Keeping the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 3) (3 page)

“That makes me nervous. I don’t know what to expect…what we’re going to learn…it scares me.”

He sweeps his lips down my temple to my cheek. “Whatever happens, we have each other. Always remember that, Lily. I’ll never leave your side.”

My eyes open and I find myself staring at the brown ceiling. Where the hell am I? Springing to a sitting position, I look around. This place doesn’t seem familiar. Then the memories flood in and I remember everything. I’m in Ortarus, Renaya is alive, and apparently we’re part of a revolution to overthrow the king. Or kill the king. The details are a little cloudy at the moment.

Sebastian. Where is he? If I recall correctly, he fell asleep next to me last night. With his arms around me, I finally managed to get some sleep.

I dress into my jeans and T-shirt—they smell fresh, like someone washed them. I then exit my room and walk into the kitchen, where everyone is having breakfast. Sebastian is sitting near Renaya and a few others I recognize from yesterday when Alaric introduced us. When Sebastian sees me standing in the doorway, he smiles and calls for me. All heads snap up and everyone gives me friendly smiles, as they had done last night. A few who I haven’t met yet murmur, “It’s her, the one who will save us.” I return shy smiles. I’ve never liked being the center of attention. Why are they all staring at me? And, again, what do they mean that I will save them?

Sebastian rushes over to me and takes my hands. “Did you sleep well?”

“As much as I could, considering the circumstances.”

“Yeah. Come and eat something. Alaric had to leave for the palace but will be back soon. He wants to talk to us.”

I nod. “I think I’m ready for some answers.” I search his eyes. “Do you know anything? Did Renaya—?”

“No. She wouldn’t tell me anything, not until Alaric gets back.”

“I think someone washed my clothes,” I say.

“Yeah. Salia’s friend, Betha, washes everyone’s clothes here.” He tilts his head toward a woman sitting near Salia. “She was a servant at the palace, too. She washed the clothing.”

Sebastian told me that female servants took care of the “woman roles” and the male servants were in charge of the more “manly” tasks.

“So everyone here does the job they did at the palace?” I ask.

“Well, Salia can only use magic to make food and Betha can only use magic to wash clothes. King Sorenten limited their magic to do only what was required of them.” He leads me toward the table. “Let’s eat.”

After I wish everyone a good morning, I sit down near Sebastian and start to eat. Bread and eggs are for breakfast. At least I’m familiar with these foods. It seems like forever since I’ve eaten freshly baked—or magically baked—bread. The smell is intoxicating. Everything here is more…real, I guess I’d call it, than on Earth. The chairs are softer, the smell of the food is more potent. That must all be due to the magic.

“Salia,” I ask. “How does cooking work here? Are you able to just whip up the food or do you need to get them from somewhere? Can you use your magic to create anything?”

“It depends on the Ortarian’s level of magic. I, for example, was only able to use my magic to serve the royal family. I don’t do that anymore, but I still have that magic. I’m very limited and can only create very little food.” Which is why the breakfast is very plain and basic. Delicious, but hardly enough to satisfy everyone here.

I push my plate aside. “I’m sorry. You should save this food for someone who really needs it.”

Salia shakes her head. “That’s okay. Please eat.” She’s looking at me like I’m an angel who fell from heaven. I catch a few others looking my way. I hadn’t noticed before, but there are a few kids here. They seem awed by me. What exactly am I? Who am I? I don’t think I can take this curiosity any longer.

“When did you say Alaric will be back?”

“Soon,” Renaya assures me. “He has to be careful not to arouse suspicion when he leaves the palace.”

“He’s the king’s adviser, right? Why does he want to overthrow him?”

Renaya takes a bite of her bread, then chews slowly. It’s as though she’s stalling. “Let’s just say he has his issues with King Sorenten.”

I nod. “So what do you do here all day?”

“We prepare for the revolution. Many of us sneak out to recruit others. We need a big army if we’re going to kill the king. Others sneak out to gather food and resources. It’s very risky because they might get caught by the guards, but it needs to be done.”

“What happens if you get caught? Does the king suspect anything?”

“No, but I’m sure he will at some point. There are rumors going around about some disloyal citizens, but I don’t think he believes it. He has complete belief in his power and doesn’t think anyone would dare challenge him.”

Sebastian places his hand on hers. “Be careful, Renaya.”

She pulls hers away. “I’m careful.”

Sebastian nods slowly, his lips pressed together. I know how much her rejection and cold attitude hurts him. Taking his hand, I give it a squeeze.

I decide to finish my food, because I notice Salia watching me, practically begging me with her eyes. As stuffed as I am, I don’t want to hurt her feelings. If giving me—whatever I am—food makes her happy, then I’ll do it for her.

As I’m finishing up my sweet drink, a man steps forward. Hastus. We met briefly yesterday when Alaric was showing me around. He looks to be in his forties and he’s wearing the same armor Alaric wore yesterday. It’s different from the guard uniform, the color of silver, like a soldier’s armor from medieval times.

“Lily, Sebastian, I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday,” he says. “I just never saw a human and I was curious.” He turns to Sebastian. “I’m sorry for hurting you. You have to understand how careful we must be. We don’t trust outsiders. We had to make sure you were the real Sebastian and Lily.”

Sebastian says, “It’s all right. I know it was you who healed me.”

“You can heal?” I ask.

Hastus nods. “Unlike many others here, I didn’t work at the palace. I’m a noble and am good friends with the royal family. They would never suspect me as a rebel. And yes, I can heal. I have a nice amount of magic, due to my status, but it’s limited. Only King Sorenten has unlimited magic. I must conserve mine and use it when needed.”

“Needed?”

“Yes, to train. I train a lot, hence all this armor. You’re going to learn to battle with your magic and I’m going to teach you.”

I stare at him. “But why me? And why do I have magic?”

He shifts from one foot to the other.

“Why doesn’t anyone tell me anything?” I demand.

Sebastian rubs my arm. “When Alaric returns, we’ll have all the answers.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blow up on you, Hastus. I’m just so confused and overwhelmed.”

He holds up his hand. “Don’t worry about it. Everyone here has a specific job and uses their magic to perform their duties. You’ve met Salia the chef and Betha the washer. I will be your trainer, but I won’t say any more. I fear I’m only causing you to grow more upset.”

“What about me?” Sebastian asks. “Will I train, too?”

Hastus raises his hands like he has no idea. “Alaric will inform you, I’m sure.” He bids us good day and walks off.

“This is very weird,” I say to Sebastian. “Something like this has never happened before. My life was pretty boring.”

“Boring is good, Lily. I know it’s important to overthrow King Sorenten, but I’m very worried. Worried what they want from us—from you. I worry about Renaya.”

I push some bangs out of his eyes. “You’d rather us be on Earth?”

He tugs me to his chest. “I’d rather we
all
be on Earth. Like I told you, I don’t want you here. It’s a terrible place to be.”

“But I’m these people’s savior or something.”

He sighs. “I wish I knew what that meant.”

“No kidding.”

It’s after dark when there’s a knock on my door. Sebastian and I had been talking with many others all day and fell asleep in my bed. He gets up and opens the door to reveal Alaric and Renaya. She’s wearing the guard uniform, and he’s got that armor on.

“Did we wake you?” Renaya asks.

I sit up. “That’s okay. I’ve been waiting all day for you to come. Everyone keeps looking at me in this weird way and no one will tell me anything. Please tell me you’re here to explain everything.”

Alaric nods. He and Renaya sit down on the chairs facing my bed. Sebastian lowers himself near me and takes my hand.

The room is quiet. We look at them and they look at us. After what feels like half an hour but is probably only a few minutes, Alaric sits forward. “Sorry I was late. I couldn’t get away from the palace. King Sorenten’s birthday is coming up in a few days and the palace is busy with that. Also, he has many new decrees he’s working on.”

“Such as?” Sebastian asks.

“I don’t know yet. I don’t know how it will affect our revolution. I think he still doesn’t know about us and I’d like to keep it that way. We must be very vigilant.”

All three of us nod.

Alaric looks from Sebastian to me. He clears his throat, his eyes pasted on me. “I suppose I should start at the beginning.” He takes a deep breath, then lets it out. “Not many know this, but King Sorenten is not the true king.”

“What do you—?” Sebastian starts, but Alaric holds up his hand.

“His parents, King Selferic and Queen Marah, ruled for many years before they died. After their deaths, the throne should have passed to their eldest son…Alaric. The true heir to the throne.”

“Alaric?” I say. “Does that mean you’re…?”

He nods slowly. “Please let me finish. “Selferic and Marah’s younger son, Sorenten, wanted the throne, but since he wasn’t the heir, he wouldn’t rule. His only choice was to murder his parents and his older brother. ” He pauses. “Alaric—I—wasn’t in Ortarus when Sorenten slaughtered the king and queen. That was to his advantage, because had I been there, I would have defeated him. As heir, my power was stronger than his.”

“Where were you?” Sebastian asks.

“I was on…Earth.” Alaric’s eyes meet mine.

“I thought Ortarians can’t survive on Earth.”

“You’re right, they can’t. But the royal family can. They have the most powerful magic in all Ortarus and can travel between both worlds.”

“What were you doing on Earth?” Sebastian asks.

He hesitates, his gaze still on mine. “I was curious about the human world and decided to go there for a little while. I went to college, got a job, and fell in love with a human female.”

Why is he still looking at me?

“Her name was Lauren and she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.”

Lauren? As in my mom? Does this mean this guy is…my dad?

He smiles sadly. “Yes, Lily. I’m your father.”

The room begins to sway. For years I have wondered who my father was, why he walked out on Mom, Daisy, and me. Now I know. He left us because he wasn’t part of my world.

Sebastian sandwiches my hand between his. I turn to him. “Did you know about this?”

He shakes his head.

“Your mother and I started a family,” Alaric continues. “I wished to remain on Earth and have a human life. As an Ortarian prince and heir to the throne, I knew I would have to eventually return to Ortarus, but I pushed that aside and enjoyed my two little girls.” He swallows. “One day, I learned that my parents were murdered and I knew I had to return to my home world. I didn’t tell your mother because I didn’t have time. I had to leave that second. I planned on returning once everything would settle down and explain everything to her. I thought we could figure something out, with my being king of Ortarus. But I was unable to return. Sorenten trapped me here.” He shakes his head. “He stole the throne from me.”

“How?” Sebastian asks.

Alaric looks at me. “Before I continue. Are you okay, Lily?”

I don’t know. Everything is so blurry and confusing. My throat is dry. I have a mix of emotions. Anger at this man—my dad—for abandoning me. A little relief, knowing he’s alive. Distrust—how do I know he’s telling the truth?

“Lily?” Sebastian asks, squeezing my hand between his.

I look at Alaric. “How do I know you’re not lying? How do I know you’re my dad? Anyone can claim to be the true king.”

Alaric winces, but nods. I didn’t mean to offend him, I just won’t, or can’t, or don’t want to believe that my father is an Ortarian. Does that make me half human? What exactly am I?

“I anticipated your reaction,” Alaric says. “You can ask me anything. A memory perhaps.”

“I hardly remember you. I was a baby when you left.” I can’t stop the anger from seeping into my voice. Assuming he’s telling me the truth, he
did
have a valid reason for not returning. But he shouldn’t have gotten involved with a human and had kids with her if he knew his duties belonged on Ortarus. It wasn’t fair for him to do that to me, Daisy, or to my mom.

His jaw clenches. “Lily.”

“You have no idea what we went through after you left. What my mom went through. She cried herself to sleep every night.
Every
single night.”

“Lily, there wasn’t anything I could do—”

“You were heir to the Ortarian throne. You knew you would have to return to your world. Why would you string my mom along when you knew you would abandon her one day?”

He rubs his hand down his face. “I loved her.”

“You used her.”

“No, I didn’t—”

I shoot to my feet. “I’m done listening to this.”

Sebastian’s at his feet and takes my hand. “Lily, I understand you’re upset, but please, let’s hear Alaric out.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “How do we know this guy is telling the truth? He’s wearing armor and your sister is wearing the palace guard uniform.” Renaya’s eyes move to me, but she doesn’t respond. She hasn’t said much since we sat down.

“How do we know they’re not working for the king?” I go on. “Sebastian, we need to get back home. My mom is probably worried sick about me.
I
would never abandon her.”

Alaric sighs, rubbing his temples. “I made a mistake, Lily.” He looks up at me. “I fell in love with your mother, something I had never experienced before. You love Sebastian. You would do anything for him. Being apart from him is like losing a vital organ, isn’t it?”

I don’t say anything.

“That’s how I felt about your mother.”

“I understand that,” I say. “But I can’t get over the fact that you knew you would eventually leave us. Why would you hurt us like that?”

Alaric stands up and reaches to pat my arm. I pull away. “Lily.”

“I don’t think you’re my dad. I think you’re using me and Sebastian—for whatever reason—and you’re going to hand me over to the king. Hell, maybe there’s a reward for capturing a human.”

“Harry Martin Richards,” Alaric says.

I stare at him.

“That was your father’s name, wasn’t it?”

“Anyone could know that.” Could they, though? I only learned of his name a few days ago when I asked Mom about him. Is it possible for an Ortarian to know his name? Not unless he’s…him. Oh, I don’t know.

I run my hands through my hair and plop down on the couch. Sebastian lowers himself next to me.

When I searched for Harry Martin Richards online, I couldn’t find anything. It was like he didn’t exit. I peer at Alaric who hasn’t taken his gaze off me. Is that why he didn’t exist? Because he’s not from Earth? He obviously had a job or else he wouldn’t have been able to support us. And he went to college. But all that information must have disappeared when he returned to Ortarus. It was like he vanished from the face of the planet, which he kind of did. Mom must have remembered him because she loved him.

“Okay,” I say my voice hoarse. I clear it. “Let’s say I believe you’re my dad. How do I know you’re the true king? Maybe
you’re
the evil brother.” It sounds silly coming out of my mouth. Alaric doesn’t seem evil at all. Actually, he’s being very patient with me and doesn’t seem one bit angry that I don’t believe him.

Without a word, Alaric removes his helmet and sets it on the chair near him. Locks of curly white hair slap against his cheeks and neck. Now that his helmet is off, I can see his face clearly. He’s much older than a thought, but his eyes are youthful. Eyes that are the same shade as mine. And his curly hair…no, maybe it’s a coincidence. Though a large part of me is starting to realize that this guy really is my dad. We have the same nose and mouth.

Alaric pulls at a curl. “They used to be red, just like yours.”

“My hair is auburn,” I blurt.

His eyebrows furrow. “Auburn, yes. We don’t have varieties of colors here. Only the basic ones.”

I don’t say anything.

“I see you’re still not one hundred percent convinced,” Alaric says.

Again, I keep quiet.

Sebastian looks at me, then at Alaric. “I’m sorry,” he says. “While I do believe you’re Lily’s father, I’m not sure about your being the true king. King Sorenten doesn’t have a brother.”

Alaric shakes his head. “You have a right to be suspicious and cautious. I’ll convince you the same way I convinced your sister and everyone else here.” He takes off his armor to reveal a simple cotton shirt and pants. He unbuttons the shirt and pulls it off. Something is glowing on his chest. It’s a crown.

Sebastian’s eyes widen. He jumps to his feet and bows down. “Your Majesty.”

“What’s the crown mean?” I ask.

Alaric waves his hand, motioning for Sebastian to get to his feet. “There’s no need for that, Sebastian. We are all equal here.” Sebastian returns to his seat.

“What’s the crown mean?” I ask again.

“Only the true king has the crown marked on his chest,” Sebastian explains.

“Wouldn’t everyone see that the king—the fake one—doesn’t have it?”

Alaric nods. “He used his magic to create it.”

“How do I know you’re not using magic to create that?” I point to his chest. I guess I still don’t trust him. I still feel some anger toward him. I just can’t get over the fact that he pursued my mother after knowing he’d have to leave her.

“I don’t have magic anymore, at least not enough to conjure up something that powerful.”

Okay, maybe I
do
believe him. It’s hard not to. If he wanted to capture me and bring me to the king, why hasn’t he done so? And he seems to care about everyone here, especially the kids. An evil king wouldn’t do that.

“Can I continue with the history of what happened?” Alaric asks.

I nod.

“My brother, King Sorenten, stripped me of my power and trapped me on Ortarus. I was unable to return to my family on Earth.”

“How did Sorenten take your magic away?” I ask.

“Because I was on Earth, I had no magic. Sorenten killed my parents and his power grew. When I returned, I wasn’t accustomed to my magic, after being on the human world for a few years. We battled and he won, thus stripping me of my magic.” He slaps his thighs. “He transformed me into this old man. I’m much younger than the man you see sitting before you.”

“You couldn’t prove you’re the true king?” I ask. “You know, with that?” I point to his chest.

Alaric shakes his head. “This crown wasn’t always here. Once Sorenten took my magic from me, he took the throne from me as well. This crown disappeared and I was a regular Ortarian. The king used me as his adviser.”

“Why not kill you?” I ask.

“To rub it in my face. To make me
feel
what I was missing. He knew I had been on the human world and I begged him to allow me to return, but he wouldn’t. Ortarians can’t survive on Earth, unless you’re of royal blood. Since Sorenten stole my royal magic, I wouldn’t have been able to survive on Earth. Unless my brother granted me the ability.”

“He can do that to anyone?” Sebastian asks.

Alaric shakes his head. “It would consume a large amount of his magic. Magic he wouldn’t be able to get back. He would be less powerful.”

“Why is your crown tattoo glowing now?” I ask.

Alaric is quiet for a second or two. “I was the king’s adviser—which is just a fancy way of saying I was in the king’s eye all the time. He would ask my opinion on a law he wanted to pass. When I told him a positive, he changed it into a negative. For example, when he wanted to pass a new law to levy more tax, I told him to give the Inferiors a break. That only caused him to make things more difficult for them. Over the years, the king grew confident in his own abilities and had no need for me. I was stuck in the palace under his watchful eye, but I had more freedom. Now Sorenten is so self-absorbed with himself that he pays less attention to me. That’s why I’m able to come and go as I please, but I still need to be careful.”

“Okay, but what does this have to do with that?” I once again point to his glowing crown.