Child of Beauty (Prophecy Series) Page 13

  Barrett gasped as Jerrika and Rayna’s eyes widened. All this talk of rebels, and her family was responsible for it. Rayna thought about her brothers fighting rebels, both in Derbon and Kapok. Was it possible her adopted family was battling her birth family?

  “There’s a prophecy about the one who will kill the king, and our father is the person who will fulfill that prophecy.” Aileen continued. “The rebellion started in Kapok. I started it here in Derbon.”

  Jerrika gasped. “My brothers, Sage and Hadrien, are hunting you. Sage is the Soldat in command of the unit here in Derbon.”

  “We’ve crossed paths.” Aileen admitted.

  “You just told Jerrika about the rebellion.” Barrett whispered.

  Aileen looked at him. “I know.”

  “You said I could never tell her.” Barrett cried.

  “You wanted to tell me?” Jerrika smiled. “I have wanted to join the rebels for years now, but I knew rebels would never accept the help of a Soldata trainee.”

  “What do you think of the rebellion and us starting it?” Aileen looked at her sister. “You haven’t said much.”

  Rayna took a moment to process everything she’d learned. Not only had her parents loved her enough to fight an unwinnable battle to protect her, but they’d also rebelled against the unjust laws of the kingdom which had led to her kidnapping and their inability to stop the noble. All this time she’d believed they didn’t love her, but now she knew they loved her more than she could have ever imagined.

  “What am I supposed to do?” Rayna looked between all her siblings. “Who am I supposed to be? I am Faryn Quint. I was never meant to be Rayna Little.”

  “But you are so close to your Wopler.” Jerrika stated. “We just need to finish this year.”

  “We can get our family here.” Aileen agreed. “Now you are both Faryn and Rayna.”

  “You and Jer can join the rebellion.” Barrett added.

  Rayna looked at her twin. “I would love to join the rebellion.”

  “As do I.” Jerrika smiled.

  “Oh my dear sister.” She pulled Rayna into an embrace once more. “I can honestly say I didn’t expect this to be the outcome of Barrett’s visit to Jerrika. We never knew what happened to you, and we never would have dreamed this.”

  Rayna embraced her sister. “I am so sorry. I never should have believed my family would sell me. I know Mum and Dad love me.”

  “By the way.” Aileen turned to look at Jerrika. “I love the new hair.”

  “I forgot about it with all of this.” Jerrika touched her thick locks.

  “It does look amazing.” Barrett went to her and kissed her cheek. He turned back to his older sister. “Does this mean you finally fully accept Jerrika?”

  Aileen looked between Rayna and Jerrika, and a slow smile spread across her face. “Welcome to the family Jerrika.”

  ~ Chapter 28 ~

  Rayna and Jerrika entered the Smithy late the next afternoon. Rayna couldn’t believe she was here, and they were going to join the rebels. Her whole life was shifting, and she couldn’t be happier.

  Aileen embraced her sister before greeting them. “I still can’t believe this.”

  Barrett chuckled. “It’s going to take a lot of getting used to.”

  “It’s like an early birthday present.” Aileen touched Rayna’s shoulder.

  “That is right.” Rayna looked at her sister. “You are going to be twenty-five this year.”

  Aileen nodded.

  “You are the same age as my brother Fergus.” Jerrika took hold of Barrett’s hand.

  “What are we going to tell the rebels?” Rayna asked. “They are probably not going to like that the Little daughters are now rebels. Do they know about Faryn?”

  “No.” Aileen paused. “I considered that, and someone is meeting us here to help.”

  “Who?” Jerrika asked.

  “She’s going to be as surprised as you two will be.” Aileen grinned. “We’re all going to dress like common boys.” Aileen tossed Jerrika and Rayna some of Barrett’s clothing. “Go ahead, get changed, and meet Barrett and me downstairs. Our helper should be here by then.”

  Rayna and Jerrika quickly changed, and they rushed down the stairs to see someone talking with Barrett and Aileen. The newcomer was dressed as they were, and Rayna was almost positive it was Wilma.

  Of course Wilma would be working with the rebels. She had never supported the king.

  “Wil, I think you know the two new rebels.” Aileen grinned.

  Wilma turned and froze. She paled a shade and looked back. “I know you know who Jerrika is.”

  “And Rayna.” Barrett went to them. “You know how you always ask Aileen and me about why our family rebelled?”

  Wilma nodded.

  “When we were four, my twin sister was kid-napped.” Barrett explained. “It turns out she was sold to a high noble family and raised as Rayna Little.”

  “What?” Wilma gasped. “You are Barrett’s twin sister?”

  Rayna nodded and hugged her brother. “And Aileen’s younger sister. We were reunited yesterday.”

  “And they’re going to join the rebels.” Aileen explained. “So I figured that they should be introduced as Soldata trainees who you recruited and trust.”

  “I do.” Wilma smiled. “I think that is a great idea, but I do not think Jake will be happy to have Duke Viktor’s daughters joining us. He barely tolerates me being around.”

  “Perhaps you should choose different identities.” Barrett looked at Rayna and Jerrika. “What are you going to call yourselves?”

  “Ashlie.” Jerrika smiled.

  “I will be Helen.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Jerrika couldn’t believe the news as it spread through Krijar. Prince Navion had requested to be the new commander stationed at Derbon, but the king had denied him and sent Kurtis Jarger instead. A noble Soldat had been chosen over a prince. But Jerrika was thrilled. She would see her best friend again. She missed Kurtis, and she had so much to share with him. Rayna and Jerrika had agreed to keep her birth family secret from Kurtis, but they would tell him about their friendship, including that Rayna was now friendly with Jerrika’s common beau.

  Jerrika was happy for her sister. She hoped that the years of flirting would turn into a courtship between Rayna and Kurtis. They now had something common to keep them together, that thing which had always kept them apart: Jerrika.

  She waited for Kurtis in the main courtyard at Krijar. Since his family lived several days north, Kurtis would live in Krijar.

  He rode up on horseback, and he waved when he saw her waiting. Kurtis soon dismounted his stallion and hugged her. “It is so good to be back at Krijar.”

  “It is good to see you Kurtis.”

  “How are you? Did Rayna take my advice and become your friend?”

  “We are friends now.” Jerrika grinned. “And Wilma is also my friend. Mae stopped being friends with Rayna and Wilma after they accepted me into their group. I have two friends, and now three since you are here too.”

  “That is fantastic.” Kurtis picked her up in a hug as he twirled them.

  “I even introduced Rayna to Barrett and Aileen.”

  Kurtis set her down. “What?”

  She chuckled. “That is how close we have gotten.”

  He continued to stare at her. “I was not expecting that.”

  “I figured. Come.” She grabbed his hand and led him to one of the outdoor parlor rooms.

  “Well if it is not Kurtis Jarger.” Wilma grinned as they walked up. “Welcome back to Krijar.”

  “Thanks.” He smiled at them.

  “Congratulations on the commandership.” Rayna glanced at him.

  “Thanks.”

  “Have you chosen your lieutenants yet?” Jerrika asked.

  “I asked Garrik to be one.” Kurtis smiled. “He suggested Hadrien for my other. Sage was not excited about losing his brother as his lieutenant, but he just got Flint Vande
rs and Krispen Goebel for his new lieutenants. I hear your mother is happy about having them as guests at the estate.”

  “And she must be thrilled that Garrik and Hadrien are home as well.” Rayna added.

  “They are looking forward to living at home.” Kurtis replied. “Sage and I will have different areas of Derbon to command.”

  “I hope that works out well.” Jerrika suddenly had a great idea. She stood. “Hey Wilma, did you not want to look at…” She paused. She hadn’t thought of the next part yet. “…those flowers on the other side?”

  “Right.” Wilma stood. “We should go look at them.” She glanced at Kurtis. “It is good to see you again.” She turned her head slightly to Rayna, winking at her friend at an angle in which Kurtis could also see. Then Wilma grabbed Jerrika’s arm, and they ran out of the parlor.

  ~ Chapter 29 ~

  Neek 6, 539

  Rayna sighed and looked up at Kurtis.

  He chuckled. “That was not subtle.”

  “They mean well.” Her heart thundered as she looked across the table into the deep-blue eyes which reminded her of the earrings she always wore. “Jerrika might have mentioned something.” Rayna stood and went to him. “I like you a lot.”

  “As do I.” He touched her cheek. “What about the prince?”

  “Navion knows I do not love him.” Rayna touched his shoulder.

  “He does, does he?” Kurtis let out a slow breath. “He never mentioned that to me.”

  She frowned. “I did not know you were friends.”

  “We are not.” He said quickly. “Not really. We just worked together for a few months during our joining year.”

  “What did you do during your joining year?”

  “The rebels in Kapok have been growing exponentially for the past several years. Soldatas and Soldats kill as many as possible, but I suggested a new way of dealing with them. Instead of trying to kill every rebel, we are imprisoning them. I suggested a form of torture which would not physically hurt them, since they are loyal to their cause.”

  “What is the torture?” Her heart quickened. This was her family he was talking about.

  “Isolation.”

  Rayna was surprised. As far as torture went, isolation was a very mild form. She looked at him. He wasn’t like other Soldats and Soldatas. Perhaps he would want to fight with the rebels one day. Perhaps he would accept her as common one day.

  “Let us go find your father.” Kurtis took her hands. “It is my desire to start courting you Lady Rayna Little.”

  “It would be my honor.” She entwined her fingers with his.

  They rushed inside and found Viktor in his office.

  Rayna knocked softly, and Viktor answered with a “come in.”

  They entered, and Rayna was suddenly very nervous. Would her father give them permission to court? She knew Ederra would never grant them permission, but would Viktor?

  “Welcome back to Krijar.” Viktor shook Kurtis’ hand. “Congratulations on your commandership.”

  “Thank you.” Kurtis took a deep breath.

  Rayna looked at him. Was he as nervous as she? Kurtis always seemed so strong, so sure of himself and his place in the world.

  “I have never done this before, so hopefully I do not mess this up.” Kurtis began.

  “You will be a fine commander.” Viktor assured him.

  “I am not talking about the commandership.” Kurtis explained. “Your Grace, I am here to ask you for permission to court your daughter Rayna.”

  Viktor looked between the two. “I always imagined this conversation would be about Jerrika.”

  “She and I are just friends.” Kurtis took another deep breath. “I have had feelings for Rayna for a long time.”

  “We have had feelings for each other.” Rayna put in. “Father, please grant permission for us to court.”

  A slow smile made its way across Viktor’s face. “Of course I will grant your permission. I only insist on a few rules for your courtship.”

  Kurtis nodded, and Rayna’s heart sped with excitement.

  “First, have Jerrika or Wilma accompany you as chaperone.” Viktor paused. “I suppose Garrik or Hadrien would be an appropriate chaperone as well.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “Also, there will be no physical contact between you two while you court.” Viktor looked between them. “Alright, I will allow handholding, but nothing else. Do not even think about kissing my daughter.”

  “Dad.” Rayna felt the blood rush to her cheeks.

  Viktor shrugged. “That is my rule. And my last rule is to not let Ederra know I am allowing the two of you to court. She would never allow you to court anyone besides Prince Navion.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Kurtis and Viktor exchanged a look, and Rayna wondered what message they were keeping from her. Probably some kind of fatherly warning.

  “Thank you Father.” Rayna hugged him. “Thank you so much.”

  Viktor brushed her blonde hair and whispered. “You are welcome.”

  * * *

  Rayna sat with Jerrika and Wilma at the annual welcome ceremony. She looked at her left arm as she waited to receive her new tattoo. Glancing at Kurtis, who stood against one of the walls, she looked at his full tattoo. She wondered what Viktor would do when he found out he’d made someone of common blood a Soldata. Would he try to kill her? Would he accept her?

  “Welcome to Krijar.” Viktor stepped up to the six-year-olds.

  Rayna remembered the first tattoo she had received from her father, and she wondered how he would feel knowing how much she had deceived him. She couldn’t feel bad about her deception.

  Viktor stepped to the seven-year-olds. Without prompting, they held out their left arms.

  Mae had been latched to her arm when they were seven, and she had told Rayna they would always be friends. Rayna wondered if that little seven-year-old was as cruel then as she was now. Maybe she just hadn’t realized.

  The eight-year-olds were marked with strength, followed by the other trainees who gained a new attribute for their year: honesty, intelligence, kindness, patience, joy, light, peace, understanding, thirst, and faithful.

  Viktor stepped up to the nineteen-year-olds, looking into Rayna’s eyes. He smiled as the six young women and young man held out their forearms. She looked back at him, trying to convey her joy to him. For the first time in her life she had everything she desired: family, both her adopted one and her birth, love, Kurtis, genuine friendship with Jerrika and Wilma, and still more to come. Aileen had sent a letter to their parents, asking them to come to Derbon. Rayna couldn’t wait to see her mum and dad again.

  “As you begin your final year here at Krijar, you must learn self-control.” Viktor moved the Tatuar over their left arms. “Power is not to be taken lightly, and it is something you must master before you receive your Wopler. May you always be in control as Soldatas and Soldats.”

  Rayna looked at her arm, seeing the reflection of the words outlined in the inky magic of the tattoos. She glanced between Jerrika and Wilma, both of whom knew her deepest secret, both of whom remained loyal to her.

  ~ Chapter 30 ~

  Dintz 539

  “We’re here.” Gwen called as she threw the door of the Smithy open. “Happy birthday Barrett.” She was thrilled to see her children again. They’d seen each other once three years ago, but too much time had passed.

  Aileen rushed to her mum and embraced her fiercely. Gwen chuckled. “Seems you miss us as much as we miss you.”

  “How are things going in Derbon?” Creedon embraced his daughter next.

  Peyton and Delisa followed. Barrett whooped upon seeing them. Gwen frowned. Why were they so overjoyed? It didn’t make sense. He wasn’t usually excited about his birthday. It reminded him too much of Faryn.

  “Things are going quite well.” Aileen led her family upstairs to their small dwelling. “Barrett’s a great apprentice, and we’ve being accepted into the market here. We even make the practice
weapons for the trainees at Krijar Castle.”

  “Very few nobles speak to us.” Barrett continued as he eyed the window. Who was he looking for? “Aileen’s been leading the rebellion here. She finally let me join her earlier this year.”

  “More and more people are joining, training and fighting against the king. We will have a strong army soon.” Aileen smiled.

  “They’re almost here.” Barrett rushed down the stairs.

  “Who’s almost here?” Peyton asked.

  “Lady Jerrika and Lady Rayna Little, daughters of Duke Viktor Little.” Aileen led her family down the stairs. “They’re Soldata Trainees, and they’re allies.”

  What? Gwen couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could Aileen trust trainees outside the Reece family? No one in their family would ever trust nobility, and they all understood why.

  “Allies?” Creedon gasped. “Have you and Barrett told Soldata trainees about us?”

  “They’re very excited to meet you.” Aileen and her family entered the main room as Barrett opened the door.

  Gwen still held her son’s wrapped present in hand. What was wrong with her children? Perhaps it had been a mistake to send them to Derbon alone.

  “Everyone, this is Lady Jerrika and Lady Rayna Little.” Barrett introduced. “Jer and Rayna, this is my father, Creedon, my mother, Gwen, my brother, Peyton, and my little sister, Delisa.”

  Gwen’s breath caught in her throat as she looked over the dark haired Jerrika, foreign to her eyes, and the golden-blonde Rayna, her child. She dropped the present in hand. She couldn’t give Barrett anything greater than the gift he already had.

  Rayna, Faryn, had grown into a beautiful young woman. Dressed in the leggings, tunic, shirt, and boots of a Soldata trainee, blonde hair braided, revealing the child Gwen had lost so long ago. Gwen couldn’t breathe, her emotions bottled up her throat, and she wasn’t sure if she’d weep or scream with joy.

  Creedon stepped forward. “Why are Soldata trainees friendly with my children? Don’t you high nobles look down upon common folk? Do your parents know that you associate with the blacksmith and her apprentice?”