“Angst!” I was in a huff all over again. “I have no angst. There are six clans on six continents, Mama. There are eighteen blood-born heirs and heiresses, plus their spouses. That’s thirty-six choices for the crown. Let one of them have it. Let Raad have it. We all know my brother deserves to rule over Geniverd. Why can’t you just let me live my life and be with Roki? Not all ordinary people turn into Gurnots. Look at Lordin. She’s an ordinary girl from Gaard, and she’s world famous for being one of the most wholesome, kindhearted, moral people in the world.”
“Lordin is an exception,” Mama said. “She got very lucky. And we’re not talking about Lordin; we are talking about you. The coronation ceremony will be upon us in just over three years, and either you and your husband, or Raad and his wife, will replace us as Gaard’s clan leaders. One of you might be chosen as king or queen. I just want you to make the right decision for your future.”
She slid her fingers into silky leather gloves, signaling she was ready to leave. “Now hurry up and change. We need to head to the capital for your brother’s ceremony.”
“I can look after my own future,” I said. “And I’m not going to Raad’s homecoming ceremony.”
I felt silly and selfish as I said this. Raad was my brother. He had just spent the last two years in the most dangerous conditions in Geniverd for his Aska training. Trekking through the Surrvul wasteland, brutal physical training in Lodden, swimming with sharks and fighting leopards. I wanted to see him, to celebrate his triumph and his transformation now that he was a skilled Aska warrior, yet I wanted to see Roki more. I wanted to gaze into the flecks of gold and brown in his dazzling silver-gray eyes, which complemented his skin. I wanted him to hold me.
“Does that mean you’re firm in your decision?” Mama had her arms crossed, that bleak look on her face.
“Yes. I want to stay home. I can see Raad tomorrow when he gets home. I don’t need to be flaunted before Jaken and Zawne just so you can try to sell me like fruit at the market.”
Talking about the market again had Mama shaking her head. “Okay. Cool down, Kaelyn. We can discuss this when your father and I get back from the ceremony tomorrow. You’re disappointing your brother by not being there. Think about that while you’re with your boyfriend. I hope he’s more important than your family.” And with that, Mama flounced past me and out the front door.
At that moment, I desperately wanted to launch the towering vases of roses at the awaiting flyrarc, but instead, I stormed off to my sleeping quarters, getting there just in time to see the vehicle zipping past the window, rising high into the sky.
Chapter 2
Right after Mama and Papa had left, I called Roki and invited him over. Sometime later my visin beeped in my ear for the tenth time. I tapped the top of my wrist, and the device produced a projection in front of me, a translucent screen in the air. It was Mama calling again. I tapped my wrist and the projection died. “I’m busy,” I said sulkily, as if she could hear me.
I checked the time. It was nearly four. I had been brooding in my bed for over two hours! Roki was supposed to be at NordHaven any minute.
I launched myself out of bed and ran to my dressing room, where I fumbled with gown after gown until there was a pile of fabric in the middle of the floor. I finally chose a summery viridian dress and combed my hair quickly in the mirror. I smiled remembering the time Roki had said my extended eyeliner and long carbon-black lashes complemented my upturned eyes. My visin beeped again, and Roki’s voice was in my ear.
“Hey. I’m out front.”
“Coming!” I shouted by accident. I was so nervous I could hardly control my voice. This was our first chance to be alone, completely alone, without Mama or Papa around to spy on us. I had butterflies in my stomach. I had already forgotten about the argument in the foyer. I smoothed my dress and ran to greet Roki.
He was outside, leaning against the marble balustrade, handsome as always, in a casual jacket, his hair wild. “Wow,” he said. “I never get tired of seeing your amber eyes. They’re so beautiful.”
Ten seconds in, and I was already blushing. “You’re too sweet,” I said. “Really, too sweet.”
Roki extended his hand to me. “Take a walk?”
I took his hand, and Roki led me around our impressive estate and into the garden. Bees hovered above the flower beds, and butterflies fluttered merrily beside the cobblestone path. It was peaceful here, and I was happy in Roki’s presence. The garden smelled sweet, like honeysuckle after a morning rain. I couldn’t tell if it was naturally coming from the flowers or if it was the day’s smell generated by the atmospheric bubble around NordHaven.
As we walked, Roki asked me, “Do you feel guilty about not going to your brother’s homecoming ceremony?”
“A little,” I said, feeling a sudden shame in my heart, “but there was no way I could have sat in the flyrarc with Mama for two hours after our argument. Raad will survive a day without seeing me. After all, he is an Aska now. He’s supposed to have hardened his mind, soul, and body. He can survive one more day without his sister.”
“True,” Roki said.
