Prophecy of the Flame - Book One

Chapter Eighteen

Prophecy of the Flame - Copyright 2011 by Lynn Hardy

Chapter Eighteen

“William, Keth, I’ll be ready to leave for Princess Szeanne Rose’s apartments momentarily.” I rush past the boys and into my bedroom.

Not seeing Crystal, I go to the armoire. The portable closet is already full of clothes! I’ve been here what, three days? Not that I’m complaining.

Spotting a black pair of the straight-leg pants, I snag them from the wooden hanger while wiggling out of the scalded slacks. I have to remember to send a thank-you note to the tailor or, even better; commission outfits to be made for any women who show up. . . My train of thought is broken as the rear door to the bedroom opens.

“Milady, can I assist you?” Crystal sounds offended. “Are you looking for a different color perhaps?”

“I think I’ve found what I need. I’m afraid that I’ve already ruined one pair of pants Edward made. There was a slight magical mishap—” I pause in my explanation as tolling sounds in the distance. “And I am supposed to be at Rose’s by mid-afternoon bells. God, how I hate being late!”

“Milady, perhaps if it would be possible for you to let me know in advance of any. . . experimentation. . . we could prevent any further tardiness,” she admonishes.

My lips twist sardonically at the imposition of having to constantly report an itinerary. “Schedules were never my strong suit but I’ll try. I won’t be back until after the evening bells for dinner.”

I snatch my staff from beside the bed then hustle into the next room, where William and Keth wait to lead the way down the hall. William has enough forethought to set a fast pace. I soon discover Rose’s rooms aren’t too far from my own, merely down the hall and around the corner.

Noticing the princess is wearing a pants outfit similar to my own makes me smile. Glancing past her, I see the table has already been set. Lunch is waiting.

“Rose, I apologize for my tardiness.” I hesitate, unsure of what is proper in a case such as this.

“No apology is necessary.” Rose’s honest, caring attitude is a soothing balm after the double exposure to Alex’s duplicity. “I am sure your schedule is becoming quite full. If you are ready, so is our lunch.”

My stomach rumbles as she ushers me to the table. The presence of a solitary servant is unobtrusive. I help myself to some of everything, except the bleu cheese. I begin to relax, a quiet sigh escaping my lips.

“A long day?”

“And then some. It seems I solve one problem to discover five more demanding my personal attention. My biggest frustration, though, is a particular spell.” I pause, unsure whether her inquiry is merely polite small talk. “I’m trying to revise a portal spell.”

“What type of issues are you having?” Rose is genuinely interested. “Is there a way I can be of assistance?”

“I think the problem might be the focus I used.” Seeing her blank look, I explain. “I placed the main components of the enchantment in a boulder, which melted before the spell was completed. It could be that the spell was too complex, causing it to overheat.”

The sparkling, emerald necklace hanging around her neck absorbs my attention. “That’s it!”  Rose looks puzzled. “Your necklace… A gem should allow for the intricacy the enchantment requires! I’m going to need a sizable stone. Which are the more common jewels?”

“Emeralds are quite common. I may have something you can use.” Placing her fork and knife aside, she goes to her vanity, returning with an emerald the size of a robin’s egg. The stone is set in a metal stand in the shape of a star. She hands the treasure to me. “Will this do for your spell?”