Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

“ W hat are you doing in here?” he repeats.

“I was just looking around my mother’s quarters. I haven’t been in here before, not since I was little, anyway,” I say. “Why are you here?”

“I wanted to check on you. Your father thought I might find you up here.” He pauses, studying my face for a moment. “Astelle told me you were there earlier, in the corridor.”

His expression is unreadable, and I’m a little surprised he’s bringing this up with me.

Heat rises in my cheeks. “Oh. It wasn’t intentional. I was on my way to visit my father, and I saw the two of you. I didn’t want to interrupt, as it looked a bit…heated.”

He looks up at the ceiling and bites his bottom lip, clenching his fists at his sides. “Usually I would prefer to keep my personal life private, but I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about what you saw.” He leans against the doorway and folds his arms across his broad chest. “Astelle has feelings for me. She has for some time now. I’ve tried to avoid it, but she won’t stop. I had to be firm with her, because it isn’t appropriate. That’s what you saw.” He glances down, his cheeks a little flush.

Wow. That’s not what I expected. Why is he even telling me this? He could have completely avoided this situation.

I raise my hands up. “It’s none of my business. You really don’t need to worry what I think about it.”

He straightens, his expression serious. “I do worry.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, a little unsure what to say to that.

“Your mother had great taste,” he says, gesturing to the dresses, and thankfully changing the subject. “You should take these.”

My focus shifts to the dresses. The thought of wearing one of them somehow doesn’t feel right. I’m sure she would want me to have them, all of them, but still. Something is holding me back.

“You should try one on,” he suggests.

I laugh. “No, I don’t think so. I better be going anyway.”

I move to the doorway, but he steps into my path, blocking me. My heart races a little faster as I back up. He doesn’t look at me, and my palms moisten as nerves swirl in my stomach. His gaze finally meets mine, and there’s a gleam in his eyes I haven’t seen before.

“Are you sure everything’s all right? Is there anything you want to talk about?” His focus drops to my mother’s ring, and I cover it with my hand.

I plaster a smile on my face, trying my best to hide my emotions. “I’m fine. Just a little flustered from being here in her room. That’s all.”

He narrows his eyes on me and closes the distance between us. There isn’t a lot of room in here, and I back up as far as I can, which isn’t much, but he moves forward again.

He touches my cheek, gazing into my eyes. “You are so much like your mother. Do you know that? She would be proud of you.”

My mind swirls as I try to comprehend the situation. He is way too close for comfort, and he’s putting off some seriously strange vibes. I need to go. I shuffle around him and hurry out of the wardrobe. I snatch up the book from her bedside and leave. Fast. I don’t know what’s up with Amaros, but he is acting off, and it’s making me uneasy.

To avoid another interaction with him, I move to the windows and dive out, releasing my wings as I fly down to the second level and land on my balcony. My doors are open, and I walk through into my quarters and place my mother’s book down next to my bed. Her journal is still safely hidden in my robes, and I take it out, gliding my fingers over the symbol etched into the worn leather cover.

This is the last journal she wrote in. Although I’m desperate to read it, something is holding me back. Fear, perhaps, of the unknown. If I read it and uncover something awful, it will destroy me. I don’t know that I can take it. But I need answers. I need to understand why someone is trying to tell me that her murder is a lie.

I sit on the edge of my bed and squeeze my eyes closed as I fill my lungs with a few deep breaths. You can to do this, Zarla, I tell myself. I run my fingers over the worn cover, imagining my mother doing the same. I open the cover, and a strange surge of power rushes throughout my body. The journal drops to the floor as I jump to my feet. What in the gods was that? And then it surges again, stronger this time, and I brace myself against my bed.

There’s a knock at the door, and I snatch the journal up and tuck it under the mattress of my bed. I take a deep breath, composing myself before I answer it. Hethenos stands with Astelle at her side, and Rimel and Yimel behind them. Hethenos barges her way in, shoving me to the side as the others follow her.

“Sure, come on in,” I sarcastically say.

As I go to shut the door, I notice my ring is glowing red, and something inside me tells me not to close it. I leave it half open and step into the room, folding my arms across my chest to hide the ring’s glow.

“Astelle mentioned something of concern,” Hethenos says, arching a brow at me. “Apparently you have been interfering in Astelle and Amaros’s relationship.”

My mouth gapes open at the accusation, and I glare at Astelle. “What?”

“Don’t bother denying it,” Astelle chimes in. “You told me you were spying on us earlier.”

I risk a glance at my ring to see it’s still glowing, and put my hands behind my back as I subtly slip it off and tuck it into the pocket of my robes.

“See?” Astelle says with a wave of her hand toward me. “She’s not even denying it.”

Hethenos narrows her eyes at me.

“I don’t know what she’s told you, but I have no interest in anything regarding her and Amaros. I simply walked in on a tense situation, like I told her, and wanted to see if she was all right.”

Astelle rolls her eyes. “Yeah, right. I’ve seen the way you look at him.”

Is she serious? I rub my hands down my face and tuck my hair behind my ears, my irritation growing. “Astelle, I don’t know how many times I need to say this, but I do not have feelings for Amaros, nor do I care about what goes on between the two of you, and you are deluded if you think I do. I have more important things to do than sneak around, spying on the two of you. Get a grip.”

I hardly have time to duck before Astelle storms up to me and slaps me hard across my face.

“Liar!” she shouts.

I rub my cheek, my skin tingling already from the sensation, and Hethenos steps in front of me.

“You’re just like your mother. She was always out to get the attention of every male she could, flirting her way through the Kingdom. She never knew when to shut her legs. It seems you are walking in her footsteps.” She storms toward the door, Astelle close behind, before turning to me again. “And let this be a final warning. Stay away from Amaros. My daughter is going to be the next Queen, and she will rule over this Kingdom one day. You can be sure of that.”

Astelle storms out of my room, and Hethenos follows, with Yimel close behind. I feel a sudden unease in my stomach when Rimel lingers near the door, pushing it almost closed before moving towards me. I back up and bump into the doorframe to my bathroom, and he stops in front of me, far too close for my liking.

My stomach knots as he moves his gaze down my body. “You know, I’m always around if you need someone to…chat to.” He reaches up and takes a lock of my hair, gently gliding it through his fingers.

My heart is racing at this point, and I’m frozen in place.

Zarla? Are you okay?

I can’t even respond to Finlay. I feel totally and utterly powerless.

Rimel’s eyes search mine for a moment before he gives me a creepy smirk.

Zarla? Finlay calls out.

Someone enters the room, and relief floods through me when I see Mikel.

He storms towards Rimel and shoves him aside. “Get out. Now,” he demands.

It’s only then I realise I’m shaking. My gaze darts around the room to see Rimel is gone. It’s just Mikel and me now. He walks towards me, and I back up into my bathroom.

He raises his hands. “Zarla, it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. I want you to lock this door. I’m going to get Lissian, all right?”

I nod. “Okay.”

After he leaves, I lock the door, then lock myself in my bathroom.

I’m still reeling from what just happened, and my hands won’t stop shaking. What the hell is wrong with them? Astelle is deluded, and her mother is crazy. I glance at my reflection in the mirror. My cheek is red where Astelle slapped me, and my eyes are glistening a little in the light.

Don’t cry , I tell myself. It’ll be okay . They don’t deserve your tears.

Zarla, I swear by the gods if you don’t answer me, I’m going to leave Kyle and come and find you.

His words do the trick, snapping me back to reality. Don’t you dare leave. I’m fine.

I’m not buying it, but okay. I’m here if you need me.

I don’t respond to him and instead unlock the bathroom door, walk to my bed on shaky legs, and take a seat.

“How dare they,” Lissian says, her voice laced with anger. “She has no right to touch you. Those guards are out of control. Hethenos is out of control. Just wait until Harlum hears about this.”

I leap to my feet, dropping the bag of ice I have been holding against my cheek. The skin feels numb, which is better. “Please don’t say anything. I don’t want to cause any more trouble than I already have.”

Lissian takes my hands in hers and stares into my eyes. “Zarla, dear, listen to me. What they did was not okay. It was intimidating and out of line. You are the King’s daughter?—”

“And so is she,” I interrupt.

Lissian tilts her head to the side. “Serona, your mother, was the love of his life. You are their daughter. He would not stand for this treatment.”

The bag of ice is slowly melting in the heat. I pick it up and place it down next to my bed. “Please don’t say anything. I can handle it.” I look at her, pleading with her to do as I ask.

She glances over to Mikel, who is guarding the door, and he shakes his head.

“Please,” I beg. “It’ll only cause more harm than good.”

Lissian pulls me into her arms and strokes my hair. “I will do as you ask. But I won’t hesitate to talk to Harlum if anything even remotely like this happens again. You hear me?”

After I agree to her terms, they reluctantly leave me alone. Mikel insisted he stay and guard outside my quarters, but I said there was no need, that I was heading out for some air. I glide over the Kingdom toward the Dark Forest, a place I have always felt at peace. Of course, I never go into the forest, but I love how calm it is there.

I land on the soft grass near the edge of the tree line, feeling better already. I breathe in the forest’s earthy scents of moss and leaves and close my eyes, taking a moment to relax.

Get yourself together, Zarla. Kyle needs you .

The wind picks up, blowing my hair around my face, and I shiver a little in the autumn chill. Reaching into my pocket, I pull my ring out, which is no longer glowing, and I slip it back onto my finger. I need more information about this ring. Why does it glow at random? Until I know more, I need to be careful with it. It could be dangerous, and instinct tells me it’s powerful. Not something I want the wrong person to get their hands on.

I wander down the edge of the tree line, basking in the beauty. This forest is ancient, and I can practically hear the trees speaking to one another as their leaves dance around in the breeze. And then I spot them. Several small makeshift huts made from sticks and branches, tucked inside the tree line. My brows knit together as I study them. They have a sense of familiarity about them. Did I make them?

I step into the forest and pause. Maybe it’s not the best idea going into the Dark Forest alone. But it’s not like I’m going that far in. I can see the huts from here. I shake off the doubt creeping its way into my stomach, and make my way through the trees to the huts.

A smile spreads across my lips when I reach them. It’s clear young angels made them, judging by how small they are. How long have they been here? There are many branches all leaning in on one another to make a triangle, and there’s a small opening to crawl through.

I crouch down to peek inside, my heart warming at the drawings on the branches and the purple ribbons hanging around the roof. Purple is one of my favourite colours.

A low growl startles me, and I freeze, fearing what it could be.

A branch snaps, and I turn to face the Zelon, its warm breath fogging in the chilly air with each gentle puff. It opens its mouth slightly, revealing its razor-sharp teeth. I gulp back the lump in my throat.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen one, and I remember with startling clarity that the last time was when one tried to eat Lacinda. This one appears calm and just stares at me, assessing me. The strangest thing is that I feel calm too. Like somehow I know it won’t hurt me. Judging by the purple markings around its neck, this one is a male.

He lowers his head, his deep-purple, almost black skin glistening a little with each movement. His amethyst eyes scan my face as he eases closer, his enormous paws crunching the leaves beneath them. He stops a few feet away, his warm breath tickling my cheek, and lowers his front legs to the forest floor.

Instinct tells me it’s an invitation. Cautiously, I reach out and touch his head, stroking his smooth skin. I move my hand down his neck around the side of his face. Wow! It truly is a magnificent creature. The Zelon rubs his face against mine before lowering it toward the ground. He spreads his wings out, as if ready to take flight, and I somehow know what he’s inviting me to do.

“You want to take me for a ride, huh, boy?”

He purrs in response, and I laugh.

This is probably a terrible idea. I climb up onto his back, and he purrs in approval. I can’t help but laugh at the insanity of the situation. Here I am, sitting on top of a Zelon. He stands tall once more, and I pat his thick neck.

He moves through the forest, picking up his pace, and we are soon blasting through bushes and darting between trees at rapid speed as the wind whips by my face.

It’s incredible. He flaps his enormous wings and takes off up into the air. I slide my arms around his muscular neck as a wide grin spreads across my lips. We soar high above the forest, and it’s nothing short of magical. The sun is setting in the distance, casting beautiful orange and pink hues across the sky. I have never flown up here before. The academy teachers warned us to maintain a safe distance from the Dark Forest. And now I wish I hadn’t followed that advice.

A loud yelp sounds below, and I look down to where a group of Zelons are running through the forest. There must be at least a dozen of them, as well as some of their young. The Zelon I’m riding yelps back, and we continue to fly overhead. After a few minutes, we glide back down to the forest floor, and I spot a clearing up ahead.

There’s a large river flowing through it, and I’m guessing it originates from the mountains in the distance. We land with a soft thud, and the Zelon leans down to allow me to climb off. He rubs his face against mine once more, then sits down amongst the flowers.

“Thank you for the ride,” I say, and he grunts. Definitely a male.

The clearing is large with some patches of grass, and there are flowers everywhere. I realise they are the same flowers as the ones in my guardian markings. Sharpae. I pick one and bring it to my nose, taking in its beautiful floral scent, and my fingers burn. I immediately drop it, remembering it’s poisonous, thankful for my healing abilities as the pain dissipates.

I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the forest. Birds chirping, the flow of the river, the yelps of the Zelons in the distance. It’s magical.

The sound of twigs snapping catches my attention as two young Zelons race out into the clearing, followed by a larger one. Their mother, I soon realise. They barge into the male I’m with, their father by the looks of it, and he licks their faces. The female seems cautious at first until the male rubs his face with hers. She then wanders over to me and does the same.

“Hey, girl,” I say, stroking her face.

What incredible creatures they are. I don’t know why they aren’t being hostile or territorial toward me like I have witnessed in the past, but it’s a relief. The male Zelon is staring out across the river, and I cast my gaze out to where he’s looking.

“You see something out there?” I ask, and he grunts.

I can’t see anything other than more Sharpae and grass across the river, but it’s hard to tell from this distance. I release my wings and fly over the river to the clearing on the other side. The male Zelon is still sitting, watching me, his young pups playing around his paws.

There’s not much to see over here, just more of the same. I circle the edge of the clearing, and then I see it. The air about thirty feet away looks strange, out of place. There’s something there, something somewhat invisible, but not quite. It’s like the surrounding air is distorted. I cautiously move closer, and it becomes a little clearer.

I take in a sharp breath. It’s a gateway. There’s an archway with subtle gold symbols glowing around it. The language of the gods. I carefully read the symbols, which translate to “The Gateway of the Gods.”

It’s some sort of portal. I’m still confused how I’m able to read the language of the gods, but I don’t have time to think about that right now.

The Zelons across the river grow unsettled, yelping as they move around, and it feels like a warning. I scan the clearing, which has somehow grown much darker. The trees surrounding the perimeter sway in the breeze, and autumn leaves dance around my feet before floating up into the air. Something feels off. The Zelons are standing on their hind legs, yelping out to me, and then they all abruptly turn and run off into the forest, leaving me alone.

There’s an obvious shift in the air as it grows cooler, and I know I need to leave. Now. But it’s too late. My ring is glowing red again, and my gut instinct is telling me that something’s wrong.

The gateway shifts as it becomes clearer, and then a group of watchers step through it into the clearing.