CHAPTER FIVE

I’m not sure what scares me more: the fact that I’ll be working with someone from the neighboring kingdom, which I despise, or the fact that I’ll be trusting him, a thief. I’ll admit that his revelation of his hearthstone threw me off, but that can only be a good thing, right? If he is merely using me to obtain information on this Kingdom at Cromwell’s behest and truly despises me, he would never reveal he hailed from the Kingdom I despise. He seems sincere in his desire to assist me… I’m just curious why.

He didn’t even inquire as to why I needed to attend the ball; he simply offered his assistance. It should make me feel better because I despise explaining things, but instead it irritates me.

Tremaine’s voice can already be heard from the castle’s threshold. I’m quite sure she’s yelling. Her voice could be heard echoing throughout the palace.

I follow the sounds, which brings me to the disturbance in the corridor. Tremaine, who is shouting at them, has five servants bending their heads.

I see Ali on the corner, not far from Tremaine and her servants, looking at them with an unfriendly attitude. According to her reaction, what she’s witnessing doesn’t worry her in the least.

I approach her.  

“What is the alarums and excursions all about, Ali? Why is Lady Tremaine laying into one of the servants? Did something happen while I was outdoors?” I asks.

She flinches, as if my presence had come as a shock to her. She nods after a gentle bow of her head.

“Certainly, Lady Solstice. Lady Tremaine was asking one of the servants in regard to her personal possessions.”

“Such as?”

“A book, Lady Solstice.”

I still. “A book?” I ask, expecting I heard it, mistakenly. She nods. “What book, Ali?”

“I have no idea, Lady Solstice. Perhaps, she thinks one of us had taken it and is outrage that she couldn’t find it on us.”

I return my gaze to Tremaine. Based on how she speaks to the poor servants, she is clearly frantic to find it. She doesn’t even seem to notice my presence.

“Did she tell you what book is it? Or what it looks like?” I ask. 

“Lady Tremaine says it is an old book,” she replies after being silent for a moment. 

“She didn’t tell of its name?” 

“She doesn’t say anything like that. She simply inquired as to whether we had taken anything from her personal space. We’d all seen nothing of the book she’s looking for, which is why she’s going rogue. Someone had gotten away with it, she suspects.”

I frown. “Is it really that important for her to behave like that and create such ruckus?”

“It must be important to her, Lady Solstice.”

I recall the books I gathered on the attic. One of them might be hers. But which one? All of them talks about witches. Is she researching about witches? Doesn’t she know it’s forbidden here?

“Are you certain none of you had taken it? Perhaps, they were curious enough to lay hold of the book.”

Her expression change but it fades as quickly as it had come. “That is impossible, Lady Solstice. Servants are not permitted to enter Lady Tremaine’s private room.”

When I discover that assumption is erroneous, I nod. No one is permitted to enter her personal space. Anastasia and Drizella’s rooms, as well as my father’s chamber, which is now Tremaine’s room, are the only ones that staff are allowed to clean.

“I see. Well, let me talk to her. I assume, I have seen the book she is looking for,” I say. 

I take a step towards them. Even when I make sure I can hold Tremaine’s attention, she ignores me.

“You are all irresponsible, thieves—

“Mother, that is enough,” I say. 

That’s when she comes to a halt. When she sees me, her frown intensifies, as though my presence irritates her more than the lost book. When the Servants see Tremaine’s glower, they turn their heads to me but soon return to bowing.

“You don’t command me, Solstice. Quit sticking your nose on my business,” Tremaine say with utter frustration.

“The servants had told you they saw nothing. You can’t force them to say otherwise because it will be a lie.”

Her brows contract in displeasure. “And who would take a book from my private room other than them?”

My eyes set on the servants who are about to cry. 

I take a deep audible breath. “I’m certain they have nothing to do with it. I saw some books inside the attic last day. Perhaps, one of those are yours?”

I believe I saw her body tensing for a little second. Her face contorts into a variety of expressions that I can’t quite place. She is scared, but she also appears to be doubting my words.

“What books are those?” she asks.

I take a peek around at the servants. It’s not safe to respond to her query right now. I can’t ensure the Kingdom’s safety, no matter how much I wish to trust everyone inside the palace except Tremaine and her daughters. Talking about witches is expressly prohibited in the Four Courts, and failure to comply would result in a hefty fine.

“I carried them all the way to the basement. You can see them for yourself.”

When I said basement, she wrinkled her nose like a shot in disdain. As though I’d said something she didn’t like.

“I’m not going to the basement, Solstice. Get them back here and I will check.”

I look at the servants and sigh. I guess, Mother will send them away while I go get the books.

“Very well, Mother.”

I turn back and start walking again. Ali is staring at me, a look of apprehension on her face. Maybe she’s just worried about me, I think as I grin at her. Tremaine is usually a nightmare to talk to, despite the fact that I seem to know exactly how to set her off.

I take the wooden stairwell down to the basement. I open my chamber door and retrieve the books I discovered in the attic. They’re all grouped together atop the table. Before transporting them, I layer them one by one. I’ll confront Tremaine about these books if they’re hers. These publications are prohibited, and the fact that she is staying in this palace could harm the Kingdom’s reputation among the Four Courts. It will do no good.  

I was anticipating the two of us to be alone as I showed her the books, but Ali stayed still and remained standing, her expression serious and quiet. I don’t appear to be in any danger. What if she comes upon these books and tells everyone about it? It is possible that we will be penalized. It is possible that I will be penalized.

Tremaine appears impatient; she is the one who approaches me and pulls the books from my grip, forcing them to tumble out of my grasp in a jumbled mess. The books are strewn on the floor. I look towards Ali, frightened she’ll notice them, but her gaze is fixed elsewhere.

“Which one is yours?” I try asking, forcing my voice not to shake. 

Tremaine frowns, disappointed even. “None of them is the book I’m looking for. Are you certain these are the books you found inside the attic?”

“Of course, Mother. You can go down and check my room if you want.”

She waves her hand in disgust. “That is not necessary.”

“Are these books yours? Do you own them?” 

Her brows shot up. “No. Why would I want these books?”

I look at her, hoping that she can see behind my expression that I don’t believe her. 

“But, why aren’t you surprise to see books about witches displaying before your eyes, Mother? I’m certain you know of how forbidden these are to the Four Courts.”

She smirks, looking down at me with such menace. “Because I have seen them before, Solstice. These books are owned by your Father.”

A sudden loud intake of breath draws out from me. “You are kidding.”

Her lips flutter higher as she speaks. The dissatisfaction in my voice adds to the annoyance in her countenance.

“I am not. I have seen him reading these, many times but I chose not to speak up,” she leans over to me and whispers to my ear. The hair on my nape stand on end. For a moment, I freeze on my spot until I hear her small voice.

“Come to think of it, your father is the King of Kingdom of Ruby, overseer of the laws of half of Summer Court and yet he was the very person breaking the law. Ironic, isn’t it?”

I take a deep breath. Her sweet smile flashes in my eyes as she bends down. Her black irises appear larger now that she’s too close; she’s frightening when she’s this close. Her long hair brushed up against my shoulders and arms, like if she were keeping me in place.

When she shifts her gaze to Ali, I seem to go back to myself.

“Burn them. And you saw nothing, understand?” Tremaine say, talking about the books, and Ali bows in response. 

She looks at me again, but now I am the one avoiding her eyes. “Now, before I can forget, I have a Ball to attend to. If you’ll excuse me, Solstice. I have to make sure I look pleasant tonight,” she brushes her long, wavy, black hair to me as she walks away. 

My head cocks to the side. How strange that she had completely forgotten about her missing book. I’m guessing she enjoyed my dissatisfaction with my father after learning about the books.

I gaze down at them, which are strewn about the floor. Ali takes a step forward and rapidly grabs them one by one. Despite my desire to keep them because they are my father’s possessions, I am unable to make a decision for the Kingdom. With the exception of the necklace he had given me, I have nothing. It will ruin Summer Court’s reputation, and worst of all, we will be punished for breaking a crucial law.

I’m not sure I should believe all she says. She could have told me those things to throw me off track, to convince me that Father isn’t the guy I believed him to be, that, like her, he has his share of evil.

As I return to my room, I shake my head. It’s not possible. If the books were indeed acquired by my Father, he was most likely researching witches. But why is that?

He is the law’s protector, the one who keeps the Kingdom tranquil, and the one who protects the Kingdom from witches. Because their type is deadly, it is forbidden to mention their names. Even books like my Father’s are forbidden because they may contain wicked spells, and reading them means reliving a world where witches govern and have dominance. 

What is it that brings my father to the witches? Mother’s death? But that was a long time ago. I assumed he was over it now that he’d married Tremaine. What piqued his interest in witches?

I clench my fists. There are a lot of questions that could be answered if he were here with me, but he isn’t. It simply implies that I must seek out the answers on my own.

I put my hand on the bed and get a grip on the sheet. My other hand touching the necklace hanging around my neck. I am about to stand up when my eyes catch a glimpse of something beneath my pillow. 

When I bring my pillow up, I see the book I forgot to include for Tremaine to see. The Book of Prophecy. While putting the pillow down, I grab the book. I place it on my lap and gently stroke it with my fingertips. The book’s thick, black cover is rough against my palm, the title characters engraved in a golden typeface. It’s strange that I’ve only just noticed the book cover’s classic design now. However, I recognize that I am more interested in the substance than in what is visible from the exterior. 

This could be the book Tremaine is seeking for. But she also stated that the books I showed her were my Father's, not hers, including this one, which I discovered in the same location as the others. I return it to its original position on the bed and cover it with my pillow. At the very least, I have something that belonged to my father. The castle, the crown, the throne, and the kingdom are all my Father's property, but they end up in Tremaine's hands. 

I stay put in my room. I pass the time by sewing clothes out of the fabrics I’ve collected from Drizella’s and Anastasia’s rooms, both of which are a mess.

I’m working on the outfit I’ll be wearing tonight. Certainly not a gown, but something that I can wear easily and that does not restrict my motions.

I finish by raising the tunic into the air before laying it down. I get my leather boots from under my bed and the rough jeans hanging on the window. Tremaine calls just as I finish preparing everything I need. I take note and exit the basement right away. Tremaine’s voice grows louder, clearly annoyed, as I stumble across the wooden stairs.

I am able to catch them right in front of the gate. Tremaine in one of her beautiful outfits. It’s the first time I’ve seen her not dressed in black. Her gown cascades down the floor, her crimson gown open and bally thanks to a petticoat. Her long black hair is pulled back into a bun. I can’t help but notice the carriage behind her. The carriage’s gleaming stones and ornaments, as well as its rungs, shine brightly now that the light is slowly fading.

“We are about to go, Solstice. Assure me the palace will be just fine until we are back,” Tremaine say. 

“I will do nothing out of lunch, Mother. I will pray for your safe journey.”

She frowns. “That will not be necessary, Solstice. The Kingdom of Larimar is just around the Summer Court. It will not be a long journey.”

I bite my lip. “Oh. What a shame, I know nothing of Cromwell’s Kingdom’s emplacement.”

She rolls her eyes. “I don’t expect you, anyway. Your father, after your mother died, had sealed you like a treasure. Your ignorance has no place to the Cromwell’s Kingdom hence, my deliverance of locking you in the palace and not permitting you to attend the ball is quite palatable.”

I wince upon mentioning my Mother but I remain smiling, bowing a little. 

“Of course, Mother.”

“I expect you are not going to create commotion so long as we are not around.”

“I will not, Mother,” I reply.

“Very well.”

“Mother, come on! We are going to be late.”

That is certainly Drizella. I can’t see her gown because she is already inside the carriage. What a shame. 

“I’m coming, dears,” Tremaine says before glancing one more time at me, warning clearly written on her face. 

“Mother,” I stop her for a moment. 

She turns around. “What now, Solstice?”

“Is the Winter Court coming at the ball?”

“How does that concern you?”

“I am just curious.”

Her lips twitch but answers, anyway. “Yes. But only the Charlemagnes. The Chudleighs denied the invitation. Are you quite satisfied with my answer? I have to go.”

I nod and smile. “Certainly, Mother. Take care.”

She is deafeningly quiet. I keep an eye on them as the carriage travels, until they are no longer visible. My hair is gently blown by a cold breeze. I wrap my arms over myself and press my palms on my shoulder blades, seeking to warm myself from the night’s chill. When I look up and see the silver moon hanging in the sky, even though the sun is still visible, I can’t help but think about my parents. While resting on the grass, we used to watch the moon. One of the thousand things I miss about them is those times.

I go inside my room when I notice the light is fading. I swiftly change into a new wardrobe. Before fixing my hair in a messy ponytail, I get my bag.

I’m not sure if Flynn will honor his word. He stated that he want to assist me. But how can I believe a thief’s claims?

If I stayed here one more minute, I wouldn’t find out.

Slipping in is difficult, but sneaking out is a piece of cake, especially if you are familiar with the area. I’m scared Ali will be upset if she doesn’t see me in my room, but I doubt anyone checks the basement.

I mend myself when I succeed in sneaking away. My wrinkled tunic is straightened, and the thin untangled laces of my boots are tied back. To be honest, they seem a little large to me, but they appear to be alright. Nothing will happen as long as I don’t run so much.

In contrast to the busy cosmopolis at cockcrow, the downtown is calm at dusk. As the sun’s top limb sinks under the horizon, the shadow spreads out lazily, completely darkening the area. The beginning of the night. The moon takes the place of the sun, and its light serves as my guide to the location, where Flynn, hopefully, will be waiting. As I walk, I can only hear the faint noises of my boots hitting the pike and the jingles of coines within my bag. The suburbs stretch for miles beyond the city’s downtown, where I can see the carrefours’ fluttering streetlamps.

I can smell a variety of stenches from the houses that have gathered in this area of downtown, generating nausea in my stomach and threatening to throw up. 

As I hasten my stride, I cover my lips with my palm. Because of the moonlight, the tree where Flynn and I talked is already visible. It's also where we've decided to meet if he sticks to his words. 

As I get closer to the tree, I notice a silhouette leaning against it. I may say I’m delighted he’s here, and I wish I could hug him right now, but I try to seem as if I’m expecting him.

He straightens his body and turns around as though he notices my presence. He smirks as he brushes his hair to the side with his hands. His outfit is identical to what he wore the day before. An old shirt and a pair of baggy jeans.

“I thought you wouldn’t come,” he says, relief evidents on his face.

I smile a little as I sigh. I’m relieve he’s here. But I would die admitting that. 

“You said you came from Kingdom of Larimar,” I start. 

He seems confused, as if I started our conversation in a weird way. But he nods. 

“Certainly.”

“Is it more prosperous that here?” I ask, remembering the stench I smelled earlier. 

His right brow raises. “Is that really what you are interested to know about the Kingdom of Larimar?”

“I have all the things to be interested in your Kingdom.”

“I thought you don’t like it?”

I blink. “I don’t. I am merely curious.”

“Let me see,” he hold up his fingers and 

rest his chin there, looking up, thinking. After a moment he looks at me. “Cromwells and Canmores have different ways of ruling their own respective Kingdoms. But I can say, Cromwells have done it better.”

I wince and grimace. I try hard not to be affected of what he said but I can’t help it especially if my Father was the King of this Kingdom. 

“How can you say that?” I almost whisper. 

“I came there. I lived there. It is nothing like here. I didn’t see people starving, stealing and killing just to live. They have their own happy and satisfied lives.”

“Are you saying that this Kingdom is no better?” I growl. 

“Yes.”

“Impossible.”

“Wait until you see what I am trying to tell you.”

I wave my hand, dismissing him. “That is not necessary. I don’t plan meandering around the Kingdom I dislike. I will go there just for the Ball.”

“You came to hate the Kingdom I am from without coming there? What made you feel that way?”

“I don’t know,” I shrug. “How did you get here, anyway? Don’t guards secure the borders between Kingdoms within a court?”

“I got here because I can. My sneaking abilities is unreachable.”

I roll my eyes. “Perhaps, you can prove your sneaking abilities to me later,” I emphasize which earns him a grin.

“I certainly will,” he turns around to the town and sits on the grass, under the tree. 

I look at him for a moment, contemplating if I should sit beside him. I cock my head sideways and sit beside him with enough distance to make me comfortable.

“What are your plans? What are you going to do if we succeed on sneaking into the ball? Are you going to dance with some Princes?” he asks, grinning.

I look at him, unbelievably. “I don’t plan on dancing with some Princes.”

“So, what is your plan, really?” 

I stand up and shake off the dirt from my pants and shrug. 

“Let’s cross the bridge once we get there.”

He seems satisfied with my answer because he stands up and grins at me.