Mild tea gradually filled the air. Mid afternoon light cascades off the tree root chandelier, bringing to life stars dancing upon the bare embossed trees littering the walls.
Arvon and Luke sat comfortably upon the beige cabriole chairs, their backs facing the redwood door as one sipped tea and the other tossed an apple into the air. Huen himself sat upon the beige cabriole couch in front of the window, the light behind forming gentle shadows on his face and shoulders.
"I hadn't expected your sister to be gravity born." Luke caught the apple mid air. Setting it upon the round tea table, he rolled it back and forth.
"Not just that, but born without the corresponding affinity core?" He shook his head as the words left his mouth. "Still can't wrap my mind around how that's even possible."
Luke knew from his studies, the repetitive history and magic biological lessons, nothing like this was possible nor had it occurred before.
Affinity cores were the bases for all magic, even more so for the elements which one is appraised for. If one did not not have a certain affinity core derived from birth, then that person would be incapable of using said core's matching element. This was why no one could learn magic elements they do not possess.
Setting his cup down with a clank, Huen's gaze was serious as he spoke. "What's been heard here today is to remain and not leave beyond these gates. The public only knows of my sister's poor health. Our family would like to keep it that way."
"Of course." Both boys agreed unhesitatingly.
Huen grinned. If he didn't trust these two wholeheartedly, even with the permission from his father, he'd never have told them such sensitive information. Damn their friendship. His sister was more important.
Crick
Both Huen and Luke look towards Arvon. Habitually he flicked his drained tea cup, glancing towards Luke, then closing his eyes.
"For her whose hands are already both full, to be persecuted for what she has no say over," Arvon set his cup down, lifting the tea pot at the center tray to refill his empty cup. "That is true cruelty."
"Why is it I feel I'm being wrongly accused?" Luke glowered at Arvon. "My mouth may be big, but I still have a sense of propriety!" Luke threw the apple out of his hand, aiming right for Arvon's head.
Swiftly, within an inch of his nose, the apple burst to flames and turned to dust. A roasted apple scent filled the room, dispersing the mild tea aroma.
"Says the one whose loose lips brought forth a mess." Arvon's words silenced all of Luke's complaints. He grumbled and mumbled as he refilled his tea cup.
How could Luke dare subject his friend's sister to such harsh criticism. Those hypocrites of the Magic Association without a caring bone in their bodies, would damn the truths and immediately persecute the child Alicia for magical perversion.
Forced element fusion is the highest of crimes in the eyes of the magical community. Even more so to the Magic Association, which was quite farcical. After all, the first ever cases were blatantly linked to the association. Of course they themselves would never confirm nor denied this.
As this was the case, no amount of cover up would still amount to Alicia's defamation. As was the world, even the truth can't save you from the public's harsh mood swings.
Subtly stirring the room's air, without their notice, the door which had been closed, soundlessly opened.
"Ah," Like a sigh but more close to an accusational grunt caught the boys' attention. Swiftly they swung their gazes towards the door.
"Such problematic ants." Who dared caused my Alicia's tears. The boyish voice softened into coherent mumbles, preventing any but himself from hearing.
Standing haughtily beyond the door, Cedric narrowed his eyes with his head raised to the side in disdain. As if this one action alone wasn't enough to portray his disgust, he also wrinkled his brows and nose.
All of which Alicia had seen, the gentle cousin whom comforted her, the kindest of eyes as he caressed her hair, had vanished. In its place was a proud prince, vainly looking down on those below his stature.
This was the true Prince Cedric whom stole the heroine's heart, then shattered it to pieces.
"Greetings your highness." Arvon and Luke spoke through clenched teeth.
Both Arvon and Luke can't agree on many things. But one of the few is their single minded hatred of this arrogant prick. Already he's stretched his arms out into both their hearts. Daring to test the waters of where the girl they protected like a treasure resides.
It was even more so for Luke as both his sisters had been looked upon! Both of them! This playboy prick sure had some nerve!
Ignoring the heated glares sent his way, Cedric directed his gaze to Huen. His tone held more respect as he spoke. "Huen, the Duchess and Duke request your presence."
"Good luck." Huen stood up, slyly smirking towards his two uncomfortable friends.
Walking over to Cedric he stopped a moment to say "Led the way," then passed by him smoothly.
Cedric nodded. He waited for Huen to exit the room then grabbed the door. Before the door shut all the way, he twirled his wrist, tugging back his index and third finger with a wry smile.
Simultaneously at the sound of two gasps, the door shut.
Shocked into a stand, both Luke and Arvon fumed in anger as hot tea was flung onto them. Dripping wet, they stood still with nowhere to direct the fires in their guts.
Huen's remark had just hit their minds as hatred, which they didn't think could burn any hotter, had now become a forest fire. They would remember today!
Both Huen and Cedric would taste their revenge!
* * *
Walking out from beyond the study doors, Alicia sighed wearily. Despite all the ruckus, the twist and turns of her uncontrollable emotions, she'd still been punished.
Albeit not too badly. Forcing to take up chores wasn't too difficult. Least not as bad as what her brother and his friends were soon to face.
Just as the thoughts spun in her head, entering her vision, Cedric and Huen turned the corner. Waving their way, her eyes which had reduced their swelling curved and glistened.
Huen's steps sped up. He stopped and rubbed the top of Alicia's head with a defeated smile. "You weren't punished too harshly, right?"
She shook her head, flaunting her pearly white teeth. Huen poked her forehead playfully in reply. After he'd gotten a few more head rubs in and cheek pinches, he walked into the study.
Alicia looked back and lit some incense in her heart for her poor brother and his friends. She shivered at the crafty grins on her parents faces as they added on one punishment after the other. Not for herself, but her brother and his friends.
"Big brother, even though cleaning the barracks is a monumental task, as your sister, I believe in you! Even if you're forbidden from using magic, I believe!" Alicia inwardly encouraged, pumping her fist up and down.
"Alicia."
Cedric wrapped his hand around Alicia's, entwining his fingers with hers. Once she turned her attention to him, his other hand rubbed under her eyes.
"Do they hurt?" He asked in concern.
Alicia enjoyed the massage. She shook her head, indicating she was alright. Actually she felt more than alright, she felt quite wispy, as if she were full of air. Fully energized, she felt ready to run a few circles and possibly rough house with Ash.
Cedric sighed in relief. Her swaying motions while giggling lighten his heart. He too couldn't help but join in and laugh.
Walking hand in hand, their connected arms swaying playfully, they both laughed and spoke joyfully. Their light conversation ended when Alicia escorted her cousin to the foyer.
He'd overstayed his welcome and had to go. Cedric's original purpose had been met and had to report to his father. He had to inform him that the secret orders for the Duke had been delivered without mishap.
"Alright," once Cedric was out of sight, Alicia stretched, cracking her neck with a pop. "Ash, it's time for a grooming."
Jumping out of her shadow, the big wolf puppy bounced up and down as he ran in circles. He's been whining in her shadow all day to be groomed.
Her plans for her big baby boy had been unexpectedly halted. So the big fluff ball had to reluctantly quiet down.
Drooping his ears, he went in half circles as he mopped. Ash hated seeing his mother sad, depressed and lacking energy. Normally he'd be out and about, cuddling up to her as he took up all her space. His hope was if he could cover her with his weight, he could push out all the sadness in her. But Cedric was one step quicker than him. He grumbled the whole time until he heard her call him.
Licking her all over, Ash wrapped his tail around her waist, lifted her onto him as he took off running.
Alicia burst into laughter. Wiping away his slobber, she hugged her big fluffy wolf by the neck. She sank into his fur with a sigh.
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Author's note: In case of theft. This is an original -English- novel done by yours truly [MyKataren]. This author will state here and now, oh ye thief of old, thanks for the free advertisement!
Original : www.tinyurl.com/MVPGAwebnovel