Mira walked to the study with trepidation. At this mont, she was pretty upset for having eaten those sweets. They were not threatening to make her throw up.
She had been so careful with her studying. She had even told the mistress that she was learning kitchen work. And she was. Just that she was not practising it much. She would learn a little, then hide in a corner and study quietly, careful not to draw attention to herself. That is what she has been doing since she was a child. And she was lucky that everyone covered for her and no one ’told’ on her.
But even as the thought ca to her, she could not help but wonder if her luck had really run out. Her hands clenched as she walked.
She was going to be sixteen soon, and then it would be ti to decide her fate. The thought sat heavily in her chest.
At least Aron had helped her learn so magic, just enough to protect herself if the ones coming tomorrow turned out to be as cruel as they had heard and they chose her as the mate. It was little comfort, but comfort all the sa.
But now, without warning, the master had summoned her to his study. The suddenness of it unsettled her. He had never even talked to her. So why would he do that? Had he discovered that she was studying despite him saying not to? The possibility made her slow her steps. And if he had discovered it, would he ask the mistress to take care of her punishnt?
She gulped. No. She would have to ask the master. Shiqi always said that master was very gentle, unlike the mistress who was very fierce. It was just that master never had ti for her in the past. So, maybe she could protest and beg him to let her learn.
She thought about it as she walked. After all, she was supposed to study after she turned sixteen- mates or no mates. That had always been said, even if never promised directly.
With this in mind, she made her decision. If the master ordered her not to study, she would protest. She would not agree so easily.
Mira stopped outside the study door and took a deep breath and knocked softly.
"Co in."
Her hands shaking, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room felt too big and too quiet. Shelves lined with books stood against the walls, and a faint sll of ink and old paper filled the air. She looked around in wonder. So many books...
But then, she realised that he was staring at her. She walked forward and bowed deeply. "You called for , Master."
"Raise your head, Mira. Daughters don’t bow to fathers. Co inside."
Mira straightened and obeyed, her heart shaking. He’d actually referred to himself as her father. Her heart stuttered and her eyes teared up. She knew that master had fought everyone to keep her at his ho. Many had even said that she might be his illegitimate daughter. But she had never thought that he would one day call himself her father.
Her eyes stayed lowered as she crossed the room trying to keep her thoughts hidden. It didn’t matter if he was her biological father or not. She was just grateful. "Sit," he added.
She hesitated only for a second before kneeling down and sitting properly on the cushion next to his chair.
The master moved then, walking past her to his chair and she kept her head lowered.
"How is your study going, Mira?"
Her heart skipped. For a mont, all the courage she had gathered on the way here vanished. Her thoughts beca a blur, and her mouth felt dry. Had he really discovered it?
She swallowed and lifted her head slightly. "What... what studies?" she asked in a small, uncertain voice.
The master looked at her quietly. Then he said, "Aren’t you learning to cook in the kitchen? I can still sll the flavours on you."
Mira let out a breath she did not realize she had been holding. Her shoulders relaxed and she nodded hurriedly, "Yes, Master. I am. I can cook almost everything now. Soups, stews, bread, sweets, and even festival dishes. Only a few things are still difficult. So sauces, and the dishes that need exact timing." She lowered her head again. "But I am learning."
The master nodded and then he leaned forward and placed his hand lightly on her head. "Good girl," he said.
The simple words made her eyes sting. Praise was rare for her, especially from him. She stayed very still, afraid that if she moved, the mont might disappear.
There was another longer pause this ti and Mira waited patiently for whatever Master wanted. "You are almost of age."
Mira’s heart began to race again at the comnt, and she nodded.
He watched her closely and continued, "Tell , do you wish to study magic?"
Her head snapped up before she could stop herself. Her eyes widened, and for a heartbeat, she forgot to be afraid.
She nodded eagerly. "Yes," she said at once. Then, realizing herself, she lowered her voice. "Yes, Master. I do."
He laughed at her eagerness and Mira blushed. Had she said that too eagerly?
"Good girl. I know you want to study." But then he sighed," Mira, you know the prophecy. Tomorrow, the three lords are going to be here along with other guests."
Mira nodded her head.
"Do you have any thoughts about being with them and rule the world?"
Mira frowned and shook her head. She didn’t want any of that. What was so good about ruling the world? Since when did won do that? She didn’t want to be with such powerful mates. So, she stubbornly shook her head even more in case Master misunderstood her.
He laughed again and said," Okay okay. If you shake your head so vigorously, it will fall off. Since you don’t want that, I’ll tell you what to do to avoid it."
She looked at him and nodded eagerly. If she could escape, she would.
Reviews
All reviews (0)