Chapter XII

“We should devise a plan immediately!”,

Her thunderous voice echoed throughout the occupied room, hand slamming on the hard wooden table wherein the tea set rattled due to the sudden force, contents of fine glass cups almost spilling in the midst of the shock. Alejandro visibly flinched as a reaction, fingers unconsciously creeping their way on one of his ears, hoping that it would at least subside the ringing.

“Calm down, Clei”, the warlock nonchalantly muttered, seemingly calm about the situation, however, the fast beating of his heart made it quite the opposite to his exterior emotion. Alejandro have no idea that his spell would be broken and countered, he had just realized it this recent morning, when he happened to pass by the location to investigate.

“I couldn’t calm down! Who would even calm down? The situation have gone worser”, Clementine added, catching her breath from her violent outbursts. The ball is approaching, tomorrow evening to be precise, and a lot of houses of nobility have already started to arrive lately. This phenomenon posed a huge threat to the peace that they so wanted to possibly protect until the banquet lasts.

“I know. I’m well aware. I’ve told Delphinium about it. She’ll arrive shortly after securing the health of House Douverne’s marquees”, he explained while his teeth grazed on one another, a hand climbing its way up to his hair to ruffle it in frustration, making it a lot messier than usual. “The best that we could do until her arrival is to patiently, calmly wait, and once again secure the whole area”,

Clementine pursed her lips, forcing herself to refrain from retaliating. Nothing would happen if she would waste time by spitting out words of panicked striken fear. Alejandro is right. They should calmly await for Delphinium’s arrival, and by then they should be roaming while securing the palace. Now that guests from various corners of each countries have been popping lately, it is more likely dangerous for them to encounter dark magic along the way.

Hearing her silence, the warlock noticed how defeated his companion is, which made him frown. They’ve been friends for far too long, that he thought of her as his little sister during the span of years that they spent playing with the others. He was born of noble blood, while this girl in front of him, grew up in the slums of Sappherine— he was too fond of her that he have already pleaded his father to take her in their house as a playmate and companion for him, but was eventually too late when the news reached him of her departure, having been chosen as an apprentice for the current magician in Celeste that time. Hence, the reason why he also worked hard to attain the same title as hers, despite his mother’s protests.

Shaking his head from the memories that came flooding in, Alejandro turned the other way, snapping his fingers to conjure a plate of blue berry cheesecake. Not for him, but for her. He remembered the first time she tasted that sweet dessert, he had brought her to their home for a tea party, and the first thing that she took interest in was none other than the cheesecake itself. He noticed this of course, and was quick to hand her the plate.

The sparkles that her silvered-optics produced that time was so mesmerizing. It shone like a plethora of stars, forming a galaxy. She enjoyed the food so much that she ended up bashfully asking for more, and without even dallying— Alejandro placed slice after slice on her plate, even when she announced herself full. Since then, she declared it her favorite, and whenever she had the chance to eat even just a slice of any type of cake, it would always be her number one pick.

He placed it in front of her, earning the attention of the mage who then glanced on the plate. “Eat up. You need the energy for later”, Alejandro stated, crossing his arms as he leaned back on his chair, amusingly yet quietly observing her every movement, like that of a brother watching over their little sibling. He wanted to cheer her up, and hopefully the dessert would do the trick.

“Where did you get this? Blueberry cheesecake. . .”, She inquired in a mumble, poking her finger on a piece of blueberry that was delicately situated on top of a few flower shaped icings, nudging it slightly while hiding the fact that her mouth have been watering at the view of such exquisitely delicious dessert in all of its glory, sitting there— right before her very eyes.

“The kitchen. One of the probable desserts for the tea party that Brixton is currently hosting”, He shrugged, ignoring how Clementine almost choked on the food, after taking a bite. She looked at him incredulously, as if he had grown three heads. “Why are you looking at me like that?”,

“Wouldn’t it burden and frighten the servants? To have a slice of dessert suddenly disappearing in thin air. . .”, She trailed off, unsure— gulping as she tried her best to stop her hand from taking yet another piece.

“Hah? They’re busy scurrying off, preparing things here and there. Of course, they wouldn’t have noticed it”,

“You’ve got a point, but—“,

“Just eat and finish it already, Clei”, Alejandro grumbled, clicking his tongue. Though, as much as she wanted to add a few more words of declination, Clementine had just resorted on keeping silent, whilst she ate the dessert that the warlock have ‘snagged’ from the kitchen. It wouldn’t hurt to take a slice right? Besides, she’s quite hungry.

Horses galloped on the pavements, followed by faint screeching of wheels that caught the female magician’s attention. She had just came from the library, parting ways with Alejandro, as the latter suggested that she’ll secure the north and east side of the castle, whilst he do the south and west. He also informed her that Delphinium will be the one to strengthen their preventative measures, deeming as the specialty of her magic was enhancing enchantments.

As planned, the white haired lass immediately made her way first to the northern part of the palace, bumping into Dominique, whom she ordered to watch over the noble guests and royals, to which he instantly complied. Finding herself in front of the courtyard, Clementine couldn’t help it but to raise her head in cue as the moving carriage stopped, making the white horses neigh.

However, even before the guard could open the door, the mage did eventually left the grounds, continuing her trek while leaving enchantments in every step she took. Though this time, she was internally hoping, that their temporary prevention would be a success until the event ends.

From the corner of her senses, she could feel the bursts of magical energy from Alejandro’s location, and she was relieved that she have also sensed the familiar magic that Xereisee’s imperial magician owns. She’s here, Delphinium Douverne. The spells of protection were enhancing, thanks to the latter’s prowess. This made the silvered-eyed lass smile, yet still partially concerned, as she thought. . .

‘Would it eventually be enough?’