by T J Kelly
Only two more days passed when it happened.
Like I told my aunt, I had been combing through the books that lined my workshop. Besides the Blood-of-my-blood spell, I didn't find anything useful. It soon became an obsession, and I carried most of the ancient tomes with me in my backpack. It was annoying that when I had a flash of insight, I had to drop everything and run upstairs to get the book I needed. I was lugging around pretty much my entire library, although, looking at my backpack, nobody could tell.
Back when the first expansion spell was created for containers like bags, satchels, and pockets, they had only figured out the size and shape differentials. They couldn’t figure out the weight. It was great they could fit as much as they wanted into a small space, but it quickly became too heavy to carry and wasn’t remotely practical. My uncle’s family invented the weightless spell. The Laurus clan then formed a partnership with the Weavers, and they both still made a ton of money from it. Good thing, too, because the upkeep of castles was brutal.
“Give it a rest,” Harris called. He was tossing little rocks into the pond. Then he would lift the rock in the air and set it on fire. Air and Fire weren’t even his elements, but he was using them regularly. It was so cool we could expand elements that way. And the Air and Fire elements he used were totally untraceable.
Amazing.
“All right, all right. Give me a sec,” I said. I stuffed my notepapers into the open book to keep my place and then shoved them into my backpack. “What’s so urgent that you can’t wait five more minutes, anyway?”
“Are you kidding?” he asked, laughing. “Lia, you told me to wait five minutes over an hour ago!”
Oh, wow. Oops. “Sorry, man. There, see? I’m done. You have my undivided attention. Tell me what you need.”
“Er, I don’t actually need anything. I’m bored.”
I would have been annoyed, but Harris really was charming. “What are you, ten?” I asked, not wanting to give him the wrong idea. “You should have said something - or left.” Fortunately, he knew me well enough to recognize my teasing tone.
“Whatever, lady. I’m the guest here. You’re totally supposed to cater to me.”
I snickered in spite of myself and walked down the slope until I stood next to him, looking up into his eyes. “So what do you want to do?”
“Uh,” Harris started. And then stopped. A light flush spread across his cheeks. He obviously had no idea. I huffed with impatience, but before he was forced to think of something to say, Seth showed up.
“Hey, Peony asked me to come get you. She just got word that Vir Fortis is coming.”
I was sure plenty of people felt like a visit from the Mayor of San Francisco was a big deal. But even though I sort of liked him, his personality rubbed me the wrong way. And it was so hard not to laugh every time somebody said his name. It meant “strong man” or “hero,” which clashed with his short, rotund form and bald head.
“Fabulous,” I said sarcastically. “Well, Harris, there you go. The mayor is a lot of things, but he’s not boring.”
We hurried back to the castle. Once again, I had to change clothes. It was so annoying. I even grouped together entire outfits and stashed them in my hutch, so I didn’t have to spend so much time going in and out of my dressing chamber just to change out of the formal meeting clothes I loathed.
I pulled on a cute skirt in black and buttoned a white blouse over it. I added a formal battle vest in the traditional black and dark blue pattern, indicating my status as an Irregular. Remembering Peter’s advice, I chose a pair of strappy, four-inch heels.
I groaned, knowing I couldn’t leave my hair down. Fortunately, the mayor would be tied up in security a little longer, so I used a silver clip to sweep my hair up on either side, causing the chestnut locks to cascade down my back in waves. I wore my silver star necklace, as always, and I popped in some silver hoops before dabbing on some tinted lip gloss. I looked in the mirror in my closet to make sure I was presentable. It hummed with magic, but as usual, I didn’t have time to investigate why.
A short while later, I joined my aunt and Harris in the entryway.
“Seth’s still trying to find his shoe,” he said, excusing his brother’s tardiness.
I giggled. “Really? Exactly how does one lose a shoe, I wonder?”
“You got me. I bet he’ll steal my extra pair of dress shoes so he can come down. We’ve heard all about the mayor, and Seth can’t wait to meet him.”
I groaned. The Andersson brothers thought they were hilarious, but I wasn’t in the mood for their antics while talking to an important connection. The more political relationships I had, the better. I needed the good graces of the major players in the magical corporate world if I wanted to continue to run a successful business.
Oh, no. This was it. I sounded like I was forty, worrying about my connections. Great.
Sure enough, Seth came down a short time later. He must have borrowed his brother’s shoes because he moved like a man with pinched toes. Peter arrived right behind him.
Vir Fortis acted protective and fatherly towards me, and I think somewhere inside his head, he thought of me as his protégé. Which was silly because he barely even remembered I existed until my parents died and I humiliated myself publicly with him standing right next to me. Not my finest moment. But he was the one who announced my win at the trials, which I guess linked us and made him feel partially responsible for my victory.
Whatever. Maybe that meant that he thought Rector Enterprises would continue to be an influential and successful company and he wanted to suck up. The more people who believed that, the more likely it would happen.
Man, I hated acting like such a plastic.
Aureum Videte must have been on guard duty again because she walked through the front door. Dressed in the Laurus family uniform and looking terribly official, her black hair had been styled into neat cornrow braids with threads of gold woven down the length of one, honoring her Golden Spy name. Her dark brown skin almost glowed with strength and vitality. The mayor would eat that up.
“He’s coming up the walk,” Aureum warned us. “We’ve got our guys lined up every few feet as an honor guard.”
My mouth quirked up at the corner when Vir Fortis entered the castle. His chest was sticking out so far with pride there was a real chance he might burst.
“Potentia, my dear woman, how are you?” he boomed. He greeted my aunt first, which was proper etiquette since she was the lady of the castle and the wife of my guardian. I winced when he continued. “How are things running without your precious husband? I’ve been worried. I wanted you to know if you need anything, anything at all, you can call on me. You are not alone or helpless. Our families have always watched out for one another, and I don’t want you to feel left out in the cold.”
Ha. As if Vir Fortis could handle even one-tenth of the magic my aunt could.
Peony stiffened. The mayor was holding her hand in a formal gesture, but I could tell she wanted to yank it away. I could almost feel the annoyance rolling off her.
“You’re too kind, Mayor. I thank you for the offer, but I’m sure a man of your stature is too busy to worry about me. I have my niece, and she is all the support I need. Lia, come and say hi to the mayor.”
I stepped forward. I didn’t blame my aunt for parading me around as a distraction. I had a feeling she was having a hard time not smacking him.
“Mirabilia, how lovely you look,” Vir Fortis said. I almost groaned out loud. I hated my formal name. He could have used my magician’s name, and out of respect should have, but he wanted to remind us he had known me my entire life and he was a close enough family ally he could take a few personal liberties here and there.
I extended my hand, and he finally let go of my aunt. Lucky her - his damp palm was disgusting. She stepped out of reach, and when I glanced at her, she winked at me.
“Mayor Fortis, it’s wonderful to see you again. Won’t you join us the sitting room?” I tugged gent
ly and led him to the formal visitation room. Back in the day - say, the eighteenth century - the sitting room was used to greet and spend time with reigning royalty, nobles, and the magical elite. The best part of owning a centuries-old castle was that it never failed to inflate the ego of the self-important visitors when they thought their rear ends were sitting in the same chair as other, more royal rear ends. A stroked ego always helped with negotiations.
Not like we were negotiating anything. Yet.
“Certainly, my dear.” Vir Fortis turned towards my aunt and indicated with a nod of his head that he wouldn’t need to formally meet our male companions. The guys shifted to the sides of the room and leaned casually against the walls and against the backs of the furniture. I could feel a slight hum of magic as they shielded themselves from the mayor’s sight. He wasn’t strong enough to notice they were still there, giving them a chance to practice their covert observation skills and stave off boredom. Although I couldn’t imagine how watching the mayor yap his head off could be any fun.
Peony and I sat together on the love seat. The two of us sought close proximity, knowing we might need moral support, and it kept us away from the mayor’s damp palms.
“Tea?” my aunt asked. At his nod, she poured for him, and then passed me the teacup and saucer. I leaned closer to his chair and handed him the cup. “What can we do for you this afternoon, Mayor Fortis?”
Vir Fortis took a sip of his tea and then sat back like he had all day to spend in our parlor. “You always did make the best tea, Potentia. Thank you. I’ve come to check on you. Your circumstances have me concerned, and I wanted to ensure you knew you had an ally in these troubling times.” Wow, he sure was laying it on thick. “I was sharing my concern with a dear, close friend of mine, and she suggested I visit to help relieve your mind. You know Tenere Gladium, always one to keep an eye on things and look out for the welfare of others.”
A nasty shock crawled through my body. Tenere was the head of the Council of Families. She was typically feeling concerned about something, sure, but usually, it was more about power and corruption and less about feelings and tears.
Which caused me to wonder about the mayor’s intentions. Since he name-dropped one of the highest-ranked members of magical society, at least politically, he obviously meant business.
“We’re managing,” my aunt replied vaguely. Caution was always the best choice when you had no idea what a person’s motives were.
“And how about this lovely girl’s training? Is she able to keep up with her apprenticeship duties despite her master being gone?”
And there it was. He was here to check on me, not make a few pointed and offensive inquiries into how well my aunt was doing. The real question was, did the head of the Council of Families suggest that line of questioning? Was Tenere worried I would go crazy and destroy the world because my uncle was missing in action?
“Lia’s progressing beyond our expectations,” Peony answered, her tone even and calm. “I’m proud of my niece, as is my husband. There is no gap in her training. As a member of the Irregulars, she has been complying with the strict guidelines and rules. There are several fellow agents on site with us. They are more than enough of a help. You may reassure Tenere we're fine.”
Vir Fortis nodded absently as he sipped his tea. He wasn’t as outgoing when there wasn’t anyone to perform for. Seth grinned at me. At least, not an audience he could see.
“Good. Now, young lady, how have you been? Have your guardians been treating you well?”
Although it was a typical question, even the faintest hint that my uncle or aunt could harm me in any way made me furious. “I’m as well as can be. Aunt Peony and Uncle Ged are the best of relations. I’m grateful for their care and guidance.”
The benefit of learning manners was that there were tons of phrases I could fall back on when I wasn’t sure what to say. My annoyance would have left me speechless otherwise.
“Indeed.” The mayor glanced around the room one more time, his gaze skipping right over the guys as he stood. My aunt and I followed suit. “Thank you, ladies, for such a pleasant visit. I’m very busy, and I’m afraid I can’t stay any longer. I will let the Council know you’re doing well.”
He looked at me sternly. I blinked up at him, widening my eyes just the slightest bit, trying to look innocent and helpless. I mean, sure, I could juggle hundreds of crystals in the air and shatter fire, but that didn’t mean I was any match for a big strong man such as himself. I threw my entire being into conveying what I hoped was the right message. Ignore me. I'm too weak to matter.
Vir Fortis shifted his gaze away, and I watched as his eyes again skimmed over Peter and Seth, who were leaning against the bookshelves. They were still essentially invisible to the mayor. Not a bad trick. I didn’t even know it was possible to hide from a magician that way.
Peony slipped her arm through the mayor’s, and they walked out together. I followed as meekly as I could. I caught Peter’s look and had to bite my tongue when I saw he was trying not to laugh. Maybe the mayor bought my innocent act, but Peter knew better.
When we reached the door, Vir Fortis once again bowed over my aunt’s hand and took his leave.
I wrinkled my nose.
“Don’t say it,” my aunt warned.
“Fine,” I said. “I promise not to mention that smarmy kiss on your hand ever again if you tell me why he acts so weird around you.” The mayor was a pompous blowhard, but I had never seen him so distracted and awkward.
Peony sighed. “He courted me before I met your uncle. Or, tried to. I wasn’t the least bit interested.”
“Oh, man. That’s so gross. So while he was here spying for the Council and making sure I wasn’t plotting to overthrow them with my evil cohorts, he was also hitting on you?” My voice was shaking.
“That seems to be the case.”
I wanted to scream, and laugh, but the look on my aunt’s face kept me quiet. Mostly. I did accidentally let out a squeak.
“Exactly,” she said. Peony turned and gestured to the guys, who were still hanging back. “You better get her out of her before I decide she isn’t too old for a spanking.”
Peter cracked up. My aunt had raised him, and he knew she was kidding. I think.
Harris reached me first, so it was his hand that grabbed mine and dragged me down the hall.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Not sure yet, but something tells me we can’t get there soon enough to satisfy your aunt. Imagine, Vir Fortis was her beau. What wouldn’t you do to keep that information out of the tabloids?”
I snorted. He pulled me closer to the back stairs, and I used an extra bit of Air to steady my feet as he led the way.
“I’d die,” I said.
“Exactly. Now go get a more practical outfit, and we’ll meet the others in the glade on the south side of the property. I’m sure Peony will be grateful if we gave her a chance to live that down.”
Laughing as I made my way into my bedroom, I closed the door for privacy. I pulled out one of the outfits in my hutch and changed quickly. I shuddered, thinking about having to change into a dress and corset every time company came like women used to do in the old days.
I tugged on my purple and yellow plaid sneakers and headed back down the stairs. Not that I was really concerned I would bother Peony, or worried that she would lose her temper. I just wanted to give her time alone in the castle. Or as alone as she could get.
Under the hilarity and awkwardness, beneath the rejection and anger she felt at the thinly veiled threat on my life by the Council, my aunt was in pain. And the best thing I could do for her was give her a minute to find her equilibrium. And if she couldn’t do it, I would be there. There were magical methods to help somebody achieve inner peace even if it meant I would go back under the dark.
It would be worth it. I loved her that much.
◆◆◆
We were standing right outside when the sirens went off. Loud and terrifying
, they were the sound of a perimeter breach in a place that had never been breached.
“Run!” Peter shouted. We spun around together and headed straight for the castle at top speed. I had been taking part in safety drills for months and knew its solid walls, infused with magic, were the best defense we had. Peter slammed the doors, and I almost ran into Harris as the four of us jostled in the foyer.
“Where’s Peony?” I shouted, my breath hitching as an imaginary knife stabbed me in the side. Too much running, too soon after we ate our picnic lunch.
“She’s with Reg and Tian,” Seth called. He was right on my heels, taking the stairs two at a time, heading to the guest chambers down the hall from my room.
I burst into my bedroom just as a small explosion rocked the castle door on its hinges. That meant the enemy had to be close. I couldn’t believe it. How was it even possible that somebody was attacking Castle Laurus? How did they get through the defenses and onto my uncle’s land in the first place?
My backpack leaned against an upholstered chair positioned against the wall near my workshop. I snatched it up as I strode over to my hutch. I shoved the mechanicals I had forgotten about after my trip to Rector Enterprises into the sack and then scooped up some clothes. I didn’t have a lot of time, so I grabbed without looking too hard.
The door to my workshop was open, and something about that set off alarm bells in my head. I pulled the iron key out of my wooden trinket box and shut the door, turning it in the centuries-old lock. I dropped it into my backpack then crouched into a fighting stance when I heard pounding feet headed my way. I straightened again when I saw the guys as they raced into my bedroom.
“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” Harris chanted, rushing us towards my closet. I was completely weirded out to see the three of them in my room. The drills were created to get us upstairs and then we were supposed to rendezvous, but I never remembered the next step. My feet seemed to know, though, and I finally recognized the memory charm when my mind cleared.
My closet was the way out, and my mirror was a door.