Silver Cross

Capter One Three years later

"Your coffee, mistress. Black, two spoonfuls of sugar, and a shot of vanilla, your morning preference. " Sophia set the coffee cup in front of me. She bows, "Claire will be up shortly with your morning muffin. She is running a bit late."
"Thank you, Sophia. I'm not surprised she is. She runs the entire kitchen completely by herself. It will only get worse next week. I appreciate both up your efforts however. Where is Nelson? He should have woken me up this morning and he has yet to show up." Sophia began to open her mouth to answer, but suddenly the door was wide open.
"Sorry I'm late, Jami! I slept in so sorry about that. I forgot I was supposed to wake you up. " Nelson rubs his head mad grins at me like an idiot. "How about we get in some training?"
"Nelson! You can't simply address the young mistress in such a way, or forget your duties. What is wrong with you!" Sophia chastises him and he laughs nervously. Sophia is a year older than him, but she is shorter. This makes a very interesting scene. I hold back a giggle.
"I said I was sorry!" He apologizes. He turns to me and bows. "Forgive me, princess for addressing you I appropriately even though I've known you since you were a baby. I won't let myself be tardy again. Now, would you like to train?"
"I accept your apologies. However I do not have time to train until this afternoon. Are feeling oaky? It's not like you to suddenly forget your duties or my schedule. I have a meeting with Miss Kelsey and Mr. Green in about an hour, then I have a lunch meeting with Prince Tristan. At four I have a date with Dominic. When I am done with that, then I will be free." I explain. What is wrong with him? Last night he couldn't stop fussing over me and now he's being careless.
He groans. "Ugh! How could I have forgotten? We went over this last night. Forgive, princess. I have collected myself and am now ready to serve you like you deserve." I look at him in awe as his face becomes blank, his pose proper, and transforming himself as the perfect Protector I know him to be.
Claire walks in with a tray and bows before setting it on the desk, next to the coffee. "Forgive me, mistress. The oven wasn't cooperating and I ran out of blueberries so I had to go and buy the freshest berries I could find in a short amount of time."
"It's just fine. May I know where you got the blueberries from?" I ask. Whenever Claire buys the freshest of anything, she always gets it imported from some other country. I don't know how she receives it so quickly. With the barriers surrounding our whole country, it nearly impossible to receive any foreign trades within less of a day. Claire however seems to be able to receive things in mere minutes. It's amazing really. Wouldn't expect anything less from one of my household staff.
"Sweden, from a privately owned farm." She answers. I look at her in surprise.
"I wasn't aware Sweden was a producer of blueberries." I state. She shakes her head.
"No, it's not a wide producer. However, these days they have two. One of which was rated the best in the world. I can only have the best for the princess." She bows and steps out of my study.
I sigh. "Why do all of you need to be so formal? Nelson is right. You have all known me since I was born." I ask.
"Princess, we love that we have known you for so long, however it just isn't proper for a servant to talk to his or her master as though they are familiars. We all know that. Even if some of us decide to forget these simple protocols." Sophia glares at Nelson and I turn behind me where he stands, I can see the corner of his lips lift in a smirk.
I turn back around and I lift the tray cover, revealing a yummy looking blueberry muffin. I rip a small piece off and I pop it into my mouth. My eyes to wide for a second and try to continue chewing without moaning. This has to be the best muffin in the entire world. I don't care how Claire does it, as long as she continues to do it like this.
I take a sip of my coffee. And another bite of the muffin. I take my last bite and all of a sudden the door is open once more, revealing a new face. Janeth and Justin were smiling big and I try to reason why they could be so happy. What did they do?
"Hey Jamileth! Guess what! We have a surprise for you. It's in the forest but you have to go right now!" Says Justin, practically jumping.
"Sorry Justin. She has a busy morning. She has a meeting in half an hour." Explains Nelson. "What exactly is it that you want to show her?" Justin looks at us as though as he was considering telling us or not. However Janeth shook her head no.
"She can go see later. Until then, farewell!" I look at her as she dramatically steps out the room with her brother imitating her as he left as well. We continue staring for a good five minutes before I shake my head. Expecting those two to come up with something normal is a goal that if far out reach. I pull out my tablet, tap two corners twice in order to stretch it, and as I do I hear the slight cracking noise as the screen becomes 8" by 11". I begin typing an email to send to all the academy's students. Being student council president it's my job to make sure the first day of school runs smoothly. I start with the email for the Uratha students.
I'm in the middle of the paragraph when I hear the doorbell. I'm all the way on the third and top floor but the doorbell tends to carry. I sigh, assuming who it was. "Sophia, go bring them up here. Nelson, please return this to the kitchen and ask Claire to prepare tea for three." I ask, handing him the tray. They both hurry, and I close my laptop, placing it aside.
I straighten up and await for Sophia to bring up Miss Kelsey and Mr. Greene. I'm dreading this meeting. I could handle meetings with Mr. Greene alone, however with Miss Kelsey it's all a different story.
Sophia brings them into my study followed by Nelson, who returned to his post at my right respectfully behind me. Sophia curtsies politely before leaving us alone. This routine by now. Whenever the leaders of the Uratha branch of the Order wished to speak with me, it was to be completely alone without counting Nelson who has the right to remain informed in all that involves me.
Trying to look as cool and calm as I can, I say, "Good morning Mr. Greene and Miss Kelsey. Would you like some lemon honey tea. I'm having my chef make us some freshly brewed." I smile and Mr. Greene returns my smile. Miss Kelsey remains expressionless and I can feel myself chilling up with goosebumps.
"That would be lovely, Miss Jamileth. It was such a nice day yesterday but today we are having such a chilly morning. It should warm up, later on, however." Says Mr. Greene. He turns to Nelson. "Could you be as kind to do me a favor, Nelson? I left a white box in our limo and I would appreciate if you could bring it up for me. If you can. I wouldn't want to burden you for my carelessness."
"Oh, it wouldn't be a burden. Mr. Greene. I will be up with it in a minute." Nelson bows and leaves the room, leaving me with a kind grandpa and a shark.
"Now that formalities are out of the way, let's discuss why we are here. The date has been moved up. Instead of next week, your soon to be pack will be moving in early. As in today." Miss Kelsey says. Was it just me or did the room get a couple of degrees colder? I try to remain calm but inside I was ready to burst. And not in a good way. Her face continues to remain expressionless but I know she is enjoying this. She enjoys catching me off guard.
I clear my throat, and try to keep up my smile. "Can I know the reason for this sudden advancement on original arrangements?" I ask
"Are you not prepared, Miss Jamileth?" I receive an icy glare from her and I'm finding it hard not to shrink a little. Mr. Greene offers me a much gentler smile that helps me a little bit. Mr. Greene is one of my few elders I actually like being around.
"The school board refuses to remove your members from the reserving a boarding room at the academy until they are confirmed in their new confines. They need proof they are already settled. There are still couple of students who need rooms so we will have to do this as soon as we can.with only a week before school starts." He explains.
"I see. Well, luckily I am already prepared for their arrival. Roughly when should I be expecting them?" I ask. Sophia comes in with the tea, giving us each tea cup.
Mr. Greene takes a sip before saying, "This evening most likely. I would say around 9-10 pm. However you can be expecting Mr. Dominic at the time you had set for your date." Of course they had known about my date with Dominic. "I'm sure you must be excited, not having seen him since you were both mere toddlers." I smile though I'm thinking something slightly different.
"I think this is more than a coincidence, Mr. Greene. Why is it specifically involving my pack?" I ask. Mr. Greene only smiles.
"You will find out soon but not just yet. Sorry, but I must get going. Have a good day, darling." He gets up and heads to the door, I want to call out him but he stops when I'm about to. "Your questions will be answered, don't worry. Before I forget, you must fall asleep with it in your hand. All of you. It's crucial, please don't forget." With that he walks out.
As though he can read my thoughts, Nelson runs after him but comes back shortly letting me know he already left. He was a strange man at times, always being vague.
The crosses remained on my desk and I picked up a purple one. It called to me and feeling it's coolness in my palms felt strangely soothing but threatening at the same time. I look up at Nelson. "Pick one that draws you in." I say, believing this is how it works. Nelson automatically picks up a red one. "What do you feel?"
"It's kind of hot...but in a good way if that makes sense to you. I want to put it down, but can I hold on to it?" I half nod, being to distraction. I start drawing my conclusion. So these are obviously magical in some way or another. For some reason they will be attracted to one of my pack members, and to each it will probably feel different. I only had two trials though so I will need to see more. I can wait however to simply receive an email from Mr. Greene.
"You may go train if you wish. I would join you but I have something I need to do first. Ask Janeth or Justin. One is bound to be willing to train with you." I say. I place the remaining crosses into the box and placed it under my desk. I stand up, placing my own cross in my cardigan's pocket. Nelson put his cross in the inside of his jacket.
I'm wearing white slacks against my better judgment, black wedges that had a bow near each ankle, a black top with beading on the neckline, and a white cardigan with a lace like designs on the sleeves and a bow on the back. Not my usual clothing but because I knew about the meeting today I decided to dress up a bit more professional like. I believe I'm pretty average in a way with my body type. Not too thin but toned with training. Long curly black hair, shiny near black eyes that are sort of small, cocoa colored skin. Not exactly tall standing at 5'7". At least not for a Uratha.
Nelson was in his uniform, a black tuxedo. Not usually practical and should restrict movement but his one is made of specially ordered material. He would be able to do a split in it, but of course he can't do the splits regardless of what he's wearing. He was a handsome guy. Good with the ladies to. Standing at 6'0", he's lean but well built. Black hair that he likes to keep short on the sides and really dark brown eyes, he's naturally tan and likes to show off his biceps and triceps.
Making sure everything is in place as I like it, I step out of the room and make my way down to main hall. Nelson makes his way down with me but when I stop in front Sophia, he made his way to the training facility that are in the lower levels.
"May I help you princess?" Sophia asks.
"Yes actually. I need you to make sure that once more that preparation for the stay of my pack members are ready. They will be arriving later on today. They moved up the date." I explain. She curtsies. Sophia is beautiful in a way I can never be. She's kind but also physically beautiful. Thin in a good way, she has nice brown eyes, straight brown medium length hair with blond highlights. She's naturally tan, slightly shorter than me at 5'6". Nelson obviously likes her but I'm pretty sure he doesn't even realize.
"Of course, Princess. I'll check right away. Would you like me to let Claire know that dinner is no longer for four?" I nod and she hurries to do as I have asked. Always formal but she makes it easier for me to get things done faster.
I start thinking about what it would be like to live with more people. Even with my household staff living with me. This manor is still huge. The left wing has ten rooms in the left wing in which my household staff reside. The main wing has eight rooms where Janeth, Justin, Nelson and I reside. The right wing has another ten rooms on the second floor. But that would mean more people at breakfast and dinner in which I was accustomed to eat with just three other people. But they were at least all friends of mine...except.
With that I'm thinking about Domicile again. He's in the city. I know that much since he arrived last night. Is he still resting or is he up and about? I wonder what the person I'll end marrying is doing at this very moment. I shake my head quickly. I'm being foolish. I have more important things to do then to think about what Dominic is doing when I will be seeing him later on.
I make my way to the dining hall when I hear music as I pass the ballroom. I almost kept walking but I back track to the ballroom doors. This isn't just any type of music playing. Someone was playing an instrument, and extremely well. It was a violin, but it isn't Janeth. She was skilled on the violin but this sound was coming from a person who has had years of experience. Hundreds.
I open the door slowly so I don't let myself be known right away. On the dance floor I see Janeth and Justin spinning around looking silly, and Tristan is the one playing the violin, his back to me. Of course. Leave it to him to arrive early without announcing himself to me. Clearly he must have snuck past Sophia otherwise she would have told me by now.
I stand there, listening for a bit more, waiting for the song to finish. When Tristan plays the last note, Janeth and Justin fall to the floor in a laughing fit. Tristan places the violin and now on the grand piano, which was shiny black. I replaced it early in the summer because Janeth claimed that the old one was haunted but I know she only wanted to change it because she had seen this one.
"Hello Jamileth. It's been a while." He turns and smiles at me. I shake my head and grin at him.
"Hello Tristan. I see that you have been keeping yourself entertained while I was busy. What brings you here early?" He didn't answer. Instead he changes his smile into a grin. Revealing shiny white fangs.