The Academy - Book II Editing For Publication

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

Lawson Estate

Ebony looked blankly into the armoire for something a little more casual to wear for dinner with the rest of the Lawson staff in the kitchens. Ebony grabbed a pair of over-washed gray pants and a white shirt before she turned to the bed.  She jumped in surprise when she saw Jacob.

Nodding respectfully before laying the clothes out on the bed.  "Lord Jacob, is there anything that I can assist you with?"

Jacob stared at the cream and lavender dress Kayla had lent her, "I told you, you would get a reward for your quick thinking."

Ebony ran her hands over her clothes feeling her stomach starting to ache, please let my reward not have to do with his morning ritual.  As she stared down at the old pants she sighed, "What shall my reward be?"

Jacob pushed off the doorjamb to her room and looked down at the old and faded gray pants, "I was thinking we'd have dinner together in my rooms.  We do have things to discuss."

Ebony pasted what she hoped was a happy smile on her face, "Don't you normally eat dinner with your parents?"

Jacob smirked, knowing she was searching for a way not to eat with him, "I normally do but today is special.   We are celebrating your quick thinking, my new house and the fact that Arturo has finally made his way from Nibiru and seems to be in route to Nysa."

Ebony turned searching his eyes for deceit, If only I could read his mind like I'm sure he does mine. Nodding her head respectfully she continued to gaze into his eyes, "What time should I arrive for dinner?"

Jacob pushed several strands of her hair behind her ear before stepping away from her, "I have an evening meetings so you should arrive at 16:00."

Still trying to appear calm, as she gazed into his eyes before she dropping her head in a nod. Experience had shown that was the only time she was allowed to break eye contact with him when they spoke.  "Should I-"

Cutting her off he continued, "Tomorrow you need to purchase clothing more suited to your position as my assistant.  Your wages for the month has been placed into your account," turning on his heel he started to exit the room. "Does your husband have access your account?"

Ebony turned quickly to stare, without looking she knew the royals were gone, "Yes he does."

"Ah," said Jacob as he strolled out of her room closing the door.  Walking to his desk he sat down, raising his hand up for his device to appear.  Pressing a few button he connected with Anton, "How many royals are left of Ebony's wages that were placed into her account."

He waited impatiently listening to Anton press buttons at his terminal in the office.  After several minutes of listening to him mumble about the Mizu banking system he replied, "Ebony's account is negative 18 royals."

Jacob tapped his hand held on his desk, "Clear the negative balance and place another 35 royals into that account."  As he waited for Anton to confirm that he had completed the task he stared at his bank account numbers.  He sighed when he read the obscene amount and pondered giving his staff a raise.

After several minutes Anton reply came, "It is complete!  Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Jacob frowned, "Open a new account for only Ebony here on Ah'Taria and have her wages directed to it effective immediately."   When he heard Anton's confirmation he continued, "Give everyone on mine and Lucas's staff a raise of 10 royals, except for Ebony."

"Yes, sir!" Came Anton’s' enthusiastic response.  "Speaking of your new assistant a two bedroom apartment in the Lights District has become available.  Should I have it assigned to her?"