Book of Magic

Chapter One

Chapter One

"He's going to ask for her hand.”

Gilbert barely glanced over at his friend. He knew that Thomas was fuming, this visit not working to how they had planned. Both men watched the couple ahead of them, their eyes taking in every movement, ready to pounce at the first departure of decorum. Thomas' hands curled tightly into fists, his whole being focused on the object of his obsession.

“You don't know that,” said Gilbert. “Really, Your Grace, they just met.”

“I know that, Highness,” snapped Thomas. Taking a deep breath, he said more calmly, “I know that. But, look at him! He's fascinated by her and I just know he will ask for her hand in marriage.”

Gilbert kept silent. He knew that the duke had a slight fascination with his sister. Ever since Thomas had accidentally stumbled on Diane in the stable nearly ten years ago, his heart was captured. There were times when Gilbert caught Thomas writing sappy love poems dedicated to Diane's orange-red hair or the way she laughed instead of concentrating on the discussions surrounding the treaties between their two lands. He tolerated it only because he approved of the duke.

“He's touching her,” growled Thomas. Indeed, Prince Luke had reached out and tucked a lock of Diane's hair behind one ear. Gilbert's protective nature snarled inside his heart.

“Hey! Hands to yourself,” he yelled, startling the couple. Diane blushed and took a step back, keeping a respectable distance between herself and the visiting prince. Gilbert couldn't believe that the Loidite prince would dare to take such liberties with an unmarried woman. Praise the Giver he was there to keep his sister safe.

Gilbert waited until the couple started walking again before leaning closer to Thomas. “If we are to keep her from being married to Prince Luke, we must find a good reason for my father to say no that will not lead us into another war.”

“How about centuries of war? The Anstarians and the Loidites have been fighting since the beginning of time. Do you really believe your father would so readily marry his only daughter off to the enemy?”

“For peace, he would,” Gilbert said. Their kingdoms had been in a bloody war for longer then either cared to remember. Now that the Loidites had offered an olive branch, Gilbert knew his father would jump at any chance to keep the peace. He, on the other hand, would rather see his sister marry Thomas and further his own plans.

Thomas made a growling noise in the back of his throat. “You cannot be serious. That Loidite scum is not good enough for her. They still rely on magic! They are not as scientific as you or I.”

“You are not as scientific as you want me to believe,” Gilbert pointed out. “Your king still employs a court wizard. No matter how many of our machines or inventions you use, it's null and void the second you rely on a hexen.”

“Are you trying to insult my kingdom? Need I remind you that it is only through us that you will ever be able to reclaim the lands of Hehkata.”

Gilbert motioned for him to keep his voice down. “Do not mention that in public,” he hissed. “Especially if you still want my kingdoms help when you decide to finally march on Nev.” In more normal tones, he added, “I just know how my father is. He is so desperate for peace that he would marry her off to a hexen if needs be.”

“For Giver's sake, Highness, what about the fact that they don't protect their women? I've been to Loidi with my brother on diplomatic missions, seen it for myself. They just let their women walk around free, mingling with any man they choose,” Thomas argued. “He's touching her again!”

“Prince Luke, take your hands off my sister!” Gilbert started to rush forward to move the prince's hand from Diane's shoulder, but the Loidite jumped back.

“Terribly sorry, Highness,” Prince Luke called back, “but she had some dirt on her dress. All gone now.”

“Diane, if he touches you once more, you will be locked in your room,” Gilbert snapped. His sister nodded, taking an extra step back from the prince. Prince Luke glared back at Gilbert for a moment before turning his attentions on Diane. He tried to pick up the conversation, but it was obvious that the mood had been broken.

Gilbert sighed. He knew his sister well enough, her love for adventure and mischievous nature. Without the restraints of living in Anstaria or Danbar, she could flourish and happily pursue her hobbies. But, was her happiness worth her safety?

“Your Grace, why have you never proposed,” Gilbert asked. “You have been bringing my sister gifts for years, been the only foreigner to see her. In fact, you've been the only one outside our courts to even know she exists. I am not blind, Thomas, I know of your interest in her. I stopped her from being betrothed once, just for you.”

“Someone else has already asked for her hand,” Thomas moaned.

“Nearly,” Gilbert replied. “Lord Volker Vonmeier, a refugee from Goldspar. He came here six years ago, claiming his family had been assassinated in the recent political upheaval. Father took him in and granted him a title, but no lands. As soon as he could, he asked for Diane's hand in marriage.”

“What happened?”

“I convinced Father that Vonmeier was treacherous and planned to use Diane's status to reassert himself in the Goldsparian court. It was rather easy, the Goldsparians are well-known for their lies and murderous ways. If their new ruler lasts more then a year, I'll be surprised. She is the latest in, what, seven in the past six years?”

Thomas gave a low 'hmm'. “This Vonmeier fellow, he's not the pale-haired man I've seen lurking near your sister recently?”

“He is. He hasn't given up on her. I've had the guards escort him away from the women's chambers several times. The only thing that's kept him from being tossed out of Anstaria is that he hasn't actually...touched...Diane.”

Up ahead, Diane broke away from Prince Luke and came walking back. Even subdued, Diane's face radiated happiness. Gilbert was sure she had been glowing from the attention.

“Come on you two,” she said, grabbing Gilbert's arm. “You're missing out. What can the two of you be talking about so seriously?”

“Affairs of state,” said Gilbert. “Nothing that would interest you.”

Diane's blue eyes glittered as her smile widened. Teasingly, she said, “Oh, but I find if very interesting, dear brother, and you know that. Did you know, Your Grace,” she added, turning to Thomas, “that I used to take history and politics with Gilbert as a child?”

“How...irregular,” said Thomas.

“It's not as she says,” Gilbert protested. “She'd grow bored with her own lessons and sneak away, sitting outside the door of my tutor. Little Nosey nearly got away with it, too.”

Diane laughed. “It was just so interesting. I had no idea what they were talking about, but it was much better then poetry and flowers.”

“You still have no idea what we're talking about,” Gilbert said. “Politics go far above the heads of simple women.”

Diane stuck out her tongue playfully. “You'll never guess what Prince Luke was just telling me,” she went on. “He brought a real hexed creature! A unicorn! Oh, Gilbert, come on. He promised to show it to me.”

Thomas looked over at Gilbert. It was clear that he couldn't compete with the lure of real magic. Gilbert, however, knew how to deal with it.

Pulling his arm free, he frowned. “I know they brought that abomination to our lands,” he snapped. “We went through months of negotiations over it. I told him it was against Anstarian law to use magic, talk about magic or own anything magical. He brought it anyway. You will stay away from it, Diane.”

“But, why? I'm not doing any magic and I don't own it. I just want to see it,” Diane whined. “What if I just stand in the doors of the stables and look in? I won't even touch it. I promise.”

“And what if the Ritter Hex find out? Do you know what they would do to you? Even looking at that beast would put your soul at risk.”

Her happiness wilted. It hurt Gilbert to deny his sister, he indulged her on nearly everything else, but it was for her own good. She had no idea what she was asking, the price that they would all have to pay. No, it was best if she put the lure of the forbidden far from her mind.

“Come on, Highness,” said Prince Luke as he approached. “What is wrong with seeing a unicorn? They are common in my land.”

“I will not explain my land's stance on magic again,” snarled Gilbert, pulling his sister closer. “You are lucky we are so interested in peace, Highness, or such an act would lead to your immediate execution.”

“You can't hide yourselves from magic forever,” snapped the prince. “Everywhere outside of Anstaria there is magic. This is the only kingdom with its head in the sand and won't use magic.”

“What use do we have of magic? We can do the same with our science as you can do with magic,” scoffed Gilbert. “You act so high and mighty, flashing your hex around. You may escape most of our laws, for now, but the Ritter Hex are watching you. If you dare to take my sister to the stables, they will take action.”

“What are these Ritter Hex? All I know is that the mere mention of them has the poor princess shivering,” Prince Luke said, pointing to where Diane was pressing herself closer to Gilbert.

“They are witch hunters,” Diane whimpered against Gilbert's shoulder. “They find people who break the law and use magic in Anstaria. Only the royal family is higher then they, but we are not exempt from them if we dabble in magic.”

Prince Luke's brown eyes narrowed as he glared at Gilbert. The anger in his face was only equal to the anger in Gilbert's.

“You use these witch hunters to frighten your sister? Look at her! Is this the scientific Anstaria you claim?”

“Perhaps we should adjourn for lunch,” suggested Thomas. “In separate chambers.”

“Fine by me. I'm sure her Highness will agree to dine with me. We were getting along so well until someone had to mention the boogeyman,” sneered Prince Luke.

“My sister will either eat with me or alone, as is proper,” Gilbert said. “You have done enough damage to her, parading her around the palace like a trinket.”
“The more I learn of your ways, Prince Gilbert, the more I'm glad I was born a Loidite,” said the prince. “Superstition and the slavery of your women. No wonder you came begging for peace.”

Gilbert growled low in his throat. He had to remind himself that his father would not like it if he started another war when they were so close to having some peace. However, he would not swallow his pride and simper for this foreign prince. The Anstarians knew of his kind. It was a Loidite who caused the bloodiest parts of their history. First the Great Unrest, then the Hehkata Revolt – all because of Loidi and their magic.

“Please, stop,” cried Diane, pushing back from her brother. “Both of you, just stop!”

“Is something wrong, Diane,” asked Thomas. “You look pale.”

Gilbert saw Luke's gaze flicker over to Thomas, noting that he used her given name and not a title. For one not on equal standing with her, Thomas was very familiar around her. Diane did not seem to notice or act as if anything improper had just occurred.

“I am just tired, is all. I think I've had too much excitement for the day. I'll just retire to my chambers.”

Gilbert frowned. She did look paler then normal. He kissed her forehead, testing for fever. Finding none, he figured that she was just fatigued by the flurry of activity that day. Women did need rest and quiet.

“I will walk you to your rooms,” Gilbert offered. Immediately, Thomas and the prince jumped in with their own offers.

“No, but thank you. I can walk by myself,” she said. “I am sorry for leaving so early. I had a wonderful time.”

“It was my pleasure,” said Prince Luke, taking Diane's hand and placing a kiss on the back of her hand. He looked over at Gilbert, adding, “I am sure we can continue our conversation later, Princess.”

“I think my sister will be indisposed for the rest of your visit, your Highness,” said Gilbert. “It's obvious she is too frail for so much...uh...adventure.”

Diane said, “I would love to talk to you some more, Prince Luke. Maybe lunch in the garden tomorrow? I'm sure you'll understand if I decline any more visits to the stables?”

“I understand.”

“And you, Your Grace,” Diane said, turning to Thomas, “it is always a pleasure to see you. I am sorry we haven't talked more on this trip.”

“Princess, if I may be so bold,” said Thomas hurriedly, “but I would be honored if you had supper with me tonight. Not in my chambers, of course, but with your brother and my advisors. The conversation will be horribly boring, politics and all, but I'd be very honored if you'd sit with us.”

“If I feel well, I would be glad to,” Diane said. Gilbert motioned for a guard to escort her back to her chambers and the three men watched her leave, each plotting his next move. Gilbert waited until his sister was out of sight before motioning for Thomas to follow him.

“Prince Luke, if you'll excuse us, but the duke and I have some minor details to arrange with the agreement of one of our trade routes. Maybe we can clear it up so as not to bore my sister to death at supper. Please, enjoy the rest of your day, explore the grounds. Perhaps, take a ride? We will see you later, after supper,” Gilbert said as he walked away. He didn't really care if he was being rude to the prince, Loidites ranked just below the Goldsparians for treachery and deceit. He was more worried about how to keep his sister from that Loidite scum's clutches.

“Quickly, Thomas, what can you tell me of the Loidite royal family,” Gilbert asked as soon as he was sure they were out of earshot.

Surprised, Thomas said, “I only know what little bit I've gotten from my travels and from my brother.”

“Anything will suffice.”

“Uh, let's see, I know that King Phillip married the lady Vivian, a distant cousin to some vanquished lord of Goldspar with no connections to the throne and hardly any acknowledgement from her fellow Goldsparians. They have three children. Luke is the eldest and heir to the throne. Though seventeen, he is surprisingly single. I've heard rumors that his uncle, a hexen, revealed who his perfect bride would be and he has spurned any woman who doesn't match the description.

“His younger brother is seven and already a budding hexen. The uncle is teaching him. It is quite possible that he will take over the role of court wizard when Prince Luke takes the throne.”

“You said three children. Who is the third?”

“A baby sister. She is about four now. No claim to the throne, no magical ability, and will probably be married off in a political barter.”

Gilbert nodded, taking this in. He, himself, had married a royal little nothing from the southern kingdom of Elvestaad. His homely little wife managed to give him two homely daughters. The eldest, born a year after his marriage, was the same age as the Loidite's baby sister.

He smiled suddenly. “Thomas, come with me. I think I have a plan,” he said. If all went well, Diane would marry Thomas and secure their alliance, and that filthy Loidite would leave with an offer just as good.