Dark World Genesis

by A. R. Kingston

  “Do you remember when we were kids, and we used to sneak around the palace with your brother?”

  “Yes. If I recall correctly, we were looking for hidden passages the servants talked about.”

  “That’s right.” Henry smiled. “And remember how we found some, like the one behind the bust?”

  “Go on. You still haven’t answered my questions.”

  “Well, you seemed to have lost interest in it as you got older. Tom and I however did not, and we have found even more in the years after. We have found so many actually that we even discovered some that lead out beyond the castle gates.”

  “Really? Who would have thought this place had, so many hidden places?”

  “If only you knew Alexandra, this palace is full of them. I used one of the entrances to gain access to the castle, so I could spy on Dalton. I knew he was up to something for a while now, I just did not know what until your birthday.”

  “Ahhh, so, you figured out it was him who was trying to poison Philip.”

  “It made no sense that anyone else would want to kill him. Philip's a good man who has no enemies to speak of. That's when I started keeping a close eye on my brother, following him around to figure out what he was plotting. When I heard he had a meeting with Quinton, I knew I had to listen in. Nothing good ever comes from those two being together.”

  “I see.”

  “Then, when you came in, I knew I had to do something. I was afraid of what they'd do to you if you walked in on them. That's why I grabbed you. I'm sorry about that. I did not mean to frighten you.”

  “It's fine Henry. I should actually thank you for keeping me out of that room. I don't know what I was thinking trying to enter it.”

  Staring down at the floor in shame, Alex contemplated what would have happened if Henry did not stop her. She was lucky he grabbed her when he did, or Dalton could be having his way with her right now. Besides, now she knew Henry was on her side. The question was, how far was he willing to go? Placing a small hand on his arm, Alex looked at him with a beseeching look, causing Henry to blush.

  “You’re going to do something to stop them, aren’t you?”

  “Look Alexandra, the only thing I can promise you is that Tom and I will try. Though for anything to happen, I need to relay to him what I heard.”

  “Wait. You’re saying Tom is in on this?”

  “Friends stick together, right?”

  “Right, but, how do you plan to see him without getting caught? You are not exactly welcome here without permission.”

  “I told him I'd meet him in the woods in about a half-hour. I need to get out of the palace first though, and there is only one way out from here.”

  As Alex was about to ask Henry about the hidden entrance, Lord Hamilton strolled past the pallor. Pressing their backs against the wall they waited for him to walk away, but instead, he stopped to look out the window just beyond the entryway.

  “Damn it.”

  “What's wrong?”

  “The only way out is through the next room over, but your father is in the way.”

  “Leave him to me.”

  “What? Please don't do anything rash, Alexandra. I don't want you in trouble on my account.”

  “No trouble. I'll go take my father away, and you sneak into the next room. Trust me.”

  There was still doubt in Henry's face, but Alex disregarded it. Transforming into a mouse, she left a confused Henry behind as she squeezed her way into a small crack. Scurrying down the inside of the wall, she reached the base of the stairs in a flash. Pocking her head through a hole to make sure she was alone, Alex popped out and changed back.

  Fixing her dress as if nothing happened, she made her way back down the hallway, headed for her father. At the parlor entrance, Alex glanced in Henry's direction, giving him a quick nod of the head.

  “Good morning, father.”

  “Alexandra, my dear girl, good morning.” Lord Hamilton's facial expression softened at the sight of his daughter. “A bit early for you to be up, is it not?”

  “It is father, but I woke up early. You see, I was so excited about visiting Lord Philip next week that I simply could not get back to sleep.”

  “Oh, yes, the Rexham visit. I am glad you are taking your engagement to Philip so seriously now. I knew you'd like the lad once you had the chance to get to know him.”

  “As always, father, you were right.”

  “Tell me, Alexandra, have you given serious consideration to the wedding ceremony? I know it's still early, but we need to start discussing the finer details, eventually.”

  “As a matter of fact, father, that is exactly why I wished to speak to you. If it's no trouble for you, I was hoping we could discuss them now, over a spot of tea, perhaps?”

  “Splendid my dear girl! Let us talk in the garden room. I'll let the maids know we will need some tea and cakes for this occasion.”

  Taking her father by the arm, Alex led him away from the west wing. Stealing a glance behind her shoulder, she saw Henry sneak past them into the next room. Henry would owe her big time she thought as she walked the long hallway with her father. Stopping a servant on the way to the garden room, Arthur informed them to set tea up for the two of them.

  The servants wasted no time, and by the time Arthur and Alex made it inside the greenhouse, they had already set a table for them. Settling down across from her father amidst the exotic plants, Alex poured them each a cup of tea and waited for Arthur to speak. Observing him curl his mustache in delight, Alexandra knew she would be in for a long tea session. Plopping a lemon square on her plate, she took a sip of her tea as she braced herself for the conversation to come.

  “Tell me, Alexandra, have you thought about as to where you wanted the wedding to take place?”

  “Philip did mention he wanted it to be held in Rexham. I'm sure it's negotiable though if it’s not to your liking, father.”

  “No, no. Rexham is perfect my dear. I'm happy to see you taking your fiancé’s side into consideration. Did you two pick out a date yet?”

  “Not really. Philip mentioned October as a possibility, and I must say I love the idea.”

  “Wonderful. The sooner, the better I say. I'd like to see some grandchildren before I get too old to play with them. Seems we will need to get your mother in here. Some of this requires her expertise.”

  Waving his hand, Arthur told a servant to summon Rosemary into the garden room. Sipping on her tea, Alex attempted to wash down the lemon square she nearly choked on when her father brought up grandchildren. Henry did not owe her big time she thought. No, he would have to spend quite some time working this one off.

  When an elated Rosemary joined them, the conversation shifted from casual to downright serious. Both her parents insisted on getting into every little element of a wedding Alex did not intend to have. Each of them had required for her to give her opinion about the smallest detail so as not to leave a single stone unturned.

  Arthur had wanted her to pick out the carriage, the guardsmen, and the guests who would be in attendance. On the other hand, Rosemary was more concerned with the more delicate matters: the flowers, the music, and the ever-dreaded wedding dress.

  Not wanting to disappoint her parents, Alex made the choices she knew would make them happy. All the while she thought how they would be less than enthusiastic if they knew what type of man she actually wanted to marry. The idea of them being happy of her marrying a half-blood was unfathomable, and if they knew of Andy, they would almost certainly die of shock.

  Several hours passed by the time Arthur and Rosemary stopped grilling Alexandra. By noon the three of them planned the entire wedding, all it needed now was a date. Excusing herself from the table, Alex asked her father to tell Rupert she would take her lunch up to her room as she was exhausted from the excitement. Arthur was more than happy to accommodate, and with a bow, Alex exited the greenhouse. Bounding her way up the stairs, she had no desire
to hear any more about the wedding to Philip, the mere thought of it made her feel sick to her stomach.

  Safely in the confines of her room, Alexandra flung herself on the bed as a startled Cosmo grumped with disdain. Her head still spinning from all the talk that went on downstairs. The day had taken an unfortunate turn which left Alex in a position of not having anything she needed for Jay’s birthday. Frustrated, she lay on her bed waiting for Rupert to show up with her lunch.

  Being the punctual man, he was, it did not take long for Rupert to make his way to the bedroom with a silver tray in hand. Setting it down on the table, the butler closed the door and cleared his throat.

  “Your lunch miss. Would you like me to open your curtains for you?”

  “No, keep them closed.” Alex sat up on her bed and stole a glance at her covered window.

  “Any reason why my mistress wishes to eat in the dark?”

  “I prefer to keep prying eyes off me Rupert, and I'm afraid there have been too many of those lately.”

  “I see. Wise choice miss. Is there anything else that you require?”

  “As a matter of fact, there is. The real reason I had you come up here is because I need your help.”

  “Of course. Anything for you Lady Alexandra.”

  “I need you to go into the pantry and get the following ingredients for me.”

  Walking over to her desk Alex pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill. Scribbling down a short list of ingredients, she handed it over to Rupert. The Butler studied the list over carefully, his expression unwavering.

  “How soon do you need it?”

  “I need them by tonight, and I don't want anyone else to know about it.”

  “It should not be a problem miss. I can get them for you in about two hours. I will hide them in your wardrobe for you.”

  “You know about that?”

  “Certainly, I was the one who told young Richard about it.”

  “You keep surprising me, Rupert. How much more are you not telling me?”

  “Now miss, a butler can't possibly reveal all his secrets at once. But, if you are willing, he is able to provide you with a small bit of advice.”

  “Of course, I always value your judgment, Rupert.”

  “It's a full moon tonight. It's the perfect time to obtain your heart’s desires as the soul is most awake when the moon is at its peak of power. But, at the same time watch yourself, the evil forces that are waiting will make their move as well. The choices you make tonight Miss, will undoubtedly have rippling consequences in the future.”

  “Thank you, Rupert. I’ll do my best, and I will be careful.”

  “See to it that you are dear. But I have full faith in you miss. And you,” Rupert turned to look at Cosmo who was fluttering about, “you make sure she stays out of trouble.”

  “Roink.”

  Satisfied his two charges would stay safe, Rupert gave a slight bow of his head and exited the room, leaving Alex alone with Cosmo, who was wondering what happened downstairs. Sitting down to share her lunch with the pigrie, Alex recalled everything that happened up until she returned. As the story wound down, Cosmo settled in for another long nap, and Alexandra pondered her next move. Heading the butler’s warning, she wanted to leave nothing to chance, especially since her future with Jay hung on the line.

  Chapter 23

  The Calm Before the Storm

  Before evening fell, Alex was pulled from her room for the second time that day. This time her mother wanted to get her fitted for a dress and have the seamstress get on with making a one of a kind design. Standing on a pedestal while getting material pinned up around her, Alexandra cursed herself for helping Henry out earlier. Having spent enough time with her family for the day she excused herself at dinner time to stow away to her room.

  Locking her door behind her, Alex let out a sigh of relief as Cosmo snorkeled around the pillow, letting her know Rupert had stopped by. True to his word, the old butler had left the ingredients Alex had requested in the hidden space behind the wardrobe. On top of the box was a note written in Rupert's carefully crafted handwriting.

  Lady Alexandra,

  Here are the ingredients you had requested. It would be prudent of you to exit using the cellar tonight to avoid raising suspicions of prying eyes. There also appears to be a bit of weather moving in this evening, so do stay warm and dry.

  Best of Luck,

  Rupert

  Folding up the note, Alex lit it on fire and watched it turn into a pile of ash. Rupert had never failed her, and she was not about to get him in trouble on her account. Shrinking the produce box, she slipped it inside her wrist pouch before donning on her cloak. Stealing a glance out the window, Alex made sure everyone was still downstairs. Giving Cosmo a satisfied nod to signal the study next door was empty, she headed for the dumbwaiter with the pigrie buzzing close to her head.

  Having negotiated the maze of the cellar, Alexandra stood on the back lawn looking up at the night sky. Ominous clouds obscured the majesty of the full moon, and a light drizzle of frigid water misted her face. Cautiously, she looked around the sprawling garden. There was not a soul in sight, even the raven was nowhere to be found. Satisfied she would not be followed, Alex transformed into a carmala bird and took off for Jay's cabin.

  For the first time since she had met Jay, Alex did not land on the outskirts of town to walk up the dirt road to the tavern. Taking heed of Rupert's warning, she landed in a wooded patch behind his small house. Converting back to her usual self, she peeked around from behind a great oak tree to see if she could spot anyone who would pose a threat. Straining her eyes to peer through the dark, there appeared to not be a soul in sight. Satisfied she was not being watched, Alex made her way out of the woods and headed for the back door of the modest cottage.

  The comfortable, warm interior of the cabin seemed strangely empty. Figuring it was still early in the night, Alex did not put much thought into it. Instead, she decided it was best to get the dinner going, so it would be ready for Jay when he was done. Setting the crate on the counter she enlarged it with a wave of her hand.

  Reaching inside to pull things out, Alex noticed something moving in the corner of her eye. Lifting her face to glance about, she spotted Andy peeking out from behind the sofa. There was fear in the boy’s eyes as he made his way out from his hiding spot, running to Alex and wrapping his arms around her waist.

  “Alex, Cosmo. I'm happy to see you.”

  “Hoink.”

  “Yes, we’re both happy to see you too little buddy.” Alex put a hand on the boys trembling shoulders, and he seemed to sooth with her touch.

  “No pretty dress tonight?”

  “I'm afraid not.”

  “That is a shame, I liked the beautiful dress.”

  “Did you now?”

  “Yes. Daddy liked it too. He say it make you look like a real princess.”

  “Oh, did he now?” Alex giggled as she raised an eyebrow. “I guess it's unfortunate for him I hate looking like a princess.”

  Smiling at the boy, Alex lifted him up into her arms. Quickly, he placed his small head on her shoulder and snuggled into her. She could still feel the boy shake from whatever frightened him earlier and grew ever more concerned for Jay who still hadn’t checked in with her.

  “Say, Andy, where is your daddy?”

  “Trying to close up. There is a scary man in there who refuses to leave.”

  “Really? What makes this man so scary?”

  “I don't know,” Andy sniffled. “He just looks wicked and creepy, like an evil king who wants to kidnap the princess or a great dragon in disguise.”

  “I see,” Alex frowned, attempting to not let the child sense her concern, “but your daddy is the great black knight, remember? And a knight’s job is to slay evil kings and dragons. So, I don't think we have anything to worry about, do you?”

  “Guess not. Daddy will keep us safe. And he won’t let anythi
ng happen to the princess.”

  “That's right. Now, what does the young prince say we get dinner going for the brave knight? Will you help me cook?”

  “Yes! I help you.”

  Andy squirmed in Alexandra’s arms as he gleefully clapped his chubby hands together. The thoughts of the scary man in the tavern had left him, and to Alex, he appeared to be a lot more relaxed now. Not immune to the infectious spell of the joy coming from the child, Alex allowed herself to relax with the boy’s every giggle.

  Forgetting about the bird and the creep in the tavern, Alexandra set aside Rupert's words of caution and pulled up a stool for the boy. Sitting Andy on the seat, she hung up her wet cloak and washed her hands. The little boy pulled everything out of the box studying it up close before plopping it down on the counter. Andy kept going until he stopped at one particular ingredient which caused him to crinkled his nose as he pulled it up to his face.

  “Ewww. Uglions, I hate uglions.”

  “Don't you mean onions love?”

  “I guess.” Andy poked at the onion he dropped on the counter. “But they are so ugly, and they smell bad, and they taste like yuck.”

  Having no words for such a passionate revelation coming from a small child the only thing Alex could do was laugh. Plucking the second onion from his hand, she imagined he did, in fact, have a point. If she remembered correctly, she was not a fan of onions in her youth either and was not a fan of them in large quantities to this day. Still, the expression of utter disgust on the face of a three-year-old was something to behold, even for her.

  “While you are correct young man, I can assure you of one thing, with the way I cook these nasty little things, you will not even know they are there.”

  “Promise?” Andy frowned as he gave the onion in her hand a poke. “Daddy can’t make them not taste like shoes.”

  “I promise, you can even ask Cosmo if you don’t believe me.”

  “Oink, oink.”

  “See? Now, why don’t you go wash the potatoes for me while I dispatch these foul onions of doom.”