Free The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine Page A

his head, his dark eyes sweep up my body, as if he expects me to have transformed overnight. “I hope you were able to rest despite the dreams.”
    I bite the inside of my cheek. “Thank you for your concern, Elder Aleksi. I’m quite well rested.” A splinter of doubt pierces my determination. Too well rested, perhaps.
    I keep my back straight and my head high as we descend into the catacombs. I wish I could face all this in the daylight instead of in this cold, dank tomb. This is the realm of the cloistered acolytes, the ones who are not chosen as apprentices and live in seclusion after they reach the middle of their third decade. They live together, one united community, completely hidden from the distractions of the world above, devoting themselves to the Valtia’s magic. I have always wondered how pale they must be after years without sunlight, but whenever I asked, Elder Kauko merely chuckled and reminded me that some of them wield fire—they do not want for light or heat. And I will be able to wield fire now too. Starting today. Starting now.
    Veins of green and orange copper glint in the torchlight as I follow Aleksi past the Stone Chamber to another circular room. This one is larger, with four tiers of wide, steep steps leading down to a small arena that looks more like a pit from where I stand. Sitting on the steps are the priests, thirty of them in all. No acolytes or apprentices today. Elder Aleksi takes me to a set of shallow steps that lead to the bottom. “Take your place in the arena, Valtia, and we’ll begin.”
    My heart thuds, and again I feel it reverberate within me. When I reach the flat, slippery stone floor, I turn in place. Aleksi is sitting down with Kauko and Leevi, our three elders, on the lowest tier of this arena. If their robes weren’t so long, from this vantage point I’d be able to see what hides beneath.
    â€œAfter the events of last night,” says Leevi, his voice filling the chamber, “we wanted to make sure you are ready before we proceed with the coronation.” He smiles at me, but between his gaunt face and his jutting brow, it looks more like a grimace. “We know you have always been an obedient and loyal Saadella, if a bit too inquisitive.” He pauses, as if to make sure everyone notes that fault, before continuing. “But you have always respected the role of Valtia. Therefore we expect you to understand the crucial nature of what we ask.”
    I clasp my hands in front of me. The feel of my own clammy fingers sends a chill down my back. “Of course, Elder. At a time like this, having lost their beloved queen, the people need to know they’re secure and protected.”
    Kauko nods his approval. “Well said, my Valtia. This could not be a more critical time for that. Now, all we ask is that you practice your ability to wield ice and fire. As soon as you complete these simple manipulations, we’ll proceed with your coronation. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.”
    I swallow, but my mouth is so dry that it hurts my throat. “What would you like me to do?” I say, my voice pitifully soft in this roomful of staring priests. I wonder if Sofia had to go through this. I wonder how she felt.
    â€œThree basic tasks is all,” says Aleksi, smiling as if it is nothing. “The same that we ask of all our apprentices and acolytes when they first come into our care, so that we may evaluate which element—ice or fire—is more powerful within them.” He chuckles. “Of course, you will easily complete each.”
    He gestures to my left, where a shallow copper bowl full of water sits on a stone pedestal. “Turn the water to ice.” He points to my right, at a sheet of parchment on another pedestal. “Burn it to ash.” Then he slides his plump finger over to the third pedestal, directly in front of me. On it sits a pebble, the kind that litters the shore