by A. W. Cross
After the long week, father and I were finally ready to pack a bag for the weekend. I looked over my wardrobe, which would have to do. I picked my most capable clothing and folded it neatly for the trip.
I'd wondered if I'd crossed a line with Cloe, even though I never second-guessed myself, I didn't want to do damage to the friendship that had begun to sprout between us. I'd have to extend an olive-branch to her later, assuming she allowed me the chance. A weekend away with the lot of them, was just the thing to foster that kind of environment.
I'd barely finished, when my father alerted me that our ride had arrived.
"One moment, father." I grabbed the saddle bag with my grimoire, casting a glance at the safe. Leaving the Horologium unattended seemed irresponsible, but carrying it with me, unprotected also felt irresponsible. In the end, I decided to leave it in the safe. No one had access to our room, without the key, and with my father and I gone for the weekend, no one had access to the safe either. Besides, Alistair had assured my father that our suite would be under watchful eyes.
Yes, I nodded, talking to myself, it was better here, locked up safely, than floating about freely in my bags.
"Lily, for goodness sake, they're waiting," my father called after me impatiently.
"Yes, yes, I'm coming!" I said hurriedly, securing the doors of the lovely armoire. I willed that whatever protective forces that be, would watch over it. I knew it was too great an investment for my father to lose.
I slid the strap of the saddle bag over my head, and though I may have imagined it, I could feel a soft humming coming from the grimoire, as if it were calling to me. Willing me to open it, to set it free. I shook my head, I had to have been going out of my mind.
Meeting my father in the hallway, he lifted the crook of his elbow for me to take it, and we made our way down where an elegant steam-powered carriage waited for us. General Jensen was already inside, and as the footman assisted me into the gleaming vehicle, with its metallic finish, and curved metal frame, the general extended his hand to help me to the seat directly across from him.
I averted my eyes from his gaze, and offered a polite "Thank you," as I clambered inside. The General had an easy demeanor that I found welcoming the more I was around him, and when his eyes fell on me, I didn't feel as if I needed to run. My father sat down next to me, and after a few moments, our driver was on the way. I wasn't sure who had given the order, but I was sure that the LaBaron’s had enough money to have servants at their call as they needed. I assumed the same about our driver.
"So," I asked the General, "Have you known the LaBaron's long?"
He nodded, smiling politely, "Oh, yes, we're good friends. Hard to live in Arcadia any amount of time and not form some sort of relationship with them. They are the oldest money here."
I didn't know that, but unsure of what to say next, I looked out the window. The imagery of an artificial limb burned in my brain, and curiosity clawed desperately to the forefront of my brain. I had to know for sure! I had to know if he truly had a mechanical limb.
After a short awkward silence, my father and the general engaged in conversation. Which allowed my mind to wander, and unable to draw my own conclusions about the general's limb, I focused instead on the soft humming I could feel coming from the grimoire.
I sucked in a deep breath. I just needed to enjoy myself for the next couple days, and not worry about the Horologium, or Dominic, or the Grimoire. Two out of three wasn't so bad, I thought humorously.
We reached the elegant country estate in what felt like no time, though we were well outside of city limits. The outside of the home, like the great plantation homes of the new country’s south where we’d formerly lived. Elegant and lovely, like the tenants who owned it. The tall cream columns that adorned the outside fitting of the couple, it practically sang of their class, and I had to smile.
I would never have known this to be their house, but now that we were here, I wouldn't have expected anything else. Their property stretched on for miles, and the entirety of the outside was framed by tall curved metal fencing. On the metal, there was carved imagery that joined each post to the other, and as we approached, I saw that each was a different scene. Flowers, horses, villages, people, I'd never seen anything like it.
"Even their fence is lovely," I said out loud, admiring the handiwork.
"Each of those metal pictures are tributes to their past."
I let out a small gasp, "As in, events that have happened over time?"
The general nodded, "Yes, those garden scenes are works of the original gardens here. When you get time, you should venture out and see them for yourself, they have some of the most exquisite plants in all Albercadia. More beautiful than your eyes have ever hoped to see."
I nodded, unable to shake the humming of the grimoire resting against my side, "Yes, I think I will. A nice walk may clear my head."
"That's a lovely idea," my father chimed in, as the gates opened and our carriage made its way inside up to the glorious house with its large windowpanes, and white doors. "You've been preoccupied," he noted, smiling knowingly at me. Though I had no idea what he could possibly think he knew, I'd not disclosed anything about the magic book. Nor had I told him what I'd seen with the General.
The carriage came to a stop, and General Jensen grabbed my bag for me, "Here, I'll take that, go clear your head. Dinner won't be for a few hours, take sometimes to get to know the grounds."
I nodded, grateful that he seemed to know more about me than I dared to confess.
"Do you want me to take that too?" he pointed to my saddle bag, but I vigorously shook my head.
"No, my journal is in here. I think I'll take some time to write," I lied.
"Very well," he said. "They ring a bell for mealtime. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy your time on the grounds. I’ll let Samuel and Bernice know I’ve tasked you with some fresh air." He winked, causing an uneasy sensation through my stomach.
I bowed politely, "Thank you, General."
Turning on my heels I walked away wondering just how obvious and easy to read I was. Him, knowing I needed time to think alone? That was impressive, so I thought. But something inside me made me wonder, could he sense the grimoire's magic?
Stop, Lily, he's no idea! You're just being paranoid. I tried to reason with myself.
I walked around to the back of the house, having seen the spray of color as we approached the home it wasn't hard to find the garden. It was bright enough to attract every bumblebee in creation. There was a lovely path that curved downward into the luminous rows of flowers, and as I got farther and farther away, the calling of the book got louder, or at least felt louder. When I was certain I was out of sight, I pulled it from my bag, and like a prisoner breaking free it fluttered in front of me, and suddenly I was no longer in the garden.
I was encompassed in the most glorious light I'd ever seen. I could feel every amazing feeling possible, and I could see every color known to man. Was I dreaming? The next instant, I was back to reality, and the grimoire was resting patiently in my hands, words lit up across the page.
I shook my head, wondering if I'd just imagined such a thing. What is happening to me?
I yearned to read the words, but even as I spoke them aloud, I didn't understand them.
"In paginis vitae, est magicae in qua verus est inventus est.
Cum unus quaerit extra illud est, Nil inultum remanebit.
Excepit electos."
Latin, for the most part. I thought. I read the words again, unable to understand a single thing.
"Ugh! I wish I could just understand what this said!" I said in frustration. Flashes of light, iridescent sparkles lit the air, as the words rearranged themselves.
"In the pages of life, is where true magic is found.
When one seeks it out, it will reveal itself?
Welcome, those who are chosen."
I closed the book, and a warmth spread over me, like the sunlight’s kiss upon dewy skin.
&n
bsp; "What the heck does that mean?"
Feeling fearful and not knowing why, I slid the book back into my saddlebag. Why had the book chosen me?
Nothing made sense, and now I felt more frustrated than I had when I'd come out here. I slapped my hand to my head, and as I did so, I caught movement from my left peripheral.
I turned abruptly to see a row of lavender flowers opening and blooming before my very eyes.
"What in the world?" My hand dropped to my side, and a rush of wind roared through, nearly knocking me on my hind end. I spun around, wondering what had caused both events, as I spun, rain started to sprinkle softly overhead, but only where I stood.
My jaw dropped open, and to the right of me, miniature roses bloomed in every color imaginable.
It was as if every movement of mine caused the world around me to react, like magic.
Magic. It was truly magic.
10
I stood still focusing on my breathing, carefully avoiding movement or thought. The misty rain subsided as did the breeze. Steady. I told myself, not ready to make a move.
"There you are!" I heard Cloe's familiar voice in the near distance.
Cautiously, I opened my eyes. Quick surveillance of the area and I felt safe to turn.
Cloe was the epitome of perfection, with her bustled sassy skirt, short in the front longer in the back. An iridescent green which caught the light perfectly.
The creamy white strapped corseted top with velvet matching puffy sleeves, and matching colored boots, were glamorous. Somewhat modern to the times with an industrial edge.
"Wow!" I said walking to meet her. "You look amazing. I suddenly feel underdressed."
"Oh, please. I have to maintain an image, remember." She giggled, taking me into her embrace. "It is so nice to see you again. I felt so bad after brunch earlier this week. But you gave me plenty to consider, and for that, I am eternally grateful."
She didn't miss a beat and got straight to the point. I liked her more already.
"I truly felt so bad. And had every intention of making things right this weekend. It wasn't my place to offer such unsolicited advice."
"Hush! Between friends, there is no such thing as unsolicited advice. Anyway, there is a strong possibility that you might meet the marquis this weekend."
"That's great!"
"Yes, and I plan on taking advantage of the opportunity to start putting into practice what you said." She started walking and I followed. "You know, I guess I was too afraid to open up the discussion. Unsure of where I stood. And it wasn't that I didn't appreciate or like what you were saying, but it really forced me to have to see the situation for what it truly is. I'm new in his life. But I shouldn't doubt who I am while in it. I'm young and have lots to learn and who better than him to show me?"
What a beautiful and encouraging revelation.
We continued walking around the gardens in silence for a bit longer, before finding a quaint seating area beneath a gorgeous tree.
"How was the ride out here?" She said with a flirty edge.
"It went fast," I admitted.
"Hmm. Could that have been due to the company of one handsome general?"
Speechless, I felt the invocation of utter embarrassment. My temperature rose and I was sure to be blushing.
"Why would you say that?" I barely got out.
"Oh, sweetie. It is so obvious that the two of you have a thing for one another. No need to hide this from me."
My heart raced and the sensation of butterflies flapping uncontrollably in my stomach was out of my control. The rush of heat only got worse.
I looked away in hopes that I could hide how I was feeling on the inside, but it was too late.
"I'm not wrong, and you know this." Cloe continued.
"My gosh, Cloe, please stop," I said barely a whisper.
"Oh, honey. I didn't mean to embarrass you."
She stopped in her tracks and placed a long slender arm on my shoulder. I looked into her beautiful blue eyes, noting that I could almost see my own reflection in them
"No, you're fine. I just. Well..." I cleared my throat. "I've never had feelings for a man before."
"You've never had a boyfriend?"
I gently shook my head.
"Well, either the men where you come from are all unavailable or truly blind. You are one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever set eyes on. And I'm not even remotely exaggerating. Which is why Dominic de Pierre wants you."
The sound of his name felt like a bad case of indigestion.
"About him. I honestly cannot stand the man. And there is something seriously wrong with him. Perhaps the fact that he has so much money and thinks he can wield everything to his desire?"
"Well, there is that and the fact that he truly is despicable. His reputation spreads across the lands, yet, there are plenty of women throwing themselves at his feet. Stupid, foolish, women. Making the rest of us look poorly before such Casanovas as de Pierre."
I wondered, "Did you have a bad experience with him?"
"No. Not I. But an older sister, yes. She thought she was madly in love with him. She's beautiful, but more of the common variety. Nora believed our family's station in life was enough to prove she wasn't after his money, but only his heart. Pfft. I don't think the man even has one of them." She laughed loudly. "Thankfully, my mother slapped some sense into her head. Literally. And she saw the light!"
We erupted in laughter, falling into each other. If we hadn't been sitting, we'd probably had tumbled on the lawn.
It took us a good few minutes to compose ourselves.
"Well, I'm glad she walked away from that, soon enough. How is she these days?"
"Oh, she's well. She's a queen."
"Wait?" She had to be joking. "A queen?"
She adjusted her top and carefully crossed her legs at the ankles, like the proper lady she was. "Yes. She married the crown prince of Dominica. Shortly after their marriage, Sebastian, her husbands’, father died. He was then coronated and so was she, as his queen consort."
"Good grief, Cloe! You say this so matter of fact. You are related to royalty and your just like, another day in the country."
She gracefully placed her hands in her lap. "My family too is nobility. Perhaps not as high ranking as literal rulers of a country but titled enough to have secured her and all my sibling's good marriages."
I studied the young woman to the side of me. Everything about her screamed of wealth and stature in life, but she was warm and humble at heart. So likable.
"Should I address you in a certain manner? I feel like a fool now." I admitted.
"Nonsense. I'm my own person and perhaps this is what attracts me so much to my husband. He loves my independence and my need for separation from all the fastidious life of a noble. You know, the children are very down to earth. He didn't want them to grow up entitled and rotten. Although they attend private boarding school, when they are home, they are expected to be contributing members of the household. And they love every minute of it. Personally, I think they feel a sense of ownership when they get to help or take on their own chores and responsibilities."
"How old are they?
"Felipe is fifteen. He is every bit of his father. Handsome, intelligent, kind... and Letitia, well, I imagine the beauty she gets from her mother. She's feisty and valiant. She is a seeker of justice, willing to risk it all when she knows someone has been wronged. She's only thirteen and we often wonder what she'll be like when she's an adult."
There was a sincere sense of love and amazement in Cloe's eyes and tone, as she spoke of her stepchildren. She seemed rather proud of them.
"Do you see them often?"
"Not as often as any of us would like. They return home when they are on break from school. The house is always much more alive when the children are there, which is why I escape to Albercadia when they are not. I loathe being alone in such a massive compound. Even with all the staff, it is such a lonely place without my family."
The words escaped me without a thought. My heart panicked, worried I might offend her as if questioning if she'd been authentic with me previously.
"I do." She smiled. "Now you understand why it is difficult for me to bring anyone else into the fold? These children already lost their mother. I'm afraid if I were to have a child, they'd feel replaced and I would die if I were ever the cause of such ill feelings in them."
I watched as her thoughts drifted from me, figuring we both could use some quiet time, I moved to leave. "I have no doubt you love them and I'm sure they know this too. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal. If you don't mind. I'm going to finish my stroll of the grounds before joining the others indoors."
"Not at all. I think I'll sit here for a little while longer. I'll see you soon."
The evening was finally settling in and I could feel the frigid air slowly settling in. I watched in amazement how the blooms closed. There was something rather strange about those gardens or me. Perhaps both?
The vibration from the tattered book in my bag beckoned me to it. I succumbed.
Finding a hidden space toward the edge the gardens, I pulled the book out, placing this carefully onto the ground. And once again, it roared to life, sending a tremor through the ground, shaking me off my feet as I landed like a weak damsel in distress, next to it.
The pages flipped open stopping on one of the better ones. Only this time, rather than spewing in Latin, it read in plain English.
You descend from a line of powerful elemental beings. Your magic can only be used for good, anything else will backfire on you. Your element is earth and your specialty is flora and fauna. It is important you adhere to the natural order of life. With the evolving industrialization of our planet, it is up to elementals such as yourself to maintain the balance, the order of our environment.
“How do you know these things?” I asked.
Powerful elementals before you have risen to a higher spiritual state, and together we communicate to the next generations. Be well. Listen to your heart. Tread carefully. Share with no one about your powers. For they are highly misunderstood and often thought as evil. We will let you be. And are here when you need to seek us out.