Avoiding the mirror in my new room, I trace my collarbone, and the tips of my fingers find the puckered skin over my heart. I follow the pattern of stitched skin until I feel the smooth surface of clear, hard-as-diamond glass protecting the clamp. Two silver gears rotate beneath the glass, helping the device filter the mercury away from my heart.
Tossing my shirt to the marble-tiled floor, I hustle over to the armoire that holds my new uniforms and yank one out. I slide my bottoms off and quickly slip into the tight black pants. Then I snap the silver buttons of my black cotton shirt, thanking the goddesses that I don
’t have to wear that scratchy polyester fabric anymore. My new uniform top is cinched in the middle, and the hem spreads out over my hips. I feel transformed.
After I lace my knee-high boots, I secure my leather chest harness and snap my small dagger in place. I fasten my belt, making sure my sword hilt points up, straight. The pommel is a smooth brushed silver teardrop. It fits perfectly in my palm as I rest my hand atop. Comforting.
I look up to the statue and thank the goddess once more, then move toward my bed where my clothes from home have been transported.
A knock sounds at the door, and a young woman in a gray maid’s tunic peeks her head inside the room. “Mistress, I’m your maid. My name is Silvia.” She enters and curtsies low. “I’ve come to help put away your belongings.”
“Oh,” I say, and then nod. “Of course. I’m Kaliope.”
She smiles, her face brightening. “I know, mistress. It’s an honor to serve you.”
My mouth parts as I glance around at my meager items: a satchel of clothes; a framed picture of my mother; a Tune Deck full of my favorite songs. Not enough to require the assistance of a maid. But I smile agreeably when Silvia passes me, her wisps of brown hair bouncing free of her high bun as she sets to work.
She hums as she folds and hangs, placing my clothes in the armoire. I feel like I should assist her, but I need to get used to having help in the palace. Still, it’s strange to watch her rhythmically putting away my things while I awkwardly stand in place.
She looks over at me and nods toward the wall screen. “Mistress, you’re free to do as you please.” She smiles sweetly. “I’m sure watching the playback of yesterday’s ceremony will help to pass the time until you’re called.”
“Thank you,” I say. “Actually, that would help.” After Carina told me I’m to be the new Nactue leader, my mind has been restless as I wait to be summoned for my official faction orders. I barely slept, whether from the unaccustomed softness of the bed or the pending orders, I’m unsure.
I grab the room device and study the buttons. There’re so many. One for closing the shades. Another for dimming the lights. I find the one that controls the wall display and press it. The screen crackles to life, and I flip through stations until a picture of Court comes into view. I’m too nervous to turn up the sound, so I leave the volume set low and read the scrolling marquee running across the bottom.
After a few moments, I watch as Empress Iana’s holographic eyes stare into the crowd, large and resolute. The marquee reads: “We will not bow before their tyranny.”
A beep startles me and I look down at my belt. I’d forgotten about the transmitter Carina gave me yesterday. Anxiously, I unclip the small, flat device from my belt and press the blue blinking button. A holographic dome springs from its center, and an image of a woman’s face appears within the electric blue web. “Protector Kaliope,” she says, her voice crackling, robotic. “Report to the commission hall.”
I nod, then remember that I need to press the button for her to see me. “Yes, ma’am.” I release the button. I have no idea if that’s the proper way to respond. I haven’t learned all the procedures yet.
Now I want the maid to leave more than ever. I’d like to check that my skin remains clear, but she’s steadily putting away my clothes and gear. I sigh, committing myself to this new life.
She bows to me as I pass through my chamber door, but I pause in the doorway. “Silvia . . . ?”
Her eyes widen in understanding before I finish my question. “Take the lift to the main level, then follow the second corridor to the last hall on the left.” She beams, then returns to her task.
My lips twitch on the verge of a smile. “Thank you,” I say to her, mentally thanking the goddesses for placing us together.
Scones dot the top of the stone walls along the hallway, illuminating the long stretch with amber and warmth. The glow disguises the chill in the air and softens the sound of my steps along the marble floor. Glancing at my wrist, I spot a swirl of silver. I shake out my hands.
Lilly is the only person here, in the palace, who knows of the contraption surrounding my heart. It wouldn’t be a deal breaker for the Nactue Guard. Not at all. But the metal and gears themselves isn’t what embarrasses me.
Well, it’s not what fully embarrasses me. I don’t relish the thought of explaining why I need the clamp—how I came to have poison coursing through my veins. If it wasn’t for the mercy of Alyah, my mother and the nun who prayed over me, and the surgeon who filtered the mercury, I would probably be dead. It’s simply too much for others to comprehend what my father did, and I’d rather not divulge my personal life—as that is the true embarrassment.
The corridor splits into two pathways and I head down the left. Once I approach the large oaken door, I pause, unsure of how to enter. Should I knock? Before my hand meets the wood, the door swings wide, and I see the Cavan Council seated around a long, oval table. Footsteps echo from behind. Lilly, Willa, and the other two girls of the newly promoted Nactue come up behind me.
I meet their eyes—Lilly’s bright and ready for our next undertaking—the other’s waiting for me. I nod once and pull my shoulders back, and march into the room. We line up before the table.
“Just a moment more, then we’ll begin,” Councilor Herna says.
No one responds, and the air is thick with uncertain tension. If I don’t find out what’s happening soon, I fear I’ll scream. I plant my feet where I stand, preventing my foot from tapping. Glancing over to Lilly, I cock an eyebrow, asking her if she’s okay in an unspoken gesture.
She lifts her chin, indicting she is. I can’t wait for all these formalities to be over so we can finally talk about all that’s happened.
When I think I can’t take the silence a moment longer, the doors open and the former Nactue Guard enter, Carina leading them into the room. “Your Excellencies,” she says, bowing her head to the councilors. Her dark, low ponytail falls over one shoulder.
Damn. Why didn’t I think to do that? My head is too clouded with my nerves for logic. I refrain from rolling my eyes. If I’m really to become the new leader, I should have addressed the council, too.