A low murmur spread through the small group. No new buds had grown on the Tree of Hope, or on any tree in the Kingdom of Cymmera, since the death of Queen Dara.
The buzz intensified. A rumble surged through the small crowd. “Did you see…miracle…she touched it…lost princess…” Their excitement battered at Ryleigh.
She struggled to block out the enormity of their emotions, fought to make sense of the extraordinary circumstances she’d been thrown into. Ryleigh sought answers in the confused expressions of those gathered.
She had run her fingers along the branch, wishing she could ease some of Jackson’s fears and help his people in some way. Now, where there had been only faith, three new signs of life clung precariously to hope.
Elijah spoke softly to the king.
King Maynard nodded and approached Ryleigh. “Please, accept our sincerest apologies, Young Princess.”
Ryleigh simply nodded, unable to speak.
“This new development only adds to what we already suspected. From here on, we will move forward with the assumption that your sister and you are both lost princesses of The Kingdom of Cymmera. The Council of Elders will reconvene to continue the discussion of providing security for you both.”
She tried to focus, to make sense of his words.
He turned to Elijah. “Summon Kai, please.”
Jackson tugged Ryleigh’s hand. “Are you all right?”
“I don’t understand.” Her voice shook, but she lacked the strength to steady it. Her nerves were completely shot. With no clue how to handle the direction fate was pulling her, she wanted to flee. Instead, she closed her eyes and leaned into Jackson.
He pulled her closer, tucked her beneath his arm. “Don’t worry. Everything will work out. Just give us some time to sort out what all of this means.”
“Lucas!”
Lucas stood before the King. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Have you pulled yourself together?” King Maynard raised one eyebrow as he waited for a response.
Lucas blushed. “Yes, sir. I apologize for my earlier excitement.” He looked around at the other Council members then back to the King. “Sir, if I may speak freely?”
“What is it, soldier?”
He fingered the edge of his weapon belt. “Kiara and I have been seriously considering leaving Cymmera.”
The small group erupted in a frenzied rush of denial.
Tatiana tried to hush them, but gave up and addressed Lucas instead. “You can’t leave. That would be totally irresponsible. How could you even consider leaving when you are one of the few couples with a female child?”
Lucas held up his hands, palms forward, in an effort to stop the barrage of questions. “Please, hear me out.” He raised his voice. “We’ve discussed taking Sadie to the human realm.”
One by one, the Council members fell quiet.
“Cymmera is dying. Everything here is barren and desolate. There’s been no hope for centuries. And now, Daygan has once again become a threat. This is no way for a child to live, Your Majesty.” A plea for understanding filled his eyes.
It touched Ryleigh’s heart.
“A child’s life should be filled with joy and hope, not fear and uncertainty.”
“What of your loyalty to Cymmera?” Anger reddened Darius’s face.
Jackson stiffened at Ryleigh’s side.
“I am completely loyal to my Kingdom,” Lucas spat back, “But what of loyalty to my child?”
Darius stared him down.
Lucas held his gaze, unwavering, obviously strong in his convictions.
“You would condemn your daughter to a life limited by mortality?” Darius scowled.
Lucas turned away from Darius, and his expression changed, softened. “We would offer our daughter the chance at happiness, the opportunity for hope, for a future. The choice to marry a man she loves and have a house full of children if she so chooses.” He took a deep breath, stared at the surrounding trees, their branches bare. “We’re not the only ones who feel this way.”
Would Ryleigh want Mia to live this way, destined to marry and try to have children with little to no hope for a happy future?
Lucas studied the new buds. A slow smile spread across his face, lit his eyes. “I will speak to Kiara tonight. Now that there’s hope once again, perhaps we’ll stay for a while longer.” He shrugged. “Who knows, maybe I can convince some of the others as well.”
“Thank you.” King Maynard relaxed his tone. “I do hope you’ll decide to stay. Go. Speak to Kiara. Once you’ve finished, return to your post.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” Lucas bowed.
The King looked to Darius.
He nodded once. “Very well—”
“What’s going on here?” The small group parted as Kai approached.
Great.
“What is the meaning of this?” He surveyed the other Council Elders before finally landing his attention on Ryleigh.
Elijah moved to intercept him before he reached her.
“There has been a new development, a miracle really.” Elijah’s voice held only excitement, but his shaking hands betrayed him when he gestured toward the Tree.
Kai stopped. Glared at the Seer. Waited.
Elijah lifted a hand toward the Tree and stepped back, allowing Kai an unimpeded view.
His face reddened with rage, and Kai turned his glare on Jackson. “What is this?” He slammed his staff into the ground, shattering the stone. A series of cracks ran from the site of the impact. The ground shook.
Jackson released his hold on Ryleigh. He moved toward Kai.
Ryleigh held her breath.
“Look, Kai. I don’t want to fight with you. I apologize for what happened at the hospital. It was not my intention to harm you.”
Kai’s condescending laughter filled the night. “Harm me?”
Jackson moved his hand closer to the dagger at his side.
Kai’s eyes narrowed to slits. “You’ll never make it, boy.”
Sweat soaked Jackson’s shirt, making it cling to his broad back. His muscles bunched. His fingers flexed.
Ryleigh wanted to reach out to him, but she didn’t dare move.
Kai’s eyes filled with something that looked a little too much like eagerness.
A dark shadow passed over them.
Ryleigh kept her gaze glued to Jackson.
A loud cry interrupted the stand-off.
Jackson finally looked away from the warrior.
Ryleigh released her breath slowly, quietly.
Nika soared overhead. The massive hound lowered himself gracefully to the ground in the courtyard. He whimpered and lowered his massive head in invitation.
Mia.
Ryleigh’s heart thundered in her chest. Had something happened to her sister?
Jackson grabbed her hand and propelled her toward the large animal. He gripped her waist and threw her atop Nika’s back then swung on behind her.
Darius shouted commands.
The pounding of footsteps followed as Nika climbed higher and higher into the night.
Jackson leaned forward. His warmth pressed against her back grounded her. It would be all right.
Nika soared toward the large wall of windows. He was moving fast. Too fast.
Ryleigh cringed and ducked as he flew into the chamber and dropped to the ground, his landing much harder than Nahara’s had been the first time she’d flown.
Dakota knelt at Mia’s side. “Jackson, thank God you’re here. I don’t know what’s wrong. She began to whimper in her sleep. I thought she might be having nightmares, so I tried to wake her.”
Ryleigh fell to the floor beside her sister. “Mia.” She felt for a pulse. Slow. Weak. “Mia, you have to wake up.”
“I called to her, but she wouldn’t wake, so I shook her shoulder. Her skin burned through the fabric of her shirt. I pulled the blanket from her and sent Nika for you.”
Jackson knelt on the other side of Mia, examining the young girl. “Mia.” He shook her gently. “Mia you have to wake up.”
She lay still, limp.
Nika paced the floor, his attention riveted on Mia’s still form.
Nahara whined. She nuzzled Mia’s head.
Still no response.
Pounding on the door pulled Ryleigh’s attention from her sister. She froze, terrified something evil had come for them.
“Enter.” Jackson didn’t turn from Mia as he shouted the command. He pressed a hand to her forehead. Then gripped both sides of her head in his hands. The size and strength of his hands swallowed her up, making the young girl appear even more fragile.
Ryleigh’s tears flowed freely. She gripped Mia’s hand in hers.
It was so cold. Ice cold.
Her gaze shot to the rise and fall of her sister’s chest. Oh, thank God. She was at least breathing.
“What’s wrong with her? Can you help her?” Fear tore a hole in her gut, wrenched at her heart. “Please, you have to help her.”
Elijah fell to his knees at Mia’s side. He struggled to get past Ryleigh.
“You have to come with me now.” King Maynard reached around Ryleigh and tried to lift her to her feet.
She struggled against his hold.
“Give them room to work on her. We won’t go far.” He lifted her gently, but firmly, and backed away from Mia. “If you stay put, you can wait here.”
Unable to force words past the lump blocking her throat, she simply nodded and stopped resisting.
A woman dropped to her knees beside Jackson and placed her hands on top of Mia’s head. Her hands were like porcelain, pale, delicate, fragile. She moved them slowly down to the sides of Mia’s face, until she held the young girl’s cheeks cradled between her tiny hands. Brightness emanated from her palms, surrounding Mia in a halo of light.
Ryleigh lunged toward her.
King Maynard’s iron grip on her shoulder stopped her short.
Deep sobs tore through her. “What’s she doing? What’s wrong with Mia?”
King Maynard tightened his hold. “It’s all right, my child. Kiara is our strongest healer. She’ll take care of Mia.”
His confidence did nothing to ease Ryleigh’s fears.
The light surrounding Mia grew brighter.
Kiara leaned over, her long, flowing black hair spilling across Mia, covering her face.
Ryleigh tried taking deep breaths, filling her lungs as much as she was able then blowing each breath slowly out. Her chest was too tight. She struggled to expand her lungs. Oh, Mia, you have to be all right. She pressed her hands to her mouth.
Kiara lifted her head, her face even paler than it had been when she’d first entered. She offered Ryleigh a weak smile. “She’s going to be all right.”
Mia stirred. Her eyes fluttered open.
“Mia!” Ryleigh flung herself toward her sister.
This time the King released his hold.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Mia looked around, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. “What happened?”
“We couldn’t wake you.” Ryleigh grabbed Mia’s shoulders and stared into her eyes. “You scared me half to death.” Her color had begun to return, chasing away some of the deeper shadows from beneath her eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Mia’s sheepish grin ratcheted the tension down a notch.
“What happened, Kiara? Why couldn’t we wake her?”
“Your sister’s breathing and heart rate slowed down considerably. I believe she might not yet be ready to live in our world. I have healed her for now, but she will eventually need to return to her own realm.”
Ryleigh’s heart sank. She’d been so sure she was destined to be a part of this world, but she would never leave Mia. They would have to go back. “How long do we have?”
Kiara contemplated Mia. “A while yet. Her systems have probably been slowing gradually since she entered Cymmera. The same thing will most likely happen again if she remains here.”
“Will I ever be able to live here?” Disappointment filled Mia’s voice.
Ryleigh tucked the mass of curls behind Mia’s ear. The gesture probably brought Ryleigh more comfort than it did Mia.
“I think so. I think your body is just not quite mature enough to handle the change of realms yet. Your sister seems to be doing fine, so I think you’ll be all right once you’re a little older.” She considered Ryleigh. “Do you mind if I examine you, just to be sure?”
Ryleigh nodded her assent and stood.
Kiara rose and approached Ryleigh. She placed her hands on either side of Ryleigh’s face, and light poured from her palms.
Warmth enveloped Ryleigh, flowed through her, heated her blood. When the feeling ended abruptly, a chill coursed through her.
Kiara smiled. “You’re fine.”
“Thank you.” Ryleigh took the woman’s hand, held it gently. “I can’t ever thank you enough for saving my sister.”
Kiara bowed her head. “It was my pleasure to serve the princess. My husband, Lucas, explained quickly before I was summoned to help. You’ve given my family, my daughter, hope for a future. I can never repay that. Thank you, My Princess.”
This time the warmth that surged through Ryleigh came from within.
Mia sat with her back against Nahara’s side, her tiny hand swallowed up by Jackson’s larger one.
Nika had finally stopped pacing, but his gaze still darted around the room, never settling on any one thing.
Lucas and the other guard from the courtyard strode back and forth in front of the open windows.
Darius issued orders to a small group of soldiers.
Elijah’s hands fluttered wildly, his face red, as he argued with King Maynard. “It has to be this way.”
The King stood stone-faced, hands on his hips. “I don’t care, Elijah. It’s too much to ask.”
“Not only Jackson, Ryleigh has to be there too.”
The king scrubbed at his face. “I understand that, but why right now with all that’s going on?”
“It must be now, simply because it must be.” Elijah pressed his lips firmly together in a tight line.
Whatever the two of them were arguing over, Ryleigh would bet the seer was about to get his way. It was quite apparent he wasn’t going to concede.
A small niggle at the back of her neck made her look over her shoulder and straight into Kai’s cold, empty stare. Bile rose in her throat. Something about the warrior shriveled her courage, leaving her weak and vulnerable.
His glare intensified. His already black eyes darkened even more.
Ryleigh’s palms began to sweat. She wiped them on her jeans.
“Excuse me?” Elijah spoke softly at her side.
She jumped, startled, but she still couldn’t wrench her gaze away.
“Miss Ryleigh? Could I have a moment of your time, please?” Elijah stepped into her line of sight, effectively ending the battle of wills she’d been sure was playing out between her and Kai.
She leaned around Elijah to search for Kai.
He was gone. A quick study of the rest of the chamber told her he’d left the room.
“Miss Ryleigh?”
“Oh, yes. I’m sorry, Elijah.” She rubbed at the goosebumps on the back of her neck, but couldn’t dispel the unease.
“That’s quite all right, Miss. I’m sure you have a lot on your mind just now. I do, however, require your presence at a private meeting regarding security for you and your sister. I’m assuming you will want to return with her to the human realm, and there are measures that must be taken to ensure your safety.”
She glanced over at Mia, who was laughing at something Jackson said.
“Don’t worry. Dakota and Kiara will remain here with Miss Mia. The guards will remain as well. We’ve sent for something for her to eat. I assure you, she’ll be well cared for.” He wrung his hands, glanced around and lowered his voice. “If it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t ask you to leave her right now.”
Ryleigh sighed. Something in his eyes called to her, mesmerized her. She couldn’t refuse his request. “Sure, I’ll come.”
A small smile appeared. “Thank you, My Princess. Jackson will show you the way.” He turned away from her and approached Jackson. He leaned over and spoke in hushed tones.
Jackson’s brow furrowed. Then he nodded and glanced at Ryleigh. He tousled Mia’s hair before he left her to talk to Dakota.
Ryleigh walked over and leaned down to kiss Mia’s head. “I have to see Elijah about security arrangements, will you be all right?”
A blush colored her cheeks as she glanced at Dakota. “I’ll be fine.”
“Mmm…hmm…” Ryleigh waggled her eyebrows, teasing her sister about her obvious crush.
Mia’s blush deepened.
Ryleigh was definitely not ready for Mia to take an interest in boys, especially boys from another realm. Okay, that’s more than I can deal with right now. Ryleigh rubbed her temples. “I promise I’ll get back as quickly as I can.”
“I’ll be fine.” The dramatic eye roll settled Ryleigh’s nerves a bit. Mia was back to her old self.
“You ready?” Jackson waited.
She checked Mia one last time.
“Go already.”
“I guess I’m ready.” Ryleigh shrugged and followed Jackson from the room.
“Did Elijah tell you where we’re going?” His long stride wasn’t easy for her to match.
She glanced over at the irritation in his voice and shook her head. “Why, is something wrong?”
He shoved his hand back through his hair and heaved a sigh. “Who knows?”
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
Confusion warred with irritation at his attitude. She remained silent, allowing him space to brood.
“Look.” He paused. Indecision filled his eyes. “I have no idea what’s going on around here.” He rubbed a hand over his mouth. “Did Elijah give you any idea what this is about?”
“He just said we have to discuss security for when Mia and I return home.”
Jackson’s scowl deepened, and he propped his hands low on his hips.
“I…umm…” She stopped, unsure what to say to him.
His eyes hardened, turned to stone. He held her stare. “Is that what you want to do?”
A flash of Mia lying so still, her long, thick lashes deepening the already dark shadows beneath her closed eyes, the rise and fall of her chest too slow, too shallow.
“What choice do I have?” She lowered her gaze.
Jackson turned and walked away.
* * * *
Jackson followed Elijah into his chamber. The usually bright, airy space had been darkened by heavy drapes covering the windows. Lanterns and candles covered every available surface, their flames casting shadows that danced against the stone walls.
Jackson squinted, tried to bring a shape in the darkness into focus. A lone figure. A shadow among the shadows. Familiar. “Father?”
The door clanged shut behind him. He jumped, startled, and turned.
Ryleigh stood behind him, her bottom lip caught between her teeth, her eyes wide.
“Jackson.” His father stood beside Elijah.
“Your Majesty.” Jackson bowed his head, waited.
Ryleigh moved to Jackson’s side, too close. Her presence disturbed him, stole his concentration. Heat emanated from her. The scent of strawberries surrounded him, enveloped him. He inhaled deeply, and some of the anger subsided, but sadness took its place. She had to leave. Logically, he knew that, but it didn’t help.
His need to reach for her increased. The desire to drag her into his arms consumed him. He longed for the feel of her body pressed against his.
“Jackson.” Elijah pulled him from his trance.
Jackson tried to shake off his yearning, to focus on what Elijah was saying. He caught sight of Ryleigh from the corner of his eye. He had no doubt she’d be chewing on her bottom lip. A vision of that lip caught between his own teeth assailed him.
“Jackson.” The King’s tone effectively cut off his daydream.
“I’m sorry, sir. My mind was elsewhere.” When he finally returned his attention to his father, alarm bells blared in his head. The worry Jackson found in his father’s eyes hit him like ice water. “What’s wrong?”
“Although the Council of Elders has cleared you of all charges, and Ryleigh and Mia have been recognized as children of Cymmera…” He paused, looked to Elijah.
Jackson held his breath.
“Elijah has requested a tremendous favor of me…and of you.” He spared Elijah a frustrated glare. “Well, perhaps requested isn’t the proper term. Insisted might be more appropriate.” King Maynard massaged the bridge of his nose.
Jackson waited.
“Look, Jackson, these are not formal proceedings, even though they should be. Come and sit. We need to talk.” The king heaved a sigh.
Jackson followed the others to a small seating arrangement.
His father and Elijah each took a large, high backed chair, leaving Jackson and Ryleigh to sit together on the love seat. Although he faced Elijah and his father, his attention remained largely focused on Ryleigh.
Until his father leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, concern etched deeply in the lines bracketing his mouth. This was serious.
“Elijah has come to me with a vision. He won’t—”
“Can’t.” Elijah interrupted.
“All right, can’t.” The king conceded with a shrug. “Elijah can’t reveal the circumstances of the vision, but he has a favor to ask of you.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “And, I have to say, I agree with his request.” He nodded to Elijah.
The other man stood. He fidgeted wildly, picked at the sleeve of his tunic, rubbed his hands together, propped his hands on his hips, took them off.
Jackson tamped down the small flare of annoyance struggling to surface.
If Elijah had a request, it was with good reason, and yet he obviously found it difficult to ask. The Seer would get to it in his own good time, in his own way.
Elijah was a delicate man, slight in stature, sensitive, caring. A good man, who carried a heavy burden. The entire Kingdom depended on Elijah to properly interpret his visions and act on them accordingly. He’d been rattled when he missed the meaning of the image of Ryleigh he’d seen. What might possibly prove to be the most important vision of his existence, he’d misinterpreted.
Jackson understood his reluctance to repeat the same mistake. “Elijah, whatever it is, we’ll work it out. I trust you.”
A sigh of relief escaped Elijah. He dropped down into the chair and was immediately swallowed up by the large cushions. “Thank you, My Prince.” Gratitude filled his eyes. “I’ve had a vision. I can’t divulge the circumstances, as you understand by now.”
Elijah only imparted the knowledge needed to act on his visions, rarely divulging anything more. Knowing the future was a tricky thing. Elijah often told them too much information could alter the future in a negative way.
“The Ordination Ceremony for a Death Dealer is probably the most important celebration in our culture. You’ve trained all of your life for this moment. Passed all of your tests and been acquitted of all the charges against you. It is difficult, and not without regret, that I ask you to give up that privilege.”
Jackson shot from his seat. “No way, Elijah. You agree with this, Father?” He paced back and forth in the small seating area, crammed his hands into his hair, squeezed his head between them in a desperate search for patience. “I will not give up being a Death Dealer. I’ve trained my whole life for this moment.”
“No, no, no.” Elijah stepped in front of Jackson, effectively stopping his tirade. “Please, hear me out.”
Jackson waited. The pounding of his heart hammered through his head. “Spit it out, Elijah. I’m fast running out of patience.”
“Ahem.” King Maynard rose to his full height. “I will not tolerate this, Jackson. Take your seat and listen to Elijah.”
Jackson wrestled a string of profanities under control. He bit his tongue hard enough to leave the taste of blood in his mouth. Then, he flopped back onto the love seat and folded his arms over his chest.
The King turned to his advisor. “Elijah, everyone makes mistakes, you’ve been forgiven, now get over it, and speak your mind.”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir.” Elijah perched on the edge of his seat and leaned toward Jackson. “I’m sorry, Prince Jackson. I didn’t mean to imply you wouldn’t be a Death Dealer. You completed the course faster and with higher marks than anyone in history. I simply meant…” He blew out a breath. “I want you to give up the public ceremony. I would like to ordain you here and now, in the presence of your father—your king—with the princess as your witness.”
Relief slowed the racing of his heart. “What about Kai?”
“It would be best if only the four of us were present.” Elijah lowered his gaze.
Jackson turned his attention to his father. “But Kai is my trainer, my mentor, your second in command. He’s supposed to relinquish the title to me, supposed to stand for me as my witness.” Jackson would be a little disappointed not to have the entire Kingdom share in his accomplishments, but he’d get over it. Kai was a different matter. “Kai stood by me when I had no one else.”
If he hadn’t been looking directly into his father’s eyes, he might have missed the quick flash of hurt at the reminder. When the queen had died, King Maynard had become so focused on his thirst for revenge, he’d forgotten all about his sons.
Kai had stepped in and filled that void.
“I’m sorry, Jackson. There is no other way.”
Could he accept these terms? Kai should have been at his side. “Could your vision be wrong? Is there any possibility you misinterpreted what you saw?” The questions were eerily reminiscent of the situation with Ryleigh, but this time no gut instinct screamed at him that Elijah was wrong. If anything, the opposite was true.
Lately, Kai had been acting strange.
Jackson didn’t know what to make of his odd behavior. There was obviously a traitor among his people, but it couldn’t be Kai.
“No. I don’t know what the future holds this time.”
Jackson appreciated Elijah’s honesty. It was a huge concession for Elijah to tell them that much.
“I do, however, know you must be ordained immediately. And privately.” Fear filled the prophet’s eyes. “There’s something coming, Jackson. I don’t know what, though I will meditate on it as soon as we’ve finished here, but I have a strong feeling it’s not good. Not immediately, anyway.” Elijah furrowed his brow, but didn’t elaborate further.
Jackson only examined the seer’s expression a moment longer before nodding his head in agreement.
Kai would be furious, but then again, wasn’t he already? There wasn’t too much more Jackson could do to earn his mentor’s disapproval. Ah well. He’d have to make amends later.
Elijah prepared for the ceremony. His hands were rock steady now. No hint of the habitually nervous man remained in the confident prophet. He knew his duty, performed it with exemplary courage and strength, he was simply very timid.
Jackson took a deep breath and turned to face Ryleigh.
She stared back at him, eyes wide.
He squatted down in front of her and took her hand in his.
Sparks ignited.
He didn’t pull back.
Neither did she.
“Are you really going to go through with this?” She spoke before he had a chance, but her angry whisper confused him.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I? A public ceremony isn’t what’s important to me.”
“I’m not talking about the ceremony. I’m talking about becoming a Death Dealer.”
“Why wouldn’t I become a Death Dealer? I’ve trained for hundreds of years for this role.” Some of his confusion turned to anger. She was leaving anyway, who did she think she was to question his choices?
“So you still plan to kidnap humans and enslave them for your own purposes?” She vibrated with anger.
Relief softened some of his mounting temper.
“Death Dealers don’t only kidnap humans, as you put it—”
“Well, what else would you call killing men and transferring them against their will to a realm they don’t belong in? Since we have no experience with that, I guess we haven’t come up with a name for it.”
Her sarcasm stung. “Look, Ryleigh, you don’t understand. Death Dealers have many other responsibilities. A Death Dealer is responsible for the protection of our Kingdom. We are kind of like a Special Forces unit. I’m a soldier. I can’t change what I am, nor do I want to. I defend and protect my Kingdom. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.” When she would have interrupted again, he held his hand up in protest. “Please, hear me out.”
She clamped her mouth closed and folded her arms across her chest.
“I do, however, think we need to change our ways. It’s wrong to enslave humans, or anyone. We need to re-think our strategy, find a new way to ensure the safety of Cymmera.” He glanced over his shoulder to see his father and Elijah involved in their preparations. “I will work to change things, Ryleigh.” He squeezed her hand. “I would like to do it with you at my side.”
Her eyes widened. “I…Jackson…”
“It’s okay. You don’t have to make any kind of decisions right this minute. Elijah was right. Changes are definitely coming, but I think we have time to work out all of the details. Besides, I must be ordained. During the Ordination Ceremony the mark of the King will appear on King Maynard’s permanent successor. Without that mark, I can’t assume the throne if something happens to my father. If that’s even my destiny. Who knows at this point?” At one time he would have had no doubt the mark would appear. Now. Who knew?
A chill ran through him. Is that what Elijah’s vision had foretold? He tamped down the thought, couldn’t bear to think of King Maynard’s death. His father’s death.
“Ryleigh, witnessing the Ordination Ceremony of a Death Dealer is a huge responsibility as well as an honor. It is a privilege usually reserved for your mentor. If he is unavailable for some reason, a close family member may be used. I would be extremely honored if you would stand beside me as my witness.”
She hesitated for only a moment. Shifted her gaze to the king, then Elijah, and back to Jackson. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.” Surprise made him smile. He was sure. “I’m positive. Will you do it?”
A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “What do I have to do?”
“Come on, I’ll show you.” He led her to the small round table where Elijah worked diligently. “We’re ready, Elijah, King Maynard.” He bowed his head to each of them and waited for instructions.
“Thank you for participating, Ryleigh. This is the traditional attire for the Ordination Ceremony.” Elijah handed her a small bundle. “Would you do me the honor?”
“Of course. Thank you, Elijah.” He escorted her to a small dressing room and returned to Jackson.
“Please, take your place. We must prepare.” Elijah moved to stand beside King Maynard at the small round table.
Jackson stood across from him.
Two thick candles, one purple and one white, stood unlit atop a red satin cloth in the center of the table. Elijah took a pinch of ash—the remains of an ancient Death Dealer—from a leather satchel. He murmured softly as he sprinkled it over each of the candles then replaced the satchel in an elaborately carved wooden box.
King Maynard handed Elijah a small jar.
He dipped his thumb into the aromatic oil and marked a line down the center of each candle from top to bottom.
Jackson removed his shirt and tossed it aside.
Elijah moved around the table until they stood side by side. Together, they bowed to their King. Turned to face each other.
Elijah raised the jar before Jackson, dipped his thumb once more, and drew a line down the center of Jackson’s chest.
Elijah lifted his gaze, and it fell on something over Jackson’s shoulder. “We are ready to begin.”
Jackson turned to look behind him and sucked in a breath.
Ryleigh emerged from the dressing room clothed in the traditional, deep purple, ceremonial gown of his people. The gauzy material flowed down her body and into a train behind her. White beading formed an x between her breasts then continued in straps over her shoulders. An intricately woven purple and black choker adorned her neck. She was stunning.
She held her trembling lip between her teeth.
He reached toward her.
A smile spread across her face as she approached him.
“You’re so beautiful.”
She lowered her gaze. A deep blush colored her cheeks. “Thank you.”
Jackson turned with her to face the table.
Elijah and King Maynard stood opposite them.
“Let us begin.” Elijah clapped his hands together once, rubbed them back and forth and opened them to reveal a small flame. He cradled the flickering glow in his hand and lifted the white candle from the table beside him. He held the wick to the flame, lit it, and handed it to Ryleigh. He then repeated the process using the purple candle and handed it to Jackson. “Follow me.”
He moved to a long, rectangular ceremonial table he’d already prepared. Two circles made from small gemstones interlocked in the center. “Jackson, place your candle in the center of this circle, please.” He indicated the circle he’d created from diamonds then directed Ryleigh to place her candle in the ring of amethyst.
The soft glow of the flames lit Ryleigh’s profile as she positioned her candle beside Jackson’s. She was beautiful, delicate, and yet possessed amazing strength. She would never stay here, not even if she desperately wanted to, not without Mia. She would sacrifice anything for her younger sister.
It was a quality he found so attractive, yet at the moment, it was completely frustrating him. Shame washed over him. Was he so selfish he would be angry with her for putting her sister’s needs ahead of his, ahead of her own?
Ryleigh stepped back from the table and took her place at Jackson’s side.
He grasped her hand.
She looked up at him, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Perhaps, he was forgiven.
Jackson turned his back to the table, released Ryleigh’s hand, and lowered himself to one knee.
King Maynard approached and stood facing his son then took a small, red satin bundle from Elijah. He unwrapped the jewel encrusted, ceremonial dagger, wrapped the handle in the scrap of satin and lifted it over his head.
Elijah held open an ancient tome, the pages brittle and yellowed with age. He moved to stand behind Jackson. Elijah’s low chant filled the chamber, echoed off the stone walls, reverberated through Jackson’s head, filled his heart to nearly bursting.
Jackson bowed his head and closed his eyes.
His father lowered the blade, pressed it flat against the top of Jackson’s head.
Another man’s voice merged with Elijah’s, though no one had entered the chamber. The volume of the chanting increased, intensified, as more and more voices joined in.
Jackson tensed.
His father raised the blade from Jackson’s head.
The time had come. Jackson stood to face him. Would the ancient’s accept him as a Death Dealer? Would they recognize him as the future King? Anticipation weighed heavily, a physical pressure on his chest.
Jackson met his father’s gaze, held it, found only confidence there.
King Maynard lashed out quickly with the dagger, using a backhanded stroke to open a deep gash across Jackson’s right bicep.
Ryleigh gasped.
Blood flowed. It poured in small rivulets down Jackson’s arm and hand. His arm began to tingle. Rays of light poured from the wound, intensified as they began to weave themselves together, entwining with the lines of blood to form an intricate design. A cocoon of light surrounded Jackson, shrouding him in a halo of illumination.
The incision began to burn. A line of intense pain scorched his bicep, traveled up to his shoulder. The burn continued down the back of his shoulder as it wove a pattern to match that of the light.
The light enveloped him, lifted him from the ground. The weightlessness startled him, caught him off guard, though he should have known what to expect. He’d witnessed the Death Dealer Ordination Ceremony enough times, always waiting impatiently for the day it would be his turn.
He hung suspended in the air as the tribal design continued to form around his upper arm and shoulder, down and around the right side of his back. A primal mark that branded every Death Dealer. While they were all similar in design, each had characteristics of its own to indicate the nature of its owner.
The tempo of the chanting increased with the volume. A hundred voices joined.
The pain intensified. His back arched. He lifted his arms out to the sides, elbows bent, palms up, beseeching the ancients to guide him on his journey, to give him the strength he’d need to fulfill his calling.
With one last vicious sting across his bicep, his stomach heaved, and he fell to the floor. The light dimmed, faded.
Ryleigh reached for him. As she grabbed his hand to help him up, one ray of light intensified. It climbed up her arm. She tried to pull her hand away.
Jackson released her.
The light did not.
Her face etched with fear, and pain. “Make it stop. What’s happening?”
“Elijah?” Jackson looked on, helpless to stop it. He turned to the prophet. “Elijah can you stop this? What have you done?”
“I’ve done nothing, My Prince. It is simply what will be.”
The light dimmed, faded, flickered out.
Elijah stood stunned, mouth agape.
King Maynard stood stone faced.
Ryleigh looked down at her arm and gasped. “No.”
Her small cry tore through Jackson.