by T J Kelly
We shook hands. She was almost all light. I was really not surprised by that.
My little entourage followed along as Caeli took us on a tour of the facility. While I was familiar with every nook and cranny in the place, this was the first time I was responsible for everyone around me. It gave the occasion a sense of gravity I had never felt before.
Things went well. I was also thrilled that I could keep up a constant stream of Air to pad my feet. Not only was I probably more graceful than ever before, but I wasn’t even remotely tired by the time the tour was done.
We stopped and had a chat with the men and women in the cafeteria. We sat and talked for quite a while, enough that it was tea time before we left and we shared a light meal. It was an excellent tour, and a nice visit, but I regretted staying so long the moment a guard arrived. He spoke quietly to Caeli as I was clearing my spot at the table. The hairs rose on the back of my neck. I turned slowly, narrowing my eyes at him.
Something was going on. I wish I hadn’t eaten that piece of cake with my tea because it roiled around in my stomach in reaction to the tension.
Caeli strode over to where I stood, the empty plate still in my hands. She took it and set it on the table.
“I’m afraid we have visitors,” she said. I raised an eyebrow. Our security team wasn’t letting just anybody through the gate anymore. Too many unknown enemies.
Peony slid over to stand beside me. I could feel her magic radiating off her as if a ball of fire surrounded her. In fact, red was shooting through her golden aura and it added to the image. “Who is it?”
I guess I should have asked that, but dread had turned the cake into a brick and I was wondering if it was going to make its way back up my throat instead.
“The Council has sent an envoy to inspect the facility,” Caeli replied.
Usually, that wouldn’t be cause for alarm. Not at Rector Enterprises, anyway. The Council was allowed to send members to any company to inspect working conditions for the employees, a practice that dated back to the late 1350s. After the infamous magician Yersinia Pestis set off the darkest spell ever created and the black plague decimated almost sixty percent of Europe’s population.
Workers became important because there were fewer of them. Instead of the terrible bondage of a serf, they became free agents and could negotiate for the first time. Many magical families sought to bind them using wicked, corrupt deals.
The Rectors never had serfs. In fact, the family was large enough back then that we did all the work ourselves. It kept our products in high demand and it was easier to keep our secrets without outsiders to contend with. I thought about Yersinia - and all the people she killed - and shuddered. It was so confusing when something so awful could also be that helpful.
Pushing the thoughts about her out of my head, I concentrated on the present. An inspection by the Council - specifically the division called the Council of Families - meant that at least one of the prominent clans would arrive in my lobby shortly. And I didn’t need to be a seer like my aunt to know who it would be.
“The Taines are here, aren’t they?” I asked. Anyone with ears could hear the happiness had leached out of my voice.
Peter, who had been sitting across the room with Harris and Seth and chatting up a couple of cute interns, was suddenly by my side. Our arms were touching, warmth and Light emanating from him and into me. The cake in my stomach even lightened and I thought I might make it unscathed out of the nightmare where I had to face Oberon again.
Then Caeli spoke again. “Oberon Taine has arrived with his sons.”
Chas. He came to me!
I jerked my eyes to the monitor hanging on the wall. A camera in the lobby broadcast to the different departments and break rooms. Sure enough, Oberon had entered the facility, and behind him stood his sons Adler, Barrett, Keaton, and Titus. I held my breath, waiting, then in walked Chas.
Everything went dark except for him. After several seconds of intense scrutiny, studying every plane and curve of his face, noticing again the stunning combination of golden brown skin and eyes that matched exactly, my vision cleared. I realized Clarissa was also there, hanging all over Chas like the tramp she was. His Promised.
Once again the cake churned in my stomach and vomiting became a very real threat.
“Come on,” Peony said. We turned and hurried out the door. Once we were out of sight, we ran up the stairs leading to the promenade to look down into the lobby. I touched the glass, which lined the balcony, and it darkened. We could observe everyone there but they could no longer see us.
“He’s brought all his sons,” Seth said. “And a cousin. I’m glad it's not Francine. She always makes everything worse. I wonder why they included Clarissa? She isn’t known for her skills in battle.” He was assessing the group below but didn’t know our history. Seth and Harris must have been on Mars when it all went down. I was on the front page of every newspaper, sobbing my heart out on the floor of the arena as I watched Chas betray me. I guess my humiliated grief was poignant or something.
“She doesn’t have any useful skills,” Harris responded. “Except maybe -”
“Come on,” Peter interrupted. “We need to get going. Lia, let’s head to the executive president’s office so you can greet them.” He tugged my hand, hustling me along behind him. I doubt anyone noticed that my feet weren’t moving as quickly as the rest of me. I vaguely realized this felt similar to when Peter took me for a ride on Air. A good memory that helped center me for what came next.
◆◆◆
I entered my father’s office under my own power, dropping Peter’s hand as I walked over the threshold. Then I realigned my thinking. It wasn’t my father’s office. It was mine.
Looking around, I decided what belongings of his I wanted to store away, and in a split second, I tapped into the magic inside me to transport the clutter into an empty shed on the Laurus property. I could keep it there until I was ready to sort through it, including the essential papers about projects my father was working on before he died.
I pictured my aunt’s personal workshop, a set of rooms decorated with class and taste. I used that as a pattern as I leaned into my magic hard and created office furniture from thin Air. Nobody had been allowed into the office after my father’s death several months prior, so I bolstered my power by using all the dust hiding along the edges of the room. But the element of Dark, all that darkness pouring into me once I saw Chas walk in with Clarissa on his arm, was the real power.
Once finished, I was weak, but giddy, more light than dark at that moment.
“Amazing,” Seth said. The way he looked at me made me uncomfortable. He and his brother had powerful magic, too. They looked at Armageddon that way sometimes. I bet if they knew what a mess I had made of everything in my life, they wouldn’t be in awe of me. They would probably wonder who I stole all my furniture from.
My gaze slid to Peter to check out his reaction. He looked like he thought Seth and Harris were hilarious and maybe they were. I felt a little better.
Shaking off my discomfort, I looked around, satisfied with the results. My father’s office was now cleared of his modern furniture and filled with delicately carved antiques. Or my magical version created with Earth and Dark.
I had created several wide, sturdy chairs, which I gestured for my friends and aunt to use. I fashioned them out of a light-colored wood with large scrolled arms and pleasing smoky-sage leather cushioned seats. I grouped four in front of my desk, offset to my right so when I sat, I could speak to all of them without craning my neck.
A huge desk now dominated the room, decorated with carvings that matched the scrolls on the arms and backs of the chairs. Although I had just created it, the wood looked like it had been well-loved and aged with dignity. I included a blotter and quill set with sealing wax on the desktop. Magicians still used those ancient tools for official contracts. I left out the Blood-capture quills and bottles, though. Maybe I would have to write a blood oath in the future,
but there was no way I would give the components of that particular spell a place in my office where I would have to look at them all day.
They reminded me too much of Chas.
Off in a corner, I created a matching table, lovely tea cart, wet bar, and built-in bookshelves where I could meet with others on joint projects. I kept my father’s books and only changed the shelves to wood from the modern metal and glass.
That left the smaller, rickety chairs. The wooden legs and backs were carved too, but thinner and the cushions were also pretty scrawny. I stifled a giggle. The Taines wouldn't find anything comfortable about their visit to my office.
“I adore the silver claws on the bottom of the chair legs,” Peony said. “I’m really impressed, my dear. I would love to sit with you and have you recreate some for me once we're back to the castle. I like my antiques, but certain pieces get heavy use, and I don’t want to damage anything with historical value. These are wonderful and I wouldn’t have to worry when Ged gets too enthusiastic when he’s presenting me with a new spell.” Her fingers skimmed over the silky texture of the arms on her chair.
Her praise filled me with warmth, which helped fight off the darkness threatening to overbalance me again. I was having a hard time maintaining control and kept slipping back into self-doubt. Chas and Clarissa were the focus of my humiliation and pain, but Oberon was the author. He also witnessed the failed Ascension Ceremony. I had fainted in front of everyone, one of my more cringe-worthy moments. And now he was here.
All the worst Taines would be in my office shortly. I cleared my throat and looked around the room again. Something was missing. Empty. Cold.
With a snap, I snatched several of my favorite paintings from Peter’s workshop and materialized them on the walls of my new office. Much better. Peter’s face lit up, and he smiled his special smile that showed his slightly crooked tooth. I couldn’t hide my answering grin. That would teach him for stealing my sandwich without asking permission first.
I stood behind my desk, taking in the results. Not bad. Seth and Harris watched me with admiring eyes. Embarrassed, I focused on Peony instead, who still glowed with pride.
A moment passed. Silence reigned. Then the Taines entered my office. Almost all the people I loved and hated together in one room. Great.
“Ms. Rector, Ms. Laurus,” Oberon Taine said as he nodded at my aunt and me. His close-cropped pale blond hair reflected the light emanating from the light-crystals lining the ceiling. I noticed he didn’t tack on the customary “nice to see you again.” Not like any of us would believe him if he did.
“Oberon,” I responded. It was all I could do to remain civil and keep my lip from curling in disgust. “I see you’ve brought your family. Please, have a seat.”
I gestured to the empty chairs on my left and took thinly veiled pleasure in watching them hesitate. The chairs wouldn’t collapse, but the Taines didn’t know that.
Oberon’s oldest sons glared at me, but when I allowed myself a quick glance, Chas wasn’t looking at me. The fact he didn’t sit would have made me feel better about my trick with the chairs if he hadn’t positioned himself to stand right behind Clarissa.
“What can I do for you?” I asked. I wanted to avoid pleasantries if possible. Being polite took too long.
“As per the 1358 Accord, we are here to inspect your premises and interview your workers,” Oberon sneered back. Formalities out of the way, he continued with a bite in his tone. “Send for your floor manager, and we will get started.”
Right on cue, my floor manager walked through the door, dressed in a smart suit of navy pinstripe, all business with her up-swept red hair interspersed with traditional Scottish battle braids. Iuvo must have headed upstairs as soon as she found out they had entered the building. I wanted to make Oberon's demands seem hasty, as if he were the one who didn’t know how things worked. Iuvo's immediate arrival made Oberon look impatient and rude. I knew we scored a hit when his nostrils flared.
“You sent for me, madam?” Iuvo asked. She acted like there weren’t seven enemies in the room, her moss green eyes focused solely on me. Perfect.
“Yes, thank you for being so prompt. Oberon has stopped by for an inspection. Will you please escort him to the workshops?” I smiled at Iuvo and kept my face carefully turned away from Oberon. I was trying hard not sneer at him. I didn’t want to look as ugly as he did when he acted superior.
Iuvo nodded. Oberon wasn’t happy I used his first name when speaking to my floor manager, but once I did, he had no choice but to follow my lead and interact on a less-formal basis.
“Please come with me, Oberon,” Iuvo said, her tone unflappable. She had known me since I was three when she first came to work in the central office in the San Francisco area. She had worked for my family her entire life and would perform her job without a flaw. Any mistake she made was cause for a Petition of Redress by the Taines. Nobody wanted to waste time or money on fighting it, especially a professional like her.
Oberon rose and stalked out the door. His oldest sons trailed behind, but Clarissa stayed in her seat with Chas hovering behind her as if he couldn’t tear himself away. He still hadn’t met my eyes, and it was pissing me off. I wasn’t the one who had done anything wrong. Not even close.
“I think I’ll tag along,” Harris said. He must have taken a hint from my aunt. She was prohibited from going on the tour with Oberon, but Harris and Seth weren’t related and could make sure the Taines didn’t get handsy with our products or try to set up our employees or leave some nasty spells behind.
Seth and Harris headed out the door together. Peony eyed Peter, and the two of them leaned closer to hold a whispered conversation.
And the entire time I was standing there like an idiot.
“I need to make a few purchases while I’m here,” Peony said. She rose, and Peter stood with her. He hesitated, waiting to see if I wanted him to stay. I glanced at Chas, but he was no help. If he wanted to talk, he would give me some kind of sign. Or maybe suggest Clarissa go with my aunt to the store. We gave him plenty of chances. But he did nothing.
“Tell them to put it on my account,” I said. I nodded at Peter, glancing back at his chair, showing I wanted him to stay with me. He caught on with no confusion. Neither of us could read minds like Mort, but we still had a connection that worked much the same way. I didn’t want to be outnumbered, and Peter always helped me remain calm. I needed him.
Then I turned towards the source of the tension in the room. The one that wasn’t me, anyway.
Before I could say anything, Clarissa spoke in that stupid gorgeous voice of hers. “Interesting office,” she said.
She ran her finger along the side of the chair near her leg since the rickety chairs didn’t have arms. I wanted them to feel like they might fall off. I considered using magic to rock it a tiny bit to knock her off-balance but decided I was above that.
Chas made a noncommittal sound of agreement. A pained grunt, maybe.
Clarissa sneered as she slid her hand into the pocket of the battle vest Chas was wearing and pulled out a handkerchief I recognized. It matched the one I had been carrying around with me ever since he had given it to me.
Then she pretended to wipe dust off her finger, her stupid pert nose wrinkled. “Your staff hasn't done a good job.”
What a little snit. There wasn’t any dust because I used it all when I worked my spells to create the office furniture. “I’ll be sure to tell them how you feel about them,” I offered, oh so helpfully. “In fact, I can call them in here if you wish to address them directly.”
She should avoid pulling her teeth back that way. It wasn’t anywhere near a smile and made her look old. I happily made a mental note so I could cause that look again some time.
“No, no. I would never do such a thing. You may do it since they seem to know you so well.”
It was my turn to grit my teeth. She was right. I was friends with all our staff, both at my company and at home. Some magicians considere
d that a low-class trait, but not my family. We knew our employees deserved more respect than Clarissa was giving them. As an insult, it lacked credibility. So why did it sting?
I meant what I said when I offered to allow her to talk to them. The staff had bloodlines going back centuries longer than hers and would have no trouble making sure she felt every drop as they put her in her place.
“Of course they do,” I said. “Anyone with any knowledge about running a business knows they are only as strong as their lowest ranked employees. Not that the class system exists here. We have far too many nobles on staff to waste our time on false ranking. I know you wouldn’t understand, but the major clans prefer to be informal around each other.”
Double-whammy. She wasn’t nobility, not a part of the old families in any way, and I just told her she never would be. And I got in a good dig about her lack of business sense. Ha.
Chas’s head jerked up, but he didn’t meet my eyes. Instead, he made a small gesture, patting Clarissa’s shoulder gently. Like he was comforting her.
Hey, she started it.
“Would you care to look around?” Peter suggested. “We can check out some of the public areas if all the dust bothers you. We don't want you to be uncomfortable.”
He told that lie really well. I couldn’t even tell he hated her almost as much as I did, which I knew for a fact he did.
“No, I’ll stay here. I’m perfect just as I am.”
Oh, please. I rolled my eyes because at that point, nobody was looking at me anymore. Wait. Surely Peter wasn’t checking to see if she was as perfect as she said. Right?
My phone buzzed. I pulled it out of my pocket, careful not to accidentally set off the mechanical spells I had stuffed in there. Goodness knows I didn’t want the Wizz-bangs to hit the Shields, causing sparks and smoke to shoot out of my dress. How humiliating.
