CHAPTER ONE

Ophelia

“Deep breath in. Slow release. You can do this. You got this. You can do anything you set your mind to because you are amazing and-”

“Are.. are you giving yourself a prep talk in the mirror?”

I turned around and glared at Trever. His straight black hair cut into a fade on the side of his face and long at the top of his head. His thick eye brows with a slit in them as if he is some rugged cool person.

“So what if I am?” I turned back into the chipped mirror. My thick curly brown hair is already starting to frizz out of the braid I put it in. I did my eye liner too thick on one eye again. My face is starting to turn pink with frustration. Why does it have to always fall on me?

I could see Trever move to lean on the bathroom doorway. He was smiling at me. Probably making fun of how much of a dork I am.

“Come on, you look great.” He held out his hand as if I was going to take it. Taking one more deep breath in, I turned away from the mirror and started towards my destiny.

I scooted past him, not wanting to make contact. Instead, Trever put his hands on my shoulders and leaned into my face “Race you to the carriage!” And he took off in a solid sprint.

I looked at my fancy boots. My skirt falling just over my calves. Trever!

“Not fair!” I panted as he was standing there waiting for me. Father was there too. Looking at his pocket watch. He was frowning. But this frown screamed, how can you be such a disappointment before you even start your mission?

Trever

Ophelia was panting slightly at the sprint. I couldn’t hide my smile. She was so beautiful. Especially when she had to get dolled up. Her fancy pink dress was tight across her chest and ballooned out at her hips. The ribbons and lace she wore accentuated her features. Though, she still looked best the way she did at the pond…

“You are making us late and I will not be embarrassed by the Duke of Warlington due to your issues Ophelia. Mr. Boyd, ensure Oxwell is ready for the journey. I will not be outstaged again by that damned Artur and his seven boys. My two children are much prettier and stronger than anything his balls could reproduce!”

I laughed, “sir.” I ducked my head low with my right hand on my torso and my left on my lower back as is tradition for a Count. I turned towards Ophelia who already went back to that stoic posture of her birth and winked. “My lady.”

Running back into the estate I could already see Oxwell sitting on the stairway, hiding behind the arm rail. His poofy brown hair matching that of his sisters.

“What are you doing Oxwell?” I sat next to him and he straightened his back.

“I don’t like going to see the Duke.”

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“No one does I am afraid. But the Duke summoned everyone and therefore we all must attend whatever it is that the Duke wishes to say. There is always good cakes. How about we go now and I will be sure to sneak some up to you before you fall asleep. Deal?”

Oxwell stared at me. Not buying in the bargain. He is not nearly as fun as Ophelia and is already beginning to resemble his father in more ways than one. Oxwell stood up and straighted his jacket. All of his buttons perfectly polished. He started towards the door and I quickly followed him.

Ophelia was inside the carriage with her book open and nose buried in it. She had a loose curl already free from the braid her maids attempted to keep her hair and it bounced with each page she turned.

Count Celik was yelling at the coachman. I held open the carriage door for Oxwell to climb in and sit across from his sister before checking to ensure their trunks were securely attached to the carriage. The journey to the City of Timberdenn would be long and exhausting. At least four days of straight travel. There would only be one stop along the way at Deershell Town.

But that is still three days and two nights away. The arrangements have already been established.

I glanced at the sky. The sun was still rising but I could tell it would be a full moon in two days. And that never means anything good.

Ophelia

“Sister?”

I glanced from my book. Oxwell was nervously buttoning and unbuttoning his coat. The carriage purged forward and the long journey to see the Duke began.

“Did you remember to go potty before hand?”

Oxwell blushed to his roots. He was so cute with his chubby cheeks and button nose.

“Sister! Stop. Why do you think we are being summoned? I hate seeing the Duke.”

“Hush now. You mustn’t say such things. If the Duke summons us, we must make ourselves available. It is how we stay in the good grace of the King.” I smiled at Oxwell. Travel always makes him nervous. Ever since our Mother was attacked and killed by bandits. I readjusted my glasses on my nose and slowly changed my seats so that I was sitting next to Oxwell.

“Just place your head in my lap and rest. We will be there in no time.” Oxwell kicked off his shoes and snuggled close. I started to read my book again.

It had been a few hours before my mind started to wander. The trees were passing us and I could hear Father yelling at Sir Frue about due haste and all of that. I jumped a little when I noticed Trever was climbing over the carriage, opened the carriage door, and jumped inside-closing the door behind him.

“Are you mad? You could have gotten hurt!”

“Worried about me? That is so kindly of you.” Trever took up the entire seat across from me. His arms resting on the back and legs spread. He was smiling and had some stubble growing making him look even more rugged.

We sat there in silence. I diverted my eyes to my lap and began to gently stroke Oxwell’s hair. His body slowly rising and falling with little snores.

“What do you think we are being summoned for?” Trever’s face was dark as he stared out the windows.

“Who knows. Father will take any excuse to show off to Count Artur. Do you believe Count Bodo will be there as well? He wasn’t at the last meeting.”

“And what a joke that meeting was. There was nothing of value discussed. Just dinner and then off we all hand to leave again.”

His words were filled with more malice than warranted. I glanced down at Oxwell-making sure he was in a slumber before proceeding with caution. “What is bothering you Trever?”

Trever turned towards me and stared hard. He was frowning. He leaned forward and gently grabbed my gloved hand and put it close to his face. He stopped. I could feel my heart begin to race.

“No matter what happens, I will protect you and Oxwell. I want you to know this.”

His proclamation was heavy. I was starting to sweat a bit. “Where is this coming from Trever?”

“We should never travel during a Full Moon. It’s a bad omen.”