44. Raithe #2
I dreaded having to tell her the secrets I’d been keeping from her. Rahzlyn was far from fragile. But I couldn’t bring myself to quake her world when she was steadying her feet again, even if it was at a distance from me.
“I’ll get more out of Kole soon enough. I will,” I assured Gregorios. “Have you learned anything more about the bracelets?”
“No. I’ve never seen anything like them before,” Gregorios admitted, face grim. “I am hesitant to share them with my acolyte peers. The knowledge of such magic existing—”
“Is both incredible and terrifying,” I finished for him.
“There’s nothing in my memories nor in any texts regarding forgotten stones of lore that could explain such power.”
“Maybe whatever they’re made of is the same magic imbued in the apostai’s brands. Or in the branding iron itself, which remains a mystery to us still.”
Gregorios mulled this over. “I’ll seek an alchemist, one who can promise discretion. We mustn't make anyone else aware of them. They could prove useful to us in the future. There is a reason the apostai have kept such an entity a secret. This type of power could be reason enough to go to war over.”
“Agreed.”
Gregorios turned his head. “The sooner Novah can harness her power and take the throne, the sooner this curse will be lifted. Maryn intends to announce the date of her ceremonial trial at the ball hosting the barons next week. Sometime during Scorpio’s Tempus.”
“I heard.” I frowned, recalling the tense dinner exchange between the two. It filled me with pride, and shame, when Rahzlyn defended herself—and me. “It’s too soon. Rahzlyn’s training—”
“Dismal at best,” Gregorios agreed. “She’s in her own way, refusing to accept the gift she’s been given. The pressure of a looming deadline could help speed things along for her.”
“We shouldn’t rush her.”
“Or maybe we should. Saturn squares Neptune tonight. Their planetary influence will linger these next few weeks, along with a warning of deception. Historically when this has occurred, institutions have lost credibility. We are already on the brink of chaos, but something will or must shift to steer us from the course of ruin. I agree with the queen regent that pressure might be necessary after all.” The seer paused, mulling over his words carefully.
“I haven’t received anything else from Gemini.
Or Scorpio, and as you know, Maryn is suspicious of me. ”
I leaned forward, resting my elbows atop my knees. “What would happen if you told her the truth?”
Gregorios lifted his shoulders. “She would run to the barons, and my fate would be left to a vote. I am not in their pockets as she is. Our hope truly rests with Novah.”
“The queen regent isn’t truly concerned for Rahzlyn’s well-being. If she’s not ready by then, she could die. And if she’s the key that Gemini warned us about, we’ll be in more deep shit than we already are.”
The idea of listening to Rahzlyn drown in the temple burned like acid in my stomach. If they pushed her too soon… I couldn’t bring myself to imagine such a fate.
“I agree we must do all we can to support her. Which is why I must ask you something.”
I straightened. Anything a seer required of another was never inconsequential.
“Have you noticed anything different about the princess of late?”
“What do you mean?”
“Communicas are powerful stones with various uses that extend beyond translating languages. With such power must also come caution. It is not meant to be worn for as long as our princess has donned it.”
Worry gnawed in my chest. “What are you saying?”
“Some cases have suggested that when worn for extended periods of time, the clear quartz may cause… hallucinations. Usually these are of deceased family members and loved ones. You must inform me at once if such visions begin.”
“Of course,” I said quickly. “Will they stop when she removes the stone?”
Interrupting fists pounded on the observatory doors. “It’s me,” Alekko called. “I bring urgent news.”
“Enter,” I called, immediately standing as he burst into the room.
Alekko dipped his head. “Forgive me. This couldn’t wait.”
His abrupt arrival was alarming enough, but to see his distress had me on edge. “What’s happened?”
“I received word from the Baron's District.” His large hand gripped the hilt of his sword at his side. “There was an attack. Green explosions near the citadel. Initial reports are claiming multiple casualties.”
“Vesperah?” I asked calmly despite my rising apprehension.
“Safe,” Alekko affirmed, gratitude shining in his eyes at my checking. “Maryn has ordered us to inspect the calamity.”
“She’s relinquishing me to the city?” Alekko nodded. That meant it was bad. Really bad. “What else?” My pulse climbed. I already knew what he was going to say.
“Felaf and our princess are in the city. There was an attempted abduction…”
Rahzlyn. Attack. Abduction.
My blood turned to ice, the rest of his words lost to me.
Rahzlyn. Attack. Abduction.
“… certain it was the apostai?” Gregorios questioned.
Rahzlyn. Attack. Abduction.
“We believe so based on—”
“Attempted?” I repeated in a daze.
“Our reports indicate unsuccessful,” Alekko said. “But—”
“Was she harmed?” I demanded. “Is she safe? Where is she now?”
“I don’t know the details—”
“Let’s go.” I slid my talisman onto my finger at last, feeling the band magically conform to my skin. A surge of energy and awareness pulsed through me. My injuries began to heal, the swelling and throbbing already subsiding. I brushed past Alekko.
“Hey.” He grasped my shoulder in the hallway. “We don’t know what we’re walking into. It could be stable, it could be a shipwreck. You are far more powerful than me, but I need you with a level head. Okay?”
I nodded. He was right.
But if my last words to her were cold fallacies—if she never knew the truths in my head—I would never forgive myself.