by Hickory Mack
“You look amazing, Chiori. Are you ready?” he asked, his tone implying that he would stop everything if she weren’t. She took a quick breath, wondering why he would say such things when he couldn’t possibly mean it. She’d seen for herself the hollows under her eyes, the gauntness of her cheeks. The blow to her confidence had been staggering. She wanted to hide, but she couldn’t run away from Makkai.
“Yes, my Lord,” she lied. They stepped forward together, Lord Makkai shortening his usual long stride and slowing his pace to allow her to walk without struggling. Kai walked behind Chiori and to her left, a symbolism to clearly state that while he was the teacher and she the student, she held more importance in the house.
Entering the bright midday sun, Chiori blinked several times, walking to the edge of the stairs she timed her halt perfectly with Lord Makkai’s. Heart in her throat she got her first look at the number of demons living in the house and almost stumbled again, righting herself as quickly and calmly as possible. She counted in her head as quickly as she could, feeling she must have gotten it wrong when she reached almost one hundred people. Sure the place was big, but how could this many people fit inside one house?
‘It’s not a house,’ she decided. ‘It’s a freaking castle.’
Somebody banged the gong and Chiori worked to swallow her heart back down. Lord Makkai’s voice rang out clearly, loud enough to reach every set of ears. There was no going back.
Chapter 21
The demons stood in neat rows, some in obviously connected groups, like those standing behind the elderly woman she recognized as Milly, the head chef. Each of them wore white trousers with a blue, hip length yukata jacket, pushed up to their elbows over white t-shirts. She spotted Sora and Nori, standing next to each other, similar scowls on their faces. The twin men stood behind them looking passive. Fen stood in the front row with the big man she’d seen speaking with Lord Makkai. She didn’t see Airi or Asuka anywhere, though.
There were so many different types of demons Chiori wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to keep them all straight. Two others had white hair, like Nakia. One had bright, leaf green hair, one seemed to have orange tinted skin, yet another was distinctly blue, her skin, hair, lips and all. Instead of legs she was half giant snake. She was practically naked, dressed in gold adornments rather than clothes, a golden dagger sheathed on each of her scaly hips.
The more she looked the crazier everything was. Spotting a young man with huge grey wings near the back, she noticed another that was definitely sporting goat legs. Many had horns or tusks or fangs, at least half had some sort of tail. One was a dog. A massive black dog with curling grey horns, a long whip like tail and smoke coming off his skin.
“Welcome, I’m glad you could all come.” Lord Makkai’s voice brought her back to herself, and the realization that she was in so far over her head there would be no coming up for air. The only options she could see was to either run away screaming or suck it up and completely submerse herself in their world.
“There have been questions about a child that walked through my barrier without an invitation. There have been rumors since she was returned here, brought to death’s door by the hands of hunters and their scientists. The things I have heard are unbecoming, lewd and borderline infuriating.” A ripple went through the group, people side eyeing each other. “This insolence ends immediately. Further transgressions on my honor or my Lady’s worth will result in severe punishment.”
Chiori pressed her hands together to stop their trembling. Asuka had mentioned these rumors, but she hadn’t been specific. His anger and threats made the fae woman’s words reality. She wondered what kind of punishment these people considered severe.
“In answer to concerns that my barrier and thus my strength is weakening: The girl and I share a connection that continues to grow. This allowed her safe passage through my forest, and through my barrier. She is my mate.” A hum moved through the crowd as words were exchanged to neighbors. “Her place by my side is warranted, she is worthy of the status given and I expect to hear that she will be afforded the respect that comes with the station.”
“She’s a child!” a voice called out. Chiori couldn’t pinpoint where it came from, but Lord Makkai had no such trouble.
”Yes, Finny, a child. Making certain rumors all the more grotesque and disturbing,” he frowned deeply and some among them shifted uncomfortably. Chiori willed the Earth to swallow her whole as she understood what he meant. “Any who wish to test my strength will be given the chance tomorrow, at the Matriarch. Challenge me there and test your worth.”
A muttering started in the back and made its way to the front, the demons looked uncomfortable. Chiori took out her fan and hid a smile. These people would not be challenging her Lord. He was right, they were afraid of him.
“Now, the unpleasant bit is over.” Lord Makkai put out his hand and Chiori gently laid hers over the back of it, thankful again for Nakia’s thoughtfully detailed instruction.
“I introduce to you, Chiori Kaede Sayuri Eustone, witch, fae, and Lady of House Makkai. You will afford her the same deference you would give to me,” Lord Makkai proclaimed. As one the group bowed low. Chiori was taken by surprise, he’d left her with part of her name. She was his, but she was also her own. In doing so he’d given her a measure of freedom she hadn’t expected. She glanced up at him gratefully.
“As a matter of importance, a number of you have already taken notice of the witch brought in to educate Lady Chiori in magic. This is Kai, and yes, he is a sylvan. He has his instructions and a contract. Any additional services are his business to attend to and are not to interfere with that contract. Any among you that disrupts those duties will be summarily dismissed and removed.” Lord Makkai indicated Kai, whose face was serious for once. Chiori glanced at him, wondering why anyone would willingly choose to be bitten by a vampire.
“Haruka, Winry, Ichio, Milly, Sen and Moscow, please step forward. Everyone else see Fen, many of you will be given new duties.” The crowd moved quickly and orderly to do as told. The six Lord Makkai had called for lined up in a row a few feet from the bottom of the stairs. The largest among them was the dark man from earlier. He presented himself to Lord Makkai.
“Lady Chiori, this is Haruka, he is the Magisterium of our house. He will handle your tutoring schedule. He takes care of running the financial and managerial side of this place, anyone or anything that comes in or out goes through him,” Lord Makkai said.
“Except you. You sneaked right past me, and that’s never happened before,” the big man said with a narrow-eyed expression, growling lightly at her alarmed look. “I’ll see you in my office tomorrow morning and each morning after that. I’ll let you know who you’re working with for the day.”
“I look forward to it,” Chiori answered, faking bravery. Haruka took his leave, walking over to stand with Fen. The Elder woman she remembered as Milly stepped up next, a twinkle in her dark eyes. She again wore the white top and flowing red pants so big they looked like a skirt.
“Lady Chiori, this is Milly, our Itamae. She’s responsible for feeding everyone in the house. She’s very special to me, this old lady,” Lord Makkai said fondly and Chiori colored, remembering her words to Milly that night.
“It’s nice to meet you properly, my Lady. If ever there’s a special request, or something I’ve made that you don’t enjoy you let me know,” she said, her voice warm.
“I’ve loved everything so far, thank you. And, I’m sorry, about the first time we met. I wasn’t myself that night,” she said quietly, holding the elder woman’s gaze.
“Don’t you worry Dear, I didn’t take it personally,” Milly said, bowing and stepping away, the five in uniform broke away from the line, falling in behind her like ducklings following their mother. Apparently Makkai’s instruction to see Fen did not apply to those working under the kitchen Goddess.
The next man to come forward had hair of every shade of brown, blonde, red and black, with streaks of gr
een and white mixed in. On his head were a pair of antlers, smaller than those of a real deer, but shaped the same with twelve tines curled upward and pointing to the sky. More unnerving where his eyes, a bright golden brown with hints of orange. He did not bow but twisted his hand to his breast and tilted his chin. Lord Makkai returned it.
“Lady Chiori, this is Ichio, he is the glue that holds everything together. He is a master gardener and every bit of food you have eaten since coming here came from something he grew. As busy as he is, he has agreed to teach you history, and the art of gardening, and caring for the plants and Earth. You’ll learn a lot from him,” Lord Makkai said. Ichio looked Chiori over from head to toe and back again, his bold eyes boring into her.
“It’s as you say. The Lady has power, and plenty of it. Good to meet you.” he said, extending his hand. Chiori hesitated, but she instinctively knew she didn’t want to offend this one. She took it and he kissed her hand.
“It’s pleasant to meet you as well, Ichio,” she returned. “I will work hard to learn everything you teach me.”
“See that you do,” he said gruffly, his face too young for such a voice. He twisted his wrist once more and stalked off away from the house, not bothering with Fen’s line but giving a greeting to Haruka on the way.
The next one was a girl, she looked no older than sixteen. She had short, dark brown hair spiked all over the place and bright green eyes. She wore leather pants and a plain white tank top, a straight, thick stick as tall as she was hung diagonally on her back.
“Lady Chiori, this little fireball is Winry,” Lord Makkai said and the girl smiled brilliantly. “She will oversee your physical training. You are to treat her as any of your other tutors, even if she is a bit unorthodox, and even if she leaves bruises.” Chiori looked at him in surprise.
“Not right away of course, you’ve got a long way to go before I’ll be putting my hands on you. Don’t worry my Lady, by the time that happens, you’ll be ready.” One green eye winked at her.
“That is, unsettling,” Chiori said quietly. She didn’t want anyone to bruise her, and Winry looked lively enough to do it. Winry laughed.
“You’ll see, it’ll be fine,” she assured the younger girl. Winry took a good look at Chiori’s kimono, but she didn’t seem impressed. “I’ll make sure proper clothes are sent to you for training days, you’ll need to be able to move freely. Those others will teach you to be magically impressive, and show you how to be smart in just about every situation, but I’ll teach you to be strong. Both mentally and physically.”
“I have every faith in you, Winry,” Lord Makkai said and Chiori saw the hint of a smile on his face.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun together,” she said, skipping down the stairs two at a time.
Next was a woman with golden blonde hair tied back tightly. She had a straight nose, brown eyes and was tidily put together. Everything about her was crisp and smooth, even the way she walked.
“Lady Chiori, this is Sen. Sen will be teaching you language, you’ll need to learn more than the common tongue. It is important for your magic, and for speaking to the variety of people living here,” Lord Makkai said. Sen gave her an appraising look.
“Pleased to meet you, Lady Chiori,” she said, bowing.
“Pleased to meet you, too,” Chiori mumbled, not at all sure she was going to like her time with Sen.
Last was a man who looked about the same age as Nakia. He had messy black hair that covered his eyes until he looked up, and Chiori saw that one of them was bright red, the other green. Her heart skipped a beat. He was so cute! Full lips, tan skin, the only thing that showed he was anything other than human were those eyes. He moved like Lord Makkai, lithe and quiet. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Makkai studying her reaction and she worked to calm her excitement. Thinking of Sen did the trick.
“Lady Chiori, this is Moscow, he will be teaching you many things, he’s agreed to take on quite a lot of responsibility where you are concerned,” Lord Makkai said.
“Hey. Welcome,” Moscow said, his voice unaffected.
“What sorts of things?” Chiori asked.
“Demonology and Lore, Astrology and Astronomy, Strategics, War, Art, all the best things,” Moscow said with a curl at the corner of his lip.
“War? Won’t Ichio be covering that in History?” Chiori asked, looking up at Lord Makkai.
“Ichio will teach you the History of war. Moscow will teach you how to win one. He’s very good at what he does. If he weren’t, he wouldn’t be here,” Lord Makkai said, dismissing the boy.
“See you around, my Lady,” he said, sounding like she was part of an inside joke. He walked past them and into the house, removing his shoes at the door and walking barefoot.
“All of this, just for me?” Chiori asked, feeling small. Lord Makkai offered her his arm.
“All for you. Your betterment will serve everyone in the end. It isn’t entirely about you, though it seems to be, on the outside. When you are ready you will lead them. They will look to you for guidance, and they will be confident in doing so when you have confidence in yourself. Each one of your tutors, even Kai, understands that. You may be the student for now, but in time that will change.”
He took her back into the house, taking the same route she’d taken with Nakia, back to her rooms. Her stomach felt hollow, she wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t want to go. She ignored it and continued following where he led.
“Why are you so worried about Kai? And what’s a sylvan? Is that a type of vampire that can walk in the daylight?” she asked suddenly, fishing for anything to calm herself. Lord Makkai looked down at her in amusement.
“Vampire?” he thought for a moment and laughed. “I can see why you might have come to that conclusion, you sweet, innocent little thing,” he said. “That is a question for another day. You can ask Kai himself, though you may want to speak with Moscow instead. He’s your Demonology teacher, after all.”
“You’re not going to tell me?” she asked, her eyes wide. It was the second time he’d refused to answer one of her questions, putting it off until later.
“Nope.” He popped his ‘p’ teasingly. They arrived at her rooms and he slid the doors open. Nothing was amiss, there was nobody there. Somebody had added a mirror to the far wall while she was gone. A chaise lounge had been added as well. Nakia worked fast.
She couldn’t see anything wrong, but her stomach was still twisted up and she couldn’t figure out why. They moved to the sitting room and Lord Makkai pulled her onto the floor cushion with him. She kneeled, unsure of how to sit any other way in the kimono and he lay on his side, looking up at her.
“What’s going on?” she asked, unable to shake her worry.
“Your intuition is a good trait, don’t ignore it and it will grow into an entirely new sense of its own,” he replied.
“That’s not an answer,” Chiori countered.
“Fair enough. I’m leaving for the day, to work on my trees. I will return tonight, and we will dine together,” he answered.
“What happens after that?” she asked, looking at her hands. “Are you staying with me tonight?”
“I was planning on going back to the forest, alone. You need to become accustomed to this house, on your own, with the people that will be here with you far more than I will be able to be,” he said. “I’ll come back for breakfast and after that, I will place you in the safe and capable hands of your instructors.”
“When will I see you again?” she demanded, not knowing that no one took such a tone with him without punishment. No one but her.
“On your second day off, I promise to return and spend the day with you,” he said.
“Seven days?” her eyes sought his, her lip trembling.
“Yes.”
“But, why? I won’t be studying all the time, I’ll have free time, right?” she asked, her voice growing tighter. “Have I done something wrong?”
“It’s my fault, really. I am growing to
o fond of you, too quickly, Chiori. If I am here all the time my desire to protect and coddle you will do you no good. Your tutors will find themselves incapable of doing their jobs if I am always there, watching and judging and rushing to your rescue when they push you, as they should. The more time we spend together, the thicker our bond becomes. It’s for the best to keep the bond where it is now. The stronger the magic binds us, the harder it will be to endure separations,” he said, running his fingers down the side of her face.
“I’m not abandoning you, I will always be close. If you need me, I’ll be there,” he promised again.
“I’ll accept it because you need me to, but you can’t make me like it,” Chiori said stubbornly. He pulled her close and kissed her cheek, pressing his forehead against hers.
“I cannot even make myself like it, my dear one. I’m not any happier than you are,” Lord Makkai sat up and pulled her into his lap, cradling her against his chest. Chiori settled into him, playing with a strand of his long hair. They stayed that way for a long while, immersed in each other, until footsteps sounded outside. Lord Makkai sighed when they stopped outside the door.
“It’s time,” Chiori said.
“Yes,” he squeezed her tight, then let her go, standing and pulling her to her feet. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Okay,” she agreed, watching him walk out into the gardens and cross over to his own rooms, breathing slow, steady breaths to keep herself together.
“My Lady, may we enter?” came a woman’s voice. Chiori took another long breath, walked to the center of the room, smoothed her kimono and gave herself a shake. Time to play the part.
“You may,” she answered. The door slid open and four people entered, all wearing light purple yukata robes and white, split socks. The uniform of her staff, she realized. One of them was Nakia, which was a mild relief, a familiar face, even if they’d only met once before. The four lined up in a row.
“Lady Chiori, I am Ani, and we have been chosen to be your staff for the next three days. We will take care of the cleaning, help you dress, bring your meals, help you get to your classes on time and be your companions during our rotation of days,” Ani said, the only one among them that looked to be over twenty years old. She had straight black, shoulder length hair, and deep red eyes. Chiori realized she recognized her from the day before, among Fen’s entourage.