Page 16 of Vathia
“Well, let’s do this then.” I swallow. The urge to run is strong, but I push it down the best as I can as I look over at my friends who nod with encouragement, but I don’t look at the males who claim that they’ve known me. I can’t stand to see the hope in their eyes in case this doesn’t work. But with a deep yet not-so-calming breath, I take a step towards the female who might have the answers I’m looking for. Maybe this won’t be so bad.
CHAPTER NINE
IFOLLOW LADY ZORN OUT onto the balcony, inhaling the fresh, salty air to help settle the nerves that are continuously building.
“Let’s step away from anything flammable. Fates only know how much of a nuisance it would be to put out the shadow flames if it catches on anything,” she teases, but gestures for me to move closer.
Pausing midstep, my eyes narrow on the torch. “And you want me to step closer and what… be engulfed by flames? Do you think I’m stupid?” I snap, beginning to back away. Maybe this is a mistake. This feeling inside me climbs to a crescendo and I want to run, hop on Vasari and flee.
Hands land on my shoulders and I jump out of the way to see Jesper, who grins at me sheepishly. “Amethyst would never hurt you. Right?” His eyes dart to her before landing back on me and winking.
The female sighs. “I suppose I should explain. This device is why I was gone before you arrived. I had it stashed away somewhere safe so it wouldn’t be found until we needed it. It’s made of dragonstone and is able to precisely direct the shadow flame where we need it without causing harm. It’s the only one ofits kind. Your mother had it fashioned, along with the necklace, when you were but an infant. Now, may I please remove it? Before its magick makes you flee the halls and we need to find you? Plus I’m sure you would like to have your memories back.” She levels an exasperated look at me, but I don’t sense any hostility.
All this time I’ve been searching for answers. Could it really be just as easy as removing the one thing I was told to never take off? What if this is some sort of trick? My hand numbly moves up to clutch the pendant. Its warm metal is bringing me a sense of unease when it usually brings me comfort. I’m not sure what to do, or who to trust at this point.
“Nero, what do you think?”
He cocks his head at me before glancing at the violet flames and the necklace. “I think we need answers, and I’ve never known you to back down from a challenge. I’m here with you, and if they do anything to hurt you, we can take their eyeballs and leave. Maybe even take some toes as a road snack.”
I can’t help but shiver in disgust at his idea of a snack, but once he pushes his comfort down the bond I take a deep breath and nod at Lady Zorn.
She gives me a small smile and holds the slim device to the flames and within a blink, it’s gone. Only a small purple glow at the tip of the blackstone gives any indication of where it went. She lets go of a small breath. “Alright Maeven—”
“I go by Ravina now,” I state firmly, not wanting to disrespect her any more than I have, but that name isn’t me any longer. The Maeven these fae say they knew—not that I’m sure I believe them—is long dead, and born from the ashes of that life is Ravina. I’ve gained too many scars and fought too many battles not to keep this name.
Lady Zorn nods solemnly with a small amount of grief passing through her eyes before she continues. “Okay Ravina, please turn around and lift up your hair, make sure to get all of it.”
Swiftly I do as she says, not giving myself the time to talk myself out of it. Yet some part of me still tells me to run, to keep the necklace on and hide in the mountains where no one can find me. I squeeze my eyes shut, focusing on my breathing and locking my knees.
“Aemon dear, can you lift the necklace off her neck so I can get to the clasp without hurting her?” she murmurs and I feel warm, calloused hands brush against my skin.
“You may be my mother, but you will not hurt her,” he growls.
There’s a tense pause and I snap my eyes open to see my friends staring behind me wide-eyed.
“You know I would never hurt her on purpose. Ravina was like a daughter to me if you recall,” she gently reminds the snarling male.
The soft brush of smaller hands whisper across my back before I feel intense heat. I gasp, crying out. Another set of hands grab my shoulders—Jesper. His scent of crisp ocean air and mint is one I can’t forget.
After what feels like forever, a click echoes in my ears and darkness crashes into me.
“COME ON MAE,” Jesper whispers. “If we don’t leave now, your fathers are going to know we set up the prank.” He tugs on my arm as we rush down the corridors of my home, giggling.
We make it out to the courtyard next to the stables where we’re supposed to be playing while my parents finish up their meeting with Jespie’s father.
The heirs of the provinces always come to the castle when their parents are doing their duty, something that has been drilled into me. Building relationships with other provinces will help make a strong realm. At least that’s what mother says. But the heirs to the Lordships have become my bestest friends. I’ve known them for as long as I can remember.
“Do you think we pulled it off?” I whisper as I sit on the bench, organizing the deep purple skirts of my dress around me, wishing I could be in leathers—but while we have visitors I must appear lady-like. I kick the ruffled layers in annoyance.
He gives me a toothy grin, pushing his hair behind his ears. “We’ve been working forever on this one. All he has to do is open the door and honey and feathers will pour all over him. Unless he can see through doors, I think we will have actually pulled it off.”
I clap excitedly. I didn’t really do anything but stand there, but there’s a sense of excitement about doing these pranks, as Jesper calls them.
“Do you want to play dragon-riders now?” I ask. “Mother is taking me to see her dragon tomorrow and I want to be ready in case I get to go flying.”
Jesper taps his chin before grinning and hopping off the bench. “Of course. We can’t have the princess not knowing how to ride a dragon. Your mother’s hatchling will bond to you someday. You need to be ready!”
I squeal and hop up before jumping onto his back. He waits until I’m settled as he runs around the yard as I yell to set things on fire, or blast water, refilling dried out ponds.
