I wasn't alone in distraction. The entire class, even Ms. Devereux, was craning necks as best as we could to catch a glimpse of the king. Lucan had arrived in Omaha with as much pomp and circumstance as is expected from royalty.
The school had been in a frenzy for a week. As soon as Christmas break was over and we had returned to regular classes, the announcement had been made. Lucan would be visiting Omaha and sequentially Kingsley.
Today was the day he toured the great halls of the exclusive Immortal prep school and everything was to go perfectly. Or so the teachers, staff and students had been told. But from conversations with Amory at home, I really had a hard time believing he cared at all.
Kiran hadn't been in school since his father had arrived, although he was allegedly here today, guiding Lucan across campus. Talbott, the ever faithful bodyguard, had been away too and I was surprised at how relaxing the week had felt without the two of them around.
Lilly had also been missing for the week, but not by choice. Although it was ok for her to be at school while Kiran was there, it was definitely not ok for her to be there while Lucan was around. He had demanded that Amory keep her home for the week and she had gladly complied.
I was actually jealous of her. Days at home were sounding more and more fun with Jericho, Lilly and Roxie. Avalon and I were usually in terrible moods at school, wishing we could be away from the Kingsley crowd and home with our real friends.
At least something was happening at school today. We could all hear Lucan and Amory out in the hallway, but not make out what they were saying. Avalon was the only student not interested in the activity, I could feel the irritation and resentment radiating off of him, but I dismissed it. Good or bad, Lucan was still king, and still at our school.
The door opened slowly; Amory and Lucan stepped inside the classroom. There was no need for the noise to stop, the entire class was already silent and offering their attention. Someone in the front stood up first and the rest of the class followed suit, paying Lucan their respect.
Avalon was quick to stand up and I was surprised at his reverent bow. I had expected him to be the last out of his seat and barely show any sign of respect.
I don't want to draw unnecessary attention to myself. He sent me, answering my question.
"Jacqueline, pardon the interruption." Amory addressed a fidgeting Ms. Devereux; I had to laugh at her nervous behavior. Finally, she seemed human. "Do you mind if I introduce our king?" he continued politely.
"Not at all," Ms. Devereux mumbled, her icy demeanor melted for the moment.
"This is our Freshman French Honors, your highness. Jacqueline Devereux teaches all of the secondary students and this would be her youngest class. As you know, most students arrive with a basic working knowledge of the language, but Jacqueline makes sure they know how to both read and write fluently before the year is over," Amory smiled reassuringly at Ms. Devereux whose mouth dropped open just slightly and offered no reply.
The door behind Lucan and Amory opened; Kiran and Talbott slipped in quietly. Both boys looked oddly casual in respective jeans and sweaters. Kiran was wearing a cream cable-knit bulky sweater that looked especially warm and Talbott, a black, more-fitted, wool sweater that showed off his thick arms and muscular chest. Out of the school uniform Talbott looked years older, but Kiran only looked more handsome.
"Kiran, are you in this class?" Lucan asked his son without turning around.
"Yes, I am Father," Kiran replied and then cleared his throat.
"But this is a beginner's class," Lucan continued, the disdain obvious in his tone.
"By the time Kiran arrived, language classes that may have suited him more favorably were already full," Amory interrupted, his tone firm. Ms. Devereux looked like she would throw up. "I was given instructions not to treat him differently than I would other students," he finished, looking straight ahead and out the second story window.
"Surely, an exception could have been made," Lucan turned on Amory, who nodded his head without giving an answer. I didn't know what to make of his head nod. Was he agreeing with Lucan but refusing to do anything about it, or was he defying him completely, or was he complying with his not-so-straightforward command? I really did not understand the dynamic between the king and my grandfather.
"Father, please. This class is perfectly fine," Kiran laughed lightly, shaking his head and dismissing the entire discussion.
"Is it?" Lucan asked, his eyes flitting over me. I quickly looked down at my desk, afraid that my very presence would create an outburst or argument between father and son.
"Eden, you are also in this class?" Lucan asked directly.
"Yes," I nodded.
Your majesty. Say "Your majesty." Avalon pushed the command at me and I realized my mistake.
"Yes, your majesty," I clarified quickly.
"Did you speak French growing up?" Lucan continued to ask me questions and I hated answering them while all of the eyes of the class were on me.
"No, I did not sir," I didn't know if "sir" was appropriate, but I thought I would give it a go. "Your majesty" and "your highness" felt way too make believe for me to say them without wanting to giggle.
"In your human home, they did not speak French to you?" he asked more pointedly, his face etched with disbelief.
"No, sir," I replied humbly, but my rebellious nature was growing frustrated.
"It hasn't been a struggle to learn I'm sure, now that you have magic at your disposal." He said with finality and no evidence of a question.
"Actually, sir," I spoke up, and I saw Kiran flinch behind him, but it was too late, I had already gone down the rabbit hole, "I prefer to learn the language the old-fashioned way," I smiled, in an attempt to be charming.
"The old-fashioned way? And pray tell, my dear child, what way is that?" Lucan's blue eyes turned to stone; he stared at me, daring me to defy him.
"You know," suddenly I had lost my courage, "without magic."
He stood there staring at me, his eyes never leaving mine and I wanted to squirm but I had too much pride. Avalon coughed behind me and I hurried to finish the part I had forgotten.
"Your highness," I said quickly, relying on the reverence of the title to pull me out of trouble.
"That is the old-fashioned way?" he asked calmly. I knew I had gone too far and I wasn't exactly sure how to remedy the situation.
"No, it's not. Forgive me. I was just trying to...." I couldn't even explain my behavior. The room was deathly silent; no one was even moving. I had no idea how to recover.
"Ms. Matthews why don't you finish your thought out in the hallway," Amory spoke up before I dug myself into a deeper hole. I gathered my things quickly and with head down bolted into the sanctuary of the empty halls.
"Are you crazy?" Kiran was fast behind me, but his eyes were amused and his tone barely serious.
"Everyone was so serious in there; I was just trying to lighten the mood," I grumbled, knowing that wasn't the real reason. But since I didn't even know the real reason, it was a better excuse than anything else I had.
"Fantastic job of it, Love," Kiran rolled his eyes, but the smirk was there.
"I miss you," I changed the subject, my voice barely audible.
"Do you?" He smiled, taking a step closer to me. "Then let’s do something about it, shall we?"
"Yes, please," I agreed.
"How about I take you to dinner tonight? Are you free?" I nodded, excitedly, hardly believing a real date could be my future plans for the evening. "Good. Then, I will pick you up around seven and make it just the two of us." He took another step closer to me, the smile growing and his eyes twinkling.
"How are you going to manage that?" I asked, disbelieving he could possibly get away from Talbott.
"Don't you worry your pretty little head, I'll figure it out," he looked like he was about to say more, but the door opened and out walked Lucan, Amory and Talbott.
I curtsied politely and kept my eyes on the floor, hoping to rec
over any ground lost before.
"Don't be too hard on her Amory, Eden and I became very special friends in
India," Lucan smiled down at me, the same wicked expression found in Kiran's smirk, present in his eyes.
"Of course," Amory replied gruffly and put a firm hand on my shoulder.
"Well then, Amory, thank you for the tour and I shall see you at dinner this evening," Lucan smiled benevolently at Amory who nodded a sort of short bow in return.
Lucan placed a hand on Kiran's back and ushered him down the hallway. Talbott followed a few steps behind and I wondered for a moment where Lucan's body guard was.
"Am I in trouble?" I looked up at Amory, not really afraid of him, but still worried he might have to punish me for appearances sake.
"Eden, my dear, you are always in trouble," he patted the shoulder his hand was resting on and followed in the direction Lucan had gone.
"Does that mean I have to go back to class?" I whispered loudly, hoping the outcome would be in my favor.
"Of course it does," Amory replied without turning around. "And Eden, if you wouldn't mind, try not to offend your entire race of people by the end of the school day."
"No promises," I called after him.
I slipped back into class, trying my best to make it to my seat without being noticed. It was no use. The entire class stared. Even Ms. Devereux stopped lecturing, and stood in silent distaste.
That was really nice Eden. You have more balls than I give you credit for. Avalon laughed at me inside our shared consciousness.
"Ok, being human is not that bad," I put my hands out and defended the unspoken accusations; but it was no use, the class remained silent and once I had reached my desk and opened my book, Ms. Devereux continued with her lecture, ignoring me all together.
32.
"I'm going alone Avalon, don't even try to come along," I paced back and forth in the entry way, arms folded and defiant. Kiran would be picking me up soon and the last thing I wanted was an entourage.
"Eden, you can't be serious," Jericho stood up from the overstuffed couch and crossed his arms, equally stubborn.
"Jericho, stay out of this," I turned on him and stomped my foot.
"You know what?" he started, louder than he had been before. "Fine, do what you want; there is apparently no stopping you." he put his hands up in mock surrender and left the room.
"Great, Eden. That's real great," Avalon growled from his place by the fire place. "Listen, I'm tired of dealing with this. I don't think it's a good idea, but do what you want. I have bigger things to worry about."
"Thank you," I sighed, exasperated and feeling a little hurt.
Avalon walked into the kitchen and joined Jericho. They were quiet in there and I had the urge to eavesdrop on them from the safety of Avalon's mind, but I resisted. It wasn't fair to them. And I had the feeling I didn't really want to know what they were whispering about.
"On the bright side," Lilly smiled at me from the couch, in between Aunt Syl and Roxie. "you look amazing!"
"Yes you do, Eden," Aunt Syl agreed. "But are you sure you don't want a warmer coat?"
I shook my head. I knew the icy January evening would not be kind to the black and baggy, sheer top I was wearing and short jean skirt. But in my defense I was wearing thick black tights and furry boots to protect my feet against the three feet of snow outside. I looked down at my bare shoulder and shuddered. Maybe Aunt Syl was right.
I opened the coat closet and glanced over my winter coats, none of them feeling very date-like. Instead of practicality, I opted for a bright pink pashmina scarf that had been a Christmas present last year.
"Is this better?" I turned around and smiled. Aunt Syl rolled her eyes and sat back in the couch laughing at me. "I'm magic, remember?" I said with finality.
"Oh yes, you're magic," Roxie mumbled, only half amused.
There was a knock at the door and I jumped, my heart beating wildly; I prayed silently that only Kiran was standing on the other side. I counted to ten, not wanting to open the door too quickly, took a couple of deep breaths for good measure and let Kiran inside.
"Hello, Lovely," Kiran said softly, his turquoise eyes smoldering and his trademark smirk turning up one corner of his mouth.
"Hello," I giggled, stepping forward and kissing him on the cheek.
He looked more handsome than ever in a crisp white dress shirt, open at the neck, a sharp black suit coat and designer jeans. His hair was slicked back in a movie star way that signified a dress-up event; he had a black scarf wrapped several times around his neck to pull the whole look together.
"Hello ladies," he took his eyes off of me, almost regretfully, and waved at Aunt Syl, Roxie and Lilly watching us from the couch.
"Hello," they replied back in unison.
"Lilly, I hope this week hasn't been too terribly awful for you. I hate that father is so stuck in his ways," he smiled carefully at her and heat flushed her porcelain cheeks before she could even open her mouth.
"No, it's fine," she quickly replied. "I don't mind missing school at all."
"Of course," Kiran laughed. "Well, then, are you ready love?" he held out his bent arm for me and we walked carefully over the ice-covered sidewalk to his car; a black sports car with no back seat that screamed fast before he even started it.
The deep, soft, snow blanketed the city, creating a quiet not present during the rest of the year. Kiran kept the radio off while we drove downtown, the crunch of packed snow or splashing slush was our only sound track in the silence of night.
"So how did you get away all by yourself?" I asked, truly curious.
"Oh, I have my ways," he smirked, glancing over at me in an overtly appreciative way. I tugged at the hem of my skirt, suddenly self-conscious. "How did you get away?"
"I, too, have ways," I played his game, pretending to be mysterious.
"Oh, do you now?" he pulled into a parking spot off the street of one of Omaha's expensive downtown bistros.
"Yes, of course. All kinds of ways. Ways you've never even seen," I continued, allowing him to walk around and open the door for me.
"You'll have to demonstrate those later for me," he mumbled, and I couldn't stop the blush from painting my cheeks.
We walked into the restaurant with candle-lit center pieces on small tables only meant for two. Kiran spoke to the hostess, who immediately walked us to a table in the far corner of the bustling bistro. She offered us menus, explained the specials for the evening and then gestured to the bartender who immediately brought over a bottle of wine.
Kiran's pocket began vibrating while the hostess poured two glasses of crimson red wine and I watched him reach irritatedly into his pocket, silencing his phone.
"This is nice," I said quietly, reaching for my glass of wine and taking a small drink.
"Yes it is. We haven't been alone in a while," Kiran stated, reaching for his pocket again, stopping the vibrating.
"Do you need to get that?" I asked, realizing a night alone might actually be impossible.
"No. I do not," he stated clearly, reaching for my hand and holding it on top of the white table cloth.
"So your birthday is coming up, yeah?" I watched him grow just a little bit uncomfortable.
"Yes," he mumbled.
"Come on, it's exciting!" I gushed, having always loved my own birthday.
"I suppose," he took a sip of his wine and looked at me intently. "I just wish.... I just wish that it didn't have to be such a big deal. You know? Father is planning this god-awful party in which he is inviting half of the kingdom and I will have to sit there and pretend to like everyone and dance with hundreds of snotty and single girls, while their parents plot and plan how to break off my engagement and get their daughter a crown instead of Seraphina."
"Oh," I stared at him, a little shocked. That wasn't really what I had expected from a royal birthday party.
"Don't they believe you love Seraphina?" I asked.
"Nobody believes that," he
laughed bitterly. "Everyone understands Father's agenda." When I gave him a curious look he continued, "There hasn't ever been a royal wedding where the couple married for love. It's all about power and longevity. My engagement is no different and most of the kingdom understands that. So, they hope that they can find a way to convince Father their daughter, or niece, or granddaughter, or whoever is more suited for queen."
"Would he ever change his mind?" I gasped, finding it hard to believe marriage was thought of as nothing more than a business transaction.
"Well, I don't know. Seraphina was very carefully chosen, and her father played his cards right. A very compelling case would have to be made. And I am pretty sure Father would lose a lot of money, should the betrothal be called off."
"What does that mean?" I asked in shock.
"George, Seraphina's father, negotiated very shrewdly. I don't know all of the details but I do know that there was a lot of money involved, and whatever deal was struck meant enough for me to leave England and end up here." Kiran looked around the restaurant with the tiniest hint of disgust.
"So your birthday party is just one big dating show?"
"Most likely," he mumbled, taking another drink of wine and silencing his pocket once more.
"Well, that sounds.... awful." I looked down at our clasped hands, not excited about the prospect of all those girls oogling Kiran at all.
"Are you jealous already?" he smirked at me. The amusement in his eyes was unmistakable.
"What? No," I replied, not convincing either one of us.
"You've nothing to worry about, Eden," his eyes grew serious, their light turquoise turning to a dark blue in the span of a thought, that seemed to reveal the depth of his soul, "I am nothing more than bound to you." He smiled shyly and my heart was suddenly beating as if it would escape from the confines of my chest. "I cannot escape you."
"Kiran, I...." I didn't know how to reply, I couldn't define the feelings that echoed his out loud, they seemed too much.
"Eden," he cut me off, hitting his jeans pocket and forcefully quieting his buzzing cell phone. "when you were dy-, when you were infected with the King's Curse, I knew that would be the end for me. If you wouldn't have made it, if you wouldn't have.... survived, I don't know how I could have...." His voice dropped and he looked away, ashamed of the nearly overflowing emotion.
Hopeless Magic (The Star-Crossed Series) Page 24