by R L Medina
I yanked the ribbons out of my hair and threw them to the ground.
“Didn’t enjoy your party?” Des’s voice startled me.
My head whipped up, scanning the forest. Yellow eyes flashed from the dark trees.
“Go away.”
He laughed.
Anger rose inside of me. He’d been there. All those years. Watching me and laughing at me. Redness blurred my vision. His harsh laughter echoed in my ears, rattling through my bones. Before I knew what, I was doing, I threw up my arm towards him.
“Go away!”
Surprise flashed on his face. With a quick jerk, his legs moved at an odd angle, propelling him backwards. Fast. Too fast. He slammed into a tree with a thud.
Shock filled me. I snatched my hand to myself as he landed in a crouch. Yellow eyes narrowed on me before he disappeared.
“Princess.”
I turned to see Sacha standing there, eyes wide in horror. My heart pounded. What did I do?
Monster. I thought. Was he thinking it too?
Tremors shook through me. A vision of Mom flashed through my mind. What would she think of me now?
“I...”
Sacha stared, accusation written on his face.
My chest tightened, and my ears rang. What did I do?
I turned to the forest and ran.
“Princess!”
I didn’t stop.
My bare feet pounded against the ground. Rocks and branches piercing and scratching, but I didn’t stop. Not until the branches caught my hair, yanking me back. I yelped, rubbing the sore spot on my head.
Moonlight peered in from the tree-tops. I shivered and glanced back at the party. How could I go back? My hands shook in front of me, magic coursing through my veins.
“I don’t want it. I don’t want this!” I screamed into the trees.
My voice echoed, shaking the branches. Birds scattered. Hollow. I sounded hollow. What was happening to me? I sank into the ground and dug my nails into the soft dirt. As if to assure myself that this was reality? A harsh laugh escaped me.
I’m losing it, Mom. I need you. Where are you?
15
Des didn’t speak to me the next day. Not that I missed his usual barbs and annoyance. Guilt filled me every time I saw him, which somehow made him smugger. And me angry all over again. Losing Sacha’s respect hurt much worse. He didn’t say anything about it either, but the wariness in his gaze saddened me. Had I lost my only friend?
To my surprise, the party continued from the night before. Breakfast consisted of an outdoor banquet complete with more music and dancing. The warm sunshine and cheerful chirps of the birds and sprites pulled me out of my dark thoughts. Sipping another mug of apple cider, I let the warm liquid fill me as I took it all in.
“Today we leave for the Court of Tides.” Aunt Cindra’s voice broke my revelry.
My jaw hardened. “For how long?”
“Until you’ve passed your test.”
I reeled back, almost falling off the log. “What test? I thought it was just another demonstration.”
She lifted her chin. “Whatever task Prince Mortemer has for you. We will be informed as soon as we arrive.”
Aunt Maloret’s words came back to me. I’d be presented at every court. A rush of heat spread across my skin. They wanted me to prove myself with these stupid balls all while Mom’s whereabouts were still unknown. Did they even care that she was gone? They kept telling me they were trying to find her, but were they really? Another thought struck me. Test. Would that mean I’d have to use more magic?
I studied Aunt Cindra’s face, wondering if Des or Sacha had told her what I’d done. My hands trembled at the memory. The words stuck in my throat. Part of me worried that if she knew what I could do, she’d look at me the same way Sacha had.
“I will leave some guards here. To keep an eye on your court. And to keep order.” Her voice carried over the laughter and shouts.
Worry crept in. Keep order? I didn’t think she’d leave sadistic guards to bully the fae, but her idea of order probably didn’t include allowing my court free rein. Uneasiness settled in my stomach. What would Mom have done? The weight of this responsibility made me shudder. Back home, I’d be worrying about normal teen things like school and bullies. Not how to rule a court of fairy tale beings.
“Will Sacha be coming with us?” I averted my gaze, hoping she couldn’t catch the hopefulness in my voice.
Her brow arched. “Of course. You must continue your lessons. The dryad and slave will also accompany you.”
I bristled at the word slave. The way she casually stated it. And the fact that she never used Grimera’s name. Did she even know it? My lips pursed as I watched her. Her yellow eyes stared back at me, forehead creased in concern.
Her worry and pride swelled around her. Worried for me and proud of me. Guilt needled me. She’d been looking out for Mom and me while we were in the Outer World. The only one who seemed to care about us. But also, the same aunt who thought it was okay to own slaves and make decisions for me. Had Mom trusted her? My heart pained, wishing for the zillionth time she was there with me. It wasn’t fair that I had to navigate this new world without her.
Before I could finish my cider, Aunt Cindra ordered the fae to clear everything away. I stood beside her as everyone gathered around us. Their emotions rose and fell in the air. Fear. Curiosity. Suspicion.
“Princess Renée and I must leave at once. The guards will stay behind to ensure your safety.”
Backs stiffened, and eyes narrowed on the stone-faced Red Court elves. The fae turned to me, with expectant gazes. I flinched under their stare and rubbed my bracelet, wishing I could sink into the ground. Not wanting to hear their thoughts, I kept my shields up and eyes downcast.
They bowed. Des appeared and led us toward one of the red and gold carriages. My lip curled. Would the flight to the Blue Court be long? I scanned the crowd for Sacha. His eyes met mine, making my stomach flip flop. A hint of a smile played on his lips and I sighed. Maybe I hadn’t lost his friendship after all. Mag and Grimera filed into a separate carriage along with the trunks and bags.
“Why can’t they ride with us?”
Aunt Cindra frowned. “They’re slaves.”
My hackles rose. “They’re my friends.”
Her jaw clenched. “They ride separate.”
With that, she entered the carriage. I scoffed. I swallowed down my anger and followed Aunt Cindra into ours. Des and Sacha entered last. Silence fell between us and a tension hung in the air. I played with my bracelet and stared into my lap as the carriage took off. In minutes, we’d left the Gray Court and flew over endless forest. Nausea made me turn away from the window. My heart pounded in my ears as thoughts raced through my mind. What would this mysterious test entail? More magic?
I held my breath as we flew over the clear waters. Shadows moved beneath the sea, too far below to make out. An island appeared, with a cluster of buildings and a bright, blue coral castle. Sunlight glistened off its tall turrets. My mouth dropped in awe. For a girl who’d never left Colorado, the sight astounded me. I’d only ever seen such things in movies or paintings. To be face to face with it, sent chills crawling up my spine. Emotions bubbled up. Wonder. Amazement. I couldn’t stop staring. Until nausea rolled through me. I quickly turned away from the window and shut my eyes.
“I’ve never been to the Blue Court before.”
I glanced up to find Sacha peering over my head.
“Why not?”
His eyes found mine. “Never had a reason to before.”
My heart skipped. Silly as it was, I couldn’t help but think this was more than a desire to fulfill his duty. It hadn’t taken much convincing for him to agree to act as my guard and tutor. An agreement I hoped had more to do with me than with obligation.
“I’ve never seen the ocean before,” I murmured.
Des snorted. “It’s just water.”
Ignoring him, I took a chance to glimpse out
the window again.
“Brace yourselves,” Aunt Cindra instructed as the carriage lurched downward. My stomach lurched with it. All thoughts of Sacha and I vanished.
I gripped the seat as we descended. A ringing filled my ears. We landed with a sharp jolt. I sighed in relief as the doors opened. Sacha followed the others and waited for me outside.
The air was salty. Wind whipped around us, blowing sea spray into our hair and faces. I shivered and pulled my cloak tighter. Waves crashed against the island over and over. A faint humming echoed with each splash. Sirens? Curiosity sparked inside me. Would they look how I imagined them to?
A path made of broken shells led us past building after building. I peered into windows and doors, curious to see what kind of shops and homes cluttered the island. Where were all its inhabitants? My heart pounded as we made our way through the little town and under a coral arch. Words, written, in a language I’d never seen before, etched into its hard surface and shiny, colorful shells crushed beneath the words, in a beautiful pattern.
I turned to Sacha. “What does it say?”
He glanced up too late to see the words as we passed through.
“Never mind,” I muttered.
The castle loomed above us, blocking out the sun. At a closer view, the bright blue coral shimmered with golden shells and shiny pearls.
I stood back in awe. “It’s beautiful.”
Des snorted. “Smells like fish.”
My nose crinkled. It did. Briny and fishy.
“This way, please. The Prince of the Court of Tides is expecting you,” A shrill voice interrupted.
I followed the voice, surprised to find it belonged to a squat, rugged faced dwarf. A lady dwarf. Her blue dress and white apron hugged her short, stocky frame. My eyes met hers. Her lips curled. Realizing I’d been staring, I quickly averted my gaze and followed the others past her. I bit back the questions I had. So far, I’d mostly seen brownies, fairies, pixies, and imps. Where were all the other dwarves?
My mouth dropped as we entered the palace. Beautiful carvings of sirens and elves covered the coral walls. The ceiling was coated with golden shells and white pearls set in intricate swirling patterns. Dizziness hit me as I took it all in. The others stopped and waited for me. Ahead of us down the hall stood giant jeweled doors. Four elven guards bowed as we got closer.
They opened the doors, revealing a wide room. Fountains lined the walls, beautifully sculpted sea animals on each one. Water spurted and jumped back and forth. In the middle sat a throne carved in shimmering blue coral. Shells and pearls adorned the sides. On it, sat, the prince. His long blue hair stood stark against his sand-colored skin. Sea-green eyes narrowed on me and thin pink lips flattened.
He lifted a golden goblet toward us. “So, this is the halfling?” his voice drawled.
I blinked. Did I respond? The way he phrased it, I didn’t think it was a question for me. Disgust rolled off him in waves.
His lip curled. “Ugly little thing.”
Sacha tensed beside me. I blushed. The insult stung, but I’d heard worse back home at school.
He chuckled. “I suppose that’s what happens when you mate with a human. Poor Aubri.”
Aunt Cindra’s eyes narrowed. “Silence.”
Indignation filled me. Magic flared inside me, fueled by anger. I narrowed my eyes on his hand wrapped around his cup.
Spill it.
His hand jerked, sloshing wine. Amusement vanished. Eyes widened, they met mine.
“How did you do that?”
I couldn’t hide my smirk. Sacha shifted uncomfortably beside me and Aunt Cindra gripped my wrist in warning. Not surprised, I noted. So, she did know what I’d done to Des.
As if thought alone had conjured him, he appeared out of thin air. “Magic,” Des answered for me.
Uncle Mortemer’s eyes snapped to him, forehead creasing. “How did you get in here, vulgaire?”
Des waved a hand in the air, swirling the shadows. “Again, magic,” He drawled out the last word.
Face reddened, Uncle Mortemer turned to my Aunt. “You dare bring your vulgaire pet to my court, Cindra?”
Her nostrils flared. “Watch your tone, Mortemer. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you in front of your courtiers.”
“There are rules. He can’t stay here.”
“Relax, Morty,” a voice sang behind us.
We turned to find Aunt Maloret sauntering towards us, wearing a blue checkered tutu and sparkly black tights and top. Instead of her usual purple bob, a rainbow-colored wig sat atop of her head.
I blinked, taking the strange sight in.
Aunt Cindra’s eyebrows flew up. “Maloret, what are you wearing?”
She beamed and pointed to her hair. “Isn’t it darling? I brought back one for you too, Cindra.”
Des made a choking sound.
Aunt Cindra gawked.
“Now, what is the problem, children?” Aunt Maloret’s tone shifted to a mock authoritative one.
Uncle Mortemer sighed and rubbed his forehead. “What do you want, Maloret? I’m busy.”
She splayed her hand over her chest and blinked rapidly. “Why, I’m only here to help my baby brother. And visit with my favorite niece.”
She glanced at me and grinned. “If she fails this test, there won’t be much time to spend with her.”
“Maloret,” Aunt Cindra warned.
Ignoring her, she stared at me. “Didn’t they tell you?”
Dread pooled in my gut.
“The tests are not to prove your strength. They are to prove your worthiness. To live.”
Cold tendrils of fear snaked around me. I met Aunt Cindra’s eyes. The truth plainly written on her face. My fists clenched by my sides. She lied.
I whipped towards Sacha. He flinched. He knew. Pain punched me, making me reel back. How could he not tell me?
My gut twisted, and I opened my mouth to speak, but snapped it shut. Emotions raged inside, and I didn’t know what to say. Fear. Anger. They all watched me, eyes boring into me. Waiting to see what I did next. My chest tightened, and my hands trembled, and the room spun around me. Heat rushed through my body and panic welled up.
Barely sixteen. I didn’t want to die. Not here. Not now.
Did they hate me so much for being human? Forcing me to play their stupid games, and for what? To see how much it would take for me to snap?
“Renée?” a voice called.
It sounded so far away. I closed my eyes. Mom. What if I died here and never saw her again?
“What’s happening? What have you done to her?” Aunt Cindra’s voice echoed.
I didn’t hear the response. Instead I followed my dark thoughts deeper and deeper. Prove my worthiness to live? To show that I belonged? The truth was, I didn’t belong. And I didn’t want to live like them. I just wanted to find Mom and go home.
“She’s in shock.” Grimera’s cold hand touched my arm.
“Take her to her room, we’ll call the healer.” Aunt Cindra’s voice rose above the ringing in my ears.
Instead of fighting, I let them usher me down a hall. My life had become a series of twists and turns like the path they were leading me. No escape. I couldn’t rewind time and the future grew bleaker every passing day. Their voices echoed around me, but I tuned them out. Grimera led me into a room, Mag trailing behind us. Moving as if in a trance, I walked to the bed, climbed up, and pulled the covers over myself. Silky cool blankets enveloped me. Turning on my side, I faced the wall and curled up.
Hot tears pricked my eyes. The sound of my trunk being dragged in and my aunts whispering sounded behind me, but I didn’t turn. Couldn’t face them. My chest tightened. Sucking in my breath, I summoned my magic and let it wash over me. Numbness filled me. I released my breath and closed my eyes. Alarm rang in the back of my mind, but I silenced it with a wave. If I had this power, why not use it? It was better than feeling the pain.
16
The next morning, I woke up with my heart racing.
Blue walls surrounded me. Where was I? Panic rose. I bolted up and blinked. In the corner, Mag stirred on a cot. Sunlight shone in from an open window, bathing the room in a warm light. Golden shells and blue spirals decorated the ceiling and doorways.
Careful not to wake the little brownie, I pushed off the covers and tiptoed over to my trunk. I opened it and looked down at the fancy princess clothes my aunt had given me and shook my head. No more. This was one area of my life, I could still control. Where I could still feel like myself. But for how long? the little voice inside me warned. Pessimistic little voice. I dismissed it and turned toward the door to hunt down my aunt. Mag sat up, wide-eyed, staring at me.
“Oh. Good morning.”
Her lips spread into a small smile. “Good morning, Princess. Are you feeling better?”
A blush crept up my neck as I remembered the previous night. I nodded.
She stood up, nightgown dragging on the ground. “Would you like me to help you dress?”
“Uh. No thank you. I’m going to find my aunt to see about some new clothes.”
Her mouth curved into an ‘o’ as she glanced at the trunk. “Don’t you like your pretty dresses?”
Wistfulness flashed across her face, making me wince. I didn’t know what to say to make her understand or not to see me as a spoiled, ungrateful royal.
“I like my old clothes better.”
Her rounded face tilted in curiosity. “From the Outer World?”
I sighed and nodded. Memories flashed by. I missed jeans and hoodies. Yoga pants.
“Is it so very different there?” Her voice grew bolder.
Smiling, I moved closer to her and sat on the ground. “Yes. Completely.”
The next hour was spent explaining the Outer World and my life back home. Her curiosity insatiable, we swapped stories, of our vastly different lives. Her whole family served the Red Court and it was all she’d ever known. Mag’s favorite part of my life was the marvel of modern technology, which she deemed as its own brand of magic. A knocking on the door startled us out of our chattering.