“She doesn’t have a choice. We need more time before we go to battle. Otherwise, our soldiers will be brutally slaughtered. We will continue to appear as an easy target until they return your mother. We must negotiate with them and reinforce our united front,” Borin replies.
“You and I have spent weeks training both kingdom’s soldiers,” my father says. “You have battled the Allaji three times now and know the damage they’re capable of. If you say we’re ready to march on them, then I will sit at the helm of the operation and support your decision. But if we’re not strong enough to face them…”
The room falls quiet for several beats before Kyron says, “No. We aren’t ready.”
Disappointment and dread unfurl in the pit of my stomach. I step away from the door, letting the men continue their conversation in private. It’s a coward’s move on my part. I should be in that room, discussing our fate. It’s just a task I’m not ready to take on.
However, I do know one thing. I won’t ask that our people face abattle they are not ready for because I can’t put aside my hatred for the Allaji. They deserve a queen who will do whatever it takes to keep them safe, just like Micah would have done. The shoes I have to fill are big, sturdy, and spectacular. I don’t think I’ll ever wear them the way he did, but I will learn to walk in them without stumbling.
When the moment comes, I will attend the negotiations. I’ll put aside my hatred for the betterment of our kingdom, both mine and Kyron’s. But until then, I’m praying for a miracle.
Literally.
My head is fuzzy with all the thoughts racing through it. One part of me is pleading with the Statera to divinely intervene. The other is sorting every possible scenario I could face with the Allaji leaders. It’s all so overwhelming.
My body moves through the palace with little direction from me. I descend the grand staircase and slip through the dark foyer. The guard standing watch doesn’t ask any questions as he opens the door to the tunnel that leads to the sanctuary. It’s not until I’m standing in the middle of the empty building that I realize where I am.
The sanctuary is intimidating without the hordes of the eccentric Stigian citizens lining up to participate in the gift amplification ceremony. Their bright clothing and outrageous hairstyles distracted from the true grandeur of the holy place. It also didn’t help that every time I’ve set foot in here, I’ve been under some type of duress. For the first time, I notice just how spectacular it is.
The ceiling looms high above my head, and the aisle leading to the dais is an infinite path of glossy black marble. Candles burn in white candelabras along the walls and the moon shines through the enormous, arched stained-glass windows. Two white thrones embossed with leaves, fire, and other depictions of the powers given by the Statera sit center-stage. Yet it is the tier above the dais that is a breathtaking spectacle.
A waterfall flows inside the building. The steady stream brings a sense of calm and is at home among the ornate white and black décor. Bathing beneath the water is an enormous marble statue of Esmeray. The artist depicted the queen in nothing more than a strip of fabric that clings and winds down her hourglass figure. She cups her hands, raising them above her head, and the stone in her palms reminds me of fire, glinting red and orange. The Posseda.
For a moment, I’m surprised to see it left in the open and unprotected. Then it dawns on me that no one here would dare to touch it. The Stigain need it in the hands of the current ruler in order to get their fix, and my people would be slaughtered by those addicted to what the Posseda is capable of if they were to steal it.
I climb the dais and bypass the thrones for one of the two staircases that curve upward to the waterfall. Off to the side of the statue is a lever protruding from the ground. I’m unsure what possesses me to do it, but I pull the handle toward me. Smooth stones slide against each other as the likeness of Esmeray lowers her arms and presents me with the Sacred Gift in her hands.
The Posseda is the eye-catching counterpart to the Eporri. Unlike the ten-petal flower design of the stone embedded in my outer thigh, the Posseda is cut to catch the light and sparkle like a jewel. I pick it up and study the way it almost covers my entire palm. This rock is the reason for the division in our land even now.
Kyron suspended the daily amplification ceremony, stating that those Stigians who aren’t warriors should spend the ceremony time in meditation until the queen is returned. Guards stand watch outside the sanctuary, keeping those addicted to the rush of power away. The same can’t be said for the palace. Those going through withdrawals have grouped together and wail outside the gates at all hours, begging Kyron to resume the practice. Little do they know that the prince despises the amplification ceremonies and would stop them forever if he could.
I carry the Posseda down to the next level and sit on a throne. As my thumb strokes along the sharp edges, I listen to the rushing water. It relaxes me, and my eyes flutter shut as my mind calms. The Posseda and Eporri give off satisfied purrs like they are overjoyed to be together again.
I focus on their combined power. They pull and push, seek and take. Every pulse from them is at odds with each other. It’s the perfect representation of our split kingdom. Together though… Together they are balanced and harmonious. I let the sensation consume me and offer all my worries to the Statera.
I don’t know if the energy that fuels all beings will give me the guidance I need, but it doesn’t stop me from asking. One by one, I meditate with my shortcomings in mind, hoping for the answer to overcome them. I concentrate on the pain of losing Micah, and my grudge against the Allajithat keeps me from wanting to negotiate with them. I seek wisdom to do what’s right not only for Lucent but Stigian as well. I pray to unify our broken kingdom and renew Pliris.
When I have given all my worries to the Statera, I release a long exhale and open my eyes.
“Hello,” Kyron says from the base of the dais. He stares up at me with tired eyes and his hands in his pockets. His black tunic is rumpled, his hair disheveled, and he is the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen.
Heat floods my cheeks, and I curl both hands around the Posseda, shifting to stand.
“Don’t. Sitting there suits you,” he says.
I remain on the throne with my back straight, clinging to the stone. “What are you doing in here? I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow.”
He glances around, craning his head back to take in the high arches of the ceiling and the opening where the water enters. The stream catches the moonlight and sends ripples of color on the dim walls, adding to the ethereal feeling of this place. “I don’t know. I was sitting at my desk and reading a tome I’ve already gone through, and I had this urge to be here. What brought you here?”
“I just needed guidance and was hoping to find some answers,” I say.
“Did you find any?”
I’m ready to say no when my voice catches in my throat. The Posseda buzzes and the Eporri joins it, rattling my leg. My tongue grows thick in my mouth, longing to recite the ancient words that I memorized as a child. At the same time, Micah’s voice sounds loud and clear in my head.Rule together and let your love mend our broken kingdom.
As if I’m being guided forward by a leash, I rise and descend the stairs. The closer I get to Kyron, the stronger the feeling. It hums with the Sacred Gifts, sending shivers down my spine. When I’m a step above him, I fight the urge to throw myself in his arms. It’s then that I know the force guiding me is our bond.
I study his face for a moment, memorizing all the cuts and curves of his features for the thousandth time. I’m always fascinated with every new little thing I discover about him. Tonight, it’s a single light freckle that rests next to his ear. I’d give anything to spend a lifetime cataloging each scar, mark, and crease.
