Once Upon A Time (3) Sunlight And Shadow by Cameron Dokey

Author:Cameron Dokey [Dokey, Cameron]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2012-04-15T15:00:59+00:00

And so I made my way to the Lady Mina's chamber, the Lord Sarastro's servants following the proper distance behind. Was I proud of myself as I walked along? As every step I took brought me closer to my desire, did I celebrate the fact that, in spite of what her own wishes might be, in a few moments more, the Lady Mina would be made to bow to her father's will, and therefore, to mine?

Surely, the answer must be yes if I am truly the villain you'd like to think I am.

And so it pains me to tell you the truth. Mosdy, I concentrated on trying to control my heart, which was suddenly beating high and fast, prancing inside my chest like a racehorse. I tried to figure out if it were possible to wipe my palms upon my pocket handkerchief without the Lord Sarastro's servants noticing, for my hands were clammy and had begun to sweat.

I wondered if I might simply throw up.

I'm sorry if this destroys the image you have of me as a villain, but it is you who have cast me in that role. It is not one I took on for myself. And so, step by painful step, I made my way to the Lady Mina's door.

Upon reaching it, I stopped, pulled in a breath, then nodded for one of the lord's retainers to knock and announce me. The Lord Sarastro is strict on matters of protocol. I was here as his emissary, his representative, and should therefore be accorded the same respect that he would be due.

There was a moments silence following the servant's brisk knock. Then, "Enter," called a high, clear voice.

The servant opened the door and threw it back. I advanced into the room, making a sign that the retainers should close the door behind me, then wait in the corridor.

I had no idea what to expect from the Lady Mina this morning. Was it possible, as her father maintained, that she would come to accept her new situation in just a single night? She was standing with her back to the room, gazing out the great bank of windows, swathed in her great, dark cloak. Even the hood was pulled up over her head. Of Gayna, I could see no sign.

At the click of the door closing fast, the Lady Mina made a small movement, and I could see a flash of gold fabric beneath the cloak's hem.

That is a good sign, I thought. She would not defy her father completely, for she had dressed to attend the audience.

"Sarastro, Mage of the Day, sends you greetings, Lady Mina," I said. "He welcomes you to your first dawn, and requests that you accompany me to the audience scheduled in your honor."

"My first dawn as his subject, you mean," the Lady Mina said, her voice subdued, muffled by the hood of her cloak. Still, she did not turn around.

"He seeks only to honor you," I said, wishing I didn't feel, and sound, quite so stupid.

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