“I have no idea, but Zeon said youmustgo with them.”
“With who?”
Reena hesitated—which was out of character for her. She usually had a quick reply for every question. Finally, she said, “With Tanek’s son, Mekos.”
Bree was startled. “I thought he and Aradella were together.”
“Yes,” was all Reena replied.
The animal Bree was straddling made a dip, then smoothedout. Below them were farms of mind-boggling perfection. “So he’s leaving her behind. I understandthat! Aradella is impossible to even tolerate. Her words cut and slash—but she never repairs the damage she causes. I’m glad Mekos found out early.”
Through this tirade, Reena was silent, but she was staring at Bree as though she was sending her a message.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Does Mekos need my help?” She gasped. “Ishethe man I’m to... to...” She couldn’t say the words.
“He won’t be alone,” Reena murmured.
The creature tipped to one side and Bree held on. “Do I know the person with him?” When Reena didn’t answer, Bree finally understood. “No,” she said calmly. “Not her. I will go with a murderer,threemurderers, before I go anywhere with Aradella. I’d rather go with Olina or Urah. I’ll face beasts and monsters. I’ll—”
“Must go,” Reena said cheerfully. “Be safe.” The screen disappeared back into Bree’s chip.
Bree didn’t hesitate. “We’re going back,” she said to the bird-beast. She pulled on the reins for it to turn, but it kept going straight ahead. “No!” she yelled. “We must return.”
When it didn’t obey, she leaned forward and put her arms around the neck of the animal and began to squeeze. When the creature started to choke but still didn’t change its course, she relented and let go.
“Did Reena put you under a spell?” she demanded. “How did she find the right spell withoutme?” She grit her teeth. “I’m going to mix up something so Reena will never recover. I’ll get Urah to ignite it. I know! I’ll make Reena ugly. I’ll...” Bree stopped talking. It was hitting her that this was actually going to happen. Her most dreaded, feared nightmare was coming true. She was going on a trip with Aradella.
Bree had had a lifetime of the horror of dealing with her cousin. No matter what the twins did, Aradella was contemptuous, arrogant, and condescending. Her motto seemed to beI am smart and you are stupid.When they were nice to Aradella, she looked at them with contempt. Talk to her, and Aradella curled her upper lip and didn’t reply. Even if they said nothing, Aradella still managed to let them know that she was superior in every way.
Neither Bree nor Shay had ever done anything that pleased Aradella.
Sometimes, Bree got so frustrated that she was tempted to tell her cousin what she knew. There was more besides the illegal Earth books that Bree help deliver to her cousin. At night, Bree and her father often went out together to do some heavy lifting. More than once, they’d flattened themselves behind rocks and watched Aradella and her guard, Hale, practicing with swords.
“Why does she pretend to be so much larger than she is?” Bree had asked the first time.
“To protect her life.” Sojee had masses of sympathy for Aradella’s circumstances.
Through it all, Shay knew nothing. Bree had heard the termgirly-girland that was Shay. Hair and clothes were the highlights of her life. Bree just ordered a copy of whatever garment Shay chose and had it made in blue. It was an easy solution to something that held little interest for her.
When the animal finally slowed down, she saw a long house that was nearly hidden in a dense forest. Bree grimaced. “Just what Aradella wants—to never be near anyone because she’s smarter than everybody.”
When the animal landed in a big courtyard, she slid off its back. “I guess I should thank you but you’re a traitor and I don’t want to be here.” The bird-head of the creature seemed to smile as it gave a shake and her bag fell to the ground. “I’ll get Tanek to tell the top half of you off. Then you’ll be sorry.”
With a quick bow, the animal rose up and was soon out of sight.
Standing by a set of double doors was a very handsome young man. She was tempted to offer him one of the sapphires she’dbrought if he’d get her a horse and point her toward the nearest town. Or to anywhere else on the planet for that matter.
“Zeon is occupied,” the man said. “You may wait inside or in the garden.”
“Garden,” she said quickly. Maybe she could start walking down the mountain. “Are they...?” She waved her hand. “Are the others here?”
“The guests are away. They will return for dinner.”
Hours, she thought.I only have a few hours before my life is over forever.
So now she was sitting in the garden and all she could think about was how to get away from the beautiful place.
She saw a movement of something half hidden by the greenery. It was probably an animal and she paid no attention to it. Her mind was fully occupied with the coming horror of spending time with Aradella.
