Chapter thirty-three—the team and the Invitation
The trip to Marleybone took two days and a half. We arrived around the evening, with the sun setting, stars twinkling with difference. Smelling the air, I smelled none of Krokotopia. Instead, I smelled a damp city.
And as it smelled, it was. I stepped out of the boat, with a suitcase in hand. Sierra had given Nikki and me new clothing- a slim fit gown with a floppy hat. In a way, I was no kind of girl for wearing dresses. I’d rather be able to spread my legs, like in pants, and run. I held a suitcase tightly, holding on to the belongings I have. The heels of my shoes stepped lightly on the pavement, making a sharp noise. The ground was too hard for my taste; I was used to the soft sands.
Nikki seemed to feel the same way. I didn’t know how long she stayed in Krokotopia, but she wobbled a little bit in her high heels. However, with our special abilities, nobody noticed us stumble. We knew how to correct ourselves daintily and perfectly- especially Nikki. I, however, was as clumsy as… Something clumsy.
I moved my hat away from my head, so I could see properly. Stars now shone, as if watchful and sweet, even though they were just astral balls of fire. Old town buildings rose as high as a cloud, and I sought out a church, museum of some sort, and a large building.
Suddenly, as if in a dream, a dog walked past. At first, I thought it was Professor Wethersfield- but it had a different fur. Also, it was wearing an orange gown, with delicate designs and patterns. “This is where Professor Wethersfield comes from, right?”
“Yes.” Sierra replied. “Make sure to be very polite. Everything here is very… Fancy.”
I nodded. Nikki came up behind me, and set her suitcase on the ground, wringing her hands. “Where are we staying?”
“The department’s home area. It’s grand.” Sierra smiled a charming smile, and we followed her, annoyed by the clacking of our shoes. I wished to take them off and run.
We walked, my slight curls flowing in the wind. I had the temptation to run my hands through my hair in stress, but it was neatly made up in some kind of bun/ponytail that Nikki had done for me. Already, it seemed like I’ve known her forever.
We stopped at a white mansion, with pillars of stone and marble. It was exquisitely intense. Carriages stood in the front of the building, between a large fountain and a statue. Many lights were turned on in the estate, and I could see shadows behind them, laughing and drinking. I wondered if there was some sort of party.
After Sierra was done gazing in wonder at the landscape, she waved us over, and we hurried up the white stairs of the mansion. I almost fell, but I gained back my posture by turning my heel. I was not good with heels.
Sierra rang the doorbell, making an echoing sound that sounded like a bird. After half a minute, somebody opened the door. It was a woman, with dark brown ringlets for hair, and dark, mysterious eyes. She filled us in with her fair eyes, and smiled a shapeless smile. “Hello, you must be Sierra Winterbreeze.” Her eyes flitted to me, and her smile vanished. “And Mary Ravengem. I didn’t think that it was true; that you would join such an association.”
I smiled a sweet smile, disguising the fire in my eyes. “I’d do much to help. Tell me an order, and I shall do it correctly.”
She didn’t look convinced, but Sierra changed the subject nervously. Nikki shifted slightly, irritated as I am at the woman’s mocking personality. “You must be Rachel?”
“Rachel Ice is my full name. Step in, if you please, so we can get you sorted out with the boss.” Rachel stepped back, and waved her hand inside. I did not look her in the eye as I walked past her, but I felt a shiver go down my spine. I did not like Rachel at all.
Before Rachel could lead us to the “boss,” a boy hurried over to her, and spoke loudly. “You’re needed in the Observatory, Rachel. Robert needs you in there.”
Rachel groaned in irritation. She poked the boy harshly in the shoulder. “Make sure the guests are escorted to Courtney, Blaze, and keep your head on the ground; instead of being up in the clouds all day. Got it?” Blaze nodded, his thin blonde hair going over his eyes. Rachel stalked off somewhere, her dark curls bouncing with dignity.
“Is she always like that?” Nikki asked, with her hand on her hip in disapproval.
“Yep.” Blaze moved his hand over his hair, smothering the strands of hair on top of his head instead of on his face. “It’s a hand-full, but she means well.”
“Tsk, tsk.” I spoke through my teeth. I had a strong urge to become better than Rachel; to show her whose boss.
I hope that’s not my father’s genetics in me, this urge. I threw away that thought as we followed Blaze down a hall and onto a room on the right. We entered a very dark room, with only candles alight. A tall lady was sitting at a fancy desk, with golden-brown hair, like waves, by her shoulders and some in her eyes. She seemed to be writing something with a black quill, which matched her black dress and a ring made out of onyx.
Sierra knocked on the door gently, and the woman looked up, showing startling sea-blue eyes. She was a pale woman, but when she smiled, her cheeks turned rosy. “You’re here.”
“Hello Courtney.” Sierra walked forward, and I half expected her to bow. “You’ve got the council staying in a nice place.”
“The Queen gave me full respect. It even surprised me so that she even let us in the Palace.”
I saw Nikki glance around suddenly, as if in wonder. “Are we in Barkingham Palace
“I am serious.” Courtney nodded to Nikki and Nikki blushed at her outburst.
“Who is Queen Cecilia?” I asked stupidly. They all stared at me in wonder. “What? It’s my first time here.”
Courtney sat up, and walked around me, studying me with a strut. She lifted a blonde lock of my hair with one pale finger, and looked me straight into my eyes. Before I could turn away, Courtney spoke. “You and the red-headed girl are different. Very beautiful. Same eyes. Are you related?”
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. I’ve only been called beautiful once. I felt Nikki suddenly become interested in a thread on her gown. “No, but we are like sisters.” I lied.
Courtney smiled. “I wonder what Queen Cecilia will think of both of you. She is the Queen of Marleybone, and is the wife of King Harold the 3rd. However, the King has just departed to Krokotopia yesterday morn’, and you will not be seeing him.”
“We’re going to meet a Queen?” My jaw dropped.
“Why, of course, Mary.” Sierra tucked a white strand of hair into the back of her ear. “You’re quite famous, you know.”
I grimaced. “I have been told.”
Nikki gave me a joking side hug. “I feel bad for you.”
“Thanks.” I laughed.
“She will be very pleased to be informed of your arrivals.” Courtney laughed pleasantly. “And you shall join the Law Enforcement team at once tomorrow morning. Now, its time for you to be escorted to your rooms. You must all be very exhausted.”
“Thank you for your time, Courtney.” Nikki thanked with a smile and we attempted to leave the room. However, Courtney stopped us, as if remembering something.
“You know… You ladies seem very polite. Evidently you know nothing of this world. However, I want to invite you to a ball. It is being held for the Enforcement team, and it will be such a pleasure for you to attend.”
I gasped. A ball? As in story book balls?
Courtney chuckled at my sudden gasp. “Darling, it will just be like a large party with gowns. I trust that your maids shall bring you packages from the Queen, obtaining your dresses. They are absolutely wonderful.”
We all replied with thanks, and excited, Sierra hurried us out the door. I was dead tired, and I looked around to see if anybody was as tired as I was.
And they were. We were all brought to separate guest rooms; however, they were all right next to each other.
Mine was pure white, with dark purple settees and canopy bed spread, along with the curtains and paintings. The floor was made out of cold white marble, and the paintings of things seemed to watch you.
And, by surprise, Xena was there, sleeping on the end of my bed like a dog. I giggled, and stroked the Hydra’s back, as it shivered pleasantly. I tried to focus on everything that had happened, however, I was too tired to think. I fell asleep instantly when I hit my pillow.
And, of course, I dreamt of the bad dreams. I dreamt of murder, killing, and the secrets kept away from me.
It was too foggy in my dreams to realize that it wasn’t just a nightmare. It was my past; and unfortunately, perhaps my future.
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