Seeds of Sorrow (Immortal Realms Book 1)

That evening, Eden tossed and turned, until finally, she huffed in frustration. It was no use. “Loriah,” she called out and waited for the revenant to materialize.

When Loriah appeared, she bowed her head meekly. “My lady, how can I be of service?”

“It’s far too quiet, even with the goblins arguing in the hallway.” Eden ran her fingers over her face and frowned. “I just . . . I need someone to talk to. And I need to know a few things about D . . . about His Majesty.”

Loriah’s dark eyebrows lifted in uncertainty, but she waited patiently nonetheless.

“Today, I witnessed something I wish I never had. It was the very sight I’d heard whispers of in Lucem.” Eden watched Loriah’s expression carefully. The girl’s lips thinned, as though she’d already heard the story a thousand times over in the castle. Perhaps she had. Who knew how many were currently chuckling over it? “I need to know if the fa—” Fae wasn’t the right term. Draven was no longer a being of the sun. She frowned. “If the king I am to wed is just.”

“Wed, my lady?” Loriah whispered the words, but her face brightened. “His Majesty is just in all ways.”

The revenant may have answered the question, but she gave nothing else away. Eden arched a brow and leaned forward, bunching up her oversized blanket to hug it. “Did you not know about the betrothal?”

Loriah’s expression reflected the bewilderment she must have felt. “No,” she offered quietly, then added, “But most have guessed as much. Nearly everyone says you are but a guest in His Majesty’s castle. However, servants talk, my lady.” She looked down, smiling sheepishly.

“But what I saw today . . . and then the children . . . ” Eden leaned her face into her palms and sighed. “Is he the ruthless beast or a generous king?”

Loriah remained quiet. In fact, Eden assumed she’d disappeared. Then, “Both, my lady.” She moved from the end of the bed and to Eden’s side. “Would you like a hot cup of tea to relax you?”

“No, just stay with me, please?” She let her body sag into the mound of pillows behind her, wishing sleep would claim her.

Loriah eventually relaxed enough to bend down to play with Alder. It was enough to fill the silence in Eden’s room but still not enough to blot out her thoughts.

Lucem wasn’t known for violence. Most of its citizens spent their days gossiping, entangled with a plethora of lovers, or sipping wine. Sometimes, it was all three at once. But this realm was full of shadows, and within them lurked dangerous possibilities.

Eventually, Eden’s eyes drooped, and her body grew heavy, until she could no longer deny the pull of sleep.

When morning came, Eden roused to the sound of her bunny digging in the corner of the room. It took her a moment to brush away the fog of sleep, and when she did, her mind immediately focused on the vampiress she’d met. Perhaps she’d had a dream of her, or maybe it was just the instant dislike Eden had for her.

It was the way Mynata forced herself into Draven’s space, claiming him, then glanced at Eden as if she were intruding. Delight had tickled Eden’s lips as he declined to dine with Mynata. She had no reason to be pleased other than that she saw how the vampiress’ face fell in disappointment.

Although it had been short-lived, for at dinner, and throughout the night, she had wondered what she would become over time. Perhaps Mynata had been a soft lady once, and maybe Andhera stripped that away from her. Who could say? Eden wouldn’t mourn for a female she never knew, but it still terrified her to picture herself becoming just like Mynata.

After breakfast, Loriah dressed Eden in a gown similar to the sheer, draping fabrics of Lucem, but it consisted of a few more layers. The bodice was a deep black with silver vines crawling up the left side, and on the right shoulder, a silver clasp clipped to a gray fur shawl. But it was the melding of dark red, purple, and black in the skirt that stood out most, for as it spilled from the black bodice, it gave way to the same colors but in a bright pastel hue. A clash of Lucem and Andhera.

Eden pulled the shawl closer to her neck as she stepped into the hallway. She was growing accustomed to the cooler air, but it still nipped at her skin.

As she walked through the corridor, the sound of wailing echoed in the courtyard. Startled, Eden peered through one of the windows nearest it. Below, harpy guards unloaded a caged wagon full of individuals who were bound at the wrists. She bent forward, squinting to make out the details of them, and noticed not one had fae features.

With curiosity fueling her steps, Eden quickly made her way into the courtyard. Rather than assume the worst, she opted to ask.

“Excuse me.” Eden stiffened as several harpies looked her way with their intense black eyes. “What are you doing with them?” She motioned to the middle-aged human males chained together. Fear shone in their eyes, an emotion she knew too well. She swallowed, returning her gaze to the harpy, who set herself apart from the others.

“Let us out! Please!” one of the men pleaded, rattling the bars on the wagon.

The harpy snorted at the protest, then replied to Eden. “These are prisoners sent from Midniva. They are sent to us to serve their punishment before returning home, in hopes of deterring them from repeat offenses.” The harpy cocked her head, watching Eden carefully.

Eden nodded. “I don’t recall your name?” They’d not been introduced yet.

“Dhriti, my lady.” A soft breeze ruffled her inky short-cropped feathery hair.

Eden didn’t want to know what their punishment was, yet she had the sneaking suspicion that they fed Draven. While she knew he needed sustenance, she didn’t want to think of where it came from.

A curse rang out behind Dhriti, and two guards dove off toward the side while another slammed the wagon’s door shut.

Eden blanched. She had been a momentary distraction for them, and all it took was a second for the humans to attempt escape.

“They went over the side wall!”

Dhriti shifted to block Eden. Her talons clicked on the cobblestone as she surveyed the immediate area for a threat.

“Run after them, or else they won’t stand a chance,” Dhriti hissed.

The sound of wolves barking at one another filled the air, and Eden peered over at Dhriti, who towered over her. The harpy guard returned her glance, then bowed her head. “I believe it is best if we relocate you.”

So did Eden.

“I was on my way to the gardens . . . ” But her curiosity had gotten the better of her. Now two humans were running amok, and more than likely to their deaths. She frowned, rubbing between her eyebrows with a finger. “I’ll leave you to your task. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“They’ll be punished for their impulsive decision.” A grim smile tugged at Dhriti’s full lips before she turned back to the wagon.

How? Eden wondered. Would their planned punishment increase, or did Dhriti simply mean that they’d meet their end, however Andhera saw fit? She didn’t want to think about it. Instead, she wound her way down the path toward the gardens and submerged herself into something familiar.

When she had been in the garden before, Eden wasn’t able to focus on the plant life and how different it was from home. But now, with the unique foliage surrounding her, she couldn’t help but explore it.

There were deep purple flowers with strands of black or white spilling from their centers, making it look as if they had whiskers. On closer inspection, they looked much like bats in flight.

Eden couldn’t keep her hands at her side. She reached forward, stroking the silken petals, the strands of whiskers, and out of curiosity, she allowed her magic to pulse outward. Much to her surprise, life greeted her. Warmth swelled within her chest, for even amidst the unforgiving landscape of Andhera, life as fragile as a flower could blossom. Why couldn’t she do the same?

As she moved down the row of flowers, she was lost to their fragrance and her desire to coax them into growing or blooming a touch earlier than they ought to.

“Be careful of that one,” a familiar female voice said.

Eden froze, then withdrew her hand and faced Mynata. “Is that so?”

“It has quite the appetite and prefers to eat its meals alive. Screaming, even.” She strode toward Eden, folding her arms across her chest as her dark eyes dragged along Eden’s figure.

Eden swallowed roughly. Not because she was nervous in her company but because the dislike she felt for Mynata seemed to evolve into something ugly. Rather than speak, she simply waited for the female to continue.

“I want you to know how out of place you are here, Eden.” Mynata plucked a white flower from its bush and drank in the scent of it. “Draven and I are meant to be together. Not you. So, whatever little game this is, know that it’s only temporary.” Mynata closed the distance between them, baring her teeth in a wicked smile. “He will tire of your innocence soon enough.”

Eden, riled by her words, narrowed her eyes. “I am sorry to disappoint you, Mynata, but Draven and I are to be married. This isn’t a game; it’s politics, and it is our duty.” She curled her fingers into her palms, biting her tongue to keep from letting the growing bitterness slip out, but the flap of wings brought her attention toward the sky. A harpy lighted on the stone path. Dhriti.

“Lady Eden, I’ve prepared a carriage for you as instructed.” Dhriti’s gaze locked with Eden’s—the harpy nodded to her in silent understanding.

Mynata spun on her heel. “I will see you around, Lady Eden.” The vampiress disappeared down the pathway.

When she was no longer in view, Eden’s shoulders relaxed, and she approached the guard. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I don’t like her.” Shame painted her freckled cheeks.

“You are not alone.” Her long talons scraped across the stone pathway.

Eden laughed, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. “I shouldn’t . . . ” She paused, cocking her head in thought. “Is a carriage ready for me?” In truth, she hadn’t asked for one and hadn’t planned on going anywhere, but maybe that was what she needed.

“No, but that doesn’t mean one can’t be. I was on my way to better introduce myself, for His Majesty has assigned me as one of your guards.” Dhriti’s dark, feathered wings folded tightly against her back. “Should I have a carriage prepared?”

Eden hesitated, considering the news. Draven was assigning her guards? Initially, the thought rankled her—as if she needed constant supervision. But then Eden thought of how quickly terrible things unfolded in Andhera. And she didn’t want to be alone in the dark realm. “Yes, I’d like to visit the . . . ” Where? Having only passed outside of the village and through the capital, she had limited access to the city. “I want to experience Arcem. Whether that is visiting the shops or listening to scholars or tradespeople, I want to know more.” Draven had left her a purse of currency, and while she didn’t need a thing, she longed to do something normal.

Dhriti’s lips twitched, and when she bowed, this time it was more genuine. “As you wish.”

By the time Eden made it to the courtyard, she only had to wait a few more minutes for Dhriti to arrive with the carriage. Settling into the cushion, she fussed over the colorful skirt. It felt so odd to her, being free to go as she wished, without anyone to tell her where she could and couldn’t go. The feeling induced a fraction of anxiety within her chest.

“If my lady truly does wish to learn more, then I will gladly show you the heart of Arcem. Those who create the beating life of the city.” Dhriti leaped into the air, her great wingspan carrying her high enough above the carriage that she could survey any potential threats.

Eden gathered the reins in her hands, but the presence of someone by her side stilled her. A male of medium build, with sandalwood skin and bottomless eyes, smiled at her.

“I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Tulok, one of the many wolves you’ll hear howling their days away—and also one of your assigned guards. Undoubtedly, I’ll be your favorite guard.”

Eden decided immediately that she quite liked his friendly demeanor, and something about him reminded her of Tamas, if he were older.

A pang of longing for home gripped her, but when Tulok clucked to the single kelpie, they began their journey down the winding path of the cliff, and the passing scenery served as a needed distraction.

It didn’t remain quiet for long because Tulok knew how to fill the silence. “My lady, if I may say, you’ve caused quite the stir as of late.” He paused, then placed a hand to his heart. “A personal favorite was watching you assault His Majesty with such enthusiasm. It isn’t often we get to witness such a thing and not see the offender torn to shreds.” Tulok’s eyes closed as he laughed, clearly recollecting the moment.

He had been there? Eden hadn’t realized. Not that she could differentiate between the wolves in their other forms, and she hadn’t exactly taken note of them. She had been too busy running from the horrific sight of Draven tearing the lamia’s heart out and lapping up her lifeblood.

“Will you just shut your mouth?” Dhriti hissed from above. “You’ll make the lady ill.”

Tulok sobered and glanced down at Eden. “You’re not going to be sick, are you?”

She clenched her jaw, shaking her head. She couldn’t help but laugh at the earnest expression in his eyes and the mounting horror on his face.

“I just got this uniform,” Tulok mumbled, scooting a fraction away from Eden.

When the land evened out, Dhriti led the way. The wealthier, larger homes gave way to a familiar cluster of establishments. The citizens of Arcem carried on about their lives, painting the picture of normalcy to Eden. It didn’t matter if they were were-creatures, vampires, or revenants; this was their home and their life.

Dhriti landed in front of a shop. Pots lined shelves outside, as did stone statues. Tulok pulled the carriage to a halt, then reclined in the seat.

“Enjoy your shopping, my lady.” Tulok offered a sharp canine smile.

Eden hopped down from the carriage and approached Dhriti. The harpy motioned toward the side of the shop, which she hadn’t seen yet. Between one building and the next, a glasshouse sat, and within it, Eden recognized the sweet smell of plants right away.

Unlike the outdoors, the glasshouse was warm, more like the nights at home, and the smell of churned soil and watered plants awakened her senses.

It dawned on her that perhaps Aasha’s gardens could use a gift, a new addition to their growth. If Eden continued to foster it, perhaps it would feel more like a sanctuary to her. But what would fit amongst the exotic beauties? She searched through purple blossoms, midnight blue spires, and neon-colored lilies, but it was a succulent of sorts she was drawn to.

It was the shape of a starfish, but on each point were dozens upon dozens of beads. When tapped, they rolled and opened. They were eyes. The sight of it was both alarming and intriguing.

On her way out of the glasshouse, Eden spotted a small statue. It was a gargoyle with the face of a cat and body of a dragon, wings and all.

In her element, Eden felt more at ease, enough so to speak to the intimidating harpy soldier. “Dhriti,” she started, biting her bottom lip. “What . . . exactly is a harpy? Are they born?” It was a question which had prodded at her since arriving, but it seemed as though she had endless questions and didn’t want to sound like a child.

Dhriti didn’t so much as flinch, and her gaze shifted from a stone fountain to Eden’s face. “Harpies are not born but created by our prior life.” The words were vague, but when she smiled, it was mirthless and a touch cruel. “We rise from a gruesome death inflicted by a man, fueled by our vengeance and wrath. I suppose you could say we refuse to truly die.”

Eden’s brow furrowed as the words settled in. Dhriti had been a victim of murder? It felt strange to feel sympathy for a creature who not only looked as if she could tear another in half but would, and yet here she was.

“If it saddens you, know that His Majesty allows us to hunt down our murderers. And when I found mine in Hillbride’s tavern, pissing himself, I reveled in exacting my vengeance.” Dhriti lifted her hand, black talons gleaming in the day moon’s light. “First I took his legs, then his tongue, and then his c—”

Tulok burst in between them. “Well, that was a tragic story, Dhriti.” His dark eyes flicked to Eden and made her wonder if she looked as mortified as she felt.

Her stomach tightened as she pictured Dhriti taking on the persona of fury and vengeance. With Eden’s vivid imagination and what she’d seen of Andhera so far, it was enough to chill her blood.

Dhriti shrugged. “Apologies, my lady. It was only fifty years ago for me, still fresh in my mind.”

“No, you shouldn’t apologize. I am . . . glad that you were able to find him.” It dawned on her that she actually was pleased Dhriti could bring him to justice.

At their side, several figurines tumbled to the ground, shattering. Tulok folded his arms, feigning innocence. “Are we done here?”

Eden laughed, despite the weight of the current mood, and eased into browsing the shop again.

When she was finished, she settled in next to Tulok, who perked up once again.

“Onward?” he questioned.

“Oh yes, we are not finished today.” How peculiar was it that freedom came with an almost intoxicating feeling? There was no need for her at the castle, and she was fairly certain she would not only be in the way but would frustrate more than a handful of individuals. Now that she was away from the confines of the castle, she had no desire to return so promptly.

At least, not until her body yearned for food and rest.