Amethyst
Morganite had no doubt that she was meant to rule. She’d been told as much since childhood. Going to school, she was able to test that belief and found that she could earn the admiration of even nobles and rise above them. Two years had passed since the school was tragically shut down. It had been overrun by vines and the forest could no longer be contained. The island was now unlivable, so Morganite had returned home to continue preparing to take over for her parents. Everything she’d been taught her whole life was leading up to that, after all.
Of course, it was hard to think about such things as she stared at the handsome, gnomish face resting peacefully next to her on the bed. The blanket had slipped down so his round stomach was exposed. She remembered how that stomach had pressed into her as they kissed the night before and Morganite smiled. She loved every inch of that gnome. Of course, Florian was inarguably handsome with soft cheeks and a mess of curls that fell over his face as he slept. She smiled as she brushed one of those curls away gently.
He slowly opened his eyes to meet her gaze. “Were you watching me sleep?”
“Any reason why I shouldn’t?” She rested her chin on his bare chest. “You’re in my bed. I can stare at you as much as I want.”
“I certainly won’t object to that.” His soft fingers stroked her back. “You are free to do anything you like with me, princess.”
“Oh, really?” She pushed herself up, hands on either side of his shoulders. “You should really be careful when making such promises.”
His hands found her waist. “I am at your mercy.”
She laughed and kissed him, knowing she didn’t have time for much else right then. Her affair with the gnome didn’t garner much criticism only as long as it didn’t interfere with her duties. Everyone, even Morganite, knew this could only ever be a passing fling. Even so, she allowed herself to forget that a few seconds longer as his lips parted to her.
Morganite eventually managed to force herself out of his arms and into the bathroom to prepare for the day. By the time she emerged to dress herself, he was gone. Her made-up bed indicated he’d been sent away by servants so they could clean. All evidence of his presence had been wiped away, but Morganite told herself that was for the best. She couldn’t cling to him too tightly. She was the heir to the throne, after all. She knew that as well as anyone.
The only reason someone might doubt her right to inherit the throne was the fact that she was second-born. Traditionally, the first-born would be named heir, but there were complications that made such a thing difficult. Morganite made her way down to the older girl’s room and knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Amethyst, the first princess called.
“Good morning,” Morganite said as she entered.
“Good morning,” Amethyst replied cheerfully. She was sitting up in her bed, which was a good sign. “You certainly look well-rested. Has the ambassador been enjoying his visit?”
“He doesn’t seem to have any complaints.” Morganite kept her tone neutral. Florian had been officially sent to foster goodwill. Their countries were allies and it wasn’t unusual for them to visit each other. As long as nothing he did caused trouble, his visit could be considered a success.
“I’m sure he doesn’t.” The older girl wore a knowing grin but said nothing more.
Amethyst had been born weak. Typically, the first-born twin was stronger, but that wasn’t the case for them. Amethyst often fell ill and spent most days in bed. The doctors had worried she might not survive to maturity. Even when she did, people still felt the strain of ruling would be too much for her. That’s why she was never offered the role of heir.
Today, her skin was a healthy umber. Her dark hair rested on either shoulder in long braids. Her brown eyes were sharp and focused. She almost looked ready to get out of bed, but Morganite knew they would likely have to wait a day or two before that was allowed. Amethyst had recently taken a fever. Any time that happened, they were cautioned against allowing her exercise even when she started feeling better. Too many times, she had gotten up as soon as she felt well, only to collapse within the hour and extend her recovery time.
“Has your dress for the festival come in?” Morganite moved the conversation away from Florian while avoiding any conversation about her sister’s health. Amethyst got enough of those questions from everyone else.
The Haran festival was the biggest event of the year for dwarves. The god, Haran was said to have come from within the earth and made dwarves from rocks he found. He was the creator of the world they lived in. The caves and tunnels they made into homes were dug by him. Therefore, they had a celebration to honor him every summer solstice. This included a grand ball that nobles and peasants alike were invited to attend. Despite her weakness, Amethyst always went. If she was well, she danced. If not, she would be brought in a wheelchair and watch the others. Either way, Morganite would make sure she had fun.
“Not yet,” Amethyst replied. “I wanted some complicated embroidery, so it’s taking longer.”
“I look forward to seeing it.” Morganite reached out and push a stray curl from her sister’s face. She searched for any sign that she was getting worse, but her cheeks were round and her skin had been a healthy temperature when Morganite’s fingertips brushed against it. She comforted herself with these facts as she so often did.
From the day she was born, Amethyst was dying. This was something Morganite knew mortals had to live with, but dwarves rarely did. Their immortality should have allowed them centuries together, but Amethyst wasn’t ever guaranteed the next year. That made their time together unspeakably precious.
“I made sure the seamstress knew I wanted to be able to dance in the dress,” Amethyst commented. “I’m sure I’ll be up for it this year, so I needed an appropriate gown.”
“I trust you’ll save a dance for me,” Morganite said with a smirk.
“If I don’t have a line of suitors, perhaps.”
“Of course.”
Both girls giggled, conspiratorially. Amethyst was certainly a beauty like her sister, but she had refused any offers of marriage that were presented to her. It seemed she enjoyed the idea of romance, but had little interest in the reality.
Their morning talk was cut short as a maid informed Morganite that their parents were looking for her.
“Probably boring politics.” Amethyst wrinkled her nose. “Have fun with that.”
“You get some rest,” Morganite told her before following the maid out. She was led down the hall to her father’s study, where both her parents waited. As Morganite entered, the maid gave a bow and pulled the door shut behind herself as she left.
“Is something wrong?” Morganite asked, taking in her parents’ expressions.
“We have received word of a rather...delicate matter,” her mother said. “We are seeking a solution and thought you should be involved.”
This wasn’t particularly unusual but her words felt heavier than normal. “What kind of matter?”
“We have received reports of pirate activity that need…looking into.” The king’s tone was more concerning than his words.
Morganite looked between her parents, wondering why they would need to be involved in such a trivial matter. “Have they been attacking our ships?”
“We don’t have confirmation of that.”
Morganite brushed a speck of dust off the fine jacket she wore, already tired of having to ask questions. “What’s our interest in it, then?”
Her parents exchanged a look before her father said, “We’ve received word that there may be members of noble families aboard.”
She lowered her brow as she looked at him expectantly.
“Bhelan noble families,” he explained. “Obviously, we don’t want this getting out and there could be a conflict if they were apprehended by the wrong people.”
“So we need someone to make contact, determine their involvement and minimize it,” Morganite concluded. “If they have committed crimes, we’ll need them brought in quietly so we can deal with it and not cause too much of a fuss. Is that about it?”
Her mother smiled. “I’m glad you understand. Obviously, we’ll need someone discreet to take on the task. We’ve considered a few of our spies, but would like your opinion.”
“How high is the status of the nobles involved?”
Her father fiddled with a cufflink, a nervous tick he would never allow to be seen outside that room. “If the reports are correct, there may be a duke or duchess in a high-ranking position onboard.”
“Anyone I would know?”
“They’re from the outskirts, so it’s unlikely.”
Morganite released a sigh. “Well, there’s only one option, then, isn’t there? You can’t insult them by sending some lower noble. The best chance we have is to send someone higher.”
Her mother’s expression indicated she’d already considered that and was just waiting for Morganite to give the responses she wanted. “So who would you suggest we send?”
Morganite scowled as she realized she wasn’t going to make it to the Haran Festival. “We have to send me.”
“But not alone,” her father said. “We will send someone to guard you.”
She waved the suggestion away. “None of our guards can handle subterfuge. If I’m bringing someone, it can’t be so obvious. It will be difficult enough for me to go undetected on my own.”
“But you can’t be expected to take this on alone,” the king insisted. “We are prepared to allow you to go on this mission as it is our duty to see this through. However, you must have an accomplice.”
“But not someone from our kingdom,” she decided. “If these are Bhelan nobles, they’ll be suspicious of people from our kingdom. If I travel with a companion clearly not of Bhela, I’ll be less suspicious.”
“Did you have someone in mind?” her mother asked.
Morganite considered that. It was tempting to name Florian, but the sweet gnome was hardly suited for such a task. His cousin, Chrysanthemum, might have been better but they’d fallen out of touch after the incident of Miss Periwinkle’s. Even the gnome’s family had lost track of her. Morganite travelled a fair amount and had met many nobles but none that she trusted for discretion in such a matter. As she thought about it, only one person seemed acceptable.
She looked at her parents with a set jaw. “Arrange a meeting with Lady Amara of Latiala.”
Amethyst didn’t take the news of her leaving well, especially since Morganite refused to provide her with any details. “I’m sure whatever it is can wait.”
“It can’t, unfortunately.” Morganite stood beside her sister’s bed. “I’m sure you’ll find a lovely escort, though, and dance with every boy there.”
“I might be more willing to forgive you if you’d tell me something about why you’re leaving.”
“I’m leaving on a delicate matter for the kingdom.” Morganite took her hand. “It’s nothing worth causing you stress over.”
Amethyst jerked her hand away. “And you think taking off without explanation will cause me no stress?”
“Less.” Morganite didn’t want to leave on bad terms but she knew she couldn’t stay with her sister long. She was set to leave in the morning and there were preparations to be done.
They’d managed to communicate with Amara’s family, although they were vague about the reasons. Morganite simply sent a message that she wanted to visit her dear friend she hadn’t heard from in some time. She figured that was plausible enough. Since they’d left the school, Morganite hadn’t heard a word from Amara. It seemed she had secluded herself on this island and communicated with few people. In the end, it was decided that the best course of action would be for Morganite to simply go there and meet with her directly. The island was a few weeks away by boat, so she was sure to be gone a while, regardless of anything else.
“Will it help if I promise to tell you everything when I return?” She asked when her sister remained silent for a few minutes.
“I guess we’ll see if you keep that promise.” Amethyst fixed her gaze on the wall across the room and Morganite knew there would be no talking to her for a while. She told herself they could reconcile when she got back.
“Careful not to strain yourself,” she warned before leaving the room.
She had barely shut the door behind her when Florian turned the corner, coming face-to-face with the princess. He gave a stiff bow and asked, “Are you really leaving so soon?”
“They’re still preparing the boat.” She’d been avoiding him since it was decided she would go. She couldn’t risk giving him an opportunity to convince her to let him come. She wanted to keep the gnome safe but wasn’t sure she could refuse him if he insisted.
“And you’ll miss the festival?”
Morganite folded her hands in front of her, surprised by the question but refusing to show it. “Yes.”
“Then, if it pleases you, I would like to offer myself as an escort for Amethyst that night.” He pushed the words out in a rush as if he’d prepared them ahead of time but was afraid to lose his nerve.
Morganite couldn’t completely hide her surprise then. Taking a breath to maintain her composure, she delicately lifted a hand to her cheek. “Are you trying to make me jealous?”
He gave a slight jump at that and waved his hands. “Nothing of the sort. I just thought you might feel better if I escorted her since I’m sure she’ll feel the loss of your presence. I just want to help.”
“Amethyst would not want pity,” she scolded. “Don’t make such a pathetic offer to her.”
His cheeks turned crimson and Morganite resisted the urge to either laugh or kiss him. “I didn’t mean anything like that.”
“You should sort out your intentions before making any offers.” She brushed past him before she could give into her impulses and take him to bed. She had to get up early and could not allow for any such distractions.
To keep anyone from asking inconvenient questions, Morganite arranged for a rumor to be spread that she might be suffering some resurgence of effects from what had happened to her at school. People knew she was going to visit Amara, so she figured they would draw their own conclusions from that. It explained why she had to leave so suddenly without giving anything away. Officially, all she said was that she missed her friend. After all, it wouldn’t be believable if anyone knew she wanted them to think she was unwell.
As she prepared to depart in the morning, she found Amethyst waiting on the dock.
“Did you tell Florian to be my escort?” she demanded.
Morganite had a crew member load her bags as she walked over to her sister. “I specifically told him not to do so. You know how jealous I am.”
Amethyst scoffed. “Well, he asked me. It’s probably out of pity.”
“Or revenge for me taking off without telling him,” Morganite suggested, although she knew Florian would never be so petty. “Feel free to reject him as harshly as you like.”
Amethyst studied her sister. “Actually, I thought I might go with him.”
“Oh?” Morganite raised her eyebrows. “A Bhelan princess being escorted by a gnome to the Haran Festival. That will be quite a scandal. I’ll be sad to miss it.”
“Well, that’s what you get for leaving.”
“A proper punishment, I suppose.” Morganite examined her sister’s face, trying to determine if she was slightly paler than the night before or if it was just the light. “You should probably be resting if you want to dance at the festival.”
“I’m not so weak that I can’t see my own sister off before she goes to seek treatment or whatever it is people say you’re doing.”
Morganite’s lips curled up at that. Her sister was clever enough to know that was a lie but neither could say as much out in the open. “I don’t know what you mean. I’m just going to visit my friend.”
“And I look forward to hearing all about your visit when you return.” Amethyst’s expression softened. “Stay safe out there, okay?”
“I will,” Morganite promised. “Now, go get some rest. I want to have lots of stories from every boy you dance with at the festival.”
“I will endeavor to make you as jealous as possible,” Amethyst said before heading back to her room.
Morganite waited until she was out of earshot before saying, “You’re not nearly as good at hiding as Chrysanthemum.”
A sheepish Florian emerged from behind a nearby pillar. “I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“So you decided to eavesdrop?”
“I just wanted to see you off, if that’s allowed.”
“I suppose.” She avoided getting too close. “You’re escorting my sister to the festival?”
“Not out of pity,” he assured her. “I believe we’re using each other as substitutes since your absence will be felt.
“I hope you won’t let her take my place in too many things.” She turned her face slightly so she could cast a sideways glance at him.
“No one could truly take your place, princess.”
Morganite looked around to make sure they weren’t being observed before she planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Look after her for me, will you?”
Florian beamed from ear-to-ear. “You know you can always count on me.”
The captain of the ship appeared on the deck. “We’re ready to leave whenever you are, my lady.”
Morganite allowed herself one more look at the gnome as she climbed aboard the ship. She turned away from him once onboard, though, determined not to be the type to stare at a boy as she sailed away. Even so, she could feel his eyes on her and smiled, knowing he wouldn’t look away until she was well out of sight.
