The next few days were a whirlwind of revelations that left my head spinning.
First was the magic. Holy shit, the magic.
I watched Cassandra casually light candles with a snap of her fingers, flames dancing from her palm like she was some kind of fire goddess. Lyanna made ice sculptures during breakfast just because she was bored, frost spiraling through the air in intricate patterns that would have made Disney animators weep. And my mother – Jesus Christ – my mother commanded the very air—and other elements I didn't know. She can make the curtains dance without wind and keeping the temperature perfect throughout the massive estate.
"Why don't I have magic?" I asked during lunch, watching Lyanna freeze her soup because it was "too hot" and she couldn't be bothered to wait.
The three women exchanged those looks again. The kind that made me feel like I was missing something huge.
"Darling," my mother said gently, "you haven't awakened yet. That's what happens when you turn seventeen."
"But I am seventeen," I protested.
Another exchange of glances. Cassandra leaned forward, concern written across her perfect features. "Marcus, sweetie, your birthday is next week. You're still sixteen."
I stared at them. The original Marcus was sixteen? But I'd been seventeen when I died. Time displacement? Different calendar system? Or maybe I'd just landed in a slightly younger version of myself.
"The fever," Lyanna said quietly. "It's affected his memory more than we thought."
My mother's face went pale. "Perhaps we should call the healers back—"
"No," I said quickly. "I'm fine. Just... confused. Tell me about the awakening?"
Relief flooded their faces, and my mother practically glowed as she launched into explanation.
"Oh darling, it's going to be wonderful! The awakening ceremony is a sacred ritual where young people discover their magical abilities. In our world – Aetheria – it's especially important for males."
She gestured around the room, where servants moved efficiently, some using magic to clean, others to cook. "You see, while women make up seventy percent of the population, we also dominate in most areas of life. Politics, military, commerce – we handle the dangerous, complex work of running society."
"But men," Cassandra added, her eyes lighting up, "men are special. You're treasures, literally. Only thirty percent of the population, and you're treated accordingly."
"Like princesses," Lyanna said dryly. "Or rather, princes. Though in your case, princess might be more accurate."
I didn't know whether to be offended or aroused by that comment.
"The truly fascinating part," my mother continued, "is the magic distribution. Only about sixty percent of women awaken magical abilities. But males?" She smiled proudly. "One hundred percent. Every single male awakens powers."
My heart jumped. Magic. Real, actual magic. I could already imagine myself throwing fireballs, summoning lightning, maybe even flying—
"Of course," Lyanna interrupted my fantasies, "most male magic is... utilitarian. Healing, gardening, household management, emotional support. Very useful, very important, but not particularly... exciting."
Ice cold water on my dream of throwing fireball a, the irony!
My dreams of becoming a magical badass deflated slightly.
"Only about half a percent of males awaken offensive abilities," Cassandra said, "and even then, their power levels are typically lower than women's combat magic."
So much for becoming the next Merlin.
"But still," I said, trying to stay optimistic, "it's magic, right? That's amazing."
"It is amazing," my mother agreed warmly. "And your awakening will be particularly special because..." She paused, exchanging another look with my sisters.
"Because what?"
"Because we've kept you secret," Cassandra said, barely containing her excitement. "The noble community has no idea about you until the awakening announces you. Mother's been very careful about that."
"Secret?" I asked, confused.
"Darling," my mother explained, "male children, especially from powerful houses like ours, are... highly sought after. The moment the nobility discovers a family has a son, the marriage negotiations begin. Sometimes before the child is even old enough to walk."
The word 'marriage' made my stomach drop. "Marriage negotiations?"
"Oh yes," Lyanna said with amusement. "Welcome to the wonderful world of male privilege. You get to have multiple wives who will compete for the honor of supporting you, protecting you, and making all your decisions for you."
"Multiple wives?" I squeaked.
"A minimum of three, actually," my mother said matter-of-factly. "For someone of your house status and... obvious appeal. Though the exact number will depend on how useful your awakened ability proves to be."
I felt like the room was spinning. "Wait, do you mean 'serve'?"
"Well," Cassandra said, clearly trying to put a positive spin on it, "your wives will be responsible for your safety, your income, your social standing. They'll make sure you're comfortable and happy while you focus on... well, whatever your magic is suited for. And looking beautiful, of course."
"And producing heirs," Lyanna added unhelpfully.
"LYANNA," my mother scolded.
"What? It's true. That's literally half the point."
I slumped in my chair, trying to process this. Multiple wives who would basically own me. Magic that would probably amount to making flowers grow or healing people's headaches. A life of being pampered and protected and controlled.
And yet...
I looked around at the incredible luxury surrounding me. The loving family who would die to protect me. The guarantee of safety, comfort, and importance that I'd never had in my previous life.
It was twisted as fuck, just like Lyanna said. But it was still paradise, wasn't it?
"There's more," my mother said, interrupting my thoughts. "After your awakening, you'll attend the academy. That's where you'll receive proper education befitting your station, and where potential wives will have the opportunity to... court you."
"Court me," I repeated flatly.
"It's going to be wonderful," Cassandra gushed. "The noble community is going to be absolutely shocked when they see our 'flower' for the first time. We've hidden you so well, and you're so beautiful, and from such a powerful house..."
She was practically vibrating with excitement, like she was talking about showing off a prized pet at a dog show.
"They're going to lose their minds," Lyanna agreed, though she seemed more amused than excited. "Mother's been very clever, keeping you secret. The reveal is going to cause quite the sensation."
I stared at them, these three gorgeous, powerful women who genuinely loved me and wanted the best for me according to their world's standards.
And I realized that the beautiful cage was about to get a lot more crowded.
"When does the awakening happen?" I asked weakly.
"In three days," my mother said, beaming. "Oh darling, I can hardly wait. My precious boy, finally coming into his power."
Three days. Three days until I discovered what kind of magic I'd have, what kind of life awaited me, and just how many women would be lining up to own a piece of me.
I sighed, looking out the window at grounds I wasn't allowed to explore alone.
It was still paradise.
Even if it was the most twisted paradise imaginable.
But I have so know something so important here...
____
Guys you can now vote this work. Thanks for supporting and we got through vetting. Let's go!