Martha Roseheart
The faint breath of wind toyed with the curtains, swaying them in slow, soundless arcs. Even here, in this damned stifling office! where I'd been kept waiting for over an hour, the mana barrier remained invisible, but heavy, pressing against my senses. He'd kept it active all this time, as always, to ensure no stray ears caught even a whisper from within.
It was the sort of silence that swallowed the world whole. No chirping of birds. No distant hum of the city. Not even the faint echo of footsteps in the corridors beyond. Just me, the curtains, and my own impatience....
I sighed low and hard, my fingers constantly drumming a restless rhythm against the armrest.
"Hope Gabriel isn't causing chaos," I thought aloud, barely above a murmur.
But of course, thinking of Gabriel was enough to stir the memory. The day when he just turned five years old.
He had begged me, no, demanded, even with those ridiculous, oversized puppy eyes to let him train with the knights. We'd been strolling along the garden paths when he'd stopped in his tracks, captivated by a sparring match in the courtyard. His rich raven hair had blown in the wind, swaying like dark silk from side to side. Those emerald eyes of his had narrowed with such intense focus that, for a fleeting moment, I saw myself reflected in him.
It was supposed be a peaceful afternoon, just the two of us. But he insisted on going to see and maybe, spar with them to his hearts content. After all, it was he's birthday, and.... I couldn't say no.
Oh Gabriel, if only you weren't such a trouble maker....
The sunlight streamed across my lap now, warm against my hands, but the memories came like an endless chain, one crazy and reckless antic after another. His mischief. His curiosity, were ever so amusing..... and yet, whenever i look into my own sons eyes, or when he stares into the brightest of days when the sun shines bright.
Even the times he would stare at the stars, shining the dark sky above.
There would be sadness, sorrow , sometimes... regret...
"Gabriel," I whispered to myself, and the name carried a weight I didn't want to acknowledge. Still, I pushed the thought aside, finding strength in the knowledge that I'd raised him with enough resilience to face the world.
"Don't give the maidens too much trouble," I'd told him more than once. "You'll be the death of them someday."I mummered to myself.
Not everyone shared my… softer indulgence toward him.
"Is the child causing trouble again?!!" one voice snapped, dripping with mild contempt. "Honestly, you should keep an eye on him. He may tarnish the family name."
"My husband," I responded
"Maybe you should tell him yourself to behave," I'd replied coolly. "After all, he is… your son too."
The silence after that had been heavier than any mana barrier, slowly building between us...
He'd looked at me with that old, unyielding expression, then asked, "Anyway my beloved, has he awakened his gift yet, it would be a shame if he didnt." I felt his hands settle firmly on both of my shoulders from behind... rough as always, yet so protective, just like I remembered. The weight of his presence pressed against me, grounding me in way only he could...
"Do you think he..."
"He hasn't," I'd answered, before he could even finish the thought.
"And he never will!"
He'd walked past me and taken his seat, folding his hands like a man settling in for a negotiation."Dear, thats not a choice for you to make, and it never will be."
...."Anyway my dearest husband," I'd said sweetly, "is there something you need from me?"
"Yes, dear. Gabriel...despite his behavior, despite his flaws, has greatly improved with his swordsmanship. His instructors report steady progress. His studies at the library are also… promising for his future."
I'd smiled faintly. "He is a sharp boy. Unlike his other siblings, he showed interest at a young age."
"Indeed," he'd replied. "To be honest, he's…. A unique child, he does show promise to us and our families reputation. Anyway, dear, with your permission.."
"Permission?" I'd interrupted sharply.
Then that faint, confident smile of his appeared again, slow and certain. "It's time he begins his ritual."
***
Gabriel
"Master Gabriel!"
The voices echoed around me, each one sharper than the last. I blinked awake, immediately assaulted by a beam of sunlight stabbing straight into my skull.
"Fuck that's bright!!!"
"Language Master Gabriel!"
"Don't blame me, blame this fucking light!!"
"If you don't want your parents to find out then watch that mouth of yours young master," "it's not suited for a noble prince.... now are you feeling better?"
I groaned. "Ughhh… yes, I'm fine. You don't have to yell." My voice was gravelly from sleep, but as my vision cleared, I caught the faint yellow glow dancing at the edge of my sight... a warm hum at the back of my head.
"Helen," I mumbled, "thanks for the healing."
"Don't you even start, young man!" she scolded, hands on her hips. "You had me worried sick. Why do you always run off?"
Helen Quinn. The ever-present shadow of my life. She'd been assigned to me from birth, one of the maidens my mother trusted most to keep me alive (and mostly out of trouble). Her mossy green hair was strange to look at, like forest leaves in sunlight, Her face was soft with a few freckles and calm green eyes behind a pair of simple, round glasses. She wore a simple brown earth like toned tunic, tied at the waist, and quiet leather boots.
she had always been kind to me. Too kind. She was the first face I remembered seeing on cold mornings and the first voice I'd hear when trouble found me.
Also she is the only maiden whose name I bothered remembering. But yeah, she is sweet to me...
"What are you staring at?" she asked sharply.
"Nothing," I said, grinning. "Just admiring a beauty right in front of me."(hehehehe)
Her cheeks twitched... the I'm pretending I'm not flustered twitch.
" oh," she said softly, then a playful smile curved her lips. " Oh really? You mean it?"
She reached out slow but gently holding my face for a moment..., "Then stop running off!!!" she snapped, yanking my ear without mercy.
"Ow!..ow!... okay, okay!! Just, don't pull my ear... ow! Helen! This is abuse!!"
"Is the young lord becoming a pervert?!" she shot back, eyes narrowing.
Before I could retort, a loud clap rang through the room. Helen froze, letting go of my ear with a small cough.
"Master Gabriel," she said, her voice suddenly composed, "you have a visitor."
I slowly turned to my left and, there she was.
Leaning against the doorframe like she owned the place stood a woman I'd never seen before. Her hair, a deep, burning red, cascaded over her shoulders in smooth waves. Her eyes, a rich crimson, locked onto mine with a blend of pride and challenge, like she'd already measured my worth and found me wanting.
Her armor was unlike any I'd seen on the palace knights. Light, flexible plates hugged her frame in sleek segments, designed for speed and fluid combat. A thin, regal sash crossed her chest, its embroidery hinting at noble rank. At her left hip rested a dagger, slim and balanced; on her right, a longsword with a hilt wrapped in dark leather, the grip clearly worn from constant use. Even in stillness, she radiated the kind of presence that made you think twice about turning your back.
"The third son of the great kingdom of Endalor," she said smoothly, "Gabriel Roseheart. Feeling better yet?"
I straightened, placing my hand over my chest and bowing just enough to be polite. "An honor to meet you, Mrs…?"
Her lips curved faintly. "You're a sweet fellow. Aren't you?"
"I see, so you are single....are you perharps, looking for a suitor."I asked with a cheeky grin forming on my face...
"Master Gabriel!!!" Helen barked from behind me.
The woman laughed, a low, unbothered sound, clearly enjoying the chaos she'd caused.
"If that was one of your famous tactics, boy," she said, "then you're out of luck."
I opened my mouth... and found a blade at my neck.
She'd drawn it so quickly I hadn't even seen the movement. The tip pressed just under my chin, not enough to break skin but enough to demand every ounce of my attention.
"Lift your head boy," she ordered, using the flat of the blade to guide my chin upward until our eyes met.
"To be honest, I thought you were studying me and... i thought you would try to stop my blade." she continued. "But I suppose you're not quite as talented as your father claimed."
"Ouch," I muttered.
"Well," she went on, smirking, "I should have guessed ....seeing as you managed to hit your head the very first time you tried to control your attribute."
From behind me, I heard Helen's muffled chuckle.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I said over my shoulder.
"Why, certainly not, my master," she replied in mock innocence. "I would never…"
Then the woman tilted the blade slightly, forcing me to meet her gaze again.
"My name is Scarlett....Scarlett Hayes." she said, crimson eyes glinting. "And starting today, brat… I'm your mentor."
My stomach dropped by this sudden news, but one thing is for sure.
This is going to be hell!
End Of Chapter