me?

  “It is the Archduke,” Blaire said for me. Yana and Ayah glanced in my direction to confirm her words.

  I nodded, wiping the edges of my eyes.

  “I am sure he is safe, Mistress,” Blaire went on, a hand on my arm. “After all, Guard Tiran arrived safely. I saw how relieved you were to see him when he came.” As much as I wanted to believe her, there was no certainty.

  I closed my eyes. I would do anything to know if Owen was all right.

  Just then, there was a commotion outside, forcing me out of my misery. Wiping my tears away, I made my way towards the Palace gates where several carriages had stopped.

  “Blaire, Ayah– find out what is happening,” I whispered, my eyes trailing the dozens of nobles for Owen. My search came up short. The two quickly returned. Their expression was grim.

  “The King’s Castle was under attack!” Ayah whispered harshly, making my eyes widen.

  “How? By who?”

  “Dark Mages,” Blaire answered. “The nobles have fled to seek refuge here at the Palace.”

  I swallowed. Without Owen as the Solstice Palace’s prince, I was the next in command. How can I manage everything without help?

  “You can do this,” I heard Yana say encouragingly. I took a deep breath. Yes, I can. And I will.

  The rest of the day was chaotic. Each nobleman and his family had residential needs that only made things more difficult than it needed to be. Some said the chambers I assigned them were smaller than that of their previous chambers at the King’s Castle, or it was too drafty, or they did not want a chamber to overlook the roads or Palace woods. Their trivialities were both endless and insistent.