Page 23 of Muse

“About you, of course.” She slapped my knee playfully. “And it wentperfectly. He has set you up with a lucenition for the Samonend performance.”

A lucenition was when a muse showcased her power of light and magik for a warlock or enchanter. Based on that, placements in the most significant conductions were given. At this point, I had an extensive enough resume to bypass the lucenitions for minor events, but someone like the Warlock to the Queen wouldalwaysrequire them.

“That is fantastic. Thank you, Adora.”

"Now all I ask in return is that you do not squander this opportunity. Perhaps you should double your practices with Briar and Wrenley. I can't have you stumbling before Herve and making a fool of us both."

“Of course, Adora. I will give it my all,” I promised her.

Chapter 15

While I had never been inside Herve Chaunter’s home before, I had passed it many times on my way to the palace. It was nearly right next door to the Queen’s residence, and it was a garish estate made of glossy black stone and surrounded by a wrought iron fence.

When I arrived, the warlock's assistant met me at the gate, and he escorted me around the back to Herve's personal performance room. The walls were draped in rich, velvety tapestries depicting scenes of mythical creatures and epic battles, their vibrant colors dancing in the flickering candlelight. Even the floor beneath my feet was a masterpiece, crafted from polished marble inlaid with shimmering gemstones glimmered like stars in the night sky.

A magnificent stage, elevated on an ebony platform, was at the center of the room, surrounded by rows of plush seats.

The warlock’s assistant directed me to the stage, and there I waited until Herve graced me with his presence. He was a bespeckled man in his midlife, draped in exquisite robes. Theyappeared to be made of the finest material in a deep emerald green. Ethereal embroidery weaved patterns of arcane sigils, and they glowed faintly, hinting at the latent power contained within.

Herve had a wide, toothy smile as he approached. “You must be Lady Isadore.”

I curtseyed before him. “Warlock Herve, it is an honor to meet you.”

He waved his hand dismissively and took a seat directly across from where I stood. "We don't need any of those formalities. We're here to tap into the magik and see what you offer."

“Where would you like me to start?” I asked.

“Wherever you wish. Lady Adora said that you were dazzling, sodazzle me," he said, as if it were some simple thing.

Soren and I had been practicing nearly every day, but that kind of conduction required an enchanter. However, a few sections of the choreography from the recent Ashoralida could be performed solo, and I began with that.

"Well, that's nice, isn't it," Herve said while I was in the middle of my routine, so I stopped and turned to face him.

“Sir?”

“Did you do that for the Ashoralida?” he asked rather snidely, and my skin burned in shame.

I nodded timidly. “Yes.”

"Of course. It was safe; it was expected. You've proven that you can follow a command, and that's something, I suppose, but I want to seemagik.” He let out an exasperated sigh.

"Come on down, have a seat." He motioned to the one beside him. "Let's chat and see if we can draw the magik out."

“If that’s as you wish,” I said, because what else could I say to the man who held my future as a muse in his hands.

When I sat beside him, Herve turned his body slightly toward me so he could look at me fully.

“How long have you been conducting?” he asked.

“Fourteen years.”

Herve clicked his tongue. “That’s a very long time for a rather young girl. And you’ve never had a starring role in any of the festivals?”

“No, not yet.”

“There is a glow to you.” He narrowed his eyes slightly. “But is that enough to sustain you as a muse?”

“I… I’m not sure what you mean,” I said.

---