by LJ Swallow
At the centre, in focus, the Hyland crest. Their magic? Guarded secret. Can they perform every variety? Is that the secret? Something sets them apart that maintains their grip on the Sector and other witches, and I'm determined to discover exactly what.
The wood panelled walls, ornate cornices, and gleaming floor hark back to the human's ancestry, but the magic surrounds and touches everybody and everything in the room.
This is the ultimate display to the human Senate over who holds the ropes; a reminder they're the puppets on the Othala strings.
If there's one place in the Enclave that could survive anything, this is it. I shudder. The building could be a target, but this place is several miles from any fence or magic barrier. This is more an epicentre for a power that could raze the world.
I watch the small crowd in one corner. In the finery, the boys from school dressed as men in their three-piece suits, and the girls dressed up to look older too. Giggling, subtle touching, longing looks. How many of the girls would be happy to try life as a Regent wife? Some of the families have witch blood and might survive. But why risk it?
Laurel spots me across the room and waves, bangles jingling on her arm. Um. Why talk to me? She is, to put it bluntly, a complete bitch. The worst kind too, she fools everybody with her charming smiles and false modesty, and her attractiveness helps too. Tall and curvy with sleek chestnut hair never out of place, and impeccably dressed, she laps up every chance she has to put herself in public view. Even at school she'd manage to slip by the uniform standards and somehow add a touch of stunning to her outfit.
She greets me, her short black dress pushing her small breasts into a deceptively larger cleavage and making my dress modest, the chiffon sweeping the tops of her knees. In her heels, she's a good few inches taller and, as ever, looks down on me.
“Cora!” she enthuses and air kisses me. “I never expected you to make it tonight. Are you feeling better?”
I return her false smile. “Much. Thank you. I can't miss the opportunity to meet the Regent, can I?”
“Exactly!” She ushers me in and my heels click along the marble-tiled hallway as I walk towards the open doors at the end. “I can't believe we'll be the first people to see the brothers.”
Nobody sees any Hyland child until the first time they attend a Gathering. The sector knows when they’re born but nobody sees pictures throughout the Hyland’s childhood. Their names are the only information released. Some of the Senate know who they are, but only the upper echelon. I'm told this is to protect the sons until they're strong enough magically to protect themselves. As with any royalty, their lives are at risk from those who disagree with the less than diplomatic regime.
The eldest by three years, Mattias, refused to attend Gatherings until his brother, Alaric, also reached the age Hylands begin their search for a wife. Alaric turned twenty-one this year, and took office as the new Regent a few weeks ago, after his father died. Alaric’s chosen to make a grand entrance into the social scene by staying out of sight for those few weeks, until the first Gathering, insisting he shouldn’t be seen celebrating so soon after his father’s death. He hasn’t visited the Senate at all, instead holding private meetings at the Hyland Estate, sending nervous ripples through the Enclave.
So, two powerful Hylands for the price of one tonight. The Regent and his brother need wives, and there're good candidates here. Better than me, thankfully.
I escape Laurel's gushing as the room fills and the noise and heat engulf me; more than two dozen bodies fill the room, chattering above the music.
Will Ty be here? I watch people move through the crowds, looking for a man taller than most, attempting to spot a broad-backed man with mussed hair. He evidently hasn't taken a wife yet. Maybe waiting for the right one? A girl who'll be happy for him to share himself with sector girls. Because I have no doubt that's what he was doing too. Perhaps he is married and already does.
My mother already has disappeared to schmooze with the other mothers, each of whom secretly wishes the Regent chooses their daughter. My father stands in a corner at the opposite end of the room with a group I recognise as other Senate members. His eyes widen as he sees me, and then he nods at my mother before beckoning me over. I swallow as the group of men's eyes sweep me, appraising, deciding if I'm a match for their sons, although one or two look a little too interested in me themselves.
“Some of you already know Cora,” says my father and gestures at the men.
“Hello,” I say and cross my arms.
One of the men smiles down at me. “Don't be nervous, Cora, we won't bite.” His eyes crinkle at the corner, and I bite back a retort at his cliché.
“I can't vouch for Kai though,” says another staring at the tight satin hugging my hips. “He has quite the appetite.”
“So I heard. I work at the Senate now and hear the rumours.” My cheeks hurt from the false smiling, but this guy has stepped too far. I've heard about the Gatherings, and I’ve heard some of the witches talking about “testing” out the girls.
Makes sense, none of them want to marry without trying the goods first. I'm already bargain basement Scion, and I imagine the “try before you buy” won't include any buying in my case.
“Let me introduce you to some others,” says my father, gripping my elbow. I jerk at the physical contact; he hasn't touched me for years. “This way.” I stumble at the speed he heads away. “Please behave yourself tonight.”
“I'm not five!” I hiss.
“No, but the Hylands are here tonight. You know that. And after yesterday's no-show....”
Luckily, my father's reaction to my disappearance yesterday was a dark and silent disappointment, not dark and painful bruises. To save myself, I'll perform. In front of him and then hide away when he isn't around.
“Fine. I'm here, okay.”
He grips my elbow further and we duck into a corner, behind a small group. “If either of them speak to you, smile and say nothing.”
“Easy done. I doubt they're smart enough to hold a decent conversation.”
I wince as he grips my skin. “Do not speak like that about the Regent family. Do you want to shame me?”
“No. Sorry. I guess I'm nervous,” I lie. “I've always dreamt of meeting a Regent looking for a wife.”
My sarcasm sails over his head. “As would any girl.”
“Mmm.”
“But let's set our sights on someone more... accessible.”
My father's jaw hardens. No way in hell, a Regent will marry a girl who’s unlikely to spawn their child. My father hates this, but to me it's a relief.
“Like me?” I turn to the voice, and my shoulders relax with relief when I look up at Declan. He winks at me and then flourishes a bow at my father. “I'd be happy to keep an eye on her and make sure she keeps out of mischief.”
“Perhaps. But don't keep Cora to yourself all night. She needs to mingle.”
“Of course. Cora?”
I step away from my father and mutter mingle beneath my breath. “Looking good, Cora,” he says with a smirk.
“As are you. Who the hell wrangled you into a suit?”
Declan pulls at his shirt collar, loosening the bow tie. “It's bloody strangling me.”
“Are you ready for the circus?” he asks.
“No. I need another drink,” I say and shove him towards a nearby waitress.
Taking two glasses of wine, Declan glances around. “As a seasoned veteran-”
“You've attended once,” I interrupt.
“As a seasoned veteran,” he repeats. “Let me give you a run down. Don't talk to him. He'll have his hands on your ass in seconds.” Declan indicates a blond-haired guy chatting to Tamara from school, then passes me the wine glass. “I'd avoid Rafe too.”
“I already know that from school. Mr. Magic Cock.”
“Cora!” He shoves me in the ribs and wine sloshes from my glass. “You know that's a rumour.”
“Uh huh. But apparently every girl who se
es his penis is charmed into spreading her legs.”
A middle-aged woman passing me double takes, and I throw her a sweet smile.
“Crap, Cora,” he mutters. “No wonder your father's worried.”
“We tell things as they are, Declan. Always will.”
“Humph. Right. Well, I can tell you who's safe to talk to instead, if you like.”
“Apart from you?”
“Mmm.” Declan wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me further into the crowd, between two groups of laughing partygoers. “You're safe with me.”
“Absolutely.”
He scratches the corner of his eye. “Maybe I should ask your father for your hand tonight? That way we can both avoid fates worse than death in a loveless union.”
“Shut the hell up!” Again a glance from a passer-by and the need for another forced smile. I drain the contents of my wine glass and grab another from a passing tray. We weave our way through the crowds and find a spare seat where I sink down.
“Oh! You want the mysterious guy? Are you going to tell me more about him?” I wince as Declan nudges me in the waist.
I swig from my glass. “Nothing to tell.”
“Will he be here tonight or is he already married?”
“He didn't have a ring, and I'm not that stupid.”
Declan nods. “At least you checked first. So...?”
“Nothing, Declan. I was drunk. Nothing happened!”
“Uh, temper? Hiding secrets from me?” Declan pouts.
“Sorry, Declan. I just can't....”
“Well, if I spot him first I'm going to talk to him.” He catches my open-mouthed horror. “Kidding.”
“Which ones are they, anyway?” I ask, swaying the conversation in a new direction.
“Who?”
“The Hylands. I've checked out most people and can't see anybody surrounded by bodyguards.”
“Oh. They're not here yet. Fashionably late.” He flourishes a hand in the air and drinks. “Alaric and Mattias Hyland are the most important people in the sector after all.”
“How did they decide Alaric would be Regent when Mattias was oldest? Magic dual at noon?”
“I heard the old Regent named Alaric as his heir and passed over Mattias, who should've been chosen as he's the oldest. You work for the Senate, don't you know?”
“Nobody would dare talk publicly about what they think or know. Probably not in the best interests of their health if they speak out of line.”
“Especially about Alaric. I heard he wants to preserve the old ways. Some are concerned he'll get rid of the Senate altogether. Violently, no doubt. They're attempting to persuade Mattias to challenge the ruling and retake his birthright, but he's not interested.”
“Sounds like Alaric is a bit of a dick. Can’t see how Mattias will be any different. Same family.”
Declan snorts his wine. “Shit, Cora. Don't talk like that with him around. He'll have you put to death.”
“Oh, please. Executions stopped years ago. Nobody supports them. Besides, I'm just a stupid girl with a big mouth.”
“You said it.”
I poke my tongue out and stand, smoothing my skirts into place. Declan holds his empty glass out, with a pleading smile, and I head back towards the bar.
As I'm ordering, the voices chattering loudly over the music drop to murmuring at the exact moment I shout over the noise at the man serving. “I need a drink before I die of boredom!”
Somebody nearby snickers and I freeze. Big mouth, all right. The bar man smiles and passes me a glass. I'm about to protest I need two, but that's probably not a good idea.
I turn and watch the crowd ripple apart, as if somebody cast a spell to send everybody back into two perfect lines. The two men walking through don't need magic to take or hold attention, despite the fact they're the most powerful of all.
The Hyland brother at the front strides tall, straightening his expensive suit cuffs as he ignores those around. His dark hair is brushed back from his face, mouth set hard, and I barely catch glimpse.
The guy behind wears his hair longer than his brother, not too long, but enough to soften his features. As he pauses to talk to somebody close by, his face is no longer obscured. A lead weight swings through the air and slugs me in the stomach.
Oh.
Holy.
Shit.
Ty.
I grip the edge of the bar to steady myself. No. No way.
“I didn't think they'd come, they're so late,” whispers a girl next to me. Sally, another old school friend, but one who ranked lower on the bitch scale, watches with wide blue eyes. “You're lucky you weren't sick tonight.”
“Why?”
“We'll all be introduced, silly. They might want to see one of us again. Any girl here could be in with a chance.”
“What the...? Everybody?” In confirmation, my father strides towards me, and I wait for his chastisement. Why couldn't they only speak to a select few? Oh, hell...
“I told you to stay inconspicuous,” he mutters.
“I wasn't to know the room would become quiet at that exact moment.”
“Luckily it amused the Hylands.”
This is the least of my problems. I'm beyond dizzy, the room gently spinning at the shock. A Hyland. He's seen my secrets.
I'm dead.
6
The crowd surges as fathers prepare to drag their daughters in front of the brothers. I could slink backwards into the bodies, and out of a door. Far, far away from Ty and trouble.
From Mattias.
And then what?
Mattias played a game with me, one that's likely to have deadly consequences whether I stay here or not. Tears spring to my eyes as my chance at a future I control slips further.
Tonight, I leave the Enclave. I have to.
Fathers manoeuvre daughters across the large room, and I stumble as mine follows suit. What is with him dragging me everywhere tonight?
“You're not introducing me are you?” I ask. “You know what a waste of time that is, right?” I dart a look at the nearest exit.
“If I don't, it will look as if I agree you're less worthy. Every girl should meet them.”
“But every girl doesn't have a chance.”
“Perhaps not.”
The two men hold court at one end of the room, servants fussing around straightening their clothes and furnishing them with food and drink. Alaric looks distinctly bored by the process, and Mattias graciously talks to the girls introduced.
The brothers similarity is strong in all aspects, but it strikes me how a difference in attitude and demeanour can make the two brother's appearance poles apart.
A couple of girls ahead of me stumble over their words, and walk away with faces flaring pink. I don't miss Alaric whisper to his bodyguard after one heads away, paying closer attention to her swaying ass as he does.
Despite my lack of interest in the scene playing out in front of me, my nerves travel to my shaking hands. The closer I get, the more aware I am of the power surrounding the two men, both magically and their position in the society they head up. This is why I was heavily attracted to Mattias—his power.
Declan says nobody's executed anymore but I've been told otherwise.
“Alaric, sir, I present to you my daughter, Cora Karran.” My father's words interrupt my thoughts but not my fear. I keep my gaze on the floor, unsure what to do.
“Hello, Cora.”
I mutter a response and attempt to step aside, but my father holds me in place by the hand. “I apologise, she's not normally this shy.”
“Right. Next.”
I snap my head up at Alaric's dismissive tone and meet his pale blue eyes. Eyes that match his brother’s, the same colour I gazed into last night. “Next?”
“Next. Girl. Move.” He waves his hand to indicate I should step aside.
I don't.
Our eyes remain locked and the smallest of smiles tips his mouth. “Or did you have something to say before yo
u leave me?”
I lick my dry lips. “Uh.”
“Honour to meet you,” my father hisses in my ear.
“You're shorter than I thought you would be,” I say.
“What?”
“I mean, you know, not that you're little but I expected a taller guy. Like your brother.” I hold my arm up to indicate a foot taller than me. “Buff.”
“Buff?”
“Crap, Cora.” My father attempts to push me out of line, but Alaric holds his hand up to indicate I stay.
“Are you suggesting I'm not as powerful as you thought?”
“No. Sorry. My brain doesn't always engage with my mouth.” I pull on a simpering smile. “I'm overawed by you, that's all.”
“Of course you are.” He leans forward and my dizziness increases as he touches my cheek. “Not all power comes from brute force, Cora, you know that.”
With his touch surges a warning, a stab of pain behind my eyes. Has Mattias said something to him too?
Alaric steps back and crosses his arms. “I might want to see her later if she can keep her mouth shut,” he says to the man next to him as if I'm not here. “Add her to the list.”
List?
This time when he waves me aside, I sidestep in relief.
Or not. The man who I’ve spent all day wanting to see and now wish I’d never met and never want to see again stands several feet away.
“Mattias, sir, this is Cora,” continues my father as if nothing happened.
“Hello, Ty,” I say in a low voice and look directly into his face. He rubs his long fingers along one cheek and regards me impassively. There's no hint or acknowledgement about last night; about the fact, he's already seen me almost naked and came within one ounce of self-control from screwing me.
Mattias knew I'd be here. He had time to prepare. I didn't and my shock prevents any more words.
Alaric holds a hand up to indicate the pretty, dark-haired girl in front of him should stop talking. He stares at his brother. “Ty? Does she know you or is she being disrespectful?”
“Hello, curious Cora.” Mattias ignores his brother and smiles. My awareness of the environment grows, and I flick an uneasy gaze between the bodyguards surrounding the pair. My breath comes in short bursts, unable to anticipate the next move.
