A Gathering of Souls Read online

  The tantalizing fragrance of stargazers filled Bree’s little room. A bouquet of the flowers was nestled neatly next to a new vase of spark lilies on the nightstand. The Rishi of Rysa hadn’t forgotten how much she liked them.

  Her evening dress hung on the balcony door. The cream-colored lace was form-fitting throughout, flaring at the knees. Bayan designed it, and she was relieved that she wouldn’t suffer from corset-induced breathlessness during the hours of celebration honoring Khrisk’s return.

  In two hours, he would arrive. Her stomach bounced with excitement. She felt giddy with the thought of seeing his face, at the possibility of touching him.

  Stop it. You’re acting like a fool. Calm down. He won’t even remember you. Bree sighed.

  He’ll remember. The other girl insisted. How could he forget us?

  Bree flinched at the word us. Be quiet.

  The voice didn’t respond.

  She turned her attention to her bed covered in presents. Keir Ryne had sent a bottle of bath oil. He mentioned in his note it was Khrisk’s favorite. A diamond star necklace and matching earrings from Fara were arranged in a blue velvet box. Bayan had sent diamond bangles with a letter that rambled on and on, but basically said he could not wait to see her again. She secretly tore it to pieces before Tosha could fawn over the missive and arrange it on her nightstand.

  While she waited for her bath to be filled, she tried on the bangles. They clanked up and down her forearm. What would Khrisk think when he saw his cousin holding her hand or kissing her? She imagined Khrisk’s tortured expression or worse, a happy one.

  Stop thinking about Khrisk. But she couldn’t seem to help it. Her emotional prison rumbled with insistence. I can’t look at you. I’ll fall to pieces and I’m already cracking. She shoved the feelings farther back to the places in her mind she never ventured.

  Tosha peeked out from the dressing room. “Everything okay?”

  “Yes, thank you. I’m just…well.” Bree pointed to all the gifts and let out a breathy laugh. “A little overwhelmed.”

  One of the servants bringing fresh water for her bath glared at her like laughter was a sin against humanity. If she couldn’t laugh, she would cry, and nobody would want to be with her if she cried all the time. She smiled at the servant and scooted off her bed. The woman huffed and went about her business.

  When would people realize she only wanted to get better and move on? She hadn’t asked Zeir Bayan to marry her. She pushed her gown aside and went out to the balcony.

  Below, the blooming flowers beckoned a group of shimmering ginger birds that drank the offered nectar with their tiny black tongues. They fluttered from bloom to bloom, sending pollen into the air. Green dots swirled on the granite behind her, creeping toward her body, until all the dots converged in a neat circle over her heart. At least the rooftop guards were consistent with their laser rifles. Bree rolled her eyes. As if she had anywhere to go. She leaned over the rail, disturbing their target. They could readjust their sights to her forehead for all she cared.

  The tiered city surrounding the palace was dwarfed by the huge walls protecting it from the mutated beasts. Past the fences around the fields to the greening hillsides, the mountains called to her. She had no answer. Stav’s Zeir had captured her and claimed her for his own.

  She choked back a sob at the consuming longing and rubbed her face. Hopefully, none of the sentries had seen her moment of weakness. She tightened her dressing gown sash and straightened her shoulders.

  Be stronger than this, Bree. You can’t afford to turn into mush. There’s nothing you can do about any of it.

  We can, said the voice.

  Dizzy, Bree leaned against the railing. There’s no us and there isn’t anything I can do.

  “Your bath is ready,” Tosha called from the dressing room.

  After her bath, Bree smelled like a spark lily. She was careful to use only half the bottle of oil so she would have the chance to catch Khrisk’s attention one more time with his favorite aroma. Then she scolded herself for thinking of Khrisk.

  She drank jinberry tea compliments of the Resh while Tosha painted her nails with mother of pearl. Bree had never painted her nails, but Bayan’s man brought the bottle and asked Tosha to please humor his master. He’d also brought a green box from Fara with instructions not to open it until Bayan arrived to escort her to the grand courtyard.

  Tosha spread out a cloth and placed Bree’s hands on top of it. “They’ll be dry by the time I’m done with your hair.” She gathered some pins and started brushing.

  The first time Bree met Khrisk, she was a mess of tangled hair and filthy clothes. She recalled the look on his face, like he’d seen something he wanted but was too afraid to ask for it. She wanted him to remember her that way this evening.

  “I was thinking of putting flowers in my hair, and maybe leaving it down. What do you think?” Bree kept her voice even as she glanced at the abundance of spark lilies in her room. “I’d hate for all the blooms to go to waste, and I have a feeling that I’ll get replacements tomorrow and every day after.”

  “None of the Karras wear their hair down.”

  “I don’t care what they do. I want my hair down.”

  Tosha squinted at her.

  Bree blew at her nails. “In a braid, but not gathered on top of my head.”

  “A braid.”

  “A fancy braid with flowers.” If she could persuade Bayan to let her wear worn leather pants and a tunic, she would.

  “Zeir Bayan won’t like it.”

  “But I will.” A tingle of energy shot from her hand and flooded the vanity.

  “Fine.” Tosha splashed Bree’s hair with a little of the oil Ryne had sent.

  While Tosha was busy, Bree gathered the cosmetics and looked in the mirror. Dark circles puffed under her eyes, and her face seemed paler than usual. She opened the tins and found a translucent powder, a rose-colored one, and some sort of black ink.

  “Can you put some on me?” asked Bree. “I want to look like I’ve slept since Khrisk saw me last.”

  “You don’t need it.”

  Bree stared at Tosha, who stared back.

  “Fine.” Tosha huffed and continued to flip and twist her hair. After Tosha tied the braid with a white cord, she gathered the flowers and snipped the stems. Tosha hummed a sweet melody as her arranged, and rearranged, the flowers in Bree’s hair.

  “Done.” She handed Bree the looking glass.

  Bree stood and held up the small mirror to see the full length of her hair in the reflection behind her. Her hair went to her waist. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn it down in front of anyone except Tosha and that was right before bed. “Thank you.”

  Tosha worked her magic with the cosmetics. Bree almost didn’t recognize her reflection. They hurried to dress her. Tosha finished the last button as Bayan walked in.

  His cream suit with gold and silver threads complimented her gown. “Good evening. You look—” The way Bayan gazed at her made her feel naked.

  “I look?”

  “More beautiful than I remember.” His hands touched the star necklace, the earrings, and the bangles.

  A zing of heat flashed through her, and it wasn’t from the charm. “From two hours ago?” She stepped back. “What did your mother send?”

  “I have no idea.” He stroked her braid. “I love the flowers. Very pretty.” He grabbed her waist and pressed his nose against her neck. “You smell divine.”

  A faint kiss landed on her skin. Bree twisted out of his grip. “I’m curious about your mother’s gift.” She went to the bed and opened the green box. She pulled out a gold and silver sash. “Your mother sent this to me?”

  If Bayan answered, she didn’t hear.

  It was perfect. It was hers.

  The amber gem sent out flames to distract Bree, but it couldn’t stop the images flashing in her mind.

  She rode a horse among seven golden riders.

  The silver woman hugged he
r, crying.

  A tall man kissed her forehead.

  Another kissed her lips.

  She ran through the pine forest.

  Screams. Hundreds of screams.

  Panic pumped ice into her veins cooling the charm’s hot tendrils. It had recognized the vision. Had she seen her memories? Were the golden riders from her tribe? She ached to see them, but at the same time dreaded a reunion. And that was only if they existed.

  They could be the Antheans who captured her, though they hadn’t looked evil. Then again, Osling didn’t look evil.

  Enough. Stop the traitorous thoughts. Be grateful you’re alive. She pounded the idea into her skull.

  Bayan’s warm hand on her cheek broke her thoughts. “You don’t like the sash? We thought it would be perfect with your dress.”

  “It is perfect.” Bree shook her head. Her alhor sparked and glinted as it ran across the floor and up the walls. She concentrated on reining it in. “Help me tie it?”

  “Will Ehre be at the homecoming?” Please, say yes.

  “She’ll be there. All the shiners are working at the homecoming.” He took her arm and led her to the door.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Honeyed air wafted into the hallway from the grand courtyard where Khrisk would make his formal return to the palace. Singing streamers in an array of colors fluttered between the courtyard wall and the palace, creating a canopy of sorts over the entrance. The trees lining the yard danced to the music, and the paving stones flashed multiple colors. Osling’s Seyhs, Bree counted at least ten of them, oversaw the magical entertainment, but Ehre wasn’t among them.

  “We’ll stand next to Father and Mother,” Bayan said, leading her in the direction of a pergola.

  Both in black, Ehre and the Resh stood together, the customary indigo circle covered his left breast, the heart of Rysa itself. To their left, Keir Ryne and Rishi Fara rested in gold-plated chairs with bright blue cushions. The Keir also donned a formal black suit while Rishi Fara wore a floral dress that complimented her pale complexion.

  Bree’s quad separated and stood with the other soldiers manning the main doorways. Bayan released her arm and kissed his mother’s forehead.

  “Thank you for the beautiful sash.” Bree bowed to Fara.

  The Rishi smiled at her son. “You’re welcome. Bayan helped pick it out.”

  Ehre’s eyes narrowed on the sash and then focused on Bree’s face. “You look heavenly. I haven’t seen you with cosmetics before.”

  “Thank you.” Bree nodded for Ehre to come to her side, hoping she wouldn’t have to ask aloud.

  “Let me get a better look.” Ehre’s purple alhor mixed with Bree’s gold turning the light between them green as Ehre pretended to examine her face. “Your hair is also down. How nice.” Under her breath, Ehre whispered. “Where did you get that?”

  Bree glanced at Fara.

  “Why on this good earth would she give it to you?” Ehre seemed frustrated about the sash, which made Bree relive the visions.

  “I’m seeing people that aren’t there. They could be the Antheans or my family. I’m not sure.” She didn’t know what to feel—happy to finally have the chance to see Khrisk, annoyed at the royals, or sad because phantoms kept popping up everywhere and she wanted them to stay or take her with them when they left. “I’m feeling so many things. Things I don’t know how to….” A tear ran down her cheek. The barricade on her emotions was failing. Her knees buckled.

  Ehre wiped Bree’s face. “You can’t stay here. I can’t let you see Khrisk.”

  “Too late.” Bree felt Khrisk’s presence before the trumpets on the first tier sounded. Her heart raced, and all the confusion funneled away.

  Cheering rose from the main gates. Bayan grasped her hand, yelling with the Rysans, welcoming the Second Zeir home. Fara remained seated with her hands folded in her lap, swishing her feet back and forth.

  Keir Ryne clutched his chest. Ehre went to him. Bree couldn’t tell what passed between them. Osling walked over and steadied Ryne. All of them looked at her.

  Something snapped. Or clicked. Bree heard it inside her head like she had with Bayan in the stadium.

  Hot sizzles from the amber gem tried to prevent it and failed.

  Like he’d been struck by lightning, Keir Ryne fell to the ground. The glowing tiles lit his face and clothes. The lights winked at her.

  New warmth unfolded in Bree’s center.

  Power.

  Her power.

  Bayan yelped and released her hand.

  Fara was by her side. “Go. Now. Before you see him,” she urged.

  I must see him. The voice’s desire mirrored Bree’s yearning to see Khrisk again.

  Khrisk entered the courtyard and leapt from his horse. His dark brown, wavy hair had been cut short and somewhere along the road, or before Stav, his people had cleaned him up and dressed him in a crisp black suit. He held her gaze as he ran to her. She stepped forward, arms outstretched, even though she tried holding them at her side. He picked her up and spun her around.

  “I missed you,” he whispered.

  The crowd, once wild with shouts, silenced. Khrisk set her down and kissed both her cheeks. Tingles shot all over Bree’s body.

  His hands cupped her jaw, and all she could do was gaze into his ocean eyes. She was dizzy at the sight him, feeling his touch, like she had been starving and now she feasted.

  He smiled his wonderful smile.

  She reached out to touch his face.

  Zeir Bayan’s arm came crashing down between them. “Thank you for welcoming my Honor with such fervor, Cousin.”

  Khrisk’s eyes widened as he stared at her neck. Her heart pounded against her ribs. She stood frozen by the shock on his face. She wanted to deny it—to tear off the Honor chain, but Khrisk’s fingers traced the length of her neck and rested on the silver links laying between the diamond stars and the amber gem.

  He looked into her eyes. She blinked, unable to withstand the pain she saw.

  Khrisk smiled, the sadness erased in an instant as if it had never existed. He hugged Bayan fiercely, spinning him around. “My congratulations, Cousin.” He kissed Bayan’s cheeks. The crowd resumed their cheering. “Where’s my father?”

  “He was right over there,” said Bree. Lying on the ground. “He wasn’t feeling well.”

  Khrisk’s here. He’s here. The voice chanted.

  Bree blinked. What? How could she…why would she…. You, she told the voice. Stop this. You’ll ruin everything.

  He’s here, the girl squealed.

  Be quiet! Bree commanded.

  “Come, come.” Rishi Fara yanked her arm, pulling her away. “You must go.” Fara walked toward a door across the courtyard.

  Someone called. Bree’s thoughts remained on Khrisk despite her best efforts. Her dungeon was crumbling, emotions leaked all over the place. She needed to tend to it soon or she might jump over all the people crowding Khrisk and kiss him.

  Get control of yourself. You feel nothing. Still, she peeked over her shoulder to catch the last sight of him. What’s wrong with you? She shut the door to her heart and triple locked it. Enough already.

  Bayan jogged over. “Mother, where are you going? Ryne has recovered and the banquet is starting. I need my Honor by my side.” He snatched Bree’s hand from Fara’s grip.

  “I must show her something over here.” Fara seized Bree’s dress. “Quickly.”

  “Stop.” Bayan took his mother’s hand and placed it on his arm. “Whatever it is can wait.” He felt her forehead. “Too much excitement will cause your fever to return.”

  “You don’t know that.” Fara’s eyes narrowed, her voice harsh. “I have to show her something. Right now.”

  “Why don’t you come with us?” Bree asked. “Let Khrisk have a moment with his father and his people.” She smiled and hooked her arm with his. The last thing she wanted was to sit across the table from Khrisk with all her emotions in a tangled mess. “Your mother hasn’t had the
chance to move around the palace in a long while. Please?”

  The Zeir shook his head. “This is ridiculous. There is a banquet. Now is not the time.”

  “She’s your mother.”

  Fara huffed. “Never mind.” The sweetness returned to her voice. “My whims. Perhaps later before Bree has to retire.”

  “Or tomorrow.” Bayan escorted them to the steps leading to the dining hall. “We must stand with Father and Khrisk. See? They’ve put Ryne in a chair next to him.”

  The dining hall was a flurry of blue and black. Rysa’s insignia hung from the ceiling and tapestries lined the walls. Glowing chandeliers lit cobalt ice sculptures and the sacred black imperia drink of the royal family glistened in crystal punch bowls. Guests drank the pressed root juice greedily. Supposedly, it gave the drinker sight into the future.

  Nothing compared to Khrisk. Bree strove not to stare at him while he cordially greeted courtiers and laughed with the young ladies. The Karras and their mothers fell over themselves to welcome him, and their dresses, if the small bits of fabric they wore could be called dresses, nearly caused her eyes to pop out of her head.

  Bayan stood by Khrisk in the receiving line at the right hand of the Resh with Ryne to Osling’s left. Fara stayed by Bree’s side and patted Bree’s hand on and off, mumbling words of encouragement and other things she couldn’t quite make sense of. Bree bobbed curtsy after curtsy until she finally had to resort to nodding. Her face froze in a permanent smile while people tried not to stare at Bayan’s Honor necklace around her throat.

  Ehre wove through the crowd, watching Bree carefully as if she was a bomb that might explode and kill everyone in attendance. Bree sent her silent messages. We need to talk!

  When they finally sat at the table, Osling lifted his hands. “Welcome home, Second Zeir of Rysa. You returned in time to join our strong young men in the Ranking.” He lifted his goblet. “To the great men of Rysa. Victory follows you.”