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He was gone to meet my soon to be deceased wife with the snap of my fingers. I sat down. It drained me to create that spell, but my Maxine was smart and attentive as a child and almost learned the spell I used to open and close that door. I was aware she had made modifications since her mother went with her when she was just a young witch on the brink of her adulthood.
Maxine had been the beacon of hope that I needed until she also became the reminder of failure, repeatedly. I needed a male heir. Plain and simple and when it was apparent I could not have one with my current wife, the natural progression was to take a lover and have one out of wedlock.
Wedlock. As if there was anything more than ink on paper in a business contract like any other I signed. It wasn’t like we were in love, we were matched, suited, and the merger was beneficial to both our families. The way these things should be considered and the way Mayhem’s had been matched for generations.
Cursed. That witch had said I was cursed. I’d have to believe in such nonsense to let it bother me. Her research into mythical things and ancient lore had led her mind to break. It was a midlife crisis. I’d seen it before. Our station was a strain that I could only do so much to protect my fragile wife and privileged daughter from.
Maxine had learned her lesson when she brought that despicable mer-creature to my attention. Loudan. Yes. Loud indeed. Disgraceful creature attempting to secure my vote for matters he had no business being privy to much less lobbying on behalf of.
It was a relief when she got the invitation to Blackthorn. She could go live her best life and potentially find a suitable mate. Suitable as in a business-minded wizard with potential to give me a male grandchild. I held out hope that my belligerent and spoiled daughter would find that my way was the right way for our bloodline. Simply put, pedigree matters and things from the ocean were not compatible with a land-based life and that was where Mayhems had been and would remain.
As the last male heir of suitable age to continue the Mayhem legacy, I had one unofficial duty: create an heir. I had expanded our wealth, our territory, our powers. Well, my powers anyway, but Maxine didn’t need more power, she needed a suitable mate.
I connected the call and said, “Yes. This is Maxine Mayhem’s father. News of a disturbing nature has reached me this afternoon. I’d like to speak to someone about the safety and welfare of my only child, please.”
They were patching me through. My next call would be to the alumni association. Letting all those monsters in had done nothing but create such gossip and temptation. It was as though we could not see the parallel problems of our realm and the human one. Every monarchy that ended created chaos in its wake. Mayhem should have been the monarchy in the magic realms and none of this would— “Yes. Hello. I’m—”
“We know who you are. The policy regarding student information is very clear, Mr. Mayhem. We cannot discuss any information without your daughter’s permission.” The chipper tone made me wish I could hone in on her and send her to the prison island with the detective that failed me and the wife that failed me. All the failures could just go to prison and then I could just snap, erase all my problems at once.
I explained, “So, I just want to get this straight. I can pay her tuition, be her emergency contact, but when I call to check in on her, I’m a stranger?”
“Sir—”
“Where are you located in the academy, exactly?” I asked, trying to conjure the image and location. I’d try to send her to prison anyway.
“Mr. Mayhem, that sounds like a threat. You know outside magic does not work here. If you would like to speak with your daughter about her grades and life on campus, I suggest you contact her directly. If you feel we need to do a health and comfort check, I would be glad to assign someone to check in on her, but you will not have access to what they find unless she gives us permission to share that with you.” Her tone was pleasant enough, but I could tell that I wasn’t the first parent to annoy her.
“Then I’ll set aside my highly-demanding job to make a visit to your remote grounds to check in on her myself.” I disconnected with annoyance. I should have sent Maxine with an ancient crystal or something. A scrying bowl. I shoved out of my chair and stomped to the space my new receptionist slash heir provider occupied and said, “Schedule me a trip to Blackthorn sometime in the next few weeks. I need to remind them who Maxine Mayhem belongs to.”
CHAPTER 18
Thurst
We had lived in this little cottage for almost two weeks now and more nights than not, I felt like I was falling short of what Maxine truly needed. A female guide from her species to help her navigate the differences, however subtle they may be. She couldn’t get comfortable and I couldn’t help her with that, either. She needed to be in the ocean. She needed to be on her fantasy island surrounded by all the things she loved. Instead, she was attending classes, ignoring the scrutiny and whispers behind her back and to her face, at least until she got here or time alone with Ellie. I needed to do something useful, feel like I could do something useful.
This was something I felt confident I could do if given the chance.
I looked at Case and asked, “What can I do to help?”
The lid lifted, drawers moved slowly forward. I could hear the creaking sound but could not see which part was strained. I nodded and said, “I’m going to go get something. I’ll be right back.”
The nice thing about being a junior at this academy was the fact that I had taken multiple courses. Since we used weapons in the games, we learned some basic maintenance and modification skills. I grabbed the kit from my drawer and returned to the space. “I’m not going to lie to you. This might hurt before it feels better.”
Two hours later, the love and light of my life walked in looking like someone just slapped the energy out of her.
I smiled and handed her a cup of herbal tea that Ellie mentioned might help with the anxiety and overall stress that could not be good for the little one. Maxine was bigger every day. Sometimes every hour it would seem like her abdomen expanded. Of course, all the other voluptuous curves and desires expanded, too. I had taken to my own energy drink of sea salt and ground water.
“I have a surprise for you.” I helped her into the chair.
“I dropped my pen and couldn’t make it return to me. I’m too wobbly to bend over without losing my balance now,” she pouted.
“I’ll attach your pen to the notebook so it can’t fall away anymore.” I winked and then held up the throw blanket. “Look at who’s feeling better.”
I moved the blanket and revealed the most magical creature I knew, Case.
“Case?” she called and tried to sit up, three times before letting me help her.
Case wheeled in, turned one way, the next, did a full spin, and then opened and closed drawers revealing things I did not see in there earlier and I had taken it apart and put it back together.
