Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 67437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“Enough!” Our mother’s voice went cold as ice. “As much as I would like to yell, scold, and punish you, we have more important matters to attend to.”
So then. . .I truly won’t be finishing my book today?
I raised my eyebrows. “Will this take long, mother?”
“The emissaries of the Mage Council have arrived. It is time for you both to remember your duties as princes of our realm.”
Ian groaned in annoyance.
I longingly gazed at my book on blood roses. “Are you sure we must do this now? We have not even begun our ripening—”
“The mages are not to be taken lightly. Their presence signals that our kingdom is on the precipice of great change. You two must be on the forefront of this. That means that your names will be in the history books as attending the Great Introduction.”
“I understand. However, I wonder. Are there female mages, mother?” Ian stepped forward. “Ones that I may officially show the kingdom to as is my duty—”
“You are to stay away from any female mages.” She put her view on me. “Instead, Nai will escort the leader’s daughter around. There is something mischievous in the daughter’s eyes. Already I see her plotting to take control. When you both are kings you may very well have to negotiate with her. Therefore, be polite and try to form a friendship, Nai.”
I did my best to keep my annoyance off my face. “Me?”
“Yes.”
“When females come around, my tongue does this odd thing and it is hard for me to form thoughts.”
Ian nodded. “This is true.”
I pointed to Ian. “If not for him, I would barely be able to communicate with them.”
Ian shrugged. “I have to be with him, mother.”
“Fine. But just join them, Ian. Do not take control of Nai showing her around.” My mother turned and headed out of the library. Her gown flowed with her. Next, her guards followed. She gestured with her hand. “Come. You both must get dressed. They are already in the Great Hall, so hurry.”
With a final glance at the ancient tome on blood roses, I left the library, preparing to meet the mages.
Meanwhile, the legend of the blood roses remained this tantalizing mystery lingering in the recesses of my mind.
* * *
An hour later, Ian and I stood in the Great Hall near our parents who sat on their large thrones.
The Mage Council were positioned across from us, forming an unbroken semicircle.
All of them wore clothing befitting mages—leather boots edged in silver thread, embroidered jackets over white tunics with vests carrying colorful patterns, and some even had tops that glowed with a soft blue light from underneath the fabric. Their wooden staffs and staves served as reminders of their power to kill us.
Castle servants scurried around, offering small dishes of fruit, cheese, and wine to any of them that wanted it.
More mages stood behind the Council.
“Your majesty.” Grandmaster Lord Henry walked forward and got in the center. “Today, the Mage Council honors us with four diplomats, each united by their mastery of the natural elements. These four work tirelessly to maintain balance and harmony within the realm, and have arrived to achieve what our ancestors have never done. They seek to fulfil your dream of friendship and commerce among the vampires and the mages.”
Many clapped around us.
Ian groaned.
I nudged him, and he went silent.
“I am greatly excited to meet the Council.” My father’s voice rose in the Great Hall. “And who are these diplomats?”
Lord Henry walked over to a very tall woman with long white hair and very dark brown skin. “First we have Aerelia, the Wind Whisperer.”
My parents nodded.
Ian and I followed and did the same.
Lord Henry went over to a very short man with a bald head. “And this is Terranos, the Earthshaker.”
When will this be over, so I can get back to my book?
A woman with a solid blue robe smiled as Lord Henry stopped next to her. “And this is Aquarion, the Tide Shaper.”
I did my best to not fall asleep in pure boredom.
Meanwhile, Ian loudly yawned next to me.
I scowled.
He kept his voice low. “Sorry.”
I whispered, “Stop coming into the library. We could have both been safely hidden.”
“I wanted us to have fun.”
“And are we having fun now?”
Ian gave me a sad smile. “Fair point, brother.”
Our mother shushed us.
We straightened and returned to the boring introductions.
Lord Henry stopped at the final mage. She was a curvy, brown skinned woman with light blonde hair and an orange gown. “And here is Pyranna, the Flame Wielder.”
My mother bowed her head. “You all do us great honor being here.”
The mages did dramatic bows.
Yes. Yes. Get on with it.
But then movement came from the right of the crowd of mages. I slowly turned that way.
Lord Henry gestured to her. “And we must not forget Pyranna’s lovely oldest daughter, Phinova.”