The Mage's Son

7

The next day, I clean under Avalon's bed. It had wood chips from so much pressure. Avalon and Askari were eating dinner at the round table. I look at Askari's hand bag. I was curious. I start to dig in it. I find a lot of money and jewelry. Then I find a vial of blue stuff. It had a wand drawing on it.

I hear the door. Marjorie comes in,"Saran has a surprise for you."
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"Wait what?!"

"Yes, for the rest of your training. You are going to be the main servant for the royalty." Saran smiles. She looks at her timepiece, "You might want to go. Dinner is done."

I run to Avalon's room. Askari was sitting at the table while Avalon was reading spells. He looks up, "I'm guessing you heard the good news."

"Yes, sire. This is amazing! My dream came true." Well one dream. The other dream is impossible. Be the princess. Hah!

"Could you quiet down? I'm trying to think." Askari frowns.

"Come over here. I have to show you something." Avalon waves me over. I walk to the bookshelf. He shows me a page in his book. He rips it out and gives it to me.
"Thought this might be a nice gift. Don't read it unless you need to."

"Since when did we give MAIDS gifts?! She's no good. I can't believe she is even here. Why don't you do your job and do my hair?" Askari takes her braids out. I grab her brush from the dresser and count to two hundred. She took me down from my high. I give her a French braid and dance.

"No one said to dance." She fusses.

"Askari, would you like me to make you feel better?" Avalon asks sarcastically.

"No! I just need to go home. I'll be back. I need a breather." She grabs her purse and walks out again.

I sit on the floor, "Thank you, sire."

"Hey, I have to be nice." He laughs.

He sits on his bed. Then he sighs.

"What's wrong, sire?" I ask sincerely.

"Wow. I have never heard that sentence as often as you say it. It's Askari. She's getting too defensive. I am marrying this girl in a few days. You will be there, right?" He asks sincerely. He wants me there. I am so honored. This is starting to be a good day.

"I would be delighted." I bow. I think the prince is warming up to me.

Then something snaps. I know what that vial is. That's horse powder, used for potions. It's lethal if taken by itself. She's trying to kill someone. I have to be on guard.

Avalon calls me. I go to the edge of his bed on my knees.

"Can I tell you a secret? You must promise not to tell anyone." He stares me in the eye.

I nod.

"I don't think I love Askari as much as I love...... Never mind. Want to go hang out with my dad?" He cringes at first then breathes.

"Sure."
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"Haven, I know you. You cleaned my room." The Mage says. We were in the throne room.
The throne room had three thrones. One big one in the middle for the king. A slightly smaller one for the queen, may she rest in peace. The smallest one was for the prince.

A long red carpet ran from the front door to the thrones. There were two giant tables on each side for the chess matches. A golden chandelier hung in the middle of the ceiling. The walls were white.

"Dad, she's a wonderful maid." Avalon flatters me.

"I know. She will be here a while. I guarantee it. She's not only a maid, but a friend. Also the daughter I wish I had." The mage shifts in his chair.

Which reminds me, "Sire, if I may ask, may you teach me that tune you were humming?"

He smiles, "I would be honored."

The lyrics were:

When you feel like you give up,
When you feel like you're down
Take that sad frown
And turn it upside down.

It's a simple song. I think it's catchy. Avalon enjoys it.

"I've never taught that song to anyone except Avalon here. You are really special." The mage winks at me.
He is very cryptic.
"Can I tell you what I see?"

"Oh no, Dad. I don't think she wants to here a long mage speech." Avalon cuts his father off.

"I'm game." I shrug. I've heard worse.

"I see a bright light shine through darkness. I see a sunny day turned cold. I see magic being fulfilled. I see new replace the old. None of this matters in my blind eyes. All throughout the pain and lies."

"Pure poetry." I clap.

Avalon shakes his head.

"Would you like to know what Queen Iris was like?" The mage was excited to speak to me.

"She probably wouldn't want to hear that." Avalon tries to stop his father.

"Sure." I say.

He mouths out "Really".

" Her eyes were as blue as the sky. Her skin was so soft. You actually remind me of her. I met her in mage school. She asked me for a pencil. At that moment, I knew we would be together forever. She could sing so beautiful the birds would harmonize. She died three years after Avalon was born. Darn, cancer. No one is invincible. " the mage tears up. I had no choice but to give him a hug.

He whispers, "Stick to your instincts."

What does that mean?