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  Cam remained silent while she and Asta finished their meal. Though it did not do much to fill Cam, she did not ask for more. Instead, she pulled the necklace from her cloak and slid it across the table. "Am I wrong, or is my necklace different from yours?"

  Asta's fingers found the chain, and she lifted it to her gaze. She made no surprised reaction to the four penetrations in the stone. A lengthy moment passed before she met Cam's gaze and spoke once more. "Tell me what you know of the Royals."

  Cam began the recitation she had learned in her educating years, years that had just recently ended. "There are currently fifteen. The sixteenth throne has yet to be claimed, for the sixteenth Royal died several months ago and has yet to be replaced. Four Royals come from each realm and work together to rule Mirabelle. They live in their own realm, governing with justice and peace."

  Asta nodded. "And each Royal is trained to use all four kinds of magic that flow through Mirabelle. They gloss over that concept somewhat in schooling." She paused and trained her eyes over Cam, observing her in a new way. "If it be Elyon’s will," she muttered. Asta rose and was presently shuffling again while Cam sat in a silent state of confusion. “Are you prepared to become one of them?”

  Cam’s eyes widened. Asta chuckled at her expression. “Did you not hear the news?” The woman leaned forward and clamped her wrinkly hands on Cam’s shoulders. “They have elected you as the new Royal.”

  Cam fell off the bench.

  Asta laughed before she clamped a hand over her mouth. “Do not make me laugh, child. The little ones will awaken.” The woman hauled Cam from the floor and plopped her back onto the bench.

  “My parents actually believe that I should be the next Royal?”

  Asta shook her head. “I doubt that. No offense to you, of course.”

  “None taken,” Cam replied with a shaky laugh. “I hardly see myself as the ruling sort of person. But then, why did they choose me as a candidate?”

  Asta shrugged. “Someone must have recommended you.” The twinkle in the woman’s eye said that there was more to her nomination than that.

  “But you would have recommended me?” Sure, Asta may have, but Silva and Kazbek regarding Asta’s opinion as something valuable seemed improbable.

  “The people seem delighted with the prospect of you being one of our representatives.” Cam rose, clenching the edge of her skirt in her right hand. “It seems it was decided at the ball last night shortly after you turned in. At least, that’s what I would assume after your parents and a few of the citizens sequestered themselves away privately. The vote was announced shortly afterward. The villagers went to vote as quickly as possible. Myself included.”

  Cam smiled, her insides tightening at the prospect. Her hands shook as she reached for the woman’s. “Did you cast your vote for me, Asta?”

  Asta only smiled.

  Grandfather was lounging in the library; his head deep within

  a large volume when Cam re-entered the castle. The household was mostly quiet, except for the chatter of the servants who were preparing breakfast in the nearby kitchen.

  “Good morning, Camaria,” greeted Grandfather as her feet

  shuffled over the wood floor. Glancing up, he asked, "Where have you been so early this morning?"

  “Asta's.”

  Grandfather nodded. "How is she? I have not spoken with that family in some weeks. What had she to say?'

  "We found something upon my necklace, and she told me what it means. She said it meant unusual circumstances and amount of powers." Grandfather placed his book to the side and leaned forward as Cam offered him the stone strung on chain. “She said it grants me great responsibility. Did you know they elected me?”

  "Royal," Grandfather murmured. He glanced upward at his granddaughter and smiled. “I am surprised the villagers did not elect Terra. Not that you are an indecent choice…”

  Cam nodded. “Terrawouldn't wish tobeRoyalanyway, even if she will always be a better choice. What must I do?” Cam sighed and seated herself on the cushioned footstool below her grandfather.

  "You will travel to the Royalty Realm at some point and lay claim to your throne. Then, I presume you will proceed to the other realms to complete training, an aspect necessary to achieve in order to obtain your crown.” Part of Cam was excited and all of her was furthermore curious. The only doubt creasing her mind was Grandfather’s demeanor. He was grave and serious. Perhaps he didn’t approve.

  “Someone must have snuck into my room then…”

  Grandfather shrugged. “That must be why I saw the Amelia going up so early. Now, Cam, the ruling body of Mirabelle doesn’t know about you yet. The only people who know is this realm, assuming the announcement has been made wholly public.”

  “What must I do at the present time?”

  “We will eat breakfast first. I am hungry. We will inform the rest of our family of this occurrence. Undoubtedly, arrangements will be made in haste for your travels to the east.”

  Cam remained seated, her fingers idly tracing the penetrations in the stone. She didn’t know much about the Royalty Realm or the people that dwelled there. She had only heard stories. Tremendously boring stories about people who didn’t do anything. The Royalty Realm seemed like an excuse for sixteen people to live their lives in luxury while only having to be the face of the land.

  Not that they had any other lands to face. Mirabelle was small, a child among the grown kingdoms around them.

  She glanced at Grandfather once more. His eyes were closed. And Cam wished she could ignore this just as easily.

  “Ifeel as though a part of me has been stolen,” Cam whispered.

  Terra turned from where she lay on her side in the darkened room.

  Cam’s eyes were not on her sister though. Rather, they traced the fluttering of the curtains from the window. This would no doubt be the last night this season that the breeze would lull her to sleep.

  Cam felt a warm hand clasp over hers. She made herself peer into Terra’s eyes. Terra smiled.

  “The one decision in my life that was going to be mine, is no longer mine.”

  Terra edged closer. Her lids were dipping in exhaustion, but still she said, “You can turn away from it, Cam. You know that. The elected still has a choice.”

  “In other realms, maybe,” Cam muttered. But Medulla was not like that. If a choice was made for you, you followed it. Or risked theimmensedistasteofthepeople.Shesighed,“IfIchosetoabstain from ruling, would I be allowed to remain home? Here?”

  Terra’s eyes opened slowly, and her whole body seemed to pause. She whispered, “I hadn’t thought of that.” She released a rough sounding laugh. “I never had much of a choice.”

  Cam frowned. “You have more of a choice than I do.”

  Terra remained silent.

  Cam stared up at the blank ceiling and recalled the recent conversation she had with her parents and Grandfather. They told her that Amelia, Silva’s maid, and their favorite servant, was to take her to the Royalty Realm the following morning. Her sisters had been permitted to join her. The lands between the realms were safe, and they were in want of a holiday. Grandfather had assured Cam that sheneednotstaylongif shedidn’tdesire to.Oneyear remained before she would be obligated to become an official member.

  “We’ve been to a Royals’ banquet once before,” Kazbek had told her. He and Silva had then recalled an exquisite meal in a great hall followed by an elaborate ball. The Royals were no doubt the wealthiest in the kingdom.

  “You’ll have everything you’ll ever want.” Silva had smiled broadly. A strange feeling turned in Cam’s stomach as she reviewed their words in her mind.

  “What do I want?”

  And what about Owen? His strange departure still bothered her.

  “Who suggested my name for election?” Cam had asked her mother.

  Silva had shrugged. “The suggestion was made anonymously.”

  Cam now withdrew the necklace Owen left with her from under her pillow,
examining once again the beauty of the dove.

  “Do you want help packing in the morning?” Terra asked through Cam’s thoughts.

  Cam nodded and looked to her right where a brown cloth bagsat on a chair at theendofher bed. There wasn’t much in it. She had rummaged in her drawers and withdrew two nightgowns, two everyday dresses, and one ball gown.

  “Do you really think I’ll need a ball gown?” Cam asked.

  “I’ve heard,” remarked Terra as she turned over on her side again, “that when a new Royalty member comes to light, they hold a ball for him or her. To welcome them I suppose.”

  “So I could quite possibly be having another ball again?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Terra?”

  “Yes…”

  “Do you think I can actually do this? I mean, be a Royalty member?”

  Terra turned back, and Cam expected an exasperated sigh at all the questions. But Terra’s eyes were warm. “The future is always uncertain, Cam. But I think you can do anything if you ask for strength from Elyon.”

  “Elyon.”

  Terra and Grandfather had spoken of such a deity ever since Cam could remember.

  A being that had created everything, that then ruled everything. The very definition of good, of perfect.

  Too ideal for Cam to believe.

  Silva and Kazbek hardly ever spoke about a higher power as if one truly existed. Cam was uncertain of what her other sisters believed. Terra, although a believer in a higher power, did not speak of her beliefs. It only invited ridicule from their parents. But in a way, Terra was right, Cam thought. With strength, she could do anything.

  “But with all that is in mind, you seem to have the opportunity to live one of the best lives.”

  “Better than this?”

  Terra nodded, smiling a little. Cam found it difficult to imagine a life which was better than one with her family. One who might dream of wealth, dashing men, and power may be more suited for the Royalty Realm.

  Terra reached over to squeeze her hand once more. “We will see you sometimes, though. At least, I hope so,” she said, her voice muffled in Cam's hair. She planted a small kiss on her sister’s forehead.

  The next morning was a flurry of excitement on the part of the

  five sisters. They scurried all throughout the quaint castle, packing up prized belongings to take with them. “It is of utmost priority to represent our family and realm to the best of your ability,” Silva told Cam kindly as she fussed with her hair. She insisted on Cam wearing her best dress but Cam had objected, saying it would not be fit for traveling. “Be sure to put it on before you are presented.”

  “Why do you not travel with me, Mother?” Cam asked, looking with boredom at her reflection in her mother’s elegant bedroom mirror.

  “We have a duty here, your father and I. I would like very much to come with you. In fact, most families of the Royals live with them there, but we must remain with our immediate people.” Cam nodded, understanding. When her mother had finally finished messing with her appearance, Cam followed her downstairs where her sisters were already gathering.

  Amelia was waiting by the door with her small amount of baggage clasped in her hands. She was a woman of average stature, darkened complexion, and wavy, dark hair which framed her oval face. Her copper eyes were soft and kind.

  “Are we prepared to depart?” she asked, smiling. Cam took a deep breath. Amelia glanced at the necklace hanging from Cam’s neck, and a small grin appeared. Silva pushed Cam out the door after the maid and a thought came to Cam.

  “I am leaving home for the first time.” She did not know if the thought made her uneasy or excited. “The Medulla Realm tells tales of a whimsical woman who wears glowing white and purple silk while she dances in the forests among the fireflies. Her dance is now a common occurrence at Medulla’s social gatherings whether they be at balls, quaint parties, or village festivities. They call her Lila. She appears between trees when darkness falls with ebony hair cascading over her shoulders. Her voice trills in an enchanting song. They say that if you can manage to unstring the jewels bound to her neck and hold them in your own hands, she will grant a wish and allow you to dwell in her invisible castle by the creek for the remainder of the night. I took Silva and Kazbek’s young daughter Fiera into the forest last night. We could swear we saw her with our own eyes. The sighting is our own little secret.”

  -From Cassia Caddell’s diary, written during her stay in Medulla with her sister, during the Third Age.

  Four

  Peter Adriel splayed both hands upon the doors and shoved them

  inward, bursting into the adjoining room. Lord Cole Caddell’s eyes shot upward to view the entrance of the young man whose hand held a piece of fluttering parchment. “Owen sent word. He is venturing to Nazeria at this moment.”

  Lord Caddell’s lips pressed around the rim of his cup as he tipped to drink the wine. Lord Caddell sat in a nonchalant manner on his throne, one of the sixteen within the room. All others were vacant, for the other Royals were out on the river. “Very good. Whatever word the Queen has should be quite beneficial to our endeavors. Her beckoning was brief yet in need of immediate response,” was the elder lord’s reply.

  “Her husband as well as most of the court has been taken with a sudden, deadly illness,” the younger man said, his brows knitting. Peter crossed his arms and watched as Cole crossed the room to a small table and poured himself more wine. Some was offered to Peter, but he declined. Dark hair fell across his brow, nearly cascading into his blue eyes. He brushed it away. “Once Owen returns, will we emerge?” Peter questioned.

  Cole reflected upon the boy for a long moment. Peter had been eighteen since spring. Cole could hardly believe that he had had this boy under his wing for the past thirteen years. He merely nodded in response, and presently became distracted by the beauty of the throne room. Even though he had been within these four glass walls which rose in arches many times before, he was still stunned by its beauty. The circular ceiling, too, was glass. Similar, he noted, to the architecture of the northernmost realm. His homeland. Gnosi.

  High reaching curtains of gold were pulled aside so that one could view the boughs of the trees beyond and their fuschia leaves which were just beginning to flutter to the ground.

  Peter decided against inquiring further of their future plans. He had repeated them numerous times in the last months. Their people had waited far too long. The young man presently became distracted by another thought, one which Cole was soon to guess. “You have purposes of your own, Peter. This I know. And when the time comes, you will embark on the quest you wish to navigate. It concerns your father, correct?”

  Peter’s jaw tightened at the mention of his father. How many years had it been since his death?

  “Thirteen.”

  The number was burned into his consciousness. He shook

  his head as if to compel the horrid memory away: Corpses on trees. Many of them had hung. He had only remembered his father’s and that of another woman. “Not just my father. Justice must be brought for all those avenged. Cassia, your wife, for instance.” Peter’s voice had been soft as he spoke.

  Cole nodded gravely. “Justice will be brought. But, Peter, it is not just justice you seek. Your father told you of his past in other lands. Your wish is to discover that past, and the secrets he withheld from you.”

  Peter slumped into his throne, resting his arms on the sides. He nodded slowly. “I was only five then, not old enough to know of his secrets.” Peter made no further attempt to elaborate. Cole knew the story. It just helped to say it aloud sometimes, to remember that there was someone who knew.

  A moment of silence intervened before Peter spoke again. As his words reachedtheelder man’s ears, Cole turned his attention from the window to the boy. “I was informed this morning that the new Royal is to arrive today.”

  Cole nodded. “Medulla always sends a replacement with haste. They do not wish to be outnumbered by those s
uch as us.”

  “Do you mean Gnosi or…”

  “Gnosi, my boy. But our other identity would have them distressed if they knew.” Lord Caddell chuckled softly and returned to his throne, his beverage disregarded. Peter took his turn at the window. He overlooked the sloping hill upon which the Royalty Realm palace stood. Scattered on the descent were various estates and homes. The base of the hill revealed the mouth of a wide river and the small village holding taverns, inns, docks, and fishing houses. The last of the Imber Fel Realm ships was departing from the docks, down the river, and back to their home where the river emptied into the Silver Sea. A blooming, red sun was burst across the sky like ripe fruit smashed and splattered among the blue.

  “Could it be now?” he said aloud, for his attention was suddenly diverted to the bridge that ran from the mainland, over a river and to the entrance of the palace. A carriage was being drawnup, occupying six persons, all female as he could tell when it halted and they emerged.

  He straightened, and Cole was presently at his side. “Why, Amelia has come with them!”

  Peter smiled, but LordCaddell’s gazewas fastenedupon one of the younger women.

  “She looks just like her mother,” he gasped. Peter observed the girl. She was of average height for a woman with an almost plump figure. The hair was cut to the shoulders: thick waves of black hair.

  Peter glanced at Cole whose complexion was pale unlike the girl’s and whose was a light shade of brown. “If she is truly yours, she looks nothing like you,” Peter remarked.

  “She knows nothing of me.” Cole tapped a finger beside his right eye which was blue just like his left. His gaze was glazed over, far off memories shimmering there. Memories Peter hadn’t seen stirred within the past ten years.

  “The eyes are the same. In all other respects, she looks very much like her mother.” Cole sighed, a smile forming on his lips as his eyes flicked once more to the oldest of the group. To Amelia, their longtime friend. “She told me she would do everything she cold to get Camaria elected.”