Chapter 36
“Bas, where are you?” She was so excited. She had found her other, and there would be no more banquets and dinner parties ever again.
“Mother and father’s quarters, we’re just…”
Aunt Ama would understand. This was going to work. “I’ll be right there.” She hung up, turned around, and looked at Abraham, “he’ll help us sneak you to the chamber of truth.”
He looked up from his arm and smiled at her. “What exactly is that? I feel like if I fail it, I’ll be struck down or something.”
She laughed. “That’s silly.” She tucked her phone into her pocket. “The chamber looks inside of you and finds the truth of who you are inside,” she paused, “I don’t really know the working of it.”
“Inside me?” Abe glanced at his arm and then put his jacket on. “Inside me is a lot of lives.”
Liri nodded. “Which is perfect. That your soul has never been reborn.” She pushed up her sleeve. “I’ll take us to my quarters, and then we can slip down the corridor to my Aunt and Uncles’.”
“The King and Queen.”
“Yes.” She smiled up at him, “Hug me.”
He smiled down at her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Kissing her forehead, he blew out a breath, “Let’s do this and hope we don’t get beheaded or something.”
Liri laughed, “Just walk with authority, let your medallion show, and try to look larger than life,” she pushed the button on her link bracelet.
She ushered Abe through the door, feeling pure adrenalin that they’d gotten here without being seen by anyone. Pulling off her jacket, she smiled at the markings on her arm and grabbed his hand, “Bas, you have to help me sneak Abraham to the Chamber of Truth…” She froze in the doorway. He wasn’t alone with his parents, Nova and Trendan were there. Sigor was back and standing across the room, giving her that look he got when she’d done the opposite of what he’d instructed her to do. “Sigor.” She croaked, “You’re back.” She smiled and hoped it looked more genuine than it felt.
“I am indeed,” he didn’t hide the fact that he was looking at her arm, “and it seems I’ve missed much.” He made a point of looking directly at Abraham. “And you are?”
Abe stiffened, “Abraham Whitham.”
“Of Alterealm, obviously.” Liri watched Sigor look at her arm, “seems there is an outbreak of tattoos, sir.” He glanced at Uncle Os.
Bastian came flying across the room, “what have you done?” He grabbed Liri’s arm and looked at it. “I know exactly what you’ve done, but why?”
“Bastian.” Aunt Ama smirked, “don’t be dramatic.”
Bastian spun around, “I think,” he glanced back at Liri, “if ever there was a time to be dramatic, it is now.” He turned and waved a hand at Liri and then Abe. “Those tattoos could be hidden, but look at their souls, all blended and happy. It’s sickening.”
“Bastian.” Nova held out her hand, “Come and sit down.”
Bastian huffed out a breath, “Why does she get to?”
Trendan grinned, “someone sounds a little jealous.”
Bastian glanced at his brother and scowled.
“Children,” Sigor moved away from the window and walked over toward Abe, “now is not the time to squabble.” He stopped and looked at the medallion Abe wore. Liri bit her lip and pulled hers out of her top so it was visible.
“They even have matching jewelry,” Bastian whined.
“I see the resemblance of the royals in you.” Sigor held Abe’s look.
“My father is Emil,” Abraham stated without any emotion. Liri had to hand it to him. He was able to keep himself in check much better than she was.
Sigor inclined his head and then turned to look at her uncle. “I suggest we get Tor and Ulric here,” he briefly looked at Abe once more, “and perhaps the Alterealm’s seer.” He clasped his hands in front of him, “This cannot be undone, but Aliria’s parents are going to have to be brought into the circle of trust.”
“What?” Liri released Abe’s hand and went over to Sigor. “You want to tell my parents? Now?”
Sigor smirked, “Right after your other has been to the chamber.”
“I’ll call King Troy and tell him we may need backup,” Bastian smirked at Abe.
“See if my Uncle Quinton will come over with Aunt Crissy.” He turned to Sigor, “who I believe is coming to check out Liri’s parents before they’re told what’s happening.”
“Exactly that.” Sigor inclined his head.
“She’s what?” Liri looked at Abe for answers.
“She can see a person’s aura or intentions,” he held her look, “your parents have to be vetted no differently than everyone else when we do the inspection in a few days.”
“Oh.” She sucked in a breath, “Oh. Mother is going to go ballistic.” She glanced at her Aunt Ama, “Her only daughter has an other from another realm, and she’s being vetted to see if she’s a traitor.”
Aunt Ama grimaced, “Bastian, see if King Troy or one of the others can come as well. We may need the one that can hold one in place.”
Liri went over and wrapped her arms around Abe’s waist. “We should have stayed at that cabin.”
He lifted her chin and kissed her, “I’ll protect you from your mother.”
Liri snorted, “Yeah, but who is going to protect you?”