CHAPTER 1
Aelys
As I take a hot shower, I hear the bedroom door open and close.
I rinse the soap off my body and turn off the water, wrapping myself in a towel.
I leave the bathroom and go into the closet, looking for something comfortable to wear, maybe sweatpants and a hoodie.
I ignore him, knowing it's best to let him calm down before trying to converse.
I hear him exhale, then footsteps coming my way.
I turn around and see him leaning against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest.
“My father explained everything to me. I'm not going to lie, I'm not thrilled with his decision. Don't expect me to fall in love with you. I don't do sentimental things, darling. We'll have an heir, just like my father wants, but other than that, don't expect anything from this union. Understand?”
I nod and he sighs before moving away from the closet.
I hear a door close and then the shower running.
I guess I should get dressed here then. I sigh and put on my underwear and then my clothes.
I walk over to the bookshelf and grab a book, The Red Letter.
I sit on the couch facing the bookshelf and make myself comfortable.
I read a few chapters until the bathroom door opens and I hear him sit down on the other side of the couch. I think he doesn't want me to talk, so I stay silent. He sighs, making me lift my eyes to meet his.
“I was told you are going to the Wizarding Academy with me. Where did you go to school before?”
“At home. I never left our mansion before today,” I answer sincerely.
He raises an eyebrow before nodding. “We'll be taking the train in three days. Do you have all your supplies?”
“I don't think my father bought any…”
He sighs in annoyance. “Well, do you at least have a wand?”
I nod and he rolls his eyes.
“We'll go to town tomorrow to get the things you need. I also have to buy some stuff for myself.”
I nod again and return to my book. He makes me nervous. He's almost rude in the way he speaks to me. I'm intimidated.
He speaks again, asking me if I know how the Academy works.
When I tell him I have no idea, he explains that the students are classified into factions.
Thus, the wizards are isolated from the fairies and the shifters.
They all share the common areas and dormitories of the former monastery, but the classes themselves are specific to each faction.
Which means we'll never have classes with the fairies or the shifters.
I glance out the window and notice the sun setting.
My gaze falls on the clock on the bedside table, it's 7 p.m. I close my book and decide to head to the kitchen.
I don't know when dinner is served, but I'm hungry, so I might as well check.
I can feel his eyes following me, but I don't pay him attention.
I leave the bedroom and head downstairs.
Soon, the smell of chicken and potatoes fills my nose and I follow it, immediately finding the kitchen.
Three elves wander around the room, cooking and preparing dinner.
“Don't worry, you won't have to share your meal with the Dark Mage, he's already gone.”
A gasp escapes my lips, surprised to hear someone speaking to me. I didn't know I wasn't alone with the elves. A blond boy about my age smiles at me shyly. His gray eyes sparkle with amusement.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I'm Arthur, Arthur Leroi.”
I scratch my head, smiling softly. “It's nothing. I'm Aelys Hewloc.”
His eyebrows raise in surprise. “Nancy's cousin?”
I nod and his smile widens.
“She told me everything about you! We go to the Academy together, she's my best friend. So, what brings you here, my little lady?”
“Oh, uhm, my father arranged a marriage with the Dark Mage's son and me. So I'm staying here until we have to leave for the Wizarding Academy.”
His smile fades in an instant and shock fills his features. He apologizes, and I shake my head, still smiling.
“Don't worry, it's my duty to make my father proud.”
Sorrow fills his eyes and he nods in understanding.
“Mine too. That's why I became a disciple during the summer. Are you...?”
“Not yet. I don't know when, but I'll get it.”
He nods before grabbing a plate and filling it with food. “You can eat in your room if you're more comfortable. There's only Mattheo, you, and me at the Manor; everyone else has left.”
I shrug, grab a plate as well, and help myself to some chicken and potatoes. “I don't mind sharing my meal with you. Besides, I'm sure he hates me,” I sigh.
He turns to me, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Why do you think that?”
I tell him what happened earlier and he sighs before giving me a warm smile.
“My cousin is an idiot. Don't worry about him, he should be delighted to have such a beautiful woman to marry. He sleeps with a lot of girls, so I'm not surprised by his inability to love, but he could at least treat you with more respect.”
“I'll treat her as I wish, Leroi.”
I jump at the sound of his raspy voice. His brown eyes are dark and he glares at Arthur. The blond rolls his eyes and huffs.
“You're an asshole, Rigast. You think she asked to marry you? She only does what both of your fathers want, you could at least show her some respect. I mean, she's going to have to deal with your shitty personality, so show her some empathy!”
He sits down at the table and smiles at me, inviting me to join him.
I smile back and sit across from him. I take a bite of my food, only now realizing how hungry I am.
Mattheo mutters something under his breath before helping himself to his food and sitting down in the chair next to me.
I'm slightly taken aback and glance at him, but his gaze is focused on his plate, completely ignoring us. My eyes return to Arthur, who shrugs.
“So are you excited to enter the Academy?” He asks me, smiling softly. I nod.
“I'm also looking forward to seeing Nancy again. It's been so long since I've seen her. I really miss her,” I smile, nostalgic.
“She'll be delighted to see you too. Oh, and I think the others will love you!”
Mattheo snorts disdainfully, making me look at him. He smiles devilishly, his head lowered towards his plate. His eyes flicker to Arthur, but he keeps his head down.
“Do you really think they'll like her? A shy little daddy's girl who doesn't dare to speak up for herself?”
I look down, ashamed of myself. How can he be so mean? I haven't done anything to him... Arthur slams his hand on the table, making me flinch.
“Don't insult her, Rigast! You have no right to say such words when you yourself are your father's little bitch.”
I see Mattheo's fist clench, his knuckles turning white, and I clear my throat.
“Arthur,” I call, making him look at me in confusion. “His words don't bother me, I know why I don't oppose the marriage and I stick to my decision.”
My attention is drawn to Mattheo who is staring at me.
“I heard what you said earlier about our marriage, and again, I agree with you.
You don't have to love me or treat me as an equal, all I expect is for you to let me bear you an heir so we can make our families proud.
I don't need your respect, nor your love.
I'm doing this for my family, for my father, and to prove my loyalty to the Dark Mage.
Whether you like it or not, we need to be married.
The least we can do is pretend it's not an arranged marriage in public.
Other than that, I don't mind you ignoring me in private.
I know you probably hate me, but Arthur's right; I didn't ask for this either.
So I'm sorry if this upsets you, but I intend to play my part and be a good wife, as expected.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. Good night, Arthur, Mattheo.”
I get up, ignoring their shocked faces, put my plate in the sink and go up to our bedroom.
I go to the closet, change out of my hoodie into a red tank top, and get under the sheets, facing the window.
The silk is cold, but I like the fabric, so it doesn't really bother me. I close my eyes and try to sleep.
It isn't long before I hear the door open.
I don't move or open my eyes, not wanting to argue with him anymore.
I hear him undress, probably taking off his shirt and pants before I feel the mattress sink a little.
I feel the heat of his body next to mine, but I don't move, afraid of upsetting him.
I hear him sigh quietly and I tense up, waiting for a sarcastic comment.
Seconds pass, and he doesn't speak, so I relax a little, finally feeling sleep come to me.
I slowly open my eyes, blinking rapidly as the sun is directly in my face.
I'm still in the same position I was in when I fell asleep. I freeze, remembering that he went to bed yesterday too and glance behind me. I relax when I see his empty side. So no fight this morning. My eyes fall on the clock, it’s 7:34 AM.
I get up, yawn and go pick out an outfit.
Mattheo mentioned we have to go into town to buy our supplies, so I need to get dressed.
I grab a green top with a knee-length gray skirt and head to the bathroom to freshen up.
Then I brush my hair, apply some light makeup and brush my teeth.
I spray on some cherry perfume and decide to go down to the kitchen for a hot cup of tea.
Arthur leans against the counter, sipping from his glass of juice. His face lights up and he smiles brightly once he sees me.
“Hello there! Did you sleep well?”
“Like a baby,” I shrug.
I spot the teapot so I grab a cup and pour myself some. I add two sugars and start stirring mindlessly. Arthur clears his throat, bringing my attention back to him.
“He didn't bother you after dinner, did he?”
I shake my head and he sighs in relief.
“Oh, do you have your supplies?”
“No, Mattheo told me we'd go get them today, because he also needed some things. I haven't seen him yet, so I don't know if he still wants to go, but I have to buy them…”
“Well, I need a few things too, we can go together after breakfast?”
“Of course,” I smile.
Footsteps echo behind me and I turn around, my stomach twisting when I see him enter the room. He glances at me and then at Arthur before grabbing a bun and taking a bite. My gaze returns to the blond one and he seems to notice my nervousness, because he sends me a smile.
“Okay, do you have a list of things you need to buy?”
As I'm about to answer him, Mattheo abruptly places his glass on the table, startling me. He gives us both a dark look.
“I have the list. Why are you asking, Leroi?”
The blond one rolls his eyes mockingly. “We're going into town so we'll need it, Rigast.”
“You won't go together.” The grip of his hand around the glass tightens, his knuckles beginning to whiten. The pressure seems so strong that I'm afraid the glass will break.
Arthur raises an eyebrow and smiles. “Why do you care? You've been nothing but rude to Aelys since she arrived. Shit, you're either ignoring her or talking to her like she's trash.”
The glass shatters and I let out a scream in surprise. Mattheo rises from his chair and is within seconds at Arthur's throat, his hands gripping his collar tightly. The blond one looks surprised, but his smirk doesn't falter, and his eyes never leave Mattheo's.
“She's going to be my wife, Leroi. Not yours. Again, I'll treat her however I want. If I want to be rude to her, I will be. A daddy's boy like you has no right to tell me what I want, can, or can't do, understand?” He screams.
I take a step back, trying to make myself smaller. I hate hearing people shout. It makes me uncomfortable, it always has. I flinch when I hear Arthur laugh, knowing he only annoys Mattheo more by doing so.
“Do you find that fucking funny, Leroi?”
“That's hilarious, Rigast. You called me a daddy's boy, but like I said yesterday, I'm not the one who runs when my daddy whistles.”
His hands grip the brunette's wrists and he pushes him away.
“As for our trip to the city, I don't need to ask your permission, neither does Aelys. Why don't you come too? Because, come on, let's be realistic. This is what this is about, you don't want her to be alone with me. Afraid I'll steal her?” He growls.
Mattheo is absolutely furious. It's clear he doesn't like being spoken to the way Arthur just did.
His fist connects with the blond's jaw, sending him falling on his knees.
I jump and take a step toward them before stopping.
I have no idea what Mattheo is capable of.
Would he dare hurt me if I went between them?
“I don't give a shit if she's alone with you. She can spread her legs like a slut if she wants!” He hollers. “All my father wants from her is to give us an heir. Do you know what that means, Leroi?”
Arthur's face darkens as he seems to realize something. Mattheo's lips turn into a devilish smile and he chuckles disdainfully.
“Yeah, once the child is born, he'll kill her. He'll give her a task while we're at the fucking academy, hoping she'll fail. Then he expects her to have the child and he'll get rid of her. She's nothing more than a womb for Heir Rigast.”
I bite my lower lip, holding back sobs. I know I'm just a means to an end, to give the Dark Mage and his son an heir, but hearing that he might kill me after giving them what they want makes me want to vomit.
I feel tears rolling down my cheeks and I leave the room, returning to our bedroom.
I lock the door and drop to the floor, sobbing silently into my hands.
My life was fine until yesterday, until my father sold me to the Devil.
The worst part is, I'm not even angry at him for it.
I know he has his reasons, and I know that serving the Dark Mage will make him proud.
I was raised to believe in his cause, to one day serve the Dark Mage like my father does.
Even though I don't want to die so young, I must accept this marriage and have Mattheo's child.
My mind wanders to Mattheo's words.
The task.
The Dark Mage told me he will give me a task during my stay at the Academy. Perhaps if I complete it, he will spare my life?
Yes, all I have to do is prove my loyalty to him, complete the task, marry his son, give them an heir, and do everything I can to prove myself an asset to their cause. It might be the only way to survive.