by Sarah Noffke
Chapter Fifteen
When the door to the palm reading shop closed behind Liv, Paris looked back at her father. He gave her an encouraging nod.
“Your mother is the queen of making an exit,” he offered with a laugh. “But she’s right. The House of Fourteen is your birthright. I know you’re feeling a lot of pressure, and I’m not going to take it away by telling you that you’re extra special in regard to being a Royal.”
Paris gulped. “I’m afraid to ask how.”
He chuckled again. “Well, before Liv started making changes in the House, it was illegal for two Royals to marry and have children. The old Councilors were afraid that by allowing such things, it would muddy the bloodlines and the structure of the House would fall apart. However, Liv pushed for change and for things to evolve.”
“Because you two wanted to be together,” Paris guessed.
“Because your mother won’t rest until the world is the very best it can be,” Stefan answered. “She’s the only person I’ve ever met who isn’t afraid of change. She’s always pushing things to be better. Before Liv, mortals couldn’t see magic, and every magician’s magic was registered, observed, and scrutinized.
“Before your mother, the Mortal Seven were as long-lost as the Forgotten Archives, which told the history that many didn’t want anyone to remember. After Liv, mortals and other magical races were invited into the House of Fourteen to vote in major decisions. We formed alliances with the giants, elves, and gnomes for the first time in history.”
“She also changed it so Royals could marry,” Paris added, guessing again.
“She lobbied so Royals could marry whoever they wanted,” Stefan corrected. “Before, Royals were only allowed to create unions with other magicians.”
“Because again they were worried about muddying bloodlines,” Paris stated, thinking that the old Councilors for the House of Fourteen seemed as backward and rigid as the FGA board.
“That’s right,” Stefan confirmed. “Fae and magicians can’t breed. Nor can magicians with any other race or vice-versa for the most part. So if Royals were marrying outside their race, well, it was only a matter of time before the families died out.
“Liv, during a time of radical change, capitalized on all that she’d done for the House of Fourteen, saving magic and the Forgotten Archives. She used that momentum to convince the Council to allow Royals to marry whoever they wanted. Since they created alliances with the other races, they couldn’t very well restrict such things.”
“Yeah, that would have been hypocritical,” Paris agreed.
“When the Council allowed Royals to marry outside their race, well, they finally accepted that we could also marry each other,” Stefan said proudly. “We were married the very next month. I would have married that woman no matter what, but not having to hide our relationship was a gift.”
“So, if you two were the first Royals to marry, then…” Paris stopped speaking, the implications of what her father was telling her coming to light.
“You, as far as I’m aware, are the first Royal offspring from two House families,” Stefan continued, echoing her thoughts. “You’re the only magician and fairy halfling, with demon blood, and also the blood of two Royal families. You’re extraordinary by anyone’s standards.”
Paris didn’t feel very extraordinary, learning this knowledge. Her gaze fell to the ground, not really seeing anything—her thoughts ran through her head at a maddening pace.
Stefan gently rested his hand on his daughter’s shoulder, bringing her eyes up to meet his. “That’s who you happen to be. I know you didn’t ask for it. Although who you are might be incredible, what impresses me is who you chose to be, which is a brave and talented person with an exceptional heart. When you walk through that door, know that we made you special, but you always get the choice about who you are.”
Chapter Sixteen
In a few moments, Paris’ father had told her something that overwhelmed her, followed by something that made her feel soaring hope. It was a lot to know that she was so unique. The pressure, when she overthought it, was crushing. However, her father was right. At the end of the day, Paris got to decide who she was and what she did with the power given to her—and that felt right and less intimidating.
Without another word, feeling much more confident than before, Paris laid her hand on the palm reading shop’s door, as her mother had. When the gold handle glowed, Paris pushed the door back, holding her breath as she stepped into the House of the Fourteen for the first time.
“It’s about time,” Liv said when Paris stepped through into a darkened corridor. The sunlight from Santa Monica lit the area briefly before the door shut, casting them in mostly darkness again as Paris’ eyes worked to adjust to the dim lighting. “I assumed your father took you to get ice cream and abandoned me.”
Paris laughed and looked around, taking in what little she could see of her surroundings. “He was telling me that I’m the first with Royal blood from two different families.”
Liv nodded. “The Beaufonts are one of the two remaining founding families, hence the reason you carry that name.”
“Yeah, since there’s only you, Clark, and Sophia, I guess there was a concern of losing the Beaufont name,” Paris remarked.
Liv sighed. “Yeah, and we can’t count on Clark to have some offspring, I’m assuming.”
“So what will happen to the Beaufonts?” Paris asked.
“Well, I’m not going anywhere any time soon, so it’s not a worry,” Liv explained. “I’m sure in time, Sophia will have children. You might too if you decide. The Beaufont name will continue.”
Stefan stepped through the door, casting them in sunlight for a moment, making Paris squint from the brightness. When the door closed behind him, Paris took another look around.
The entryway wasn’t what she’d expected to find at the front of the rundown palm reading shop. Although it was dark, light from a long hallway was enough for Paris to make out the round entryway.
There were large white statues on pedestals along the walls. It was hard to make out the marble floor under her feet. The large chandelier hanging overhead was unlit.
The only light was from flame-lit torches in the long corridor ahead. The entire wide hallway was gold—the walls, floor, and the strange writing on the glistening walls.
“Again, some things haven’t changed.” Liv looked down the hallway, the same as Paris.
Stefan agreed. “Yeah, for as much as the House of Fourteen changed over the years, no one did much with the interior design.”
“If it looks the same after all this time,” Liv began, “that probably means not much has changed for the House of Fourteen.”
Liv caught the confused expression on Paris’ face and offered a caring smile. “The House of Fourteen changes based on who resides within, what’s going on with the Council and Warriors, and other factors. It’s more like an organic living being than an actual structure.”
“That’s fascinating,” Paris said in awe.
“It can be unless it gets in a mood and decides to lock you out of certain rooms or sequester you to the library,” Liv muttered. “It used to do that type of thing to me all the time when I was younger, trying to discipline me for my bad attitude.”
Stefan laughed, looking at Paris. “I know you’re shocked that your mother ever had a bad attitude. Also, don’t go into the library on the top floor if you’re confused, lost, or otherwise not feeling your best.”
“It’s best not to go to the library unless you’re with someone else,” Liv corrected. “The buddy system works best when you’re visiting that library.”
“Why is that?” Paris questioned.
“Because it’s a fickle little place that likes to play games with readers,” Liv answered. “If you enter it, searching for answers or a certain book, you’ll probably find yourself lost for ages.”
“The library directs your paths based on your thoughts,” Stefan continued to explain.
“So if you’re unsure what you’re looking for, you won’t find it. You have to use your thoughts to guide you to find books.” He glanced at his wife with a look of affection. “Remember when I found you sleeping in the library with a duffle bag of kittens and a giant sword?”
She nodded, smiling with fond memories in her eyes. “Yeah, what were you looking for when you found me?”
“Strangely enough, I had been on the search for a humorous volume—something that would make me laugh.” He chuckled, his eyes dancing with delight. “I found it.”
“Why did you have a bag of kittens?” Paris asked.
“I was cat-sitting for Rory,” Liv stated. “I have the worst and best friends.”
“That wasn’t as amusing as when I found your mother by the fountain in the garden.” Stefan nudged Paris’ arm with his while staring at Liv. “She was passed out after being attacked by a mermaid. Lying beside her was a cold, wet, dead woman.”
“Oh, good times.” Liv laughed.
“On that occasion, I asked Liv why she was hanging out in such a precarious state,” Stefan explained. “Her answer: ‘Because I have the worst friends.’”
“I think I need a lot more information for that story to make sense,” Paris admitted, thoroughly amused by her parents’ stories.
“That time, it was because I was doing a favor for King Rudolf Sweetwater,” Liv imparted. “That dead girl went on to be his wife.”
“Wow, that’s not how I guessed that story would end,” Paris remarked.
“It never is with King Rudolf,” Stefan related before giving his daughter a serious look. “So I wonder, what do you see when you look out at the House of Fourteen?”
She blinked at him. “I’m guessing the same as you. White statues. Marble floors. Gold hallways. Strange writing.”
Stefan glanced fondly at his wife. “Pretty close.”
“It must be because she’s a fairy godmother in training,” Liv said to him. “Sophia could see things in the House once she joined the dragonriders.”
“Again, I’m not following you two,” Paris interjected.
Stefan nodded understandingly. “Warriors and Councilors can see different things in the House of Fourteen that other Royals can’t.” He stepped forward and waved at the wall of strange symbols. It danced under his fingers, rearranging and twirling around. “We can even read the Founders’ language now. Most don’t see the symbols, or the corridor looks completely different.”
Liv nodded. “Even most Royals can’t enter the Chamber of the Tree where the Council and Warriors meet. I checked with Clark, and you’ll be able to enter, either because he pulled strings or because you’re you and full of special sauce. Either way, you’ll get in.”
“The House of Fourteen is amazing.” Paris looked around in awe of the place.
“It really is,” Liv agreed. She grabbed her daughter’s hand and tugged her forward. “You haven’t even seen the coolest part yet.”
Chapter Seventeen
Liv led her daughter to the far end of the corridor, where it split. On the left side was a large door. On the right was a small door, but it was far more interesting than the one across from it.
“What is that?” Paris looked at the reflective surface that moved like water in front of her.
“That’s the Door of Reflection,” Stefan explained, arriving at Paris’ shoulder. “All Warriors and Councilors must pass through it each time we meet. It's like entering your worst nightmare, serving up your greatest fears for you to face and fight before a meeting.”
“That sounds awful,” Paris nearly stuttered.
Liv nodded. “It definitely sucks. The idea is that it cleanses us of worries beforehand so we’re strong and ready to face the real world dangers out there.”
Stefan gave his wife an intense look. “I’ve learned, through my many times walking through the Door of Reflection, that my mind can come up with worse fears than exist in the real world.”
“So once you’ve faced that in the Door of Reflection, reality is easy then?” Paris questioned.
He nodded with a dimpled grin. “Exactly.”
Paris stiffened, wondering what the Door of Reflection would serve up to her. Probably something to do with getting kicked out of Happily Ever After College or disappointing her parents or losing Uncle John now that he was being forced into the mortal world again. Now that she was considering her greatest fears, there was a myriad of possibilities.
“Don’t worry.” Liv settled a comforting hand on her shoulder from beside her. “You shouldn’t have to pass through the Door of Reflection the same as us. It’s only ever been Warriors and Councilors. Even Sophia, when she’s visited the Chamber of the Tree on dragonrider business, didn’t have to pass through it the same way. You aren’t working for the House of Fourteen. You’re a visitor and will only have to face it if you elect to become a Warrior or a Councilor one day.”
Paris nodded, relief flooding her chest. “You two have to pass through it in a moment?”
They both agreed with small nods.
“It’s supposed to be good for us,” Stefan repeated, invoking confidence in his words.
“Like a good deep teeth-cleaning,” Liv added with a grin. “I’ll go first. I think the meeting started, like, ten minutes ago, so we’re arriving fashionably late. Just my style.”
Stefan grinned too. “Oh, I can’t wait to see the faces of the Council when we waltz in there.”
“Then it will get even better when we unveil our reason for slacking on the job,” Liv sang, looking back at her daughter. “Our greatest treasure. And the person I assume will soon be treasured by many.”
Paris’ mother gave her a pure look of love before stepping through the Door of Reflection and disappearing once more.
Stefan also gave Paris a look of encouragement before following his wife into the Chamber of the Tree.
Left alone in the darkened corridor, Paris knew that it was her turn to step through into the place of magicians and to finally claim her title as a Beaufont, a halfling, as one with demon blood. As a Royal.
Chapter Eighteen
Glancing over her shoulder, Paris got the feeling that something was watching her. She remembered that the House of Fourteen was seemingly alive and guessed that it had eyes of sorts and probably was. Who knew how it would react based on her arrival? Maybe it would be like the Bewilder Forest and produce new plants or creatures.
Realizing that she was stalling, Paris faced forward. She reasoned that on the other side of the Door of Reflection, there would be gasps and shock from those who didn’t know that Liv and Stefan were alive. Sucking in a breath, Paris stepped through the rippling surface of the Door of Reflection.
At first, she thought it had prevented her from entering the Chamber of the Tree because the reflective surface felt exactly like stepping through water, pushing her back. However, her intention drove her forward, carrying her to the other side.
No nightmarish visions gripped her the way Liv described the Door of Reflection working. Instead, she entered a room with a domed ceiling. Thousands of twinkling lights covered it, representing magicians all over the world.
The Warriors for the House of Fourteen stood in a half-circle, dressed similarly to Liv and Stefan in combat clothes with weapons strapped to their sides or across their backs. The Councilors formed the other half of the circle. They sat on a high bench at the back of the room, looking down at the Warriors.
Then she noticed that the half-circle of the Council table and the one where the Warriors stoically stood matched the chamber’s shape.
On the far wall, behind the Council, was a picture of a giant tree. Its trunk was gold, and each of the seven branches swept overhead and forked in two directions. One part of each branch glowed blue, while the other was bright green.
Paris squinted and noticed that the branches showed the family surnames of the Seven: DeVries, Ludwig, Beaufont, Martinez, Mantovani, Takahashi, and Rosario. Each colored portion he
ld the name of the Councilor or Warrior. The last one had the green section of the branch lit up, and under it was Clark’s name. The blue said Alicia.
On either side of the bench were two other creatures who belonged to no one. Paris had heard about them. A large white tiger stood on one side and a small black crow on the other. According to her parents, the animals represented truth and lies. Good and evil. Yin and yang. Jude was the tiger, and Diabolos was the crow. They both glanced at Paris when she stepped forward.
The Warriors all turned to face her, and the Councilors regarded her with confusion as she stepped out of the shadows and into the room’s light.
“Who are you?” a Japanese man with a bald head and a black goatee asked from the bench.
Paris saw the few familiar faces she knew on the council: Hester DeVries, Raina Ludwig, and Clark Beaufont. She swallowed, grateful when her mother flashed her a confident nod, encouraging her.
“My name is Paris Beaufont.” She tried to keep the nervousness out of her voice.
Many of the Councilors and Warriors gasped in surprise. All eyes were on Paris, studying her with gripping curiosity. Her gaze flew back and forth between her parents.
“A new Beaufont?” a Spanish man with black curly hair said from the Council seats.
Apparently, news from Happily Ever After College hadn’t spread to the House of Fourteen. Liv had mentioned this as a possibility since they tended to stay somewhat separate. Father Time had also been working to quiet the rumors about Paris, especially those connecting her to demon blood. He said it would be best if Stefan confronted that subject straight-on first.
“She’s our daughter,” Liv said proudly, indicating her and Stefan.
“Is that where you’ve been?” a man with a thick French accent asked, also from the Council seats.
Liv waved Paris forward to join her where she stood in the center of the circle. “No, unfortunately, Stefan and I spent the last fifteen years not watching our daughter grow up. We were stuck in another dimension, and while many years passed in this world, we were only gone for a day.”
