Twisted Magic

Chapter One

I was going to murder Will, slowly and painfully. I felt completely underdressed and exposed in the ridiculous black satin, backless monstrosity I was wearing, complete with diamond studded low heels. I had tried to use the excuse of not having anything to wear to get out of our bet but it hadn’t worked, Will had simply reached into his closet and pulled the outfit out for me with a smug look, the jerk had played me.

As a servant walked passed with a silver platter topped with filled wine glasses I quickly snatched one up, gulping greedily at the bubbly liquid as I envisioned several wonderful ideas for exacting my revenge. A particularly amusing idea came to mind and I smiled, bringing the glass back to my mouth.

Stop that! Will’s voice in my mind surprised me, causing me to jump, spilling the remainder of my wine on my hand before quickly looking around the room to make sure no one had witnessed my stupidity. I hadn’t even realised I had been projecting my thoughts at Will. And stop standing alone in the corner, its creepy.

Another servant walked past and I exchanged my now empty glass for a full one as I scanned the room looking for Will. Eventually I found him across the other side of the large room, his back to me as he stood chatting casually to a small group of people I didn’t recognise. One of the women laughed flirtatiously at him and gently touched his arm; I shook my head at the poor woman and her wasted attempt at gaining Will’s affection.

I’m not standing alone in a corner, jerk. I’m guarding, you know, what we are meant to be doing, not picking up desperate women.

Will’s laughter echoed in my mind, but as I watched he made no outward movement in response to what I’d said. Flirting? Please. I am trying to escape with my life here. And it is possible to guard the Queen whilst being amongst people, especially here of all places. Nothing is getting in here, which is why we are here as guests not guards tonight. It won’t kill you to talk to someone.

I didn’t agree, so I decided to ignore his reply and scan the room again. The grand ballroom was filled with dignitaries in their finest, standing in small groups around the room smiling and chatting with one another. At the far end of the room a small orchestra played a soothing tune that was enough to cover the sounds of the servants moving throughout the room to tidy, but not enough to make conversations awkward.

The High Queen looked absolutely stunning in her floor length, blood red gown. Its train trailed behind her as she made her way effortlessly through the room, making her seem as if she were floating. Her blond hair was intricately twisted into an up do that was studded with diamonds and a delicate crown that shimmered in the soft light of the room. Everyone in the room was constantly stealing glances towards her, trying to pretend as if they weren’t desperately hoping she would grant them audience.

Following closely behind the High Queen was her son Prince Bastian, along with his wife Katarina and their three children. Katarina was smiling and greeting everyone that approached her, but I could see through the false smile she plastered on for everyone, I knew she hated this event as much as I did. We had spoken earlier in the day and Katarina had complained about bringing the children to such a grown up night. But of course she would never go against the wishes of the High Queen. So instead she was here, carrying her toddler around on her hip, with one child grasping her other hand and the eldest following silently behind and trying desperately not to make eye contact with anyone.

For a brief moment I watched Penny, her eyes darted nervously around the room before falling back to her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She dropped her head lower, letting her chocolate locks fall in front of her shoulders and give her face some cover. Prince Bastian caught her movement and bent down to her, moving her hair back behind her shoulders and lifting her chin back up so her eyes met his. He spoke quietly to her, his face stern, after a moment Penny nodded and straightened her shoulders, Bastian nodded before turning back to re-join the adult conversation.