Incest/Taboo Spellbound

"Adam, is this true? You would allow us to stay with you if Dad gets too out of sorts to remain home?" Jill asked in shock. She would have thought Adam would let their mother flap in the wind then help her out.

"What would they say if the next Sage couldn't or wouldn't house his... mother." Jill's face held a bit of sadness on it; she had the idea that they were working out their problems, that they were finally getting close like she had always hoped it would be. However, the tone of his voice told her he had only offered because of its optics, not out of some familial ties.

"It's okay, Jill, we'll get there; we just have to be patient," Amanda uttered in a motherly tone as she smiled at her daughter. "Adam?" she cooed, getting to her feet. Her eyes watched how he rolled his right hand as he stood with his back to her as he gazed at that little pillar of dirt. "Would you permit me into moving some items for the bedrooms in for the time being in case he does do something fiendish?"

"Very well, only the beds and a single dresser; you staying will not be permanent," Adam stated in a firm tone. Knowing that blow up with Edward and how calm he was handling it and offering them shelter from their difficulties would have the nobles leaning in his favor. Now all he had to do was ratchet it up some more. Edward wasn't at the tipping point yet. How he was going to love watching the man lose everything!

"Thank you, honey; I promise we won't impose on you if we are forced to flee our home," Amanda said in a sweet tone. "Don't stay there too long, Adam; there are other works to see to," she uttered before leading her daughter back into his manor. Looking back, arching an eyebrow at how her son waved his hand and fingers around the pillar and uttered something even she couldn't understand before slipping into his house.

"Only a day remains, Adam," Holly stated as she corrected his stance as she was teaching him a new spell from the Sage's grimoire.

"I know, Master," Adam answered, keeping his attention on the spell.

"Are you prepared?"

"Can't say, Master, only time will tell; I am as ready as I can be," Adam stated, moving a finger a certain way, bending another at a sharper angle as Holly oversaw his teachings. Feeling the wind ripping at his clothes as they stood on the stone balcony high on the spire that Holly has called home for the past twenty years. Seeing how she stepped away and gestured for him to cast the spell out into the sky before them. His chest was heaving as the magic left him on his fifth cast.

"What of your staff, have you been working on..." Holly's mouth snapped closed as her sea-green eyes ran down his staff when he returned it to its normal size. Her pride in her student showed in her eyes when she knew what those glowing lines meant. It meant her student had indeed mastered his staff. "Good, I was afraid you would be going into this fight with only half your staff mastered. I'm pleased to see that you can now unlock every magjol that lies stored within it. At least you should give Sage Bartholomew a run for his money. Yet..."

"I know Master, he has the experience I do not in elongating his magic usage," Adam said, peering over at her as he rested on the wooden bench.

"So, what's your plan of battle going into this?" Holly asked, leaning against the stone railing. Feeling her cheeks heat when his eyes fell on her stomach. "I know; it's strange for me too, Adam. But we'll make the most of it, won't we?" she asked, wondering if he was going to play a part in their child's life. "I know this life isn't one conducive in raising a child, yet we put our own lives on the line, just so they," waving out to the city, "don't ever have to lift a blade or staff against another. Nonetheless, we deserve to have the same joy everyone else has. I don't know if this will be my only child; I already love him or her; if I have more, I will love them all the same. I'm hoping you think so as well. You are the only one, minus the King, that can give me the family I hope for. I know we can never marry, can never date, can never be seen kissing...." Pushing off the railing, her red, on the verge of orange, hair lifted as her eyes drank in her student. Her hips swayed, remembering his touch on her skin in the ring of mushrooms. Holding out her hand to him, her fingers curled around his, smiling lovingly at the man who gave her, her greatest gift -- motherhood. Walking backwards as she guided Adam into her private rooms.

"In here, Adam, in here I can touch, I can taste, I can bask in your presence without a worry. In here, I will raise our children. In here, Adam," her voice took on a sultry feel as it grew deep in cadence, "here I can feel like a woman again, in here," guiding his hand along her chest, the curvature of her breast, the muscles of her stomach, the shape of her mons Venus, "in here, I make you mine," Holly growled in a ravenous need.

"To answer your question, Master," bringing up his right hand, "my plan for the fight is to start out with a bang," Adam uttered sinfully, closing the door with a flick of two of his fingers.

It was late in the afternoon that found Adam in the Royal garden. There was no rule against it; they might frown on it, he wasn't about to die, especially from mana drain. A death that was common in the last war, as the nations pushed their mages to the breaking point, a death that is akin to having your skin peeled off, fried in hot oil, and stitching it back on while it's dripping with hot oil, alive. Something he was not too keen on experiencing, yet he knew during the fight, in order to win it, he might have to push his body to that point. Yet there was a very brief window one could reverse that and come out alive. Adam just hoped the trapped Djinn would hear his wish. The light buzzing of wings caught his attention, looking for the natural flow of magjols in the air, hearing that giggle, some people call it cute; Adam, on the other hand, found it downright creepy. He had been waiting for her to return. Glancing down at the top of the fence post as two bottles of Fae nectar appeared in a shower of dust.

Nodding when she explained, given his size and amount of natural magjols within him, that all his three wishes from the only Djinn that would hear his request on short notice, in Djinn terms, were consumed to create the two bottles of nectar, each equivalent to his normal magjol count

"Adam? Who are you talking to?" Nodding, using his body to block her view so his friend could seek cover.

"What? Huh?" Adam muttered, playing it off like he didn't hear her.

"I asked who were you talking to?" Roselyn asked, eyeing curiously.

"Oh?! I was talking to my golems I created."

"Do what?"

"Well, since I can't leave the city and I have people constantly looking over my shoulder, present company excluded," getting a smile out of her, "I had them deliver my private messages to my grandparents along with other things I need for spell work that you can't find here," Adam lied.

"Oh, sorry, yeah, castle life does take some getting used to," Roselyn nodded, inviting him to join her side. "But I hear you'll be free of this place soon, with how your manor is coming along."

"Yeah, wasn't that into it at first, but now," looking around seeing just about everyone's eyes on him, "thinking of turning the third floor into a workshop of sorts," Adam muttered with a tap of his chin.

"Oh? Sounds... interesting; yes, I'm sure you can't practice casting in such confined spaces..." Her voice suddenly died off when her mind began to piece together the spells he would need to insure nothing broke free from the barrier that she knew he would place around the floor, "Now that I think about it, I very much would like to see this workshop of yours when you've completed it of course."

"When I return tomorrow, how about I escort you over."

"Would it be imposing on your hospitality if I asked Selene to meet us there?" Roselyn asked in a shy tone.

"Sure, actually, you'll be doing me a favor."

"Yes, I did sense the tension between the two of you. As long as you're sure," Roselyn said happily as he nodded.

"I'll have her get the front room prepared for entertaining guests." Adam huffed when Roselyn hugged him hard, knowing that was as far as she could go. "I'll be back, I promise." Were his last words to Roselyn as he was led to the room where he was to be sequestered until the time of the duel. A smile formed on her lips at how confident he sounded as he made preparations for the day after, like tomorrow wouldn't come.

"Hello, son, they let me in to have one last word with you." His mother's voice stilled him in his tracks as the chamber door closed in a bang. "I know you don't wish to speak with me about your life, as saddened as I am by that," rising her hands undoing the belt that held her wrap dress taut on her body, "yet allow me to give you something before you go off to meet your fate," Amanda said, pushing her dress from her shoulders, displaying her naked body to her son.

The stench of smoke hung foul in the air. Taunts, shouts, explosions rained down on that small, floating island landmass as it hung unmoving in neutral territory. Where all duels took place, where countless bodies lay buried. While the victor went on to claim glory. It was no less deadly than as it was at that moment as Adam hid, waiting for his time to use his diversion so he could continue in building up the spell. While he could normally cast it without all the build-up, yet against an opponent like Bartholomew, he needed a little bit more of a focused blast. Which meant he had to keep the man distracted while he formed the circle of his spell.

Slipping off unseen to the next place of cover, keeping his eyes open. The man wouldn't know what was coming to greet him as Adam made it to the westerly point on the island. He didn't care what the nobles thought of his actions; they weren't the ones with their life in the balance. Wondering how his father would take it if he found out he had been fiddling with his storm tomes. It was what gave him the idea for his version of a lightning whip. He got three of the man's fingers with that move, which was why the man was screaming for his head at the moment. Turning the two trees into a trap for Bartholomew to give him time to get the spell ready. He knew the moment he saw the man; he couldn't win in a head-on fight. Bartholomew just had too much on him. However, if he could catch him unawares, then he would unleash the greatest spell in their grimoire. He knew it would take the man out, now if it killed him along with Bartholomew, that he couldn't say.

Spinning around, startled, as Bartholomew's voice filled the air. Creating an illusion of himself and sending it bounding loudly through the forest southward to the clearing. Calling his broom to him, smirking when the man was doing exactly like he hoped he would. Taking to the sky so he could get out of the blast zone.

"No, don't tell me, Adam, what... no, it can't be done," Holly mumbled and cursed as she watched on from the stadium where all duels in the city took place. "It's not too late to stop this, Adam!" Looking over when King Aragon touched her hand.

"What's the problem, Holly? Adam's about to win, aren't you..."

"You don't understand; even if he wins, he's still going to die. He doesn't have the magjols needed to cast that large of a spell without sacrificing his own life in doing so?!"

"What?!" Roselyn shouted, surging to her feet in shock and heartbreak as she looked back to the broadcast. "No! Adam!" she cried out as she was helpless to watch the death of her friend.

"Oh, blackness shrouded in light," Bartholomew huffed and puffed as he lumbered through the dense trees, "I beseech thee," stopping in his tracks as a red light shot up at him in his chase for vengeance, "a destructive force without equal! I am the alias of destruction incarnate," his eyes were all about as the wind began to pick up, his clothes were buffeted, fear crawled up his spine as the realization of what was happening dawned on him, "in accordance with the principles of all creation. Allow the spear of eternity to pierce the sky and rain justice upon the land. Cosmic Meteor!" Bartholomew chanced a look; his stomach fell out from under him as he stared up into space. All thought of the duel was thrown to the win as he raced to get off the island alive.

Cursing his King as the first thunderous impact shook the ground. Sliding on his heels in the loose dirt and falling onto his rear. His legs scrambled as the remains of the animated husks advanced. In the end, Bartholomew screamed like a little girl as he gazed up and saw his death.

A loud hush rippled through the crowd in a wave as all watched on in helplessness. Two lone voices cried out: 'Adam!' as the tax of using such a spell, given his magjols being drained from his body, came due. "No!" A horrific wail resounded throughout the stadium as Adam Bordun's body fell to the left and to his watery death. Elenore and Frank watched on from the rear of their shop, her teeth tearing at the cloth of her neckerchief in her worry as all they could do was watch the fate of their grandson play out before them.

His mind was adrift. His magic was all gone. The wind howled in his ears as he neared the end of his life. Suddenly his eyes snapped open as the face of his father flashed in his mind. Adam could have sworn he heard his father's voice encouraging him not to give up. Quickly reaching into his tunic, wrenching the cork free with his teeth, he downed the contents as quickly as it touched his lips. Flipping his body over, trying to keep his eyes open due to the rushing of wind. Feeling the nectar restoring his magjols.

"Al' tu chekler!" Adam's voice thundered like a breaking glacier as he thrust his hand out.

Thunderous cheers rang out in the stadium as all watched as that pillar of ice grew and grew. Roselyn and Selene danced in each other's arms. Holly's hands cupped her mouth, she had no idea how he did it, yet she was so very happy he was still alive. Aragon's fist thumped on his armrest, reaching over taking his wife's hand into his, feeling her worry just fading away. Jill and Amanda shouted in joy as the orbs that were sent to broadcast the duel circled around Adam as he stood alone on that pillar of ice.

Both Edwards' paled at what they both witnessed; Edward Sr., because he knew Adam was going to kill him, he just had a feeling. Edward Jr. because he knew he could never match his brother and knew if he kept pushing his luck, he too would meet the same fate as Sage Bartholomew. Frank and Elenore were howling in joy at the sight of Adam. Holding each other tightly, knowing their son would have been so proud of Adam if Jason were still alive. All watched as Adam held out his hand; his broom soon filled it as the spatial portal opened in front of him. Blowing out a breath, steeling himself for what was to come next before stepping through the portal.

The moment Adam stepped out of that portal, his ears were filled with their roaring cheers. Waving to the crowd as their faces were lit with glee as his gaze ran over the cheering crowd of nobles. Waving especially to Skyler and Ryann when he spotted them in the crowd, which earned them looks from the surrounding nobles. He couldn't make out what Jill was saying to him over the noise, yet it was odd seeing his mother crying on his behalf as she wiped her tears away.

"Settle down, you rowdy lot!" King Aragon spoke in a joking light, getting a rolling chuckle out of the crowd. "We all witnessed what this fine man has done for this kingdom," looking back at his daughter, who was blushing hard, "what he will once again do for this kingdom when it's his time to take the reins of Sageship. Yet, let us not forget the cost of this victory, the loss of a life; of a man who was very honored among his people." A moment of silence drifted through the crowd as each expressed their remorse for the man's passing. "Now," Aragon's powerful, booming voice filled the air, "let's all give a round of applause for the Sage-in-waiting, for his grand performance in that fine duel." The beating of his hand on the railing of the Royal box was drowned out by the clapping of the hundreds of nobles in attendance. "Now, I am sure there are many people who wish to congratulate you on your victory, young Sage, yet the duties of the Sage never stop. So enjoy this moment and return to the castle so we might discuss future things." Smiling down at Adam when he bowed in understanding.

"Adam! Adam!" Jill shouted out, waving her arm for her brother to see as he floated upwards on his broom. Looking over at the touch on her shoulder, seeing the worry and the relief on her mother's face as Adam neared.

"What?" Adam spoke as he hovered in front of his sister.

"Very nicely done, Adam; I'm sure Sage Hawthorne is very pleased by how you've taken to your studies," Amanda praised, waving off Edward's grumbling. Knowing he's been doing everything in his power to tie her son to the fires that ruined the indigo field and cotton plantation he owned. She knew that was going to hurt Edward greatly, seeing how a quarter of his income came from those fields. She would admit she was getting great joy from watching Adam humiliate him. More so when it was Edward's own doing that caused said humiliation in the first place. Recounting how Adam had her pinned against the wall of that room, thrusting that hard rod into her. Making her pussy wetter than she could imagine at the thought of the guards overhearing them. Loving how her pussy felt cumming on his cock as her son took her, and took her again, sucking on her lower lip, she did enjoy being her son's slut. And now, with this win, she knew her son would reach heights that Edward could never achieve.

"I thought you were going to die?!" Jill exclaimed.

"Me too," Adam admitted.

"You... how?" Jill stammered at the realization that Adam had gone into it, knowing he would die regardless.

"Trade secret," Adam said coyly.

"We must have a feast! We need to celebrate this victory," Amanda uttered with a firm nod.

"What were you thinking?" Jill asked, instantly hooked.

"Well, Warrenton manor is still in no shape to house such a grand party for one such as thee," gesturing to her son who peered at her oddly, "our manor will just have to do, after all, Edward would be thrilled in hosting a party for his esteemed step-son, won't you Edward?" Amanda asked, turning to him, putting Edward on the spot.

Edward glared at his wife, knowing full well if he said no, all of the nobility would question the lies they had told them. He had already heard some snickering about him going on when he would visit the tavern where most nobles go to do business and have some good wine while doing it. He knew if he said no, the contacts he had would dry up, his goods would be left to rot, and soon he would be penniless. Something he was sure Adam would have a hand in, yet he couldn't prove his involvement as much as that infuriated him.

"Of course, dear, it would be an honor for House Mortanhouse to host this event. Such a remarkable feat given his upbringing," Edward stated, taking a jab at Adam's father as he tugged at the lapels of his suit jacket. "I knew if we pushed him hard enough, he could do..." His voice died away when those pale blue eyes fell on him.

"What was that, little noble? I didn't quite make that out; I might still have ringing in my ears due to the explosions. It sounded like you helped to teach me; when was this exactly, hmm?" Adam hummed. "As I recall, you shipped me off to boarding school since I would rather not see that..." Gesturing to Edward's face, smiling cruelly at how red Edward was getting, "every single day of my life. How she puts up with it is beyond me."

"Adam, don't insult Dad, please, for me?" Jill uttered with a pleading look.

"I'll stop when he stops lying; sounds like a fair deal to me." Smirking, he watched as Edward spun around and pushed his way through the crowd with Jr. in tow.

"You will come to the party, right?" Jill asked, wondering if they could sneak off for her to know what those lips... fighting down those thoughts. She couldn't let anyone know about them. She didn't want to embarrass Adam if it ever got out that she was infatuated with her own half-brother.

"Long as you invite Skyler and Ryann."

"Of course, Adam," Jill nodded. "I'm sure they'll be the first ones there."

"Is the front room ready?" Adam asked, looking over at Amanda, knowing he had a promise to keep.

"Of course, Adam," Amanda nodded, "I had the maids work into the night to ensure the room was presentable for the Princess and Duchess Wivell's arrival this afternoon. I was waiting to speak with you before inquiring what I should get for snacks for the three of you to enjoy while you visit with one another." Amanda just didn't tell him that she, too, would be attending, given the look on her daughter's face, who also would be there. Watching how he reached into his coin purse that hung off his belt, hearing the sounds of the coins as his fingers fumbled around within it. It wasn't hard for Amanda to discern that there were far more gold coins than silver or copper within that bag. Holding out her hand as Adam dropped ten gold coins into her hand.

"You know where Almons is located?" Adam asked with a pointed look.

"Yes, of course, I do," Amanda muttered, knowing that store was in the heart of the noble ring, where all the more luxurious shops were located.

"Get a bag of Ameirna beans, the gold bag, not the red bag," Adam instructed, "you know where Sweet Delights is?" Amanda vigorously nodded her head that she did. "Get ten of their strawberry puffs; Roselyn and Selene like those," seeing his mother's eyes widen at how close he was to them to use their first names, "get the same number of their orange tarts, I like those."

"Yes, Adam, I'll go right away," Amanda spoke, knowing she was going to be the talk of the town being seen in that part of the ring.

"I must return to the castle."

"Of course, of course, you have duties to perform, and I have shopping to do, worry not, son, this afternoon will go splendidly," Amanda said, putting on airs. "Come, Jill, we have much to do and little time."

"Yes, mother, I can't wait for this party!" Jill uttered excitedly.

"Yes, I as well; we'll just have to keep your father from ruining it," Amanda stated, with Jill sadly nodding along. Glancing up as her son sored into the sky on his broom, she knew her star was rising as well, and she planned on showing Adam just how appreciative she was for that.

"Adam!" Roselyn shouted as she raced across the throne room once Adam made his grand, heroic entrance. The force of the hug she wrapped him in staggered Adam back a few steps. "I thought you were going to die," she whispered as she held her friend close.

"I did too there for a moment," Adam said, patting Roselyn's back.

"Thank you for what you did for us; we'll never forget it," Roselyn whispered into his ear, placing a light kiss on his right cheek before backing away. "I know when it's time for you to take on the mantle of Sage, that my kingdom will be in safe hands," she said proudly as she backed away. Smiling at Adam as the Palace Guards snapped to attention. Nodding to him that his father would have been proud of him to see his son standing there after proving to all that he would lay down his life if the need arose for his kingdom. Noting the prideful looks in her soldier's eyes as they moved as one to salute Adam's return to the castle. Shooting her friend a smile as Adam walked with his head held high, his shoulders square, the velvet of the carpet damping his footfalls as he approached the King and Queen.

"My King, My Queen, I, Adam Bordun, acting Sage, have returned to your side," Adam spoke in a loud, firm, confident voice as he knelt before the two of them.

"Rise, Sage Bordun," King Aragon spoke in a regal tone. "While the Queen and I weren't happy with how our daughter handled her problem," seeing how Roselyn looked embarrassingly away, "it serves me, the Royal family, and the Kingdom well to know that you are indeed worthy of taking up the mantle of Sage when your time comes."

Alena held a warm light in her eyes with an equally warm smile on her lips as she gazed down at Adam as Aragon continued to speak. Holly, while happy that Adam was still with them, yet she just couldn't keep from thinking that he shouldn't be standing there. She knew he didn't have the magjols to summon that large of a spell on his own, not without spending all the magjols in his body resulting in mana drain. She had to figure it out, or it was going to drive her mad!

"Now in accordance with the ancient laws governing duels," waving to the man who stood off to the side, "given how vast your reward is, the Queen and I have taken the liberty of having it placed in your main vault at Ward Financial," Aragon said as the gnome approached Adam.

"Lord Sage," opening his ledger that Adam knew very well by the look of it, "if you will sign here indicating that two million gold pieces, a hundred emeralds, fifty rubies, twenty-six sapphires, and five flawless diamonds have been added to your vault," the gnome directed, all the while eyeing Adam. It wasn't hard to know, at least for a gnome it wasn't, that the smell of Fae was in the air. "Thank you, Lord Sage," the gnome stated before snapping his ledger closed, bowing to the King and Queen before making his way back to his bank.

"Now, Sage Bordun, I turn you over to your Master; I am sure she has her own words for you," King Aragon said, holding out his hand to his wife, who rose very elegantly from her throne.

"Adam, before you leave back to your school, we must have dinner; I know the King has so many questions about your duel," Alena uttered in a sweet tone as she laid her hand on her husband's upper right arm. "And do try not to fall into the trouble that surrounds those two," she said in a teasing tone, pointing at her daughter and Selene.

"Mother?!" Roselyn groaned, getting a chuckle out of her mother that died away as the thick door closed behind her.

"Meet you in the courtyard in an hour?" Roselyn asked in a quizzical tone.

"Make that an hour and a half, Master doesn't look too pleased," Adam said from the side of his mouth.

"If you survived that, I'm sure facing down your Master won't be too difficult," Roselyn said in a joking light before she too walked off with Selene at her side, only leaving him, the dispersing guards, and his Master in the throne room.

"Come, Adam," Holly commanded, beckoning him to follow from over her shoulder as she passed him. Listening to his quick conversation as they walked towards her tower, where they would have the privacy they needed. "Is your Master unworthy to visit your home?" she asked; she too would like to leave the castle from time to time yet being surrounded by guards left very few places she could visit and not disturb the populace.

"What?! Of course not, Master. Warrenton manor is always open for you; if you like, you're most welcome to join the Princess, Duchess Wivell, and myself this afternoon," Adam offered.

"I think I should; an unsupervised boy with two women is bound for trouble," Holly teased, her smile stretched from ear to ear, glad that he was the same old Adam. "So, what did you use?" she asked in a stern tone over the clang of the thick door when it closed.

"I..."

"You might fool everyone else out there, but you and I both know you should be dead right now with casting that spell," Holly cut him off. "Out with it, Adam."

"Alright, yeah, you're right, I should be dead right now," Adam admitted. "Promise this stays between us?"

"Of course, Adam, you know you can tell me anything in my tower, and it will never leave it. Adam, what do you have there?" Holly asked curiously when Adam pulled out a small bottle from his tunic.

"Fae nectar."

"Do what?!"

"Think of it like a magical, restorative mead," Adam stated the best that he could.

"And this is how you survived your mana drain?" Holly asked skeptically.

"Pretty much," Adam nodded. He just didn't tell her; he also drew on the teachings of Mab to draw the Fae mana to him so he could think clearly.

"Will you allow me a sample to study?" Holly asked inquisitively, her eyes darting from the bottle to his face.

"Of course, Master," Adam bowed. Smirking at how happy she was as she skipped to where she kept her glass slides. He would never say it out loud, one Holly would kill him if he did, yet she did look cute with her tongue sticking out like that as he placed a drop of the nectar on the slide.

"I'll just save that for later," Holly said aloud as she lightly patted the slide. "Now, what do I want to wear for this outing?" she mused, tilting her head back deep in thought. "Don't go anywhere!" Holly shouted as she bounded for the stairs to her upper living quarters.

"You must teach me how you do that?!" Adam stated as the carpet they had flown on magically rolled up before Roselyn plucked it from the ground.

"I'll be happy to, Sage Bordun," Roselyn said before handing the rug off to the guard that stood at the entrance of the gate. "Although, I'm a very harsh teacher."

"Umm..." Adam didn't know about that as he glanced at Holly. His Master was a very strict teacher.

"So, this is the estate you bought?" Holly asked, peering up at it while ignoring their banter.

"Yes, Master," Adam answered, standing at her back.

"You did say something about turning the third floor into a workshop of sorts," Roselyn said offhandedly, noting how Holly turned to peer back at Adam.

"This true?" Holly asked in a quizzical tone.

"Been thinking about it," Adam nodded.

"What's going to be in there?" Selene asked, finally glad she could hold her girlfriend's hand now since they were away from court and so many eyes.

"Haven't a clue, but I will, someday, I think," Adam joked, getting a light chuckle out of the three of them.

"I want to thank you, Adam, for opening up your home to Selene and me, you didn't have to, yet you did," Roselyn cooed in a friendly tone as she and the others followed Adam through the gate.

"No worries, Princess, after two days being there, I need a break from that place; I don't know how you and Master... well, I get Master, she can hide in her tower..."

"Watch it, young apprentice," Holly warned, getting a giggle out of Roselyn and Selene.

"I meant no disrespect, Master," Adam stated as he turned about and bowed as he continued walking.

"Uh-huh, I'll let it slide this time," Holly said, although she didn't mean it, she just liked keeping Adam on his toes.

"So, if you need a break from the place, your highness, and of course, Master, you're free to visit my estate any time you wish..." Stopping in his tracks as he caught movement from the bush, smirking to himself when he noted a wood sprite peering back at him when it pulled a leaf back.

"Adam, is something wrong?" Selene asked, stepping up to her friend's side.

"What? No, no, just thought I saw something, must be tired from the duel," Adam lied. He knew his Master didn't believe a word given how she looked at the bush and back to him.

"I'm sure you are Adam," Amanda said, choosing that time to make her appearance. "Greetings Princess Roselyn, Duchess Wivell, the pleasure of seeing the two of you again here at Warrenton manor, I've hadn't the pleasure of meeting you, yet a Sage doesn't need an introduction, do they Sage Hawthorne," she uttered, doing a curtsy to the three of them. "This is my daughter, Jill; she came to help prepare for my son's afternoon guests. Once again, you've failed to tell me we were having more guests this day. But worry not, my son, in his wisdom, has bought enough to entertain you on this wondrous afternoon."

"Greetings, Countess Mortanhouse; I'm sure my student has bought the things to sate my thirst," Holly said with a friendly smile.

"So, Adam, what are you going to do with the second floor when you turn the third floor into your workshop?" Roselyn asked, following Adam inside, not missing the shocked looks on Amanda's and Jill's faces as she passed.

"Well, bedroom obviously, the rest... haven't a clue. I'm used to having a small house, a small room, not this," Adam stated, holding out his arms to the wide space of the manor. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," he spoke with a wave for them to enter the room.

"I do like your choice of furniture, Adam," Selene stated with an approving nod.

"Thank you, I know my son, this isn't the life he's wanted; I can understand that. Yet events have pushed him into the limelight as it were, so while he's away at school, or with you, Sage Hawthorne, as the steward of this manor, it's my job to make sure Adam has only the best," Amanda said proudly.

"Is that the original wallpaper?" Holly asked, peering at the wall as she sank down on the little overstuffed loveseat.

"Why, yes it is," Amanda said, keeping her eagerness hidden at being in the same room with three of the highest-ranking members of society, slyly waving for her daughter to serve the refreshments. "It's a painstaking effort to restore and beautify this manor after its long slumber."

"I'm sure it is," Holly muttered.

"Adam," lightly touching her son's shoulder as he sat in the chair closest to the door while Roselyn and Selene commandeered the sofa, "the first floor should be restored by the end of next week. Suppose you're really interested in turning the third floor into your workshop. In that case, I can have carpenters out here as early as next week to see what walls can be taken down and which ones need to stay upright to carry the weight of the roof. This way, you'll have an open floor space to do... whatever you'll be doing up there. Will that be acceptable to you?" Amanda asked, noting how Adam was oddly staring at her.

"Yes." Was the only word he spoke as he watched Jill serving out the coffee.

"You didn't?!" Roselyn gasped when Jill quickly returned with a silver tray lined with strawberry puffs and orange tarts.

"I knew there was a reason we became friends," Selene said with a wide grin as she plucked two of the puffs off the tray and thanked Jill, who was beaming inwardly.

"Adam, are these from Sweet Delights?" Holly asked, pointing at the treats while looking at him.

"They are, Master."

"And you got the orange tarts?" Holly inquired, casting her student in a suspicious light.

"I did," Adam nodded. "You kind of got me hooked on them," he stated with a warm smile.

"Good, they're delicious! Thank you," Holly said, plucking two tarts and a puff from the tray.

"Adam, I made it just the way you like it," Jill whispered low as she set his coffee cup, with two tarts on the saucer beside it, on the small end table to his left.

"Thanks, go on; I know you want to try some," Adam muttered, nodding towards the tray.

"You sure?" Jill asked; she didn't want to overstep her bounds.

"You better, or they'll eat it all," Adam said, pointing to Roselyn and Selene; he knew better than to do that to his Master. However, he could see how she was eyeing the remaining tarts.

"Not our fault you spoil your guests," Selene huffed; Adam bit his lip as powdered sugar coated her lips as she did that.

"As long as you don't tell your mother, I will never hear the end of it that we didn't invite her along," Adam said, slyly noticing how his mother grew still when he was speaking with Roselyn.

"Adam, may Jill and I..." Affectionately touching his shoulder when he gestured for them to sit.

"I agree, Adam; if she knew you had puffs waiting here, she wouldn't have taken off with my father. So, this will be our little secret," Roselyn said, smiling as she savored the delicate pastry as it melted in her mouth.

"Adam?! You didn't tell me you've been drinking Ameirna beans?!" Holly exclaimed upon realizing where she knew the taste from.

"You didn't ask, Master." Looking down when Holly thrusted out her hand, ensnaring him in magical bindings.

"I'll be taking this," Holly stated, plucking one of his tarts from his dish. "As punishment for holding out on your Master."

"Yes, Master," Adam sighed.

"Good, next time you return to the city, I expect a fresh cup waiting for me," Holly said, walking elegantly back to her seat. "Now, as my student, eating in such a way shouldn't be to..." Smirking into her cup as one of the orange tarts lifted off the tray before flying into Adam's mouth.

"Have to work on the speed," Adam muttered low, trying to work out the soreness in the back of his throat where the tart struck it. "I think you had enough, Master," he said in a teasing voice as he used his magic to move the tray towards him. Only to gasp aloud as Holly tightened his magical bindings.

"Don't you dare deprive us of our sweets?!" Holly hissed, releasing her hold on Adam's body, who fell forward, panting for breath.

"Mmmhmm, so delicious," Roselyn sighed as she popped another puff into her mouth.

"More coffee?" Amanda asked, noticing how low their cups were.

"Yes, please," Holly said, holding hers out. "Nothing like a good cup and lots of treats," she sighed as she leaned back in the loveseat.

"I'll make sure there are plenty of them here whenever you choose to visit Warrenton manor," Amanda stated while eyeing her son from over the rim of her cup. Knowing what she was going to be doing to repay her son, this boon he has given her. She might care about her status that didn't mean she didn't care and watch out for Adam's welfare.

"Thank you so much for letting us come," Roselyn said, lightly hugging Adam as they stood at his gate after their afternoon visit came to a close. "I so needed to get out of the castle for a bit."

"Well, apparently, they," pointing over his shoulder at his mother and sister, "are throwing me a party tonight; if you want, you're welcome to come," Adam offered.

"And where will this party be?" Selene asked, very curious, seeing Roselyn thinking the same thing; they could use a night with just the two of them.

"Mortanhouse manor."

"Time?"

"Eight o'clock," Adam stated, ignoring how his Master was poking around the bush. "Master?"

"Just curious, Adam, that's all," Holly muttered as she tried to find what Adam peered at upon their arrival. She knew she felt Fae about the area; she just couldn't understand why they weren't showing themselves to her like they did in their lands.

"You wouldn't mind if we showed up?" Roselyn asked, knowing her presence would draw attention away from his victory.

"Not one bit," leaning in, "if I don't have someone to talk to there, I'm afraid that manor won't last the night," Adam whispered.

"Mmm, yes, I do see that happening; we'll be there at eight sharp," Roselyn stated with a firm nod.

"Bye, Adam, thank you for the coffee and treats," leaning up and placing a friendly kiss on his cheek, "that's for defending my girlfriend from that brute," Selene said sweetly before turning and slipping her hand into Roselyn's glad they could be together as a couple in one place.

"Sage?" Roselyn called out.

"You have Fae; I know you do; I want to know why?" Holly whispered heatedly into Adam's ear before joining the other two on the carpet.

"See you tonight, Adam," Roselyn waved down at him before heading towards the castle.

Adam blew out a breath as he ran his hand through his hair. Wondering how he was to explain this to his Master and still keep his oath to Queen Mab in the process. So lost in trying to figure out a way to explain it to her, he failed to hear Amanda's and Jill's approach. Shock played along his face when his mother spun him around.​