Kingdom of Mirrors and Roses

by A. W. Cross

Sir Dominic held me closer and tighter than I felt was necessary then he leaned in so close, that his musky cedar parfum violated my nostrils. “You truly are the most stunning woman here.”

  The words felt as if he were trying to undress me as I pulled away. “Thank you. I…”

  “Mr. Anderson. Miss Lily! So glad you two have finally arrived. This is my wife Bernice.”

  Thank goodness Mr. LaBaron interrupted. I broke away from Sir Dominic’s talons and rushed in to give Bernice a hug. “So nice to meet you.”

  She must’ve sensed my uneasiness because I caught her carefully looking in Sir Dominic’s direction. “The pleasure is all mine. Samuel keeps going on and on about your father and you, and well, he told me of your beauty, and while I didn’t doubt him for one moment, I now see words simply do not do you justice.” She let out a joyous laugh. “Come with me, allow me to introduce you to some of my friends.”

  I turned to my father who gave me the nod of approval. I didn’t bother looking back to Sir Dominic, for fear that he’d pull me back into his arm.

  Bernice looped her arm in mine. “Are you okay?” She asked sending me panicking. “Don’t worry dear. Sir Dominic has quite the reputation. And I saw how uncomfortable you were at his side. Trust me, we all saw him rush to sweep you off your feet. Which is why I forced Samuel to take me to you at once.”

  I wanted badly to throw my arms around her in appreciation. “Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

  The middle-aged woman smiled; her crows’ feet barely noticeable. A sign that she was of means. Which I already knew. Bernice was well cared for.

  A whiff of sweet pastries caught my attention. “Are we allowed to eat dessert before we sit down for dinner?”

  “Oh! Well, these types of affairs are more of a free for all. You may nibble or you may sit down for a proper plated meal. It truly is up to you. Personally, I find that if I nibble, I actually can eat more.” She winked.

  “Do you mind if I join up with you after I grab something to nibble on?”

  “Not at all. Shall I accompany you?”

  “No. By all means. I’ll join you shortly. Thank you.”

  My feet were possessed by my stomachs need to be fed. I’d skipped dinner, believing we were attending a rather formal dinner. When in fact, it was more of an elegant assembly.

  The fine bone china was another indication of the luxurious life lived by the de Pierre’s, as I carefully handled a plate while deciding how much were too many pastries to indulge on.

  “Miss Lily, we meet again.”

  I recognized General Jensen’s deep baritone voice as I turned to meet his eyes.

  “General. You’re here?”

  "I am." He smiled. "Is that surprise or disappointment I sense."

  "The former, I assure you. I didn't realize you too would be in attendance. I mean, since it is a private function and you are a government representative."

  Nothing I was saying was making sense. "I'm sorry." I laughed; my free hand reached out to pat his forearm. After noticing, I quickly pulled my hand away. "I don't even know what I'm thinking. I mean, it's not like you're not human and aren't allowed to attend these types of soirees. Right?"

  There was a quick register in his eyes. Something that piqued my curiosity. Was this type of thing what he was supposed to be in attendance for? And it dawned on me. "Of course! I'm so dense. Technological advancement would be exactly what the government would want to be in the know of. Gosh! I swear, sometimes I just need to shut up."

  General Jensen gleamed. "Most folks don't figure this out. I'm impressed you have. And yes, my job now is all about looking to the future. Observing. Testing. Deciding what we bring into the fold of the government."

  "Sounds very promising. I mean, if the inventors are compensated. We always hear of these horror stories of someone getting their patents stolen."

  He smiled. "Yes, there are rumors abound when dealing with such delicate matters such as a personal invention. The truth is. Most of what I've worked on have included bringing the inventor onboard with the government. Not only financing their entire works but keeping them on a very comfortable wage to sustain a great lifestyle."

  "Not everything is about money for most of these people. Take my father for example. He'd happily do it for free, so long as he had an amazing place to see his inventions come to fruition. He's never been about money."

  "Aww. Yes. Your father. Well, he isn't the standard, I hope you know. Once an inventor puts something of significance together, most will quickly take the money and stability."

  I snickered. "Perhaps you're right," I said turning my focus back on my plate, suddenly feeling a bit uneasy in the general's presence. There was something very different about him. I just couldn't figure it out.

  "General Jensen, how nice to see you here." My father said happily. "This place is amazing. It's been years since I've visited, and while much has remained the same, I do see how Sir Dominic has incorporated many interesting changes. Heck, I heard that a few of the staff have mechanical parts in place of lost limbs. I'm eager to find out how true this is. I knew it was only a matter of time that it would happen."

  Brody Jensen flinched ever so slightly. Is he disgusted by the idea? I wondered.

  "How wonderful would that be!" I exclaimed. "Giving a person the opportunity to live life to their best ability, even if by means of an artificial mechanism is something I can fully support."

  The general looked put off. "Most people in our society would beg to disagree. Heck, there is a huge movement against the idea, calling it ungodly. We've had all sorts of negative propaganda sent the way of the military because the people fear we are fully responsible for making this happen. The thought of it all is monstrous to so many."

  "Monstrous? Surely, to give another human being the opportunity of living life as close to normally possible isn't monstrous." I was seeing red and any feeling of hunger was rapidly replaced by anger. "To deny anyone of such a thing is monstrous."

  The blood pulsed through my veins, sending my heart pumping faster. I tried my best to compose myself. After all, my anger wasn't with the general. It was at the idea of anyone being against such inventions.

  "Miss Lily, are you all right?"

  And hearing that voice only made matters worse.

  "Yes. Thank you. If you all will excuse me." I said turning my back to the small gathering, charging forward in search of Bernice. I was no longer interested in what General Brody Jensen had to say, and I certainly wasn't interested in Dominic de Pierre.

  I found a waiter and politely apologized for not touching anything on my plate, before placing this on the empty tray. Of course, I studied the person carefully. Was he one of the people with an artificial limb?

  My heart raced as I placated my curiosity. If the person had such an addition, it surely wasn't any of my business.

  "Miss Lily, please join us. We are having a very animated discussion about the electromagnetic transmission of telegraphic signals in the telephone and how we might be able to expand upon the technology for other methods of communication."

  "Very interesting, Mr. LaBaron. But I'm afraid I must get back to Mrs. LaBaron. She's been nothing but attentive towards me and I ran off in search of goodies."

  The group of men and one woman all laughed in unison as I excused myself.

  I glided through the crowds until I found Bernice comfortably seated in a beautiful armchair.

  "There you are, my dear. Come, join Cloe and me. We are just gossiping about the latest happenings of Albercadia."

  A matching armchair beckoned me as I succumbed to the comfortable cushion.

  "I'm Cloe del Castillo, recently married into Castilian nobility. You know, pomp and circumstance. Titles and, well, all of the fastidious dealings such matters come with."

  "Nice to meet you. I'm Lilian Anderson. No titles or fancy anything. In fact, this dress was a gift to me. For surely, we can't afford such fine spoils."

  Bernice laughed.

/>   "I like you, Miss Lily. I like you very much." Cloe said as she sank her lips into a crystal glass of red wine.

  "And I have a feeling I'm going to like you too," I said in playful response.

  Cloe del Castillo didn't appear to be much older than me, but she was already married. and here I was, not even a suitor in sight.

  5

  The blistering sun pounced fiercely against all living matter as I retreated into the hotel suite. I'd opted to stay behind while my father attended a closing conference when the exposition wrapped up. His invention, the Horologium was a major hit and he had garnered the special attention of many big investors. Yet, he remained undecided as far as who to partner with.

  I wandered back to my room and grabbed the old tattered book I'd collected from my first outing upon our arrival.

  Such an old grimoire. I thought as I leafed carefully through the fragile pages.

  Some of the pages were intact, while others were badly damaged.

  Carefully, I returned to the second page of the book.

  Ipso praestante, qui haec legit liceret tenuit cum magica libro hoc.

  I read the scribblings, not understanding a word, when suddenly, the letters moved hastily before me.

  May he who reads this passage be granted with the magic held in this book.

  My eyes read over and over, desperately trying to understand how the words had translated themselves.

  Could this truly be magic? I questioned.

  The words moved around the page once again.

  Yes.

  Without hesitation, I dropped the book on the bed, stepping back from whatever it was I was experiencing. There had to be a logical explanation. For surely, magic didn't truly exist. Or did it?

  "You've been a bit on edge. Is everything Okay?"

  I watched as my dad rested on a chase lounge, strategically placed closer to a window to take in the full view of Albercadia.

  "Shall we have dinner brought up to us this evening? I'd rather we just stay in. I've had my fill of being around other people."

  "Oh, darling. My apologies. I should've mentioned this earlier. But General Jensen and two of his high commanding officers will be visiting us here in the suite. I took the liberty of requesting a private dinner arrangement for the five of us."

  "General Jensen and other officers? You know what this means, don't you, father?" I waited. "Father?"

  "Yes. I do. And to be honest, it is what I've been waiting for. The more I consider the private investors, and the pool of interest the Horologium has drawn in. The more I realize I could potentially put this invention in the wrong hands."

  His words seemed more for himself. As I carefully observed as his eyes pulled away looking skyward. His thinking habits.

  "Well, I'll let you rest. But just so you know, I'm not dressing up for these men. I'm rather exhausted of the entire ordeal and would like it very much if you'd just let me be."

  "Of course, my dear Lily." He yawned. "I'm going to take a quick nap. Wake me if I'm not up in an hour."

  A heavy feeling came over me when I walked back in my room. The grimoire waited patiently exactly where I’d left it.

  Oh, for crying out loud. I said to myself, reaching for the darn book. I’m not afraid of you.

  The soft worn leather in my hands felt alive as I caressed the spine and flung it open.

  If magic truly does exist, what is it that you want me to see?

  I waited.

  A cold breeze pushed through my room lifting the book in the air, spinning in place. An immense glow covered every corner of the room. I stepped back to hold myself upright against the wall.

  The blue neon light was blinding. My arm instinctively went up to protect my eyes.

  What is happening?

  Goosebumps crawled over my skin as I shivered from the cold. My sense of perspective was out the window. Something greater than my comprehension was occurring.

  You think? You fool. I said to myself, fearing the unknown.

  Fear overcame my every part.

  The book spewed a humming vibration which I tried desperately to resist.

  No. This isn’t happening. I kept repeating. No.

  A contrasting color of bright luminescent yellow swirled in the opposite direction of the book causing a vortex of energy.

  I dropped to the ground with my back to the wall. What in the universe was happening?

  My eyes deliberately closed, and I pressed my palms into my face, wearingly wondering if I had enough strength to exit the room and get my father.

  What do you want?

  The humming quieted and the spinning lights dissipated. The grimoire slowly lowered back onto the bed, pages turning until it abruptly stopped. A deliberate light beckoned me to the book and I unaware of my actions moved in its direction.

  When I got to my feet I was looking directly over the book and the glowing passage.

  Hello, Lilian.

  I gasped. But...

  Fear not, the words appeared making an etching sound, you are the chosen one. The one who will hold the secrets to our universe. Whatever you ask, you shall receive. Be warned, however, for every action there is a reaction. Choose wisely.

  The etching stopped and the book slammed shut.

  I gasped for air not realizing I’d been holding my breath.

  My heart raced as if it had just been pumped back to life. Adrenaline ran rampart through me as I raced out of the room, remembering my father was sleeping, I tiptoed past the sitting room and into the study where I dropped into the high back leather chair behind the mahogany desk.

  Impossible. You are just tired. What you thought you saw was a mere hallucination. I tried convincing myself. Yet, I knew it wasn’t so. What I’d experienced was all too real to be a hallucination.

  6

  “Miss Lily, you’ve been awfully quiet?” General Jensen said as he nonchalantly sipped out of his wine glass. I tried desperately to stay engaged in the conversations over dinner, yet my thoughts were on the grimoire.

  “Just a little exhausted by the week’s events.”

  He gave me a warm smile, “Are you going to be okay with relocating here to Albercadia?”

  I thought about what my answer would be, wanting to be honest with myself as I studied our surroundings. My usual self would give the answer conducive to the business which brought us to Albercadia. Something about the amazing opportunities for my father. But the truth was, I was oddly looking forward to starting a new chapter. Maybe even attend the university. Everything was available at my fingertips. Albeit, I did feel slightly out of place, but if my father could make his way here and hold his head high amidst the ranks, then so could I.

  I offered him my most sincere smile, “Yes, General, I do think I will be very happy here. There are a great deal of things to consider, but all in all, I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”

  “What do you mean by that?” his dark eyes watched me with interest, and I found myself at ease in his presence.

  “I mean, there is much to learn.”

  “Ah,” he nodded his head, stretching his legs underneath the table, as he swirled the wine around in his glass. “Indeed, there is. You can be anything you want here, as Albercadia allows for it. Have you seen the libraries yet?”

  I shook my head, slightly uncomfortable that none of the other officers had piped up to say anything. Even my father remained painfully quiet during our conversation.

  “Oh, Miss Lily, rows upon rows of books. So many, you could never get your fill.”

  I could feel my heart palpitating faster. It was as if he could see past the walls, and the masquerade.

  “I should so love to see that,” I grinned, fighting back my excitement.

  “I would be delighted to show you,” he said quietly, and I turned my attention to my father in that moment. Wondering what he would say about such a thing.

  “Well, my darling Lily would just be delighted by that. Wouldn’t you dear?” he grinned wide
ly, as my face drained of its color. It was not like my father to have such candor toward a stranger. Was this a part of the business deal he hoped to procure with the gentleman?

  I cleared my throat, “Ahem, Yes, I suppose I would enjoy that.” I was feeling quite uncomfortable, and not because my underwhelming attire. Madame Batiste would be appalled to see me in my current state. However, it was important to be who I truly was, in full form. And that was not someone who craved for attention, and I’d already taken too much of it for the evening. “Well, that’s enough of me soaking up the conversation. I believe you gentleman are here to discuss matters with my father about the Horologium. Please take the stage.” I urged them, causing the general to smile again, in my direction. Was he odd, or was it just me?

  “My Lily, ever so humble,” my father said, as if explaining away my behavior. I wanted to defend myself, but my attention was drawn to raucous laughter from across the room. Dominic De Pierre. He’d joined our gathering. How on earth did my father think it was at all appropriate.

  Clearly, Dominic thought highly of himself, as did the company he surrounded himself with. He had two men in tow as two servers scrambled to adjust the place settings for three additional guests. Despite the elegant interior of the dining room with its floor to ceiling windows with views to Albercadia and the wandering ocean below, it was clear with his very presence, how much of an attention whore he truly was. I withdrew my eyes, focusing instead on the views outside.

  My father wished to know the Dominic’s desire for the Horologium, what he wanted to use it for, and if he planned distribution of it anywhere. It was mostly small talk, but I understood why. I listened half-heartedly, and when our server made his way back around, I waved him over, and he smiled.

  “Can I bring you more wine?” he asked, and I nodded. He took away our empty bottle, but when he turned, he stumbled on the edge of the fancy throw rug and the bottle slipped from his hands, shattering into pieces all over the ground. Shards of the glass ricocheting off my legs. The poor boy looked on, mortified. His action had drawn the attention from everyone in the room, and the little bit of wine that had been left in the bottle had splattered all over the leg of the general, as he was closest to him.