Forbidden Magic

Chapter 15

Prudence’s training sessions with Myam continued in the courtyard for the next month. She now had a good grasp on moving objects. Large piles of straw were easily picked up and moved a wagon’s length away before returning to the ground appearing untouched. Myam had also worked with her on summoning orbs of light. He said it was an important tool if she got caught in the dark.

She also learned how to create a protective barrier around herself. Myam seemed to enjoy teaching her this skill, as he was able to use her as target practice while instructing her to keep the shield in place. Myam was gentle and cautious during this exercise, not wanting to seem like too much of a threat. He still did not want to call forth her full power.

She had just finished her day with Myam and was waiting for supper in her room. Watching the afternoon sun drift lazily towards the horizon. Prudence finally felt like she was getting somewhere with her training. Finally, she felt like being taken away from everything had not been such a bad thing. She felt more in control of herself, even if she was not. Smiling and fighting back tears, she thought about her parents, and how proud of her they would be if they could see her now. Then Peter would be asking and begging for her to show him everything she could do. A knock on her door brought her out of her reverie.

“Miss Prudence.” Yonnie’s voice called from the other side before the blonde girl pushed the door open, “I was asked to help you get ready for dinner.”

“What do you mean?” Prudence tilted her head to the side in confusion.

“Lord Dumont has requested that you and Master Myam join him in the dining hall,” Yonnie explained as she grabbed the blue dress from the small armoire in the room. “Let's get you changed, Master Myam will be by shortly to escort you.”

Prudence nodded and began undoing the ribbons and buttons of her clothes. She noticed the feeling of dread slowly crawling through her, like ants marching along in their neat little lines, then stopped and coiled in the pit of her stomach. She tried to ignore it and focused on being a good mannequin for Yonnie, as the maid set about redressing her.

Yonnie had just finished pinning Prudence’s hair into place when her door was knocked on once again.

“Prudence, are you ready?” Myam called. Yonnie quickly opened the door and stepped to the side, allowing Prudence to stand before Myam.

“Yes sir,” She answered as she clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head. Myam gave her appearance a quick once over, then nodded in approval and turned away.

“Let’s not keep Lord Dumont waiting,” he called over his shoulder as he walked.

Prudence fell into step behind him, nervously chewing on her lips as possible scenarios for tonight’s dinner played through her head. Maybe she would find out what Dumont’s plan for her was. However, the thought of that did not make her feel any better about marching down to the dining hall.

Myam led her to a large set of double doors, as intricately designed as the throne room’s doors. Two servants were stationed there, one in front of each door, and as Myam approached they pulled the doors open. The dining hall was stunning, golden chandeliers hung the length of the hall. A rich crimson rug was sprawled on the floor beneath a long wooden table that could easily seat 20 people, if not more. Candlelight from chandeliers danced along the walls, illuminating the paintings of lords and ladies from the past. Dumont was at the head of the table, perched in an overly stuffed chair.

“Welcome in! Have a seat!” Lord Dumont boasted loudly. On either side of him, places were set. Myam motioned for her to follow him to the spot on Dumont’s left, and pulled the chair out for her, then took the seat across from Prudence.

“How’s the training going?” Dumont looked at Prudence, but she could not convince her brain to form words.

“It is going well Mi-Lord,” Myam answered for her, “I think she is on track with your expectations of her.”

“Good, good.” the pudgy man answered as he took a large bite off the turkey leg he held in his hand.

Servants brought food out to the two newcomers, gently placing the full plates before them. Prudence stared, she had never seen this much food on a plate. Turkey leg, vegetables, potatoes, and an odd-looking bowl that could have been pudding, but she was not sure. There were two goblets in front of her, one was filled with red wine, and the second one was filled with water. Prudence hesitantly stared at it.

“Go on girl, eat... I wouldn’t poison you, you’re too important for that.” Dumont commented as he eyed her with a large grin. Prudence jumped at his declaration and looked at him before looking back at her plate.

“My apologies sir, it is just a lot of food. I’m not sure where to start.” her voice was small, and she attempted a half-hearted smile. Her stomach flipped and tied itself in knots, and she feared if she put food in her mouth, it would end up on the floor. Or worse, on Lord Dumont himself.

She picked up her fork and began nibbling on pieces of potatoes and sipping on water. Prudence wondered what he meant by 'too important'. The thoughts and worries running wild in her head were not helping her appetite.

“Well,” Dumont interrupted the silence and declared proudly, “tomorrow we begin our journey to Sofranstad for the Prince’s eighteenth birthday.

Prudence had heard and learned about their nation’s capital, every member of the population knew about the city where the Royal Family resided. She wondered why she had been invited to dinner to discuss this. A girl such as herself had no business going to Sofranstad. She half listened as she continued to place small bites of food into her mouth.

“It will take one week by land, and then two by sea.” Dumont paused and glanced at Myam, “Do you think his gift is ready?”

Myam looked between Dumont and Prudence, “It is as prepared as can be expected.”

Prudence watched the interaction between the two men. She wondered what gift the lord was sending to the Prince. It had to be something extravagant to be fit for a future king.

“At least she’s had enough training to show that she is indeed a magic wielder and not a peasant in disguise.” Myam continued. Prudence choked on the mouthful of water she had just taken a sip of. Wide green eyes flickered back and forth between Lord Dumont and Myam. They had been talking about her! She was the gift Dumont intended to present to the Prince. Her face blanched and she suddenly felt lightheaded.