Trillian's first stage

This castle was huge. Only one side of it was presently visible, but a massive wall topped with walkways and towers enclosed the expansive courtyard. The side of the castle Cole could see was broad and solid, rising through multiple levels of battlements, balconies, and turrets to the highest towers. Guards in immaculate uniforms stood on the walls and around the perimeter of the courtyard.

“Mira, hurry up,” called a woman from farther out in the courtyard. Tall and graceful, she had auburn hair and a playful expression. Beside her stood a young woman, equally tall and if anything more lovely. Her hair was a shade darker, and she wore combs in it. A younger, shorter girl had long straight hair and a bored expression. She stood with her arms folded and looked a year or two older than Cole. The youngest of the group had to be a couple of years younger than Cole. She wore a plain dress with an apron and had dark, soulful eyes.

Mira gave a little gasp. “No, no, no,” she whispered.

With a start, Cole saw that Mira had long hair and wore an elegant dress. He and Jace were dressed nicely as well.

Suddenly, Cole realized what he was seeing. The women and girls looking toward Mira all bore a resemblance to her. They had to be her mother and her sisters!

“Hurry up,” the eldest daughter said. “It’ll take all of us to convince Honor to come.”

“One moment,” Mira called. She turned to Cole and Jace. Cole didn’t think he had ever seen her look so rattled. She wiped her eyes with trembling fingers.

“It’s your family,” Cole said.

Mira nodded, saying nothing. “I mean, it isn’t really them,” she said, as if trying to convince herself. “But, you know, it all looks perfect.”

“That’s your mom?” Jace asked.

“My mother and sisters,” Mira confirmed, getting a little more control over herself. “Queen Harmony, Ella, Costa, and Tessa. Call Mother ‘my queen.’ It’s the day we were supposed to go to the Fall Festival in Lindenwood. The day Father staged our deaths.”

Chapter 30