Calia sat nervously in the carriage, the rhythmic sounds surrounding soothed her thoughts, though only mildly. Rain splattered against the roof, the occasional drop of liquid spilling on her face through the open window. The hooves of the galloping horse were like a beat to a drum.
Inside, everyone sat in silence, the tension was palpable, and she was used to it. Yet the real dread lay in where she was going, Veilbrook Magical Academy.
She stared at her reflection. Her thick eyebrows made her stand out, never in a good way, even as an orphan. She couldn't help but yearn for those childhood days. She was poor, hungry, and lonely but she was free.
Now she was betrothed to a total stranger–forced to be married to someone she hated.
At Least that was 2 years from now. No, right now she needed to worry about getting through this sham of a lifestyle.
"Calia," Arabella, her 'recent' foster mother, and matriarch of the family called out to her. "You're doing that again."
She jerked away from her reflection.
"I apologize, my lady. I was simply wondering."
Arabella, let out a fake cough. "I thought I told you to stop digging around in that head of yours, you're a lady, not a gentleman. Leave the overthinking for the men."
Hilda, her only friend inside the family, and head of the younger maids, glanced at her. There was a smile in her eyes, though her lips remained stationary. She sat comfortably, her hands on her lap, gloved. Legs crossed.
The two had a secret they would not share. They were bonded by companionship whether by love or bondage. Both were doomed to serve House Argentum after all.
They would be ripped apart for a year until the last semester ended. Then there was hope that they'd briefly reunite, then they would be separated for another year. Then came the complications, marriage to an overweight buffoon she hated. Their relationship would turn much more risky in time.
This carriage isn't taking me to my future. But to a certain hell, I do not want. Such were her thoughts.
She lingered on the idea of the youngest son. Hendrickson, he was a whoreson, and an asshole. A womanizer. A failure among his own clan. And yet custom dictates that even undesirable and unsuccessful men in house Argentum, whether with a retainer or a commoner, be engaged in marriage.
It just so happened that she was the only suitable option. Originally adopted as a maid, but granted privileges for being gifted in magic. She just happened to be the unfortunate girl.
Lady Arabella gave her a cold but calculating look. "Before we part ways, I want you to listen to me," she said. "You're to do a 2-year enrollment only, then return to the estate. Nothing more than Control, fundamentals, and refinement. No advanced battle magic. Do not get any liberal ideas while you are here."
She nodded. "Of course not, Lady Arabella."
Why not. Because if she did, they couldn't control her.
The matriarch leaned forward, her voice sharp. "As for your condition," Hilda stiffened up, turning her face away as if she heard nothing. Calia swallowed, she hated talking about it. It was a sensitive thing. "I do not care how you relieve yourself, but refrain from engaging in any activity with men of any sort. Get pregnant and you'll do more than regret it. I have to be clear, you understand, don't you?"
She nodded.
"Good girl," Arabella turned away. The carriage came to a stop, and the driver signaled inside. The academy stood in front of Calia, two massive towering spires, lifted into the air, sigils and runes scribbled on it. The air around here was thick, filled with magic. It sent a shiver down her spine.
The buildings, each one unique from the other were made of marble stone and special bricks. The design was curved and angular. A rare sight.
"Hilda, would you be so kind as to help Calia with her luggage, I believe you two have something to say to each other as well. You've always been close."
Nothing escaped Arabella's gaze.
Hilda nodded. "Of course, my lady." she took Calia's hand. "Come along then Calia." They stepped out of the carriage.
They stepped outside, Calia, bowed politely. Hilda held an umbrella over their heads. She gestured to her matriarch. "Farewell Lady Arabella."
Lady Arabella, eyes ever cold stared. She made the worst imitation of a smile, much like that of a predator. "Yes, farewell little Calia, come back in one piece."
At Least I won't have to see you again. You bitch.
****
The campus was mostly empty. It seemed most students hadn't arrived yet. They weren't specified into what dorm room they were to go to. Calia chose the most comfortable, upstairs, in the corner, where a window resided directly with the forest outside.
The rooms were huge, enough to cater to a group of five, and still have space.
She stared at Hilda, They were alone up here.
Hilda put her bags down. The silence between them lay heavy, she feared what reaction Hilda might have. Then she broke it.
"So this is it? A whole year without you and more…" her voice low, she hated how she sounded, vulnerable.
Hilda stepped closer, hands caressing her back. "You're nineteen, Calia, you'll survive this place," she whispered, her own voice trembling. Something she rarely showed in front of the family. "You're much stronger than you think."
Calia shook her head. Tears started flowing. "I don't want to do this. And I hate them. I'm gonna hate this place. I'm gonna miss our time together."
"I know, but this isn't the family, it's the law."
Hilda pulled her tiger, her lips touching the temples of her head. "Listen to me Calia, this place might give you what I've never had, a chance to escape the family. Arabella can't control you here, she knows that. You have nothing to lose."
They kissed, and Calia clung to Hilda as if she would disappear.
"What about you?" Calia asked, distraught.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Don't squander this opportunity, live your life out, you'll meet someone better here. I'm sure."
As they pulled apart, Hilda's expression shifted, much more concerned. Her eyes peaking at the door. "Listen, this place isn't what it seems."
Calia frowns. "What are you talking about?"
Hilda shook her head… "I never told you, but I too was once enrolled here, before I became a maid. Just listen to me."
Calia stared in shock, then why was she forced to be a maid?
She grabbed both of Calia's arms. "Be careful, and do not trust anyone. Keep your head down. Refrain from drawing unnecessary attention. Please."
Calia bit her lip. "Where is this coming from?"
" I can't say any more. Forgive me Calia, but I must leave you now."
****
She watched Hilda leave from the window. Fading in the chorus of the rain. They waved at each other. A final goodbye. Sometimes it felt like they were less illicit lovers and more like platonic soul mates. That connection was gone now.
The family wanted her to be obedient. Controlled. Hilda was right, she was out of their grasp she just needed to work for it.
She laid her head against the glass window. Now, how was she going to navigate this ordeal?
A sudden streak of flame zipped passed her head, exploding into the wall. Leaving a shadowy burned mark on it. It smelled like burned ashes. Her senses were on alert, her magic spiking like touched nerves. Her eyes widened.
A girl lay clumsily on the ground, a waving wand in her hand, fumbling and wrongly. "Oh gods, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"
She struggled to get up. Calia didn't know whether to laugh or to kick her for accidentally assaulting her. She approached, giving her hand. The girl took it. She had short brown hair with messy bangs hanging in front of her face. Green eyes, that reflected the forest outside.
She was cute.
"Oh, were you crying and... your eyes are all…red."
Calia wiped her face. "They're just naturally red, a genetic defect, forget about it."
"Oh, okay." the girl gave her wide smile. "Name's Piper, I'm from a village up north, they sent me here to punish me."
Calia giggled. Did that make two of them?
"I'm Calia… of house Argentum," she said reluctantly.
"Ooh, a noble girl?"
Calia crossed her arms. "Not quite."
"Well, I'm yours to use as you please Your Highness." the girl joked.
"Don't make it weird," Calia said. Or maybe she'd take her up on that offer.
"So why were you crying…?"
"Well…"
She didn't answer immediately, staring at the girl.
Magic often did amplify the sexual nature of most wizards, witches, and mages. A reason why sex among peers is less taboo in the magical part of society. However, for Calia it was so much worse.
She could feel it, her mana flaring, an irritable sensation below her stomach, alluring and sensual. She was going to have a hard time controlling herself here. A pity her condition didn't come with a manual.