As we reached the veranda, Mother was already there waiting for us. I gave her a hug and said with excitement, “Madame Cecilia touched me. She can read my mind! Isn’t that just crazy?” She looked over at her and winked. “Yes, I know, it always was hard keeping secrets from my sister growing up.”
I looked at Madame Cecilia.
She could end up knowing all my secrets.
Mother took my hand and said, “Come on. Let’s go in for supper.”
After we finished eating, Madame Cecilia suggested we go into the library. As we walked down the hall, I noticed that Mother seemed at ease in her childhood surroundings. When we entered the library, the first thing I saw was a portrait over the mantle above the fireplace. For some reason, I was drawn to this painting and I walked toward it to get a closer look. The painting was of Madame Cecilia and Mother. I turned to see the rest of the room. Besides books, every wall had portraits of people from different eras.
Mother and Madame Cecilia had already sat down and were waiting for me to join them. I took a seat by Mother. Madame Cecilia then said, “I know your mother has talked to you about some of the history of the family, Alixia, but this room is all about the Ambrosines and the families. It contains our strengths and weaknesses.” She gestured at the numerous portraits covering the walls. “The people in these portraits are our family lineages. Each one of us started by learning about our destinies, just as you are learning now. I do want you to learn as much as possible before our trip to France.”
“So we will be going?” I asked with anticipation.
Marcus asked me to meet him in Paris!
Madame Cecilia stood up and walked toward the fireplace. “Yes, around late summer. Hopefully you will start focusing more on your studies, especially French.” She gave me a pointed look. “Your Mother tells me you’re not really applying yourself while learning the language.”
“I will try to do better.”
Now that I have a reason.
I looked toward mother. “I really want to go to France.”
“You can, but you have to study. I mean it, Alixia.”
“I will.”
She lifted an eyebrow, skeptical in knowing I wasn’t really into learning French. ”It’s important for you to learn this language because you have to study up on the other families in the Council. Another reason is that we will be attending your first Gathering here at the mansion soon. That’s when you will be formally introduced as an Ambrosine.”
“I have to be introduced?”
“Yes, you do. The Gathering is a very important event to the Ambrosines. The staff and Madame Cecilia and I will help you prepare for your coming forward.”
I stared at mother; something didn’t seem right in what she was saying.
“Okay, wait, didn’t you tell me that we should always keep the secret; that no one knows about the families? What about the staff?”
“Alixia,” she said, in a straightforward tone, “our staffs are part of the family’s Realm.”
“What?”
Her eyes went to concern. “I’m so sorry. I guess that’s one thing I forgot to tell you. The staff here and in Baton Rouge are all part of the family, they always have been.”
“Another secret you kept from me!” I closed my eyes for second, then said exasperated, “I can’t believe this.”
“Alixia, understand.”
“Is Millie part of the Ambrosine family, too?”
“Yes, she is.”
”Are you serious?”
“Let me explain.” Madame Cecelia said shifting to me. “Only the families in our Realms take care of us. It’s been that way for centuries. That’s just how it is.”
I stood up furiously, tired of their secrets they held so dearly to them.
“I don’t want to find out bits and pieces anymore! I’ve been trying to put this puzzle together since my birthday party, and now I find out the staff’s part of the conspiracy, too.”
Mother took hold of me. “Alixia! No! There is no conspiracy. I just wanted you to learn slowly about being an Ambrosine. You have to remember, we grew up knowing who we were, but you’ve only known for a short time. Do you understand?”
I was apprehensive. “I don’t know. It’s just weird being told that everyone I know is basically part of this. I’m beginning to think my whole life was one big deception up until now.”
“I know you’re upset.” Mother said. “But listen to me, Alixia. This is who we are. We can’t change it. I will try to move things along a little faster, and I’ll have Millie come and translate for you, okay?”
“Good.” I said feeling a little relieved. “Maybe she can help me understand all this better.”
“All right then.” Mother smiled, satisfied with my answer. “We will take care of that tomorrow. But for now, back to the Gathering ceremony.”
I flopped back down into the chair and sighed. Mother wrinkled her forehead, “Are you ready to listen?”
“Yes.”
“All right then. The ritual we follow in addition to your learning about the heads of each of the families—”
“A ritual?” I looked at her with dread. “That doesn’t sound too good.”
Madame Cecilia laughed entering the conversation. “It’s nothing to be frightened of, Alixia. The way it will go is we will enter the ballroom from a side door, which goes directly to the stage. There will be five chairs. I will take the middle chair, representing the Ambrosines. You and your Mother will stand on either side of me. Then, the heads of the other families, the High Council, will take their chairs. I will introduce you to the guests’ families that are coming from all parts of the world to watch you being brought forward into your birthright. Then, you will go to the High Council and take the right hand of each member, saying their name and taking a bow. This shows your respect. Then, we go back to center stage and we bring you forward as an Ambrosine. See, it’s easy. Do you have any questions?”
“Yes, just one. I really have to bow? Are you joking?”
They stared at me. I could see by looking at them, they weren’t happy with my question. Both their faces went immediately from smiling to scowling.
Mother shook her finger at me. “The reason we bow and acknowledge each other by name is to show that the Ambrosines have respect for the other family Realms.”
“I am sorry. Geez…I just think…never mind.” I moved away from Madame Cecilia, knowing she could read my thoughts, and right now that would not be good. I changed the subject. “So, Mother, this bringing me forward is just some big introduction into your family?”
“Well, mostly.” She looked over at Madame Cecilia as she slightly shook her head. “There are other things, but we will address those later. Now where was I? Oh yes, if everything goes well during the ceremony, which it will, then the families’ members from different Realms come up, one by one, to ask the High Council for requests to help certain guests at our next Gathering, which is during Mardi Gras.”
“Guests?”
For something so secretive, there sure are a lot of people involved.
I smiled, going back to listening to her.
“Yes, these guests are outsiders who need our help and are chosen by the families. This is the only time when identities are hidden on both sides. We never reveal names or faces during these ceremonies.”
“So it’s a secret Gathering?” I asked.
“Well, yes and no. You will see how things are done at this year’s Mardi Gras. That’s when you will use your abilities.”
My jaw dropped. “What do you mean, I’ll be using my abilities? I know I’ve experienced some strange things, but I haven’t seen any abilities yet.”
“Alixia, you will by the time Mardi Gras comes.” Said Mother.
“Well that’s reassuring.” I said with a touch of sarcasm. “I hope it doesn’t take as long for me to learn my abilities as it is taking me to learn French.”
Madame Cecilia smiled. “Come here. Let’s try something.”<
br />
“What?”
“Just take my hand.” She held her hand out encouragingly. I hesitated. “What are you going to do? Read my mind?”
“No. Just take my hand.”
I took her hand. She nodded at Mother, taking hers.
“Okay,” Madame Cecelia said, “I want you to concentrate and visualize going down the hall and standing in the kitchen.”
I smirked. “You want me to what?”
“Alixia, just do what I say now.” Madame Cecelia said holding on to my hand tighter.
“Okay.”
I closed my eyes. I could see myself going down the hall. I heard voices all around me, but I couldn’t see anyone.
Weird.
Madame Cecilia jumped into my thoughts.
Just focus on the kitchen.
I looked at her. “You’re in my head?”
“Concentrate.”
I closed my eyes again, visualizing the kitchen. Suddenly, I felt as if I were moving slowly, as if I was in a dream. I was covered in some sort of haze. I was by the kitchen door. I hadn’t touched the doorknob, but suddenly there I was in the kitchen and looking at Sofia, the cook. Madame Cecilia was in my head again.
Just focus on her. Is she talking to anyone?
No, she is just sitting there having a glass of wine and reading.
Madame Cecilia said, Come back to the library, Alixia.
I opened my eyes and I was in the library again.
“Whoa! That was cool!” I put my hand up. “Wait! I’ll be right back!”
I ran down the hall and pushed open the kitchen door. Sofia, the cook, looked up from her paper and there was her glass of wine.
“Alixia, do you need something?” She asked.
“No, I was just thirsty. Where are the glasses?”
“They’re right next to the sink in the cupboard.” She stared at me curiously.
“Thank you.” I got a glass, turned on the tap and filled it with water, trying to avoid eye contact with her. I drank it down quickly and left.
As I was walking back to the library, I was excited and confused. My head and my heart were racing.
How did I do that?
As I entered the library, Mother and Madame Cecilia were smiling.
“What just happened?”
“You just used one of your abilities, Alixia.” Mother said moving toward me. “But you were both holding my hands.” I said, perplexed.
Mother laughed at me softly. “We just guide you. It’s your ability. You’re the one who saw Sofia in the kitchen, we didn’t. Evidently, you are also able to hear other conversations around you when you travel. Madame Cecilia was only able to read your thoughts by touching you while you traveled, that’s all.”
I was overwhelmed, wondering how many more abilities lay dormant in me, waiting to come out.
Madame Cecilia gave me a hug. “You have a lot to learn yet, but you did very well tonight.” She said.
“Alixia.” Mother said. “Your destiny is going to be a very powerful one. You will be “un protecteur fort de notre famille.”
“Mother, please… in English.” She shook her head. “You are going to be a strong protector of our family. If you feel a sense of danger to any of the families, you will have the power to seek out these threats without their knowledge, just like you did tonight.”
“In other words, I can spy on people?” She laughed. “Yes, you could put it that way.”
“So, what other powers do I have?”
“I’m not sure. But that’s enough for tonight. One ability should be sufficient for now. We will work on more family history and then maybe…” She eyed me. “We will see what other abilities you have.”
We went upstairs and said goodnight to each other. I walked into my room. The bed was turned down and my nightgown was laid out. I quickly took off my clothes and put on my nightgown and robe. The room had a slight chill. I looked around and noticed two windows open. I quickly closed them and jumped into bed.
Lying there, sleep would not come right away. My mind raced with questions. I wondered if I could concentrate hard enough without their help to travel to my home in Baton Rouge. I closed my eyes and visualized being back in my home again. I began moving slowly, until…
It worked!
I was home! The staircase was in front of me. Again, the haze encircled me. As I went upstairs, I could hear quiet mumbles of voices and soft breathing, as everyone in the house slept through my veiled return. I entered my old bedroom without opening the door. I was amazed at how it worked. I was ghost-like, being able to move from room to room, not disturbing anything in my path.
This is so cool!
I walked over to my bed and lay down. I felt safe. I closed my eyes. Suddenly, I heard Mother’s voice saying, “Alixia, wake up now.”
I opened my eyes; I was still in my old bedroom. I closed my eyes and visualized being back in my new bedroom at the mansion, then opening my eyes again, I was back. Mother and Madame Cecilia stood over me. Madame Cecilia was holding my hand. I could tell by the way she was looking at me with her lips pursed in disapproval, she had seen where I had gone.
I sat up in bed. “Good morning.” I said, trying to sound cheerful and avoid a lecture. I sensed one was coming on. It didn’t work.
Madame Cecilia was first to speak. “Alixia, you left yourself vulnerable to great danger.” Her voice was stern. “You need to remember your body is in a meditative state when you travel. You haven’t yet learned how to protect yourself. So please don’t travel anymore until I teach you more about this ability.”
Mother jumped in angrily. “You listen to her, Alixia. No more foolish stunts! I mean it! Now get dressed and come to breakfast.”
“Okay, I’m sorry! I’ll be down in a minute.”
“We will be waiting for you.” Mother replied.
I went to the bathroom first to wash up. Splashing water on my face, I looked into the mirror.
Why are they upset? Nothing happened. Shake it off.
I stared at myself, turning my face one way and then the other.
I’m looking a little older now that I’m seventeen. Having Mother’s eyes is my best feature.
I crinkled up my face.
But these baby cheeks, they need to go.
I grabbed a towel and dried my face. Taking a brush, I put my hair into a ponytail and then walked over to the closet, getting jeans and a sweater. After checking myself out in the floor mirror one last time, I went downstairs.
When I walked into the dining room, I saw that Mother and Madame Cecilia were already eating. The smell of breakfast immediately hit me. I sat down. “I am starving!” As I reached over to grab a piece of toast, I noticed a letter sitting next to my plate that was addressed to me. It was from Libby. I quickly opened it. The letter said that she and Claire were coming by train to visit in two weeks.
I looked up at Mother. “Mother, Libby and Claire are coming for a visit in two weeks. Will it be all right for them to visit us?”
She put her cup down and said, “It will be fine. Just find out the time they will be arriving.”
“Thank you.”
They went back to having their conversation and I took another bite of my toast thinking of my friends. This time our relationships will be different. Now that I had secrets I could never share with them.
After breakfast, I went straight to the library. Millie was already in there. She looked pretty as ever, especially now that she was going to have a baby. I still couldn’t believe it. She’d only been married about eight months, and now she was going to be a mother.
Millie greeted me in French. “Bonjour, Alixia. So I hear you’re in need of a French translator?”
“Oui.” We laughed and hugged.
“So what can I help you with?”
“Oh, Mother wants me to learn the heads of the families before the Gathering.”
Millie walked over to one of the bookshelves and brought back a white book with red and gold letter
ing. The cover said Famille. She opened the book and read the names to me.
“So… here in the north end of the symbol is the Reynaud family,” she began. “South is the Aimeri family.” She pointed. “Now, on the west side, is the Clotriae family and to the East is the Gautier family—”
“What did you say?” I interrupted. “What was that last name again?”
“Gautier. Charles Gautier.” She repeated. “What’s wrong, Alixia? You’re shaking!”
“I can’t believe this.”
I told her what had happened at our home in Baton Rouge and how Mother said it might have been him. Now, I would have to give respect to this Charles Gautier.
Over my dead body!
Millie tried to calm me down. “Alixia, I think Madame Ambrosine and Lucida would have their reasons for why they want you to do this. Be patient and wait until you can talk to them.”
“I will wait, but their answer better be good.”
“Alixia, just talk to them.”
Changing the subject, Millie went on to explain the social order of the families; I noticed she tried to avoid bringing up any more about the Gautiers. She told me that each family controlled their own social order. They all had some kind of powers. The heads of the families and their offspring are the most powerful, but the Ambrosines had the strongest abilities and powers of all the families. They oversee and protect each of the families’ Realms from any threats or danger.
Now I was curious.
“So if there’s a threat to one of the families, what happens?” I asked.
“It’s just dealt with.”
“That’s not an answer. How’s it dealt with?”
“The families come together and the Ambrosines take control of the situation, either by negotiation or force.”
“What kind of force?”
She rolled her eyes at me. “I will leave that question for Madame Ambrosine to answer for you.”
“Why?” I was exasperated with these non-answers.
“Just ask her.” She replied.
“You’re really not going tell me?”
“No.” She up got to retrieve another book. “And let’s end this conversation now.”
“Fine, I will ask her, but she probably won’t tell me anything, either.”
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