Sean Brynor

I waved the raw steak in front of Ronan who looked at it eagerly, small embers dripping from his mouth like saliva. He let out a bark and leaped from his stall in the stables, causing several of the lisyfes nearby to whine and kick up their legs. I dodged the fiery beast’s pounce, gliding along the puddle from the rain that I had been standing in. I glided across it like I was on skates, causing Ronan to miss and bury his head in the mud. This was a variation on the Snow Skip Spell that I was working on perfecting. I launched water against my feet, causing my legs to slide forward. It was extremely difficult to keep my balance, but it wasn’t exactly like walking on water. I would immediately sink to the bottom of any lake I tried the spell on once my momentum ran out, but it was as close as I could get to it while still waiting for my apprenticeship to be confirmed. I sighed and pulled my boots out of the mud while Ronan growled.

“Yeah, yeah. Here.” I threw the meat up in the air. Rather than catching it, Ronan blew out a smoking fireball from his mouth, scorching the steak black in mid air, then let it fall at his feet. He scarfed the thing down in one bite. “You're a pig,” I told him. He didn’t seem bothered by the insult. Instead, he growled for more.

I walked over to the crate filled with his dinner, but was interrupted by a cough. “Quite the magnificent beast,” an old voice called.

Callistar was standing just on the other side of the crate with an umbrella over his head. He waved gently and gave me a small, wrinkled smile. Winter flew down from her perch in the rafters of the stable and landed just in front of the old man. She chirped and bit at his shoes before he pulled some bread out of his pocket and tore it up for her. Apparently she had grown fond of him, because she regularly begged him for food when they met. I, on the other hand, spared him only a glance before returning to the crate. I tossed another pile of meat to Ronan before addressing him. “He is.”

“It’s a shame that he has to stay here in the stables all the time. An animal like him deserves more freedom.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” I said, throwing another piece of meat. “Why are you here, Callistar? I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen you this far from the main house.”

The old man chuckled. “Yes, well, when you get to be my age you tend to do a lot less moving around. Only a few years ago this was one of my favorite spots, but my old bones can only carry me so far now.” He let out a sigh, looking into the stables at some of the lisyfes. “Lord Phell has summoned you, and asked me to find you. He wants you to meet him in his office.”

My eyebrows rose. It wasn’t uncommon for him to summon me, usually about some sort of lesson that I needed to learn or how I should conduct myself in the future, but I typically knew about it at least a day beforehand. “Is there anything I should be worried about?”

Callistar frowned. “Not that I’m aware of, no.”

“Then I guess I should go,” I shrugged. I walked over to Ronan’s stable and grabbed my cane, then let the ice prosthetic around my leg fall to the ground. “I’d rather not have him blow up on me for not showing up. Can you do me a favor and finish feeding Ronan?”

The old man stiffened. “You want me to feed him?”

“Just throw the meat quickly and he won’t jump at you. Also don’t give it to him all at once. He’ll choke,” I finished, starting to limp away.

Callistar gently grabbed a chunk of meat and threw it towards Ronan, who had started to run at the old man just before he released it. The man let out a sigh of relief, then spoke to my back. “If you can use your magic to correct your leg, why do you choose to use your cane?”

I smiled a bit. “Titus can get mad at me for not answering his summons, but he can’t get mad at a crippled boy for moving slow.”

The main house was a far walk, but not an ugly one. The Phell estate was situated right on the shore of The Marble City’s lake, and I had a perfect view of the Magic Tower in the middle and the Royal Palace on the other side. The sun was just setting behind it, causing the sky to become pinkish in color. It was a beautiful view, so I took my time as I walked. Winter flew above me, occasionally flying down to catch some bug or something in her beak. She was adjusting well to the climate now, but I was still concerned about what the heat might be doing to her. I’d been meaning to go see Gaige, but just like my apprenticeship, that trip was taking forever to be authorized. I hoped Titus wasn’t purposely sitting on the decision to harm Winter, but knowing him, he might just be.

When I finally got to the house it wasn’t a far walk to Titus’ office. I’d heard from some of the maids that he was situated on the side closest to the stables since he used to enjoy riding his lisyfe, but I couldn’t imagine Titus making any kind of decision just for fun. When I finally got there and opened the door to his office, I was met with an unusual sight.

Titus was sitting on one of the white couches at the front of the room. His wife sat beside him, gently lifting a cup to her lips and smiling warmly when she noticed me. Treyna always seemed to act like we were a real family, which I found even more unnerving than how Titus treated us. That, however, was not unusual. What was unusual was my mother, who was sitting across from them and next to Isla. Not only was her presence out of the ordinary, but her appearance was. She wore a deep blue dress, very similar to the ones Treyna and Isla were wearing, and seemed to have had some makeup done. It was the most beautiful I had ever seen her, which worried me. Titus didn’t seem to care what Mother did, not even bothering to give her proper clothes for the months that we’ve been here, but now she was here, with all of the Phells.

“Sit, Sean,” Titus said, and I sat down between Mother and Isla. “Now that we are all here, we can begin. First, I have confirmed your apprenticeship, Sean.”

I nearly jumped from my seat. It’d been three weeks now since the Mage’s Event, and I had been waiting eagerly to hear something about it. Maylene, our tutor, had told me patience was a virtue and that I should learn it, but I ignored her. “When can I begin,” I asked, my excitement clear.

“I’ve arranged for you to head to their little training hall tomorrow. You’ll train with Lady Kella three times a week, and study with your tutor for the rest of your time,” his voice started growing stern, “Do not let this distract you from your other studies.”

I ignored him, fully planning to let this distract me. There was nothing else I wanted to think about.

“I’m quite proud of you, you know,” Titus continued. “Though Lady Kella’s past is well known throughout the city, no one can deny how influential and strong of a mage she is. She will prove an excellent master. Of course, her family name is something that could benefit us in the future as well. Which brings me to the next matter. Daughter, how was your meeting with Victor?”

I was completely blinded by my elation that I didn’t hear a word Titus had said until he uttered the word ‘daughter.’ I looked around for my aunt for a moment, but then Mother spoke. “It went well, Father. He is a nice man. I look forward to meeting him again, as does he.”

“Excellent,” Titus grinned at my mother’s words. “Has he mentioned anything about a proposal?”

Mother shook for a moment, like a chill had run throughout her body. “Yes, but nothing official yet.”

“What are you talking about?” I burst out, my confusion finally forming into words.

I expected Titus to frown at my interruption, but his smile remained strong. He seemed to be having a good day. “I have welcomed Cori back into the family, Sean,” he answered. “I realize I was far too harsh in the past. No matter her mistakes or shortcomings, she is still my daughter, and I should treat her as such.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

That hardly explained their conversation, but I actually felt good hearing that. It felt wrong. I hated the Phells, but I knew they were my mother’s parents. Hearing that they accepted her felt nice. I looked up at Mother, who smiled down at me. She seemed genuinely happy.

“Yes yes, it’s wonderful news, isn’t it?” Treyna said, standing to pour tea into my and Isla’s cup.

I didn’t bother taking a sip, but Isla lifted hers and did.

“Now then,” Titus continued, turning to Isla, “It’s time we discuss the most important and exciting news. I have found a proper suitor for you, my dear.”

Isla dropped her cup. The tea splashed into her lap while the cup fell to the floor, but she didn’t seem to care about the stains on her dress. She seemed too stunned to say anything, just like I was, but then I heard her voice. It came out louder than I’d ever heard it. The scream was hard to make out, less words and more of a shrill, fearful noise. I covered my ears, her voice so loud it hurt.

“Isla!” Titus growled, his smile finally gone. “That is hardly how a lady should conduct herself. Sit and listen. I have my hands full with your brother, don’t you start acting out as well.”

Isla silenced herself, but I could see how heavy she was breathing. I could see how much she wanted to run away. Treyna delicately used her Soul to extract the tea from Isla’s dress while I finally collected my thoughts. “You can’t just… just… marry her off!” I yelled. “She’s only thirteen!”

“And she will be married when she comes of age. This is simply a betrothal,” Titus said calmly, leaning leisurely back in his seat. He seemed to recollect his good mood. “Honestly, you haven’t even heard who her fiance is, yet you reject him so easily. Do you really think I would give my granddaughter to someone ill suited for her?”

I grit my teeth, trying to stop myself from yelling again. This was ridiculous, but expected. It was how the nobility worked. I knew that. Titus even mentioned the idea the day we arrived in his estate, but I’d ignored it. I was too busy thinking about what was happening to me, I completely forgot what Titus would do to Isla. I’d brought her here. I didn’t see any other choice, but in the end, this was at least partially my fault. I sat there for a short while, wondering what I could even do. Every time I talked to Titus, I felt more and more helpless.

“Now that everyone has calmed down,” Titus continued, returning his gaze to Isla, “Your engagement has already been accepted. I would have told you sooner, but the process was rather quick. Normally, you would have met him before it was official, but seeing as you already have, and the two of you get along, His Majesty and I thought it would be fine. Even then, royal engagements rarely take that much time to become official.”

I looked to Isla. Her face was pale and she had a hand on her mouth, looking nauseous. She must have been thinking the same thing as me. This was my fault. “She’ll be married to… Wren?” I asked, knowing the answer.

“After seeing how well they got along, there was no way I wouldn’t suggest something to His Majesty. This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. I did take your feelings into account, Isla. I would never match you with someone you didn’t already know.” Titus stood and walked over to her. “Come now. I will help prepare you. The King insists the two of you spend more time together, so you will be meeting Prince Wren tomorrow. Treyna, will you join us?”

Treyna nodded, and the three of them began making their way out of the office. “Daughter, Sean,” Titus called to us just as they were walking out. “Stay in the study and enjoy the tea. Call for a servant to clean when you leave.”

Then, they were gone. I leaned down, putting my head in my hands. “What am I going to do?” I muttered.

I had to find Isla a way out of this. There had to be something I could do.

“Nothing,” Mother said, running her hand through my hair.

I sat up, having completely forgotten she was there. “How are you?” I asked her.

“I’m well, Little Bird. Though you shouldn’t be worried about me. I’m more worried for you.”

“I’m fine. There’s just… a lot I need to do.”

She smiled. It had been so long since I’d seen her do that I'd almost forgotten how it looked. “You have quite a lot on your plate,” she told me. “Why worry so much about things you can’t change?”

I lowered my voice to a whisper. “This is my fault. I brought Isla with us, and now this has happened. I’ve doomed her to a life of–”

“Being a Princess? A future Queen?”

I frowned. “That’s not what I mean. She never wanted any of this.”

Mother ruffled my hair. “I never did either,” she said. “Yet here I am, back home. There are many things in our lives we don’t want, Sean. Sometimes, we just have to accept that.”

“What if I can’t?” I asked, the question coming out like a command.

“You have to,” she told me. “Things happen for a reason. I chose to believe that. I have to. Marrying into the Royal Family is a wonderful thing, Sean. They are blessed by the heavens in more ways than one. She’ll be happy there, and we should support her.”

My frown worsened, and I started to feel angry. Every conversation I had with her devolved into God and faith. It had gotten worse ever since Father died, and I was in no mood to hear it right now. I looked her in the eye and said, “I will support whatever Isla chooses to do, not what Titus wants.”

Her smile lessened. “You’re a good man, Sean. I don’t know Prince Wren, but I believe he is too. If you can’t trust your grandfather, will you trust me?”

I bit my lip, thinking, but I chose to ignore her question. Wren felt off to me somehow. He didn’t sit right with me, but him being another reincarnate made me less wary of him. I just didn’t know what to think, so I changed the subject. “Who’s Victor?”

Mother froze, then wilted. She seemed saddened, but tried to keep up a strong facade. “He’s why I was brought back into the family.”

She didn't continue, so I probed harder. “Who is he? What did he do?”

Mother sighed. “His name is Lord Victor Vine, Lady Kella’s elder brother. Like his sister, he never married, but that didn’t stop every noble in the city from offering him proposals. Father– er, Lord Phell, offered him Isla a few months ago.”

That caused a flash of anger in me. Kella was around thirty, at least she seemed to be to me, and Victor was her elder brother. The idea of him marrying Isla was sickening.

“Victor denied him, of course. He’s a good man, better than most. Many would have taken the proposal in a heartbeat, but he didn’t. Still, your grandfather wants better ties to the Vine family. You being Lady Kella’s apprentice is good, but it's not enough. So…,” She paused for a moment, “I am to be his wife.”

The room was utterly silent when she finished. My thoughts didn’t even move, making no noise in my head. What was there to think about? It was such an insane statement that nothing felt real anymore. This entire day didn’t feel real anymore. “You’re…” I finally started, “You’re going to get married?”

I could see tears in her eyes. She nodded. “It’s not official, but Victor doesn’t seem against the idea.”

“But– but he’s not… What about Father!” I was yelling now. I didn’t know what other emotion to feel.

“I know. I know,” Mother said, putting her hands on my shoulders and trying to calm me down.

She failed. I stood, falling back to the seat in pain the second I put pressure on my leg without my cane. I formed the ice prosthetic around my leg and kicked at the table. It slid slightly, tea spilling on the carpet. “What the hell!” I screamed in fury. “They can't do this to us! God damn it!”

First Isla, and now Mother. It was too much. I just wanted it all to stop. I wanted to just get out of here.

“Please Sean, calm down!” Mother yelled to me, wrapping her arms around my back in a hug. “It’s okay!”

After a while my breathing started to slow. I felt wetness on my cheek. I was crying. Why was I crying?

“He’s not your father. He’s not Aaron,” Mother said, her voice a whisper, “But he’s a good man. He will never be your father. No one can be.”

I turned to face her. I didn’t know what I looked like, but it hurt to see her step back. My anger ignored it. “Do you love him?” I asked, my voice cold. “Do you still love Father?”

She looked hurt, but I had to know. “No,” she answered finally. “I don’t love Victor, and I will always love your father,” she took my hand in hers, “But he’s gone now, and we aren’t.”

That was it. That’s what finally broke the anger. The cold, hard truth. Father was gone. I knew that. It wasn’t anything new, but every time I heard it it felt like another stab to the heart. All we could do was move on, and Mother was. I wrapped my arms around her and began to sob. It was embarrassing, but I couldn't help myself. Mother put her arms around me and rubbed my back. “There there, Little Bird. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine in the end.”