Revenge of a Queen

Music echoed through the castle as the life faded from Lili’s eyes. I rocked her, counting the seconds since she had taken her last breath. Seconds stretched to minutes, then an hour. The music fell silent, and Olnes found his mother and me sitting amid shards of oxblood glass and round pearlite buttons. “Cam?” Olnes slumped to the floor. Firelight flickered over Lili’s blank face and my blood-smeared tunic. He came to tell her of the plans we had made now that he was free to leave Elonji Castle, the gilded cage that had held him and his sisters for the last three cycles. Queen Balia, our sister, had done everything in her power to prevent my return, robbing me of hours and days just like she had stolen Olnes’ title and inheritance. * * * Clouds menaced the mid-day sky when I returned to Elonji for Olnes’ entitlement ceremony to celebrate his newly acquired freedom. Skeletons of dried vines on the wrought iron castle gates rattled in the bitter winter wind. Ashen downy webbing of tallis trees shrouded the courtyard, but through the haze, I caught a glimpse of Lili’s crimson hair. My heart raced. Over the twenty cycles we’d known each other, she always greeted me, no matter the circumstance. She was my constant, my home. Before my horse came to a stop, my feet were on the ground. I scooped her into my arms, breathing in the berry and cream scent of her hair as it blew across my cheek. “I missed you, Red.” “I feared I would have to do this alone.” “I would’ve had to ride through the storm had I been any later.” I winked. The icy wind molded her gown to her legs and nipped at my skin, but being near her warmed me. “You didn’t find anything?” Lili perceived the worry on my face as she always did. “I found a lead, but without a connection in the rainforest, it won’t help.” “The rainforest?” She swallowed and pursed her lips. I raised my brows and smirked. “Afraid I’m going disappear in a jungle and return a tattooed, naked wild man?” “I wouldn’t put it past you.” I laughed. “So, you’re going to the rainforest?” There was no humor in her question and dread glistened in her eyes. “I didn’t say that.” “You didn’t have to. I recognize the gleam in your eye when you see a new adventure on the horizon. Cam, it’s too dangerous.” I tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, and my thumb followed the line of burgundy shading along her jaw. “Every clue has circled back to my uncle. What would you have me do?” “Maybe Balia is right. Your uncle—” “There must be another explanation.” Balia and Lili were convinced my uncle killed my parents, but he had loved my mother. Lili found my mother’s rejection of him further proof of his guilt. “Why don’t you want to believe we’re safe?” she asked as we stood at the threshold. On one side, a darkened, lifeless courtyard with cold stone statues of long-dead rulers, inside was beauty and light. “If Balia feels safe, why has she doubled the guards? They’re everywhere.” “Which means we’re safe tonight. Let’s enjoy it, for Olnes’ sake, and worry about the past tomorrow.” After a lifetime of paranoia, Balia was eager to do just that, but we’d never been safe. All of Elonji was hopeful of the new cycle as we said goodbye to the old with Olnes’ entitlement ceremony. Gold ribbons striped the columns separating the ballroom from the Great Hall. Evergreen cloths scalloped the high glass doors leading to the throne room set for the feast. The three linked rooms were as tall as they were long. Slim candles in the crystal chandeliers smelled like spring and illuminated the ceiling of cloudy blue sky, making it easy to ignore the tempest outside. The animosity between family members was not so easy. It was as palpable as the storm’s current hovering over my skin and as obvious as my father’s portrait missing from above the monumental fireplace. Balia had it removed as if its absence would make us forget he wouldn’t be there to give his youngest son his rightful title. “I intend to find matches for the girls tonight.” Balia stroked her belly, swollen with child. Irritated by her interruption of a private conversation with what she considered a peace offering, I countered, “What about Olnes?” “Olnes is fortunate I allowed him to celebrate his coming of age, and it is all the generosity he should expect. Now, about the girls—” “I obtained contracts for them, with my assets as collateral.” I straightened my back and stayed between Lili and Balia. “And I cannot break them without your cooperation. We can do better if I vouch for them. Jili has grown into a beauty. Perhaps I can undo the damage of the rumors.” “Rumors you started.” I stepped closer, challenging her to reveal her true intention. Balia never forgave my father for taking a mate after my mother died and claimed Lili’s children were mine. Balia ignored me and addressed Lili. “Evi is ingene, a rarity and a political asset. The match I can make for her…” Her smile stretched to meet her lavender eyes, sparkling with possibilities. Lili’s face reddened above a stiff jaw. Ingene have increased longevity, heightened senses, and volatile emotions. She believed it was cruel that Evi’s and my life would surpass our loved ones, and she wasn’t alone in her conviction. When Lili didn’t respond to Balia’s offer, I interceded, “My reputation is on the line. Is this why you tried to keep me away? You hoped she would bend to your wishes without me here.” “Don’t be selfish, Cam. Consider the girls.” “Consider the retaliation we would bear from Cavasil if you break Jili’s unification contract. Relations are already stressed.” “Relations with Cavasil are always stressed.” Balia rolled her eyes. “What about Evi?” “I won’t have her used as a political pawn.” Lili was respectful but firm. “That is naïve. She already is one. It is what sovereign children have been and always will be, Iliota.” Balia addressed Lili using her formal name as always. “Cam betrothed her to an Island chief. Is that what you want for your daughter?” She tapped her long, polished nails on her hips. “No one is closer to Evi than Cam. If he says it’s best for her, I believe him.” She laced her fingers with mine, a dangerous move to make in front of Balia. I didn’t pull away, but I should have. “You are making a mistake.” Balia spun on her heel and marched away.