Other Lives by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
INTRODUCTION
I do not usually write secondary world fantasies. Most of my stories are rooted in Latin American folklore and locations. Other Lives compiles three exceptions to this rule, three stories that take place in imaginary lands.
“Mirror Life,” the longest piece, was my first published story and it appeared in a now defunct e-zine called Deep Magic in 2006. It is difficult to find and has never been reprinted, until now. The story was originally trimmed for publication. It is reproduced at its original length, with some slight changes.
“King of Sand and Stormy Seas” was my second published story and originally appeared in Shimmer magazine.
“Salt” is the most recent tale. It was published in the e-magazine Expanded Horizons.
Other Lives is intended to show another side of me and some of the secondary worlds I have written about. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
MIRROR LIFE
1
She seemed suddenly aware of his presence and glanced around, staring back at him. Her eyes were of the oddest shade, the color of molten gold. She was very beautiful, might have easily been the princess in a fairy tale.
Nikolaos stepped back, startled by her gaze, by the intensity of it.
He retreated from the balcony and placed his attention back on her sour uncle, who was speaking again.
“As you can see she is young and lovely,” muttered the man. “Sit down.”
Nikolaos and Stefan complied.
“She would be a good wife,” the uncle said, handing them a glass of wine.
“That is precisely why I am here,” Nikolaos said.
“Yet you do not bring me a solid marriage proposal. I can’t let my niece wander off with a stranger.”
“I vouch for Nikolaos,” Stefan replied. “He is an honorable man.”
“Your cousin may be honorable, but what about this marquis? Will he be honorable too? How do I know I will not be rewarded with a ruined niece knocking at my door?”
Nikolaos shook his head. “Darius would not do that. He seeks a suitable wife.”
“Yes, yes. But why can’t we arrange it properly? Not just this parading of my niece in front of him.”
“If he likes Miranda wedding plans will be made. He will not marry before meeting the girl.”
The older man grumbled and downed his drink.
“Darius would provide well for her. He is handsome and well-spoken,” Nikolaos continued.
“But she does not have time to prepare. No suitable clothes, nothing. My Miranda cannot leave looking like a pauper.”
Nikolaos smiled, understanding the bend the conversation was taking. “I would provide anything she may need. If she wishes to purchases some dresses before parting, I can arrange for a generous amount to be at her disposal.”
“That could be, that could be,” nodded the uncle. “You must understand my hesitation. She is my late sister’s only daughter.”
“Of course,” Nikolaos agreed.
***
Miranda watched with rising panic as the maid packed her trunk. Suddenly it was clear this was really happening. Not that she had not known another match would be arranged. Her uncle was keen to remind her she was an unwanted expense.
But the quick succession of events had left her breathless. Less than a week had passed since she’d seen the man. A stranger from the east with fine clothes and even finer words. And a fat purse.
“You must impress him,” her aunt said, flicking away a stray lock of hair from Miranda’s face. “All gentle courtesies and soft words, remember that.”
“Could you come?” Miranda asked.
“Sir Nikolaos will watch over you. You’ll also have Ella.”
Miranda, who did not feel very comforted by the idea of a perfect stranger and her maid as the only sources of assistance in another land, shook her head.
“Don’t make me go.”
“Nonsense,” her aunt said. “This is your chance. You are not going to be young all your life.”
“But …”
“Look at yourself,” her aunt’s strict face showed little emotion. “You are too pale. Try to smile. It’s not an execution. You’ll be back home soon if he is not pleased with you. A few weeks away won’t kill you. I hope you’ll please him. Chin up.”
Miranda wished to cry. Unwilling to give her family the pleasure of pointless tears she held back and tilted her chin up, as she’d been ordered.
***
Miranda had kept to her quarters for the past four days. Which was good. He’d rather not see much of her.
Still, if things were to go smoothly Nikolaos needed to talk to her. Aside from a dozen words and their names exchanged at the docks, he had yet to hold a real conversation with the woman. She needed to make a good impression with Darius.
On the morning of the fifth day at sea Nikolaos paid her a visit.
Up close he was surprised to discover Miranda was even more beautiful than he’d first thought, a hard feat, that. But her gaze was sad, and it was this, not the strange amber shade of her eyes that caused him to fumble with his words and pause.
“I hope the cabin is to your liking,” he said, looking around the cramped quarters
Miranda sat in a crimson chair, her maid fiddling with her hair as the girl sat very still and proper. She said nothing and a painful silence filled the room.