Shattered Souls (Guardians of the Maiden Book 3)

“Good morning!”

Dyna blinked sleepily at the chirpy voice and barely noticed Noemi floating through the room before she yanked open the heavy drapes. Bright morning sun streamed into the windows and burned her eyes. She moaned, hiding her face in the pillows. The lump sleeping next to Dyna cursed when Noemi yanked back the blankets.

“Time to wake up. We have a grand day ahead of us!”

“Leave me or I will throw you off the balcony,” Lucenna hissed.

“I will merely fly back,” Noemi replied cheerfully.

“Please rise, my lady.” At the sound of that stern voice, Dyna and Lucenna sat up to meet Madam Kahna’s pinched expression. “There is much to do before the wedding tonight.”

Right. She was getting married. Well, she already was, but this would make it official before the eyes of the court.

Servants strolled in through the door with carts of tea, bread, all sorts of fruits. Others came in with carts of shoes and dresses.

“There is more I must do?” Dyna asked. “I thought I completed the Bonding Rites.”

Yesterday evening, she had gone through the rite of the flesh.

The cold water had sluiced off her body when she stepped out of the sacred pool within a cave buried deep below the castle. Several female Celestials had been in attendance, each of them dressed in simple white robes. Including Lady Sarrai. Their voices wove together in their language as they said the prayer for purification to wash away all of Dyna’s impurities.

Well, after submerging herself seven times, she had to be clean. Her skin felt fresh and her hair silky. It fell around her shoulders in soft, red waves as she stood from the bed.

“You did, my lady. You are cleansed and may join with your mate as you please.”

Dyna flushed at how easily they spoke of that around here. As an Herb Master, she learned everything there was to know about sex, but reading about it and performing it were two different things. Lucenna peeked at her behind her pillow and smirked. Dyna shot her a glower.

“Now we must prepare you for the day.” Kahna nodded to the servants. “We have brought you some food to break your fast.”

“Could I meet Cassiel for breakfast?” Dyna asked.

“I’m afraid not, my lady. The prince must also prepare for the wedding. You will see him when it’s time to handfast before Elyōn.”

She pouted and tugged on the bond. Cassiel answered right away. Lev sheli?

Madam Kahna has come to torture me.

Only a little. He replied, a smirk in his voice. She means to pamper my bride and assure every eye will be on you.

Dyna groaned. She wanted to crawl back into bed and sleep a little more. I am considering marrying my pillow instead. The sound of his warm chuckle made her smile. It was enough to revitalize her energy. I will see you tonight.

I will be waiting.

She sluggishly got out of bed. Her body felt heavy from their late night magic lessons, since she hadn’t been able to sleep. It didn’t help. She was kept up due to nerves about today and the thousand other thoughts that kept turning in her head. Like about their future as Lord and Lady and whether Cassiel would be allowed to cross Troll Bridge, so he could find his mother.

Why did she leave her family behind?

Cassiel said it was to find a way to preserve her lifetime, but it didn’t seem right, somehow. Dyna had a sense it was something else. For something much more significant that warranted risking her life. Maybe Lord Jophiel would know something.

Dyna snacked on some fruit and cheese as they worked on her hair and lathered her skin with sweet smelling oils. Lucenna seemed to be enjoying herself, but she still couldn’t get used to being waited on hand and foot, and constantly bowed to.

There were several ladies in waiting to help this time. Dyna often caught them staring at her through the mirror.

Apparently, walking through Seraph fire was rarer than wielding it.

“My lady, here is the contraceptive you requested,” Noemi whispered when Kahna was distracted. She handed Dyna a small glass vial with brown kernels inside that resembled apple seeds. “Take one seed for every year you wish to be infertile. They are instantly effective. You may have one more bleed but it will be faint and last only a day.”

Who knew how long it would be before the topic of growing a family came up again, or what their future would hold, but for now, she and Lucenna took one. The seeds had a waxy coating and didn’t taste like anything.

The rest of the morning was spent weaving fine silver strands through her hair. Dyna was made to sit still through it, and she fought to stay awake. She groaned at the faint ache in her head and body. Learning how to levitate herself with her Essence took a toll.

“I need tea,” she mumbled, pressing on her temples.

“Already done.” Lucenna poured her a cup, and the scent of rosemary drifted in the air. “You know, there are other much more … satisfying ways to replenish your Essence.” A slow grin took over her face. “Quicker than rosemary tea, if you gather my meaning.”

Dyna flushed bright red. “Y-yes, I’m aware of that method.”

Azeran had detailed all the methods mages could revitalized spent Essence, and intimacy had been one of them. Something about there being an exchange of life force during the act.

“And I’m sure your Celestial wouldn’t mind in the least.” Lucenna winked, making her redden further.

A knock came at the door, and Kahna opened it to reveal another servant.

She curtsied. “Lord Jophiel compliments my lady, and he apologizes for the interruption. If my lady can spare a moment, he asks that you join him for tea.”

This could be a good opportunity to ask him about Cassiel’s mother.

Dyna glanced at Kahna and the stewardess pursed her lips. “I suppose we can spare an hour.”

“With pleasure, I will join him directly,” Dyna answered told the servant.

The ladies quickly dressed her in a fine gold gown for the meeting, then the Valkyrie escorted them to Lord Jophiel’s office. It was a good thing Sowmya knew the way, because Dyna was still learning the halls. When she recognized the corridor, she stopped.

“I will be fine from here.”

Sowmya and Janel bowed before taking their posts at the end of the corridor.

“Then I will go to the ballroom and see how it’s coming along,” Lucenna said. “Shall we meet in your rooms later?”

Dyna nodded. Taking a deep breath, she glided down the corridor with her hands folded at her waist as Noemi had taught her. When she reached Lord Jophiel’s office, the door was slightly ajar. She rose her hand to knock.

“Have you done what I asked?”

She froze at the sound of King Yoel’s voice coming from inside.

“Yes,” Lord Jophiel replied, his tone tired.

“This is necessary, brother. I do what I must not only for my son, but for our people. We have both known this was coming since that night. Cassiel is the future of Hilos.”

She covered her mouth.

King Yoel never changed his mind.

He still planned to make Cassiel High King. Her body tensed at the sudden feeling of a presence. She glanced over her shoulder and found Prince Malakel standing a couple feet behind her. He said nothing. He didn’t even look at her.

The expression on his face…it was the last thing she expected to see. Instead of anger, the prince looked lost. Like everything he had known had been erased. Malakel turned away, his white wings hanging low. He quickly vanished down the corridor.

“Forgive me, but do you think our people are ready to have him as their king?” Lord Jophiel asked. “Our people were not prepared at the beginning. How could they be now?”

There was a long pause, and Dyna pressed her ear closer to the crack, straining to hear King Yoel’s answer.

“I wish we had more time to prepare him and the Realms. But time is always short, Jophiel. It passes quickly, and it cares not if you are ready for it. Once they found each other, I knew it was inevitable. Nothing can interrupt what must happen tonight.”

What did that mean? What was happening tonight?

Other than their wedding…

“The rites are finished and the paint prepared. Their bond will be complete. I have spoken about it with Cassiel.”

They were speaking of the consummation. Why was that so important to everyone?

“Good.”

“Will you arrive for the ceremony?”

King Yoel was quiet before saying, “I’m afraid not. I have more to do here.”

“What am I to tell him about Mount Ida? He’s requested to cross Troll Bridge.”

Dyna held her breath to hear his reply. Would King Yoel stop Cassiel from continuing on their journey? After what happened in the port, it was very likely.

But Dyna didn’t hear his answer. She pressed closer to the door, and it loudly creaked open under her weight. Lord Jophiel looked up from where he stood before a podium by the back windows. On it rested a wide silver plate that glowed brightly, its light illuminating his startled expression for a short moment before it faded away.

Dyna’s face flamed hot. “Um…pardon. You…called for me?”

Lord Jophiel straightened with a bemused frown. “Yes, but I was to see you in the drawing room of my chambers, my lady. Not here.”

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry. I assumed—I–I will excuse myself.”

“It’s fine. You are here now.” He motioned for her to join him.

Swallowing, Dyna’s gown rustled as she slowly came closer. Lord Jophiel studied her face, and she did her best to compose herself, but she couldn’t quite hide how flustered he was.

“I trust what you overheard will stay in this room.”

She nodded.

“Between us,” he clarified. She glanced around the office but didn’t see the High King. “We intended to disclose the news after some time, but I imagine it’s good news for you, nonetheless.”

“For me?” She frowned, unsure of his meaning. “Because…it means I am to be Queen?”

“Is that what you desire?”

He was asking about more than simply wanting the throne. Many suspected she, a common girl with no background, planned to tie herself to a prince. Spelled her way into his heart by some evil magic.

“I never desired it,” Dyna replied coolly. She motioned at her regal clothing, then the kingdom. “Nor any of this. In my village, everything we own is earned by our hands. I never cared for wealth or status, and I certainly don’t care for your implication. I’m intelligent enough to make my own way. All I ever desired from Cassiel was to be by his side.”

To say such a thing aloud, it hummed in the bond.

A soft smile rose to Lord Jophiel’s face. “Forgive me, I had to ask. Merely to prove this union was beyond any doubt. We have much to lose and cannot leave anything to chance.”

It was then she noticed the truth bell hanging from the domed, glass ceiling. Lord Jophiel was testing her? Not only him. He said we.

Dyna spun round, searching the galley for any hidden, winged forms. “King Yoel?”

“He isn’t here,” Lord Jophiel said.

“I heard his voice.”

“We spoke through the water mirror.”

She glanced at the wide bowl and inched closer to see it. The outside was silver, and the inside was lined with mother of pearl. It held clear water and nothing more.

“It works similar to orbs, but with magic of its own. I’m a collector of such things.” Lord Jophiel looked out at his office, and she followed his gaze to the many items on display and the power she could feel from them. “Every piece has a past, such as the necklace you wear.”

Dyna brushed her fingers over the crystal resting on her chest.

“It once belonged to the first High Queen of Hilos. Then it was passed down to each one thereafter. It belonged to my mother for some time before it was given to Cassiel’s mother. Now it’s yours.” His expression was neutral but she wasn’t quite sure if he approved of her wearing it. “The smith who created that necklace was also the one who made this.” He motioned at the pearlescent plate.

“You use it to communicate with the High King?”

“Yes, for short amounts of time and only when necessary. It could be used as a tool to spy on others. However, others can spy back.”

She studied it curiously. “This is the only one?”

“There are four magic mirrors in all, so you never know who is watching.” He looked down at his reflection in the water. “The sun mirror was once in Arthal with the fae, before it was lost. It required blood to see what will be. The moon mirror requires tears to see what once was. The water mirror requires salt to see what is present.”

Dyna was detecting a pattern. Each mirror represented an element. “Is there an earth mirror?”

He nodded. “It’s in the possession of the Archmage.”

“What does it do?”

“Not even I know the answer.”

Dyna gazed into the water mirror, intrigued by this new magic. “If I may ask, could I…?”

“Of course.” Lord Jophiel took something from the table behind him and held out a small wooden bowl with salt. “Sprinkle some inside and stir the water as you think of who you want to see. There must a mirror or source of reflection nearby, like a window or even water. Those proficient in magic may see you, even if you don’t intend it.”

Dyna did as he instructed and circled her fingers through the water. Rings spread through the surface as it clouded. She thought of her cottage and she received a dim image of Lyra sitting at her desk. A soft gasp left her and emotion welled in her chest as she took in her little sister’s tawny eyes reflected in the sunlight, the delicate heart-shaped face that was all their mother. Lyra’s red tresses were held back by a braid on her hairline.

“Where are you, Dyna?” she whispered, her eyes watering. “Please, come home.”

Dyna’s eyes watered too and the image vanished. She wished to appear before her sister now and hug her tight. But she couldn’t, not yet. Not until her journey was over, but people stood in her way.

With a stir of the water, she spied on Tarn next. Instead of his tent, he was in a room she didn’t recognize, sitting in a wingback chair by a fireplace.

But then Tarn’s glacial gaze flickered up—right at her.

Dyna jumped back with a gasp, and the image quickly faded. Her skin prickled with goosebumps.

Gods, he didn’t see her, did he? The man still frightened her, and she stupidly forgot he had magic.

But if those with magic could see her, then there was someone she did wish to speak with. Lord Jophiel must have seen something on her face because he extended the salt bowl to her again.

“Whatever is said stays in this room?” she asked him.

He nodded.

Dyna sprinkled in more salt, and the whirling water settled on an image of a woodland. She glared at the green-haired fae sitting on the edge of a creek with a blue fox on his lap. He played a lilting tune on a pan flute. It was a hypnotic sound, alluring and beautiful that seemed to pull her closer and closer to the mirror. The spell ended when the song did.Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

Leoake’s gold eyes blinked at her like a sleepy cat and he grinned. “Well, hello there.”

“You can see me?”

“Hear you, too. So can others if you’re not careful, clever mortal.” He chuckled. “And we both know what happens when you don’t heed my warnings.”

She worked her jaw, wishing she could reach in the mirror and strangle him. He intentionally sent her a vague message that didn’t help her at all.

“Then I will make this quick.” Dyna held up her cursed hand bearing the mark of an oak tree. “Remove it.”

The dastardly Druid responded with a jeering laugh. “I cannot remove the geas until our deal is complete.”

“A deal you trapped me in.”

“Is it a trap if you willingly walk into it?”

Dyna groaned through a sharp breath, gripping the edge of the podium. She hated that the geas was a source of fear for Cassiel and judgment from others. She wanted it gone. “You could at least change the appearance or make it more discreet,” she said tightly. “It’s dreadful, and I don’t want it to be the first thing everyone judges me for.”

“Hmm.” Leoake strolled alongside the bank, his hair perfectly matching his dark green jacket embroidered with golden oak leaves. He gave her a smile as sharp as his pointed ears. “Very well. I’m feeling generous today. Take it as my wedding gift.”

Sunlight glinted on his many rings as he raised his hand and snapped his fingers. The geas tingled, then canopy of the tree began to fade until it disappeared from her skin, as if wiped away by an invisible cloth.

“Where did it go?”

He winked. “An answer to be revealed when you’re both discovering other things about each other tonight.”

“Leoake!”

“Worry not, my dear. He will be pleased.” With a mischievous laugh, he sauntered away from the creek. Azulo yipped at her before the water mirror cleared.

Face burning, Dyna didn’t dare look at Lord Jophiel. “I must return, my lord.”

He cleared his throat. “Um, right, of course.

She dipped in a curtsey and hurried for the door, but halted when she remembered her reason or coming. “The mirror can find anyone? Perhaps it can find—”

Lord Jophiel shook his head despondently, already knowing what she would ask.

Dyna’s heart sank. “Do you mean she is…?”

“All I know is the water mirror cannot locate her. It means she is no longer in this realm, or she is cloaked. Either way, Cassiel’s mother is lost to us.”

Mount Ida was smothered with magic. The island itself couldn’t be found without a map. Maybe his mother truly made it and it hid her, too.

“Were you friends?” she asked.

A sad fondness settled on his face. “We were, a long time ago.”

“Why did she leave?”

Cassiel said it was to find a way to preserve her lifetime, but it didn’t seem right, somehow. Something else had to make her leave her son.

Lord Jophiel glanced fleetingly at the bell. “Perhaps in search of a future.”

Dyna didn’t know what that meant, but he most likely wouldn’t tell her more.

“Oh, I nearly forgot the reason I called on you.” Lord Jophiel walked down the step to the table with the seating chairs. On it rested a small ornate jewelry box made of pink pearl and gilded with flowers and vines. “I have a light gift for you.”

She paused in surprise, not expecting this. Noemi had told her light gifts were usually from close family or lovers.

He opened the small box and presented it to her. Laying on a velvet cushion rested a pair of dangly sapphire earrings. “It would greatly honor me if you would wear them tonight.”

It left her speechless.

“Before you say you cannot possibly accept it, I will beg you to allow me this.” To give her such an extravagant gift, it must mean he considered her family now.

She accepted the jewelry box carefully, feeling the weight of it in her hands. It was probably worth a fortune itself. “Thank you, Lord Jophiel. These have been a trying few days. Your kindness and welcome have truly meant a lot to me.”

“I admit, I was not sure what to expect once meeting you, but after what I have witnessed yesterday, it could only mean you are his match. The Realm see it as well,” Lord Jophiel said, looking out at the mountains. “When he first came here, Cassiel’s spirit was broken. Seeing his kind living freely in Hermon, it slowly brought him back to life. He grew strong, if only to spite those who had wronged him. Anger and hate followed him like a shadow, but when I saw how he regarded you, those shadows had diminished.” Lord Jophiel looked at her fondly. “I have never been more astounded than when I saw him truly smile at declaring you as his. You have brought him joy, Dynalya. It is I who must thank you.”

His gentle praise snipped the final threads of her insecurities. She had changed Cassiel’s life as much as he had changed hers.

“I think you did a great deal for him as well, Lord Jophiel. He greatly admires you. To Cassiel, you’re like a father.”

An emotion crossed his face that she couldn’t read, and he lowered his gaze. “And he is like a son to me. Cassiel is not happy with me at the moment, and that is understandable, but I will always take every effort for his well-being, even if he does not agree with my methods.”

Dyna’s brow furrowed.

At her visible confusion, Lord Jophiel cleared his throat. “Ah. He did not tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“Cassiel is to wear a bangle for the time being.”

She recoiled. “You put a witch’s bangle on him?”

“I’m very sorry. It’s entirely a precaution.” Lord Jophiel linked his hands behind his back. “I fear for your future here and for Cassiel’s. You cannot attack your people when they disagree with you, or destroy rooms at the spark of a temper. It’s not done. Diplomacy is how we manage. We have all Four Realms in attendance today for the wedding, and I cannot risk something happening.”

She shook her head at the sudden turn in conversation. “Therefore, you think the best choice is to take away his defenses when our lives are currently in danger?”

“The ballroom will be full of Valkyrie. They will protect you, my lady. I promise this is only temporary. I will remove it myself once he learns control.”

Dyna? Cassiel’s alarmed voice blared in her head at the emotions and magic roiling through her. Breathe, lev sheli.

She forced herself to fill her lungs with air and release it slowly. Lord Jophiel backed away from her as green light cast a hue over the room. She glanced past him to her reflection on the window. Her eyes were glowing a bright, menacing green. Her body was trembled from the memory of having her magic locked away while trapped in Tarn’s camp.

How can he do that to you?

It was a command from my father, apparently.

That reminded her what she overheard earlier. “Have you done what I asked?”

Dyna composed herself. “I will take my leave,” she said, before they thought to put one on her as well.

Lord Jophiel nodded, watching her carefully.

She left the office with a churning in her stomach. If was what King Yoel commanded, she couldn’t do anything about it, despite her wanting to rip it off Cassiel this instant.

There was no contesting a King.