twelve
. . .
When Aolynand I return to our room, I instantly feel lighter. We throw our bags down and change quickly into simple gowns, complete with thick cloaks to conceal us. I let my hair down to fit in with the commoners and use a quick color spray to attempt to conceal the recognizable white strands. The brown covers the white easily enough, but the hints of blue still shimmer through, albeit in a duller hue now. We both use the masking clay to cover our family crest tattoos.
As Baedyn transitions into the season of waning light, there’s a noticeable chill in the air. The temperature will gradually drop for the next five rotations, but true winter will never impact Baedyn, one of Calia’s designs of our system, and each planet’s individual weather systems.
After checking out at the front desk, we make our way to the storage buildings that house the transport pods. The pods are egg-shaped, glass transports that can seat up to ten people, five on either side. We hop into the assigned pod, excitement becoming a tangible thing around us as we head to the village for the first time. The soft chime of the pod fills the air as the lights dim to a soft green emanating from the control panel at the front. Aolyn taps the pre-populated navigation button as it navigates out of the garage andacross campus. While the hologram professor goes on a spiel about remaining seated through the ride, Kamden and Tate scroll through the list of music.
As we leave campus, I realize I should have left a note or message for both Anders and Kellan. I left my Prism behind, opting for a technology-free evening with my friends. I’m sure they’ll both be worried about my absence at dinner.
The guilt knots in my stomach when I remember I was supposed to meet with Anders before bed. I’ll have to find him in the morning and explain. Plus, it’s not like I’ve had any time to research.
During the ride to the village, the five of us snap selfies on Ciara’s Prism, and I beg her to send me some of them to post on The Link. Cassia has been hounding me again about posting. The four of them power off their devices, tucking them away safely in their cloaks.
Tate and Ciara’s off-key singing fills the air as the pod glides through the snowy mountain pass. The tall granite walls are adorned with a blanket of snow. Unlike the larger transports, this pod hovers just above the ground, giving us a panoramic view of the landscape.
Tiny animal tracks weave through the sparkling snow. It’s interesting to think that on this vast and largely uninhabited planet, few choose to call the snowy mountains home over the endless warmth of the forest.
As we step out of the pod, I’m greeted by the tantalizing aroma of exotic spice and the delightful sounds of laughter and music from somewhere deep within the village.
The village is surprisingly larger than I expected, not that I knew what to expect, as I’ve never been here. Cobblestoned streets and alleyways wind between buildings that vary in both size and shape. Some of the structures appear dilapidated, as if they’ve stood for ages and are entering their final stages, with mismatched, overlaid boards holding them together.
Others outshine their neighbors with modern touches of stone and glass, reminiscent of colonial architecture. The blend of old and new speaks about the community here and their willingness to live side byside, rather than creating districts or factions based on wealth and status.
I love it.
“This way,” Tate orders, leading the way down an alleyway with clotheslines overhead.
Linking his arm through Ciara’s, he tugs her into the first shop we stumble upon at the other end of the alleyway, which spills into a vibrant market. The delicious aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, making my mouth water. Aolyn and Kamden follow, sharing smiles of their own.
We meander from shop to shop, sampling delectable treats and trying on various outfits, playfully modeling them for one another. I even wander into a bookstore, dutifully hunting for anything ancient, but I come up empty-handed. I needed this escape to feel free from worries about the future and the weight of the Bond, to focus on my friendships, and to allow myself to genuinely relax.
With the evening still young and in the spirit of being twenty-one, I find a stand peddling a fruity drink, deciding to treat everyone. A blend of strawberries, lemon, and honey hits my tongue at the first sip.
While waiting, I notice the woman behind the counter looks dead on her feet, as if she’s been awake for days. My heart clenches when she spins to fill a bottle with another liquor, and I see the baby secured on her back. I struggle with emotions, only able to imagine the challenges she’s facing. I wish I could offer her support, but I’m not allowed to intervene as a princess. Something about handouts, bad optics, and favoritism.
Instead, I leave the remaining coins I have in a pouch with her and walk away, hoping they will assist her in some way. It should be enough to pay her rent for a month or hire a sitter.
As dusk settles in and the moons cast a silvery glow over the tents and buildings of the market, we wander toward the bustling square, filled with music and dancing. When Aolyn shakes her head at Kamden, I push him onto the makeshift dance floor, letting myself getlost in the music as the crowd around us brushes past, lost in their own worlds.
After several songs, I find Aolyn on the edge of the dance floor, and I know it’s time to call it a night and head back.
“Let’s go,” I squeal as Tate lifts me over his shoulders and spins me.
He chuckles, holding me tightly as he takes off running. My laughter drowns out the music as he runs toward an alleyway to shortcut the walk back.
“Do we have to go back?” Ciara pouts, running after us. Her caramel face is flushed but looks beautiful, even with her sweat-slicked hair.
“We do,” Aolyn chimes in playfully, wrapping her arm around Kamden’s waist. He turns even more crimson than he already is from dancing. Tate drops me back to my feet as we reach the pod.
It’s late when we make our way back to Taeolyn, and the gentle illumination of the hall lights casts a warm glow around us. With my sweat-cooled skin, a chill dances across my bare arms.
Kamden hoists Aolyn onto his back, ready to carry her upstairs. Meanwhile, Tate bends low, shooting me a grin over his shoulder with a questioning challenge in his eyes.
“Ready for a ride?” he asks, wiggling his brows.
I groan. “Gods, you’re insufferable.” I leap onto his back, and everyone attempts to contain their laughter.
