Improper Mage - Ch 4

The Monroe sisters were the talk of the ball by the end of the night. Hannah and Charlotte danced with their preferred matches many times while Liana tried her best to repair the damage she caused and make a good impression on all the available mage suitors. The mage community flittered with talks of marriage for the three sisters. Most of all, gossip centered around Liana. This time though, it focused on how well she performed.

Ever the proper lady, Liana gave them all what they wanted. She didn’t speak to Beta Mooncliff again, nor did she dance with him. If she was forced to marry, she would find the most bearable mage she could. There was only one man on her list, and he was not all that great.

Unfortunately, it was Keeper Olivier. The man was fifteen years her senior but still young enough to give her one child to add to the four he already had. He wasn’t entirely disgusting. He kept himself fit and clean although his personality left a lot to be desired. Liana could deal with that as long as she could lead her own life.

Keeper Olivier was keeper of all records on the council which meant he kept plenty busy on his own. That would leave her ample solitary time and access to many resources the council sequestered from the females.

Her feet were sore and her stomach aching for food by the time she slipped away. Venturing outside of the ballroom, the guards didn’t stop her as she walked to the end of the window lined hall. Torches held aloft in decorative iron holsters lit the way. Giggles erupted behind her before a couple hurried ahead and slipped through a door.

At the end of the hall, it turned left to continue on another window lined corridor with more mysterious doors on the opposite wall. In the corner of the hall, Liana noted an outcropping in the walls which held a grand statue. A boastful statue of a knight holding up a shield and sword with one foot lifted on his fallen enemy stood in the middle of the alcove which hid the bay of iron-paned windows and stone ledge. It probably wasn’t made for sitting but she didn’t quite care at the moment.

Leaning against the window, she pulled her feet up and sighed while staring out at the moonlit valley beyond. The cloudless night had her itching to be in the garden to practice a few choice spells which only worked on a night such as this with a full moon. Spells for the goddess Luna were always stronger under such conditions, she was the goddess of night after all. If they could leave soon, Liana might still be able to get some work in this evening.

Before she forgot, she summoned her special pen and pulled the sleeve of her left arm up. On her pale skin she began to write the spell she said earlier to cool down the shifter. She had to keep track of all the spells she created but it was far too dangerous to write them down for someone to discover. Hence why she decided to use herself as the book. She wrote the spells in her skin under a disguising spell where they would forever be safe. As soon as she was done writing, the words disappeared. Years ago, when she started this secret habit, she’d imbibed the pen with the spells to ink and disguise her skin, so she didn’t always have to say the words.

“That is an interesting spell,” a mysterious voice said from behind her. She gasped and stood while yanking her sleeve down and sending the pen back to her bedroom. Heart racing with terror at being caught using magic, Liana panicked, searching for an easy escape. The space was small though and the man blocked one exit. She surged toward the other side of the statue when he caught her by the arm.

“Let me go,” she whimpered, yanking away. He let go instantly and she fell into the window, crashing back down onto the ledge.

“Calm yourself, female. I meant no harm,” he assured, his voice low and soothing.

Breathing heavily as her magic roiled within herself, Liana held a hand to her chest in an attempt to calm down. “I did not mean to scare you.”

“Well, you most certainly did,” she snapped and a small flicker of magic hit the statue. She hid her hands in the folds of her dress to hide the uncontrollable magic.

“Does your magic always react so strongly to your emotions?” the man asked, his voice curious. Confused as to why he wasn’t angry by her lack of control or the use of her spelled pen, she finally looked up. She stood with a gasp as her heart threatened to give out in shock.

Being so confined as she curtsied to the king, her backside bumped into the window which caused her to fall forward into the man’s chest. Fumbling and apologizing profusely, she tried to right herself. “Your Highness, I am so very sorry. You startled me. I didn’t mean to touch you. I’m so sorry, Your Highness,” she stammered, keeping her head bowed since she couldn’t very well curtsy.

“It’s quite alright, Miss. I did startle you after all.” He took her vacated seat calmly. “Please, have a seat.” Uncertain if she was allowed to refuse the king, she took a few hurried breaths and sat on the ledge with her back to the opposite windows now. This angle blocked her view of the hallway beyond. “That was interesting magic. What spell was that?”

Her galloping heart wouldn’t calm down, especially not now the king had seen her peculiar magic. He was the last person she ever wanted to know of it. “Just a disguising spell, Your Highness.” Liana clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. She could do nothing to anger the king for not only did she not want to face his wrath but her mother’s as well.

“Yes, but the one you wrote. What was that?”

“Oh, nothing special, Your Highness.”

“Tell me,” he ordered softly.

She gulped. There would be no denying him. “A cooling spell, Your Highness. It was rather warm while dancing.” It was the truth, mostly.

“Interesting. I have not seen that particular spell before. Where did you learn it?”

Afraid to lie to the man, she deflected. “Are you familiar with many mage spells, Your Highness?” she asked in a rush hoping to divert him from asking more questions. She didn’t dare look into those icy eyes for fear of becoming even more frazzled.

“Yes, all of them.” If she weren’t so nervous, his deep and smooth voice would put her at ease. “It pays well to know what all your subjects are capable of even if I cannot perform the same magic.”

“Yes, of course. Very wise, Your Highness.”

“And writing it into your skin, why did you do that?”

She planted her palms on either side of herself on the cool stone. She would have wiped the sweat on her dress, but the moisture would show on the silken fabric.

“As a reminder to myself. I am quite forgetful.” Liana heard that vampires could sense if someone lied. She sincerely hoped that was a lie or else she was done for.

“I’ve never seen another mage do something like that… write in their skin. Not even Master Kinley on my council.” Master Kinley was the most powerful mage in all of Triaedian and he served as mage council to the monarchs for the past fifty years. She gulped again. If the king said anything to Master Kinley about her new spell or the skin-writing, she would… Well, she wasn’t exactly sure what they would do with a powerful female. It wouldn’t be good, she assumed, and her magic agreed as it rebelled beneath her skin to escape this situation.

Fingers clenched around the stone as her heart continued to race, and her magic screamed that she was not safe. There was nowhere to go though. She was stuck beside the king.

“It helps me remember the spell, Your Highness,” she told him again. Her brain fought too hard to come up with a decent lie and that pathetic reply became her only thought.

“Quite odd,” he commented. Odd didn’t begin to describe her but if he simply thought her odd, that was much better than the alternative. If anyone discovered her strength or skill she’d be punished. “And the magic sparks? Is that something that happens often?”

“No, Your Highness,” she lied again. “You merely startled me is all.”

He shifted, pulling one leg onto the ledge and resting his arm over the bent knee while staring out the window. Liana allowed herself a glimpse at the man as she tried to calm her nerves with slow, deep breathing, and focused on him rather than the terror in her veins. In this little alcove, he seemed even larger with broad shoulders and long legs. It was not just his physical form that took up space but his energy. He was powerful without even having magic. She couldn’t ignore the need to stay at attention in his presence although he seemed relaxed enough.

“Tell me, Lady Liana, how are you enjoying your night?” he asked. Relief filled her as he changed the subject. It didn’t escape her notice that he knew her name as well. He probably asked around after he caught her staring multiple times.

“It has been a wonderful evening. Thank you, Your Highness. May I ask how your night has been?”

“Stop with the formalities,” he responded curtly.

Liana paused. Was she supposed to still talk with him? Should she leave? He didn’t let her leave before, would he now? “Your night?” she prompted again nervously. He glanced over at her, and she glanced away under his all-too knowing gaze.

“I feel that it has taken a turn.” He did not expand on that answer. As much as she wanted to ask about it, he moved on. “Have you found a suitable match?”

“There are many suitable men here tonight, Your…” she trailed off, not finishing his title as he demanded.

“That is yet to be determined and you did not answer my question,” he pointed out. Liana fiddled with her dress as she thought of Keeper Olivier. The man was her best option.

“Keeper Olivier would make a fine match.” Beneath her lashes she noticed a single brow rise in surprise.

“I did not expect that,” he admitted. “He’s rather old for you.”

“You are one to speak of age,” she quipped before she could stop herself. “My apologies, Your Highness. I…”

“Stop,” he demanded with a rough chuckle. She sucked in a breath, forcing it into her tight chest. If he was laughing that at least meant he wasn’t angry enough to punish her as was well within his right as king for her speaking out of turn. “You are right. I am rather old myself compared to you. However, I am not vying for your hand.” Liana blushed twenty shades of red.

“Of course not, Your Highness,” she said automatically then paused. “Sorry.”

“What makes you think Keeper Olivier would be a good match for you?”

“He is a good, honorable man with a respectable family. He has an important job and would make me a fine husband.”

“You sound as bored by him as I am,” he sneered and surprised a laugh from her.

“There is nothing wrong with him,” she defended.

“If you don’t count a lack of personality as wrong, then perhaps you are right.” She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. He was already looking at her with a smirk on his lips. She wasn’t sure what he was playing at but if he wanted to play, she would. There was a reason he sought her out and perhaps, if she dazzled him enough, he would forget about her magic. Letting go of her fear for the moment, she also let go of formalities and let her true self shine through.

“Fine, then. Who would you pick for me?” she asked, turning to face him fully.

“I wouldn’t presume to know you so well as to pick a husband for you.”

“You clearly have your opinions. I’m sure you could pick someone without knowing me.” He raised a curious brow.

“Very well then, I would pick the shifter you danced with tonight.” That gave her pause. Not only because they were not of the same breed but because he admitted to watching her.

She couldn’t help herself from asking, “You were watching me?”

He frowned. “Everyone was watching you. They all had quite a bit to say on the matter too.”

Liana looked out the window. Vampiric hearing was notoriously enhanced so there would be no doubt that he heard all the juicy gossip surrounding her. “They seem to find amusement in me for some reason or another,” she admitted quietly, hating that he saw how the others ridiculed her. It was embarrassing that a man of his power and rank witnessed such petty gossip.

“They are simply jealous of your beauty,” he commented. That was the second time in one night a male called her beautiful. It was miraculous enough that one man thought her such but for two males, the king in particular, was an impossibility.

She snorted. “You don’t have to flatter me. I know I’m different.” She looked toward him again. It was quick but she could have sworn she saw sadness in his blue eyes but was replaced quickly by that mask of indifference. “Is that why you chose the shifter for me? Because no other mage would want me?” To think that the king pitied her was unbearable. A man of such power and rank pitying her was exactly what she didn’t want. She was strong. She was fierce and didn’t need the approval of others.

“I meant no offense. I chose the shifter because he was the only one that made you smile.”

“I smiled for everyone,” she countered. The king went to say something but snapped his full lips shut. She waited for something more, but he said nothing while staring out the window.

Despite her earlier fear, Liana found she wasn’t quite so nervous anymore, nor was she quite so eager to leave. The king intrigued her. All the rumors painted him as a lonely, bitter man focused on only protecting this kingdom. She should have known better than to listen to the same gossip that made her the outcast. Perhaps they misjudged him as they did her. Perhaps he was a man that simply knew the value of his own life and took the responsibility upon his shoulders seriously.

Liana didn’t envy the pressure he must be under to uphold the peace in Triaedian. To keep a kingdom of vastly different people united under one monarch seemed like it would be a constant battle of wills and also compromise with a heavy dose of cunning in order to keep the three races placated. And to do it alone seemed even less appealing. The king never made his personal affairs known, nor did he have a harem of women as some of the foreign kings were rumored to keep.

“Do you never wish to find someone for yourself at these balls?” she asked, curious as to why he did not yet have a wife.

“I do not.”

“Are you not expected to marry and produce an heir for the throne?” Her question was bold, but he didn’t shy away from it.

“Of course, I am, I am king. The Ashwood line must continue. However, the last place I will find my bride is at one of these ridiculous balls.”

She smiled. “You sound as revolted by all this as I am.” He flashed her a wicked grin for her mockery of his earlier dig at Keeper Olivier. Before she could ask why he wouldn’t find his bride here, he asked,

“Who taught you to dance?”

“A dance professor.”

“Classically trained then. It shows. You are an elegant dancer.”

She blushed again. “Thank you. I love dancing. Do you enjoy it? I didn’t see you dance at all.”

“I do not wish to be stuck with all the simpering ladies vying for my attention, so I avoid dancing.” The king definitely did not enjoy high society then, especially power-hungry females. She hoped he didn’t see her as such considering her staring problem from before. She felt sorry for him though. Dancing was such a wonderful activity.

“Oh, well that’s a shame. Everyone should be able to dance if they wish.”

He shook his head. “You sound very naïve.”

Liana’s eyes snapped to him in anger. “I beg your pardon. I am not naïve and how dare you for saying so.”

“Ach, woman, calm yourself. I did not mean it in rudeness. Forget I said anything.” She crossed her arms and looked out the window. Well, she certainly didn’t want to continue talking to the hundred-year-old vampire now. As she thought that, she realized just how much life he had been through.

She shook her head at herself. “How naïve I must truly seem to you. A girl of nineteen compared to your hundred years.” When her eyes met his, they seemed depthless, full of all that she’d seen lurking beneath the surface. She couldn’t even imagine how much he’d witnessed and experienced. “You must find the courting season quite tedious after going through so many.”

His face transformed into a mask of humor suddenly, their serious moment broken. “Quite accurate. They do entertain me a bit though. I get a good chuckle watching love-sick fools fighting over a woman.”

She laughed humorlessly. “More like greedy men fighting over a sack of money.”

“You are awfully harsh and judgmental. Do you believe all these people are only after status? What about love?”

She raised a brow at him. “You speak of love when not only minutes ago you spurned any chance of a match at these… What did you say? Oh yes, ridiculous balls.”

A slow smile lifted the corner of his lips. “I did. That does not mean I don’t wish to find love.”

She huffed and crossed her arms, avoiding those piercing eyes. “Love. A fool’s dream,” she murmured. Leaned her head on the windowpane, she watched as the moonlight flickered off the waterfall far below their perch.

“So cynical for one so young,” the king said quietly. She shrugged. She’d dreamed of love once. Dreamed that she could find it one day. But reality was harsh, and she knew that would never be in the cards for her. She would marry whichever influential man her parents picked.

Not wanting to discuss this further, she asked, “When was the last time you danced, old man?” she teased since he seemed to point out her youth whenever he could.

“The last time I was forced to,” he replied with a quick grin.

“Fine, keep your secrets. But I was going to offer you a disguising spell so that we may have a peaceful dance. I’m not so sure anymore,” she teased.

He raised that curious brow again. “A disguising spell? That’s advanced.” She shrugged a shoulder at her slip of the tongue even as she panicked internally. She was trying to hide her power from the king, not boast about it.

“It’s child’s play really. I’m not so sure I should though. You are so old; I’d be too terrified you’d break a leg.”

He surprised himself with a boisterous laugh. “I’m a vampire. I don’t break,” he replied.

“Hmm, oh well. My feet are sore anyway from all that wonderful dancing I did earlier.”

He chuckled. “You are a wicked little mage, aren’t you?”

“I’m sure I have no idea what you mean, Your Highness.” Her stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. “And I am in desperate need of food. Will you join me?” she asked, uncertain if she should even ask or if he would bother joining a lowly mage.

“Hold on.” He leaned around the statue. “Bring us a tray,” he said to someone. Liana glanced around but didn’t see anyone.

“Who are you talking to?”

“A guard. He’s been standing by. Couldn’t have anyone eavesdropping. You were quite clever to find this spot. Very private.” It was then that she noticed just how private and secluded this space truly was. Feeling uncomfortable now, Liana scooted away. King Ashwood noticed the move and squinted angrily. “I would never harm you, little mage. Nor would I spoil your virtue.”

“Of course, King Ashwood. I didn’t mean to imply you would. If someone saw us though…”

“Then they would mind their own business because there is nothing untoward going on here and we’ve had a chaperone this entire time. Two in fact.” Liana glanced around but could not find anyone. “Vampires have excellent hearing,” he explained between clenched teeth.

“I’m sorry. I did not mean to imply that you are dishonorable. It’s only that people love to gossip, and a woman’s virtue is all she has. I’m sorry,” she said again, afraid she’d angered him too much.

He sighed and scrubbed a hand through his long dark hair. “Do not apologize. You are right, unfortunately. A woman has no liberties in this world, and I would never dishonor you.”

“Thank you,” she said quietly. A tray appeared from around the statue. King Ashwood took it, handing it to Liana. He took one of the bite sized delights and popped it into his mouth, the tension in their secluded alcove dissipating. She followed his move, ravenous still.

“Why these functions don’t serve full meals has never made sense to me,” she complained. “I am always hungry, and it is not proper to hoard a tray all to myself like this.”

“All to yourself? Am I not allowed to have any more?” He tried to grab one, but she blocked his reach with a shield. His hand bumped into the invisible shield, his eyes narrowed on her. She smirked.

“You did hand me the tray, did you not? Therefore, they are all mine.” His surprise dissolved into a smile.

“Not even one more? I did get you the tray after all.”

“Technically, your guard got the tray.”

“Yes, but I told him to get it.”

She scoffed. “That hardly deserves payment.”

“It is my food. I paid for it, and I paid the chef to cook it,” he countered.

“I suppose that is a fair argument.” She picked one up and dropped the shield. “Here, you may have one tart.”

“So very generous of you, my lady,” he teased, reaching for it. Liana pulled her hand away at the last second with a giggle. He frowned and reached for it again. She evaded him again and again, laughing until he grabbed her wrist with vampiric speed and shoved the tart into his mouth. Warm, smooth lips closed around her fingers which had her gasping, the laughter cutting off. Something in her gut clenched and she gulped, watching wide-eyed as he pulled his mouth from her fingers and chewed. She licked her own lips reflexively.

King Ashwood dropped her hand suddenly. “I apologize, Lady Monroe. That was very nearly improper.” She glanced away her face hot with… it wasn’t embarrassment but something she hadn’t felt before. A burning deep in her belly, a yearning for something more.

Out of nervousness, she did something foolish. She grabbed a pastry and chucked it at his head. The pastry topped with thick cream stuck to his cheek when it hit.

“Now that is improper,” she said before breaking down into hysterical laughter. He laughed, pulling the pastry from his face. After eating it, he wiped his face clean.

King Ashwood grabbed another pastry before sitting back into his relaxed pose. “What other spells do you know? It was my understanding that females were only taught housekeeping spells.”

Liana shrugged. She had to play it cool, had to convince him there was nothing special about her. “I like using spells. I’ve learned what I could on my own beyond what they teach us.”

“From where?”

“My father and brothers have plenty of spell books.”

“Ah, so you stole them,” King Ashwood said in realization.

“I wouldn’t call it stealing. Just borrowing. I always returned them.”

“So, let me see if I’ve come to know you a little better. You’re a ravenous thief and improper lady that is also a skilled mage.” He said it teasingly, but Liana didn’t find it funny. “That was meant to be a joke, little mage,” he said lightly.

She nodded. “Yes, quite funny.” It should have been, but far too near the truth for her to find his teasing amusing. The other mage constantly berated her for her oddities. No matter how hard Liana tried to be a normal female in society, they still teased her for being different, for daring to not be a part of the same mold every female was expected to fit into. The last person she wanted to know, or tease her about it, was the king. She also needed to get away from him. He’d already learned too much about her. This was the perfect excuse to flee.

She handed the now empty tray back to him. “Thank you for your time, Your Highness. I must be going before my mother comes searching for me. And trust me, you do not want her on your scent. She is part bloodhound.” The king smiled but it did not reach his eyes. When he stood, Liana could not back up in the small alcove. He really was quite tall.

“It has been a pleasure, Lady Liana Monroe. The best ball I’ve attended by far. Should we ever meet like this again, you may call me, Damien.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips, leaving her breathless from his comment and kiss. She clamped her teeth together as a shiver ran down her spine. “Good evening, Lady Monroe.”

“It’s Liana,” she said unexpectedly. “I mean, you may call me, Liana.”

“Good evening, Liana,” he said, his kingly mask already back in place.

A good evening indeed.

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What could be more thrilling than an informal rendezvous with the king? Find out in the next chapter Improper Mage - Ch 5