Page 106 of The Court of Secrets
I nodded and watched her hurry away. Once the doors closed, I sat on the bottom of the large four-post bed. The posts were made from wood colored somewhere between white and gray. Gripping my fingers into the thick blanket, I hoped I was doing the right thing. I had to start bringing the truth to my people, and telling my ladies was a good place to start. If they were anything like me, they’d be heartbroken. They had grown up with the same religion I had, and those beliefs were so deeply entrenched into our lives and magic, it was going to be hard to swallow. Honestly, if it hadn’t come from my brother, I doubt I would have believed it. I just hoped the word of their queen would be enough.
Nissa raised her groomed dark-brown eyebrows when she saw the hot coffees. “Oh, how nice.”
“A treat,” I said as the three sat on the blue sofa next to the empty fireplace. I poured the brown liquid into my cup. The pot leaked droplets as I placed it back in the middle of the wooden table between my chair and the sofa. “Freshly made from beans.” I was a little surprised they had it here in Niferum, but I was pleased. Back home, coffee was a delicacy, although the market was growing for it. I was sure it wouldn’t be long until it became a necessity. I breathed in the rich aroma, smiling as the steam swirled from my china cup.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Penelope said. Her voice was so soft, if I wasn’t listening carefully enough, I could miss what she was saying.
“Yes, thanks.” Mai grinned, pulling her dark braid over one shoulder. She sipped the drink, then let out a long “ah.”
“Thank you, ladies, for coming. I actually have some news and wanted you three to hear it from me before it becomes public knowledge. I don’t know when it will be revealed to the masses, but I imagine within the next month.”
Their eyes all jumped toward my ring finger, but it was bare. Brimming with excitement, they leaned forward. I really wished I had better news. I didn’t want to watch their joy founder, but they were going to find out sooner or later. “We have been betrayed.”
Nissa’s eyes widened, and her lips parted. Penelope leaned back, her light eyebrows furrowed, and Mai shook her head, tut-tutting.
“By whom?” Mai asked.
I blew out a tense breath, puffing out my cheeks. I placed my hands on my knees, preparing myself for the words about to leave my lips. Words once said could not be unsaid. “The high priest, my father, and every other king of Magaelor.”
Gasps escaped them, and Penelope’s hand shot to her mouth.
I continued quickly. “We have been told, along with the rest of the people of Magaelor, that our ancestors willingly give us energy so we can perform magic. We have been led to believe they are at peace in the spirit realm and we will join them. Vahaga and others like him have pushed the agenda of us practicing almost side by side with our dead.” I inhaled, then blew out slowly, trying to calm my racing heart. “It’s a lie.” Tears brimmed my eyes. “I know it stings to hear it, and I want to explain how I know this. As many know, the sacred area of the forest is reserved for the priest and priestesses and the reigning monarch. I went there and spoke to my brother. I allowed my mother to do the same. What we learned from him was truly horrifying. Our loved ones…” I looked from Nissa to Mai. I knew Mai’s mother had died when she was younger, so I was careful with my next statement. “The dead are unfortunately trapped in the spirit realm. It’s a magic realm built using the energy from souls. The souls trapped there are fueling not only the existence of the spirit realm, but every time we perform magic, we are draining their souls and keeping them from finding peace. It’s a miserable existence.”
Anger gritted Nissa’s teeth. She white-knuckled her staff, which she had rested against her knee when she came in. It was now in her hands. “Then why would the high priest and Amos be in on it?”
“Because they’re getting special treatment.” I sighed. “Alongside the elder ancestors, the first ones to create its existence. They are immortal and enjoying a prolonged life, while the rest of the souls suffer.”
Penelope looked as if she was going to cry. “How can you be certain?” A whisper escaped her thin lips. “Your Majesty,” she said, her cheeks reddening at almost forgetting her manners.
“My brother has no reason to lie. He’s on the other side, and if you ask anyone who knew him, they will tell you he was an honorable, good man. A future king.”
Mai leaned against the back of the sofa. “That’s a lot to process.”
“You think?” Nissa scoffed. “Is that why the high priest went missing?”
An icy blast pierced through me. I entwined my fingers and licked my lips. “I don’t know where he is,” I lied, “or why he’s gone, but it has nothing to do with this revelation.” It was another lie, but I couldn’t tell them I’d killed him. It would be as bad as telling them I’d killed my own father. Some secrets had to remain secret.
Nissa stood, her staff in hand, and shook her head. “There’s no real evidence.”
I shot her a warning stare. “Be mindful of who you are talking to. I am still your queen.”
She closed her mouth and turned toward the others. “We should take our leave.”
“Take your time to think about what I said.” I looked at each of them in turn, pausing on Nissa the longest. “You can choose to stay in denial and not believe me, but the souls of anyone you loved who died, they will be the ones suffering for it. For that, I hope you come around.”
“You want us not to practice anymore?” Mai asked.
I nodded. “I don’t want you to use your staffs.”
Penelope slumped her shoulders. Her light eyes glossed under the afternoon light coming through the large arched windows. “What are you going to do about it? If what you’re saying is true…” She paused. “Which I am sure it is.” She gave me an appreciative look. “Then do we expect everyone to stop using magic?”
Mai clicked her tongue, moving her braid back over her shoulder. Her large dark eyes bulged. “There are people who won’t care if they’re hurting others. They’ll want power. If it’s true, then someone needs to destroy it.” Determination charged her tone. “My mother is in the spirit realm, and I want her to find peace.”
Nissa shook her head. “So you both believe this?” She looked at me. “Your Majesty, we need more proof than your brother’s word. The rest of the kingdom will need the same.”
“Then go.” I cast my eyes downward, breathing slowly. “Leave Niferum and go to the forest, the sacred part. With Vahaga missing, you have my full permission to go to the river there and ask the souls yourself.”
Nissa’s expression faltered, uncertainty lingering in her stare. After a several seconds, Nissa looked up and placed her hand on her hip, holding her staff with the other. “We will go to Magaelor.”
