To The Manor
We had just finished up at LDMU and were climbing into the carriage. I had sat next to Jess so that we could compare notes on what the Headmaster told us. I asked Jess to go first since she was the first to go. She said, "Well when I went into the office, I felt the atmosphere was intense. Us Lycans can sense these types of things. I could also smell leather which I figured was from the books and maybe his chair. Then I smelled sandalwood which I presume was his cologne." I nodded, "I didn't sense what you did but I did smell the sandalwood. That's always been my favorite scent, so I felt relaxed at first." She then blushed, "Right but for me since I knew there was tension, I was never relaxed in there. I sat down in front of a screen and all I could see was his shadow. Seeing his shadow made something stir inside of me. It was odd because ever since my becoming of age, I had only ever felt that when the moon was full." I giggled, "Oh so his figure made you all hot and bothered, huh?" Jess turned, shot me a dirty look, and pinched me. "Ow, dammit!" My mother glared at me and reminded me that we could still be heard from Tarn. I nodded, "Sorry Mother, I will keep that in mind. Jess please continue." Jess continued, "Okay, well he just went over how there are three classes a day and that we cannot be on campus from dusk until dawn. He said I along with another student who is a sophomore intern at the Citadel will escort you to the special lessons. We are to remain in the waiting room until it is time to escort you to your classes. That's pretty much it."
I nodded, "That was pretty much what I got from him too. The only difference for me was that he talked to me about the Royal Scribe internship. I told him that I wasn't interested." At that declaration my mother sat up straight and glared at me, "YOU did WHAT?!" A vein in her neck started to poke out and pulsate under her skin. Oh boy was I in trouble, she usually only got that vein when she was super pissed. I shrunk back in my seat and spoke in a very sheepish tone, "I told him I wasn't interested?" She clenched her fists in her lap and spoke through her teeth, "What, pray tell, would possess you to do such a thing Alexandra Rose Batiste?" I made myself even smaller in my seat, "I told him that I was aware of the girls in the university that use that position to get close to the King to stand out and become marriage candidates." My mother's hands started to relax, and she leaned back into her seat, "And I'm guessing you told him you didn't want a position that would make the King think of you in such a way." I nodded, "Yes, Mother. He said he found me very intriguing." At that the vein started to disappear and she had a calmer tone, "Oh, good. So, I don't have to apologize to the Headmaster for your attitude." I crossed my arms across my chest and said, "How rude! I was the picture of grace and refinement I'll have you know!" I then stuck my tongue out at her to show that I was truly insulted.
Just then the carriage came to a stop, I leaned over and saw that we were in front of the portal. I looked at my mother confused, "I thought we were going to go check out Blackwood." My mother shook her head, "No, the plan that I had with your father was to go to orientation, pick up your books and head straight home." My mother climbed out of the carriage, and I looked at Jess conspiratorially. She whispered, "Well if your father had this planned out, he must want her home soon. I wouldn't question it." I nodded and then climbed out of the carriage with Jess following.
This time my mother went through the portal first and then it was my turn. It went smoothly this time, but my light was still that purple hue but no Aphrodite. I had a hunch that would not have been the last time she would use my portal travel to communicate with me. I came out on the other side nauseous, and my mother quickly popped the candy in my mouth to keep me from upheaving my stomach contents. Jess was quick to follow but she cursed under breath when she came out, "I will never get used to that shit." My mother handed her the candy and she quickly popped it in her mouth, "Thank you Your Grace."
We sat there for a few minutes to get our bearings before we were able to climb into the carriage on Terre's side. Maurice drove the carriage fast; I am guessing my father had him on a schedule and he wanted to keep it. The pace shocked my mother who stated, "Oh I'm going to have a little chat with Maurice since I didn't ask him to go so fast." I jolted upright, "I don't know if that's necessary Mother, he's probably just going on orders from Daddy. I bet he's going to take you out to dinner or something and didn't want to miss reservations." She nodded, "You're probably right, he usually takes me out to dinner in Denver for my birthday." We quickly came upon the manor and my grandfather was standing outside which confused my mother. She climbed down from the carriage, and I could hear her ask what he was doing. I could see my grandfather smile as I climbed down the carriage, "Oh Reggie is just finishing up getting himself ready. I didn't want you ladies to go ungreeted, so I came out here to see you." He hugged my mother and winked at me over her shoulder. I winked back knowing that everything was just about set, and he was sent to stall slightly.
He then pulled her away from the door and looked at Jess and I and said, "You girls go ahead inside. I want to give Talia my gift and I wanted to talk to her in private for a bit about something I was planning for Xan." I nodded, "Okay Grandfather, if you really need to. I guess I can deprive you of my presence. Don't miss me when I'm gone." I blew him a kiss and saw my mother roll her eyes, "You just can't help yourself, can you young lady?" I shook my head, "Nope but you love it." I sauntered into the doorway and Jess closed the door behind her after me. The foyer was decorated in mother's favorite color of maroon. There were maroon roses in a garland looping around the banister of the stairs. There were fairy lights lining the tables that held the refreshments and maroon candles on tall candelabras throughout the room giving the room an old tyme feel to it. I spotted Vanessa on the bottom step of the staircase, and she smiled and waved me over. Jess followed me over and Vanessa smiled at her too. She reached out and pinned a maroon rose boutonniere to my collar, "There you go. You will join me up here and Jess if you could stand off to the side..." I stood next to Vanessa and asked, "Where is my father?" She winked, "Oh he's setting up a surprise for her in his study. He won't be joining us for the initial surprise." I nodded and turned towards the door breathing heavy with anticipation of giving my mother a wonderful surprise.
