Chapter Two

One of the few servants in our house came to my room an hour later, a veil of lace was draped over her head. A sign that she was not one from our world. The slip of fabric distorted her appearance, hiding whatever disturbing creature lay beneath it. With it on, she had the body of a normal woman, in simple white linen robes.

I leaned back in the uncomfortable chair I was sitting in as she unfurled my long braid. Occasionally huffing in annoyance, and repositioning the stiff cushion.

The others, as we called them in Natia, did not speak. I was glad of this, and as her long nails dragged against my scalp I shivered.

It was said that a long forgotten king of Isla had made peace with the nymphs and sirens of the ocean. Their payment to him was long living servants who did his bidding without question. Many who outlived the ones they served. I often wondered if they missed the sea, if this woman longed to walk back into the depths of the ocean without a trace.

My hair was eventually piled into intricate loops and braids on top of my head, one of my mothers pins was placed through the back. Silver and sharp as a dagger, with a dangling ruby pendant in the shape of a twinkling star. My face was painted lightly, at my request. Lips a shade of blossom pink and cheeks rosy. No doubt not a single one of my sisters would be painted and primed. They'd be in warrior's clothes, with fresh glowing faces and a fighting spirit in their hearts.

The clothes laid out for me were acceptable. A pair of red silken trousers, with a matching top that had flowers embroidered on the sleeves. Its split sides and collar were sewn with silver lace. Beside them was a new pair of silk shoes, ones that would make moving freely easy. I felt thankful that my mother was not trying to force a dress on me for the occasion, and I let the servant help me dress.

At nineteen, my body was that of a woman. Far less curved than my sisters, but still attractive in the ways that mattered. My skin became a deep olive in the sun, and below my left hip was a small birthmark that not many knew of.

After the work was done, the woman slipped away with a simple bow of her head and I was left to admire her work. My gray eyes looked stormy in the morning light, the charcoal surrounding them making them glow. The sash at my waist gave a slight nod to the curves underneath and had two perfect hoops for my twin blades I'd keep at my side for the duration of the festival.

I had learned the blade at a young age, taught the fine dance of fighting by teachers appointed by my father. I may have Hon Lu blood in my veins, but my father made certain that I'd fight the same as any Isla warrior.

When I met my mother near the front gate, she had two servants at her side. Lee and Shin were both eunuchs from Hon Lu. They had come with my mother when she was sold, and both had their tongues severed to keep my mother's secrets. She looked radiant between them. Hair similar to mine, but with a large silver comb in the shape of a seashell, at the center. Her face was more intricate than usual, red slivers of color across her eyes and forehead matching her lips. The silk dress of red was draped around her in flowing beauty, and a shawl of silver lace was on her shoulders.

I bowed my head in respectful greeting, and behind her was the golden sedan I hated more than anything else. It had long beads that would hide my mother and I as Lee and Shin carried us to the main palace. My sisters would arrive on horseback or by boat, I would come in a shining paladin carried by two man servants. It was a deep embarrassment. Especially compared to modest Malia, who had walked from her temple in the high mountains.

"Acceptable." Mother spit as she turned and walked to the Sedan. The servants followed her, extending their hands to help her onto her seat. I groaned, but pulled myself together as she shot me a glaring look.

Growing up, she had never been afraid to slap me with a long fan she typically kept at her side. Almost in warning, a red and silver fan suddenly cracked open hiding the lower half of her face in fluttering dramatics. The sound was a painful reminder at what would happen if I refused.

As I approached my seat next to her, Shin appeared, my twin swords in his hands. He held them out to me in a bow of respect and I snatched them gratefully. The blades were curved into a fine point, with red leather gripes and tassels that dangled at the hilt. I slid them into their place at my waist and joined my mother in the hulking paladin.

She was already fanning herself dramatically, prepared to play the Hon Lu villainess King Koa's other wives thought of her. The beads hiding us from view, jangled as we were dragged to the Natia court.

Music could be heard as we approached, huge drums beating in a mind numbing tempo. And as we drew closer I could see men and women part and begin to whisper fervently. Most were in their finest clothes, hair unbound and necklaces of seashells across their throats. My mother and I were a kind of freak show, parading like this through the peaceful village. At the center was my father's home. A huge stone palace carved into the base of a sacred mountain. Palm trees lined the base, and green roofs peaked from the tops of the carved pillars. The points and base of each intricately made to look like mythical beasts or curving unbelievable designs.

The huge green door was open and halfway up the steps that led to it were four of my sisters. In front of them was the worst of all, Hine.

She was wearing what looked almost like an Isla bridal gown. High puffed sleeves and a golden tapered dress that stopped at her ankles. Between her brows was a single dot of red paint and those curling locks were wild around her face, held back by a tiara of gold. She narrowed her eyes on the sedan and spit at the steps below her sandals, and I wanted so badly to melt away into the seat.

My sisters behind her were in fighting finery. Bronze plates at their chests, and two paneled skirts tied at the waist with bronze chains. They too wore the crowns of gold, making them look like royal sentries at the side of warrior princess Hine. If I could barf on command, I'd do it at their waiting feet.

When we stopped at the base of the steps, I jumped out quickly while Lee helped my mother. I wanted to bound up the steps in haste, but waited for my mother patiently. My sisters looked down on us in disdain.

When we made it to their step, Hine approached in calm fury. My mother bowed her head slightly at the huffing girl, but I crossed my arms in clear disobedience.

"Sweet youngest sister, it seems you gather with us again in those unsightly clothes of the mainland." She hissed in that nasally voice that made my teeth grit. "And good morning concubine of my father, your radiance leaves me blind."

The other wives of Koa did not see my mother as equal, and their daughters made it more than known. Mother lifted her fan higher, still holding Lee's arm in a tight grip.

"Ah yes," Hine continued, "I forget she is stupid in Isla tongue. Servant, translate my words."

Then Hine laughed and the others joined.

"His tongue is cut for loyalty." I interrupted, "More people in our beautiful Isla should adopt the practice, it would make these events quite peaceful."

Hine's eyes narrowed into a hard stare, and the laughter was cut short.

"Then I suppose you can act as her ears instead, you silly little thing."

My mother was perfectly fluent in Isla, I heard her speak to my father many times before. It was only in front of the court that she played an illiterate concubine, fooling the other wives into loose tongues.

"I look forward to your performance, sweet older sister." I said in my most cheerful voice, ignoring those taunts. "I hope mine meets your glorious standards."

At that, one of her hands reached for the place I had singed the year prior. A smile I couldn't hide broadened at her reaction.