Rebelled, an Arelia LaRue Novel #7 Page 3

  This seductress was no other than the beautiful, vain and vastly powerful La Sirene, who ruled the depths of the ocean, rivers, the moon, and music. Not only was she rumored to be breathtakingly gorgeous and married to the great Met Agwe, but she was also one of the richest and wisest loas around.

  She had a peculiar habit of kidnapping random strangers and dragging them down to her luxurious golden palace under the sea. Legend had it that after she kidnapped someone, she would teach them dark tricks for seven years. After seven years, she would let them go, and they would rise back to the surface of the earth with skills and knowledge that would rival the oldest queen or king in town. I figured that maybe she would take my side and teach me the ways and means to crush my enemies. If that was the case, I needed to get on her good side and stay there until I could further assess her motivations.

  Remembering that she was a sucker for praise and all things that would feed her ego, I opened my mouth in an attempt to sing. To my surprise, my voice was loud and clear as I recalled a chant that she adored.

  Mistress of the ocean, mother of the sea, words cannot express what you mean to me, heal me with calm water, and bathe me in your wisdom. My queen! Protect me from the enemy, and your strength, see your beauty and your power. The siren! The siren! The siren!

  The voice laughed sweetly, and I felt like a dog that had learned a new trick for her master. I silently cursed myself for not having the ability to magically manifest her favorite offerings, which consisted of desserts, champagne, gin, white rum, melon liqueur, melons and white cakes trimmed in blue. It was considered utter blasphemy to offer her anything that came from the water which meant I was pretty much out of luck.

  My feet hit the soft earth of the river, and my eyes feasted on the glorious sight of streets made out of pure gold decorated with glistening seashells, pearls, green diamonds and bright coral. Exotic blue birds of paradise, white dahlias, and pink gazania flowers grew miles and miles high creating a protective canopy over the streets. I marveled at the carefully constructed pure gold buildings trimmed in seashells of blues, green whites, and silvers, the massive sunken ships from eras past and the endless maze of golden statues that depicted heroes, kings, and conquerors from the land above. The reason why the lovely La Sirene was so loaded was because she got to hoard all of the treasures that fell under the water. My math skills never the greatest couldn’t comprehend the wealth she had accumulated over the course of human history.

  My child-like wonder was abruptly interrupted. “What the hell?” My previous vow of being more lady-like and proper was forgotten as I saw an enormous pearl shell chariot drawn by dolphins and sea horses approach me.

  “Is this happening?” I rubbed my eyes as the carriage drew closer. Unfortunately, I couldn’t catch a glimpse of the driver as his face was half obscured by a canopy which consisted of thick golden curtains adorned in pearls and the greenest emeralds, sapphires, and rubies that I had ever seen. “Oh Dieu,” I whispered. I clutched my extravagant dress nervously refusing to look at my feet. I knew time was short not only for me but everyone. It was a bold proclamation to have made, but it was true. Something very ominous was on the horizon, and as I had been warned, most people were sleeping. This wasn’t the time to relapse back into full-blown depression.

  “Bon Dieu, can you hear me? Do you still care? Do you want me to continue to work for you? I know that I've made so many mistakes, but I promise that if you let me get back to those I love I’ll do things your way and not mine. I’ll destroy Viola and whatever else you want me to do. Your will be done not mine,” I said with all of my heart and with all the humility I could muster.

  The chariot stopped beside me and brought with it the smell of melon liqueur and sweet cakes. I took a step back half expecting some nasty spirit to get out of it. My experiences with carriages thus far hadn’t been very positive, but I wasn’t about to bow my head in fear. Slowly, the giant curtain opened and out stepped a tall, muscular and surprisingly handsome driver. His sea-green eyes contrasted sharply with his dark skin. His rusty blond hair was long and straight matching his classic Roman nose perfectly. His thin baby pink lips held a neutral expression as he appraised me from head to toe. Dressed in what appeared to be an old-fashioned official military uniform complete with plumes and cords, he was noble, regal and full of authority, but I wasn’t going to be intimidated. I had learned a trick or two from Emilie, and the most powerful lesson was that you had to kill them with kindness.

  “Hello.” I extended my hand and smiled broadly. “I’m Arelia LaRue. I have no idea how I found myself in this part of town, but I sure could use some help finding my way back home.” I fluttered my lashes, which had also grown longer and thicker along with the rest of my transformation.

  The mystery spirit remained quiet as he continued his assessment of me. Clearly, he was the strong and silent type. “What’s your name?” I asked eagerly keeping the smile plastered on my face and ignoring the fact that my heart rate was increasing as each moment of silence stretched into another.

  After a few more agonizing seconds, he cleared his throat and pulled out a scroll from his coat pocket. A low sigh of relief escaped my lips as I realized that it was only paper and not some nasty weapon.

  He opened the scroll and started to read in a strong and commanding voice. “By regal decree of His Majesty Met Agwe and Her Royal Highness La Sirene, you, Arelia LaRue are ordered to make an appearance at the royal palace.” After he had finished reading, he bowed dramatically and extended his hand for me to take.

  I stood there for a few seconds unsure of what to say, or do, or how any of what was happening was going to be of any benefit. There was no time for silly arguments and shows of weakness. My smile was steady as I took his hand and got into the carriage. “I cannot argue with royalty, can I?” He was silent as we sped away to the royal palace.

  Chapter Five

  Somewhere on the other side, Present Day

  Stay with Me

  I tried to keep calm and collected as the strange chariot stopped in front of a massive golden palace decorated with every precious jewel imaginable. Bright sunlight from the land above caused it to glow in a manner so ethereal that it appeared to float on a rainbow of colors. My hands were a sweaty mess, and my mouth was desperate for something to drink. All of a sudden, my hair felt too heavy, my dress too tight and my nails too polished. It was all a little too perfect. Before me, there stretched looming golden gates, perfectly manicured sea green lawns decorated with exotic flowers, gigantic weeping willows and a strange array of marble statues of various wild animals.

  The unnamed driver helped me get out. I marveled at the sturdy impeccably dressed guards who protected the palace gates. Their expressions remained hard and challenging as they examined me intently. The driver clapped his hands, and the guards opened the gates. “Thank you,” I said half-heartily. I felt as if I was a sheep headed to the slaughter. There was something about this set up that felt very red weddingish, but it was way better than hellfire, plus it smelled like sugary sweet desserts

  I walked down the long willow tree lined path, and for a moment couldn’t help but compare it to the path at Darkwood. There was a striking similarity with the only difference being in the trees and the road itself which was made out of pure gold. As we entered the palace, my eyes feasted on the perfectly polished marble floor, endless rows of mirror-clad arches and the gigantic gilded windows that loomed over the expansive gardens below. The diamond encrusted chandeliers that hung above shone so brightly that the floor appeared to be a gleaming lake.

  “Why in the world are there so many mirrors?” I asked.

  “It’s Her Majesty’s wish,” replied my mysterious guide.

  “Do you have a name?” I blurted out suddenly curious.

  He ignored me as we continued to walk down the never-ending hall.

  Around me, I could hear whispers and shadows lurk behind the gilded mirrors. I felt as if I was in some strange funhouse. At the end
of the hall, there were two massive golden thrones that faced towards the largest mirror and away from the prying eyes of any uninvited visitor. Beautiful spirits surrounded the thrones. I recognized them as the fabulous team of La Blanc, Zile, Dereyale, Ceverine and La Don; they were the queen’s closest consorts.

  I realized that I was dressed exactly as they were and my hair tumbled in long waves past my waist just as theirs did. They even had on the same exact nail polish. Suddenly, I felt a lot less special. Elegantly, they sipped on rose champagne and feasted on what appeared to be tiny white cakes trimmed in gold and blue frosting. My stomach growled, and I cursed myself for continuing to be awkward. I had figured by this time I would have gotten all of my absurd cravings under control, but it didn’t work like that, did it?

  They eyed me with admiration and wide smiles as I approached the throne.

  “Your Majesty. She has arrived,” announced my nameless guide.

  “Thank you Thomaz,” sang the voice that had seduced me.

  “So that’s your name,” I teased. Unfortunately, Thomaz didn’t crack a smile at my playfulness and feeble attempt at brushing off my nervousness. Before I had a chance to say another word, the team of spirits surrounded me and pulled me towards the throne.

  There she sat. Every bit as beautiful as the legends described. Her thick black hair was long, straight and hung wild and free. Her electric sea-green eyes contrasted sharply against her brown skin and matched perfectly with her jewel-encrusted silk gown. Her nose was narrow and straight, and her full lips were painted a classic shade of rose pink. She stared into the enormous gilded mirror and combed her hair with a golden brush. I was mesmerized by the very sight of her, but I regained control enough to open my mouth and get down to business. “Why have you summoned me, Your Majesty?” I asked tired of the dog and pony show. I wanted answers. I wasn’t going to be bought with cheap bread and circuses.

  She continued to admire herself in the mirror and refused to look at me. “Do you think that she is more beautiful than I?” she asked Thomaz and the other spirits.

  “No, of course not! How could such a thought even cross your mind, your highness?” The group replied in unison.

  “Thanks,” I muttered.

  Clearly, boosted by the group’s insistence that I was nothing but a troll compared to her, La Sirene finally stopped loving herself enough to give me a glance. Her eyes pierced my very soul, and I was paralyzed by her regal beauty and authority. However, I pulled my act together quickly and put on my best neutral expression.

  “I want you to be a part of my court. My closest lady in waiting,” she ordered in her sing a long voice which made me want to agree with every word that came out of her mouth. “You are to live in the palace and learn my most powerful tricks, share my darkest secrets and fulfill my very scandalous wishes.”

  “Your lady in waiting?” I mulled over her odd request. There were a million and one questions flying through my already overstressed head.

  She rose from her throne and walked towards me. She lightly stroked my cheeks and shivers crawled up my spine. “It can get ever so lonely here with my husband gone all of the time.”

  I stood firm and resisted her seductively dark power. “You have plenty of company,” I said, as I motioned to the group that was watching us. “Besides, I am not destined to be a lady in waiting. I am a queen.” All of the confidence I had lost came rushing back and along with it a burning desire to return to the other side. “Whose side are you on anyway?” I asked refusing to be seduced any longer. I had let my guard down one too many times. I wasn’t going to get screwed any further than I already was. There was a collective gasp from the group. I suppose it wasn’t very often that La Sirene was rejected.

  La Sirene laughed and the hall of mirrors shook with delight. “I’m on no one’s side.” She stepped closer, and I could smell the melon liqueur on her breath. She continued to finger my cheek, and I had the sudden urge to slap her hand away. “I am as fluid as the sea,” she whispered. “I have been watching you for centuries, and I must have you.”

  I took a step back as I was more than a little creeped out by her little revelation. “I’m not a possession to be had. Are you on Emilie’s side?” I asked calmly hoping that she would finally confess and stop with the charade.

  “Arelia, I don’t take sides. What I am offering you is the opportunity to escape being a member of His army. The land under the sea is neutral territory. When Viola stabbed you in the back, Emilie wasn’t aware that I was there ready to save you. You’re trying to save everyone else, give me the opportunity to save you. There is no way back now. I can offer you a life of wealth, power, and freedom away from the horror of this spiritual war.” She stepped closer and closer.

  “You’re lying,” I whispered calmly determined not to let my emotions get in the way. “Everyone is on one side or another, even if they are too afraid to admit it. People and spirits who claim that they are neutral to what is going on around them are nothing but terrified cowards.” My infamous temper was rearing its ugly head. I had to get it together.

  “No, I’m not. Look.” She clapped her dainty hands, and all of the mirrors came alive. Various scenes flashed across them. The exquisite pain on Lucus’ handsome face the moment he found my bloody body in the river. The never-ending tears that were shed by Grand-mere Bea the day I was buried at the LaPlante cemetery. The absurd amount of vodka that Louis tossed back after my funeral was horrifying and painful to watch. The scene flashed to a sullen Lucus listlessly sipping whiskey by the river where we had our first kind of date. I felt his firm belief that there was no bringing me back this time. He had lost his faith in us. They had all lost their faith. What would become of them?

  “No!” I cried. “You can’t lose faith, please Lucus. You can’t. I’m Cecile! I never left you, or forsook you, and I never will. I love you…” I prayed to the living, breathing Dieu above that somehow Lucus would hear me. I didn’t care if I had promised not to tell Lucus that I was Cecile. If this was my last time ever to see him again, I needed him to know the truth. I needed him to feel my spirit and know the extent of my love and how I had never abandoned him. “And you Louis, you’re way too kind and intelligent to indulge in such self-destructive behavior.”

  Another scene flashed to Emilie’s fake-ass tears as she gave a televised interview on how grief-stricken she was that her best friend had been brutally murdered and how she suspected it was done by the man who had kidnapped her as a means of revenge. She also claimed that she was terrified that the mystery boogie man was still on the loose and would target her newly established church.

  “You bitch!” The words spilled out as my eyes rested on Emilie’s face. I covered my mouth in an attempt to block more foul words that were dying to come out. Months worth of grief, heartache and turmoil were played out. “I’ve been gone for months?” I asked.

  “Yes,” La Sirene said quietly before clapping her hands together again. The mirrors went back to normal.

  “No!” I pleaded. “Please bring them back.” I ran towards a mirror and desperately pounded on it hoping that it would open some magic portal to the other side. La Sirene watched me patiently as I continued to pound on the glass. Hot tears of frustration ran down my cheeks while dry, animalistic cries escaped my lips. I didn’t care if I was making a scene.

  “You’re nothing but a coward!” I shouted while pointing my finger up in the air wildly. “I’m talking to you Kandal or whatever the hell you call yourself these days! Why the hell are you hiding in the shadows letting everyone else do your dirty work? I know where you came from, and I’m not afraid of you! Your idea for a New World Order sounds pretty crappy too! I don’t know what your plans are, but if they’re taking this long to manifest, and you’re scared of me, then something must be wrong. And if something’s wrong that means you have weakness and are capable of feeling fear.” I wanted the upper hand. I wasn’t going to bow down any longer. I was now at a point where I was angry enough to tak
e drastic measures.

  I felt La Sirene’s arms close around me. I was too tired to push her away. “You were never meant to be a queen,” she whispered softly.

  Her words pissed me off even more, and I immediately released myself from her grasp. “Why do you say that?” I asked suddenly aware that this was a beautiful illusion. It went deeper, and it would have been naïve of me to let La Sirene steal my hope. “Are you somehow implying that only you are capable of leading?”

  She brushed aside my rudeness and continued to walk towards me in a manner so elegant she appeared to float. “Let me love you,” she whispered. “I can show you incredible things. Forget the living and the silly loa who insist on fighting. Can’t you see how madly I love you?” She pushed her lips against mine and forced open my mouth. Her tongue danced with mine, and my eyes closed. The mistress of seduction was working her magic on me. It felt so delicious but so wrong at the same time.

  “No,” I gasped pulling away. Was this happening? It was, and I was smart enough to realize that it was nothing but a big trap. No one was neutral not one soul or spirit. La Sirene had ulterior motives, even if she hadn’t fully realized what those motives were yet. The fact that she wanted me to stay with her made her the enemy. She didn’t want me to fight Emilie or the New World Order. Of course, I had to bring up my little revelation as delicately as possible.

  She was powerful and if I pissed her off, then who knows what she would do to me. “Queen La Sirene, humbly, I must warn you that you shouldn’t gain the world and lose your soul. Wisdom is better than silver or gold.” I glanced at the extravagant hall. “Or in your case, wisdom is worth way more than mirrors and pearls. The soul train is coming our way, and you have to get on board, or you’ll be left behind.” I recalled Grand-mere Bea’s grave warnings and how at the time of the end all spirits and souls would have to answer to Bon Dieu. My proclamation was bold and my voice full of authority. It wasn’t me who was speaking; it was my spirit.