Chapter 25
"Her Transformation: Part 3"

"Yes, Mistress?" she said as she bowed to her and then the young man beside her. She only bowed as low as was necessary. Just enough to show respect, but not obedience. He looked her up and down like an animal at market. His lips curled into a handsome smile.

The man was actually quite handsome. He had blonde curly hair and bright blue eyes, like the sea after a storm. His smile was sure to make most girls swoon. He was well built and wore a white shirt with a bluish purple vest that was embroidered with gold thread. His brown riding boots came up to his knees. She couldn't tell if he just hadn't shaved in a few days or he was trying to grow a beard.

She looked back to her mistress. "This is Jeremiah." Her mistress began, "he has finally returned after several years of service to the King. Please escort him to the finest room available and extend every courtesy the palace has to offer." Mistress smiled at him as if he was her long lost son. She looked over at him as she added, "Free of all charges."

"Oh madam, I simply could not accept such an offer." Jeremiah said. His voice was deep and fit his physic a little too perfectly. She wished he would have some flaw so it was easier for her to hate him. He half smiled as he looked from her to her mistress.

"OH! Nonsense, I insist!" she just rolled her eyes when they weren't looking and tried to be as pleasant as she could. She decided she didn't like him already. The mistress liked him and that alone was reason to hate him.

"Thank you madam, your kindness is simply unfathomable." He said just before he kissed her mistress's hand. He turned to her and smiled, "Shall we, Miss?" He offered his arm and she returned his smile.

"The finer rooms are in the East Wing, Sir."

"Please, you simply must call me Jeremiah. I am not used to such formalities."

Again she smiled at him. "If he says 'simply' one more time, I will simply slap it out of him."

Trying to be as courteous as possible she began with some small talk, "So what exactly did you do in the King's service?"

"Different things here and there. I've traveled all of Alegaёsia and parts of Surda. I am sorry but I simply can't discuss details with –"he took a deep pause and thought about what to say, "I'm sorry but I don't believe I caught your name."

"Don't worry, I didn't drop it." It took Jeremiah a few seconds before he realized the meaning of her comment, but his laugh let her know he took the insult lightly. She told him her name before she reached his room. She knocked on the door lightly before opining the grand oak doors. He nodded his thanks to her before stepping inside.

"So, how long have you been in service to the King?" He mockingly asked. He winked at her.

Any other palace singer would have gasped at such a rude and suggestive question. She just stood there with a blank face as she answered. "Seven months and nine days, sir. Would you like some wine?" She gestured to the small cabinet filled with all sort of different bottles and two glasses.

"Anything red. I find the darker is simply more…enticing. Don't you agree?" He said with a sly smile as he lay down onto the bed.

She coyly returned the smile over her shoulder as she poured. She faced the cabinet as she answered flirtaseously. "I find the darkness suggests mystery, and everyone finds mystery enticing."

She carried the two glasses over to him and sat down next to him on the bed. She handed him a glass as she lay down. She propped herself up her elbow and glanced at him while she took a long sip of the blood red wine. Her strap slid off her shoulder but she didn't bother to push it back onto her shoulder. He took a particularly long draft then set his glass down on the bedside table. He outstretched his hand towards her – an offering to take her glass as well. She gently laid the glass into his strong hand and he set it next to his own. He moved towards her, but she met him halfway.

She let him embrace her; his hands slid all over her back. She used her fingers like feathers as she glided her hand to the back of his neck. She leaned in close, pressing their bodies together as she began to kiss his neck.

Then he went limp. His full body weight lay against her and she pushed him off and gently placed his head on the pillow. Now the difficult part of her plan began.

She took off his boots and threw them on the floor. She also took off his vest and shirt and threw them over a nearby chair. She messed up the sheets and his hair. She picked up her glass and drank the rest them poured the bottle into some of the plants scattered around the room. She put the empty bottle back on the bedside table. She turned to check on Jeremiah.

She remembered when she used to feel something for them. Maybe one would fall in love with her. Not because of what she was, but for who she was. She used to imagine that whoever she was with was her secret lover and he was going to still be there and love her in the morning. And maybe, just maybe he would find a way to take her from the god forsaken palace into a place where she could always see the stars. Somewhere in the mountains where you could climb and sweat and the only reward would be seeing a breathtaking view of a small village or maybe a herd of deer.

She had stopped such nonsense in the first month. It only made it harder on herself. She would always be alone no matter how many she was with. The sooner she realized that the sooner she could move on.

She looked over and saw she forgot to dump his glass as well. She took it over to one of the plants and slowly poured the half empty glass into it. She pulled the cup up and down as she watched the red liquid escape the lip of the cup.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

She dropped the glass as she whirled around. She heard the glass shatter but it seemed far away. There he stood: the man in black.

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She let out a gasp as she stared in disbelief. "It's not possible, is it?" although she couldn't really call him the "man in black" anymore. He now wore a dark maroon shirt and tan buckskin pants, but he still wore the same black riding boots.

She looked from the man in the doorway to the unconscious one in the bed and back again. He also looked to Jeremiah. He knelt down next to the bed and put a shaking hand to Jeremiah's forehead. He gently slapped him, "Jeremiah, can you hear me?" He ran his fingers through his dark brown hair and he looked to her. She still stood stunned, "What have you done to him?!" His eyebrows wrinkled together in worry and confusion.

"I…I….well…you know him?" she stuttered as she put the pieces together.

"Well, yes, I know him!" She could sense a hint of anger mixed in but it was more from frustration then rage.

He gently slapped Jeremiah's cheek and called his name. He cursed and turned towards the door. Just as he was about to walk out she stepped forward to stop him. "No! Please don't. He's only asleep. Don't tell anyone, please, they would kill me!" Her eyes pleaded with him as he stood in the doorway. Her thoughts traveled back to the first time she met him. "Please? I am just…hiding from love." She outstretched a hand towards him but thought better of it and put it back by her side. She took a timid step back, if he was determined to let everyone know, she couldn't do much to stop him. Something cool touched her foot. She looked down to see the river of wine seeping around her heel. Some touched the black satin ribbon around her ankle. It looked more like blood then wine.

She looked at the man again. His eyes met hers, but he looked away before she could read them. She directed her eyes back to the shattered glass. She knelt down and began gingerly picking up the staggered pieces. She slightly gasped when a piece pierced the palm of her hand. The cut wasn't big, but it was deep and the blood began to flow out of the wound. The glass was still lodged in her skin, but it quickly disappeared under her blood. It ran off of her hand and dripped onto the floor, mixing with the wine. It all happened in seconds, but it felt like an eternity. All of a sudden, a gentle but strong hand took her bloody one. She looked up. He was only inches apart from her. He was so close she could feel the heat coming off his skin.

Without a word, he grabbed a cloth off of the dresser and gently cleaned off the blood around the gash. The cloth became splotched with red as he got closer to the source. He examined it as he dabbed it.

She never took her eyes off of him. Even when he pressed a little too hard, she didn't even flinch. He looked up at her, "I have to get the glass out, but it might hurt a little." He winced as he told her, as if it would hurt him more than her.

She half smiled, "I'm sure I can handle It." she gritted her teeth together but she didn't jerk her hand back when he pulled out the jagged piece.

He took a clean rag and tied it over the cut. A small bit of blood trickled out and stained the fresh cloth. The bleeding had slowed and almost stopped. They sat there for a moment longer until he realized he was still holding her hand. She gently tugged on her hand and he withdrew his own. "Uhh….sorry." he said as he ran his fingers through his hair. It almost seemed as if he was giving his hand something else to do.

She nodded a thank you but she wasn't sure she wanted him to be sorry. His touch was caring and gentle as if at any moment she might break just as easily as the glass. What was she thinking? She couldn't have these feelings for someone. She didn't even know if she was capable of these feelings, but she knew someone like her wasn't supposed to. It was bad for business, and for everyone involved.

He broke the silence first. "It's going to take more than one bottle." He almost laughed as he said it.

It was nice to see his smile. "No. I mean it's a nice smile, but I can't think of him like…oh never mind." She tried to think of something else. She had actually forgotten all about Jeremiah until now. She suddenly realized that she hadn't really processed what he said, "What?"

He still smiled as he said," If there's one thing I know about Jeremiah, it's that he can hold his liquor. And one bottle is barely enough to make him walk crooked."

He knew. He knew what she was trying to do. So why was he telling her this? He should've been dragging her by her hair to the Mistress. But she kept her mouth shut, why would she even give him the idea?

"So how did you do it?" He asked as he opened another bottle. He proceeded to take a long draft of the wine. When he saw her watching, he shrugged, "No use just wasting it. Want some?" She shook her head. She wanted to keep her head clear as possible. "No matter, but I still want to know, how did you knock him out?"

"I hit him over the head." She lied as she poured out another bottle.

"Yeah, sure. Let's pretend I believe that. Why aren't there any bruises or cuts? And what did you hit him with?"

She looked down at the floor as she thought. He voice cut through her thoughts, "You can trust me. Haven't I proved that already?"

"I suppose, but once you hear a secret….you can't UN-hear it."

"You trusted me with one secret, why should another be any different?"

"Some secrets have worse consequences."

"Well you won't know until you try. A plan will always fail if it's never tested."

She looked at the floor again. She didn't say another word as she picked up another cloth and bent down to sop up the spilled wine. He left her in her silence as he took another long swig of his bottle. Hey, maybe if he gets drunk, he won't remember anything anyway. She took a deep breath as she weighted her options. "You aren't going to leave me alone until you find out, are you?"

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Nope. And I can tell if you're lying. Honestly, you really aren't that good at it."

"He didn't know the half of it." The rag was soaked through with red. She set it on the ground and leaned on her palms. The cut stung, but she didn't pay attention to it. She was so much at war with herself she didn't realize she squeezed most of the wine back onto the floor. Well here it goes, "I used magic." There it was. Three little words that could get her killed without a second glance. She didn't know what to expect from him, she didn't know what to expect from herself after saying it, and not just to a friend in need. This was different; this could be the start of her undoing. With those words she could have just signed her own death sentence.

"Really?! How? Where did you learn to use magic? Does anyone else know about this?" His wide-eyed expression made him look so much younger. She was surprised, maybe even shocked at his enthusiasm. That certainly wasn't the reaction she was expecting. Did he know what this meant? Then the grin faded he grabbed her shoulders, "Do you realize you could be killed for this! This is treason in the King's eyes!"

"Yes, I know. Which is why I don't make it a habit of telling anyone. I thought you said I could trust you." He left go of her shoulders. She could tell there were a thousand questions just about to overwhelm him.

But he only let one slip, "Could you show me some?"

"Well it's not something you can just flaunt around! If you haven't noticed my magic is a secret! It is also very dangerous, and I will certainly NOT perform any magic here!" she said appalled by his request.

"Well you already did." He said, gesturing to Jeremiah. She shot him a glare that made him shy away a little.

"That was different. It was necessary."

"Could you at least tell me what you did?"

She sighed as she gave into him. "It works almost like a potion. I can make a powder; it dissolves instantly in liquid. Then you just speak a word from the Ancient Language—"

"What's the Ancient Language?"

"Don't interrupt me again." She waited until he nodded then continued. "It is the language of magic. The language of all things. He will sleep now and my guess is until tomorrow morning. Usually it lasts a lot longer but I was running low on supply." She looked up at him. She wasn't sure if he was staring at her intentionally or his gaze just didn't know where else to look.

"Oh…at least let me escort you back to your room."

"NO!" When she saw his surprised face she started to explain in a half whisper, "I have to stay here. At least until midnight or later so the others think that I'm….." She caught her words right before they slipped out. She really didn't need to say them; he understood what was at stake.

"I see. Well I'll just wait with you here."

"I'm sorry, that won't work either. If someone walked in or saw us leaving together…you just have to go. This is something I have to do on my own."

He nodded and opened the door, but just before he walked, he looked over his shoulder and said, "I really do wish you luck."

"Luck has never helped me before, why would it bother now?"

"Because it sees someone who can make a difference." And with that he was gone. She collapsed on the bed next to Jeremiah. She gazed at his handsome face; at least she wasn't alone.

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She walked through the empty hallways as she ran her hand along the stone, cold walls. No matter how hard she tried he never left her thoughts. She hadn't seen him in a fortnight; not since she had broken the glass. She had healed her hand shortly after he left. She still rubbed the spot where the glass had pierced her skin. She was determined not to learn his name. A name had power, with a name came emotion, and with emotion came her destruction. She was afraid that emotion might come anyway. She had decided to call him her secret keeper, or maybe keeper for short. He had saved her twice and he had never told a soul.

"YOU! I should have known you vile little bitch! Do you have any idea what you have done?" Her mistress's shrill voice cut through her like a thousand tiny knives.

She bowed. She was befuddled by the sudden outburst, "I'm sorry Mistress, but I have no clue what you are talking about."

"You stupid whore! As if you didn't know! King Galbatorix has requested a personal audience with you!" She sucked in a breath as she heard the news. Everyone knew most people who went to see Galbatorix weren't likely to be seen by anyone else ever again. "I don't know what the hell you did, but I hope he kills you. You were nothing but trouble since they let you out of that prison. The only reason I've dealt with you is because for some reason you bring in a larger profit then the other girls. But I want you to know that I have hated you since the day you stepped into my room. And I want you to know that no one has ever valued you as more than an object, and now, no one ever will." A smug smile sat on her face. "Burn in hell, bitch." She turned on her heel and walked away.

She didn't know how she was supposed to react. Was she supposed to run after her and beat the woman within an inch of her life? Was she supposed to sit in a corner and cry for a few days? Was she supposed to find her Keeper and tell him what had happened? Surely he would know what to do - there he was again; always interrupting. She really was only sure of one thing: Galbatorix wanted to see her.

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A million thoughts should have been running though her head at this moment, but they weren't. She thought of nothing. She knew why she was here; she had hoped otherwise, but the chances of that were slim at best. She had to get through this. She didn't know how, but she had to. She knew she could show nothing; she couldn't be taken by surprise and betray any emotion. She thought of the prison cell. Empty and desolate. The one place he wouldn't find anything, because there was nothing to find. She let herself melt into the cold, moss-covered walls. She became the bleak gray. She made sure there were no cracks in the walls, or light streaming in anywhere. Her mind was completely isolated from any outside source.

The door smoothly opened before her. "Come in." came the simple command. She had never heard a voice so perfectly terrifying. It was smooth, stern and harsh, yet deceitfully gentle. She could tell a soft and almost non-existent accent tainted his otherwise perfect speech.

The prison, she thought; nothing, the prison. "Name?"

She remained silent. Although her face showed nothing, she couldn't speak. This was it; her final moments. This would be the last time she ever said anything. The only way she figured she could live just a few precious minutes longer was to not give an answer.
"I asked a question." She was too occupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice that he had approached her. She could hear his heavy footsteps but she couldn't think of what to do. His hand came up quickly and backhanded her across her face. "You will answer. And do not lie. I will know."

She thought her voice might crack but it didn't as she carefully pronounced her words, "I will not speak my name. Names are dangerous and I will not reveal it without justifiable reason and cause."

"A dangerous answer for a dangerous question." Maybe it was her mistake, but he actually seemed amused, maybe even pleased at her answer. "Have you any idea what I do to people who do not give me what I want?"

"I do not, but I can imagine that it is not pleasant."

A smile tugged at his lips as he said these last fatal words that would change her existence forever, "Congratulations, you have earned a position as one of my highly respected magicians. I believe it is time we began your transformation. Don't you think so?"

"Transformation? What do you mean?" She was so caught off guard by his declaration that she forgot to hold her tongue.

"Into a proper magician, of course." He could see the puzzled look on her face as he smiled again and turned to walk around the long table. He went to the single chair at the head of the table and sat comfortably into the soft velvet cushion. "Did you suppose I don't personally train all of those who have control of magic? I would be thought of as a fool if I didn't know each and everyone who possesses the power to wield such a dangerous weapon." She just stared at him, trying not to show a thing. Curiosity, however, got the best of her.

"And just what does this 'training' entail?"

"Oh the normal. I guess, first I will make sure you know that I control you. Every last part of your mind and body." She must have let her emotions slip, because the greedy way he looked at her tore her to shreds. She could feel the tendrils of thought caressing her mind; trying to find any crack that would let him in. It would have been so easy to let go, but no, she couldn't. She wouldn't. "Oh, a fighter. Good. I never liked those who broke easily." Her breathing and pulse quickened as she tried to harden her mind. She clenched her fists, until her nails cut into her palms. "And once I am absolutely sure that you belong to me, you will watch as I take the thing you want most. And once you have nothing left to live for, I will give you back to yourself. "She doubled over on the ground, the pain of not letting him in, started to crush her. She put every last fiber of her being into throwing off the probing mind. "And you will still follow my every command." The pain blinded her. She could hear footsteps, but was still startled when they stopped next to her head. "And do you know why?" The pain subsided just enough for her to look up into his piercing eyes. "After I am through with you, you will have nothing else to live for, except to please me."

"no." she wasn't even sure if she had said it out loud or just in her head.

"Because after all of this, I can give you the most important thing in this entire world…" Her eyes watered, and she wasn't sure if it was from pain or sadness. She screamed as the pain came on again, twice as much as before, until finally she could take it anymore. The walls of her mind caved. "…Power."

"Why would my Keeper betray me like this?" This question rattled around her mind for a few seconds. She could hear Galbatorix's smile right before she blacked out.

AN: Sorry I haven't updated in, well over a year, but I am trying to get back into writing and I hope this long chapter will make up for my overly delayed post. Hope you enjoyed it! Please Review!