Winterfall

Breakfast was nothing but usual. Theo arrived a bit late, but hey, that was purposeful. As we ate, we talked about our plans for the day.

"I want to read more of those books."

I proclaimed. I was determined to know what was in them. The ones I had read were interesting, and part of me couldn't help but want to read more.

"Do you think that is a good idea?"

Theo just looked at me with a look I knew all too well. In other terms, it was a look often given to me when I wanted to do something careless or stupid. His eyes transfixed on me, which wore disapproval.

"Why not? I learn so much from them."

That wasn't a lie. I had learned that Alaric had a dragon, and Marcel may have slept with my mother, perhaps having controlled her for years.

"But there are also prophecies within them. Your father told me about his ability and how hard it was for him not to act on certain visions. His ability was more of a curse than a gift."

I knew I shouldn't have been messing with prophecies, but I had a storage room full of books to look over. I had an itch that I needed to sedate. Theo, on the other hand, remained fixed on me. His posture and look remained fixed on me. He heavily disapproved of this action, worried I would alter the outcome of something that had yet to happen.

I slumped back in my chair, "But knowledge is hidden within them. I can use that to our benefit."

That wasn't a complete lie. There was knowledge I wanted to extort for our benefit, but I wonder if that would change his mind.

"I don't think I'll be changing your mind,"

He sighed. He knew he had lost this argument. My curiosity wouldn't go away. However, he seemed relatively calm for someone worried about me finding out things.

I thought about it briefly, "Probably not."

Yeah, he saw this coming. He rolled his eyes as he sat back in his chair. His voice was firm as he spoke.

"Just promise me this, then: do not continue reading anything about something that has not happened yet. Your father warned me that there are consequences if the future gets altered."

I could sense him reading me. He knew he could trust me not to dig into something I shouldn't have. But if it was by mistake, he wondered if I would stop reading. He knew my curiosity all too well. He also knew he wouldn't win this argument if you could call it that.

"How do I know if the events haven't happened yet?"

Theo stared at me with a blank expression. For some reason, it was hard to read him. Digging into his mind, I could tell he was hesitant, worried, and concerned about me going through my father's journals. I was curious, though, and Theo knew that it was hard for me to drop something once I became curious about it.

"You'll know."

After finishing his breakfast, he got up from the table and kissed my forehead. In my mind, I heard. Just don't be mad at me, please.

I looked at him questionable as he left. Why would I be mad at him? Wait. Did he…no he couldn't have. Soon after the realization hit me, I got up and went to my office.

I shut my office door behind me and went to the side room where the books were. The door was locked. So, my judgment was off. Nope. As soon as I opened the door, I saw an empty room. He had cleaned the room out.

I was baffled. When did he have time to do this? I thought royals were the only ones with a skeleton key. However, it would make sense for him to have one too.

Where did you put them?

I am not telling you. Look, your father made me promise not to let you read those books. I can't break it. I already let you read a few of them. I can not let you read anymore.

He must have done this while I slept, as I am here nowadays. Unless he came in here invisible and left invisible.

I won't tell you how I did it. But now they are safe. I used a new ability and could store them out of arm's reach.

I needed clarification. It made sense, though. He was calm all through breakfast, had a straight face, and everything, too—something I sometimes lack when it comes to lying.

I'm just amazed you were able to pull this off.

To which that was a fact. I did wonder if Quinn was able to spot anything.

Quinn knows better than to say anything about my own business.

I sighed. Yeah, I need help figuring out how he managed this. I'm not mad; I'm just downright impressed. There were at least two hundred or more books in here, and removing them all by himself in less than twelve hours was pretty impressive.

I'm glad I can still impress you. Telekinesis helped. And so did another ability.

Which is?

I created another plane that I only have access to.

I have heard of wizards being able to do that—creating pocket-like planes in our own personal plane of existence. They often used this as a means of escape or storage.

Interesting. These new abilities or spells are impressive.

That's one word to describe it. It's a learning process, for sure. Telekinesis is an ability I can do daily. The creation of a plane pocket, well, that's a spell.

When do I know if I gain anything from this?

We will have to test that tonight in our dreams. See if there is anything new you can do.

I have one question now. What in the hell am I supposed to do now?

He thought about it briefly before responding to me. You can watch me if you wish. I have to see which underling is fitted to fill Jasper's spot. Could you help me with that?