Of Silver and Beasts (6 page)

She bats my arm and turns back to warm up with the other Nactue, and I head out the doors and into the corridor. While I’m making my way toward the Council’s chamber, I recite everything I need to say in my head. My face is flush, and I can almost feel the mercury rising to the surface of my skin. Whenever my emotions run high, the mercury makes itself known.
Like I’m a blasted thermometer.

Alyah, have mercy.

A guard raises her hand as I reach the chamber doors. “Who are you here to speak with?”

“Councilor Herna,” I say, forcing my voice steady.

She nods and opens the door. “Protector Kaliope is here to seek council,” she says, her head peeking between the cracked doors.

I’m surprised she knows my name. But then surely it’s already known among the protectors who took the leadership role of the Nactue. I’m flattered for a moment until she opens the door wider and I spot Councilor Herna. My elation plummets.

“Come in,” Councilor Herna says, not looking up from a document spread across the dark wood of her desk.

Thanking the guard, I slip past her and into the chamber. There are no other members of the Council present, and the still room echoes my every step. I stop before her desk and stand at attention with my hands linked behind my back.

Finally, she looks up. “How can I assist you, Protector Kaliope?”

Swallowing down my nerves, I lift my chin. “Protector Carina has appointed me in charge of training the Nactue.” I won’t out Carina for attacking me or abandoning her post. I’m not a rat, and from what I saw through the bond, Carina already has enough issues with the councilor. “I’d like to be informed of the happenings in Court, the situation in Perinya, and be given a detailed training procedure for the Nactue.”

Her pale, thin lips spread into a half-smile. “Very impressive. I was wondering how long it would take for Carina to shirk her duties and for you to step up. Not long at all, I see.”

My lips part, ready to cover for Carina again, but she continues. “Protector Carina is very head-strong, and although that’s a fine quality to have in a leader”—she eyes me sternly—“it can also be detrimental.” She leans back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest. Her tan tunic hangs loosely at her thin wrists. “For now, I’d like you to keep up the routines you learned in the protectors. Honestly, there’s not much Carina can teach you anyway. Your Nactue will learn more by simply jumping in and doing.” She clears her throat. “As for Perinya, there is still no word.”

The room swallows her last statement, silence building uncomfortably between us. I nod once. “I will lead them in training, but I’d like to know when we will take charge of guarding Empress Iana.” This is bold of me to demand, but I can’t possibly learn my role any other way.

“Normally, there’s a two-week transition. But since Protector Carina has abandoned her station, it doesn’t seem as though you and the Nactue have a choice.” Her chair scrapes the floor as she rises, then she walks around the desk to stand before me. “Tomorrow, you will bring the Nactue to the empress’s quarters and join the former Nactue. With so many protectors watching over the empress, she’s assured much more protection in this uncertain time, and you’ll be able to learn your duties that way.”

Bowing my head, I say, “Thank you, councilor.” Then I meet her steely eyes once more. “And if word comes—”

“When the messenger arrives, you’ll be contacted to join the meeting.” She smiles. “Again, I’m very impressed. I think you’re already handling your position quite well.”

“I will do all that I can to protect the empress and Cavan.”

Her eyes scan my face, and their corners crinkle as she smiles. “You’re dismissed.” She turns her back to me and walks to her chair. “Take the rest of this day to explore the palace. Have the Nactue get acquainted with their surroundings.” She faces me before taking her seat, her eyes hard. “I fear it may be the only rest you’ll get for a long time.”

After I gather the Nactue, we set forth to explore as Councilor Herna advised. I glance at my transmitter, hoping an order from the councilor or someone else will flash on the screen. I feel as if I’m wandering aimlessly, the confidence I held earlier waning as my anger with Carina fades.

Why did Carina abandon me? Whatever is between her and the Council has nothing to do with me, and I’m floundering. Couldn’t she wait until after I’ve been trained to throw a tantrum? Or is this the norm for her—doing exactly what she wants when she feels like it.

Once we reach the top level of the palace, I lead the four women behind me toward the empress’s quarters. I want to know the area we’ll be guarding greatly in the future. Our rooms are on the opposite side of this wing. Close, but still far enough away that Empress Iana maintains her privacy.

The air is heavily scented with lavender and myrrh. Tiny tendrils of smoke waft up from a brass burner in the corner as we enter the rooms.

Kai, the former Nactue with the red eye makeup, stands guard before the empress’s chamber in the large, open receiving room. She nods her head to me as I approach.

“The empress is being dressed for her daily prayer ritual,” she says. “It’s at this time every day, and she requires three Nactue to escort her.”

“Thank you for this information,” I say, and I’m grateful that Kai’s expression doesn’t convey the annoyance Carina’s held. Maybe I can tag along with her and learn the empress’s schedule, at least. “Are the other former Nactue inside her chamber?”

“Lisa and Jordan are, but Cara monitors the palace temple, awaiting our arrival with the empress. Carina usually waits with her, but I’m not sure where she is today.” She glances toward the stained glass window, avoiding my eyes, and I wonder if Carina told any of her protectors about what transpired in the courtyard.
I’m
still unsure as to what transpired. Was that some sort of lesson? Was she testing me? Or does she simply go around randomly attacking people.

Turning to my Nactue, I place my hand on the pommel of my sword and straighten my back. “Lilly and Willa, you’ll monitor the temple while Van, Missa, and I escort the empress. This will be our regular routine at this time.”

Willa gives me a subtle wink, and I nod. She and Lilly have always taken their training and duties seriously, never allowing their relationship to hinder it. I trust them completely, and they work together to make an amazing team. The empress chose wisely when she selected them as her guards.

The Nactue all check their transmitters, marking the time, and then Lilly and Willa head toward the lift, already taking up their stations. I turn back to Kai. “I hope Cara doesn’t mind them joining her to learn their duties.”

Kai lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug. “She’ll probably welcome the company. Ever since the attack on Perinya, nothing has gone according to plan for the transition.” She checks her own transmitter quickly. “At this time, I should be receiving my vissa display and meeting with the Council to be welcomed into the Signaught. But maybe tomorrow, if all goes well.”

The chamber doors part and Jordan and Lisa lead Empress Iana into the room. The empress is dressed in white, nearly transparent garments. Silver beads dangle from the bottom of her silk choli, clinking together against her stomach. The front of her hip scarf reaches mid-thigh, and the sheer material flows to the floor behind her. Her arms, stomach, and legs have been painted with an array of colorful henna. It swirls over the canvas of her skin in ethereal beauty, as if the goddess Monique painted the empress herself.

The purity of her presence fills the room, stealing the air from my lungs, and my chest tightens. Even the incense stills as her perfumed sandalwood sweeps over me. The goddess’s bond must strengthen when she’s close, because my desire to protect her heightens, making it impossible to think of anything else.

I step to the side and the other Nactue line up beside me, making a clear path for Empress Iana to walk past. Jordan and Lisa take the lead, walking ahead of the empress, and I motion for Van and Missa to walk beside them. After Empress Iana passes, I fall into step behind Kai, guarding the back.

On our way to the palace temple, Kai relays that the empress doesn’t ride the lifts, as she dislikes small, enclosed areas, so we move in a large group down the spiral staircase. Once we reach the bottom after descending four levels, Empress Iana turns in my direction.

“Protector Kaliope,” she says, her voice tinkling and soft, like a melody. “Please walk beside me.”

Surprised and slightly daunted, I hedge toward the center of the pack and walk an arm’s length from the empress. Her hand reaches out and she takes me by the arm, pulling me closer to her side. I’ve never been this close to her—never touched her—and I’m worried that with her insight, she’ll see right through me; past my skin cells and into my blood, where the mercury swirls and the gears spin.

I’m prepared for rejection from the others if it comes to that, but I’m unsure if I could bear the empress’s revulsion. She’s the closest thing to a living deity in this world, and it may break my heart.

I peek over at her. She walks with her head held high, gliding as if she’s the goddess Farrah personified.

White stone colonnades mark the entrance to the temple, reaching toward the top of the open palace ceiling. Statues and wall carvings line the front, and colorful wall-hangings drape toward the floor between the columns.

As I prepare to stand guard in front of the high stone doors, Empress Iana steps before me. “I have much to seek from the goddess today,” she says. “I’d like for you to join me in prayer, Kaliope. We leaders must never stop praying.”

Bowing my head quickly, I say, “Of course, empress.” Then I follow her into the incense-filled temple, the sweet, perfumed scents mingling together to tickle my nose.

Rows of stone benches make up the seating area of the temple, and stained glass windows depicting the goddesses from stories I’ve heard growing up run floor-to-ceiling at their end caps. The empress leads me toward the dais, where a bronze carafe sets near a burner emitting the aroma of amber powder, white sage, and sandalwood—scents to purify, heal, and bring spiritual awareness.

Empress Iana kneels before the dais. A massive statue of the goddess Farrah looks down on us. I follow suit, kneeling beside her. I close my eyes and pray to Alyah for strength and the continued healing of my body. Then I pray to Farrah to protect the convoy, and to send word from Perinya soon.

After a long moment of silence, where I lose count of the minutes, Empress Iana lifts her head. “I chose you as head of my Nactue because I see much of myself in you, Kaliope.” She looks over at me. “Goddess Alyah has made me aware of your condition—your struggle with mercury and cybernetic parts—and I want you to realize that it is not a weakness.” Her amethyst eyes bore into me, and my mouth opens, dry.

There’s no time for the shock to fully register as she continues. “This is your strength, your power—what the goddess has blessed you with. And I hope that you will embrace this gift one day instead of hiding it.”

I have no words. My mouth is parched, like it’s been scrubbed raw with sandpaper. My eyes tear up against my will, and I glance at the floor, unable to keep looking into her knowing, violet eyes.

She places her hand on my shoulder. “Do not be alarmed. Your secret is safe with me. I only wanted to tell you this now, as I fear I won’t have the chance later.”

Finally, I meet her gaze. “Empress, thank you for these kind words, but I’m here to ensure you will have all the time needed to rule your queendom for many years to come.”

Her full, pink lips spread into a beautiful, heartbreaking smile. “I trust the will of the goddess, and she has sent me
you
. You have been chosen to fulfill a duty where I cannot. Trust your instincts, Kaliope. And always, above all, live well in Her na—”

A loud
bang
echoes off the stone walls as the doors are flung open. Shouting erupts, disturbing the tranquility of the temple. Before I even jerk my head toward the source, I cross my arms, grasping both the hilt of my sword and the dagger in my chest harness, and jump to my feet. Extending them before me, I turn to meet the disturbance.

A group of protectors march toward us, and a man with straight dark hair dressed in fine blue silk and a black cloak pushes his way past them.

“Forgive us, empress,” one of the protectors says as he comes to an abrupt stop. “We tried to hold His Highness back until your ritual was complete, but his barbaric ways—”

“I can speak for myself,” says the man I’ve never laid eyes on before. He then glances at me briefly before advancing toward the empress.

I raise the tip of my sword to his throat, halting his steps, as the protectors draw their swords and latch on to his arms. His eyes zero in on me, and I match his hard gaze. The deep blue of his irises are like a river at sunset as they catch the flicking candlelight.

“I’m not going to harm her—” He shrugs off their hold, turns his gaze on Empress Iana. “Empress, this is uncalled for. You have no right to abduct me while my kingdom is under attack.”