Chapter 18 Rose
After ensuring everything at Anadawn was in order, Rose departed the palace the morning after Wren, with Celeste at her side. They reached the edge of the Ganyeve Desert just before sunset. They’d been riding for several hours, and Rose guessed they still had several more to go. Rose thanked the stars that in the previous months, the Sunkissed Kingdom had come to reside closer to Anadawn than ever before, but if she had her way it would linger right at the edge of the desert, a stone’s throw from the Eshlinn woods beyond her palace.
Thankfully, their horses were far from tired. Rose’s mare was a dappled silver, with a moon-white mane and tail. It was a Yulemas gift from Shen, and she had loved the horse at once. Shen had been just as moved by her gift – an intricate sundial inscribed with some of Rose’s favourite romantic poetry, where a different line was set aglow every hour of the day.
She’d christened her horse Starlight, and when Wren had laughed and told her that it sounded like a name a child would pick for a horse, Rose had simply shrugged. ‘It suits her,’ she’d insisted, brushing out Starlight’s shining mane.
The following morning, Wren had decided to name her horse Breeze, and Rose had smiled, thinking they were not so different after all.
Celeste had taken her own stalwart horse, Lady, and both women travelled in companionable silence as they crossed into the desert. The horses were surefooted and quick, and Rose had the feeling that they would find their way back home to the Sunkissed Kingdom even if she wasn’t guiding them. For a long time, the only sound was the gentle shhh of their hooves hitting the sand and the occasional melody of the shifting dunes, ringing in their ears.
Rose would forever associate the sound with the first time she found herself in the desert with Shen, and even now, hearing the hum of the restless sands made her want to urge Starlight faster so she could be reunited with him all the sooner.
She hadn’t told Shen she was coming. With birds dropping from the skies of Eana, she had no way to safely send him such an important message – and if she could, she wouldn’t need to take the trip herself. Rose knew she was going to the Sunkissed Kingdom with a mission, and a serious one at that, but she also couldn’t deny how much she yearned to see Shen. And this time it would be her surprising him, instead of the other way around. She couldn’t help imagining the look on his face when he saw her riding through the ruby gates of the Sunkissed Kingdom. Rose could perfectly picture his eyes lighting up as they landed on her, his grin spreading until his dimple appeared. She would leap from the horse and run to him, and then—
‘Stars! How is it still so hot?’ Celeste’s voice broke through Rose’s daydream. ‘The deeper we go, the worse it gets!’
Rose laughed, remembering how she had felt when she had first awoken in the desert. ‘It will cool now the sun is setting. Soon, the moon will rise.’
Celeste wiped her brow. ‘I thought I knew heat. I’ve spent long summers on the southern seas with Marino. And there, the sun beats down on you from above and reflects back up at you from the sea. But this? This is simply unreasonable.’
To her surprise, Rose found she didn’t mind the heat. Not the way she once did. She grinned as she thought about telling Shen how she was adapting to his homeland. She was no longer the sheltered flower she once was – no, she felt that she was now someone who could flourish anywhere she went.
She was stronger than she’d realized.
Stronger than anyone had realized.
And that made her feel as if she could face anything. Even Oonagh Starcrest.
‘It is beautiful, though,’ said Celeste, almost as an afterthought. ‘Especially now the stars are coming out. I don’t know what I imagined but it wasn’t this.’
Rose knew exactly what she meant. As they rode on, the sky darkened from a riot of pinks and purples into an indigo tapestry dotted with silver-bright stars.
‘Surely we must be nearly there,’ said Celeste.
‘We’re close,’ Rose confirmed, just as the sand began to tremble.
‘Rose?’ said Celeste, voice rising in a panic. ‘Is that supposed to happen?’
‘Stay on your horse!’ said Rose, frantically looking around to see the source of the upheaval. Was it a blood beetle? Some other kind of desert beast?
The dunes in the distance were shaking, sand pouring down their sides, as if something were trying to punch up through the earth. A sickening crack appeared before them, rivers of sand tumbling down inside it.
Then, as quickly as it had come on, the shaking stopped.
‘It was an earthquake,’ breathed Rose, eyeing the chasm that had opened up before them. It was long and jagged, but not wide enough to stop them. She hoped. ‘Come on, Starlight. Jump!’
Rose gripped the reins tight, as the horse leaped over the gaping crack in the earth, clearing it with almost a foot to spare. Celeste and Lady landed a heartbeat later, and Rose smiled at her best friend, relief and triumph rushing through her.
They rode on, quicker now.
‘Eana has never had an earthquake before,’ said Celeste, once she had caught her breath. ‘Or at least not one that I know of.’
‘Nor I,’ said Rose, uneasily. ‘I’ve felt the sands move, but never like that.’
‘Is it … ?’ Celeste trailed off and Rose knew she was afraid to even say Oonagh’s name, as if it would summon her.
Rose would not allow Oonagh to have that power over them.
‘If it is Oonagh’s doing, we will find out soon enough,’ she said, firmly. ‘Come. We must hurry!’ Her search for a weapon felt more urgent than ever, as if Oonagh herself might rise out of the chasm in the desert and snatch her.
At last, they spied the Sunkissed Kingdom, glittering in the distance. The small but mighty city was entirely contained behind high sandstone walls that shimmered under the rising moon. To Rose’s surprise, the towering scarlet gates were flung wide open. Not closed, as she had expected.
Strange.
And stranger still, where moments ago, there had been only the song of the shifting sands, now she could hear music. A low pounding of drums, then the familiar twang of string instruments.
Was the Sunkissed Kingdom having a celebration of some kind? Certainly Rose would have been invited, wouldn’t she? Just as Shen had been invited to her own spring celebration.
Rose felt a prickle of unease. Well. She supposed it was none of her business what kind of events went on in the Sunkissed Kingdom. And never mind if Shen was having a party – she was here with a purpose.
‘Are they expecting us?’ said Celeste, uncertainly. ‘Or are the gates usually open?’
‘I’m not sure,’ admitted Rose. ‘Come, let’s investigate.’
As they drew closer, Rose saw that there were two footmen at the entrance, both dressed in red and black silk tunics. The first approached her and Celeste, bowing low.
Rose thought he must have recognized her as queen of Eana, until he spoke. ‘Welcome to the Sunkissed Kingdom, ladies. We are glad you found us, and hope the journey here was not too arduous.’ The speech sounded … rehearsed. Rose wanted to interrupt, to tell this oblivious footman that she had, in fact, been to the Sunkissed Kingdom before, that she’d been with Shen and Kai when they’d found it under the sand, for stars’ sake, but she let him go on. ‘Unfortunately, you’ve missed our formal welcome banquet but not to worry, there is still plenty of food to be had. We can take your horses for you, and if you hurry, you’ll be able to join in the talent display. Everyone has gathered in the square. It’s in the heart of the city – just follow the sand statues to the main promenade, and you can’t miss it.’
Rose frowned. What on earth was he talking about?
‘Talent display?’ said Celeste, mirroring her confusion. ‘Whatever for?’
The two footmen exchanged a look. ‘Of course, a talent is not required,’ said the other one, delicately, as if he were trying to spare her feelings. ‘If you would rather wait to be presented to King Shen during the ceremonial dancing, that can also be arranged. We need only your names, and of course, your home country.’
‘Presented?’ repeated Celeste.
‘Our names?’ Rose choked out. ‘This must be a joke.’
But the footmen were stone-faced.
From somewhere inside the walls, a thunder of applause rang out.
‘Name and country,’ repeated the first footman. ‘So His Majesty knows who you are.’
‘Shen knows who I am,’ said Rose, frostily.
‘King Shen,’ corrected the other footman. ‘And of course he does. He invited you here, did he not?’ The men chuckled at the very idea of someone appearing uninvited at the gates.
Celeste joined in with their forced laughter. ‘Yes, of course,’ she said, summoning a smile. ‘How else would one be presented if not formally? I am Lady Celeste Pegasi and this is Queen Rose Valhart.’ She paused, meaningfully. ‘Of Eana. I trust you’re both familiar with Eana?’
The footman balked at Rose. ‘I … oh …’
The other looked through his scroll, frantically searching for their names.
Celeste deftly batted it away. ‘Surely there’s no need for such formalities.’
There came another burst of raucous applause from deep within the maze of the city walls. ‘It sounds as if someone is making quite the impression!’ said Celeste, sliding off her horse. ‘We should go and see for ourselves.’
Rose followed suit, trying not to show her annoyance as she sashayed past them. ‘Good evening, gentlemen.’
Rose deftly wound her way through the familiar maze of stone paths, drawing ever closer to the commotion in the heart of the city. The streets were utterly deserted, making her feel even more off-kilter. Or perhaps it was the conversation with Shen’s footmen that had made her uneasy. She had been so confused, she had not even thought to ask them if they had felt the desert quake.
‘Are you all right?’ asked Celeste, quickening to match her pace.
‘Nothing is making any sense!’ said Rose. ‘The footman said that Shen had sent out invitations. But to what, exactly?’
And why did I not receive one?she thought, too embarrassed to voice her hurt aloud.
‘I’m sure we’ll find out,’ said Celeste. ‘Look at those giant sand statues! This must be the path we’re meant to take.’
They hurried over, and Rose laughed when they reached the first statue. ‘It looks just like Shen! It even has his dimple!’ The statues had clearly been crafted with enchantment magic, each one so detailed they almost appeared to be breathing.
‘If that’s Shen, then who’s she?’ said Celeste, moving on to the next one.
Rose frowned as she studied the statue. She was a buxom woman with a five-pointed crown on her head and hair so long it nearly reached the ground.
‘Strange,’ she murmured. ‘She has the crest of Demarre on her dress. And that woman next to her, she’s wearing a honey-drop flower on her gown. Isn’t that the symbol of Krale?’ Rose pointed to another nearby statue, a gasp catching in her throat. ‘Goodness! Is that Princess Anika?’
‘From Gevra?’ Celeste inspected it. ‘Stars, I think you’re right! I’d recognize that wicked smile anywhere.’
‘Oh, you would, would you?’ said Rose, playfully nudging her friend. Then she frowned as another cheer rang out across the city. ‘This is all extremely puzzling.’
‘Indeed,’ said Celeste, still gazing at the sand statue of Anika.
‘Stop making eyes at the statue, Celeste. We need to get to the square.’ Rose pulled her friend along until they reached the end of the path, where they nearly bumped into a young girl who was using her magic to whirl a new statue from a nearby pile of sand. The witch glanced up as they approached. ‘Oh! Hello!’ She beamed. ‘You must be here for the King’s Choice. I’m afraid I don’t have time to carve your sculpture right now but if you come back tomorrow morning, I’ll add you to the gallery.’
Rose didn’t like the sound of whatever the ‘King’s Choice’ was meant to be, and she was getting impatient. As another cheer rattled through the night, she simply nodded and smiled, hurrying past the witch and into the square.
A large crowd was gathered there, everyone cheering and whooping so loudly, Rose had to stand on her tiptoes to see what they were looking at.
The courtyard was lavishly decorated. Hundreds of red and gold lanterns floated over the revellers, while trailing garlands hung with glowing flowers were strung across the walls. Long wooden tables covered with what looked to be the leftovers from a decadent feast lined the perimeter of the square, while the crowd clustered around the central dais that held a row of eight golden chairs. On each chair sat a woman, each wearing a crown. Rose frowned, recognizing the women from their sand sculptures.
Her frown deepened at the sound of a familiar laugh. Shen, her Shen, was standing in front of this row of preening women, laughing.
A loud voice echoed above the din. ‘From the kingdom of Vask, we welcome Princess Ida.’ A short woman with pale skin and curly red hair stood and curtsied. She wore a teal velvet gown pinned with hundreds of crystals.
‘Vask?’ Celeste whispered in Rose’s ear. ‘Vask is beyond even Gevra! How did a princess from the northern continent travel through Eana without us knowing?’
‘I have no idea,’ Rose whispered back. ‘But I intend to find out.’
The princess of Vask curtsied again, this time towards Shen, who bowed and kissed her hand.
Rose felt her own hand begin to tremble. She was grateful when Celeste took it and squeezed tight.
‘The people of Vask were gladdened to hear of the rediscovery of the Sunkissed Kingdom,’ Princess Ida said, her voice light and airy. ‘In Vask, we, too, appreciate great warriors and fine weaponry. We enjoy the beauty of a good blade, particularly the music it makes when it cuts down an enemy.’
‘Charming,’ Celeste muttered.
‘In Vask, every child has a blade bestowed upon them at the moment of their birth. As we grow, we learn to master it. To love it. To become it.’ As Princess Ida spoke, her voice grew higher in pitch. Then she stood and unsheathed a long silver sword that was strung across her back. ‘We do not possess the magic your kingdom has been blessed with, King Shen. But this talent comes from years of disciplined training. It is my honour to present to you the Sword Swallow of Vask.’
‘The what now?’ hissed Celeste.
Rose hushed Celeste, her eyes pinned to the Vaskan princess as she began to spin like a top, round and round, her gown fanning out around her as she rose up on her toes. Then there was a flash of silver as she tossed her sword in the air. It flipped once, twice, then plummeted down towards the still-spinning Princess Ida, who tilted her head back and opened her mouth.
The crowd froze as the sword slid into her mouth and down her throat, until all that was visible was the fine black hilt.
Rose’s own mouth dropped open at the sight.
With one smooth movement, the Vaskan princess stopped spinning and pulled the sword from her mouth, presenting it to Shen.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
‘That was … certainly something,’ muttered Celeste.
Rose was too shocked to say anything at all. She felt as though she had tumbled into some kind of nightmare.
Shen took the sword from the princess, his eyes dancing with mischief. ‘What a remarkable talent you have, Princess Ida,’ he said, deftly. ‘Not to mention an iron stomach.’
‘I’ve never met a sword I cannot swallow, Your Majesty.’ The princess winked, and the crowd, drunk on wine and heady from being courted – because Rose was sure now that the entire Sunkissed Kingdom was being courted – cheered even louder.
‘I’d like to run her through with a sword,’ she said under her breath.
‘That was the most unsettling thing I’ve ever seen,’ remarked Celeste. ‘And I’ve seen King Alarik in leather trousers.’
Princess Ida returned to her seat, but Rose noticed how her gaze stayed on Shen. ‘She has some nerve.’
Celeste cleared her throat. ‘Perhaps we should tell Shen we’re here before someone swallows a lantern and goes up in flames.’
Before Rose could voice her agreement, a horn sounded and the crowd stilled in expectation. ‘And now we welcome Queen Adrienne of Krale.’
Rose craned her neck to get a good look at the queen, who she knew had been ruling the famously mountainous country of Krale since the tender age of thirteen. The queen of Krale had dark brown skin and large eyes. Her black hair was shorn close to her scalp and her gown was a sheath of pearly white, with a high neckline and long, billowing sleeves.
Unlike Princess Ida, Queen Adrienne did not curtsy, but stood straight-backed before Shen, presenting her hand for him to kiss. When he did, Rose felt as if she was going to cry.
‘I’m afraid in Krale we do not swallow swords,’ Queen Adrienne said, with a soft smile. ‘Nor are we famed for our fighting. But we do sing.’ She batted her long lashes. ‘I have heard it said that the sound of my song is so sweet it can make even the fiercest warrior lay down their weapon.’
Celeste snorted. ‘I’ve never heard such a tall tale. I bet she sounds like a constipated duck.’ Rose’s answering giggle was short-lived. When Queen Adrienne began to sing, she was sure it was true.
It was the most beautiful sound she’d ever heard, the queen’s voice so close to magic, Rose’s cheeks began to prickle. The queen of Krale sang in a language Rose didn’t understand but she could plainly tell it was a love song. There was longing in her voice, yearning in her eyes, and for the entirety of the song, she kept her gaze locked on Shen, who stared right back at her, entranced.
Rose’s heart ached. While she could carry a tune well enough and even play the pianoforte, she knew she would never be able to sing the way the queen of Krale did and mesmerize a man – much less an entire crowd – with such ease.
As Queen Adrienne’s song came to a close, the crowd stood silent as if they all shared one lung and were holding the same breath. Shen stood transfixed, too, and when it was over, he took Queen Adrienne’s hand and kissed it again.
‘Thank you, Queen Adrienne,’ he said, his voice thick with emotion. ‘That truly was a gift.’
Queen Adrienne grinned as she returned to her seat.
‘It wasn’t that good,’ said Celeste.
‘Then why are there tears in your eyes?’ said Rose.
‘Wayward raindrop,’ mumbled Celeste.
Rose squeezed her hand. ‘You’re a good friend.’
Celeste glanced sidelong at her. ‘Even though I can’t swallow a sword?’
Rose giggled. ‘That only makes me like you more.’
The horn sounded again. ‘We welcome Princess Elladora from Demarre!’
‘That’s her name,’ said Celeste, with a jolt. ‘Remember when she came to Anadawn? She was visiting with her parents and she fell into a rose bush and cried.’ She chuckled at the memory. ‘She had to sit on a special cushion at dinner.’
‘Of course,’ said Rose, brightening at the memory. ‘I remember now. She certainly looks different.’
Princess Elladora stood, her golden hair flowing to the floor. She had light brown skin and pale green eyes that perfectly matched the colour of her gown. The dress was cut low at the front, the long train trailing behind her as she took a step towards Shen. Around her waist was a thin belt hung with silver stars.
‘Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful kingdom, King Shen.’ Her voice was low and hypnotic. ‘When my people heard of its discovery, we released two dozen royal doves and sent them across the sea in celebration. We hope that one may have even reached you here in your desert home.’
‘I’ve never heard something so ridiculous,’ muttered Celeste.
‘Thank you, Princess Elladora,’ said Shen, with a gracious smile. ‘Any emissaries from Demarre, including those with wings, are most welcome here.’
Princess Elladora curtsied. ‘I do not sing nor do I swallow swords. But I have brought my stars. I hope they will please you and your people.’ She removed four stars from her belt, each of which had sharp, shining edges. ‘I pride myself on my precision,’ she said, tossing back her long, silky hair. ‘I must ask you, King Shen, do you agree that trust is the most important element between two countries beginning an alliance?’
‘It is,’ said Shen.
Rose bristled. ‘Talk about stating the obvious.’
‘Then please trust me when I ask you to step in front of me and stay perfectly still.’
Shen did as he was told, but even at the back of the crowd Rose didn’t miss the tightening of his jaw, the curling of his fists by his side. He was nervous. And so was Rose.
‘Tell me, King Shen,’ said Princess Elladora, flashing two perfect rows of pearly teeth. ‘If I impress the crowd, do I win a kiss?’
Rose inhaled sharply.
‘Shameless!’ cried Celeste.
Shen was nonplussed. ‘I think they’re already more than impressed with what they’ve seen,’ he said, returning an easy smile. ‘It will be hard to impress them further.’
‘I do like a challenge,’ said Princess Elladora, coyly. She flicked her wrists and the stars flew towards Shen, their sharp edges glinting in the moonlight. Rose gasped as they sliced through Shen’s silk shirt. The material fell away from his torso in ruined shreds, leaving him standing bare-chested, but unharmed.
The stars clattered to the floor and the crowd erupted.
Shen chuckled as he surveyed himself. ‘That was impressive,’ he said, picking up the stars and handing them back to the princess of Demarre, who returned them to her belt.
She turned to the crowd. ‘Well?’ she called out. ‘Have I earned my kiss?’
They roared in unison, stamping their feet in support.
Satisfied, Princess Elladora leaned towards Shen, her full lips puckered.
‘KISS HER!’ screamed someone in the crowd, the chant taking hold almost immediately.
‘KISS! KISS! KISS!’
‘DON’T YOU DARE!’ yelled Celeste but her voice was lost in the furore.
Shen laughed, and gamely kissed the princess of Demarre on the cheek. She pouted, but then winked at him, whispering something that was impossible to hear over the roaring crowd. Whatever it was reddened Shen’s cheeks.
Rose felt dizzy at the sight. She squeezed Celeste’s hand, drawing strength from her friend, who looked fit to storm the dais and throttle Shen. The horn sounded again, and the minstrels returned to their instruments, the beat of the drum soon echoing through the square.
‘And now it’s time to dance!’ cried the Master of Ceremonies.
Shen offered his hand to Princess Elladora and escorted her from the dais. They began to dance, and soon, the rest of the crowd joined in.
‘Ugh.’ Celeste wrinkled her nose. ‘What now? Do we go to war with Demarre?’
As Rose watched Shen spin Princess Elladora, she made a quick and crucial decision.
‘No. Now we find something suitable to wear, so that we may rise like glorious phoenixes from the ashes of this abominable evening and make Shen Lo rue the very moment he decided to take part in this ridiculous display of talent.’
‘Good,’ said Celeste, agreeing to the plan. ‘I’ve always thought that glamour and revenge go quite well together.’
‘Precisely.’ Rose pulled Celeste away from the crowd, making a beeline for the Palace of Eternal Sunlight. ‘Come. I know just where to go.’