Ridicule
POV: Alexandra
The whispers started when the students walked from the dorms onto the campus when I was spotted by them. They weren’t trying to hide their disgust either with the scornful looks. I had heard everything from why I dared to even show myself in public to I bet she was trying to get the King’s attention so he would pay attention to her. By now, everyone knew of the threat written on the wall in my bedroom that was placed there while we were with the Queen. That convenient fact escaped everyone who talked about it. Jess furrowed her brows and then looked at me, “I told you this would happen. I’m sure the Headmaster wouldn’t have minded if you took some time off.” I shook my head, “I already miss enough as it is with the assassination attempt and poisoning.” Another thing everyone conveniently forgot. Why on earth would I poison myself or shoot myself with an arrow? Jess sighed, “How is this not bothering you? You seem so cool and relaxed.” I laughed, “I dealt with scorn before by humans. Remember?” Derek grunted, “This a very different breed Lex. The people of Vellum are far more vicious.” Jess hummed, “That’s debatable. You’ve never met a human. They can be really mean and nasty. There are quite a few Melody Maigny’s in Terre.” I nodded at him, “She’s right. It’s honestly an art to be that nasty. I had one like Melody in Terre so this is nothing to me.”
A muscular man, slightly shorter than Derek and a bit older than him approached us, “Chalshin.” Derek turned and stiffened up at the sight of him, “General, what can I do for you?” He looked over at Jess then at me, “I would like you to bring The Batiste to see me after your classes today. I will be at the Headmaster’s Tower. Bring her in as you normally would.” Derek nodded at him, “Understood sir, she will be there.” The General strode off like he owned the place while Derek turned to me looking confused. Derek cleared his throat, "I wonder why he wants to see you. I thought you were cleared already.” I shrugged, “I thought so too. Perhaps he wants to discuss something else with the investigation.” Jess nodded, “Perhaps. He just seemed like he was on a mission and now I’m concerned that his appearance will not do anything to clear up people’s assumptions about you.” I shook my head, “I don’t really care what anyone thinks about me.” Jess sighed, “You should care that these rumors would affect your parents though because it does. It’s just lucky that they aren’t presiding here in Vellum at the moment. They would be shunned by the society here.”
It was time to get to classes so we made our way to Vanessa’s classroom and the whispers followed me throughout the day and Jess was indeed right that the General’s appearance made the rumors worse. It was finally time to make our way the Headmaster’s tower. My heart was thumping really hard in my chest anticipating what it was that the General had to say. As we walked through the garden, I felt a hand grab mine and squeeze it. I looked down to see Jess’ hand in mind and I looked at her and smiled. We climbed the stairs and knocked on the door and as usual Isaiah answered the door. He scowled at me and stepped aside, “They are waiting for you in the office. They want all three of you in there.” I nodded at him and Derek led the way then knocked on the door to the Headmaster’s office. It took a few minutes for the, “Enter” to sound on the other end of the door. Derek opened the door and ushered us in. As we walked up to the desk, I saw the King sitting at the desk with the General sitting next to him. They both had stern looks on their faces then the General spoke, “You three can be seated. We have something to discuss.” We all took a seat with my being in the middle since I was still being protected.
We waited for one of the two men to speak but a long silence followed as the King stared at me. He did not look at me with a gentle gaze like he usually had, this one was sharp and serious. It made me even more nervous as to what they wanted with me. He finally spoke, “We heard a disturbing rumor that I am hoping to Aphrodite that you are not entertaining, especially not having consulted with the Citadel.” We all looked at each other, confused. The King’s stern voice rung out through the room, “Alexandra Batiste, it appears that you think it would be a good idea to set yourself out as bait to capture the assassin. Do you know how reckless that is?” Derek spoke first, “I told her that I objected to this but she insists and so does your brother, Your Majesty.” It appeared he was trying to save his own skin so that he wouldn’t be punished again. Jess sighed, “I can vouch for that, Your Majesty. I will say that I support Alexandra’s decision and if you must punish me, I will take it willingly.” Lucien pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at the General who spoke, “While we do appreciate the idea, we don’t appreciate rogue operations. You should have brought this idea to us.” I leaned forward, “Are you saying you would have approved this operation sir?” He looked at Lucien, “The King is hesitant to do so but from what I have heard, the plan is solid. I have sold him on the plan as well. We would like to discuss it here and bring ourselves into the plan.”
I gasped, “What?” I looked at Lucien who sighed, “I know that no matter what I do, you will go through with this plan anyhow. You have that famous Batiste stubbornness. We figure it is better to place some of our strength and power behind you.” Derek gave him an incredulous look, “Are you serious? The Council approved this?” The General winked at him, “This is off the books. His Majesty didn’t think the Council would take kindly to us using a member of the nobility as bait for The Order. We will call this one Black Ops like they say in Terre. The Batiste should be able to explain what that is.” I nodded knowing exactly what he meant, “So basically covert operations. Hush, hush secret squirrel stuff.” Jess giggled at the little joke that I had put in there at the end. She then blushed, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty.” He smiled at her, “It’s quite alright Lady Kellen. It was a good little joke that The Batiste put in there. Anyhow, getting down to business…it seems we already have two members of the Citadel as part of your protection on this. The General will assign two more and he will be part of the operation himself.” Derek looked at him shocked, “Are you sure you want to put your career on the line like that sir?” The General sighed, “We have been after The Order for years and with this latest threat to The Batiste, we want to find a way to put a kink in their operations. Capturing their lone assassin would go a long way in doing that. And who knows, perhaps we can get him to give us some intel on The Order that we can use.”
Derek sighed, exasperated and looked at Lucien, “We’re really doing this then?” Lucien nodded, “Afraid so. I don’t like it either but at least I will feel better knowing that the best soldiers in Vellum are out there during this operation.” Lucien looked at me, “I understand you have a little familiar that will help you out and that the witch Zebinezer will be asked to create a barrier around you.” I nodded, “Sebastian, come on out!”
Just then a small black wisp came out of the shadows. The wisp swirled out to on top of the desk and Sebastian manifested in front of Lucien. He immediately bowed his head at Lucien. Lucien reached out to him and scratched him behind the ear and Sebastian let out a cute little bark. He then turned to me and jumped down into my lap and passed out. Lucien nodded at me, “He is supposed be able to morph into a much bigger being. Is that correct?” I nodded at him, “Yes, I have yet to see it but I have every confidence that he can do it.” He nodded, “Okay so now that I have those assurances, you may all go.” I looked at him, “Where is the Headmaster? Do I not have a lesson today?” He shook his head, “He had to step out for a while and I relieved him of his duty for this afternoon. Make sure you take your passage home.” We all rose and started to leave the room but I turned to look at the two men curious about something. Lucien looked up at me, “Yes, is there something else you need from us.” I nodded, “Who told you about our plan?”
