Chapter 14
Idon’t know how much time passes, but I must have fallen asleep. When I wake, I find the room completely dark. After hearing Molly’s explanation about how the Fallen can wield fire, I practically pushed her out of my room, claiming I was tired and wouldn’t need her services for the rest of the night. Honestly, I was overwhelmed and wanted nothing more than some time alone to process everything that happened in the past twenty-four-hour period. I have even more questions now.
My dad is a troll Seeker who can’t wield fire, but he wasn’t shocked about my Gift. He knew I was different. I can’t help my anger as I think about all the years he lied and kept so much from me.
My mind swims as I recount the events of the day, beginning with receiving the Gift of Portal Sight from Calla. The cryptic message about the portal colors, particularly the part, “not all has fallen intoplace”, still fills my mind with questions. Then there was the frantic journey through the tunnel, where Ash and I comforted each other like we’d never missed a beat, regardless of Timber’s presence and his obvious attraction to me. I was shocked when I felt a surge of energy deep within my core, waiting to be released as heat flooded my body. Now I know the fire the Fallen created was directly above where I stood, cowering with Ash. If no troll can wield fire, what does that make me?
Am I one of the Fallen?
My stomach chooses that moment to growl, reminding me I missed dinner. I throw the covers off and step out of bed, making my way to the door. I hope the guard stationed outside can bring me food. I tiptoe across the floor, praying the door doesn’t squeak when I open it. Startled, I realize there’s no guard there. The deathly calm makes my stomach turn, and I decide to leave the safety of my room and find out where everyone is. I make it all the way to the door of King Forrest’s office before I hear muffled voices coming from the other side of the heavy wooden door. The wood is cold against my ear as I lean against it and shamelessly eavesdrop.
“There are now five pregnant trolls,” a male voice accuses.
“Before now, there has only been one pregnancy in two years. How is this possible?” another speaks out.
“That’s not all,” another voice chimes in. “Within the last few weeks, there has only been one death due to old age. No new sicknesses, either.”
My heart rate picks up. The tone of their conversation hints that they think the jewel has been found in this kingdom.
“We must begin canvassing the area and asking our people if anyone has traveled within the last few weeks.” Timber’s voice is loud, demanding.
“Yes, but we must do this without causing undue turmoil,” King Forrest adds. “The mere mention of Jewel’s name almost caused the beginning of a war. That is why we have decided she must be seen.” Low murmurs of assent follow his declaration.
“Unfortunately, my King, the news of so many pregnancies is spreading like wildfire,” another voice grumbles. “Too many people have seen the flowers’ alarming change in color as the expecting mothers walk by; not to mention, the prospective parents have been sharing their news in their excitement.”
“That is a very dangerous game those soon-to-be parents are playing,” King Forrest hints. “Some might view their good fortune and presume they have the stone.”
Paul speaks up. “If I may point out, Your Highness, all the pregnant females live in separate parts of the kingdom, although they share one common factor – they work in the castle. Including my Norell.” With his declaration, I hear shuffling chairs and stomping feet that heralds the barely-contained agitation in the room. “I apologize that you have to find out this way, Your Grace,” Paul rushes to say, “but we’ve kept it secret for the reason Timber just pointed out. Although we are grateful, we are also worried of what’s to come.”
“That means that six trolls are now expecting,” the King concludes thoughtfully. “We must be on our toes, and everyone should be on high alert for the tiniest clue of the stone’s existence in this kingdom. I promise I don’t have it, nor do I know where it is located. I haven’t sent Timber or anyone else on a mission to find it since the East Kingdom was rumored to have it, and Ash is the only one of our Seekers who has been sent to other realms, although he returns each time empty handed.” He pauses, and I can almost feel the collective breath in the room being held in apprehension of the King’s next words. Finally, he speaks. “I will not let our kingdom fall victim to the same kind of fate that befell the vanquished village long ago.”
“Mack!” Timber calls out, his military voice in full effect. “I need a full report of the circumstances around the intruder and the portal he commanded.”
A voice answers, with only a slight tremble to convey his nervousness. “Sir, we sounded the horn as soon as we perceived the intruder, and then encircled him, as per protocol. Your men reacted strictly according to every drill that has been trained.” He pauses, sounding unsure as he continues, “However, when asked, I gave the intruder all the information he asked for, almost as if my will was not my own.”
Timber’s voice is icy as he interjects, “And what information was that?”
The guard, compelled by honor to answer, replies, “He claimed that he came here seeking his daughter, and asked where she was. For some reason, rather than refusing to answer his question, I just kept talking like I wanted to tell him everything I knew. I told him the only new person in our kingdom was Jewel, but that her father was from the Darkland Kingdom.”
“Prince Timber, he’s telling the truth,” an unfamiliar voice defends the guard. “He didn’t intend to give the intruder information, but if he hadn’t answered, one of the others would have. It was like we were compelled to tell him whatever he desired.”
In response, I hear a sword being unsheathed, followed by King Forrest’s booming voice. “Stop! Prince Timber, get it together.” Footsteps stomp across the room, followed by the sound of a chair being pulled out. The King entreats, “Please continue.”
“After that,” the guard continues, “he disappeared through the portal, but not before he cast a ring of fire around it to keep us from following him.” Gasps echo through the door. “I am sorry, King Forrest and Prince Timber. I throw myself upon your mercy.”
Dismissing the guard’s heartfelt plea, the King asks, “What did the intruder look like?”
“He had the same build as the other Fallen we encountered, but this one had black hair. The only other distinguishing characteristic was a scar on his right cheek.”
“Dismissed!” Timber snaps, barely waiting for the guard to finish speaking.
Chairs begin to scrape against the floor, and I take that as my cue to scamper back to my room. Unfortunately, as soon as the office doors start to open, I know I won’t make it back to my room in time. Instead, I duck into an entryway and hide in the shadows. One pair of footsteps stops right before they reach me.
“Timber, a word,” King Forrest’s icy voice commands from the corridor.
Sighing, Timber turns and addresses his father. “I know what you’re thinking, Father. Jewel’s arrival coincides with the conception dates of our females. But we destroyed all her belongings when she came through, except for the necklace she thinks she hides; a silver chain with a silver charm.” I inwardly scoff, rolling my eyes at his superior tone. “Besides, you know the stone we seek is blue, and according to the stories, it’s much bigger than the charm she wears. Ash said it belonged to her human mother who passed, which is why we kept it from you.”
The King huffs, “Fine. If you really think it isn’t here, then we need to start asking our other Seekers if they brought in anything else. I don’t want to be disrespectful to our people, but we might have to start searching their belongings. The pregnant trolls need to understand the danger they are in. If someone gets it in their head that they possess the stone…” He trails off, but the implication is clear. “Paul has already asked if Norell can be moved to the castle in one of the guest rooms. Do you suppose we should offer the others the same protection?”
“Yes. Delegates from the East and West Kingdoms have already come and gone based off Jewel’s name alone. When news of these pregnancies gets out, they will be back. We need to ask the females soon. Good night, Father. It has been a trying day.”
The King claps Timber on the back. “You have done well to get her to trust you so soon.”
“Good night, Father,” Timber responds, his voice clipped.
His father chuckles, and then he turns and walks down the corridor. I hear his footsteps growing fainter by the moment.
“Jewel, you can come out now.”
Busted!Heart hammering, I slide into the hallway with a guilty look on my face. “I’m so glad you managed to get me to trust you!” I add in a snarky tone, rolling my eyes and turning to go back to my room. Timber reaches out and grips my elbow, swinging me back around so close, our chests touch. I feel his chest rise and fall.
“Jewel, you can trust me,” he promises. “I knew you were out here the whole time. You’re not as quiet as you think. Plus, I was standing right next to the door.” He lets go of my arm and I stand there, waiting for him to say what he wants to say. It doesn’t take long. “Look, Jewel, I do want you to trust me, but for different reasons than my father. My father wants you to trust me so he can get information about your father and his kingdom.”
Suspicions confirmed, I challenge, “And what are your reasons for wanting my trust?”
He takes a step back and shakes his head. “Isn’t it obvious? I want you. I’ve been drawn to you ever since our eyes met the day you arrived here. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep… I think about you all the time,” he confides, his voice coming out as a strangled whisper, his minty breath fanning across my face. I feel his hand on the small of my back as he leans in, and I know he’s going to kiss me. I look into his eyes, feeling safe as I lose myself in the sense of calm they bring. His lips brush mine, whisper soft, and our eyes close. I inhale his pine scent and suddenly know I’m not ready for this. I pull back and see the hurt in his eyes.
“Is it because of Ash?” he assumes.
I place a hand on his chest to place some much-needed space between us. “Timber, I just arrived here a handful of days ago and my feelings are a mess. I look at you, and you seem comforting and familiar. You have the uncanny ability to make me feel safe. I can’t place it. I’m drawn to you, but for a completely different reason.”
Now who’s telling a lie?Deep down, I still love Ash and want him to fight for us, but he’s been lying to me the entire time I’ve known him, putting his duty as Seeker before our relationship. I know he loves me, but he broke something within me that he needs to fix. But I can’t tell that to Timber, because he has no idea Ash and I have been together the past four years.
“Okay,” Timber says slowly. “I can handle that. You need time. I’ll give that to you.” His fingertips brush my check. “Now back to the real reason you’re here… Why were you spying on us?”
I take a step back to clear my thoughts. “I lost my way to the kitchen?” I propose. He raises one eyebrow, clearly not buying my story. I huff. “Fine. I didn’t get lost, but that’s where I was headed until I heard raised voices. There were no guards or anyone in sight, so I thought something was happening. You know, with the East and West Kingdoms coming today—yesterday—heck, I don’t even know what time it is!” I say, frustrated.
Timber holds out his hands placatingly and waits for me to calm down, then he takes my hand and tucks it into the crook of his arm before leading me away. “Jewel, I know you overheard the discussion we had, and I need you to understand that this will come to war. I need you to be honest with me – the necklace you wear around your neck is the only remaining thing left that you brought here, correct?”
“Yes, but how did you know I have it?” I thought I’d done a pretty good job of hiding it before he revealed it to his father in the corridor.
“Your hand flutters to it every time you get bored or anxious. I’ve been waiting for the day you slip up to ask you about it, but you never actually pulled it out. And before you ask, I checked on you while you were sleeping and saw it.”
I don’t know how I feel about him watching me sleep, but for some reason I’m not angry. “So, Ash told you about my mother?”
“Not a whole lot, but enough to know you’d hate me if I told you I had to destroy it.”
Sheepishly, I add, “Well, I don’t know if I’d hate you, but it would be heartbreaking for me. It’s the only thing I have left to remind me of her.”
“Do you remember much about her since you were so young when she passed?”
“I don’t remember a lot, but I remember her tucking me in and checking on me when I was sick.” Pity swims in his eyes. “My dad tells me stories of her, though.”
We stay silent the rest of the way to the kitchen, and then I perch on a stool while he starts pulling food from the fridge. “I can’t believe Norell is pregnant,” I muse. “She must be over the moon, considering all the fertility issues here.”
Timber gives a crooked smile. “Yes. Paul has been extra jumpy lately, now that I think about it, but I guess that’s to be expected. He thinks the source of everyone’s good fortune has somehow come from the castle.”
“Is that why he asked if Norell could move in?” I want her safe, too.
“Yes. According to the legends, if the stone is here, their pregnancies will be easier. Beyond that, Paul wants Norell protected at all times. Since the castle is always guarded, she would be, too.”
Puzzle pieces start clicking together in my head and my blood pressure skyrockets. “Not if they think your castle is harboring the stone! They’ll storm the walls to get to it!” My voice gets higher.
“Jewel.” His hand finds mine and a sense of calm washes over me. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” His whole demeanor changes, his eyes lighting up and his smile broadening. “We’ll just keep using you as an excuse for the rumors. Besides, no one but the Darkland would dare hurt a female troll.”
Allowing him to change the subject, I joke, “You can use me as a cop-out, as long as there’s no more tunnel travel in the dark.” Smirking back at him, I shovel food into my mouth.