A/N: This chapter is super long, hence the title "The Longest Night" but all of this was happening the same night and I couldn't find a place to split it so it just ended up being a bit longer than the previous ones. Speaking of, in the last chapter there was a point where I wrote Ava instead of Emaand I'm sorry if that was confusing. I've since fixed it. Well, enough yapping... enjoy and please review.
The Longest Night
Courtney looked around the room they were being detained in. The guards, lead by Lt. General Jakub, ushered a group of them in this room almost an hour ago and after they set the amplification generator, the guards left and hadn't said anything to them ever since. She walked over to her brother, who was sitting calmly in the back of the room.
"How can you look so relaxed?" Courtney asked quietly. "We don't have the slightest idea when we'll get out of here."
'They can't hold us for longer than a couple of hours," Kivar explained. "An assembly is not breaking any laws. The only reason thy can hold us now is because The Queen's ship being attacked; they just need to rule us out as the people who were responsible."
"Are you responsible?" she raised her eyebrow at him.
"If I were would you run along and tell that general of yours?" he questioned. "Would you betray me to him Courtney?"
"I would do what I had to, to keep you safe and alive," she answered.
"As I would do the same for you," he paused to glance around the room. "But I couldn't have attacked the ship; I was at the rally with everyone else in this room."
"That doesn't mean you had nothing to with it," she countered.
"Hmm," he exhaled deeply as he stood up to stand in front of her. "I suppose you'll share that thought with him as well. From what I've heard, you've been keeping tabs on me, for him." He circled around her. "Keeping tabs on my guests and feeding him as much information as you can find." He stopped to stand behind her. "Betraying me but somehow thinking in the end that you're helping me." He leaned closed and whispered in a raspy voice. "My dear sister, you are not helping me."
Courtney could feel the heat of his eyes staring at the back of her head. "I am trying to help you; I'm trying to save you before you get yourself killed."
"Well stop," he said firmly but his tone stayed quiet. "Do you actually think that stunt you pulled up there was helping?" He walked to stand beside her. "How does endorsing Rath help me?"
"It keeps you from turning into someone I don't recognize," she replied softly and then turned to him. "You're all I have and I love you; I'm sorry if you're mad but …"
"I'm not mad Courtney," he shook his head.
"You're not?" came her sarcastic reply.
"No I'm not and I'll prove it to you little sister," he gave a smirk. "As soon as we're released I'll have a ship take you to Rath's home so you can report everything."
"And what's the catch?" she raised her brows at him.
"Nothing," he replied. "Better yet, I'll have them take you to Jareta's."
"Rat's mother's home," Courtney looked at him inquisitively. "Why would they drop me off there Kivar?"
"Because he'll probably be there and I have a feeling it's going to be a long night," he smiled at his sister. "And I'm sure he'll need the support of a good friend."
Courtney peered at him. "My brother, what have you done now?"
"Is someone going to answer me?" Ava looked around the room. "I said, what's going on? You all look as if you've seen a ghost."
"I knew I hadn't lost you," Zan rushed to embrace her and then pulled back, cupping her face. "Are you okay?"
"We were worried," Rath's words sounded void of emotion but the look in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.
"Yes," Vilandra said somewhat awkwardly, still shaken from her brother's threat. "We were worried."
Zan turned around and glared at his sister. "You weren't worried! You were the one who did this; you and Kivar!" He turned back to his wife. "How did you survive?"
"Survive what?" a perplexed look washed over her face. "And why are you yelling at Loni?" She looked around the room. "Would someone pleas tell me what's going on here? I woke up and the minute I started walking around The Palace, everyone's been looking at me strangely."
"Wait, you woke up here?" Rath questioned. "What time did you leave Charis?"
She looked around to make sure here was no one in the room that shouldn't be. "The baby was having these rapid growth spurts and they became very draining so I never went," she continued to explain. "Yawsik and Ema finished the tour for me." Ava looked up at Zan. "Did something happen in Charis?"
"Avalena," he looked at her with sadden eyes as he took her hand.
"It's really bad, isn't it?" she asked slowly. "Is it Ema; is she okay?"
"The ship was attacked and it crashed," Zan said quietly. "I'm so sorry." The look in his eyes said everything else.
"No, Ema can't be gone," she screamed as she fell into Zan's arms. "No, not my little sister! My precious Ema!" The tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Please Zan," she looked up at him and then grabbed her stomach as she doubled over in pain.
"Ava," he pulled her to him. "Is it the baby?"
"It hurts Zan, everything hurts." She cradled her stomach as the tears continued to flow. "Not my baby sister; why? Who did this? Why Ema?"
"Come here child." Lili, whose face was stained with tears as well, wrapped a comforting arm around the sobbing queen.
"Please take her to rest Lili," Zan said and then kissed her on the forehead. "I'll check on you soon."
"Zan I swear I had nothing to do with this," Vilandra moved towards him as he watched his wife and Lili leave the room. "I know I haven't been honest about everything but I'm telling you the truth about this. You have to believe me when I say I'm happy Ava's okay."
"Okay?" Zan repeated. "She's not okay Loni. She just lost her only sister; Ema was all she had left of her parents. She's anything but okay Vilandra. She's distraught and this isn't good for the pregnancy."
"I didn't mean it like that!" she shouted. "You're turning everything I say around and it's not fair! I haven't been plotting to kill your precious wife or her sister. I didn't mean for any of this to happen Zan!"
"But it did happen Loni," he countered
"Excuse me Your Majesty," a royal officer approached the still open door. "Captain Felino has asked that The General meet them at Jareta's; they've found her."
"Is she okay?" Rath asked.
"He said she was alive Sir but he did not offer any more information than that," he answered.
"Thank you solider," Rath watched the man salute before he left the room. "Your Majesty," he turned to Zan.
"You don't need to ask," Zan replied. "Keep me updated and Viala," he turned to his cousin. "Go with him just in case you can help."
Rath and Viala both nodded and then went out the same way the solider had. Vilandra started to follow but Zan stood in her way.
"It's Rath's mother Zan," she looked into her brother's now cold eyes. "I need to be with him."
"Why, so you can finish Jareta off?" Zan asked. "How did they know about the treaty with Harpo? How did he know about Eca?"
"I never told him those things," she shook her head. "He already knew."
"And you didn't feel the need to tell me that?" Zan's voice had calmed a bit, the anger in his voice replaced by hurt. "You didn't bother telling me about your secret meetings, the building he been planning in, or your role in all of this?" He shook his head. "Viala told Ava about the Linking Ceremony."
"Good for her and the rest, you wouldn't have bothered listening to me anyways," she spat. "Nothing I have to say is of any importance to you. My feelings and opinions just don't matter to you one bit!"
"That's no true," he replied.
"It is true," Vilandra countered. She had had enough of his accusations and she wasn't about to take responsibility for everything that had gone wrong. "You have been silencing me for months and I have taken it but I won't anymore." She glared at him through dark slits. "You are selfish, controlling, and arrogant and you don't care about anyone else's opinions unless they are agreeing with you or your prized Ava!"
He scowled at her, "Don't you dare…"
"What, did I hit a nerve?" Vilandra interrupted. "I guess it's a good thing you had more money than Zsar since they were selling her to the highest bidder." She wished she could take it back but Zan had already begun speaking.
"And how much are you worth Vilandra," he countered. "Or are you free to Kivar, Rath and everyone else?"
Her face turned angrier. "You…"
"Both of you; stop it!" Maya exclaimed.
"No," Zan said. "Let her finish Mother."
"Thank you little brother but I do not need your permission," she looked at him fliply. "You think you're a king but you're not; you're just a boy whose father died and he was a king."
"Well I guess our father means nothing to you since you're sleeping with the man responsible for his death," Zan shook his head in disgust. "I feel like I don't even know you anymore."
"Well maybe you never did," she ran a hand through her hair as huffed. "You have this image of me but I don't think you see me at all. You think I'm going to shut up, fall in line, and bow down to you but I won't. I'm not you're subject."
"You're right," Zan replied.
"What?" the tension in her face ceased.
"You're not my subject Vilandra," he said calmly. "You're my enemy."
"Zan," Maya looked between her two children. "She is your sister."
"Not anymore," his voce was firm. "You have committed acts of treason against The Royal House of Antar. You know the penalty for that as well as I do."
"Death?" Vilandra shook her head incredulity. "I know we both got carried away there but Zan, are you really going to kill your own sister?"
"Of course not," Zan stated. "I don't want you dead Loni, just off my planet."
"What?" she yelled.
"You are officially declared an enemy against The House of Antar and all its inhabitants. Kivar, who's aided you in what you admitted to, will be declared an enemy as well," Zan looked to the four guards who entered the room. "Please escort my sister to the ship," he looked back at her. "It will take you to any destination other than Antarian soil."
"You can't do this!" she yelled "I didn't do anything!"
"I'm sorry but I can't trust you anymore," Zan could no longer look in her eyes. "If you return; I will show you no quarter."
"Mother," Vilandra yelled as the guard attached the generator to her and then put the stealic cuffs on her. "Please Mother, don't let him do this."
"Zan," Maya looked in her son's face.
"This is not up for discussion," he said sternly, then looked back to the guards. "Take her from my sight."
"Zan please!" Vilandra screamed as she was dragged from the room. "Zan!"
"Son," Maya walked up to him.
"I have been entrusted to take care of this planet as I see fit; to protect it and the people as a whole over any one individual and that's what I intend to do." He cleared his throat. "I have work to do."
Maya nodded silently and then left Zan in the room alone. He walked over to his desk and began flipping through some papers aimlessly but he could not concentrate. He glanced up for a moment and caught glimpse of a glass frame with a holographic picture of him and Vilandra a couple years ago. He could still hear her voice from that day.
I'm so glad we don't have rivalry like most other siblings. You're my brother Zan and I love you. I know we can always trust each other.
"Liar!" he shouted as he picked the frame up and threw it forcefully at the wall, shattering the glass and leaving the mica streaming down the wall.
Rath and Viala entered the home quickly and were immediately greeted by three officers. They could hear Jareta moaning from the next room a mumbling something about a box.
"Mother," The General rushed to her bedside. "Mom, I'm here."
"My son," she smiled weakly as she reached up to touch his face. "I tried but he took almost everything… almost everything." She moaned as she tilted her head to the side.
He turned around. "Can't you do something? Heal her!"
"We can give her a few moments of relief but that's all we can do," one of the healers said. "The damage to her mind is unlike anything I've ever seen."
The other healer leaned over the laying woman and placed her palm softly on Jareta's forehead, causing a golden light to travel down the woman's body.
Jareta gave a sigh of relief. "Tried to take everything… I held on," she exhaled deeply. "The box Rath."
"What box Mother?" Rath looked down at her.
""A drawer," she exhaled sharply this time. "It's in the box… the birth; the answers."
"I don't understand," he muttered solemnly. "How can I help you if I don't understand?"
"She's been mumbling about you and some box since we got here but we haven't been able to make much sense of it," Felino said as he entered the room. "Her mind has been damaged beyond repair."
Rath turned back to look at him. "What happened to her?"
"I've never seen anything like this before," the officer answered. "Plainly put, someone's ripped almost all her memories and thoughts away from her mind."
"Mind rape," Viala said slowly. "That's what it's called." She shook her head. "I've heard of it but I've never known anyone who could do it," she placed her hand on Jareta's head, "at least to this degree."
"How do you heal it?" Rath asked.
"If they've taken almost everything from her than she has nothing to regenerate with," she replied softly. "I'm so sorry Rath but I don't think you can."
"The box," Jareta said again. "I kept it; I hide it when he came and he tried but I held on to it." The woman gripped his hand with her own. "My son."
"Maybe you can do an advanced dream-walk," one of the healers turned to Viala. "It wouldn't save her but maybe Rath could find out what she's trying to say."
"You mean bring me into her subconscious," The General said slowly. "But she's awake, wouldn't that be painful?"
"We can keep her comfortable," the healer said.
"I've never done anything like that," Viala took a deep breath in and exhaled. "Dream-walking is one thing; the subconscious is another, especially after her mind has been so damaged."
"It'll be too late to get someone else here before she fades," Rath turned to look at her as he still held his mother's hand. "Please, I want her to g in peace."
Viala looked at the woman lying in the bed and then back at Rath's pleading eyes. "Okay,' she conceded. "I'll do it."
Vilandra walked up the trail to the white house in front of her. The weeds in the yard were a bit overgrown but the house was a fairly decent size and looked like it had been well kept up until recently. As she opened the door slowly, she looked around a caught sight of a dim light shinning down the hall to the left. She felt a bit uneasy but she closed the door behind her and followed the light to the room it was coming from.
"I see you've made it," Nikolas sat down the glass he'd been drinking from. "Please have a seat Princess, can I offer you a drink?" He stood up and began pouring her a glass before she answered.
"Thank you," she took the flute from him and took a sip before sitting across from him. "I'm sorry to have called but I just didn't know who else to go to." She took another drink. "Are they still being held?"
"Yes but they really can't hold them much longer unless they arrest them," Nikolas replied calmly and then saw the panic in her eyes. "Don't worry, they won't be. Kivar will be here soon."
"And where is this exactly?" Vilandra questioned. "I mean, I know this is on Lantis but whose estate is this?"
"The property belongs to Zsar," he answered and then took another drink from his glass. "So, how's it feel to be exiled?"
She shook her head. "I can't even believe it myself but my brother actually declared me an enemy of the kingdom, our kingdom. He thinks I've betrayed him."
"Well haven't you?" Nikolas smirked. "It is no secret to you that Kivar belongs to a group of people who don't believe your brother should be king and yet you consort with him."
"Consort," she repeated. "What does that mean?"
"I've seen the looks he gives you and I've seen the ones you give him," Nikolas continued. "Zan has reason to doubt your loyalty."
"I'm sorry you feel that way," she stood up angrily. "I shouldn't have come."
"I didn't mean to upset you Princess when I said Zan has reason to doubt you because he does but we don't," he stood up and caught her arm. "We believe that if you were queen that none of this would be happening and with all that has, it makes sense you'd questions his actions and look for your own answers."
"And you think you can give these to me, to all of Antar," she asked.
"I can only give you what I know to be true Princess but I believe you and Kivar could give Antar its answers," he replied. "Let me ask you something. If you were queen would you have made the same decisions your brother made? Do you really think he's making a better king than the queen you would be?"
"Nikolas," Kivar walked into the room. "It seems we're allowed to roam free another day." He walked to Vilandra and kissed her hand. "My dear Princess."
"Glad to see you made it out alright," Courtney said fliply, looking at Vilandra. "What are you doing here?"
"Gee, am I glad they didn't keep you," Vilandra shot back "Why aren't you somewhere reporting to Rath?"
"Ladies, you're giving me a migraine," he said a bit loudly and then turned to Kivar. "King Zan has declared Princess Vilandra an enemy and she's been exiled."
"Exiled," Courtney gave a slight laugh. "This night just keeps getting better."
"Shut up Courtney," Vilandra glared at her.
"Why hasn't he done that to you two geniuses yet?" she was still chuckling as she looked between her brother and Nikolas.
"Because he doesn't have any proof that we've done anything wrong whiz kid," Nikolas replied. "She must've admitted something that could be used as a treasonous act against Antar."
"I didn't," The Princess shook her head. "But he actually said he was declaring Kivar an enemy as well."
"Good going big brother," Courtney scoffed.
"If you never admitted anything then what he's doing is illegal," Kivar said. "He's The King but he still has rules," he turned towards her. "Did you tell him about The Linking Ceremony?"
She nodded slowly. "Viala told him and I conformed it."
"I thought we took care of that," he shook his head.
"Well she actually mentioned it to Ava and she told Zan," Vilandra explained.
"That must be what he's using then," Kivar had a thoughtful look on his face. "But it doesn't matter right now anyways; he's locked the whole planet down."
"What?" disbelief washed over Vilandra's features. "I didn't think he was serious about that; I have to talk to him."
"You should give him some time to come to terms with all this," Nikolas replied. "Until then, you can stay here."
"It's been a long night Princess, you should get some rest." Kivar held his hand out to her. "I'll show you to your room."
"I bet," Courtney mumbled as Vilandra took Kivar's hand and followed him from the room.
"Goodnight Princess," Nikolas gave a fake smile. After she left he turned to Courtney, "I don't really like her."
"Me either." Courtney flashed a smile, "Almost as much as I
don't like you.
Viala knelled by the bed, one hand on Jareta's head while the other held Rath's hand. This was her third attempt to access what was left of Jareta's mind and she knew this time she had to succeed because she feel their time running out.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she delved in once again. She felt a cool burst on energy run through her as one of the healers placed their hand on Jareta's head for discomfort. After a few moments Viala could suddenly see chaos all around her; bits and pieces of fragmented memories and thoughts. With one last push of her mind, she was fully in as she squeezed Rath's hand, pulling him with her into the recesses of Jareta's subconscious. Within a moment, a bright light flashed before them and they were suddenly witnessing a memory.
The midwife cleaned the baby off with a wave of her hand before wrapping him up in a soft blanket and carrying him to the woman in the bed.
"No," the woman in the bed spoke but they could not see her face. "He's not mine."
"Jareta," Maya called from where she was standing. "Take the baby."
There was another flash of light as the scene changed.
"Look at him," Jareta looked at her husband and then gazed back at the child in her arms.
"We never discussed this," he replied. "And besides, everyone will wonder where this baby came from."
"We'll go away for a month quietly and when we return, we'll tell everyone we went away to have the baby because of complications," Jareta looked to her husband once again. "Just look at him; he's beautiful."
"No," he shook his head and then smiled. "My son is handsome."
Again, there was a burst of light as the next memory played before them.
"Rath," Jareta called. "There's someone here to meet you."
A six year old Rath ran up to his mother and then looked up at the blonde woman who was holding a baby and the hand off a small blonde girl, "Hi."
"Hello Rath," the woman smiled. "I'm Iselda and this is my daughter Ava." She leaned over to show him the baby. "And this is Ema."
"Hi," a three year old Ava smiled as she reached for his hand.
The white light flashed again as the next memory played.
Jareta stood alone with a small metallic box in one hand and a mimeograph in the other. She looked at it for a moment before placing it inside the box and snapping the lid shut. "Someday I'll tell you; when you're ready."
Then just as quickly as they were brought into Jareta's mind, they pushed out.
"Mother," Rath leaned towards her as Viala stood back. "What does this mean?"
"I'm sorry," her breathing was labored. "I love you my son," she reached up to touch his face. "I love you."
"I love you too Mother," Rath said as her arm fell limply away from him. "Mother," his eyes grew wide.
Jareta gave a slight smile before her head fell to the side and she took her last breath.
"Mother," he shook her slightly. "Mother!" He turned back to the healers. "Do something!"
"I'm sorry General but she'd gone," the healer closed Jareta's eyes before leading everyone else out of the room besides him.
He gripped her hand and lowered his head as he whispered, "Mother, who am I?"
Zan sat in the chair beside the bed just watching Ava as she slept. Judging from the dampness of the pillow, he guessed she'd cried herself to sleep. He still couldn't believe Vilandra betrayed him and although he regretted most of what he said to her, he was relieved she was not in The Palace at the moment.
"Ema!" the woman in the bed screamed as a nightmare startled her awake. "Zan!"
"Ava," Zan hurried to wrap his arms around her. "It's alright, I'm here. I'm so sorry about Ema."
She nodded against his chest as she tried to calm herself. "They were after me," she looked up at her husband. "Weren't they?"
"Most likely," he replied softly. "My sister was involved; Jakub found her at the rally with Kivar. I've exiled them both."
"Zan, she wouldn't try to kill me," Ava replied. "I just won't believe that. I know we've had our issues but she's family and I just can't bear to think her capable of that, not with the baby." A cry escaped her throat.
"Shh," he pulled her closer and then kissed her on the top of her head. "We won't discuss that."
Ava pulled back to wipe the tears from her face. "I'm so sorry Zan," she shook her head. "What this must be doing to you?"
"I'm fine," he cupped her cheek. "As long as you're okay; you and our baby." He shook his head. "When I thought I'd lost you…"
"You won't," she looked into his eyes. "I will always be with you," she kissed him softly. "For eternity." She wiped her tears again and shook her head. "I haven't been a very strong queen tonight."
"It's been a long night," he replied. "And I think you've been great."
They both turned as they heard a knock on their adjourning sitting room's door.
"Who is it?" Zan called a bit gruffly as he moved towards the door.
"Zan, it's Viala," she answered through the door. "Can I come in?"
"Come in Viala," Ava said as she stood up and made her way towards the sitting room.
Viala walked in a closed the door behind her. "I'm sorry to disturb you, I know it's been a hectic night for everyone but Jareta's passed."
"Oh no," Ava shook her head. "Rath must be so upset."
"Yes he is," he words were slow as if something else was on her mind. "Rath would like you both to join him; he's going to talk to your mother."
"What are you not saying?" Zan questioned.
"She was mind-raped," Viala continued. "It was so bad that there was no way they could heal her so I connected to her and brought Rath into what was left of her mind."
"What did you see?" Ava asked.
"Actually I saw you when you were three, your mother and baby sister meeting Rath when he was about six," Viala answered. "And I saw a midwife handed a bay to Jareta and Aunt Maya was there."
"My mother was there?" he raised his eyebrow at her. "Why?"
"And if someone was ripping her memories from her why would she fight to keep a memory of us meeting as small children?" Ava questioned.
"It must hold a clue to Rath's past," Viala replied. "The baby in the memory was Rath and that means Jareta did not give birth to him. I have a feeling Ava that your mother was at his birth too but she and Jareta are both gone."
"And that leaves my mother as the only one who would have the answers," Zan said thoughtfully. "Give us a few minutes and we'll meet you all downstairs."
Viala nodded and then left the room.
"Why do you think that memory so important?" Ava looked up at Zan.
"I don't know," he replied. "It looks like this night isn't over yet."
"Jabari said you wanted to see me," Maya found Rath in the sitting room. "Your mother?"
"Is gone," Rath held back the tears he wanted to shed as he focused on why he was here. "But that's not what I wanted to talk about."
"I understand," she sat across from him. "What can I do to help you?"
"You can tell me who I am," he answered. "Her mind was too damaged to tell me the truth but we did manage to see you were there?"
"I was where?" Maya studied him for a moment. "You know Jareta wasn't your birth mother."
"Yes I know and I know you were at my birth," he replied. "Why would you keep something like that from me; I thought loyalty was important to you."
"It is and so are you," Maya replied. "You have been like a second son to me and to Zaid."
"And you were like a second mother to me or maybe I should say third," he scoffed.
"Rath," Ava walked towards him as he stood up and hugged him. "I'm so sorry about your mother."
"I'm sorry about Emilia too," he replied. "She was really special."
"Rath," Zan gave him a quick hug and then looked at him or a moment. "Whatever you need…"
"I know; thanks." Rath sat back down. "I was just talking to your mother about my birth."
Zan sat down next to his mother as Ava sat next to Rath.
"I think I have a right to know," Rath pressed.
"So do I," Maya replied. "You both do."
"Both?" Zan questioned and then followed his mother's eyes to his wife. "You know why Jareta held on to that memory of Ava and her family."
"Yes," Maya answered. "I guess I should start at the beginning with Iselda."
Ava looked at Maya. "My mother?"
"Iselda's father and my father were very close and we grew up to be great friends. When we were right out of school, she met Kristoff and they fell in love very quickly." Maya smiled at the memory of her friend. "He was a common man who worked in Lantis and Ambassador Figerro was not happy with that."
"I still don't see what this have to do with Jareta?" Zan questioned.
"You will," she replied. "Figerro sent Iselda to various events with different high society escorts hoping it would make her realize Kristoff was not the man for her. Well after one of these parties she was attacked by one of those high society men" she paused briefly. "A Skin and she became pregnant."
"She was raped?" Ava asked softly.
Maya nodded. "When she told her father, he didn't believe her and thought she was covering for Kristoff. Figerro was going to send her away and have the pregnancy taken care of and he forbid her from ever seeing Kristoff again."
Ava glanced at Rath and then looked back at Maya.
"Iselda and Kristoff ran off to Lantis and married. Figerro disowned her and they had very little money but too much pride to take help. Kristoff did agree to raise the child as his own but Iselda feared that he wouldn't be accepted being half Skin with two Antarian parents so she called me for help." Maya took a deep breath before she continued. "I knew a woman whose mother worked for my family and during that time we became friends. She told me in the strictest of confidences about a field accident which left her unable to have children so I went to her the day before Iselda gave birth."
"Before my mother gave birth to Rath?" Ava questioned and then looked at him.
"Yes," Maya answered. "Jareta took the baby Iselda gave birth to and raised him as her own; Jareta loved Rath as he own and by giving him up, Iselda felt she'd given him a better life with a woman who would keep him safe." She exhaled. "Both of you and Ema seemed to bond right away; it was if as you knew you were family."
"Ava's my sister," he gave a half smile. "And Ema," he said solemnly. "That's why I couldn't take this happening to her, she was my baby sister."
Ava reached over to hug him. "You're my brother."
"I know that keeping this secret may have hurt you both but I made promises to Iselda and Jareta and I wanted to keep those." Maya stood up. "I'll give you all some time alone."
"I'll be right back." Zan followed his mother from the room.
"I knew there was something so familiar about you," she pulled back and looked him in the eyes. "We just felt so comfortable; you felt it too."
"I felt it," he smiled. "I have to tell…" he stopped mid-sentence.
"You were going to say Vilandra, right?" it wasn't really a question. "The go find her."
"Find who?" Zan walked back in. "We really are brothers now," he smiled warmly then looked at Rath for a moment. "Who do you need to find?"
"Vilandra," he answered. "But I already know where she is; Courtney called earlier."
"I can't trust her here," Zan replied. "I love my sister but her being here in dangerous for all of us."
"I'm not suggesting she come back to The Palace, just the planet." Rath scratched at his eyebrow. "It's Loni; I need to talk to her about this and so do you."
Zan had to admit he hadn't given her much time to explain things. "Very well, but she is to be guarded by someone other than you at all times; and she has to promise to stay away from Kivar."
"Agreed," Rath nodded and then squeezed Ava's hand before leaving.
Vilandra stood outside on the porch, looking at the vast sky above her. She'd tried to go to sleep but after an hour of just lying there, she got up and walked outside. She couldn't stop thinking about the looks on her mother's, Zan's, and Rath's faces.
"I wish that I could change what happen," she spoke into the air. "I wish I could explain it all."
"Now's your chance," Rath's voice came from the darkness as he approached the stairs.
"Rath," her eyes lit up. "I am so sorry; I don't know how to make this up to you." She looked around. "Does Zan know you're here?"
"Yes," he answered. "I heard you saying you wanted to explain, so explain this to me Loni."
"I don't know where to start," she exhaled deeply and pushed her hair back from her face.
"Let's start with how long you've been seeing Kivar," he said emotionlessly as he looked at the ground.
"I wasn't seeing him," she continued after he looked up at her with doubt on his face. "We were friends, you all knew that. We would flirt sometimes but we never crossed that line…" she looked away.
"Until," he pressed.
"The day of The Charis fires I'd been waiting for Sanaa to have lunch but she canceled and Kivar was there so I decided to have lunch with him, at his house." She paused for a moment. "He was talking to me and then he just kissed me. I was so shaken that I just ran off."
"And almost got yourself killed," he replied. "And that made you want to be with him?' He raised his eyebrow at her.
"No, I wanted to continue our friendship." She shook her head. "I wanted to be with you and I told him that."
"Yet you were meeting with him secretly and getting caught kissing him by Zander." Sarcasm filled his voice, "Nice to know you wanted to be with me though."
"It wasn't like that; I was just meeting him because I needed someone to talk to," she tried to explain. "I jeopardized The Linking and I couldn't tell you or Zan that."
His brows furrowed. "We would've understood Loni. Why didn't you trust us; trust me?"
"I don't know, I just couldn't." Vilandra exhaled deeply. "I was unsure about you and Courtney and I was just so confused."
"About us?" he peered at her.
"About everything," she replied. "I wish I could explain to you what I was feeling…"
"For Kivar?" he interrupted. "Be honest."
"Sometimes I feel like everyone sees this perfect image of this princess that they expect me to be but I don't always feel like that's really who I am," she said. "Sometimes I just want to be Vilandra and he sees that in me."
Rath crossed his arms over his chest. "And I don't see you? Loni, I've known you my whole life and you don't think I know who you are." He shook his head. "Maybe I don't because I never thought you'd betray me and your family. I always thought you'd be with me when I needed you."
"I wanted to go after you when you left but Zan stopped me," she stepped closer to him. "Is your mother…?"
"My mother's dead and so is my sister," he replied a bit softly.
A puzzled expression came over her face. "What do you mean, your sister?"
"It's a long story but Jareta didn't give birth t me, Iselda did." He shook his head. Ema was my sister."
"I'm sorry Rath," she reached out to hold his hand. "I should've been there; I want to be with you but Zan won't let me go back, not after everything we said to each other."
"He wants you to come back," Rath replied. "He just needs you to follow some conditions."
"What are they?" Vilandra asked.
"Well staying away from Kivar is obvious," he replied. "But he also wants a guard with you at all times."
"So I'd be a prisoner," she shook her head. "Someone would be following me around The Palace like I'm a criminal. What's next; confined to my quarters?"
"No one's locking you up Loni," he replied. "But actually you won't be able to stay in The Palace," he paused briefly. "It's just for now."
"I won't be my little brother's prisoner because I made some mistakes and besides Kivar said what he's doing is illegal," she crossed her arms. "Zan's made mistakes too but he's not being ostracized."
"Maybe I made a mistake too," Rath said.
Her eyes grew wide. "What does that mean?"
"It means maybe you would rather be here with Kivar," he stated. "Maybe I shouldn't have come here."
She shook her head. "Rath…"
"I think you're right," Kivar stepped out the door. "This is private property General and you have no jurisdiction in Lantis."
"Kivar please," Vilandra turned around.
"Please what?" he squinted at her. "Let him take you back as a prisoner when you've done nothing wrong." He glared back at his sister who'd followed him outside. "I guess I don't have to ask who called him, do I dear sister."
"I told you I don't want to stay her," Courtney replied. "And if you're smarter than I think Princess Vilandra, you'll leave too."
"Listen to Courtney," Rath replied.
"If she's for it then I know it's a bad idea," she shook her head.
Rath looked at her for a moment before turning to walk away.
"Goodbye General," Kivar smirked. "Goodbye Courtney; I'll be in touch."
"Please stop this," Courtney looked at her brother for a moment before turning around and following Rath into the darkness.
Vilandra felt torn; she wanted to follow them but she wasn't ready to face Zan or her mother, especially when she wasn't even sure that Kivar had done everything they accused him of. As she watched their backs disappear into the night one thought reverberated through her mind. This is the longest night of my life.
"Hey," Zan closed the door behind him. "You're still up?"
Ava nodded. "I couldn't sleep. This has been the saddest and happiest night of my life. I've gained a brother but I've lost my sister."
"It feels like the longest night of my life," he sat on the edge of the bed as he thought about his sister.
"She'll come back and we'll work this out," she sat up behind him and leaned her chin on his shoulder. "It'll be okay Zan."
"I hope so," he turned his head to look at her. "I feel like I've messed everything up. Maybe she was right, if I'd only listened to her."
"You will," she leaned back as she felt a flutter in her stomach. "This has been quite an experience for our baby."
Zan turned towards her and placed his hand on her expanded belly. "I…" he stopped mid-sentence and took a sharp breath as his hand began to glow and Ava started to breath heavily. After a moment, he opened his eyes to look at her.
"What happened Zan?" she looked down at his hand.
"She connected with me," he smiled. "The baby; it's a girl."
"It's a girl," she smiled as he pressed his forehead against hers. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to call her Ema."
He nodded. "It's a beautiful name."
Rath walked into the sitting room from the kitchen and handed a glass to Courtney, who was sitting on the divan with her back against the wall.
"Thank you," she took a sip and placed the glass on the table. "So you've got a sister?" She watched him nod. "Queen Ava is your sister?"
"She is," a half smile came to his face. "And so was Ema," he tossed the glass on the table in front of him. "I can't believe she's gone."
"I'm really sorry Rath," she held his hand. "About Ema, your mother, and Vilandra."
"Thanks," he stared blankly in front of him.
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.
Rath shook his head.
Courtney wanted to say something that would help him feel better but she didn't know what to say in a situation like this. "Is it okay that I'm here? I really didn't want to be alone in that big house." She paused to watch him stare. "I can go if you feel uncomfortable because of my brother."
"I don't feel uncomfortable," he scratched at his eyebrow. "It's just been a really long night."
"I know," she placed her hand on his shoulder. "You are really tense." She tapped him on the back. "Turn around."
Rath raised his eyebrow at her and gave a slight scoff.
Courtney gave a small smirk. "I'm guessing tomorrow will be pretty hectic too…"
"And," he interrupted.
"And you'll be no use to anyone if you're tied up in knots General so turn around," she pushed.
Rath finally conceded and turned around as Courtney began to massage his broad shoulders. "Relax solider," she whispered in his right ear. "I won't bite." Courtney moved to whisper in the other ear as a small smile came to her face. "Well, not unless you want me to."
Rath reached back and caught her hands.
"It was a joke," she rolled her eyes as he turned to look back at her. "I wasn't trying…"
"What if I want you to," he interrupted her again.
"What if you want me to," she looked him directly in his eyes and briefly saw all the emotions running through him as he turned his body towards her. "Rath," she closed her eyes as he stroked her cheek and then brought her chin up to tilt her head back.
He leaned towards her and placed his lips to hers; searching for the comfort and solace he'd wanted from Vilandra. But she betrayed me and I trust Courtney. He knew he could trust her and in this moment it mattered to him more than anything. Rath wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him as he kissed her hungrily. Courtney quickly unbuttoned his shirt as he pushed her on to her back and traced kisses down her neck, pulling at the top of her gown feverishly. Courtney let out a small moan as Rath kissed the dip in her neck and came back to her lips.
"Rath," his name came out breathy. "Wait."
"Why," he kissed her again. "I thought this was what you wanted."
Courtney turned her face away from his and placed her palms against his chest. "Not like this; you love Vilandra."
At the mention of her name, he drew back. "She betrayed us all and she made her choice tonight."
She exhaled deeply. "And that's why you're doing this, to get back at her and Rath, I really want this but only when it's just about us." She sat up and shrugged. "I'm not into three partied if you know what I mean."
He gave an amused laugh. "I'm…" he wasn't used to apologies. "I'm sorry Courtney."
"Don't be," she fixed her dress as she stood up. "I should probably go."
"You don't have to; you take the room." Rath replied, then patted the cushions. "I'll take the couch."
Courtney smiled. "You sure?"
"Yeah," he smiled back.
"Then I think I'll turn in," she started towards the hallway. "Goodnight General."
"Hey Courtney," he called.
She turned back. "Yeah?"
"Thanks," he replied. "You're a really good friend."
She looked up in the air before giving a small smile. "Don't let it get around."
Kivar sat in the dark room, staring at the door. He'd come in to check on Vilandra and found the room empty over two hours ago. Although he wasn't sure she'd be coming back, he had been sitting here ever since, hoping any minute that she'd return.
"Kivar," she was startled to see him sitting there.
"Where were you?" it sounded like a demand. "You went to see him; didn't you?"
"What does it matter?" there was a sadness in her voice. "I'm here now."
His face softened as he approached her. "What happened Vilandra?"
"Nothing," she shrugged. "Just what you always told me; I found Rath with Courtney although they didn't see me." She shook her head as tears formed in her eyes. "They were all over each other."
"Shh, its better you found this out before you went back to him," Kivar held her in his arms. "They have all treated you carelessly. Zan, Maya, Avalena, and Rath have all turned their backs on you." He pulled back to hold her face in his hands. "But I never will my love."
She looked into his haunting eyes. "Everything is happening so fast and it scares me. I'm so confused."
"You don't have to be, I'll face it all with you." He stroked her face. "The Princess I knew before her father died feared nothing: she was strong and knew what belonged to her. She belonged in that Palace, she was adored and envied by all, and she believed in herself." His icy blue eyes stared into hers. "She's the woman I fell in love with. Are you still that person or did she die too?"
Vilandra blinked back tears. "I'm still that person."
"Are you going to continue to let your little brother and everyone else reign over The Princes of Antar?" he questioned. "Do you think that's what your father would have wanted or would he want you to take back your power?"
Vilandra started, "I can't just…"
"It's simple my love," he gave a slight smile. "You are either powerless or powerful; a servant or a ruler. It's your choice but when I look in your eyes I see a powerful ruler." He could see his words were making an impact. "Do you want your power back or do you want them to keep making all your decisions for you like where you can go or who you can associate with?"
Vilandra stood firm. "I want my power back."
"Then take it," he smirked as he brought his face only inches from hers and whispered seductively. "Take it."
She nodded as Kivar pulled her towards him before kissed her with intense ardor and led her to the bed.