Chapter Four #2

I felt Charlie’s anger dim, and resolved we’d talk about it later. This was between Charlie and his dad, and I knew better than to get involved unless the situation absolutely required it… though if Cameron continued to hurt Charlie, I was going to lose my patience and take matters into my own hands.

“We should move along,”

Elrye stated. “There is still much to see.”

Elrye took us out of the parlor room and down the hall, to another set of double doors. “This area is known as the Ladies’ Court. This tower is strictly reserved for the women of the palace. Only females are permitted in this area, and it is an area that is under your control entirely. Not even the Emperor or the princes are allowed to enter.”

A pair of servants opened the double doors, and we roamed inside. I was delighted to see a beautiful area that was full of Elvish women. There was a lovely round pool beneath a waterfall that fell from one of the palace roofs. Around the pool were lounge chairs, and there was a bubbling tub that had been built to resemble a hot spring. Palm trees provided shade, and a female band played relaxing music in the background. There were massage tables, and people were getting manicures near a drink station which served mocktails that changed color. A mini-workout station stood on a platform above the pool, where Elvish women lifted weights and practiced sparring.

“Awesome, no men around.”

Kallie gave a broad smile. “Might as well call it paradise.”

Clearly she wanted somewhere to hide from Marcus.

I was ready to get in the pool immediately, but Elrye led me on. “There are other bedrooms here, if you wish to take some time to yourself.”

“It’s not like I’m going to need it.”

I couldn’t imagine a situation where I’d need a bedroom separate from Charlie’s. It wasn’t like we’d ever sleep apart, but maybe I could use this place for a girl’s night.

“Perhaps you will, one day,”

Elrye replied. “All your clothes and treasures will be stored here as well.”

Treasures? I didn’t know what she meant, until I did. Elrye led us to an absolutely enormous walk-in closet the size of a small house, and when I ventured inside, I nearly died of happiness. Clothes and dresses lined the walls on hangers at my level, and designer bags were lined on top of dressers according to color.

And ancestors, shoes, glorious shoes spanned the entire length of the closet in small cubbies that were easily accessible for me to reach. There were literally hundreds of them. I could wear a different outfit every day for a year and still not go through everything in the closet. I swear, a tear slipped out of my eye.

“We wanted to make sure the princess was well-dressed, as we heard from your friends that you enjoy fashion,”

Elrye said with a coy glimmer in her eye. “I hope that you’ll come to cherish every piece.”

“There’s so much pink!”

I squealed. I hugged the ballgown closest to me and buried my face in the puffy tulle skirt. I loved Charlie, but it would’ve been worth marrying him for the closet alone.

There was a dressing room area, where couches circled around mirrors. There, I could try things on. There was a ramp I could use to venture up onto the raised dais, so I could look at outfits in front of the mirrors.

The entirety of the Ladies’ Court had been built to be accessible to me in mind, and I could get anywhere and do anything without having to ask for much help. I was absolutely touched by how generous the Elves could be.

I wanted to start playing dress-up immediately, before Elrye hurried us along. “The back of the closet is my personal favorite.”

Ancestors, there was more? How could there be more?

Elrye took us to a door and indicated that I should open it. I did so and almost passed out. Gorgeous necklaces, earrings and bracelets lay on velvet pillows underneath white spotlights. Priceless gems and jewels were everywhere, ready for me to wear. There was a literal pool of fucking diamonds in the middle of the room. I absolutely couldn’t believe it. “Are those real, or illusions?”

“Real as can be,”

Elrye stated. “Everything in this room is certified and genuine.”

I was completely blown away by the abundance the Elves had. “You can’t give me all these diamonds,”

I insisted. “They belong in the royal treasury, to all the members of the monarchy.”

“Oh, this is nothing,”

Elrye said with a casual wave of her hand. “Trust me when I say the Emperor has more than enough to spare.”

“How’d you get it all out of Forevermore before the Warden took it over?”

Kallie asked.

“We didn’t store most of our treasures in Forevermore. The monarchy was careful to hide our true wealth in secret magical stores all over the world, just in case our city was discovered,”

Elrye replied. “Of course, we did lose quite a few treasures from the siege of Forevermore, but let me assure you that what we have here in Ilamanthe is more than enough for everyone.”

She could say that again. Finally, I was living my best Ava-Marie life as I was meant to experience it. I was born for absolute luxury. I wasn’t sure what to bathe in first, the pool or the diamonds.

Looking around at everything the Elves had, I was confused. “The Elves have so much wealth, and so many resources. Why didn’t they use them to win the last Great Supernatural War?”

I questioned.

“Money is a wonderful resource to have in a time of suffering, but diamonds don’t win wars, princess. People do,”

Elrye responded. “We had three very powerful magical societies fighting us from all sides. The fae were as wealthy as we were back in that time, and the angels and vampires had their own stores of riches. Our allies, the Elementai and the witches, weren’t as well-equipped, and we had to share what we had with them to bolster their forces as well as our own. We can throw all the wealth we desire at obtaining weaponry, but we were vastly outnumbered, and back then, most of the supernatural world had the goal of exterminating us, simply because we were so powerful.”

“But you had everything at your disposal, magic and otherwise,”

I stated. I wasn’t trying to argue, but understand. If I was to be the princess of these people, I needed to comprehend how the Elves had failed, so we wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

“A beetle is far stronger and more powerful than an ant, but if a thousand ants swarm one beetle with the singular goal of destroying it, the beetle will die,”

Elrye responded. “Our enemies were wise, because they came together to capture our most powerful warriors, and either imprisoned or killed them all before the war truly began. It left most of us defenseless. Our money was all but useless by the time we had to go underground and hide within Forevermore. Hopefully we can utilize it better this time.”

“Are you sure there’s enough to go around?”

Kallie asked. “The Elves are so generous. I can’t help but wonder if it’s going to run out.”

“The Elves have a different way of thinking. We believe abundance is infinite, that there’s always more than enough for everyone, and always more to be had,”

Elrye replied. “Yes, we did earn most of our wealth through crime, but we also elevated our society through trade and magical goods long before the first Great Supernatural War. Our people have been around since the dawn of time, and we’ve used that advantage to compile everything we’ve ever wanted. We offered to give away some of that wealth to the other races in times of need, but even as we did so, that caused many to resent us.”

“No wonder people wanted to wipe the Elves out,”

I said quietly. The jealousy alone from the other magical races, witnessing the Elves living in such prosperity, would inspire hatred.

“Indeed. Many of the other races, most prominently the angels, didn’t believe everyone could have what they needed. They thought that the Elves hoarded everything for ourselves, so they attempted to take what we had,”

Elrye said heavily. “But such conversations shouldn’t be had on a day like today. You have some time before the next item on your schedule, princess. Feel free to use this area how you wish.”

Abso-freaking-lutely. I spent the rest of the morning and a good portion of the afternoon basking in paradise. I put on one of the adorable bikinis I had in the closet and went to go swimming. It was much easier to get in the pool, due to the lift they had for wheelchair users. The Institute never had one, which meant someone always had to carry me in. The Elves had thought of everything to accommodate me.

I used my Toaqua powers to swim around by myself for a while, while Opal splashed with Marina in a shallow area of the pool. Her child had the cutest turquoise mermaid tail, and she could already swim well. Oberi busied herself with getting a massage, nickering as the therapist kneaded her back while two Koigni girls braided her Fire mane and tail.

Abigail and I had made small talk while we swam in the pool, mostly about the city. She’d brought me a couple of drinks and had offered to reapply my makeup once I got out of the water.

Having a lady-in-waiting felt like having a paid best friend, and I wasn’t sure if I liked it much. It felt fake.

While Abigail was chatting with Opal, I took my chance to get away from her so I could approach Kallie, who hadn’t said a thing since Elrye had left us to our own devices. Kallie lounged on a reclining chair by the pool and soaked up the sun.

I paddled up to her and rested my arms on the edge of the pool. “Hey. Why don’t you come in? It’s a beautiful day.”

“I will in a minute,”

Kallie said. “I’m just… distracted.”

“How come?”

I rested my chin on my hands. “I know this is a lot to take in, but we should enjoy it while we can.”

Kallie gave a sigh. “Honestly… I’m still thinking about the Dollmaker.”

The hated name soured a beautiful day like today. The Dollmaker was a mass murderer who’d killed multiple young women in Malovia. Charlie and Kallie had done some investigating before we’d left the Institute, and they’d discovered the Dollmaker was actually Kallie’s ex, Valen. He’d compelled her after she’d broken up with him to assassinate her brother, and although the attempt to take Kazim’s life had failed, it had gotten her sent to the Institute. The police were looking for him, but at the moment, Valen hadn’t been caught.

“You upset he’s still on the run?” I asked.

“Yes, but there’s more to it. I’m wondering how he was able to compel me to kill my brother, and not have me remember it. That’s some strong magic,”

Kallie said.

“Wouldn’t a fae be capable of pulling something like that off?” I asked.

“Fae magic can compel people, but it’s very hard to do, and the magic requires a lot of effort. It’s usually only something sorceresses can pull off, not shifters. Valen’s good in battle, but his magic wasn’t that powerful. I don’t think he was strong enough to compel me on his own, especially not since I’m a demigod,”

Kallie said.

“You think he had help?”

“He must’ve. Either he had someone cast a compelling spell on me, or he had some sort of object that did it for him. I’m thinking it must’ve been the second option, because if he kept the item in his possession, he could’ve used it during other murders to keep his victims from fighting back or escaping,”

Kallie said.

“If it was an item, I bet a vampire created it. They’re basically masters of compulsion magic. Valen either convinced one to give the item, or stole it,” I said.

“Or he’s working for a powerful vampire, one who’s willing to give Valen materials as long as he kills people this bigwig wants out of the picture,”

Kallie noted darkly. “Gods, I hope the Union catches this bastard soon. I’d give anything to go through his tools of terror and see what he’s got.”

“They’re too busy looking for us.”

I scowled.

“Yeah, and I can’t exactly leave here to search for him while we’re still looking for the keys. I know those have to come first, but I still wish that sick bastard was behind bars.”

“He will be, Kallie. He can’t run forever.”

“I know.”

She sat up and braided her hair back. “If only I could be out there right now, hunting him down.”

“I know you feel responsible for what he did, but you’re not to blame for his crimes,”

I insisted.

“He started killing people because I rejected him,”

Kallie said. “If I had just said yes?—”

“If you had agreed to be with him, you would’ve been miserable, and he would’ve made your life a living hell. Not to mention it probably wouldn’t have stopped him from killing, anyway. He would’ve done it regardless, because he’s wired that way to get a thrill out of hurting others,”

I pointed out. “You could’ve done nothing, Kallie. Let’s get the keys first, then we’ll kill him, and you can put it behind you.”

“Right.”

Kallie gave a slow, thoughtful nod. “Put it behind me.”

We munched on a charcuterie board for lunch, then sunbathed until Elrye told us it was time for my next appointment. I decided I was already bored of my outfit from that morning and decided to choose another one, although Elrye told me to be dressed for some exercise.

I chose the cutest two-piece tracksuit, and was feeling absolutely extravagant as Elrye led us to another area of the palace— a massive room that was open to the sky and the size of a football field. The walls were made of stone, and the floor underneath us was some sort of bouncy, cushiony material that would be supportive if someone fell.

“This is the palace’s training arena,”

Elrye informed us. “It is where you’ll be practicing your abilities. You don’t have to worry about holding your powers back, as it has been magically reinforced for demigods.”

Kallie looked around. “We could practically blow this place up with our magic and it would still be standing. We don’t have to worry about experimenting with spells that are too powerful.”

“Precisely,”

Elrye said, and she inclined her head. “I will leave you to it. Your companions and the Demigod Guardians will arrive shortly.”

Charlie was already there, leaning against a wall and waiting for the rest of us. He’d slipped out of his suit and changed into a t-shirt and workout pants.

His expression was pretty flat— which I never knew whether to take as a good sign or a bad one. I felt his bitter emotions flood our bond, though, and they were pretty wounded. Something had happened.

“Hey, babe,”

I said lightly, trying to cheer him up. “How’d this morning go?”

Charlie frowned. “I met up with my dad. And his wife.”

Oof. I didn’t know Cameron had remarried. No wonder the conversation hadn’t gone well. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, as long as he stays away from me.”

Not well at all. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“What’s to talk about? He’s moved on. Why bother being upset about something that happened years ago, anyway?”

He shut off his half of our bond, so I couldn’t feel his emotions anymore.

Charlie was obviously hurt, and I wouldn’t make him talk if he didn’t want to. I knew he’d come to me eventually, so I steered the conversation in another direction. “Did you see your grandfather?”

Charlie brightened considerably. “Yeah. It was great. He taught me how to portal through mirrors.”

“That’s awesome.”

At least the day hadn’t been a complete disaster for him.

Marcus ambled in shortly after we did. He hung out with Rishi at a distance, and didn’t make eye contact with any of us. He didn’t say anything, not even a hello, which told me something was bothering him.

Professors Amber and Wykoff entered the room. This time, Amber was followed by her orangutan Familiar, who was carrying a harp.

“I hope you’re up for a workout!”

Wykoff announced. “Today we’ll be doing some hardcore training.”

Right. Couldn’t just laze around all day. I was here to do a job, to protect the people of Ilamanthe, and it was time to work.

Abigail gave me a nod. “I’ll leave you to it, princess. If you need me, I’ll be nearby.”

She exited the room, and Eldin went to stand guard outside the door. Hm. I suppose if Abigail was going to spy on me she’d stay to watch my magical performance. But not excusing herself looked suspicious, too.

I put Abigail out of my mind. I needed to focus on my training, not her.

“Danny’s late,”

Charlie commented snidely. “Does he think we have all day to wait around?”

Wykoff checked her watch. She shook her head, gave a sigh, and stated, “We might as well begin without him. Who knows when he’s going to show up.”

“We’re going to start with a meditation, to delight the senses and invigorate the mind,”

Professor Amber cooed. “This way, your body will be delightfully prepared for the intense experience you’re about to endure all over your form!”

Is she talking about meditating or having an orgasm? Oberi asked.

We didn’t know, but Amber gestured for us to sit. Everyone but me took a seat on the ground, and the orangutan began strumming the harp.

“Close your eyes,”

Amber hummed. “Let yourself float away on the waves of delectable delight. Feel the tremors electrifying through your skin as tingles run on energy currents, from your soul into your earthly form. Transcend the limits of time and space, and become an endless being, one that expands outward in order to encompass all the universe, indulging yourself in sensual pleasure.”

I don’t know what she’s talking about, Charlie whispered telepathically.

I don’t either, but just go with it. My dad had told me Professor Amber was a little weird, but he never explained how much. This was supposed to be an experience, right? Might as well play along.

Oberi was getting into it. I am life. I am death. I am the ending, and the beginning. I am one with the earth and sky!

I attempted to relax, but it was hard when I was connected to Charlie’s mind. He kept thinking that this was pointless— that meditating was a waste of time and we needed to get to work on practicing, so we could be strong enough to beat the Warden.

I cut that connection off. I knew he was impatient, but I needed to ground myself before we began. I listened to the sound of Professor Amber’s voice, and soothed myself to the music of the harp until I felt a faint buzzing throughout my torso. When I had a clear head, I could feel my Fire, Water, and Spirit magic resonating inside of me, and I had a stronger connection to it. Ideas of what I could do with my magic came to me, and how I could utilize them in battle. I was glad we’d started the session with meditation, because it enabled me to center in on the moment so I could think straight.

“Do you feel the vibrations?”

Amber prodded. “Can you sense the titillating, intimate caresses of time and space?—”

The meditation was brought to a screeching halt when one of the doors to the training arena slammed against the wall. My eyes shot open, and I jumped in my chair. Kallie gave a gasp, and Marcus fell over beside me.

Danny strutted into the room like a cocky rooster, did a spin on his heels, then flicked his hair out of his eyes. “I’m here, everyone. No need to get alarmed.”

“Danny, you’re late again,”

Professor Wykoff said patiently.

“I would’ve been on time, but the ladies needed me,”

Danny replied. “So are we working today, or what?”

Danny made a show of tossing off his jacket and doing a couple of arm stretches that were obviously meant to display his muscles. He was dressed in a tight shirt and pants, a hilt holding a short, small blade against his calf.

“I suppose the meditation is over,”

Wykoff noted. “Everyone rise, please.”

The others got to their feet, and I said, “The ceiling’s open to the sun. Why aren’t you frying your ass off right now?”

“The palace has a ward around it so vampires don’t burn,”

Danny said. “I can frolic in the sunshine as much as I please here.”

Charlie scowled. “We need to move on. What’s next?”

“We’ll begin with sparring,”

Wykoff said. “The four of you will be going up against Danny. He’ll be defending himself alone.”

“The four of us against him? He’s not going to be able to keep up,”

Kallie said skeptically.

Danny gave a small laugh. “We’ll see, sweetheart. Unless you’re too afraid to challenge me, even as a group.”

“We’re not afraid. We just know you’re going to get torn to pieces once we’re done,”

Charlie rebutted.