My sister eyes my ensemble made up of silk pants that match the embroidery on my jacket. “Did you have to choose something from the side of your closet designated for mourning garments?”
“Is that what this is?” I say, running my fingers over the silver buttons that match the shimmering thread woven into the soft black material. I knew exactly what I had chosen. The cluster of black dresses, tunics, and britches had appealed to me more than the other rich, colorful fabrics. Besides, black is a truer depiction of my mood.
We turn down the long hallway leading to Micah’s study, and I glance out of a window overlooking the gardens. Flowering bushes surround marble statues representing the gifts of the Statera. The gardens were once my favorite place in the palace. I’d made so many fond memories strolling along the paths with loved ones and venturing off on my own to get lost in the greenery. I also made an unforgettable memory with Kyron amongst the flowers.
Veiled by the dark of night, we clasped hands and made our way to the back wall. Cherry blossoms fluttered around us and clung to his ebony hair. I remember thinking he appeared so innocent and carefree, speckled in pink petals. Hidden under the vines of ivy is my secret passage to the Omnis. Just as he shared with me the Aurora next to the stream, I showed him the place where I found the most peace. It was such a surreal moment, and when he kissed me…
My chest tightens with a dull ache, and my lips tingle.
“Your Grace, are you all right?” Zek says, closing the respectable distance he keeps from my sister and me.
I yank my hand away from my mouth and look around the hallway, realizing I stopped walking. With a strained smile, I say, “Sorry, I got lost in thought. I’m just a little worried about why Micah called me home early.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Salone says, taking my hand.
The smell of eucalyptus and the sensation of hundreds of leaves brushing over my skin invade my senses. The tense muscles in my shoulders relax and my pounding head goes silent. My sister guides me forward and by the time we reach the door to Micah’s study, I’m calm.
“Better?” she asks, releasing my fingers and taking her gift with her.
It’s tempting to pull it back and bask in her powers—the same power as our mother’s. As Piantis, they can summon plants to do their bidding. Some wield the gift to tend to our food source, others use it as a weapon, but my mother and sister call upon it to ease the worries of those around them.
“Yes, much better. Thank you.” I rub her slender arm and smile. “Sometimes I think there’s nothing you can’t do.”
She cocks her head to the side and places her hand on her hip. “I can’t make you wear a proper dress.”
I nod at the guard standing outside of the door, signaling I’m ready to enter the room. “I’m sure you’ll eventually get your way in that as well.”
“I’m sure I will. Good luck in there.”
I cling to her last words as the guard opens the door, and I step inside. Rich woods and floor to ceiling shelves packed with books make up the study. A large mahogany desk sits at the head of the room, with a group of people gathered around it. Everyone falls silent, and all eyes turn to me. The door shuts with a loud click, and I jerk, hiding my trembling hands behind my back.
Everyone stands and bows, leaving Micah the center of attention. He remains seated behind the desk with an iron crown resting over his black hair. I note the bags under his jade eyes and the worry line between his brows. He is missing his jacket and has bunched the sleeves of his embellished tunic at his elbows. It’s not like him to look so unkempt unless he’s stressed.
Despite my spiking concern, the lessons Borin spent the better part of my life teaching me take hold. I lower into a deep curtsy and say, “Your Majesty.”
Holding the submissive posture with my eyes downcast to the ornate rug is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. Not because my last chance for true freedom is slipping away, but because the people I love fillthis room. People I haven’t seen in months. People I long to embrace.
“Thank you for returning early, Raelle,” Micah says.
“Of course,” I reply, moving toward the group.
My first stop is the woman who mentored me during my time at Basecamp. She wears an olive-green officer’s jacket and tight tan trousers. Greer throws her buff brown arms around me, and her long mahogany braid sweeps across her back. Her shapely lips pull into a wide grin, and her stoic expression softens.
“Things haven’t been the same since you left,” she says.
I take in a deep breath, basking in the scent of a bonfire lingering in her jacket. As I firmly hold her to me, a sensation like a wave washing upon the shore rolls through me. The Eporri attracts her gift to control water.
“Are Ulric and Terro here too?” I ask against her shoulder.
“I needed someone to look over Basecamp, and those two idiots were my best option.”
I laugh and release her.
The time I spent at Basecamp always remains in the back of my mind. I miss the regimented days and the camaraderie found at night, but mostly I’ve longed for the banter between the three best friends. They made me earn my way into their group, but once they accepted me, it was as easy as being with my siblings.
Greer looks me up and down. “Shit, those Sibyls worked you hard. You’re all lean muscles.”
“You’re telling me. They’re fierce. It made me miss the grueling days with you at the wall,” I say, running my palms up and down my biceps.
