3. Beatriz
Chapter 3
Beatriz
Perhaps Monserrat was correct. I would find a way to convince Papá to let Zichri visit me, and she had given me the perfect leverage.
That night, guards in green livery opened gilded doors to let me into the King’s Corridor even though the palace’s lamps had already been turned low for the night.
“Princess,” the tall guard bowed his head, “the king might still be awake.” He winked.
“Thank you, good sir.” I kept my chin high and my resolve even higher. My boots stomped through the doors and over the lattice design on the marble floors.
Thoughts poured into my mind faster than the surf during a full moon . It’s now or forever waiting. Tonight, I’ll beg Papá to allow Zichri to return to Giddelian soil even though he hasn’t secured a treaty yet. There has to be a way to circumvent the edict banning marriage to those in an enemy kingdom. And if he won’t listen, I’ll tell him I have information I will only share with Zichri by my side.
The hefty stack of letters swung in my right sleeve as I strode through the long corridor, passing Mamá’s quarters. They brought me comfort and reminded me of why I needed to risk censure. Papá had to know Zichri wasn’t our enemy, and neither was most of the Himzo kingdom.
The guards tapped the doors shut behind me, enveloping me in deeper shadow. I swallowed hard and let out a long breath. There was no going back. I would have this conversation in five more paces.
An orange light cut around Papá’s cracked-open door from his quarters. He must have just entered or perhaps someone accompanied him. Either way, the light had to be a sign that my three months of hinting and being patient would pay off. Papá rarely had a free moment since the Himzo and Pedrozian attack.
I slowed my gait as I neared the light. My stomach curled into a tight ball. Would this night dig me into a worse predicament? Then again, what could be worse than being parted from my love with no hope of a reunion?
Papá’s decadent door stood before me like a cursed mountain, daring me to risk my heart. I tiptoed as I approached. My shaky hand stretched to push into the sitting room I had visited so many times before.
“Don’t, Ezer, give her time.” Mamá’s voice held a sternness.
“We’ve given her time. All she cares about is the boy. The boy. The boy.”
“Do you blame her? Especially with Cosme setting a wedding date.”
“What do you expect me to do? Forget Himzo broke into this palace? Our home. They turned our allies against us and stirred so much discord among the Agata Sea kingdoms that we don’t know who will attack next.”
Mamá sighed. “But Zichri saved Beatriz and fought with us.”
“I know. I know. Why else would I even consider allowing him to marry Beatriz?”
The slit in the door called me to peek. I leaned closer, letting dim lamplight touch my face.
Mamá crossed her arms in the sleeveless champagne nightgown she wore. A small scar on her shoulder stood out on her perfect tan skin. She had explained that an evil whyzer had marked her. Rather than training her in her gift, he had used her magical ability for his dark purposes. The mark caused apprehension to stir inside of me. Even a whyzer, who was supposed to hear from the Ancient One, could be turned to misuse the giftings. I curled my fingers into my palms despite my gifting remaining tamed beneath my skin.
Papá crossed in front of Mamá, blocking my view of her.
“Perhaps you should ease restrictions,” Mamá said.
“I allow his comrades to tramp in my home to deliver that boy’s letters.”
“I see we’re not going to agree.”
“No, we’re not. Tomorrow, I am sending for my brother. His messenger is outside my window, and the bird only stays a day or so when he comes. Who knows when Ulyses will send word again.”
Mamá inhaled sharply. “That isn’t a prudent decision. She doesn’t want to use her gifting.”
“She needs to use it. I’ve coddled her these last three months, allowing her to mope around and take on no responsibility.”
“She’s trying. You act like she didn’t accidentally kill her best friend with her gift. I would be terrified to use my powers again if someone died with the wave of my hand.”
“Many people have died at the wave of your hand.”
“Ezer,” Mamá reprimanded.
“What? It’s true. But you know how to control your abilities. That’s why we need someone to train her. I don’t understand her gifting, and she needs someone to help.”
“You can’t demand her to obey you when she’s traumatized. Especially if you aren’t willing to compromise.”
A silent minute rang louder than their argument. My chin fell to my chest, and tears dribbled over my cheeks. All this time, I thought Papá had been softening to the idea of letting Zichri visit or even eventually allowing for a betrothal without a treaty.
“Do you feel that?” Papá asked.
My eyes snapped wide, and the muscles in my legs stilled from an invisible pressure.
“There’s someone.” Papá swung his door open. “Who do you think—Beatriz?”
A greeting quivered out my throat. “Ehh … I came to …” The pressure melted from around my calves.
“How long have you been standing there?” Papá asked.
I swallowed a lump of worry so big, I thought my stomach might erupt. There was no freeing myself from accusation. Better to make my request. “Papá, I need you to let Zichri visit.”
Papá turned his hazel eyes over his shoulder toward Mamá.
Mamá maintained a regal chin and lifted a dark brow. A hint of amusement pressed the corners of her full lips, saying I told you so. I needed to practice that look some more in the mirror.
Papá returned his stern gaze toward me. “No.”
“But Papá, this won’t change any of your dealings with Himzo. And I have inf—”
“No.”
My throat constricted as if my insides inflamed all at once. I pressed my fingers over my warm neck, massaging my flesh. What was this wretched curse? Like earlier, when I couldn’t speak about Monserrat’s letters.
Mamá drew near and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
I prayed. Ancient One, please heal my throat, and change Papá’s heart.
Papá scratched his peppered beard, glancing at Mamá. “Then, perhaps … you can join your brother’s band of Dotados?”
Swallowing, I decided to avoid Monserrat’s revelation. I’d find another time and way to share Aracibel’s betrayal. Better to speak than be silenced. The invisible grip over my tongue subsided, allowing movement to return to my mouth.
“Beatriz? Did you hear me?” Papá asked.
I cleared my throat. “How can I join them? I don’t have a gift to offer.”
Papá’s thick eyebrows knotted together. “You have powers.”
“Powers I will never use again.” Prickles of magic raced along my arms. I fisted my hands, pressing my nails into my palms.
“Then, my dear Beatriz, the answer is no. Zichri may not step foot inside the palace grounds unless he plans to become a prisoner.”
“Please, Ezer.” Mamá bit her lip at one sharp look from Papá.
He said in a measured tone, “Our daughter can have what she desires if she learns to use her gifting. Compromise. Remember?”
Short breaths pushed from my chest. Sweat beaded my nose. I clapped a hand over my mouth, trying to calm down. An image of blood dripping from my best friend’s mouth because of what I’d done flashed through my mind. I squeezed my eyes shut, but it was still there.
Papá’s strong arms wrapped around my back, and Mamá gently squeezed my shoulder. I inhaled his sandalwood scent and her flowery perfume. They held me until my body stopped trembling.
With his index finger, Papá lifted my chin to meet his gaze. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
I swiped my cheek and nodded.
“I’m going to send word to your Uncle Uly.” Papá’s voice came out so softly I almost missed it. “He’s a whyzer who can help guide you. In the meantime, Cosme could use your help to make his betrothed feel welcome. You’ll join the Dotados when you’re ready.”
The idea of letting out this power brewed a fresh new storm inside of me. “Will you allow Zichri to visit in the time being?”
Papá took a step back. “Not until your uncle is satisfied with your progress.”
Blood pounded in my temples. “Zichri will find a way to get a treaty.” I ripped myself from Papá’s grasp and ran. They weren’t going to budge, and neither would I.
“Beatriz, come here,” Mamá called.
I lifted my dress skirt and sprinted to the end of the corridor; my bones vibrated with every stomp. I’d have to find a different way to unite Giddel with Himzo, to get a treaty, and help my brother. But I’d never use the wretched gift pulsing within my skin.