A L M I R A

Chapter 24
Almira Davenport

"Lauren?" My voice cracked.

My older sister laid in front of me, beaten. Alastor must have done this. He must have known. Of course he did, he knows everything about me.

I got Lauren up on to the bed and quickly murmured the healing spell.  Her skin cleared up and I wiped away the blood. I surveyed her body, making sure she was okay. She sat up and gasped, clutching at her chest.

"Lauren! Lauren! Lauren, hey! Shh, calm down! It's me! Almira!" I gushed, calming her down.

She paused and looked at me. "Almira?"

"Hi," I sheepishly greeted her, sitting down on the bed with her.

"Where have you been?! I haven't seen you in so long! I went to your house to check on you and you weren't there," She lectured.

I hugged her and sighed. "It's a really long story. I wanna know how Alastor got ahold of you," I asked.

"I was out shopping in town and he walked up to me. He seemed nice so I talked to him, he was a real gentlemen. He walked around with me while I talked. He mainly asked about my family and life and I told him. When he heard your name, he changed and got cold. He knocked me out, I woke up in a dirty cell. He'd beat me and torture me, constantly asking me about some Calix guy," She ranted, telling new everything.

My hatred for this man grew by the second. "I'm so sorry. Look, I'll explained everything to you, but for right now, rest. I have some things to tend to, but I'll check on you later. There's dresses in the closet and a bathroom for you to bathe in," I smiled.

"Wait," Lauren called out. "How did the bruises and cuts go away?"

I looked away, turning to walk out. "I said I'll explain everything later. That'll be included."

I walked out, making my way to the library. I quickly conjured up a couple bowls for different spells. I casted a barrier that lets me know when someone is near or trying to come in. I did a couple others before increasing the guards at the entries.

~-~

"So Calix is your mate?" Lauren gaped, staring at me. Her eyes were wide.

"Yeah," I answered, smiling.

"But he's an asshole?" She questioned. I could feel the judgement from a mile away. 

"Yeah. You can meet him and his brother, Cole, when they get back from their trip. He had some business to take care of with alliances because of the war," I said, handing her a couple books for her to read.

"So how do you feel about Calix?" She interrogated bluntly. She's always been one to speak her mind.

"What do you mean?" I responded, smiling.

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. You're mates. How do you feel about him?"

"I mean he's an okay guy. Rather bipolar, but it just depends," I told.

"That's gotta be the biggest lie I've heard. You went to hell for a man who's barely gave you any attention. That sounds likes you're quite fond of him if you ask me," She smirked. Lauren has always known how I am. I should've known better than to try and hide it.

"Well I didn't ask you, but thanks for your input," I rolled my eyes. "Look, I have to go contact Calix, update him on how the castles going. If you need something, get the two guards outside your room. And if anything happens, such as Alastor showing up, though that's unlikely now, get the guards and let me know as fast as you possibly can."

"You really enjoy taking care of this kingdom, don't you?"

I paused, pondering the question. "I've only done it for a couple days. But it isn't bad."

"Mm."

I walked out and closed the door behind me, nodding at the two guards I had outside her door. I made my way to Calix's room and set down the bowl, putting the ingredients in. I dropped the necklace into the bowl and lit the candles, mumbling the spell.

I fell into the dark void, same as the other times. Calix stood in front of me with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. I covered my eyes. "Oh my Goddess."

"You have bad time, Almira," Calix roughly commented, crossing his arms. "How's the kingdom?"

"I think I got it taken care of. I put a barrier up and did a couple other protection spells. If anyone of the guards or people inside the castle gets hurt, I feel the same pain," I explained, coughing before removing my hands from my eyes. I kept my attention focused on Calix, not wanting to get lost in any distractions.

"Smart move. What did Alastor want?" Calix persisted, smirking. He knew I wanted to look, that prick.

"He left a little surprise. I took care of it. You can see for yourself when you and Cole get back. It's nothing bad, I actually enjoy it," I smiled, stealing a glance at his chest.

Water dropped from his chest, sliding down the curves from his abs. He was most definitely muscular, that was for sure.

Calix coughed and my eyes met his again, a smirk plastered on his face. "Enjoying the view?"

"Shut up."

"You know you like the view, don't lie."

"I'd be lying if I said I did," I snapped, glaring. Cocky bastard.

Calix laughed. "Whatever you say."

"When will you and Cole be back?" I changed the subject.

"Miss laying beside me in bed?" He teased.

I groaned in response. "Be serious, Calix!!"

"Fine, fine. We'll be back tomorrow. The alliance went better than expected. They all agreed to help us if we needed them, and I gave my word to aid them if they needed us," Calix elaborated, shaking his head. "Cole is homesick, would you believe that?"

"Really?" I giggled, the image of Cole begging Calix to go home dancing around in my mind. That would be a sight to see.

"Yeah," Calix smiled. The sight of Calix smiling melted my heart. It was a rare thing to see.

"Anyways, it's late. I'll prepare for your arrival tomorrow," I enunciated.

"Right, get some rest Almira," Calix ordered, looking down at me.

"I will. Goodnight, Calix."

"Goodnight, Almira."

I cut the connection and slid the necklace back on. I set the bowl in the bathroom and changed before heading to bed.

~-~

I stretched, the sunlight slipping through the curtains. I crawled out of bed and got ready.

"Good morning, Almira," Brooks greeted, smiling.

"Good morning, Brooks. Good morning Dallas," I replied, nodding at both of the men. "Calix and Cole are coming back home today. Prepare for their arrival, I have a couple things to take care of before I meet up with Ambrielle and Alexander," I ordered.

"Right away, m'lady," Dallas bowed, walking away. Brooks walked with him, and I sighed. I made my way to the library, pulling out two containers. I grabbed the knife I had hid and cut myself, letting the blood seep into the containers. I mumbled the spell, wiped the blood away, and sent the blood with one of the maids.

I grabbed the bowl I've come accustomed with, pouring the ingredients in it. I quickly chanted the spell, allowing Calix and Cole to pass through the barrier.

Lauren walked in, greeting me. "Morning sis."

"Morning, Lauren," I replied, setting the bowl aside. "Rest well?"

"Yes, all except for a dream that had Alastor in it," She answered. Alastor's name peeked my interest.

"Alastor, you say?" I questioned, glancing at Lauren.

"Yeah, he said something about a message. To prepare, he'd be dropping by soon," She responded.

"That's unlikely, he can't get through my barrier," I assured, smiling. "You have nothing to worry about, you're safe here. He can come near the castle, but he can't get inside."

"That's a relief," She breathed, leaning against the table.

"Okay, I have a couple errands to run. Calix and Cole are coming home today, so you can meet them when they arrive. I'll send some maids to come help you get ready, how does that sound?"

"Sounds great," Lauren agreed.

I smiled and walked out, calling for a couple maids to assist Lauren, and later myself. I walked to Ambrielle and Alexander's room, knocking.

"Who is it?" Ambrielle yelled.

"You're favorite hybrid!" I yelled back, laughing.

The door swung open, Ambrielle standing there in her undergarments. "How can I help ya, darling?" She grinned.

"Calix and Alastor are coming back today, I was letting you know so we can prepare for their arrival. I plan on having Lauren meet them today, so the maids are helping her get ready," I proclaimed, taking in how naturally beautiful Ambrielle was.

"Will do sweet cheeks! Anything else for you?" She asked.

I shook my head. "No."

"Alright, I'll be down there shortly," She nodded, closing the door and turning around. "Alex, get your shit together and get ready!"

I snickered and walked away, heading to Calix's room. The maids were waiting for me and helped dress me, tying everything for me. I pulled my hair back and made my way downstairs, waiting for Calix and Cole.

Lauren came down the stairs, looking absolutely beautiful. Her hair was left untouched, and her dress was simple but classy. I smiled. "You look lovely, Lauren."

"Thanks. You don't look so bad either," She joked, standing beside me. "Is it bad that I'm nervous?"

"Not at all. You're meeting the two people who have a say on whether you can stay or not, I'd be nervous too."

"You're not helping any," She muttered, glaring at me.

"Sorry," I chuckled.

The doors were pulled open and Calix and Cole walked through. Ambrielle and Alexander walked up to them, shaking their hands, welcoming them back home. A couple maids and servants took their bags and set off.

I nudged Lauren and we walked up to Calix and Cole. "Welcome back home, Calix, Cole," I greeted, both of them kissing the back of my hand.

"And who's this?" Calix questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"This is Lauren, my sister. She's Alastor's gift," I introduced, Lauren stepping up and smiling.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness," Lauren curtsied, smiling around Calix and Cole.

"The pleasure is all mine, Lauren," Cole charmed, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. Lauren's face changed to one of surprise and shock before going back to her cheerful self. Cole had a smirk on his face.

I glanced to Calix and eyed him suspiciously, getting the same reaction in return. "Meeting tomorrow?" I mouthed.

Calix nodded eagerly, his brows furrowed.

"Has Lauren had a tour around the castle yet?" Cole asked, looking at me for an answer.

I shook my head. "No, she just arrived yesterday."

"Well, Miss Lauren, please, let me have the honor of showing you around," He proposed, raising an eyebrow.

Lauren blushed, smiling. "I would love to."

Lauren linked arms with Cole and they walked off, talking to each other.

I turned to Calix. "Did your brother just flirt with my sister?"

"I think so. Did your sister just take my brother?"

I glanced at the pair and then looked back at Calix. "I think so."

~-~•~-~