DARK DEALINGS: A Warlock's Legacy

9. Missus Academy

Elowen moved quietly through the early morning light in Kadas's home, preparing a modest breakfast of eggs, potatoes, warm bread, and tea. The scent of her cooking filled the small kitchen, and she cast a glance over at Kadas, still deep in slumber, a faint snore escaping him every so often. A soft smile tugged at her lips; she'd never imagined her life would take her here, cooking breakfast in the home of a powerful warlock, her life so intricately entwined with his now.

As she set the plates out on the table, she noticed a small slip of parchment peeking from the narrow slot beside the door where mail was delivered. Curious, she walked over and pulled it free, her eyebrows raising slightly as she noticed her name, carefully scrawled in the handwriting of an elegant, unfamiliar hand.

She opened it carefully, glancing at Kadas to ensure he was still fast asleep, and read the letter:

Miss Elowen,

Your quarters have been prepared within the Castle of Umbrella. You are to report to the west gate at 9 a.m. for further guidance. I trust you will not be late.

– Red Queen

The reality of her acceptance sank in, and her heart quickened with excitement, mingled with a hint of nervousness. She folded the letter neatly, tucking it into her pocket before quickly finishing her breakfast, and took one last look at Kadas, lying peacefully in his bed, oblivious to the morning around him.

She couldn't help but chuckle softly at the sight, half wondering if he'd stay that way all day. It was a rare look for him—relaxed and vulnerable, his usually intense, watchful expression softened in sleep.

With a deep breath, she grabbed her shawl, secured the letter, and carefully slipped out the door, her heart beating with a mix of anticipation and nerves as she prepared to meet her new life head-on.

As Elowen approached the imposing west gate of the castle, she couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous excitement. She was stepping into a world that once seemed a distant mystery, a place she'd only heard about in tales whispered in her village. The high stone walls loomed above, and the air felt cooler, the shadows deeper, in this part of Mournspire.

Near the gate, a knight stood in polished armor, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he spoke with another guard. His gaze sharpened when he spotted her, and he quickly ended his conversation, striding over to intercept her.

"You there," he called, his voice firm and laced with authority. "You're a stranger here. This entrance is not open to outsiders. What business do you have at the west gate?"

Caught off guard, Elowen stumbled over her words, clutching the letter in her pocket. "I... I'm here under the Red Queen's request. I received a letter."

The knight's expression hardened with suspicion. "The Red Queen's request, aye?" He scoffed. "And where is this letter of yours?"

Before she could retrieve it, another voice, calm and steely, cut through the tension. "She speaks the truth, Sir Aldric." The Red Queen herself stepped into view, her stern eyes settling on the knight.

The knight stiffened, quickly bowing. "My apologies, Lady Caelia. I didn't realize—"

"No need for excuses," the Red Queen interrupted smoothly, a faint smile playing at her lips as she glanced at Elowen. "This young woman is here on my request. From this day forward, she is a maiden in training."

With a slight, almost invisible look of relief, the knight stepped aside and gestured for Elowen to enter. "My apologies," he said quietly to her, dipping his head before resuming his post.

Elowen managed a polite nod in return, following closely behind the Red Queen as she led her through the grand entrance. They passed through a large archway, and the interior of the west gge opened up before her—a realm entirely separate from the rest of the kingdom.