Where Love and Danger Lie

ld against me. I had thought to myself why he wouldn't just come out and give me all the information that I suspect they had for me. Knowing my father, he held back information so th

it was necessary to reveal this or you likely would be standing there dumbfounded. The portal plays integral role in tonight's ceremony as well. The portal to Vellum is an important connection from this world to our native world. You will see." All

w King will appreciate having you back at his side." Father moved along to another face that looked familiar Mrs. Kemp, "Your grace, I would like to thank you for the honor of protecting The Batiste, while she has been a handful at times, I know that it was only protect herself from these-." Father stopped what she had to say but chiming in, "I understand what you are trying to Marie Kampe, like Claude, you were also offered by King Thierry and I am grateful for your service in keeping my daughter safe. That said please understand that I do not cut you off to be rude but Alexandra does not yet know everything about herself. I didn't want her distracted from the task at hand. Please understand." Mrs. Kemp, or rather Mrs. Kampe, curtsied and then nodded,

ot allowed to step foot in Vellum until she became of age. Had you ever wondered why that is?" I didn't know what to make of this man but he was handsome and you could tell his intent wasn't to bully but to get me to wonder even more what my father knew that I didn't. I shrugged, "I never even knew about Vellum until about an hour ago so it never occurred to me to question. My name Alexandra by the way. And you are sir?" He waved his hand as if dismiss what I just said, "Oh my name is Burnett but that isn't really important. I have to say I have no intention of being fake with you. Should you see me again, know that I am always going to be...what is it the kids say here? Oh, yes, 'real' with you. You had a sheltered life here but that is about to change. I believe you will need that type of attitude when you are at LDMU. Also be weary of the one they call Lucien, he's into withholding information just like our Duke here." I looked at him skeptically, "

the carriage using his hand to steady myself. He swiftly got in behind me, leaving the door open for my mother who followed and grandfather who had helped her in the carriage. In the presence of my mother, I decided it was best not be a smart ass and just listen. It would do me no good to make mother mad right before my cult death, I didn't want to go out like that. My father cleared his throat as the carriage started to move, "As I was saying, you will lay on the alter. The Pretre will place the ash of the blackwood on your forehead..." Oh I was trying hard not to be a smart ass but I had to, "Cool I'm going to be like a lion in a cartoon or something." My mom shot me a dirty look. "Sorry, please proceed," I shrunk into my seat. "He will chant above you and I swear Xan, if you don't take this seriously when this happens, I will sick Talia on you." I looked at my mother, she was not

epped down and placed my hand in his. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Please stand at attention for His Grace, Duke Reginald Batiste and is progeny Miss Alexandra Rose Batiste the presumptive future Duchess of Blackwood!" Presumptive was the key word here, I had to steel myself to get through this night and have no hesitation. The way my father explained it, I had to assume that I had to have no doubt in my heart

Was he blind? "No dear child, I am not blind." Um, did he read my mind? "Yes, child I did but I can only do so as long as we are touching. I can also see your future, important you are." It was slightly off putting to have this dude in my head and to see my future. "I understand child but I will be your spiritual guidance in the future and you should get used to me. Understand?" I nodded, "I did not mean to offend you sir." "It is not a bother to me child but I need to get this ceremony started or you will not have another chance at this for a long while." I nodded, "Please proceed sir." At that he turned to the audience, "I will now give

team coming off a pressure cooker. He massaged the finger he pricked a few times to well up the blood and rolled my finger over to allow a single drop to land on the stone. He then took my finger and wrapped it into a green silk handkerchief. I looked down at the stone to await the glow that would tell me my fa