The Forbidden Leaf
POV: Alexandra
I took the list from Derek and looked at where he was pointing. It was something called a nivek leaf. I looked up at him, “Did Doc say why this is forbidden?” He nodded, “It has poison properties that, if not handled properly, could kill you. If handled properly, it is a drug that can calm the mind.” I stared at the paper trying to figure out how I could develop this magic without this ingredient. Ronan cleared his throat behind me, “I have a suggestion.” We both turned to him and waited for him to continue, “The King has the authority to permit you to request this of the Medicinal Board and give it priority. Just ask His Majesty and explain exactly why you need it. By that, he can also grant you the permit to handle the leaf. You will have to have assistance from Doc to handle it though. He needs to supervise your usage.” I looked at Derek, “I guess our next step is to go pay Lucien a visit to explain and get his permission.” Derek nodded and glanced back at Ronan, “Sir, I will be escorting Her Grace to see His Majesty.”
I stuffed the list in my pocket and I turned to leave the room. My face smacked into a broad chest and I heard Lucien’s voice above my head, “I was hoping to run into you but not like this.” I blushed as I took my head away from his chest, fortunately, my head was turned to see if Derek was following when I had run into him so I didn’t hit my nose on him. I looked up, “Sorry, Your Majesty. I was in a hurry.” He chuckled, “Oh? Something urgent?” I nodded, “Yes, actually. I was coming to see you.” He offered his arm, “Well let’s go sit down and talk about whatever it is that is so urgent. Do you mind if we use your room General?” Ronan waved his hand to the chair, “Well, seeing as how I have a vested interest in what she’s going to discuss with you.” Derek pulled up the chair from the desk for Lucien to sit, “Here you go, Your Majesty.” Lucien smiled, “Thanks, Chalshin.” He sat down with a serene sigh, “I’ve been standing for a bit so this is nice. So, what is it that you want to discuss that concerns the General here?” I fished the list out of my pocket, “I had a theory that this magic that I am supposed to develop was supposed to be derived from the God magic so I summoned Apollo. He gave me this list of things I need to prepare to learn this magic.” I handed him the list and he nodded as he was reading but got to the nivek leaf then he raised an eyebrow, “This is a forbidden herb. Was it explained to you why?” I nodded, “I understand it is poisonous but I really don’t know how I am supposed to develop this magic without it.” Lucien rubbed his chin, “Still, it isn’t a thing I think you should be messing with. I wonder if there is an equivalent thing in Terre that’s less dangerous. Would it be possible to summon Apollo again?” I shrugged, “I don’t know. He said he was summoned by All Mighty so I am not entirely sure he will be available.”
A voice rang out in my head, “I can help you, little rose.” I looked at Lucien, “It seems like Mordred is contacting me telepathically.” Lucien nodded, “So you’re going to go quiet for now?” I nodded and closed my eyes so I could focus on him, “So you know what’s going on?” He sighed, “Yes, I know you’re trying to get your hands on the nivek leaf and His Majesty is opposing you in the name of keeping you safe. I can’t say I disagree with him, it is a nasty little plant if you handle it wrong. I do have a workaround on that one.” I nodded as if he could see me, “So what’s the workaround.” He spoke again, “I think it might be easier if I can come to you to talk to you both about it.” I opened my eyes and noticed the men in the room staring at me, “What?” Derek shrugged, “You looked so peaceful but disturbed at the same time. It was fascinating.” I sighed, “All of you were staring at me because of that?” I looked at the other two men in the room and both nodded at me. I shook my head and laughed, “You all are ridiculous.” Lucien shrugged, “So what did he want?” I sighed, “He said he has a workaround for nivek leaf.” Ronan spoke grunting while trying to pull himself up, “Well, what is it?” I shrugged, “He stopped talking to me, saying he would tell us in person.” Derek was helping Ronan sit up, “That’s it?” I was just about to say yes when a portal opened up in the room. Derek drew his sword and jumped in front of me. I heard Mordred chuckle as he stepped through the portal holding a suitcase. He was wearing a long black overcoat, a red vest, a black dress shirt, and black leather gloves. He looked like he stepped out of Tombstone, Arizona and I had half expected him to have a six-shooter on his hip. He smirked at me, “Now that would be a pretty interesting thing to have in Vellum but I don’t think they’re ready for that here. Magic is enough.” I grunted, “Stop reading my mind! I’ve told you time and again that that is rude!”
He chuckled and shrugged, “I can go away and you can figure out your medicine problem all on your own.” Lucien jumped up from his seat, “Mordred, please help her. This is important.” He smiled at Lucien, “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I hadn’t dreamed of abandoning my family when she could get hurt if I didn’t.” He walked over to my desk and laid the suitcase on it, “Little rose, you are lucky I collect medicines from my travels. I have something here from Terre that should help you out and has the same effects as the nivek leaf.” He pulled out a bottle of pills that looked like vitamin capsules you could get at a pharmacy anywhere in the United States. He looked at the writing on the label, “Mmm, that’s not it.” He sifted through his bag again and pulled out another bottle of pills then read the label again, “Yep, here we go. This is much safer for you since the humans cultivated and packaged it conveniently in pill form.” He walked over to me and handed me the bottle. I looked at the label and raised an eyebrow, “Valerian root?” He nodded, “Yes, nivek leaf is something that can help you sleep and relax. I imagine Apollo chose the nivek leaf for its sedative properties. This will have the same effects and not nearly the amount of danger.” He smiled and winked at Lucien, “I imagine your lover boy in this room is relieved.” I rolled my eyes, “Is that necessary?” He shrugged, “I just know what he’s thinking, that's all. He’s more worried about your task than he’s letting on. It’s partly why he’s here.” Lucien clenched his jaw, “Mordred? Do you feel like being banished again?” He chuckled, “Relax, I’m just being mischievous.” He turned back to me, “I brought all the other stuff you’ll need as well.” I looked at him confused, “How did you know what I needed?” He smirked, “I have my ways, don’t question it. Anyhow, I’m going to stick around here for a bit and help out with my magic.”
I rose from my chair and walked over to the desk and placed the bottle on the table where I had the other supplies, “How long are you going to stay?” He walked up behind me and pulled a few bottles and bags out of his suitcase and placed them on the same table, “I’m going to stay until you leave. I had a lot of time to think about our last conversation.” I stopped organizing the items he was placing on the table and looked up at him, “So what did you conclude?” He stopped pulling items out and looked back at me, “I think you’re right, I’ve lost so much time with her that I don’t want to lose too much more. I’m going to tell her about her father.” I smiled at him and walked over and hugged him, “I think you’re doing the right thing.” He wrapped his arms around me, “Thanks to you, little rose. Will you do me a favor though?” I nodded, “Of course.” He leaned his cheek on the top of my head, “Will you come with me when I tell her? I think I’ll need your support and warmth. I don’t know how she’ll take it when I break it to her.” I looked up at him, “I would be honored.” He pulled away from me, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to talk to the doctor. I have a few strong potions that will help out some of the patients.” I turned away from him and went back to organizing the supplies. He bowed at Lucien and walked out of the room. Lucien got up from his chair and walked over to me, “I’m afraid I must get going. Good luck to you on your tasks today. Don’t forget to attend to the others that you’re supposed to while you’re here.” He patted Derek on the shoulder as he left, “That was good work trying to keep her safe. I always knew you were the best choice.”
I finished organizing everything and took inventory from the list a short time later. I nodded at my handy work then turned to Derek, “Okay, I need to make my rounds that I’m supposed to do as Lucien has eluded to.” Derek fluffed the pillow behind Ronan and nodded, “Alright.” He looked at the General, “Do you need anything while we’re out?” Ronan nodded, “Yeah, can you all go to my tent at some point and grab the two books on my desk?” I smiled at him, “Consider it done but let me do my rounds first.” He nodded, “That’s fine, kiddo. I understand being duty-bound. Take your time and make sure your work is done properly. I will be here when you both get back.” Derek looked at him worried, “Do you want me to send someone in to keep you company?” He sighed, “Yeah send in one of the others helping out in this tent. I certainly hate sitting here in the quiet.” We both nodded at him and left the room to make the rounds. I started in the area where all the adults were, asking them if they needed anything and fetching various things like water or extra pillows. We made our way over to the children and I sat with Lucy and the other children keeping them company until Lucy and Tilly had passed out in the middle of a story I was reading to them. I smiled at the young girls and thought of the many things that I was going to do with her when we arrived at Blackwood. My father had assured me that they would have her room ready for her when we got home. She would be placed in the east wing with me, Derek, Ashton, Teddy, and Jess. I made a silent chuckle about how the house would be almost full when it had sat empty for the longest time. I walked away from the children’s area and headed to Countess Kastilidan’s room. I walked in and saw Doc looking at his clipboard with his brows furrowed. I greeted him, “Hi Doc, how is it going? Is something wrong?” He sighed, “I just can’t understand how she slipped into a coma again when she was just fine.” I walked over to her bedside, “I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Doc. You’re a brilliant doctor.” I heard the voice of the lady in the bed hoarsely ask, “Lady Batiste, can you get me some water?”
