Page 32 of Ruby & Onyx

Just thinking about the invisibles sends a chill down my spine. They could eavesdrop on any conversation and report it back to the king and queen. Without a way to detect whether or not they’re in the room, I’ll never be able to share a secret or experience a private moment.

How can I change this?

Chapter 12

The following morning, I wake with only the faintest memory of a dream. A flicker of images flashes through my mind: dancing and twirling around a bonfire, vibrant music lighting our feet, and a man with piercing eyes matching my steps. I’ve dreamed of him before, I think. His face taunts me – equally unrecognizable and yet so familiar. It’s like being wrapped in a warm embrace before being spit out into the cold. A prevailing sadness lingers when I wake, aching for a memory just out of reach.

Moose leans into a big stretch by my feet. When Gemma and Viola open the door, he uses the opportunity to leap off the bed and go bounding through the corridor. They laugh as he scurries beneath their feet. They’re wearing identical cream frocks, and their teal and copper curls flow down to their waists in matching ringlets. They look more similar today than ever before.

The resemblance is uncanny. I can’t believe that I didn’t notice it until now. “Are you sisters?”

They respond in perfect unison, “We’re twins.”

“I’ve never met twins before.” There’s so much that I haven’t seen or experienced. My life was so sheltered and lacking in so many ways. But they don’t take offense to my questions. They don’t cringe at my ignorance, even though I do. They’re understanding and kind, never judging or shying away. And so, I take the opportunity to ask the other question burning in my brain. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but what exactly are you?”

“Mediols,” they respond in perfect sync once again, which elicits a giggling fit.

“It’s okay, Radya. Mediols are rare in Mendacia. It would be more surprising if you had met one before,” says Gemma.

“How did you end up here, then?”

“We grew up in Procullia, a small province of the Third Continent, but we were stolen by slavers when we were young.” Viola doesn’t flinch.

I, on the other hand, nearly choke. “Slavers? Do you mean that they –”

“There is a thriving black market for Mediols. They like to cut our wings off and hang them in the study while forcing what’s left of us to serve in their households.” Viola speaks as if she’s told the story a thousand times. Gemma, on the other hand, gives her wings a gentle caress as if to remind herself that they’re still intact. “They sent us to auction, but King Vani rescued us and put an end to the black market soon after his coronation.”

If they’ve been here since King Vani’s coronation, then they must be… at least thirty, if my memory serves me well. But they look no older than sixteen. I’ve already asked enough intrusive questions for today, so I’ll hold my tongue.

“He offered us jobs in the palace, and the rest is history,” Viola adds.

“How could anyone steal children?” There’s so much of this world that I have yet to learn, yet to understand. I’ve been sheltered from everything, both the good and the bad.

“Not everyone is good. Some people put profit over people and never think twice about it,” Viola pauses as if she regrets her words and then steels herself up. “But, fortunately for you, this family is made up of good people.”

“Do you miss your home?” A pinch in my throat stops me. These sweet rays of sunshine are orphans just like me. Only, I lost my mother two years ago, while they spent most of their adult lives separated from their families. Am I wrong to feel the way that I do? To label myself as an orphan? It’s become as much a part of my identity as my name.

“Of course,” Viola says. “You never stop missing the life that was, or the life that could have been, but you build a new home. Create new memories. You fill your life with people that make the future look just as bright as the past.”

“I like to take an inventory of all of the things that I’m thankful for,” Gemma smiles to herself, as if flipping through a mental scrapbook. “I’m thankful that I get to live in a palace next to the sea. I’m thankful for my sister. I’m thankful for the end of the black market so that nobody else must suffer.”

Gemma walks over to the curtains, parting them wide to let the sun filter through the windows. The rays encircle her, creating a glowing aura around her body that reflects off of her wings. She reminds me of my mother, who never allowed the world to defeat her and always looked for the bright side of life. I admire them both for that.

“Now, onto more pressing matters. The banquet tonight will be your first opportunity to meet the members of the court.” The wrinkles between Viola’s brows knit closely together, serving as punctuation to her seriousness.

“Tonight? I haven’t heard anything about a banquet.” And even if I had, I wouldn’t want to go. That’s too much too soon.

“All of the court’s closest allies and advisors will be there,” says Viola. “I don’t want to scare you, Radya, but you must make a good impression. These are the most powerful people in the kingdom. Some are more powerful than the king. They may try to use you. They may try to trick you. Be on your guard. Promise nothing. And trust no one.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” How am I meant to make a good impression on people I can’t trust? I can hardly make a good impression on people I like and respect. I’m going to fail miserably.

“No. It should prepare you.” Viola’s wings come to a halt, stilling at the seriousness of her warning. “I cannot stress the importance of this night enough. These men and women own ninety percent of the kingdom. If the king upsets them, or does something that they disagree with, then they could cut off critical resources and leave our people to starve. They’ve done it before and can do it again. So, in exchange for continued goodwill, they get whatever their hearts desire.”

My heart sinks.

Gemma takes my hand, lightening the mood with her brilliant smile. “On the bright side, you can choose any tiara from the crown’s collection! I haven’t seen the gown yet, but I’m thinking the golden halo will be a winner.”

Even though crowns are the least of my worries, I can’t help but smile at her for making an effort to lighten the mood. I just need to focus on anything but the banquet.

---