[2016] The Bride Trials Read online

  “Ditran, look at me. You have to stop.” His eyes stayed shut, and the flames swirled still larger around them, quickly approaching the trees. Not knowing what else to do, she leaned close to him and pressed her lips to his.

  It didn’t even last a second. He immediately pulled away from her. His eyes popped wide open, and he stared at her without saying a word. The flames died as if a bucket of water had been dumped on them.

  “I-I.” She stammered. The heat she felt on her cheeks now had nothing to do with the fire which had surrounded them moments before. “Kissing makes things better.”

  He blinked, and the corner of his lips turned up in a small smile. “Is that what that was supposed to be?”

  She crossed her arms and scowled. “Hardly, I was just trying to keep you from burning everything down. If I really wanted to kiss you, you’d know it.”

  “So you have lots of experience with kissing?” “Enough to know you don’t.” Why did I say that? He’ll know it was a lie, how can anyone tell on that short of a kiss. He must think I’m an idiot. Why did I kiss him?

  “I’m willing to practice.” He took a step toward her. They were close enough now that she could smell the hint of char and earth that was him. The skin on her folded arms could almost feel the fabric of his shirt. She looked up at him and a slow grin spread across his face. He waited for her to close the gap, the glint in his eyes challenging her.

  He winked, and the moment was broken. Her cheeks burned in embarrassment. He’s teasing me. “I’ll pass.” She stepped back. “Now what was with all the fire stuff? Burning forests down is my thing.”

  He sighed and looked down at his feet. “I was healing a woman’s memories. I was sucked into seeing them in the process. That woman was …” He didn’t want to say it. “A guard raped her.”

  “That’s terrible and happens too often.” Ditran turned sharply and looked at her. “You?” “No, I always took the beating instead.” “Is it like that for everyone?” “The truth?” He nodded.

  This was it, the moment where she should tell him about all the things that needed fixing. Her stomach clenched, still embarrassed by his rejection of her kiss.

  “Unless you’re a noble or in the militia, life isn’t great. I’ve seen it too many times. Not rape, but people hurting others just because they can. My best friend Victa died when guards burned down her house with her and her family in it.” It’s why I joined the rebellion. It’s why I’m going to dethrone the king.

  “Why would they do that?”

  “Victa’s older sister refused a marriage proposal from a Lord’s son. He made a false report.” “I’m sorry. When I’m King, I promise no one will die based on a report. Full investigations and trials will be conducted.”

  “Why can’t you do something now?”

  “I’ll speak with my Uncle.”

  It was a start, but if the King hadn’t done

  anything so far to end the suffering, why would he now. Keyla turned and looked at the trees. The apples were barely turning pink.

  “Do they taste any good?” She pointed at the trees. “They’re best after a light frost. When my powers manifested, I covered several trees. Best apple pies I’ve ever had. Those trees always produce the best now.”

  They left the gazebo and strolled through the rows of trees, only stopping when they reached a tree where the apples were already turning red. Ditran picked two and handed her one.

  “How old were you when you got your powers?” “Ten. It was the day Nanny told me my father died. Dinner will be served soon. We should be going.”

  They walked back to the palace in silence. Keyla thinking about Suzenita’s words regarding the sorrow needed to manifest ice.

  The sun, close to setting in the distance, bathed the white sparkling palace walls in a golden light. Several towers loomed above her, almost reaching the cloud high above. From underneath the cloud was perfectly round and smooth. She was just about to comment when Ditran guided her inside.

  The walls had to be twenty feet high. Giant signs counted down. Six hundred and fifty two hours. “What’s with the signs?” Keyla asked. “Twenty-seven days until the trials start.”

  “That’s not enough time for me to learn how to use fire?” “Don’t worry. You’ll have a teacher by morning. Now at dinner, make sure you don’t speak to the King without being addressed first.”

  “Why? Would he chop off my head?” she joked.

  He paused in front of a large door made from a dark wood. “Depends on the day.”

  hey entered the dining hall together. The walls were covered in painted murals. Jewels of every color overfilled the chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling. A flame lighting it from the inside sent sparkles of light all over the room. But that’s not what drew her attention. Down the center of the room there was a large dining table set for three people. One on each short end and one in the center of the long side. The King sat at the far end of the table.

  Even though she’d seen numerous pictures and videos of the King, she wasn’t prepared. The black crown forged from Dovesti’s stone sat on his head. The way he sat reminded her of a statue, his back straight and his body stiff. He might have been considered handsome once with his dark hair. “You’re late.”

  “I, apologize. Uncle, this is Lady Keyla Stinton from Cryssal. Keyla this is my uncle, King Sonovo.” Sonovo barely looked at Keyla before picking up the paper on the table in front of him. Keyla curtsied, wishing she had changed before coming to dinner. The shirt and pants she wore were rather underdressed compared to the King’s black suit and tie. Ditran directed her to the center chair and pulled it out for her. As she sat, the rich black velvet fabric on the cushions enveloped her. Her chair didn’t make a sound as it was pushed in. Looking down, she realized that the chair actually hovered about an inch above the floor before dropping in place.

  Ditran sat, and servants entered the room. They wore suits of silver and walked without making a sound. They set a platter before each diner according to rank. First to the King, then to Ditran and then to Keyla. When the servant came closer, Keyla looked down at her feet. Instead of shoes, she wore a silver colored slipper with a tiny bow on the strap holding it on.

  At the king’s nod, the first lid was removed. A creamy soup filled the gold bowl. It smelled of butter and garlic.

  “Thank you,” Keyla nodded to the servant who had placed the platter before her. She grabbed a spoon and lifted a spoonful to her mouth. She held back a moan of pleasure. The spices were melded to perfection, while the chunk of potato practically melted on her tongue. The sting of Ditran’s rejection, of her attempt to kiss him, likewise melted into the back of her mind.

  She looked at Ditran, his body language similar to Sonovo, eyes lacking any of the emotions she’d seen from him. It was like he’d put on a mask of nothingness. Or perhaps this was his true self, and he’d been playing her from the beginning.

  It’s better this way. He’d probably throw me into a factory if he ever found out I am a rebel. Best to learn what I can and leave as soon as possible.

  As the evening progressed, she thanked every person who filled her glass, brought her bread, or any other food. As she did so, the servants would smile and walk a little taller before going about their work once more. Sonovo never said a word to a servant. He simply went about eating his meal while reading in silence. The servants were quick to anticipate his every need. They were clearly practiced and knew just when to fill his glass or take his plate.

  After the last course the servants began clearing the table.

  Sonovo crumpled the paper and tossed it over his shoulder. I wonder if I could grab that on the way out. There might be something I could pass on to Emre that would be useful to the Rebels.

  A guard in red, someone Keyla hadn’t noticed before since he blended into the mural on the wall behind the King, strode forward. He picked up the crumpled paper and lit it on fire. Once nothing remained of the paper, he went back to the mural a
nd blended once more into the wall.

  The servant who had served Keyla the soup placed the after meal drink in front of her. It steamed and smelled of a rich dark chocolate. Keyla inhaled deeply before taking a large swallow. As the dark liquid coated her tongue, she felt the burn of liquor.

  Oh no. One swallow was all it ever took. She’d be a raving lunatic within fifteen minutes if she didn’t get a healer’s potion or go to sleep.

  Ditran was looking at her, his own drink untouched. Did he know? The warmth from the alcohol was already spreading out from her middle. It wouldn’t be long now.

  Sonovo snapped his fingers. A servant rushed forward with a clear bottle, filled with an amber liquid. Sonovo held out his hand palm up. A blue light swirled upwards and a glass of ice rested in his hand. The servant filled the glass. “I understand you were practicing the healing mind today, Ditran.”

  Great. Now he wants to talk. Stupid King. He couldn’t have had this conversation during the soup, or the salad, or the roast, or the strawberry pastry. Pastry, p-A-stry, passssssstttttttrrrrrryyyyyy, what a funny word.

  “Yes. It was most taxing,” Ditran said.

  “You need more practice.” The King motioned for his last plate to be taken away.

  “Yes, Uncle.” “He saved a woman and gave her back her life,” Keyla said. “For not having practice, it is remarkable.”

  Sonovo frowned. “And then he threw a tantrum in the orchard. He would make an easy target on a battle field. He is weak, and it will kill him just like his father.”

  “But Ditran wasn’t in a battle field.” Keyla’s spine stiffened. “And what do you know of war, little girl? Fighting over a dress at a store is a far cry from the front lines. A battle in the mind is more dangerous than one on the field.”

  She opened her mouth to respond and let out a loud hiccup. “Keyla, Uncle is right. I should have controlled

  my response to the situation. I let my emotions control me. I could have caused serious harm to myself or someone else. I need to know how to use it so that I can help without being overwhelmed.” Ditran took another swallow of his drink.

  “Or so you can more effectively fight. You would be unstoppable if you could attack both the body and mind of our enemies.”

  “Is this the philosophy you preach to your soldiers? The woman he healed was attacked by one of the guards in this city. She didn’t do anything wrong, and he decided to rape her.”

  “Keyla—” Ditran started at the same time as Sonovo spoke. “My soldiers do their duty, it would be wise to remember as a citizen with powers that you will be required to serve in the militia after the trials.”

  “Well, you can bet that I won’t be raping women or killing innocent children.” Keyla scooted her chair back and stood up. She had her fists clenched, and they were beginning to glow.

  “That is enough, Keyla.” Ditran stood. “I think it’s time to show you to your room for the evening. Uncle, the dinner was delicious as always.”

  “Teach her to watch her tongue or she won’t survive the trials.” The King flicked his hand, and they were dismissed.

  Ditran grabbed Keyla’s arm just above the elbow and quickly escorted her from the room. “Coward.” She muttered once the doors had shut.

  “What?”

  “You’re a coward. Some part of you has to see that what the king teaches is wrong.” “He’s only trying to keep the kingdom safe and in order, and the guard who hurt that woman will be punished.”

  “Oh, really? Seems to me that his behavior is something the King celebrates, not punishes. The meaner the guard, the higher their rank. Just look at Captain Drake.” She poked him in the chest, the glow in her hand started a small spark on her finger.

  “I’ll figure out who that guard is, and he will be punished. But it does no good for anyone if you aggravate the king and get yourself killed.” He grabbed her hand and held it up to her face. “Had you shown this spark of flame, you would be committing treason.”

  Keyla looked at her fingers. Even now tiny flames were dancing across her fingers. She closed her eyes and forced herself to focus on breathing. In with the flame, out with the heat. After a few minutes passed, the flame died.

  “I will discuss what happened to that woman

  with my Uncle, but it will take delicate wording and negotiating. Please believe in me. Uncle has been through a lot. He’s not so bad, and I don’t want to see you hurt.”

  Keyla swayed on her feet. “I don’t feel right.” The floor spun up to meet her, and she fell into the grey embrace.

  Keyla woke to a soft knock that felt like someone was playing the drums on her head with boulders. She pulled a pillow over her ears and groaned. The pillow was ripped away and she looked up at a tiny old woman.

  “Can I help you?” Keyla asked. The woman set the pillow down and picked up a steaming tea kettle. She poured an orange liquid into one of the cups and pushed it into Keyla’s hand. “Drink quickly. Then we talk.”

  “Who are you?” Keyla sat up, careful not to spill.

  “I’m Ditran’s old nanny, and if you want to win the trials, you will need my help.” “How?”

  “Drink.” The woman walked through a doorway and returned with a red suit. She laid it on the foot of the bed before walking through the door again.

  Keyla stared at the porcelain cup. It felt warm in her hands. Tentatively, she lifted it to her lips and inhaled the citrus and spice scent. She took a sip and felt the pounding in her head ease. By the time she had drained the cup, and nanny came back into the room carrying red boots, and Keyla’s head no longer hurt.

  “The king doesn’t like you.” Nanny set the boots on the floor.

  “But Ditran gets to choose.” “You naïve girl. The King has more control now. Ditran made a deal. He got to pick the women who would compete, and the King arranges the challenges.”

  “I’ve already been picked for the trials. The king can’t select another.” “No, but he can do everything within his power to stop you from passing the five stages. But that’s not why I’m here.”

  “Then why –?”

  The old woman pulled a paper off the tray and handed it to Keyla. “A friend sent this.”

  The old woman gathered the kettle and tray and left. Keyla looked down at the blank sheet of paper, a familiar blue light scanned her, and then an image appeared.

  “Suzenita!”

  “We don’t have much time. For the first round of the trials remember all that I taught you.” “What are they going to have me do? Set a table?”

  “Be serious. This is important. Do you care for the Heir?” Keyla thought of how Ditran had stopped Lord Plume’s beating, had made her laugh, and then his blank face at the dinner the night before. “Well . . .”

  “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’ since you didn’t launch into one of your pampered prince speeches. His future, your future, the entire kingdom’s future depends on what you do.”

  “You want me to marry him for the sake of the kingdom?” “No. I want you and him to be happy. The council wants you to marry him. This is your chance to prove to them you deserve a second chance after what happened in Cryssal. If you don’t become queen, they’ll declare open war.”

  “That will kill thousands.”

  “Thousands are already dying. Factories like the one in Cryssal are being built everywhere. If you want to save them, you have to win. Read any books you can about protocol, learn as much as you can from the Palace staff. And practice your powers.”

  Keyla nodded.

  “Be safe.”

  The screen vanished and Keyla pressed the upper corner and the paper flashed once before disintegrating into a small puff of smoke. The smoke wafted towards the ceiling. An alarm blared while lights flashed.

  Guards dressed in blue burst into the room shattering the door on their entry.

  “Where’s the fire?”

  “I was practicing.” Keyla formed a small flame in her hand. “Practice is restricted to the t
raining yard only.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  The guard touched a button on his collar. “No danger. Disregard.” Ditran and Emre rushed into the room. “Are you okay?” Ditran asked.

  “I’m fine, I was just practicing.” Keyla looked down at her clothes. She was wearing the same clothes as the night before. She reached up to fiddle with a piece of hair, it was crunchy from sweat.

  “There’s a training yard for that.” Ditran pointed towards the window. “You can see it from here.”

  “He mentioned that.” Keyla pointed to the lead guard. “Would it be possible to get some privacy so that I can get ready for the day?”

  Emre guided the other guards out the door, but stood just on the other side of the doorway. His back turned toward her and Ditran.

  “You’ll have a new door before the day is over.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you worry.” “I’m glad you’re safe.” Ditran walked over to a panel next to the doorway. “When you’re ready to train, press the green button. Emre or I will accompany you there.”

  “Thank you.” She turned and looked at her room. It practically oozed with luxury, from the thick white carpet to the feather down bedding and pearl lined curtains. Without the main door, however there was no privacy except for the closet where Nanny had retrieved the red suit and boots.

  She picked up the clothing and stepped into the closet. It was filled with red suits just like the one she held. Considering the closet was bigger than any of the bedrooms she’d ever had, including her room at the Plumes which could have fit into this two or three times, that was a lot of suits. Everything’s better here. The Plumes house was the nicest as far as amenities went in her experience. The worst was Mr. Calse who kept everything dark. From the closet she slept in to the basement where he delivered beatings. But the best was whenever she’d stayed with Suzenita. Knowing that you were with someone who genuinely cared was better than any bed or closet, it was home.

  After changing into the stretchy red suit pants, a black shirt she found in a drawer, and the boots, Keyla pressed the green button. Emre returned to lead her to the training yard. It was a spacious area with a dirt floor and metal walls that opened to the sky.