A Witch's World

8) Details

Layla:

The girl before me looked so very different from the last time I saw her, but I suppose that shouldn't be much of a surprise. Her last employers (now thankfully dead) were the Originals. Pedro Stag, Cameron Stag, Vanessa Stag and Willow Stag, leaders of the all soul consuming magical group the Deathstag. I had thought she was dead, thought no one could possibly have survived the atomic bomb-like magical impulse I released. The last time I saw her she was still inside the Lair. How can she be alive? How could the girl that stood before me, now smiling nervously, be the same as the scared, timid, shy girl I had seen on my way to the dungeons? I guess being freed of that place changes a person.

I was so shocked that she was still alive that I didn't think twice as I wrapped my arms around her shoulders in a tight embrace. I had not forgotten the kindness she had shown me, a stranger. She had risked her own safety in helping me and I was so upset when I thought I had killed her and other possible humans like her, even if I couldn't of helped it, their death would still be on my hands. So at least I hadn't killed another friend. Not like Grace.

Hollie froze slightly, surprised at my actions which made me laugh as the exact same thing happened last time we met. But I felt her relax and she wrapped an arm around me in return.

I pulled back and frowned. "But how Hollie? What are you doing here? Tell me everything." I took her arm and pulled her to the sofa in front of the bed and we both sat down. I heard a light cough and turned to see Matt standing there rather unsure what to do with himself. He gave me a half smile as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Sorry, Matt this is Hollie, she helped me when I was looking for you in the Deathstag lair." I gave her a grin. "And Hollie this is-"

"Oh I know who this is miss. Prince Matthew." She gave him another bob of the head.

"Please, call me Matt."

"And call me Layla. We had this conversion last time." I frowned at her.

"Sorry...Layla. Old habits die hard."

"That's quite all right, now tell me, how are you not...dead?"

Matt came and sat the other side of me as Hollie put what ever she had been carrying when she came in on the bed.

"Well," she started and I could tell she was thinking back to that night, bringing back memories she had probably rather forget. "After I had seen you on that stairwell and found out who you were I knew something...big was about to happen. They had been planning it since the day I had arrived and I knew this was the day they had been waiting for...for so long," she paused and looked down on her lap. We would have the conversation of exactly how she became to work there later I decided.

"I was in two minds. One part of me said that something really really bad would happen, the other said that perhaps...there might be a slightest possibility that you would win, that the prophecy would be fulfilled." She looked at me and gave me a look that held so much hope that it almost made me want to bring the Originals back to life, just so I could kill them all over again. But that would be idiotic, I scolded myself. Plus, I don't enjoy killing.

"Either way, like I said, I knew something big would happen. I also knew that whatever happened whether it was that day or one day soon, I would have to get out of there. And when would they be more distracted then when they had the chosen child under their own roof? Part of me wanted to stay and help you somehow, after all it would be a difficult fight for you to win, but what could I possibly do? A human compared to the likes of you guys. So...I gathered up as few of the servants I dared, and the ones I trusted would not ruin our escape and we formulated a plan. I saw you being dragged away by master Ethan and soon after that the Lords and Ladies left their chambers, it was then that we knew they would be hardly distracted by a few servants. We made our way to another entrance, one not as heavily guarded and one servants sometimes went through. We went in pairs so not to draw too much interest and every guard we saw, we told that we had been instructed to tell everyone they were needed in the Malterine, the main hall. They didn't think twice, everyone was hyped up at the prospect to go and were only too glad to be given the chance to witness such a thing. That's when the bangs started and we knew it had begun."

She started picking at her nails, rather she knew or not and I felt Matt's hand gently capture my own as it lay on the cushion between us.

"Most of us made it out in time...others didn't. And not all us were unscathed. The blast...it was like a bomb. We were in a tunnel that led up to main ground. The roof started caving in, and even we though as far away from the main blast as we were, felt the wave of magic." She looked at me then. "Miss, you must have great power...We ran as much as we could, but the bricks started raining down on our heads and the pulse of energy blew us all off our feet. The last thing I remember was getting buried by the tunnel itself."

My eyes were wide and the grip on Matt's hand tightened but I refused to allow myself to make a sound before she had finished. Retelling her story hadn't been pleasant and I wasn't going to interrupt her.

Hollie sighed and looked out the balcony.

"We were found, I don't know how long after, by the Royal Search team. I don't think they expected to see us, or were even looking for survivors and were almost as surprised as we were. I don't remember much, I was kinda out of it, but once they realised we were human they took us straight here. Well not the Palace exactly but here to Rhistenia. Patched us up as well as they could, but even their healing magic couldn't heal all the damage..."

She reached up a hand and pushed the collar of her blouse to one side. I made a quiet gasp as I saw a deep scar that ran from the base of her throat all the way across her right shoulder and away out of sight down her arm. It must have been quite an injury for magic not to be able to heal her fully.

I looked back at her and I had to clench my jaw to stop myself from crying. "I'm so sorry Hollie..." I said, "it's my fault that you got hurt, that you almost died, that some of your friends did die..." I stopped as she slowly started shaking her head, a small smile forming.

"Layla...do you not realise what you did?"

"I do, and I'm so sorry for what I did to you..."

"No, you misunderstand me. You saved us Layla. You freed us. We all thought we would spend the rest of our days there, die right there in that miserable place. But you ended that. You gave us the chance to lead a different life, a better one. My friends who died, died in the knowledge that the whole Deathstag operation died right along with them. And these marks..." She gestured to her shoulder, "we would take the pain over and over again if it meant we glimpsed freedom just once. The scars are just a small price we had to pay, and we paid it gladly. Thank you Layla Owens. I would have died happy having just met you."

She reached over and squeezed my hand that lay on my lap. I squeezed back and gave her a watery smile. Her words such a comfort to me and helped ease that hole in me that made me a murderer. And I could tell she meant it as well, her thoughts were coming through loud and clear, which was weird because the one place you would think would be the most silent - mind wise that is - would be a kingdom full of people who could shield their thoughts and yet here I was, sat with someone who would never be able to do that. To be precise she was thinking that I was her favourite person in the world right now.
I knew Matt was smiling with out even turning round.

"There is time for plenty more questions, if you have them, but shouldn't you be getting ready Miss?"

I ignored the instinct telling me to frown at that title, besides at this moment in time I had other problems. I jumped from the sofa and began pacing. "Of course! Hollie I do have questions, but for now I have to find something suitable to wear and try as I may I know nothing will do. It's my first dinner with her Highness and I need to make an impression..."

Matt raised an eyebrow. "You could turn up naked, that would make an impression."

I threw him a sour look. "Not helping. I meant make a good impression."

"Umm excuse me...Layla, but there was actually a reason for me coming here..."

I paused mid-step. "Of course, was there something you needed?"

She shook her head and picked up what was lying on the bed as she came to stand next to me. "The Queen thought you might not have the right...ah...attire for such occasions. So, she got these made for you yesterday. It's not much, but more will arrive over the week."

I looked as she unzipped a black garment bag and produced clothes on hangers, all neatly lined together.

I could have thrown Hollie over my shoulder and start dancing I was so happy.

But instead I took a deep breath and closed my eyes in relief, saying a silent prayer before smiling at her. She gave me a tentative grin back and went into the wardrobe to hang up my new clothes.

As Hollie left, with a promise to come back later I went to pick out my outfit with not long left to change due to our unexpected visitor. I went for a Caramel coloured silk blouse with a little bow on the shoulder and a white pleated skater skirt. I slung on some low heeled sandals to complete the look and ran a brush through my hair to make it a little more presentable before coming out to see Matt with five minutes to spare. He of course was ready quarter of an hour ago (how boys can do that I don't know) and was flipping through the T.V. I gave him a spin.

"How do I look?"

He gave me a once over. "You look like my mother. Take it how you like it," he said after a few seconds.

I pondered that for a moment, decided that I would take it as a compliment and took his outstretched hand as we made our way to dinner. It then occurred to me as to where we would actually be eating. Surely it wouldn't be in the banquet hall if it was just the three of us? Or was it just the three of us? I sure hope so. I had no idea if I was ready for the witching community to know me yet, not that I had much of a choice. I knew it was coming one day soon, I just hoped that moment wasn't right now.

Matt took me this way and that (hopefully I will learn my way about the Palace eventually) and we ended going out of the tower and in the main sector of the Palace. Perhaps we really were going to be eating in the dining hall. But no, we walked straight by and a few rooms away Matt stopped us before a large double door.

It was made from a rich coloured wood with gold patterns forming a frame around the outside. The door handle seemed to made from glass, as I found a lot of things were in this Palace. Matt gave me a reassuring smile as he glanced down at me before opening the door.

The room was an appropriate size, I concluded, albeit bigger then most dining rooms but I kinda expected that. The floor was made of the same wood that created the door and it smacked hard against my heels as we made our way into the room. It was elaborately decorated (as was everything in the Palace) with a gold and brown patterned border which ran all the way around the room, of which was in a pentagon shape. A large chandelier dripped with tiny amber and diamond crystals hung suspended above the large bronze and glass table. It would seat ten I saw, counting the high backed chairs. A the head of the table sat the Queen. Sophia was wearing a knee length emerald green dress, which wrapped around her slim figure in an elegant way, though of course everything about her was always elegant. She was wearing her hair up and was tied with a green silk ribbon. She smiled warmly at us as we approached, resting her wine glass back on the table.

"We got your invitation Mother, I apologise if we kept you waiting."

Matt pulled out the chair for me, indicating where I should sit, which incidentally was on the Queens right, whilst he went and sat opposite me.

"Not at all, Matthew, I'm glad you could make it." As if we had a choice, I thought and bit the inside of my cheek, it's a good thing Sophia couldn't read my mind.

I rested my hands on my lap, not quite sure what to do with myself as Sophia clicked her fingers once. Immediately, the once empty platter in front of me filled with food. It was Salmon cooked in three ways with some other mixtures of which I had no clue and the golden goblet in front of me filled with red wine.

"Do you like the clothes Layla?" She asked as she delicately picked up her fork and began eating. Following suit, I cut off a small bit of Salmon.

"I do, your Highness, thank you very much, I appreciate it."

She smiled as she looked down at her food. "It was no trouble. I understand you know the young girl, Hollie?"

"Yes, we had met briefly." I left it at that, I didn't need to tell her where I met Hollie, she knew that already.

"She spoke fondly of you dear, which is why I appointed her to be your maid. Anything you need, she will get for you. Of course if you would rather a person with magic attend to you rather then a human, I understand."

"No, no Hollie will do perfectly. Although it's hardly necessary, with all do respect, I don't really need one."

I chewed slowly on the food. First the clothes, now I have a maid? It's not that I'm not thankful, just...I don't want to be treated like I'm anything special. I wanted to be normal. I'm used to doing things by myself, for myself.

"Nonsense child, I wish to make your stay as comfortable and easy as I possibly can."

I didn't respond, knowing that any argument I put forward would be shot down. Besides, having Hollie around wouldn't be bad, not in the slightest. If I was going to have a maid, I would rather it be her then anyone, someone who I thought of as a friend.

"I assume Father will not be joining us?" Matt asked.

"No, the King has already eaten, he prefers to have his food before his session with the doctor."

"And how is the King?" I interjected, "Matt told me he was ill, is he any better?"

Sophia looked up at me then and smiled softly. "Thank you for asking Layla. It is true my husband is a little worse for wears, but he will pull through, he always does."

I put my knife and fork on my plate and picked up a bread roll that had also magically appeared.

"Now, moving on to happier topics," she said, effectively putting an end to that conversation, "the party."

I heard Matt groan quietly, but the Queen didn't seem to notice now that she was in her element.

"So, it will be in two nights time."

"Two nights?" Matt asked at the same time effectively covering up the noise of me chocking slightly. "Mother we only arrived yesterday."

"Your point being?"

"My point is that maybe you could have given us a little more time to get settled in before throwing us in at the deep end."

Throwing me in at the deep end more like. He was surely used to all these parties and Palaces and fancy food. I, on the other hand settle for a night in with a chick flick film, cookie dough ice cream and my cosiest sweatpants.

I inwardly sighed as I nibbled on my bread.

"I have given you time," I honestly think she meant that, "Two nights is plenty of time. But we're not discussing dates Matthew, just the details. You know where it will be held, of course and the time, but I was wondering if there was anyone you wanted to invite that was not already on the guest list."

Matt paused before looking at Sophia with a slightly suspicious expression. "Who exactly is on the guest list? How many people did you give an invitation to?"

She averted her gaze back to her food and didn't answer.

"Mother..."

I had to hold back a grin at Matt's tone and took a sip of the wine instead.

"Well, we do have a lot of friends and family Matt, plus this isn't just for your return, it is for Layla also, this will be her coming into the witching community as our saviour. It's important that the right people attend. Heaven knows how many people want to finally lay their eyes on her. Now I'm not going to give you an exact number or tell you everyone's names on the list, I was just asking whether you wanted to bring anyone I wouldn't have thought of."

Matt sighed, "no you probably thought of everyone," he muttered.

"Oh and Lord and Lady Fell are attending, along with their son and daughter of course."

Was it just me or did she say that last bit in a rush? I looked over at Matt who for a half second had frozen in his seat before he glanced up at me and then to Sophia.

"You invited...but...what about...we don't even..."

"Don't stutter Matthew," the queen also glanced at me, was I missing something here? "And why wouldn't I invite them? Our families have been friends for years and Lord Gerard Fell is a very highly regarded Warlock. Now I don't want to hear another word about it, I only told you because I thought you might want to know."

"But-"

"No. There is nothing more to say on the matter, and don't give me that look, I understand why you might be a little...reserved, but you are going to have to put that aside. And if there isn't anyone else you can think of that you wish to invite we need not speak anymore on the guest list." She finished by setting her knife and fork down on her finished plate. "Next course everyone?"

The rest of the meal went relatively smoothly. Smoothly being the appropriate word as nothing too embarrassing or mortifying happened. The food was delicious, the wine glass always full, not that I was a big drinker but it certainly helped the evening in more ways then one. We talked a bit more on the party but seeing as myself nor Matt were particularly enthusiastic about it the topic changed quickly, although it remained in my head for quite some time after.
Two nights. Just two nights and then the whole witching community will know my face. I always knew this day was coming, but it just crept up on me so fast that I haven't had any time to prepare, not that I know how to prepare for this sort of thing. This was one of those times where I really needed mum, or Grace, but neither of them were here. I would be...famous, or at least I guess I would be. What ever happened to that young girl who lived with her Aunt and Uncle in a small town, who's only worry was trying to blend in to the background? I never asked for this, Hell I don't even want it now, but yet this life was thrust upon me and decided long before I was even born, so what chance did I have really?

It was half past eight and seeing as it was Summer, the sun was just beginning to hide beneath the horizon in the distance. I sat on the edge of Matt's balcony, my bare feet dangling over the stone wall and my hands either side of me. I tilted my head to one side as I watched the sun set. From this view I could see the tops of a few houses and buildings and across the huge woodland that covered acres of the land. It truly was a beautiful sight.
I had changed out of my formal clothes into something more comfortable and familiar. Shorts and a loose top and had tied back my hair into a loose bun. I fiddled with the two necklaces I had on. One, I haven't taken off in years, the one that my mother had given me for my 14th Birthday, it was a sapphire crystal pendant with three small diamonds above it, the thought of not wearing it made me feel almost naked. The other necklace, a more recent addition to my collection, was the one Matt bought for me today at the market stall. The simple crystal that changed colour depending on the wearers mood. I raised this one to eye level. It was clear no more and had gone a very light violet colour. Hmm, I would have to figure out what the colours meant.

I jumped only slightly when I felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around my waist. But recognising the familiar feel, I instantly relaxed and smiled, my hands coming up to return the embrace.

"It's been a long day," Matt sighed and pulled me closer to him. I felt the water droplets fall from his hair, still wet from his shower, and onto my shoulder. His breath tickled my ear.

"I expected nothing less from the magical kingdom," I replied, "but dinner wasn't so bad."

He groaned. "I'm sorry about that, once mother decides to talk, it's hard for her to stop."

I shrugged. "At least that's better then no conversation at all. This one time, before mum died, I went to this boys house, first dinner with the parents and all and the whole meal was sat in utter and complete silence. It was the most awkward two hours of my life. I guess Sophia doesn't seem as bad after all."

He chuckled and kissed the base of my neck. "I suppose, when you put it like that, but you're forgetting that you are yet to have dinner with both my parents."

He had me there.

"Hey, speaking of dinner, what's up with Lord and Lady Fell? You didn's seem particularly happy."

There was a silence and he didn't say anything. "Matt?" I asked when the silence increased. I turned my head so I could look at him. He averted my gaze and frowned. I nudged him with my shoulder when he didn't respond.

He sighed and unwound his arms from around me and went to sit on my right, his back to the sun so we were facing each other.

"Nothing. Nothing is wrong with Lord and Lady Fell...it's their daughter I have a problem with."

I raised an eyebrow. "And the problem is...?"

He looked back down and picked up my hand. "She was the girl I was promised to marry."

Ah. I see. Well, I guess it makes sense now. Why both Matt and Sophia looked at me as if it would effect me in some way.
I cleared my throat. "Whats...er...whats her name?"

He looked up then, perhaps confused with my first response. "Oh erm, Clarissa. Clarissa Fell."

I nodded. "And...you don't want her to come to the party," I stated.

"Correct. Well we didn't exactly end on good terms, me disappearing and all. See I never wanted to marry her in the first place. We had seen each other a couple of times, our parents have worked together for years and each time I saw her the dislike grew. She's just...just..."

"A bitch?" I offered.

He gave me a quick smile. "Well yes. As far as I could tell, she actually did want to marry me and the fact that I was reluctant didn't help our relationship. Everywhere she goes she causes trouble. She's everything I don't like. Loud, dramatic, whiny, needy. Among other things."

I squeezed his hand. "Glad you don't think those things about me."

He grinned. "How do you know I don't?"

I shoved him and rolled my eyes. "But seriously, I'm sure it wont be too bad, you only have to avoid her for one night. Besides, I'll be with you."

"Yeah you're right," he said, but his tone suggested quite the opposite.

Deciding to change subject I said, "will there be anymore surprises this day, I think I'm up to my limit."

He gave me a half smile and leaned closer to me and kissed my jaw line. "I think it's safe to say we won't be disturbed until the morning," he murmured.