Queen of Empire: A fantasy romance (The Relic Trilogy Book 1) Read online

  Luckily, at that moment, Austin's voice boomed, shattering the moment.

  'Marcus, there you are,' he said, seeing Anita as he reached where they stood. 'Ah, the champion. How are you, Anita?'

  She was surprised he'd asked. 'Very well thank you, and you?'

  'Yes, yes, very well,' he said, casting her aside. 'Come on Marcus, we have a lunch to get to.'

  And without another word, Austin dragged Marcus away, Marcus briefly looking back at Anita, who flashed him a smile as she mouthed the word, 'Maybe'.

  Anita was elated as she spotted Elistair, Bass and Cordelia, and made her way over to them. She had managed to put off giving Marcus an answer and had got the last word.

  'Where have you been?' asked a suspicious Cordelia.

  'I spotted a friend and said hello,' she said, which wasn't entirely untrue.

  'We're heading up to Elistair's for lunch,' said Cordelia, 'I take it you don't have any other plans?'

  Bass looked at Anita, clearly hoping she would join them. 'I'm free as a bird,' she sighed. 'Lead the way.'

  * * * * *

  After lunch, Anita took her wine out onto the balcony. She adored the view from here, at the top of the hill, looking out over the wild countryside and river below. She would love to live up here, in this dramatic setting, just outside of Empire. The house was prominent and modern yet not overpowering, with clean, angular lines. If only she were in love with Bass; life would be divine.

  Bass slid the door closed behind him as he joined her on the balcony, standing close as he leaned on the wooden railing, their arms touching.

  'You're one lucky guy,' she said.

  'How so?' he laughed.

  'You can wake up and look at this wild, beautiful view every morning, then go to the observatory and stare out over Empire to your heart's content.'

  He laughed again, eyes twinkling. 'Yep, I'm exceptionally lucky when it comes to good views; can't argue with you there.'

  They stared out in silence, taking in the scenery for a few moments, before Bass said, 'The ball…'

  Anita looked at Bass, anxiety screwing up inside her. Don't do it, Bass, she silently pleaded. 'Yep,' she replied, as calmly as she could.

  'I know you said you weren't going before, because it wasn't your thing, but now that you have to go…well, I've asked this girl, Missy, but only because her father is a friend of Dad's, and I said I'd do it as a favor…' He paused, taking what looked like a difficult breath, '…but if you would want to go with me, I'll tell her there was a misunderstanding or something,' he said, rushing the words out. 'I'd hate for you to have to do the first dance on your own…' He nudged her arm playfully.

  Anita took a long inward breath. 'Bass.' She turned to look at him, barely bringing herself to hold his gaze when she saw the hopeful look in his eyes. 'Any girl in this town would jump at the chance to go to the ball with you; you know that. I'm sure Missy is really looking forward to it…'

  '…yes, but…' Anita put a hand on his arm to silence him. She had to put an end to this. Maybe the wine was making her bold, or maybe it had something to do with the arrival of Marcus and Alexander in Empire, but it wasn't fair to let Bass think there was hope.

  'I love you, Bass, but I love you like a brother. I wish I felt differently, it would make everything so simple…but, I'm sorry, I just don't see you that way.' She paused, racked with guilt at his crestfallen expression. 'You should go to the ball with Missy; I'm sure she's great.'

  Bass turned away, gazing at the river. 'Maybe if we went on a date, maybe if…'

  '…it wouldn't make any difference.'

  He turned back to face her. 'But, what if…I mean, we could still go to the ball together.'

  'No. That wouldn't be fair on Missy, and it wouldn't be fair on you either.'

  He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, the cogs of his mind visibly turning. His eyes met hers, flicking from one to the other, searching her soul. Eventually, he nodded, turning back to rest on the railing, his energy betraying deep hurt, but also resignation. 'Who are you going with then?'

  'That's not yet confirmed,' she said.

  Silence settled over them as they leaned on the railing. They stood there for a minute, marinating in their changed dynamic, letting a new equilibrium settle. Anita eventually squeezed his arm before turning back towards the house, moving towards the door.

  Bass let her go, the flame of hope that had kindled for so long in his core, finally fluttering out.

  * * * * *

  The following day, Anita felt like a weight had been lifted. She would never want to hurt Bass, but was glad he finally knew her true feelings. She had even survived her grandmother's questioning about Marcus on the way home, telling her instead about the conversation with Bass. Cordelia had been indignant. She thought Anita and Bass were perfect for each other and couldn't imagine why Anita didn't recognize that she was onto a good thing.

  Given her good spirits, Anita felt like a ride, so headed to a small stable yard on the outskirts of Empire. She'd helped out there since she was twelve in exchange for free riding, and now was allowed her pick of the horses.

  She galloped across an open field in the direction of the woods, flying across the ditch in the middle, hurtling towards the trees at breakneck speed. But as she approached the woods, she felt extraordinary energy coming towards her. She slowed to a canter just as a colossal black stallion sailed over one of the enormous jumps out of the woods. The rider circled wide into the field, heading over the next jump back into the woods.

  Given the power of the rider's energy, along with their disheveled hair, Anita knew it was Alexander. This was confirmed moments later when a bay stallion, also bearing a rider with powerful energy, soared over the fence into view and completed the same wide circle before hurrying back into the woods. Without thinking, Anita spurred her grey mare back to a gallop, heading for the corner of the woods. She hoped she would be able to catch them and join in with what was obviously a race.

  Anita easily cleared the fence into the woods. As she landed, she heard hooves thundering just in front of her and to her right. She maneuvered her mare, Iona, through the trees, and came out just behind Alexander's black stallion, preparing to launch them over the next jump.

  Anita hurriedly collected her mount and followed Alexander over, urging Iona up beside him when they landed. Alexander's head swiveled as she came level.

  'What are you doing here?' he shouted.

  'I was out for a ride and saw the fun, so thought I'd join in,' she replied impishly, flashing him a disarming smile before ducking to avoid a branch.

  'Has spectating ever occurred to you?'

  'Ha!' she laughed. 'Don't be ridiculous.'

  Alexander pulled in front to clear the next jump, this one taking them back into the field. The other side he hurtled towards the hedge between this field and the next, Anita once again following him without hesitation.

  Marcus emerged from the woods and was gaining ground, his stallion fast across the flat open field. He urged his horse faster still, catching Anita, who had dropped behind.

  'Fancy seeing you here,' Marcus shouted.

  'Is that the only line you know?'

  'If you ever agree to spend some time with me, maybe you'll find out,' he replied, as Alexander cleared another fence back into the woods. Anita followed, landing safely, but Marcus clipped the fence as he jumped. His stallion lurched forward as they landed, Marcus thrown clear into the undergrowth, his horse bolting.

  Alexander and Anita, hearing Marcus' expletives as he thudded to the ground, reigned in their mounts. They turned back to see if he was alright, Marcus' horse thundering past.

  Anita leapt off Iona and ran to where Marcus had landed. He was trying to sit up as she got there and smiled when he saw it was her.

  'We meet again,' he said.

  He can't be too badly injured, thought Anita, considering her reply. However, before she could come up with something good, another voice chimed in.
r />   'How careless of you to lose your steed, Marcus,' said Alexander, as he walked his horse back towards them. 'I do believe that means you owe me your next shipment of chocolate.'

  Anita felt Marcus' energy turn, red hot anger raging through him. Alexander's energy brightened as he sensed Marcus' rage. He was enjoying himself, but Anita couldn't see why. Marcus had lost, Alexander hadn't won.

  'And to lose in front of your girlfriend…in fact, to withdraw…how embarrassing for you.'

  Anita had never known energy as hostile as Marcus' was now.

  'She's not my girlfriend,' he said, through gritted teeth.

  'I see,' said Alexander, lifting an eyebrow, 'you can't even get someone like her to go out with you. Interesting.'

  Anita scowled. It was one thing to goad Marcus for loosing, even if he was taking it too far, but it was quite another to bring her into it. Anita's energy ignited with such ferocity that it forced Alexander to sit up straight.

  'I may not be his girlfriend,' she said, 'but we are going to the ball together.' Anita almost laughed when she saw the look on Marcus' face.

  Alexander gave a small smile, then turned and galloped away. He forced his energy to remain light until he was out of range for Anita to be able to read him, then allowed his true feelings to surface. He had been surprised by the venom that Anita had shown towards him, but what was even more surprising was that it hurt.

  His plan had worked; he had wanted Anita to be under Marcus' protection. It was unlikely that Austin would harm Anita while Marcus had feelings for her, but Alexander hadn't planned for it to happen like this. He hadn't wanted to make her hate him; he wanted to help her. Alexander cleared the fence out of the woods and galloped towards home.

  Marcus sat, gob smacked, staring up at Anita. 'You're coming to the ball with me?'

  'It would appear so,' she said, as surprised as Marcus and needing to escape, to consider what she had just done. 'I hope you have a good walk home,' she said, mounting her horse.

  'What? You're just going to leave me here?' Marcus' indignant, disbelieving tone was comical. 'You tell me you'll go to the ball with me and then you just leave?'

  'It would seem so.'

  'But I'll see you before the ball?'

  'I'll probably be at the Crownings, so you might see me there.'

  'But where should I pick you up?'

  Anita thought briefly about this. 'At my grandmother's. Where you dropped me off the other day.'

  'Right, well, I'll let you know what time?'

  'Great. I'll look forward to it,' she replied, her manner sterile.

  'Me too,' said Marcus, not really sure what to say as Anita turned and cantered away, feeling like he had just been flattened by an energy train.

  * * * * *

  Anita and Cleo sat by the river. Anita had been to work at the observatory, but Bass had been so down in the dumps that she'd left early. She wasn't sure if it was because of what she'd said to him, the energy, or both, but she couldn't bear to be around him when he was so depressed.

  'I told Bass it wasn't going to happen,' said Anita, absentmindedly looking down at the river.

  'You did?' Cleo turned to look at her, amazed. 'I didn't think you'd ever get round to putting the poor guy out of his misery. At least that explains why he's been in such a bad mood.'

  'I hope that's not the only reason.'

  'Why else?'

  'The energy.'

  Neither Anita nor Cleo knew in any exact way what that meant, but they knew whatever effects the downturn would have, they would not be good.

  'Also, I'm going to need your help,' said Anita.

  Cleo practically fell into the river. 'Who are you and what have you done with Anita?'

  'I'm going to need your help getting ready for the ball.'

  Cleo's reaction was immediate, and as expected, totally disproportionate. 'Oh my Gods! No! Really? With Marcus?'

  Anita nodded, throwing Cleo an indulgent look. Cleo grabbed her and hugged her excitedly.

  'This is too exciting,' she squealed. 'So, we need to get you a dress, and work out what to do with your hair, and your make-up…have you thought about make-up? And jewelry, and what about shoes? How high can you go? Marcus is tall, right?'

  'Um, well, he's taller than me,' she said, reliving the encounter by the river. She'd had to look up at him to meet his eyes. 'I'm, what, five foot ten? He's definitely over six feet.'

  'Yep, that sounds about right,' said Cleo. 'All the Descendants are tall, apart from bitch-face, obviously; the good genes skipped her generation. So, ridiculous heels it is then, and I'm taking you shopping. You need something spectacular to wear, and I'll get my hairdresser to do your hair. We need all the help we can get in that department,' said Cleo, eyeing Anita's almost shoulder length dark hair suspiciously. It would definitely pose more of a challenge than Cleo's long, silky, black tresses, but some kind of up-do would work. 'Hair up, subtle makeup I think, floor length dress…'

  '…everyone will be in floor length dresses,' Anita laughed.

  'Just clarifying, in case you get some crazy idea in your head and go shopping without me.'

  'I see,' said Anita. 'Well I'll leave it to you, my style guru. Just don't tell anyone who I'm going with, okay?'

  'Okay. We can go shopping tomorrow. This is too exciting for words!' she said, giving Anita another quick squeeze.

  * * * * *

  'Is Marcus any good at dancing?' Cleo asked, as she helped herself to a piece of Cordelia's pumpkin and walnut cake. They'd just got back from Temple Mews, where they'd bought Anita's dress and shoes for the ball.

  'How should I know?' said Anita. 'But I would imagine so, given that the Descendants seem to be trained for every possible eventuality.'

  'You know Cordelia is a genius,' Cleo garbled, through a mouthful of cake. 'She really is.'

  'Thank you, Cleopatra,' came a voice from the corner.

  Anita whipped round to see Cordelia looking smug. How had she come in without them hearing? Great, now Cordelia knew; she was never going to live this down.

  'You're going to the ball with Marcus?' Cordelia asked, clearly amused.

  Anita glared at Cleo, who shrugged apologetically. 'She was going to find out eventually.'

  'Yes,' sighed Anita, 'I'm going to the ball with Marcus.'

  'I knew you were up to something,' said Cordelia, settling into an armchair. 'Come on, tell me everything.'

  Anita recounted the story about the run by the river (leaving out the kiss), the encounter after Christiana's funeral, and the ride in the woods, Cordelia listening intently, fascinated.

  'We need to get you a dress,' said Cordelia, when Anita had finished. 'Something show-stopping, and shoes, and what are you going to do with your hair?'

  Cleo jumped in before Anita could utter a word; there was no choice but to go with it. Anita showed Cordelia her dress and shoes and listened to how she would have her hair and makeup. She observed Cordelia and Cleo's childish excitement as they speculated about the first dance. After what seemed like an eternity, Cleo got up to leave.

  'See you tomorrow at the Crowning,' she said, making her way to the door. 'Don't forget to get your beauty sleep; tomorrow is a big day.'

  'Yes ma'am,' said Anita, half saluting, half waving as Cleo left the room. When she was gone, Cordelia turned to face Anita square on. 'I know, I'm sorry…' Anita started.

  '…sorry for what?' Cordelia said, cutting her short. 'I'm thrilled for you and you two are going to look fabulous leading the first dance; you're such a wonderful dancer. Wait here, I've got something for you.'

  Cordelia disappeared out of the room and came back a minute later carrying a large wooden box. She opened the lid and fumbled around inside before lifting out a beautiful gold and diamond tiara. It was made in a swirling pattern with a string of upward points designed to sit low on the wearer's head. Anita sat and stared, totally speechless.

  'It was your mother's,' said Cordelia. 'She would have wanted you to have
it and it will go perfectly with that dress.'

  Cordelia very rarely mentioned Anita's mother, Clarissa. Anita assumed it was because Cordelia didn't know that much about her. Cordelia was Anita's paternal grandmother, not that she ever really spoke about her son, Jeffrey, either.

  'It's beautiful,' said Anita.

  'It will look beautiful on you,' said Cordelia, closing the wooden box.

  Anita had tried to probe about her parents on countless occasions, but Cordelia simply would not open up; it seemed too painful. Anita had rummaged around the cottage enough to know that Cordelia kept nothing that gave any clues. She had even been to the archives, but they had been useless. Her only hope was that one day Cordelia would decide to fill in the blanks.

  CHAPTER 7

  The following day, Anita woke early, as always, and headed to the garden for a yoga session. Surrounded by the smell of her grandmother's flowers and the sound of the gurgling stream at the bottom of the garden, it was easy to forget the world.

  She lay on the ground afterwards, arms outstretched, and couldn't stop her mind from speculating about the day and night ahead. She wasn't worried about leading the first dance; that would be a walk in the park. What did worry her was how everyone would react to her turning up with Marcus. And then there was schizophrenic Alexander. One minute he wanted to 'help' her, although she still had no idea what that meant, the next he was insulting her…

  She lay there, eyes open, watching the puffy white clouds as they slid seamlessly across the powder blue sky. She was contemplating going back inside when a wave of powerful energy hit her senses, approaching from the road. She held her breath, adrenaline spiking through her veins, poised to take defensive action.

  'Fancy seeing you here,' drawled a voice from near the house, and Anita relaxed.