Deadly Nightshade

Chapter 2 - The Duchess

It was back to be for me, I didn't have much to do so I passed out within seconds of landing in the softly cushioned mattress. It wasn't satin or silk but it was better than what I used to have. Somehow the sun rose quicker than expect, light poured into the curtains signalling another day has arrived. Getting up from my comfort place I stretch my back side to side and walk down the stairs in my cotton nightwear. The store wasn't to open until the clock struck 10 so I had about an hour to get dressed before opening up. It was a simple morning, not knowing who would walk through that door today, I grab one of the Doctors spell books and play around with the elements. Fire to be specific, so deep in my thoughts the sudden bell ringing shocked me sending the ball of fire towards the door, nearly hitting the covered figure.

"Sorry!" I shout running over and putting the fire out, once it was out I slowly looked to the side and saw the persons shoe. Gold lacing on purple satin... this was a wealthy- not just wealthy extremely wealthy. Regretting my stunt more I slowly look up to meet with Amethyst coloured eyes. Only one person in the entire kingdom who is wealthy enough to afford shoes like that has amethyst eyes... the Duchess! "D-Duchess Umbra! I'm so sorry I didn't know it was you- even if it wasn't you I should have been paying attention-" Her silk scarf covered most of her face but her eyes were unmistakable, her smooth chuckle stopped my ramble.

"Quite alright... is this where I can find Dr Abraham?" I nod slowly, getting up as well.

"Yes... but he is currently on a trip, may I help you in any other way?" She sighs and nods.

"Yes... does his apprentice reside here? Not sure of his name but I would think he does," I struggle to correct her but I do anyways.

"I-I'm actually the apprentice..." she stops for a moment, uncovering her face she smiles and nods.

"Yes, very sorry, what is your name?" I stutter out a response.

"Lanira, M'lady, how may I help you?" She nods, making a mental note in her head.

"I need a reading, but I hear you specialise in elemental readings? I think you would be much more help..." I stutter for a second before showing her to the booth where the readings were held. I take a deep breath and conjure up a ball of flames, the duchess' purple eyes reflected orange.

"What would you like to know?" My nervousness diminishes as my focus was all put towards the elemental ball in front of me.

"I would like to know about my husbands future..." for a second a glint of worry passes her face but her facade covers it up quickly, I nod and get to work. However the fire dies down and I sit there confused.

"M'lady? Does your husband know about this reading? Do we have his permission?" Her eyes widen then cast to the floor, clearing her throat she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, I cannot carry out this reading, maybe if you were to bring-"

"No!- I mean... no, that won't be necessary... I will just- will you give me a reading? What is foretold of my future?" Her shoulders relax, I nod. Starting up the fire I match it's rhythm with mine. It's not long before a cast of déjà vu hits. The same dagger I saw the night before, but clearer it was, a wedding ring floated about as the dagger stabbed through, yet again mobs set fire to torches and woman's hand pointed towards a masked figure. Her hand matched that of duchess Umbras... then the fire collapsed and went out. Something about these two days, these two readings, similar futures, this was something big and I had not the slightest clue what would happen beyond this. "What happened?" The duchesses voice snapped me out of my trance like state. I hum and look up before collecting myself and clearing my throat.

"Uhm yes sorry, well, from what I gathered..." I wrack my brain for what I remember, flooding back was the moving image of that dagger going through that ring. "Something to do with murder... a murder that may affect your marriage..." I gaze up with worry as she sits in silence, her thoughts silent... though that was in comparison to mine which blared like loud horns. Suddenly she stood up, doing the same we make our way out of the booth. "I'm very sorry I have no more to offer-" she looks my way causing me to go silent, giving me a heavy bag of gold, she smiles.

"I would like you to come to the palace tomorrow, bring clothing for a few nights," she looks out of a tainted window looking out into the street. I fumble through the bag and take out what the reading was worth and hand over the bag. "Oh no dear, the rest is for you," my eyes widened and looked down at the bag. It seemed my face stayed my question loud and clear. "Yes dear, the whole thing, please be at the palace by noon," she gracefully moves to the door as she covers up her face.

"Y-yes, ma'am," I manage to say aloud. She nods my way and closes the door behind her.