Lady of Magic
Chapter 1
Alasse Fefalas

Reina stared into the mirror, scrutinizing every inch of her face. Her dark blue eyes bore into the reflection, ensuring that they were that shade of blue. Her fingers touched her soft golden hair and moved lower down her face. Her nose was straight and her red lips were full. Her chin was slightly sharp and the shape of her face was angular. Her skin was smooth and flawless. However she looked, at every angle, she knew that her face was a direct copy of her older sister’s.

Fist curled up, Reina’s face contorted into one of frustration. They were twins, Shara and Reina. Identical twins, to be more exact. It meant that they looked so similar that differences were hard to spot when met only once. But similar doesn’t mean the same, Reina thought, sighing.

Since long ago, when they went to the parties hosted by their family, people always complimented on how pretty Shara looked. Reina was always the ‘less pretty’ one. True, no one had ever called her ‘ugly’, but ‘less pretty’ is still somewhere near. But it was unprecedented. No identical twins have been measured for their beauty. They’re usually compared to how similar they looked. Yet, it has always been this way.

And Shara had never noticed this. She always just went about the party, receiving compliments from guests, men and women alike. Even if she had noticed, she had ignored it; Shara was known to love attention. Her character wasn’t that great either. She loved the spotlight, takes up every offer to go out with men and then unscrupulously leaves them the next day, and the worst of all, she wanted everything to go her own way. Her only consideration was for her twin sister, which was usually thrown away at every party they go to.

This particular party was no different. Reina would have loved to skip the party, but she was obliged to follow her parents as one of the daughters of the noblest family in the whole country of Hygeny. She did not sport a liking for dresses, but the particular red dress she had donned was her favourite. The way her sister had put it was that it ‘accentuated her curves, brought highlight to her breasts and matched her honey-coloured skin’. But to her, it just looked good on herself and it wasn’t too showy. It showed off little skin, compared to her sisters’ dresses; It simply had a large V starting from her shoulders to the middle of her chest. She gave a little twirl in front of the full body mirror and watched as her bell-sleeves and -bottom danced in their own rhythm. Reina smiled at her reflection and decided that it was time for her to make her reappearance at the party, having run from it and into the ladies’ room.

It didn’t take long for Reina to locate her sister, as she usually was surrounded by many, and strode over to her. When Shara noticed her sister coming towards her, she excused herself from the crowd and went over to her sister’s side.

“And just where did you go, Reina? I was searching for you!” Shara whispered.

“Sorry. I had to go to the toilet,” Reina replied apologetically.

“You mean you’re still scared of these parties, Reina? How old are you? You’re already seventeen already!” Shara whispered indignantly.

“Of course not! I just had to go, that’s all. I swear,” Reina whispered back.

Shara gave her a judging look before shrugging and taking her sister’s hand. She led her twin to a tall man dressed up fancily like every other noble man. Reina felt confused. Her sister had never done this before. She usually kept the men she’d met to herself. After racking her mind and finding no reason, she just decided to wait for her sister’s explanation.

Stopping right in front of the man, Shara introduced the man, “Reina, this is Adonis Tract. Adonis, this is Reina Shawr.”

“Lady Reina. It is such an honour to meet you,” Adonis said, taking her hand in his and kissing the back of her hand. I have heard much about you as much as I have heard about your sister. Shara, the beautiful one; And Reina, the clever one.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you too Sir Adonis,” Reina said politely, the smile on her face not betraying any perplexity.

“Sir Adonis is a magician, Reina. I know how much your interest about magic is, and I’m sure he would be able to entertain you,” Shara said smoothly.

“I certainly hope so,” Adonis replied.

Before Reina could say anything, Shara politely extracted herself from her sister and her guest. An awkward silence followed, which was soon broken by Adonis, “Well, Lady Reina, I have heard much about your interest in magic from your sister.”

“Have you, Sir Adonis? I am sure not all is nice. After all, I am a woman, and women are not allowed to learn or use magic.” Reina replied boldly.

“And do you know why is that, Lady?” Adonis asked. After a slight hesitation, Reina shook her head. “Well, actually, it is not that women are not allowed to use magic. It is just that they lack it. Women are born with less or no magical ability as compared to men. It is not thoroughly known why, but it has been that way for nearly two millennia. However, we have recently detected a shift of magic in the air. As you know, magic surrounds those who have enough magical ability to call upon the magic in the air. As I have said, for nearly two millennia, the magic have surrounded only men. However, it is recently found out that this magic is beginning to surround another.”

“You mean... that it is beginning to surround a woman...?” Reina asked hesitantly.

“Precisely. I have been tasked to search for this particular woman,” Adonis told her.

“Can you not just see who is surrounded by magic?” Reina suggested.

Smiling, Adonis replied, “Not everyone can see magic, especially when in its raw form. Only highly gifted people we call ‘The Elders’ can see.”

“Since they are so gifted, why do they not go after this woman themselves? It would be much faster and easier,” Reina said angrily.

Adonis laughed at her comment, “I like you. You’re bold and very straight. And yes, you are right. If they could do it, it would be much faster and easier.” Adonis put his finger on her lips when it parted slightly to rebut him. “But, they are not called The Elders just because they are highly gifted. It is also because they are old. If they go on this search, it would take years before they actually find her. Hygeny is not a small country. So they have tasked me with the search instead.”

“Why you, and not anyone else?” Reina asked.

“Because, my Lady, I am the strongest, cleverest and fastest magician in this whole country,” Adonis answered proudly.

“Why do the magicians need the strongest magician to search for just one person?” Reina enquired.

Adonis hesitated before answering, “The Magicians’ High Order not only want me to search for her, but also to... restrain and bring her back to the Order’s Headquarters.”

“You didn’t answer my question, Sir Adonis,” Reina said sceptically, raising an eyebrow.

“They do not call you intelligent for nothing, that is for sure,” Adonis said laughingly. Sobering, he challenged, “You are clever. Try to figure out why they sent the strongest magician just for one woman.”

Reina paused, thinking. When it came to her, she gasped in horror. “You cannot! Surely you would not!”

“It is my job. ‘Search and restrain. If she proves to be too much of a hassle, eliminate her’. That was my order,” Adonis said gravely.

“‘Too much of a hassle’... they just do not want a female magician, do they?” Reina said. Adonis shrugged in reply. “Coming from an Order full of men, a woman magician would definitely prick your pride, so it is ultimately inevitable. I can guess that much. However, there is one thing I do not understand. Why are telling me all this?”

“You are clever, intelligent, quick-witted, bold and forward. I have come here to seek your assistance, Reina Shawr.” Adonis said with great reverence.

“Me? But what can I do? I am merely a woman. I would only hinder your search,” Reina said quickly.

“You are much more intelligent than I am, and your family have many connections, which can come in handy during my search.” Adonis smiled.

“So you are just using me?” Reina asked, surprised at his forwardness.

“I am not going to beat around the bush. Yes. However, if it does not suit you, I can rephrase my question and descriptions. You can learn more about magic from me on this trip. I am sure that would make the offer more enticing,” Adonis said, his smile not disappearing even once.

“You really have a way with words, Sir Adonis.” Reina sighed exasperatedly.

“Just Adonis is fine, since we are going to be partners,” Adonis said, holding his hand out.

“Fine, Adonis. And you call me Reina. I hate all this ‘Lady’ stuff. So when are we going, Adonis?” Reina grinned, taking his hand and shaking it.

“How does two days from tonight sound?” Adonis asked.

“It sounds absolutely great. What should I bring?”

“Just light clothing. Nothing too fancy. And, of course, your women daily necessities.”

“That is fine with me. I’ll meet you at the Fountain Square in two days time. It was great talking to you, Sir Adonis. I’m sorry you have to. I do hope to meet you again,” Reina said politely, and watched him walk out the door, waving a hand at her.