Touch of Decadence (The Magic Mirror #1)

by Sylvia McDaniel

  "You wouldn't kill me like all the other witches?"

  He frowned. "That was a mistake made before my mother took power. The order was signed by my Aunt Narween Nuefl and carried out by her soldiers. When my mother took over after my aunt died, she reversed the order, but by then all the witches were killed or had fled the planet. Now we encourage witches to return to our world, but as far as I know we have none living there."

  "When we are no longer welcome we seldom go back."

  "I know and suddenly my sister is under a sleeping spell. She is next in line to the throne and the fear is that once she is gone, my mother and even my cousin may be next. If they all three die, the kingdom will be in chaos. If my aunts family returns to the throne, they will cause more destruction."

  "Why didn't your aunts family ascend to the throne instead of your mother?" she questioned.

  "The council and the people of Tesceanus insisted upon my mother, who was known for her wise counsel. She was, also, known for her kindness and generosity. My aunt was a warmonger who only brought death and destruction."

  Orion had been a baby during the Great War, which finally led to the ascension of his mother to the throne. He'd read it about the times in his school books and listened as his mother talked of how many people had died during that terrible time.

  She nodded, staring at him. "The women rule on your planet?"

  "That is the way of our kingdom. The women give birth to the future. They are organizers and planners. Therefore, they are better able to keep peace on our world. When men were in control there was chaos. "

  "What do the men do?"

  "We are the protectors, the explorers, the workers, and we provide for our women. We give them children and they govern our planet. The only part men play in governing the kingdom is to serve on the council to the queen."

  She smiled. "I like the way it sounds, but I'm not willing to sacrifice my life for your sister."

  "I'm not asking that of you. All I am asking is that you come and break the spell, then I will return you to Earth."

  He could see the distrust in her eyes and he couldn't blame her. Yet here he was on Earth, a place known for dissecting aliens.

  "How long does it take to travel to your planet?"

  "Five days travel time."

  "I can't do it," she said, frowning at him.

  "Why not?"

  "My twenty-fifth birthday is coming up in two weeks. I can't leave until after my birthday."

  "That would be too late," he said quietly.

  4

  The next morning, Daisy slowly awakened, the memories of the day before flooding her mind. Because she was unable to use her magic on Orion, the alien followed her home and refused to leave. Finally, she decided to let him stay as long as he slept in the guest room.

  She stretched, realizing her bed felt different. Warmth radiated from the sheets beside her. She rolled over and there was Orion, leaning on his elbow, gazing at her.

  She swallowed the lump that suddenly filled her throat.

  "What the hell are you doing in my bed?" she asked sitting up straight.

  He shrugged. "I'm staying by your side until you agree to come with me." He stared at her. "You are beautiful when you sleep."

  A flutter began in her middle and she jumped from the bed. When he said things like that, it made her nervous, really nervous. Like I want him to kiss me nervous. "I told you to stay in the guest room."

  "But I couldn't see you in the guest room."

  "You are not going to see me all the time. There are times when I want to be alone."

  This alien was going to drive her nuts.

  "I like watching you," he said softly, sending a shiver through her.

  "We're not attached at the hip," she snapped. "I've got to get to the bakery."

  Hurrying over to the closet, she pulled out some clothes, determined to try to keep her life as normal as possible, even when there was a six foot alien following you.

  He rose from the bed.

  Somehow she had to convince him to find someone else to help him.

  "Don't you need sleep?"

  "Of course, I do. But I can go two days without rest before I must seek my bed."

  She gazed at him. "I need to take a shower. Wait out here."

  "Why should I? You're not escaping from me."

  Oh no, he was not going to watch her bathe. Putting her hands on her hips, she stared at him. "Look, I am not going anywhere. You can hang onto me for as long as it takes, but I am not going to your planet. Also, I don't appreciate you invading my personal space."

  He shrugged. "I don't want my sister to die. Or my planet to return to being ruled by unbending dictators that kill people for not being the same."

  Daisy stopped and glanced at him. Unbending dictators? "Is that why they killed the witches? Because they were different?"

  She always wondered why a world where witches were completely accepted, suddenly turned against them. It was one of the reasons why here on Earth every living creature who was blessed to have a special power, kept it hidden from Earth's inhabitants. It was why she lived in Magic.

  "Partly. When Queen Narween Nuefl was in power, those who were different or if you didn't conform were executed. The witch covens were outrageously defiant and stood up to Queen Narween Nuefl. When the order was written to kill them all, they rebelled and killed many soldiers and innocent citizens. When my mother came into power, she made the decision that all people were individuals and everyone should be loved and accepted as they are. Since that day it is against the law to discriminate against your fellow Tesceanus citizen. It's taken years, but now we are a more loving, accepting society."

  Many of the people in Magic were not welcomed anywhere else on Earth because of their special powers. They made their own town where there was no hiding and where they could live like everyone else.

  Daisy laid her hand on his arm. "Your mother sounds like a very special leader."

  "That is why I'm afraid that the spell will not only kill my sister, but my mother as well."

  She considered what he'd told her about his sister's spell. Maybe if she had the details, she could find a way to help him from here on Earth. "Tell me everything you know about your sister's illness and when it happened."

  For the next thirty minutes, she sat at her kitchen table, sipping coffee while Orion, told her everything about his sister. When he finished, she sat contemplating what kind of spell his sister could be under.

  "Who was the witch who cast this spell?"

  "We suspect Zitora of the Xalto clan, but it was cast before he died, when my sister was a baby. The magic, didn't go into effect until she turned twenty-one. Lyra is a sweet girl. I'm not saying this because she's my sister, but she's been trained to become the next ruler and her heart is fair and good."

  "She's your family," Daisy said quietly, trying very hard to push the thought of her own sisters out of her mind, but losing the battle.

  "Do you have sisters?" he asked.

  Once there were four of them, but then Ianthe had died. Her sisters were the biggest pain in the ass you would ever meet, but they were also her biggest supporters and her best-friends. She knew they would visit soon and she could hardly wait. How would she feel if one of them took ill, were harmed by a spell, or even died? She lost one sibling and didn't know if she could face losing another one.

  "Yes, I have sisters," she said softly, wishing she could tell him to go away and leave her alone, knowing she couldn't. And she was starting to like the big alien. She felt sorry for him and wanted to help him, but her mating season was here. If she didn't find her mate in the next two weeks, she would no longer have any chance of having children.

  Her coven's genetics were such that if you didn't find your mate by your twenty-fifth birthday, you became sterile. Even if you met your mate after that time, there would be no children and often you would die before your thirtieth birthday. And it wasn't like you could go out and just mate with anyo
ne. Oh no, this stupid gene required this person to be the mate of your life or you died. Sex with the wrong person could put you six feet under.

  Sometimes she felt like she had an expiration date on her.

  Daisy had thought she had plenty of time to find the love of her life, but somehow the time had sneaked up on her before she was ready. Now, while she wanted to help Orion save his sister and mother, it would mean giving up finding her mate. She wanted children. She dreamed of having her own family. And she wanted to live.

  "Will you return with me?" he asked.

  Oh Merlin, she wanted to help him, she really did, but she would have to sacrifice so much. How did you explain to an alien who knew nothing about your coven's genetics? She had no choice, but to stay here. Yes, she also knew how she would have flown her broom clear across the solar system if it would have saved Ianthe.

  She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. Her stomach tightened in a painful knot. She couldn't go with Orion, even if she wanted to. She had to find her mate.

  "I can't, Orion."

  "What does this birthday have to do with you're not going with me?"

  "In my coven, the twenty-fifth birthday is special."

  "What can I do to make it special enough that you will return with me?"

  She laughed. "I must find my mate or I will never have children."

  Orion's telecommunicator buzzed. He glanced at Daisy. He wanted to know more about her coven's requirement to mate on her birthday, but knew he had to take this message from home.

  "I've got to answer this."

  He stood up and stepped into the next room. The image of his mother projected into the room.

  "Son, so good to see you," she said.

  "How are you, Mother?"

  She shook her head and blinked away tears. Fear bubbled up inside him like searing lava. What if he was too late?

  "Disturbed. Your sister is fading away before our eyes. I had to contact you and see if you've found the witch?"

  He didn't know what to tell her. He wanted to give her hope, but also knew that he couldn't lie to her and promise that Daisy would come with him. "I've found the family and I'm in the process of returning. How about you? Have you found out who is responsible for this spell? Is it Zitora?"

  Maybe his mother would find the people responsible and could have the spell broken somehow. Maybe he wouldn't need to take Daisy back to Tesceanus.

  "I found confirmation that he did indeed cast the spell, but I also learned that someone worked with him before his execution. We're trying to find who worked with the witch casting the spell."

  Orion nodded. "Excellent. How are you feeling?"

  His mother's complexion was haggard with dark circles around her eyes. As ruler her sleep was often interrupted, but never had she appeared so weary. Concern gripped him. Losing one would be terrible, but losing both of them would be more than he could bear.

  "Remember when Lyra complained about feeling tired. I've never felt so exhausted. I don't know if I'm just aware of how I'm feeling or if I'm frightened for your sister." Her voice broke. "And I fear there are traitors in the family."

  "What?"

  "I don't know yet. But we have to look at who would benefit the most from the death of your sister and me."

  "Aquila."

  Tears welled up in her eyes. "Yes, but I don't know for certain that she is behind this."

  His cousin never showed much interest in the fact that she was third in line for the kingdom, but maybe that was just a front. Maybe Aquila had dreams of holding power. She often spoke of war and how glorious fighting to defend the planet would be. Yet, the girl had not been conceived when the last war ended.

  He watched as his mother wiped the moisture from her eyes. She was the strongest person he knew and she was scared for his sister, for her kingdom and, probably even for herself.

  Now was not the time to tell her that he had not convinced Daisy to return with him. His heart was breaking at the sight of his mother. Somehow he had to persuade Daisy to go with him to Tesceanus. Somehow.

  If Daisy wouldn't go with him, maybe one of her sisters could break the spell. Yet, he would prefer that Daisy was the one who saved his sister. He liked the little witch.

  "I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow to return home."

  "Hurry, son, you are the only one who can save our kingdom, your sister, and I fear, your mother," the Queen said, and then the hologram was gone. He stood there in the living room gazing at the spot where his mother's image had appeared. So much was at stake and they were all depending on him.

  Clenching his fists, he knew he would do anything necessary to save his sister and his mother. His chest ached with the need to ensure their safety.

  He turned around and saw Daisy, staring, her eyes wide, at the place where his mother's image had been.

  5

  Daisy glanced over at the big alien sacked out in a chair in her bakery. Somehow he had fallen asleep while she created her cookies and cakes. She finished her orders and made enough pastries for tomorrow. Now, she wanted to visit the women who she knew would help her decide her fate. And the best thing was that no matter what Orion tried, their home was a safe zone. He would be unable to teleport there. No one could get through their barriers unless they were invited.

  Sneaking out the door, she hurried through the town. She saw the twins Jonah and Joseph, racing down the street on their bicycle. They were mischievous, and adorable, and enchanting, and always getting into trouble. But they had the sweetest souls. She loved those boys.

  "Hi Daisy," they called as they zoomed by. Larry, the lizard peeked out from beneath Joseph's hat. Someday Daisy wanted someone in town to cast a spell on that creature and turn the lizard into a human. Someday...just not today. There were so many secrets she was certain he could tell.

  "Hi boys," she called after them wondering where they were going in such a hurry.

  If she weren't on her way to see the three Fates, she would have followed them to see what kind of mischief they were up to, but instead, she kept walking towards the house where Destiny, Aura, and Fortune, lived.

  Walking up the steps, she watched the twins disappear over a hill. She hoped they weren't getting into trouble. Ringing the doorbell, Destiny opened the door and smiled. "Daisy, good to see you."

  "I need your help," she said, feeling confused and hoping they could assist her.

  The woman smiled. "Come in and ask me your questions."

  Thirty minutes later, Fortune brought in tea and cookies just as Daisy finished telling Destiny about Orion and his sister.

  "I brought you some of your own Smile cookies. I just love these," Fortune said.

  "Thank you. I'm glad you like them, but I would much prefer a pastry that would help me decide."

  Aura gazed at Daisy. "Everyone would like help making the hard decisions that life throws at us. You, dear Daisy, are no different. What is your heart telling you to do?"

  That was the million-dollar question. Her heart was just as confused as her mind. Unfortunately, she was starting to like the big alien, but the entire situation seemed hopeless.

  Daisy sipped from the soothing tea and sighed. "I hate the fact I must find a mate. It's like having an expiration date. If I don't find my mate in the next two weeks, I will never have the family I want. Then there is Orion. Seeing his mother so sad because her daughter is under a spell and hey all could die. That his planet could once again be plunged into chaos and murder. I could go with him or I can stay here and find my mate. Save his planet, or have my family. Which choice do I make?"

  Aura glanced at her. "Are you so certain that your mate is not here already?"

  Laughter spewed from Daisy. "There isn't a man in this town who is courageous enough to come into my bakery right now and want to date me. I read their weak minds and kick them to the curb like the asses they are."

  Fortune shook her head. "You've got a point. We've had quite a few Onocentaurs running around town lately."r />
  Destiny, who Daisy felt the closest to, had not said anything except "tell me what troubles you." She listened, but never said a word. Daisy turned toward the woman who she admired more than anyone. She stared expectantly.

  "One thing I respect about Orion's planet is the way his mother has changed it from a society that was killing anyone who was different to a place where everyone is now welcome. I would hate to see that end. She's a great leader," Destiny said calmly.

  "So I should sacrifice myself for the good of his planet and go save his sister and mother?"

  Fortune looked away, as Aura pretended to flick lint off her latest twenties flapper dress and Destiny shrugged. "Only you can decide your path in life. If you stay, will you find your mate? If you go, will you be able to break this powerful spell? When your path is clear, then you will make the choice that is right for you. But until then, keep searching, dear Daisy."

  "Sometimes the correct answer is right in front of us and we're too blind to see," Fortune said.

  Was the answer before her? Was she blind? Panic seemed to grip her stomach and she felt her chest tighten. How could she decide?

  Aura rose and Daisy knew that was her cue to leave. The Fates had told her all they would and now she had to make the decision that was best for her. But what would she choose? Saving a kingdom or finding her mate?

  Orion woke to silence. No delicious smells were coming from her ovens, no messy flour spills or any spell chanting. No Daisy. Jumping up, he ran through the bakery searching for her and soon realized she was gone. Rushing out the door, he ran into the ogre. "Have you seen Daisy?"

  The ogre shook his head. "I can't believe you're still walking on two legs. Makes me very suspicious."

  Grabbing the man by the shoulders, he asked, "Which way did she go?"

  "She was heading towards the west side of town. I bet she was going to see the Fates."

  "What's their address?"

  The ogre gave him the address and he put it in his telecommunicator, which gave him directions. Hurriedly, he left the ogre and walked in the direction indicated.