The Infraction Of Magic (2018)

XII

It feels like hours as Cass and I run through our plan until it's inscripted in my head. The lights that moan weakly overhead and the exchange of our hushed whispers contribute to the tension when the guards finally return.

As we are hauled out of the cell and marched out of the throne room, into a separate area to get changed, I try to absorb the features and scenery that establishes the wealth of the faeries. My eyes scan for a signature- anything, that would indicate an oncoming betrayal. The corridors are laced with vines that scrawl along the walls. Dark tendrils hang overhead, the curvature of plant roots spinning as a magically churned out wind blows against the intricately spliced stems.

Under our feet, a thick canopy of petals melt into a layer of carpet, creating a soft landing for my shoes. Nothing that I detect points to deception. Still, I recall the way the faeries captured me earlier and threw me into a cell. The way the looping bodies of bright colours embossed on the ground ripped through my skin.

The scars are still present, a dark feature that now lurks along my figure. Despite the countless charms I have tried to cast on myself earlier, my skin would not repair itself. The broken membrane is something I doubt I can fix.

As the guards shove us into a spare room, one of them barks out an order. "Thirty minutes and if you're not done by then, we'll paint the walls red."

His words leave a bitter taste swelling on the tip of my tongue. The guards slam the door shut after they exit the room, leaving Cass and I to our devices.

I glance around the room, soaking in the furnishings as Cass leaves to shower first. The windows are fitted with curtains that drape right to the floor, the laces that burn bright orange fusing with the soft yellow floorboards. Outside, the grass stretches for miles- a burning, horizontal flame that lights the sky on fire. Trees docked with leaves painted the colours of autumn swirl downwards as the wind tickles the branches.

The magic used to generate a landscape that matches the seasons the faeries are experiencing must be powerful. I cross the room, enjoying the sensation of my bare feet padding against the soft floor. As I lapse into the comfort of the environment, I let the plan Cass and I composed drift through my mind.

We would gather the ingredients needed to concoct a potion to induce a painless death and slip in it the queen's drink at the masquerade. Since the king already had the guest list covered, entering and exiting was not a problem. As soon as we were done with the faerie queen, we would plant evidence that would place the faerie king under suspicion and let the Parliament take over the case after making a speedy exit.

"Hey." Cass' voice breaks my train of thoights and I whirl around, to face her. A thin fabric drapes across her body- a shimmering sheet of purple that made the curves of her body more pronounced. Exposing the pale slant of her neck, the dress seemed to glide along the bone structure of her chest, a river of amethyst that twinkled under the lights.

"You can use the shower now."

I nod and quickly race in, the guard's words ringing in my head as I strip down my clothes and let the cold water rain down my body. My movements are swift and I'm out of the shower as fast as I entered it.

"You look great." I can't tell if Cass is being sarcastic when I emerge from the room so I answer with a pained laugh. "Yeah, I figured long sleeve dresses is the way to go if I want to be humiliated."

Deep down though, fear craddles my body. It's more than evident that the sleeves are there to hide the scars. It makes me wonder if the faerie king has more to hide, if there are lengths he will go and lines he will cross to bury a secret.

The door swings open to reveal two guards, cladded in similar constumes. The first one holds out a faded brown bag and motions for us to draw the items out of it. Cass exchanges a confused glance with me before she steps forward, dips her hand inside and pulls out a mask. It's purple in colour, matching her dress and golden sequins dot the where the fabric folds. Two holes have been stamped on the mask to allow visibility.

I grab my mask out of the bag and slip it in a pocket woven along my dress, for later.

"This will reduce the chances of being identified." One of the guards explains hastily as he slips his mask into his pocket. As they turn to lead us out of the room, I am struck with a realisation.

"Wait. What about the bag that I had before your kidnapped me?" I ask, hoping that the guards don't notice the way my voice trembles.

The guards to the left frowns before swapping a doubtful glance with his partner. In a clear voice, he finally speaks. "Would you be needing it to execute your plan?"

I nod. "It's crucial."

The guard who spoke to me rolls his eyes, ignoring my presence as he twists towards the corridor. "Wait for me by the palace entrance. I'll be there with your belongings."

"And mine, too!" Cass yells after him as his figure disappears down the maze of leaves and flowers.

As the remaining guard leads us to the entrance, he begins to run through a brief outline of what is expected of us. "When we are there, you will call us by our names and blend in with the surroundings, acting as our acquaintances. I'm Dawn and my partner is Hunter."

"At the palace of Tragedy, any attempts to leave before excecuting the plan will be futile. We will hunt you down and catch you. You will regret it."

Dawn's voice is firm and leaves me in a wobbly stance. Cass carries on strolling down the hallway, undaunted by the weight of his words but the effort it takes for me to raise my feet and take another step is painful.

What was I thinking, trying to draw attention by releasing such powerful dark magic? Only those who were in need for that dark magic to be of assistance in their plans would capture me.

When we finally locate our destination- the arch that curves overhead, the main entrance of the palace, Hunter is already there.

He shoves the bags he carries with distaste towards us and I slide it along my body, grateful for the familiar pressure against my shoulder blades.

Just outside the entrance, stamped against the grey corridor, is a hole. A green colour fills the circle, swirling within the notch that has been carved into the wall. Faerie portals. Temporary and only casted with premission from the owners of both locations, the portal is able to transport anything. I recall being taught at the academy that since crows are not able to live underground where faeries thrive, the faeries needed to find a way to transport messages. Faerie portal became a solution for many despite its drawback of having a short timeline.

"When you step through the portal," Dawn warns, "You are trespassing on property that does not belong to the faerie king. Whatever laws that are enforced here will not be applied if you get caught attemtping to assasinate the queen."

A lump of fear burns in my throat and I swipe my palms against my dress, trying to rid my body of the worry that clings onto my skin.

"The Mirth faeries and faerie king will not do anything to exonerate you or assist you in escape if you are made out." Dawn continues, his voice smooth and his eyes shining with amusement. It only feeds the terror that reigns in my chest.

"Are you clear of this?" Dawn asks, a small smirk inching its way onto his face as he leans against the wall, sliding into a comfortable position that indicates his flippancy. His actions are sufficient to highlight the truth in his words- Cass and I will be on our own the minute we pass the portal. They will only escort us back after the safe reinstatement of the king's insider.

I tell myself that Cass and I will be gone by then, too far for them to catch up with.

"Crystal." I force a smile at Dawn and Hunter and Cass gives a nod to convey her understanding.

"Excellent. The kingdom of tragedy awaits." Drawing his hand in a welcoming motion, Dawn directs us to walk through the swirling vortex of green energy. I brace myself as I approach the portal and jump in.

Word Count: 1490

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