Azure Blue

By A.L. Hawke

An immortal race freed by death and defiance of the gods.

Hundreds of years of peace have reigned since the treaty between the Amazon nymphs and the gods of Mount Olympus. The edict forbids the Amazon nymphs to leave their isle of Azure Blue. But Azure Blue is threatened as the continent of Atala is fractured by war.

As nymph queen Delia grieves the death of the king who once united them, her unruly daughter, Avva, wishes to mourn him in her own way. Avva plans a flyover with her unicorn beyond the Strait of Azure. Such hubris forces sacrifice. Nymphs fall to the Underworld.

In the depths, they find Cora, the goddess Persephone. And Cora might be the only goddess willing to risk her family’s wrath and help them. After all, Cora has fallen from Azure Blue before.

Azure Blue is Book II in the Azure Series. Although tied to Cora: Rise of the Fallen Goddess, this is a standalone novel taking place centuries later. Some spoilers cannot be avoided, but this novel can be enjoyed without reading the first novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.L. Hawke
• Release date: Dec 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953919076

A.L. Hawke

A.L. Hawke is the author of the internationally bestselling Hawthorne University Witch series. The author lives in Southern California torching the midnight candle over lovers against a backdrop of machines, nymphs, magic, spice and mayhem. A.L. Hawke has published eight books specializing in fantasy romance and science fiction.

Book preview

The Continent of Atala

1

AVVA

Let’s get away from here, Antilus, Avva said. Hmm? Far away. She gripped her white winged unicorn’s neck tightly and tugged it upward. They soared higher, leaping over a spire of a crystal tower then leveling off, bobbing up and down as wind passed over her long dark hair. The palace walls below reflected blue-green from the surrounding forests. The glass towers were over seven stories tall reaching up toward a chartreuse sky. And the front of the castle was violet grass, and ivy grew with some of the vines climbing the walls. She passed over the ancient wooden drawbridge. Its worn deck and railing designed for battle contrasted with the crystalline beauty of her home. And, fittingly, a depressing procession of black-robed nymphs slowly walked over the bridge into the castle. A few looked up. They waved.

Far away, Antilus, she said, ignoring the nymphs. Far. Okay, girl?

Antilus whinnied.

Soon the blue-green branches and leaves of the coastal forest sped under Avva’s sandals. The green sun set to her right, along the horizon over Mount Ambitus. Usually her route headed to Mount Ambitus by the Stratos—Mount Ambitus, more like a great earthen wall covering the view to her right in the Isle of Napea. But today, she headed toward the sea.

Avva descended near the water and jumped off her unicorn onto purple-and-white sand. She petted her soft, feathery hide. Oh Antilus, tired, girl? Too much flying? And now the sun’s setting. Antilus snuggled her head under Avva’s arm.

As they walked close to the shore, she allowed waves to break over her feet. She took off her sandals, and her blue toes touched the wet violet sand. Her nymph skin was faint blue over her body, but very dark on her palms and the soles of her feet.

There he was laid to rest, she said, more to herself than her unicorn, pointing to the lands beyond the sea. The cool water washed over her ankles. Oh, what I’d do to visit there.

You’re not allowed.

Avva whirled around. It was her best friend, Hanna. And Avva spotted Maythra, Hanna’s brown winged unicorn, on a sandy slope toward the trees.

What are you doing here?

Following you, Hanna said. Must you always look for trouble, Blue? Do you know what your mother’s going to do to you when she doesn’t see you in the evening procession?

I don’t care. It’s so depressing. Why’d you follow me?

To be with my friend. Hanna smiled and hugged her. But it’s your father’s funeral. You must attend.

I never knew—

You never knew your father. I know. We all know. All Azure knows. You made it quite clear, shouting it in Court. Do you have any idea how worried Engel is?

He worries about everything.

They laughed. They walked together as a purplish black hue fell over the land with the setting sun. Avva could only see shadows of trees surrounding the beach now.

We could honor him, Avva said. We could prepare a ceremony in the Crescent Kingdom for Father’s journey to Hades and Persephone in the Underworld.

Only if you want to join him there.

Who’s to say anyone’ll know? She flashed her friend a sly smile. Hanna laughed but, deep inside, Avva was quite serious.

It’s getting dark. Hanna gazed up at the moon. Whether you’re going to attend or not, princess, we should make our way back.

How come you came after me?

I told you. My friend needed company.

Hmm. Then Avva searched her friend’s eyes. I bet Engel sent you. Didn’t he?

Hanna turned from her.

He did!

Oh Avva, he told me that you flew off with the queen’s unicorn. He’s very worried. He figured I’d know where you’d go. You know you’re in so much trouble. The queen won’t get out of her room, except for the ceremony—the ceremony you came late to and caused a scene.

I caused a scene? What about her? And when is she not angry, Hanna?

Avva stopped walking and turned toward the sea once more. She folded her arms and enjoyed the mist as it blew along her face, and the sounds of the waves touching the shore.

We’ll cross the sea to my father’s lands tomorrow.

What! said Hanna. Avva laughed at her wide-eyed look.

Across the Strait. We’ll go to the Hinterlands tomorrow. In honor of my father.

I heard what you said, but you’re obviously not well. Are you crazy?

Aha, you know I am.

Hanna searched Avva’s eyes again. Avva shrugged. But as she turned back to the sea, she felt a choking sensation in her throat. She felt so mad. She hated her mother.

Now’s the perfect time, Avva said with a shrug. I’m in trouble anyway. Mother thinks I don’t care about my father, but I adored him, probably far more than she ever did. He was so kind to me at the games. Then she sent him away. I hate her. Oh, you don’t know how much I hate her, Hanna. But … I love him.

Avva. Hanna gently touched Avva’s cheek. But that was the cheek that still hurt from her mother’s strike. You embarrassed her. You accused her in public.

Sard all her rules! Avva shook her head violently. I only saw my father for a handful of days. She might have struck me in the face, but I’ve wanted to do far worse to her. Hitting me was only showing what a wicked witch she is. It’s her fault that I never saw Father. I will never forgive her.

Avva felt the sting on her cheek, partly from humiliation, partly from her skin still burning. She had come to the throne room that morning late wearing the same lovely white dress she wore now. A formal white lace peplos. That was already an insult, for it was white and not black: the traditional color of mourning. Then, after she embarrassed her mother in the throne room, shouting about not ever seeing her father, the queen rushed down the three steps from her throne and struck Avva squarely across her cheek in front of a hundred nymphs.

Just come back to the palace.

But on the morrow. Avva gestured toward the sea. We cross the sea. Avva turned and almost laughed at the terror on Hanna’s face. Serves her right. I won’t cower over fake edicts. After all, I’m not only a queen’s daughter but a king’s—a human king’s. I need to honor my father on his soil.

Then you’ll die. Hanna shook her head, befuddled.

Whatever. You coming with me?

Avva awoke early in the morning with her heart pounding. She was so excited. Today was the day. She would fly Antilus across the Strait to the Hinterlands, the lands of her father. She would go with her best friend, Hanna (though it would take a bit more coaxing).

She had always thought Hades’ edict was a myth. How could the god of the Underworld magically take away a nymph’s immortality just for traveling across the Strait? She would prove it was a lie. And if she was wrong and the edict was true, she would live decades rather than centuries. So what? Then she’d be human like her father.

She stood in front of a tall vanity mirror. She dressed in travel clothes—a simple brown leather tunic, pants, and boots. She straightened her long curly black hair over her pointy nymph ears. As she carefully applied makeup, she heard footsteps from behind. Engel hobbled in.

Don’t you knock? Avva asked, not turning fully around.

Engel was a short old dwarf. Mother called him a Mandrigel, whatever that was. He had blue skin like Avva’s, but whereas on her it was barely noticeable, his entire face was bright blue. His hair was thin and gray. He stood a little under four feet tall and had stubby fat fingers, long bushy gray eyebrows, and a fat, broad nose. He didn’t walk, he hobbled. He was wise, kind, and cute. She adored him.

Princess, it’s early, Engel said kindly. Where do you think you’re going? There’s more ceremony today.

She loved him more than anyone in the palace. He had raised her. It was said he had lived hundreds of years. His wisdom was completely contrary to his cuteness. And next to Avva, who now towered at nearly six feet, he looked like an ancient wrinkled child.

I don’t care, she said with a laugh, staring at a mirror. After yesterday, I’ve had enough of ceremony. I’m going away somewhere, I suppose.

Where? he repeated, more sternly.

Away. Avva turned and faced Engel. Out. Get out of my room and leave me alone.

Where, Blue? he insisted, with his gentle tone again. Tell me.

Avva placed a finger over her chin and pointed out the window. The window faced the purple grasslands, then beyond the forest, further to the sea. Of course, the act of pointing in that direction gave Engel not the slightest bit of information.

Engel snorted in anger. Where, Avva? Your mother has asked for you to accompany her this afternoon. She wants to apologize. You think running off again is going to mend what’s going on between you two?

Avva sat in a gilded chair, shrugged, and turned away from him. She applied makeup to her cheeks. Then she thought of the burn on her face, the humiliation. So she angrily dipped her sponge in white makeup, absorbing way too much. She shrugged again and used it to cover all traces of blueness on her face.

Don’t worry, she said, patting her face. It was nothing. I’m not a little girl.

Engel walked up closer. He stood beside her, level with her head as she sat. He put a hand on her shoulder. Are you all right, Blue?

His voice was so kind it made her feel that lump in her throat again.

Why wouldn’t I be? She applied even more powder. She hated being a nymph. She wanted to be human. Like her father.

I could help you, if you let me know where you’re going.

Avva lifted her eyebrows. She smiled and turned to her friend.

Yes. Yes, you can, Engel. Yes. Indeed. Would you be a dear and tell Her Majesty that my friend Hanna and I have decided to go hunting for lapis deer. Tell her it’s the only way to get my mind off the terrible news about Father and … that other nasty thing that happened to me in Court yesterday.

Okay. If you tell me where.

Tell her the northern hills, she said with a shrug. Or… She put her finger to her chin again. No, tell her we’re going fishing under Mount Ambitus along the Stratos. That’s it. We’re going fishing along the Stratos.

"But where are you going really, Avva? Tell me the truth and I might do it."

Avva giggled and looked into his bright blue eyes. The truth?

He nodded.

We’re traveling across the Strait to visit my father’s kingdom.

You’re not! he yelled, and he snorted and stomped his feet. His face flashed red. She didn’t think she had ever seen him so mad.

I won’t touch down.

Avva. Engel said. He paused, seemingly gathering his thoughts. The queen isn’t herself. You must not do anything to upset her more. If you do this, I’ll have the guards turn you back.

The queen mourns in her way, I mourn my way. I wish to visit my father’s kingdom, even if it’s just to finally see it from the clouds. But tell her … tell her I’m going fishing along the Stratos. Not hunting, fishing. That’s it. Tell her that, would you, Engel?

I won’t! Engel snorted. It’s forbidden. It is a law beyond your mother. I won’t be a part of this silly talk.

He was about to say more when Avva raised her right hand. She became very serious. She stood up and walked over to her window with her back to him.

Engel didn’t say another word. He wasn’t prone to lecturing her. He probably figured she got enough of that from her mother.

Engel, she said, wanting to change the subject. She tapped on her glass window. Have you ever noticed how small the window in my room is?

But when Avva turned, Engel was gone. She shrugged and walked to her nightstand to grab more things. Then the door creaked open and in came Hanna wearing similar leather travel clothes with her hair in a ponytail.

You requested my presence, my lady? Hanna gave a bow. They laughed.

We must hurry, Avva said in a hushed voice. She ran back to her mirror and busied herself, working faster, covering up the final marks of blue along her ears.

Are we really going through with this?

Yep. And I think our favorite dwarf plans on snitching. Are the monokera ready?

Yes. By the tower stables and ready to go. Hanna furrowed her brow and stared at Avva in the mirror. What did you do to your face?

Taking off all this blue stuff. She looked up in thought. I wonder what it’s like, Hanna? I wonder what’s over there?

They say the air changes. The sky, the grass, even the sun changes its hue to yellow. The sky is blue like our trees. And the air becomes thicker because it’s not high up like Napea.

Strange.

Yeah. Hanna nodded and walked to the window. They say the men are a strange race, always fighting. Strong people, some twice to three times the size of us.

But cute, right?

Don’t be stupid, Avivae, Hanna said with a laugh.

Well, certainly there was something that attracted my mother.

They’re strong. Big. You saw the boys at the games. Their strongest could probably break you in half. Hanna looked up with dreamy eyes. Some are gallant, some noble. Others are dumb and reckless. Fire, swords, land, that’s the language of man.

How exciting the day will be. Did you tell your mother?

Hanna lost her wondrous gaze and turned grave. Seriously, Avva, you need to promise me that you’ll protect me from her. I could get into a lot more trouble than you.

It’s going to be so much fun. Avva nodded. Then she smiled slyly. I’ll tell you a little secret, Hanna. She put a finger to her lips and whispered, I’m going to land.

Sure, Blue, Hanna said, rolling her eyes.

Let’s go before Engel locks the tower stables.

They quickly climbed the spiral stone staircase up the south tower until reaching the summit of the crystal tower. Then they made their way across ramparts and a high bridge to enter the stables. A guard in ancient scarlet hoplite armor stood by the entrance, but she let them pass seeing it was the princess.

Avva flew Antilus harder this time. She wanted to make it to the beach more quickly than yesterday. It would be a long trip, and she wanted as much time as possible. Hanna, atop Maythra, struggled to keep up. Antilus was the fastest of all the monokera.

It was still early morning when they reached the shore. The bright green sun was reflected by the purple sand.

They spotted two girls playing by the waves. They were sisters, Iris and Eva, a little younger than Avva. She had joined them in the castle for breakfast, with a few other nymphs, a week ago. The girls glimpsed their shadows as they flew over. Eva turned and looked up, curious, but their surprise turned to shock as Avva and Hannah left the beach and flew over the sea.

We have to turn back, Hanna hollered through the wind, flying beside Avva. We’ve been spotted.

No.

Avva, the girls will tell! Hanna shouted. We must. She turned her unicorn’s head back to the shore. But Antilus was a royal unicorn, faster and stronger than any other unicorn in the kingdom. With ease, Avva flew ahead of Hanna and hovered in front of her, blocking her.

What are you doing? cried Hanna. Get out of my way so I can fly back home! Please, Avivae.

No! Avva yelled back.

They hovered for a moment silently, hearing only the flapping of their unicorns’ wings. Avva looked back. Indeed, Iris and Eva were shouting something at them in the distance.

Avva, what’s this about? This isn’t funny anymore. We’ve been spotted. They’ll go straight back to your mother and tell.

I can’t return. This is my only chance.

Why? Tell me why, princess?

Just go back to the palace. Avva nodded solemnly. I’ll go the rest of the way myself.

But why? Why are you doing this?

Just go back, Hanna.

Tell me.

I order you, as your princess, to return to the palace! Avva demanded.

The words were so stern that Maythra started to obey. Hanna had to pull the unicorn’s head back.

Hanna looked at Avva and bowed atop the unicorn in mockery. Then she frowned. "All right, Your Highness. I’ll return. But, as your friend, I’d like to know why you won’t come back with me."

It was dumb to ask you to come along. I can’t guarantee your safety. But Hanna, I’ve heard rumors in the Court. The queen intends to keep me grounded after yesterday. If I don’t go, I may never be able to see my father’s lands. I…

She couldn’t continue. She started crying. The tears came down hard. Avva had not cried since the news of her father’s death. Now it seemed like she couldn’t stop.

Hanna flew as close to her as she could. It looked like her friend wanted to comfort her.

Oh, Avva, I’m so worried about you. I didn’t want to go, but I came with you because of the scene in Court yesterday. But now you’re scaring me. Are you really running away?

No. I’ll be back. Don’t worry.

I’m so worried. Please, just come back with me now.

Avva shook her head.

Then come back home soon.

Avva nodded. She slowly pulled her unicorn’s neck away from her friend and headed toward the sea. At that moment, Avva’s mind was made up. She wouldn’t just fly over the foreign land, she’d land.

2

CRESCENT BLUE

Avva flew with trepidation but determination to make it to the other side. She had never traveled beyond her shore. No nymph she had known ever had. But she had longed for the Hinterlands beyond the Strait all her life, staring at her father’s distant yellow and brown lands from the glass towers of her palace.

She gasped as the sky changed from green to blue and the green sun turned yellow. The air thickened and weighed down on her. It became harder to breathe, and it seemed to become harder for Antilus to fly. But the great steed pushed forward, charging through the wind. Colors continued to change. The sea’s waves turned as bright a blue as the sky. The Hinterlands grew browner. Greener. She could see green-leafed forests beyond a yellow sandy shore. It was absolutely lovely.

This is it, Antilus. She ran her blue fingers along the white feathers of her unicorn’s hide. Legend says you were here with Queen Harmonia centuries ago, weren’t you, girl? Hmm? Now you return.

But the unicorn objected. Avva dipped her head down, but the unicorn bucked up refusing to land.

Avva swooped over the yellow shore, similar in shape to the beach back home. She looked down in awe at the white and yellow sand. Then she flew over brown and green trees and a hillside.

Avva dipped Antilus’s head down again. What’s the matter? I order you to touch down. Avva hit the unicorn’s glistening rainbow horn. This was a rare action by Amazons when forcing steeds to obey, and Antilus shook her head violently and neighed.

She finally swooped close to the beach. With some hesitation and further coaxing, Antilus touched the sand, falling into a gallop, then a trot. As soon as Antilus was steady enough, Avva jumped off, landing crouched on her knees in an Amazon fighting stance as she’d been trained. She froze and looked around, thinking something like a bolt of lightning from Zeus would fall from the sky. But nothing happened. Remaining low on the ground, she ran her hands along the white-yellow sand, letting the strange, warm, soft kernels flow between her blue-tinged fingers.

She stood up straight. Then she walked to Antilus and stroked her mane. Antilus was shaking.

It’s all right, girl. Nothing happened. You’re okay. Avva pointed to a nearby cliff covered by a canopy of yellow and green trees. Crescent Blue, hmm? Doesn’t appear blue. I don’t get it. She turned and looked at where she had come from. Just as at home, she could see the distant lands across the sea. But here, Azure Blue was visible on the horizon. And it was bright blue, like a glowing sapphire. Oh, how stupid. It’s Crescent Blue with the view of Azure.

Antilus shook her head violently again and stomped her feet.

It’s okay, girl, Avva said, petting the soft, feathery wings. It’s all right. Calm down. Avva searched her surroundings. It was desolate. Just sand and a cliff wall for as far as the eye could see. I’ll be back, okay? You stay here. If anything happens, fly home.

The horse whinnied, jerking her head back and forth again. Avva petted her head one last time; then she walked up the hillside toward the trees alone.

As she walked, she saw grass, not purple grass but green grass. She dipped her hand down and pulled some blades of grass from the wet mud. Then she touched brown soil, not purple, but dark brown dirt.

Her eyes fell on a stone settlement further up the shore. It was a simple stone building with ramparts. A fortress? It was small. She walked in that direction.

Then she discovered a dirt path veering deeper into the woods. She followed a trail of footprints. She could head back to the beach and continue toward the castle, but this walkway interested her—so did the footprints.

She labored as she walked. The air felt heavy.

After a long hike, she looked back toward her home through an opening in the trees. She could still make out the outline of her blue land shining like a jewel. Beautiful. Crescent Blue, indeed. Then up higher in the blue sky, she spotted a faint silhouette of an object circling in the clouds. At first, she thought it was a bird, but then she recognized great white wings. She smiled. It was Antilus. Her unicorn had taken flight and was now watching her from above.

Green foliage grew thickly as she walked deeper into the woods.

She came upon a lovely stream. The water trickled among trees and bushes and down granite rocks beside thick foliage. She found another clearing between trees where a waterfall flowed over stones. It all reminded her of the streams and brooks along the Stratos back home, but here it was not glowing blue; it was vibrant brown and green.

The yellow sun shone directly above, and she was getting hungry. She shrugged, sat down on a large white boulder, and untied a brown leather knapsack strapped to her shoulder. She took out some dried meat and chewed it. Then she removed her boots and dipped her blue feet in the water.

It was quiet. A squirrel leaped from a tree and made her jump. Then she giggled at its brown color.

She had been afraid to touch down in the Hinterlands. Now she wondered why she hadn’t before. What were her people so afraid of?

As she ate her midday snack, she heard another sound in the bushes. Another squirrel? No, this sounded bigger. Her feet splashed as she jumped up and pulled a camping knife from her belt, searching around the bushes and trees.

Who’s there!

Nothing. It was quiet.

She slowly sat back down on the rock. But then more leaves and sticks rustled.

Who’s there? Her voice sounded scared. There was movement in the bushes. Then the leaves and sticks on the shrubs cleared.

A man emerged. Or a boy? He was a little older than she was, but not by much. He had a boy’s face, perhaps eighteen years old. But he was strong with huge broad shoulders and a chiseled face. He had a dark, thin beard, his face was worn and, though youthful, his features were rough. He wore armor, similar to the hoplite armor her guards wore, but while her guards wore scarlet, his armor was splashed with sky-blue paint. His dark hair was in a ponytail. But in all his fierceness, there was kindness in his dark eyes. The kindness turned warmer as he smiled.

My lady, are you all alone in my woods? Or … are you a wood nymph, perhaps? Perhaps they are your woods? He looked down at her blue feet under the water as she stood in the stream. He nodded. I’ve found a lovely wood nymph in my forest.

She stared at him. Then she realized her mouth was gaping open. Reflexively, Avva dropped her knife and pulled a short sword from her belt. Then she positioned herself in the Amazon stance as she had been trained to: sword above her head, legs crouched down, head dipped, ready to strike. The man put a hand out. I mean you no harm.

Avva squinted, waving the sword at him.

Do you speak, wood nymph?

I’m not a wood nymph. I am Princess Avivae. I live across the sea.

Princess?

Yes. Who are you?

Nobody. And he gave a smug grin as if that answered the question. Then, for a moment, he turned toward the waterfall, revealing a fierce, profoundly sad look. His demeanor did not fit his boyish face. He acted like a man.

She remained in the fighter stance. She knew how to use her sword. She had competed with men in the games, a few years ago, back home and had learned how to fight like all Amazon did since she was a little girl. This man had a sword too, a very large menacing one, hanging from his belt. And it looked worn. But he didn’t touch it. Instead, he backed up to a tree and leaned against the trunk. He folded his arms and smiled.

Avva smiled despite herself. If you stand back, I’ll stand at ease.

I wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you.

What’s so amusing?

Your forward knee needs to shift closer to your body. You need to dip your chin down further to protect your lovely blue throat. Your sword is shaking. I’m afraid, though you’re menacing, you’re unbalanced. That is a disadvantage. It would be my advantage.

Come closer and we shall see.

I wouldn’t dare.

Then … perhaps you’d care for something to eat, boy?

Boy? he asked, amused, shaking his head. I’m not a boy, princess.

"All right, sir. She smiled again. What is your name, sir?"

Nobody. I am nobody. But you, princess, you come from across the Strait? You are far from no one. You are the princess from Azure Blue in Napea?

She nodded.

You are an Amazon. Put the blade down, princess. Please. Then he opened his arms wide and said, Why, I welcome you. Welcome to my kingdom.

"Your kingdom, Nobody?"

Crescent Blue, he said with a smile and a nod. Aye. My kingdom.

"What is your real name, Nobody?"

Does it matter?

If you want me to drop the sword, it does.

I am Prince Solinair Solinaray of Crescent Blue. Named Sol by King Darius. She relaxed at the sound of her father’s name. Perhaps, instead of Nobody, you can call me Sol. He pushed himself up from the trunk. She threatened him again by slashing the sword in the air before him. He smiled more widely and walked slowly toward her. Then he gently touched the tip of the blade with his finger. He lost his smile.

Mandrigelian, he said with a nod. Sharp—almost enough to cut my finger with a touch. Then he examined it from the side. It shone red and blue, depending on the direction of the light. She moved the blade close to his neck. He laughed. But this is unfair. You are the one trespassing. I can, of course, look away from the offense and enjoy your pretty face as payment. Anyway, killing me after seeing such a vision would hardly count as a bad day.

Don’t think I can’t cut you. But then she smiled and relaxed her stance. Humph. You hardly look like a king.

I’m nobody. I already told you that. But your face is white. Except for your neck. And your hands and feet. You don’t look like a nymph. Well, I’ve never seen a nymph this close. Maybe your ears … are a little pointy. But legend says your people have a tinge of blue on your faces. Your features are pale. But your hands and feet are—

I colored it, she said, finally sheathing her sword. Then she flashed him a fake smile and showed him her blue palm and pointed at her bare blue feet. She threw her long black hair back and said, Don’t get any closer. I can take my sword out just as fast as before and cut you.

I see that. Is it a Mandrigel blade?

Yes, it is.

Incredible. I’ve heard of your people, but only saw you once. I saw your archers burn King Morteus’s naval fleet and defend Castle Cove with your flying horses, helping my father when we were trapped in a tower. Your mother is Queen Delia, I suppose? She fought and helped free us that day.

Impossible. Mother’s never helped men. She’s never helped anyone.

I saw her and her people at the tower. She did, Avivae.

Liar. My mother doesn’t help anyone. Particularly men.

She sat at the edge of the stream and submerged her feet in the water again. She decided he wasn’t a threat to her. She would just go back to what she had been doing. But she cocked her head back and looked at him.

He smiled. And that made her smile.

She liked his smile. And those eyes. Onyx eyes, sharp and intelligent, but kind. A handsome face. What a strange mix of strength and care. He seemed like a great warrior—no—a great man. Hardly a boy. A man. But young.

I’ve always wanted to travel to Azure Blue, Sol said. Darius spoke so fondly of you. But he said your queen forbids contact outside of the island. What are you doing here?

Well, the king was my father, Avva added with a shrug. That’s why I’m here.

Really? Sol opened his eyes wide. Of course. You said you were a princess and Delia’s daughter.

Yes. Why?

Then… He paused. He looked sad. I’m sorry, princess, but you’ve arrived too late.

I know. He’s dead.

Sol seemed taken aback by her frank words. Even more when she laughed.

I met him only once when I was a child, she added.

You’re a strange girl, he said, furrowing his brow and nodding slowly. It seems we’re quite a pair. If Darius was your father, you realize you’re my sister. He adopted me as his son.

Well, that was too bad. He was strikingly handsome. A very attractive brother. She patted a space beside her on the rock. Are you hungry, King Nobody? Sit beside me. I brought some food and I’d love no one’s company right now.

He leaped over and jumped on the rock beside her. She was startled at how fast he moved. She chuckled again but then lost her smile when she looked deep into his dark eyes. He took her hand gently and ran a finger along it, examining it.

Blue, he said with a nod.

Yes, Blue. How does he know my nickname? … He’s talking about your hand, you idiot. Are you getting smitten by this nobody, stupid girl? Oh, but I like it when he touches my fingers.

She jerked her hand back.

Why would you cover your lovely face by painting it white?

If she hadn’t, he would have seen her blush then. She felt the warmth on her cheeks. She just shrugged. She rummaged through her bag, took out some bread, and placed it in his hand. Then she touched his palm just like he had touched hers. His fingers were worn with cuts and dirty. Worn hands. But such gentle eyes.

Thank you, Avivae.

Are you hungry?

Yes.

Call me Avva. Or Blue. My friends call me Blue.

Thank you, Blue.

They ate quietly, but she enjoyed just sitting near him. He went through all the food in her sack. Then they talked about all sorts of nonsense like the kinds of plants and flowers growing near the stream. Or what animals roamed about in these parts. But none of it mattered. The only thing that really mattered now was Nobody.

You met Darius? he asked. Or your father. When? Where?

Oh, she said with her mouth full of dry jerky. The games. You know the games we hold. Just for a day or two.

That was before the war, Sol said solemnly with a nod. Many men do love the festivals with your people. Did he speak of me? His adopted prince?

She shook her head.

I see, he said contemplatively. Princess, my father was the best man I’ve ever known. He devoted his life to the lives of others. He cared little for himself. He was just and strong. His courage had no bounds. He raised me like a son. In fact, he called me his son—to my brothers’ dismay. He raised me. I’ll miss him dearly.

She thought perhaps he’d cry. But could such a tough man cry?

Why did you come here? he asked.

I told you. It was in honor of him. In honor of his passing.

Did you bring libations to the gods?

No.

Choai?

She shook her head.

So … you just flew across the Strait?

She nodded.

Hmm. You are a very strange girl.

It’s funny, Sol. You said you didn’t know your real father but lived with mine. And I never knew mine. I only spoke with him a few days. Was he truly so great?

Darius was the best man I’ve ever known.

I thought so. I knew that. Even the little I saw of him. He’s better than my mother, anyway.

He looked straight into her eyes. His eyes were so piercing. You don’t like your mother?

Avva nodded. Then she shook her head. She’s a witch.

Really? A witch? he asked with his eyes wide. Is she really a witch?

Not a real witch, silly. An evil woman.

Avva, your mother can’t be so bad.

Why?

If she were a witch, then you’d be a witch. And you seem far from that.

Do you talk like honey to all the ladies in your kingdom? she asked with a laugh, pushing his shoulder.

No, I don’t.

She lost her smile.

Do you like my kingdom?

I’m still not sure I believe it’s really yours.

He bit into an apple and shrugged. "I was given a small parcel of land. My brothers mock me and call me the Crescent king. I hold the Crescent Kingdom. Crescent Blue, as it was called before being handed to me. But I shrug at my brothers’ disrespect. I am, in fact, no one. I’m proud of that. Considering my upbringing, I’m lucky I didn’t end up a slave … Or remain one.

The problem now, Avva, is not the death of our father, it is what will become of his lands. I don’t know if you know, but King Darius kept the peace. By breaking his land into pieces and dividing it among my brothers, we’re now at war. That was the other reason I traveled alone. I came to think. To mourn, but also think. I really don’t know what I’m going to do.

Avva just nodded.

There’s war brewing. Your father should never have split the lands. He was a great king, but he had too great a heart. We shall fight each other, or be vulnerable to an outside invasion. That is why I walk alone today. To think. Honestly, I am nobody. But my brothers want to take my life. That I won’t allow. She believed that. This was not a weak man. Then he laughed. I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. But you make me feel comfortable.

You make me feel comfortable too, Sol. She tied her leather bag closed. Then she stood up. But our meal’s over.

Don’t tell me you’re leaving already?

Sol, my mother is going to kill me when I return. She laughed when he smiled more widely. "It’s not funny. She’s really going to kill me. I’m only here for the afternoon, and I don’t even want to think about what will happen when I come back."

She doesn’t know you came?

No.

I like that. I like your spirit. He took her hand and gently turned her toward him. She looked up into his eyes and her hand trembled a little and her heart raced again.

Just the afternoon?

Huh?

He furrowed his brow. Just today? he asked.

She nodded.

He reached down and touched his lips gently to hers. She moved back for a moment, but slowly, because she wasn’t sure she wanted to escape.

I’m sorry, he said. Was that wrong?

She shook her head.

You’re not going to reach for your sword?

No, she said with a laugh. It’s just, oh, there’s so much happening to me right now.

Life is hard. And that seemed to answer everything. Then he said with a boyish energy, "Would you like for me to show you my forest? I know every inch. We must make the most of your time before your mother kills you. I enjoy the peace of walking alone among the trees and sleeping outside under the moon. Or riding across the sand. It’s so peaceful in Crescent Blue. It always has been. The view of your lands puts me at ease. Just as you do now. This is my