Royally Divine Read online

  ROYALLY DIVINE

  M.N. LASH

  Acknowledgments

  For Batcat who is forever in our hearts. I hope you are sunbathing

  in the heavens and getting all of the pets that you deserve.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  The Beginning of the End

  W hen I remember the moment I lost control, the moment I realized what I had done, there was nothing more than pain and fear that filled me. I was running so hard and so far away from what I had done and how I felt. Everything hit me at once, and that moment of weakness is when the power took control of my body.

  The fire swam underneath the surface of my skin, the heat burning me from the inside out. I tried to crush those rolling waves, smother them with my own will. But there was no stopping the fury of the flames, the intense heat that refused to leave me. The more I panicked, the higher the flames rose. It wasn’t until they broke the surface that I began crying, the water sizzling away upon hitting my cheeks.

  I shouldn’t have this power. It was never mine and it wanted me to know it never would be. As if confirming my thoughts, the flames licked my shoulders, brushing past my hair and into the air above. I held my hands in front of me, begging the flames to sink back down where they came from. Better yet, to leave my body entirely. But they wouldn’t go, their intensity rising higher and higher until I couldn’t see past them. I was cocooned inside the flames, not able to see the world beyond.

  I thought I was saved when I heard the voice, thought that it would be over. Surely they could calm these roaring flames, help me to escape their fury. But when I couldn’t make them stop, and they couldn’t either, pain was the only thing I felt. I screamed and screamed as a different type of fire touched my skin, the burning sensation rushing over my entire being. The flames made me hot, but they didn’t boil my skin and eat me alive. Not like that. Only one thought had consumed me, keeping me tethered to the moment.

  Please stop fighting this, fighting me. I loved him, too. But now you are mine, and we are one. I am your new master.

  Chapter 1

  Celeste of the Lunar Court

  I shouted profanities at the demons in my head, their cackling voices telling me what I already knew: I was dead. She was going to grab me by the hair, throw me to the ground, and revel in my screams as she beat me.

  I scrambled down the streets, praying to the goddesses I wouldn't be late. I could feel my loose hairs tickling my face, the wind pulling the curls free of the tight bun. I desperately patted down my wrinkled dress, cringing at the thought of my appearance. I hadn't had time to wash my face, and I knew there must have been dirt smudges left from the long night on the floor. We were expected to be pristine, expected to be perfect. Even though no one was supposed to see me, they would never risk the chance. They would not stand for imperfections. I suppose that's why we were all decently appealing. Most of us were starved, too, keeping us thin and straight. That was deemed appealing, apparently.

  As I slid through the small workers door, I winced. I knew what Ryleigh, the head maid, would say when she set eyes on me. She would tell me off, tell me I was beyond three strikes. She doesn't give second chances. If I couldn't get this right, how was I expected to do my job right? She would be hard, her face stern. And then she would do one of two things. She might take me by the hair and drag me through the kitchens, scream at me in front of all of the other servants. Discipline me for showing up this way one too many times. Or, she wouldn't discipline me at all. She would rush me to the servants restroom, clean me up herself. Run a steamer over my clothes, brush my hair into a perfect bun. Despite the harsh words and fear that she could instill, she would take care of you. That is just who she was. Hard and cruel on the outside, soft and caring on the in. Nevertheless, I would still be in major trouble. Sometimes, it isn’t up to her whether or not I get punished. If someone rats me out, there isn’t a thing she can do. I could lose my wages for the next few weeks, receive lashes, or even be fired. I shuddered at the thought.

  I kept my head down when I finally made it into the kitchen, feeling the gazes turn towards me. I gulped down my fear, trying to breath evenly. I was waiting for the day she gave up on me, turned me loose. Left me without support for my sweet sister, Irissa. We would be on the streets in days. That was what I feared more than anything. Already we were in a too small room with too small clothes. Already we were underfed and underpaid. What more could we take?

  "Celeste." I flinched at the sound of Ryleigh’s voice, turning to face her. All she asked was, "Irissa?"

  "Yes. She had another episode. I could barely contain it." She knew it wasn't a lie.

  "We need to clean you up immediately. There is no time for scolding, no matter how much you deserve it. Your luck is remarkable today. Hurry along.``” She turned sharply, heading down the long hallway to my right. I rushed after her, practically running to keep up. Ryleigh stood tall, at least five feet and eight inches. I, on the other hand, barely reached five feet. It was one of my many flaws.

  "Why," I questioned as she slammed open the bathroom door. A cook stood at the sink, freezing in the middle of washing her hands.

  "Out," Ryleigh commanded. She didn't lift a finger, make a gesture. All it took was her voice to make the cook flee. She was immediately on me, rag in hand. I winced as she scraped my face, the harsh rag digging into my skin.

  "Why," I asked again. Normally, the castle was very peaceful. I cleaned rooms no one had stepped in for months. I followed other maids around, waiting to be called by one of the High Divines. I was not fortunate enough to be near the Royal Divines.

  "We have guests," she sniffed impatiently, moving on to my hair. I cried out as she tugged through the knots, the oily, tangled mess barely manageable. "When was the last time you washed?” She ignored my cries of pain. I rolled my eyes.

  "A week ago. Irissa has been…"

  "Yes, I know. The full moon is tomorrow night. I'm sure she feels it."

  "As am I." I sighed in relief when she finished, a perfect bun left in her wake. Not a single strand was loose, the long, blond curls gone from sight. I was relieved that she could work this magic on me.

  "A quick steam," she hummed, pulling out the steamer. I waited as she ran it over my body, making quick work of my dress. The black fabric clung tightly to me, due to it being five years old. I was fifteen when I received it, and my twenty year old body was not the same. I hadn't grown in height, but the bust and hips needed some improvement. My collar was a bright silver, the mark of the Royal family I belonged to clear on the side. The same mark was pressed into my ankle, burned into me all those years ago. The mark had a clear, intricate M smack in the middle. A crescent moon hung just over it, interlocking with it in the most beautiful way. It was the symbol of the Royal family who was known for their great accomplishments when the moon was high. Once a month they drew power from the full moon, something only a Royal knew how to do. It not only increased the power of the Royals, but it also increased those of the peoples. Those of us without power get nothing out of the ceremony. I have been told it is beautiful to watch, though.

  "What's happened," I dared to ask again. It had only been five minutes. Five minutes to make me perfect.

&nbs
p; "I need to put on your makeup." She continued to ignore me.

  "Makeup," I cried out, "What do you mean? We don't ever wear that ridiculous-"

  "Do not argue with me," she hissed. I gulped, nodding along. Her tone of voice made me want to crawl into a dark hole and hide. I winced when the powder hit my face, coughing as it flew in the air and down my lungs. She tapped it all over, somehow accentuating my already pale skin. I wrinkled my nose when the blush hit my cheeks. I gasped when she swept a black line over my lashes, something I had never done before. She didn't even try to cover my freckles. We both knew they wouldn't go away. Then, with a small flick, she blackened my long lashes. I blinked, praying it didn't get in my eyes like last time.

  "Brown eyes are fair enough, I suppose. I can't do much about those. That little nose is cute. Oh, and that dress brings out your hips, what little you have. They will appreciate that for sure," she was muttering to herself.

  "Hey," I called, embarrassed. What was this fuss about, anyways? I was used to the stares, used to the snide remarks from the Highs. But this?

  "Okay, I think you will do. Petite, blonde, cute. A good worker. They will have to love you."

  "Who, Ryleigh? What is this all about? Don't you think I should be aware?"

  "The games are beginning." I gasped, surprised. The games weren't supposed to start for another year! And I definitely wasn't supposed to participate!

  "Why? What's the rush?"

  "It's the south. They are pressing for an alliance, something to please the people. Trade has become hard between the four corners. The Lunar court has the most eligible bachelors seeing as they only have a year left, anyways. So, we are forced to abide."

  "The twins are only twenty four-" I tried to argue.

  "Yes, I know. I know the rules say twenty five. But right now, an alliance is more important than the rules."

  "How many," I gulped finally.

  "I don't know," she admitted, "I know there are at least six coming from the Solar Court. I'm not sure about the Light Court or the Shadow Court. Since the Light and Shadow Kingdoms became Courts, they haven’t been as forward with information. Trade with them has been extremely difficult, too. I’m sure you are aware of that issue already, though. The Solar Court has been insisting we host the games first, seeing as their prince is only twenty two. Their queen is determined, but, well, you know how power hungry the south is."

  At one time, the Light Court had been the Light Kingdom. It was in Lunar Court territory, but they had become restless and wanted to separate from us. The Shadow Kingdom, belonging to the Solar Court, got in contact with the Light Kingdom quickly upon hearing those rumors. They soon went to war, a war that lasted a mere six months. They have been independent Courts for seventy years now, but they never forgave our Courts for their behavior during the war. Trade and communication hasn’t gotten better since the separation because of this.

  "Who," I finally asked. I knew of many participants from our own Court, many of whom would not be allowed to move on past the first game. We wanted an alliance with the other Courts, and they wouldn’t stand a chance.

  "Silvi Merkley of the High Divine. Her father works directly under the Solar king, Horace Finley, as his advisor. As such, she would be a great match to one of our princes. She is educated on each Court, and has participated in grueling debates. From what I understand, she is beautiful and her magic is well-off compared to the others."

  "And you want me in there," I gulped, unimpressed. I don’t like High Divines. They are snobby and demanding. They don’t understand how the Undivine suffer. How, without magic, we can’t live to the fullest. We are trapped. We are mistreated, abused by those who consider themselves above us. Some Undivine are kept as slaves, trapped in a Divine household their whole lives. Forced to work for nothing. The rest of us have low paying jobs, jobs no Divine would ever stoop so low to have. They spit on us every chance they get, all because of a title.

  We have practically no chance of advancing in the world. Every once in a while an Undivine couple would have a Divine child, but it was beyond rare. They would then be considered Low Divine. The Low Divines can do simple things. Levitate objects, read minds. Party tricks. They couldn't take down armies with their minds, couldn't destroy cities with a snap of their fingers. They weren't to be feared. Low Divine were half-blooded. Their parents had little magic, or one parent was Undivine. High Divine are pure-blooded, with parents who were born in the High Divine society. And the Royals...they were something else entirely.

  "You are one of my best. Disciplined, trained. You know when to stay quiet, when to acknowledge your masters. And you know when to report back to me."

  "Report back? What am I supposed to say? Miss Silvi blew up a town home today?"

  "Don't be foolish. The Divine will talk around low life like us. They don't see us as people. They will spill secrets not realizing they have been spilled. Listen intently. Everything is useful."

  "But why? What's the information for?"

  "No time for that," she said, trying to usher me away. I huffed as she pushed me down a hall to the left, steering me away from the prying questions.

  "I'm not good at this," I finally said, frustrated.

  "You will learn to be," she insisted. I sighed, unsure. I let her lead me underneath the castle, pushing me to the end of the hall. We stepped up towards the door, pushing it openly silently. She glanced out before pulling me with her. Quietly, she shut the door behind her. To everyone else, the door looked like a painting of a majestic horse, its purpose was to conceal the servants quarters. She ushered me down a second hall, eventually pulling me into a room. Luckily, I knew the castle well. I would not get lost. Not ever again.

  "Oh! Your highness," she curtsied, yanking me with her. I quickly followed suit, unsure of who stood in front of me.

  "Please, no need for that." We rose slowly, eyes on the ground.

  "What may I help you with," Ryleigh finally asked. He laughed lightly, and I could feel the heat from his body as it shook. This must be Kyelin, one of the twins. I had never met him before, only glanced at his portraits. I sneaked a peek, taking in his appearance. He was taller than Ryleigh by a foot, typical of a Royal. He had crimson hair that was tied back with a ribbon, the tips of his hair reaching his waist. A few small stands framed his chiseled face, accentuating the emerald eyes. He was muscular, too. Almost too muscular. His lips were curved into a mischievous grin, eyes darkening by the second. I knew they would reflect the flames that lived inside of him if he so wished it.

  "I wanted to make sure our arrivals have only the best, especially this guest in particular. Who have you chosen for Silvi?" He looked to me with those piercing eyes, and I couldn't help but meet them.

  "Celeste," I stated, trying not to show a hint of fear. They liked that too much.

  "Celeste. Have you been a handmaiden before?"

  "No," I shrugged. Ryleigh slapped my shoulder, hissing under her beautiful smile.

  "Celeste is one of my best, aren't you Les?"

  "Of course," I answered, trying to smile as bright as her.

  "I have no doubts," he assured us. But I could see the look in his eyes as he stared at me. He did, indeed, doubt.

  "Silvi will be one of our most special guests. I, of course, obtained one of my best maids. She will not disappoint."

  "Of course," he agreed, eyeing me again, "But, I must say, you don't look…"

  "I am small," I agreed. That was what everyone said about me. What others used against me.

  "Yes," he said, watching me once more.

  "I will not disappoint," I repeated her words, practically daring him to counteract. Based off of this little amount of interaction, I was sure he was like all the others: snobs who think much too highly of themselves and not enough of us.

  "Mmm." He looked at me one last time, whisking away without another word.

  "Wow," Ryleigh gasped, "Oh, wow. This must be important for the princes to be involved. I wonder where Zae is?
"

  "Who knows," I shrugged, "Who cares?" I knew little of either brother. I knew Zae was a much darker version of Kyelin. His midnight black hair was supposed to be just as long, but his eyes were much darker. The rumors say they were beyond grey, sullied by the darkness that lived under his skin. I had only once heard of the dark poison he had escaping from his control, and it did not end well.

  "Who cares?" Ryleigh spluttered out, outraged.

  "That’s what I said," I shrugged. I didn't need to explain.

  "You will show more respect than this to Miss Silvi," she spat at me.

  "Of course I will," I scoffed, "I don't have a death wish."

  "I would think otherwise, the way you speak to me." She stared me down, unwavering in her stance. I finally sighed, giving in when I remembered my earlier worries of her dragging me down by the hair.

  "Yes, Ryleigh. You won't regret this. I promise."

  "I better not."

  I gulped down a nerve tonic, frantic. Miss Silvi had just arrived. Whispers floated into my ears, worried words about the first arrival. I felt overwhelmed. Not only was I expected to do her hair, fix her makeup, clean her room. I also had to pick dresses, design them if need be. Sometimes, the attire was worth more than the game itself. I had never done this before. Of course I knew the latest fashions in the Lunar Court. We were dark and mysterious, sheer and hidden. But the Solar…

  I had made sure her room didn't contain a speck of dirt. I washed the sheets three times before I was satisfied. I picked out a few courtesy dresses, ones that she would wear to impress our princes. Attire that we would accept, of course. I made sure the carpet was beyond beautiful, the lights brighter than I could bear. Everything had to be perfect. I stood near the makeup counter, waiting impatiently on the High Divine.

  I heard the light voices before they ever opened the door. A soldier had escorted her to the room, her laughter a good sign. The laugh seemed so perfect, so fake. It was like bells ringing, like the wind itself blowing through her. So, when she opened the door, I knew she was beautiful already. I smiled pleasantly, clasping my hands in front of me. She didn't so much as glance at me, but I took in every bit of her.