Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
BIANCA
T he second week goes by a lot easier, but that’s simply because I spend every waking hour I’m not with Matias at the library. Thanks to my injury, Sofia and Santiago fill my days with their banter and chatter when they’re not busy working. Though they carve out over five hours every afternoon to go over books with me, they are both busy in the morning.
I read out loud yet another notecard and recite the spell from memory. I close my eyes and describe in detail what it will do—how the power will activate the magic under my skin. Like energy directed into the desired outlet, it will flow and mold into the desired result. I narrate it all as instructed. When I open my eyes, I watch Sofia with her eyes closed, listening intensely to my description.
She’s been here every day without fail, sometimes taking an active role in helping me and other times sitting back and listening. I never asked her why because I could see it. She’s learning from the words spoken out loud. I never asked why I needed to read it all out loud. It’s not that she can’t read—I have seen her do it—but it’s more like her eyes can’t teach her the way her ears can, and I can relate.
“The royal families.” Santiago taps his finger at the five family trees printed on the front page of the book page.
I take out my notecards I made in the previous lesson. I wrote key details I better know like the back of my hand. These details might be the difference between life and death during my missions.
“Isn’t it exciting?” Sofia looks down at the page. I follow her eyes but can’t begin to see what she is referring to. Like she can read the confusion on my face, she continues, “You won’t just learn about these people and their lands, you’ll get to see it with your own eyes.”
“You won’t go?”
Both shake their heads in response. I’m stunned into silence for a minute. I never thought about the possibility they wouldn’t be there. Now that I think about it, it makes sense. Sofia works in the kitchens, and Santiago in the library. What can they possibly do on the tour?
“Come on.” Santiago gestures to the book again.
I clear my throat and focus back on the paragraph before me. The purpose of each royal family is to be representatives of the people and the culture of their respective regions of Puerto Quinn. They carry no concrete power in the city of magic or the reign. Their gifts and power are passed down their bloodline from generation to generation.
“The Fates have blessed royal families with higher power over a specific element source,” I read out loud.
“And they will never let you forget it,” Santiago says with a roll of his eyes. “Don’t think for a moment that other royal families are as relaxed and friendly as the Oscuros.”
I don’t even think the Oscuro princes are that way, so there’s no danger of me being fooled. Brandon isn’t so bad, but he wants something from me. He doesn’t ask me about my days to see if I like them, but to see if everything is going as planned.
“Their families are labeled lords and ladies, but their titles and money are the only power they truly have over the masses,” Santiago explains.
The Kai family has a reputation for their control over water. Their legacy is based on loving and caring for the oceans and all creatures living there. The Aether family’s power lies in the air. They are known for their love of space and what the galaxies say about the world we live in. They are star readers.
The Duelo family is infamous for their dragon-like abilities in controlling fire. Building fortresses from stone and activating volcanoes by controlling tectonic plates is a talent only the Pillard family possesses. The Hue family’s talent for light can change and distort the reality of people’s eyes. They can change things and visuals, but they focus more on spiritual journeys.
The Oscuro family is superb at everything. The golden children amongst gods, their powers and limitations are unmatched. Chosen by the Fates to lead, they have everything. Their domain in the shadows is almost limitless. They’re also the only family who have ever ruled Puerto Quinn. They make the laws and have total power over all magic territory.
I’m almost impressed with the amount of information Santiago and Sofia offer about the family they grew up with. Their voices are full of love and appreciation for the family that has shown them the same. Two loyal and dotting followers to the tee. I wonder if the family actually deserves such love and devotion.
I turn the page, and the title catches my attention. “Soul bonds,” I read out loud. I tap my finger on the section. “What are those? ”
“Traditions that are, mostly, long forgotten.” Sofia leans forward at Santiago’s words, obviously intrigued by the topic. “The Duelo family is the only one to continue the tradition, as far as I know. Most see it as an outdated tradition and way to take away individualized choices from people.”
I stare at the page before me. The bottom left corner illustrates a picture of women and men holding each other closely.
“How does it work?” Sofia asks.
“A group of people ready to find their soul ties will take part in a ritual. The elements will make their soul ties known. Then, a tying ritual will follow, uniting their souls in this life.”
“That sounds so romantic,” Sofia gasps.
Santiago and I share an amused look.
“Why wouldn’t everyone want to find their soulmate and be sure about a person forever?” Sofia asks.
“Well, for one, it’s not guaranteed you will always find a soul bond. Some people attend every year and never get one. Some don’t have one. And I forgot to mention that soul bonds are not always romantic. It's a power companion that binds together their individual powers.”
At the puzzled look on Sofia’s face, Santiago explains, “The purpose of soul ties has to do with the balance of magical power. Not everyone likes the person they get tied to. Once tied, they are tied forever—in this life and the next.”
This piece of information changes my opinion, but Sofia still doesn’t look convinced it's a bad idea.
“They couldn’t keep each other as friends and still find romantic love elsewhere?”
“Sounds simpler than it actually is. Honestly, I’m not sure. I have never studied them in detail. They have been out of practice for so long that I didn’t see why I would invest time in them.”
I trace with my finger the image in the book. “Why do the Duelo family and the people in their city continue the tradition?”
“I don’t know. I can only guess they must know something about it that we don’t.”
The words seem strange to me, but well chosen. We can only guess why every Royal Family does what they do.
I try to push the idea of soulmates and soul bonds out of my mind, but I can’t help but wonder what Brandon's soul bond would look like. Would she be extremely smart and strong-minded for someone who inherits a title like his? I think of the qualities of each Oscuro boy and imagine what their other half would be. What would the Fates pick for them?
The day goes by until the lights in the room dim even lower, signaling that the sun will set soon. I’ll never get used to the magic living inside the library. Although finding out the floating second shelf of books is an illusion, I soon learned there is much larger magic unseen.
My eyes burn, and my shoulders feel stiff from sitting in the same position for so long.
“Did Alejandra inform you that you'll be joining the sparring team again this week?” Sofia asks after our five-minute break was over.
I huff in annoyance. She mentioned needing to give my book learning a good practice, and there is no better way to do it than the sparring circles with my team. I haven’t seen many of them this week and was glad about it. After my injury, I was given a break from intense physical activity. I’m sure many of them think they got rid of me, so they won’t be happy about my return.
“Is it really necessary?” Santiago asks.
“Alejandra seems to think so,” I say.
“This mission is a big deal for her. She has a lot to prove, and regardless, if Brandon realizes it or not, he is giving her the opportunity to do it.”
I feel like there is a lot I’m missing. I am gathering and mapping every small piece of information into a puzzle, seeking a picture.
“Isn’t she the head of security for the castle?” I ask Sofia.
The position seems highly important to me. Why would Alejandra need to prove herself to Brandon?
This castle doesn’t just host a Royal line, but also the Royal Force. Everyone who runs the entire country is here. The royal families like to make power plays, but if I learned anything today, it is that despite their privileged lives and self-importance, the Oscuros run Puerto Quinn.
Santiago points his index finger to the pile of notecards. “From the beginning.”
I try not to roll my eyes. For years, I’ve craved the knowledge of spells and the power they will bring to my fingertips. I dreamed of the freedom gained from them. I fantasize about the opportunities they could provide. Now that I can access a world of knowledge, my brain feels too fried to remember any of it. It’s frustrating.
I swallow the remorse rising in my throat. Matias would love this. He’d also be so much better at it than me. I think of Matias and picture his sweet, cocky smile giving me a pep talk. He will, I remind myself. He will.
“Maybe she needs more rest,” Sofia suggests across the table.
I give her a weak smile. I can almost see her and Matias becoming fast friends. He will love her smile and easygoing attitude.
“Maybe we all need a walk.” Santiago stretches in his chair.
Sofia gives us each a conspiratorial look. “And snacks.”
We don’t say much as we make our way out of the library. Perhaps we have little to discuss outside books and studies. The silence feels good and comfortable. I’m more at ease with them than I have been in a while. There is much work to do, but focusing on that will do no good. The calm before the storm.
Soon enough, I’ll set out with many people on the tour. And these two people who have become part of my daily routine will not be there.
“Where are we going?” I finally ask once we make it to the main hallways. There aren’t as many people as there usually are because of the time.
“Do you have any preferences?” Sofia asks me.
I want to tell her I haven’t had the chance to see most of the castle. I make my way to the training building out back, to the clinic, the library, and my room. I don’t stray from the halls I know will take me there and back. But I’m tired, and I know they must be too.
“As long as I don’t have to think a lot.” I scratch my head.
Santiago gives me an understanding smile. His eyes are a bit red, and his expression isn’t as bright as it always is at the beginning of our sessions. “We can go for a walk in the square. At night, it is magical, and I think your brain needs some fresh air.”
I follow them as we make our way down the castle halls. Sofia has been working in the kitchen for years now, so I am not surprised when we end up at the castle’s kitchen entrance. We don’t go inside. Instead, Sofia sticks her head inside and whistles. A whistle answers in return, making her giggle. Then, she disappears inside, but we don’t move to follow her.
“She’s coming back,” Santiago informs me with a reassuring smile.
Moments later, Sofia rounds the corner with two pieces of bread. “Here,” she says, handing us each a piece. She holds a finger up and returns to the kitchen. A moment later, she returns with an additional piece of bread for herself.
“What’s this?” I ask, while inspecting the interesting piece of food. It’s a soft bread covered with a thick sugar paste I’ve never seen before.
“Sweet bread,” Sofia supplies with a mouth full. “They’re so good. And it just came out of the oven. You will never taste a better one.” She gestures for me to try.
With that type of reassurance, how could I object? I give the treat another sniff. The food in the castle is amazing, and despite steering away from anything that smells spicy, I’ve had nothing but pleasurable experiences since my first day.
The bread nearly melts in my mouth. For a second, I suspect they lace it with something, because there is no way this is truly that good. It’s almost a religious experience. I think I’m in heaven, and this is what it must taste like.
We make it outside in time to watch the sunset over the horizon. The garden is bathed in golden-hour sunlight. The orange glow illuminates flowers in the bushes and reflects off the pond’s water. We find a bench off the side and take a seat. I close my eyes and take a deep breath of fresh air.
“The castle is going to be quiet with so many people gone.” Sofia kicks her legs.
“About that,” Santiago starts.
Sofia stops kicking and turns to him with an affronted look of betrayal. “Are you leaving to visit your family?”
“I would take you with me if I could.” He takes her hand in his. “You know I would.”
She looks down at their hands, then sighs. Before I can ask anything, Sofia turns to me. “His family hates me.”
“They don’t hate you. They just think you are not the best of influences.” His face heats up.
“Like anything you do is my fault.” Sofia turns to fully face me. “He took me to a party back at his village and he got so drunk he started swimming laps around the town's fountain. Let me tell you, he thought he was swimming laps. He was, in fact, just splashing water.”
“Sofia.” Santiago gulps. “I know it wasn’t you. The punch just got out of hand.”
She waves at him. “Don’t be so embarrassed. Your parents want something to blame that is not their precious smart boy. Working for the King as his Library keeper is an honor.”
“An honor for the whole village,” he tells me. “Most of the people in my village are farmers. I was made fun of for my love for books growing up, but as the official library keeper I’m looked at with respect.”
“Who hasn’t drunk too much punch here and there.” Sofia shrugs like everyone has. “Since you’ll be gone, and I will be left all alone, I might be persuaded to join the maids to the taverns.”
“Or you can study for your exams. You’ve been doing great,” Santiago says.
“Or I can do that,” she agrees.
The creaking bridge announces the presence of someone approaching. We all look up to see Jesse closing the distance between us with furrowed brows.
“What’s going on here?” He eyes me curiously. “Well, this is a development I expected.”
“Your wisdom lets you see the future now?” Santiago taunts.
“Perhaps you could’ve seen me get my finger burned this morning.” Sofia pushes a finger in the air for everyone to see. “How dare you not warn me!”
“You anticipated us being in the garden?” I ask.
“No, I anticipated these two dragging you around and befriending you. ”
Crossing my arms, I lean back and say, “I wouldn’t go as far as to say we are friends.”
“After all we shared with you?” Sofia gasps, offended.
“You would tell anyone your business.” Jesse shrugs.
Santiago stretches his long legs before turning back to Jesse. “Is there a reason you’re interrupting our peace?”
“Did you forget that she’s a thief?” He gestures in my direction. “I came here to remind you.”
Sofia yawns. “That was so long ago, Jesse. Move on.”
Jesse leaves us in a huff, and we go back to talking. Well, they go back to talking. I simply sit and listen. When dinner time comes, we walk to the dining hall. I decide to get food with them instead of heading to the room with Lexi Blue and Isabel. When we arrive, the dining hall is full of people milling around.
Several guards stand by the entrance. The details on their uniform catch my attention. In the training circles, everyone wears the same clothes, but as I look around, I realize there are two types of uniforms. The colors are the same, green and black, but one has far more green accents. Those are for the castle security. I spot some of them standing guard at different posts by the walls.
The uniforms with more black than green accents must be part of the Royal Force. Some of them have black stars on the top right arm sleeve.
“What do the stars on the sleeve mean?” I ask my companions.
“Ranks,” Sofia tells me while leaning over. “There are five levels. An officer is one star.”
“Roman sits on top of that?” I ask, referring to the Royal Force officer's titles.
Sofia and Santiago nod simultaneously. They’re enjoying spoonfuls of yogurt and fruit. It looks delicious, but I force myself to finish my food first. It’s a mixture of veggies and chicken. Only after I finish this do I allow myself to get the dessert.
“Each of the brothers has earned their position.” The comment brings me back to the present. Sofia lowers her voice like the biggest secret ever is about to be shared. “They’ve spent their lives living up to the names they knew they would one day carry.”
“They knew?” I let the question fall from my lips at the same volume to humor her, but it goes over her head.
She shrugs. “Jesse and Roman knew they would be known for something, at the very least, the brothers of the crown prince. They instead chose to make that something else.”
I think about that as I make my way back to my room. The suite is empty and dark when I walk inside. I am about to disappear behind my bedroom door when I see a note on my door. It’s a message from Brandon saying he expects to see what I have learned so far at the training circle tomorrow morning.