THE THIRD MAGE 5 First Music Class

Denaire turned again, her face reddening. She couldn't fathom the shame and pride she felt that the Queen healed her. The Queen told her that water magic has a subcategory of healing, and that there were only few who could delve into that art. Wow the Queen is so amazing.

Denaire looked out at the night sky through her window. She thought how amazing people are with their magic. She thought, 'Could I be amazing too?' And with that thought, she fell asleep.

***

Denaire woke up early to get to the Central District. She was tasked to talk to her family before the Queen arrives for breakfast at Lady Samarra's. Apparently, the Queen couldn't let anyone teach the Lady about history and society and stuff because, she wants to do it herself.

So, Denaire started off an hour before sunrise. As she reached the noisy Central District, she was surprised to find it empty and quiet.

"Oh. People still do sleep here in this part," Denaire said jokingly.

She navigated around the crowded neighborhood, where s.p.a.ces between houses were too small for a big person to fit in. But even with the many turns, she could still find her way to her beautiful home.

It has been so long when she last stepped in their house. And it was still the same as she remembered it.

The house was a bungalow type, with enough s.p.a.ce for a normal house, complete with kitchen, living room, bedrooms and bathroom. Although it was small, it was the thing that held her in place to struggle to live so that someday she could step in it again. The no-mage were forbidden to step foot on houses belonging to a person with a higher cla.s.s than them, except for work.

And now, she could finally come back, even if it's for work, she was just too happy to see it again.

She knocked on the door thrice, the way she used to knock before. She noticed the light on the living room turned on. She guessed it was her Papa, he was the first to recognize her distinct way of knocking, like a woodp.e.c.k.e.r pecking on wood.

As soon as it opened, "Papa!" Denaire jumped on her father.

"Oh oh Denaire my girl! Stay put, I'm getting old!"

Denaire laughed and slowly got down. The other occupants of the house probably heard the ruckus as they individually went out of their rooms rubbing their eyes.

"What's happening?" Dior groggily asked.

Damien, who was still clutching his pillow, was wide-eyed as his sight fell on Denaire. He groggily asked out loud, "Denaire?"

Denaire ran to him and hugged him in answer.

"Oh oh. Denaire is really here!"

The rest of the family rushed up and hugged her too, forming a big hug.

***

They were all seated on the dining table.

"So baby, what brought you here?" Aria asked as she sipped her cup of tea.

"Well, I might have slipped to the Queen that you were all musicians. And that she wants all of you to teach Lady Samarra and Prince Amon all about music."

Dior couldn't control his bursting emotions and he jumped up in joy. "Does that mean we're allowed to go to the n.o.ble District or the palace?!"

Denaire scratched her head, unsure of her brother's unusual reaction.

"Uh, it can't be the palace. No one is allowed to step in there if not in the Royal status." Xyrille replied, which got Dior slackening in sadness.

"But brother Dior," Denaire consolingly said, "You could finally see up close Lady Samarra. And you could teach her how you play the harp!"

Dior was finally enthusiastic again. He excused himself to polish his harp.

"Oh well. That boy." Aria laughingly said. "So darling, when are we set to go there?"

"Now, if you're ready."

"Now?!" All three jumped in horror.

Denaire could only nod and was left there slack-jawed for quite some time for the house has been immediately succ.u.mbed in a state of scrambling and scurrying. She realized that seeing the Queen definitely needs a lot of preparation. "I should have come here earlier," she regretfully said.

***

The family patiently waited in the huge ballroom. Denaire prepared them seats while waiting for the royal family to arrive. They fidgeted in nervousness and antic.i.p.ation.

Meanwhile, Denaire went up to Lady Samarra's room to attend to her.

"Lady Samarra," Denaire called out from outside her room.

Lady Samarra rolled in her bed until she could sit up. "Denaire?"

"Yes, my Lady. May I come in?"

"Yeah." and Lady Samarra plopped back down the bed.

As Denaire entered, she let out a soft sigh. 'The rich do have it easy, having someone helping them to dress.'

"Lady Samarra, please get up now. The Queen will have her breakfast here, and it's already sunrise."

Lady Samarra shot up from the bed. "Oh G.o.ds, Denaire! I forgot! Quick help me bath."

Lady Samarra and Denaire quickly finished their task and were quickly walking down to meet the Queen. Denaire quietly whispered to the Lady before turning towards the stairs, "My Lady, my family is already down there. They are waiting for the Queen and you too."

"Oh!" the Lady clapped her hands in delight. "Your Mama's already there? I can't wait to meet her."

Denaire chuckled. "Later, my Lady."

When they reached the last flight of stairs, the royal family coincidentally arrived. Everyone knelt down, except for Lady Samarra who dashed up towards her Mama.

"Mama!"

The Queen glared at her for a second, but thought better and just scooped her up. "How's my little baby baby?" Queen Iris said while pinching her cheeks.

As the King ordered for them to rise, Denaire immediately went forward to the Queen.

"Your Majesty, I have brought here before you my family."

Queen Iris jumped in delight. "Oh really! Let's go. We'll talk about everything in the dining room. I think we're all famished."

***

Breakfast was okay. The Queen requested my family to teach Lady Samarra and Prince Amon every first day of the week. They were to be taught first the basics and try where there talents and interests lie. It was a good arrangement and my Mama hoped that they might learn something.

"So, we're all done. Why don't we start the music cla.s.s today?"

Everyone was baffled by how fast the events turned.

The Queen cleared her throat awkwardly. "Uh, we want to know each of your capabilities, so can you play something for us?"

Dior was the one who first spoke, his aura s.h.i.+ning like the sun, "It's our pleasure, Your Majesty."