Chapter one
I stood quietly beside my brother, my father standing tall in front of us. He was dressed professionally, letting me know what he was about to say was serious and I wasn't to crack a joke. I nudged Haytham, my sixteen year old brother, trying to silently tell him to not to be a fool. Father took a breath and I could tell he wasn't ready to say this.
"Ashe. Haytham." He nodded towards us.
"Father," we said in unison, bowing our heads.
Father was the High Mage of this kingdom and Haytham and I have been learning all about what is to be a mage since birth. He hasn't been this serious since my mother's death, so I was silently making a list of possible dead people in my head.
"The High Mage from Demonij and his family have been brutally murdered. They are left without magic. The Randolin's are coming here tomorrow evening."
The Randolin's were a family of vampires who were high in power in the kingdom of Demonij. They had no business coming to our manor. Whatever their cause, it must be important.
"Father," I said, "what do they have to do with the death?"
He sighed, "That's where you come in, my dear. Demonij is in dire need of a mage and you are of age."
My heart stopped. I quickly glanced at Haytham. He mirrored my shock and panic. "But what of Gandage? Their High Mage has a son of age who is better fit."
"He is taking is ill father's place. It is up to you, Ashe."
"I- I will do as you wish, but will anyone accompany me? Haytham?"
Father smiled sadly, "I am growing old. Your brother will stay here and continue his training here with me. But Hilda and Annice will go with you."
Hilda was my maid and Annice was my little sister, who was born mortal. My mother had been mortal as well. Haytham, my father, and I weren't immortal, but we would live much longer lives.
"When do we leave?"
"The Randolin's will stay for dinner, and the night. At dawn the next day, they will escort you to the manor," he explained. "Don't worry. Demonij is a large kingdom with a great king. The manor will be lovelier than this."
I gave him a smile, "Than I do have something to look forward to."
He gave me one in return and motioned for Haytham and I to leave, so we turned and left his study. When we were out of the guarded hall and in our chambers, Haytham suddenly gave me a hug.
"Will this be the last time I see you?"
I chuckled and hugged him back, "Of course not. When you become High Mage, I'm sure we will see each other often. Besides, Demonij is only a three days ride away. You better say goodbye to Annice."
My sixteen year old brother scrunched his nose, "I guess."
"Do so, or I shall embarrass you greatly tomorrow in front of the Randolin's," I joked.
He paled, "Say goodbye to Annice. Will do."
I laughed as I walked into my private chambers. Inside, Hilda was already preparing a bath. Hilda was a thin, middle aged woman who had practically been my mother figure. Her dark hair was in a tight bun and her sleeves were rolled up.
"Ah," she grinned, "Lady Ashe. I have your bath ready."
"Thank you, Hilda."
I went behind my screen as I undressed. When I was bare, I slipped into the warm water. Hilda immediately went over with soaps and shampoos. She started to wash my hair when she made conversation.
"Are you excited for our next journey? To go to Demonij? I know I am ready for a change. Life here is fantastic, but when you've been here as long as I have, you long for a change."
I sighed, "I do not believe myself ready to be a High Mage. In fact, I never thought I'd become one. With Haytham taking father's place and not me, I thought I'd have the luxury of no responsibility."
"Pshh," she waved her hand in dismissal, "I think you are ready, but there is a lot to learn. You will gain much knowledge when you take up the position. Besides, I think Alec will help."
"Alec?"
Hilda giggled, "Oh, the vampire boy. He is your age in appearance, but I don't know is true age."
"Why would he help me?" Vampires had no magic.
"He has seen much and he used to study with the previous mage," she shrugged.
I decided to let the topic slide, forcing myself not to ask anymore questions about Alec Randolin. I shall meet him tomorrow anyway.
After my bath, I was dressed into my night dress and seated on my bed with a book in my hands. I had always had trouble sleeping, and reading was like an antidote. According to Haytham, I filling my brain with nonsense, but reading is an escape for the mind and even the soul.
If I had not discovered reading, I'd have been a problem child.
It took me an hour to find sleep.
* * *
"Milady."
I pushed the hand off of my shoulder.
"Ashhhhee!"
"Haytham, shut up."
"What? No."
I sat up and shoved him, "You're not even supposed to be in here. Where's Hilda?"
"On her way. I decided to make it easier for her to get you up," he smirked.
"Whatever. Now leave," I shooed him away.
He chuckled as he left my room. Now that I was alone, I lied back down and attempted sleep once more, but I was awake and now it would be impossible. I groaned just as Hilda entered my room.
"Milady? Are you all right? Are you ill?" She rushed over placed her palm on my forehead.
I pushed her hand away, "I am well, Hilda."
"That is good. You must prepare for the Randolin's arrival.
Sitting up again, I asked, "But it is not near dinner?"
"They will be here by just after luncheon. I want to make you marvelous, so hurry here."
Hilda pulled out navy blue velvet dress from my wardrobe. It was lovely, with a slightly low neckline and beautiful gold embroidery. The long sleeves hung low near the bottom. "This will do," she muttered.
She quickly dressed me into the gown and then proceeded to do my hair. She decided to let it stay down, but braid a crown around my head, the end of the braid going down in the back. Hilda went on to paint my face, but decided my natural flush was better than pale skin.
She pulled me towards the long mirror, "Look. Aren't you just lovely? They will take one look and all their thoughts of being more beautiful than everyone else will be gone."
"You did a wonderful job, Hilda. Thank you."
"You're much welcome, my lady. Now, to luncheon and then to see the Randolin's."
I walked down the stairs and into the dining room. My father sat at the end of the table. He looked up from some papers beside his plate.
"You look lovely, Ashe."
"Thank you, Father." I took a seat next to him on the long side. Haytham entered the room soon after I did and sat across from me, Annice in tow. She plopped beside me.
A maid came in with the food after a few moments. Small sandwiches and some chicken. We ate in silence, the only sound was our forks against the plates. Father took a drink of wine and met my gaze.
"They will be here soon. In ten minutes, we will meet in the main room."
We all nodded.
After we had all had our fill, we met. The room we were in had a hearth, a few sofas, and some large chairs. It was very homey. I stood beside my father, Haytham at my side, and Annice next to him.
"Fenely, go bring our guests in," my father told one of our guards. Fenely gave him a curt nod and left. If I was being honest with myself, I was nervous.
It took only a few moments for the most beautiful people I have ever seen to enter the room. The homey feel of the room was quickly replaced with the cold and nausea. I gulped as I watched four of them line up in front of us.
My father spoke first. "Lord Henway. Lady Nasha," he acknowledged the adult figures.
Lord Henway was young, but in a adult way, as was Lady Nasha. They looked to be in their late twenties. Henway had dark hair, pale skin, and soft, but stern red eyes. Nasha has much lighter hair, matching skin, as well as eyes. I scanned the Randolin's. One boy, about my age, had to be the Alec Hilda had talked about. He had darker hair than Nasha, but lighter than Henway, ivory skin, a scar near his eyebrow, and the deepest crimson eyes I have ever seen. He was lovely, but I knew he was a predator. They all were. Their beauty only to lure men to their deaths.
A girl beside Alec gave me a nasty look, but even that didn't deter her beauty. Her hair was gold and her eyes a soft red shade. She looked to be my age as well.
Henway stood tall, and when he spoke, his voice was velvety, "Lord Sargen, Lady Ashe, Mister Haytham, and little Annice. We are pleased to meet you."
"Ah, you as well. Welcome Mister Alec, Lady Kate."
Alec bowed his head towards my father. He then took a step forward, his dark eyes meeting my silver ones. He took my hand. His fingers were chilled, but his touch was gentle. He pressed his cold lips to my hand. "My lady."
My heart skipped a beat out of fear, but I ignored it as I slowly pulled my hand back and gave him a small smile, "My lord."
He stepped back and gave a nod towards Haytham and my six year old sister a small kiss on her hand, to which she giggled. Alec grinned at her reaction and took his place back next to Nasha. Kate only bowed slightly.
Father smiled, "Shall we get you settled?"
