Chapter 1 - The Day I Met the Lightwoods
Magnus P.O.V.
The blue birds chirp outside the window, and streaks of light escape through miniature gaps from the red, velvet curtains. I'm now awake somehow, half an hour earlier than usual. I was groggy from last night's alcohol, last nights fight with my parents. Same old, same old.
I slowly got up, and decided to quickly brush my teeth so I could get to my laboratory. To me, it's almost like my laboratory is the only thing that matters. Sure I have my parents and where would I be without them, but when I was younger, what I needed was support. Support my parents didn't give.
But my lab, it gave me hope. It's my own secret place where I can do whatever I want. I could develop myself there, develop my powers to something much stronger. I mean, what's the point of being a warlock when you won't even use your powers? I don't think my dad understands this, but that's his problem. I smirk at the thought of my dad missing out on so much.
I quickly change into my sky blue banyan, black, long breaches, a pure, silky, white cravat and a short navy blue coat edged with white fur that just reaches my waist line. I decided to also wear my capotain, a dark navy hat with a single, white feather and a gem I've decided to call zircon. It has a light blue glow, as if I were staring at the sea in a stone. Just to ice the cake, I add one a silver, shining brooch in the shape of a pentacle, with more tiny zircon gems embeded at each end of the star, and filling up the middle, swirling in my eyes. It was as if you could jump in it like a magic portal of sorts. I step forward in the mirror, and grin at my new look.
My mother always said that I had a thing for fashion, just like her. Sadly, on the other hand, my father was not as . . . appreciative. But once again, that's his problem. But my thoughts are accompanied by a growl. My stomach roared like a jungle lion and I decided it was time for breakfast. I walked out of the room with a new found confidence, shining just like the gem I wear on my chest.
I arrive at the dining table at 6:43, trying not to make a sound. If I quickly eat my breakfast, then maybe I could escape without alerting the evil ogre of a father and the strict dictator of a mother. I quickly sit down, and grabbed a small loaf of French bread, half stuffing my face and half piling food on to my plate. But before I even finished my loaf, my parents walk in. My mother, wearing a white frock and cream coloured flats, smiles at me and sits down. I am stupefied. My mother, looking straight at me, stuffing my face, ungracefully mind you, smiles. My mouth is hanging open like an unlocked door. My father suddenly spoke up.
"By the angel, close your mouth! You'll catch flies,"
I closed my mouth, and continued to chew, though with less vigour. It was my mother's turn next.
"We've got guests coming today. A noble family called the Lightwoods. They are very skilled people, and they have a daughter who is now a candidate for your marriage."
I stopped eating. After a few seconds, I sigh.
"Not this again. I've told you before, I'm not interested in getting married yet."
My mother frowned.
"You, my dear son, are the heir to the throne. You need to secure the blood line for the rest of us, the rest of the kingdom, mind you."
I continue eating, and though I hate to admit it, she's kind of right. My mother seeing that, smiles again, though this time, it's more of a smirk. She continues.
"You'll eat, and in 3 hours, you'll meet her. A remarkable daughter she is, Isabelle Lightwood. Good posture, though a bit of an attitude. That's can be good too, no use for a weak queen,"
You see, here in this kingdom, there was a strict hierarchy. There were the Royalty at the top, represented by my parents and I. Then, there were the Nobles, one below us. It was the responsibility of the male heir to the throne to marry a young girl from a Noble family, or if possible, a Royal from another kingdom. The responsibility of a Royal female heir was to marry a Noble from another kingdom, and for them to join reigns. Beneath the Nobles were the Knights and Vassals, which acted as the peacekeepers. Craftsmen, Merchants and Farmers came next, and created the bulk of the economy. The lowest class comprised of the Peasants and the Serfs.
My father just grunts. Just like him to not be involved. After finishing my breakfast, we split our to our separate ways. My mother to her painting, my father to his hunting, and me to my lab. As I tap the password on the stone slabs of my bedroom wall, I ponder on my options. To run away, I would leave a helpless kingdom, with no heir. To stay, probably marry some snobby women who is materialistic, and whom I don't love. Luckily the dungeon doors open before I can think of anything worse. I click my fingers and blue flames light up on the hay torches on the wall. They reveal the gray, spiraling staircase leading down. I slowly stride down the stairs, my footsteps echoing throughout the walls.
At the end of the staircase, there's a wooden door, with a silver lock. I pull out a silver key, with a cat's head at the head of the key. They eyes of the cat glow, as if it were truly alive. Just as I open the door, I can hear the soft purs of my cat. come rubbing themselves at my legs. I smile, a wide one.
"I'm back, Chairman Meow."
I pull out some bread with cheese on it, and toss it at the striped, little cat.
"You've developed quite an expensive palette, haven't you? Be careful though, you'll gain weight if you eat too much,"
I spend the rest of my free time toying with Chairman Meow, and mixing random potions together. I see the small sparks fly out of the beakers, and the colours change every time a new drop is added. The time flies by fast, and soon I have to go back up. I lock Chairman Meow back up in the lab, to keep him from being found out by my mother, who without a doubt disapproves of having pets.
Just as I closed the hidden door once again, I received a knock on my door. One of the house maids, Mary Collier. As she peered in, I could see strands of her blond hair coming out of her maid cap, a sign of her habit of fiddling with her cap when she's near mother. Her quiet voice came out, as if someone was softly singing.
"The Masters and Mistresses Lightwood have arrived. Ma'am has asked for you to greet them."
I nodded to her, and she hurriedly left, probably to gossip to the other maids that she actually talked to the master of the house.
The Lightwoods were pulled up in a big, black carriage, pulled by big, black horses and big black, leather reins. Sir Robert Lightwood was wearing a grey suit and holding a oak cane, looking like he's going to do business. Though, it also looks like he was just in the rain, as he is doused in sweat. I don't blame him, going to the territory of a greater demon, the nerves are the least thing you should worry about.
Maryse Lightwood decided to wear a grey dress with long sleeves, laced with . . . well, black lace. Her hair is done up in a bun, and pinned together with black knives. Yikes, I wonder if she dresses up like that everytime she's visiting. Going to visit cousin Laura for Christmas? Better wear my sharpest pair of weapons on my head!
Next, their children came out. A tall blonde one, who honestly, looked really out of his league in that dark suit. A young woman, who I assume is Isabelle, wearing a purple dress similar to her mother's, but shorter and more flowing. This time her hair is tied with a rose, though . . . now that I think about it, those vines are so sharp they might as well be weapons. Maybe it's a Lightwood thing to wear dangerous objects. Maybe it's like Lightwood tradition/fad. She is holding hands with a small boy wearing glasses. He wears a red suit, looking really tacky, but pointing that out would be rude.
Lastly, a boy stepped out. He has jet black hair, and is wearing a light grey suit, a bit too big on him, but actually making him look all the cuter. And oh, those eyes. They are so blue and tranquil, that it feels like I'll be swallowed up in them. We meet gazes, and for a second, it's really strange. As if time stopped and said:
"I feel like watching these to random people for a bit. I shouldn't stop time for selfish reasons? Who cares! it's not like anything's going to change when I'm not moving"
But alas, time got scolded by his Physical Education teacher and now continues as usual. Though the feelings still linger, I decide to put it off, and instead focus on my guests.
"Welcome Lightwoods, to my humble abode" I give them a smile and can see the effect it has on the boy. How charming.