The Ghost Bride Read online

  He turned his head, about to kiss me, his hands on my waist now, but I put my hand on his lips.

  "Wait," I said. "Before you do that… Will you accept it if it turns out you were wrong?"

  Martinus raised his eyebrows.

  "Sure," he said. "But I'm not."

  He grabbed my hand, putting it on his shoulder.

  I put my second hand on my mouth, covering it.

  "Promise?" I asked.

  "Promise," Martinus said, firmly nodding, and I put down both my hands, putting them on his chest, for when I'd push him away.

  This kiss would show him we weren't compatible, whatever that means, and he'd leave me alone, I thought, before I felt Martinus' hot lips on mine. With that ring on his finger, I could feel his touch despite being an ethereal presence.

  I'd kissed before, despite my overall lack of boyfriends. There was this cute guy who worked with me in the clothes and liked to buy me donuts and tell me how pretty I was. We shared a kiss a couple of times, back when I thought I would start dating him. But I never had such a crazy, exciting world-shattering kiss. I felt, as his tongue came into my mouth, caressing, dominating, his energy float inside me. I responded, playing with his tongue, my energy also going to him. It all sung inside me as if I'd find the missing piece of me, the part that made it perfect, the magic bubbling in my belly, despite a tiny voice that shouted none of it was real.

  Suddenly, the hands I placed on his chest were trying to unbutton his shirt, while his hands climbed up under my shirt.

  When we stopped to breathe, Martinus was the one that pulled away.

  "As much as I like your enthusiasm," he said, "this is enough excitement for me. You said you want to wait for marriage, and I'll respect that."

  I was so glad now that my body wasn't here. More than ever.

  "Is this what you felt when you regained your conscience?" I asked, still breathing heavily. Although why would I be doing that, as a ghost, is a mystery. My ethereal form doesn't need oxygen, right?

  "Yes," he said. "It was weird. I didn't understand it until the healers told me I had a lot of foreign magic in me. I've been suspicious of your identity for a while, but I kept my questions to myself. But now I had confirmation. And this explained why I got so interested in you from the beginning, despite thinking you weren't suitable for me. I'm quite used to a celibate life, after all. I don't usually lust after just any girl. And you aren't even the prettiest girl I know."

  "Gosh," I said, sarcastically, "thank you for the compliment. Why don't you find a compatible girl among the prettier girls you know?"

  "You think I didn't look?" Martinus said.

  "Do you mean you kissed all the girls?" I asked, with a slightly shrieky voice that surprised even me.

  "Do I detect jealousy in your voice?" Martinus asked.

  "No," I said. "But I don't want to be engaged to a guy who goes around kissing women indiscriminately."

  "It wasn't indiscriminate," Martinus said. "I only kissed those who were positive on the pre-compatibility test. You're the only one who didn't go through that."

  "Let's do that," I said. "Let's do that test."

  "Why?" Martinus said. "The important one is this one, anyway. Or do you want a reminder?" he asked, getting closer to me.

  "No, thank you," I said, sliding towards the door. I was regretting locking it more than ever. "So you won't change your opinion," I said, trying to gauge him.

  "I won't," he said.

  "Even if I say no," I said.

  "You owe me," Martinus said. "And besides, you might change your opinion. I'll make sure of it."

  "You can't ask me to repay you for saving me by marrying you!" I exclaimed.

  "Why not?" Martinus said. "That's how the traditional hero rescue works. Save the girl, get the girl."

  "Because I didn't agree to such an exchange," I said.

  "I have five years to convince you," Martinus shrugged. "And I am insistent."

  That he was.

  "Why five years?" I asked. "What's so special about that?"

  "Well," he shrugged. "That's how long the education in the Academy lasts."

  "I don't think I'll be able to stay at the Academy," I said. "You've seen me. I'm doing terribly in all practical classes. And it's not like I'm doing that much better in theoretical ones. There's no chance I'll get the scholarship next year. Or even pass."

  "I'd offer to pay for you," Martinus said, "but I know you won't accept that. So we just have to make sure you pass. I'll help you. I'll explain everything and make sure you are the best in your year. I have to make sure you stay in the Academy."

  "That's a very tempting offer. The help with the studies, I mean. I'll think about it," I said, unlocking the door.

  "Just don't do anything stupid," Martinus said to my back. "Because I always get my way."

  I ran out of the small room, feeling like a mouse that's being hunted by a fat, slow, playful cat. Feeling, knowing deep in my bones that there was nothing I could do to resist it, and yet determined to fight.

  The kiss had been… Mind-blowing. Earth shattering. Magical?

  When I came into the Magical Structures class, with Martinus slightly behind me, I felt all my classmates staring at us. Some with curiosity, some with contempt (what did he find in her? kind of stares). I bent my shoulders and tried to go unnoticed. It was impossible, so in the end, I just squared my shoulders and proudly sat next to Yllana.

  "What happened there?" she whispered, as Professor Strasser came into the class.

  "I'll tell you later," I answered, as the lecture started.

  I ignored all the whispers and stares, trying to concentrate on the topic. It was hard, and I still struggled to understand even the basics of Magical structures.

  At the end of the class, I run out with Yllana. Martinus didn't pursue me, thankfully.

  "So, is it true?" Yllana asked once we found an empty classroom to talk in private.

  "What?" I said.

  "That you are Martinus' Novak's not-so-secret-anymore fiancée," Yllana said.

  "That's what he says," I said. "But I don't remember agreeing to it."

  "But are you compatible?" Yllana asked, with curiosity.

  I blushed. The memory of the kiss and the arousal it made me feel was still with me.

  "I see," Yllana said. "Well, if you're compatible, you pretty much don't have a choice."

  "Why not?" I asked. "I'm a free woman. I don't have parents or guardians who can force me to do anything. I can choose whoever I want."

  "First, Martinus won't let you be with anybody but him," Yllana said. "He already said he's willing to challenge any man who gets too close to you to a duel on Friday, after you left. And I'm not sure you'll be able to resist if he starts to seriously court you."

  "I think I can resist him," I said. "I don't like him much."

  "You'll change opinion," Yllana said, shrugging. "He'll charm the pants off you, literally and figuratively. After all, with mutual magical compatibility, you'll feel quite attracted to him. And if he attempts to be more likable, well…"

  I contemplated my future. First, all the problems related to my crazy father, now, this.

  "We're not animals, to obey our base animal instincts," I said.

  "Sure we're not," Yllana said. "We're magicians. Magic is more powerful than biology."

  "You mean, I'll end up being Martinus Novak's fiancée?"

  "And you'll like it, too," Yllana confirmed.

  "Oh, no," I said, burying my face in my hands. "I have to figure out something."

  "I'd like to help you," Yllana said. "I'm curious whether it will work."

  An idea occurred to me.

  "Martinus is the son of a rich, important family, right? So his parents must want him to get a suitable girl. What if I tell them?"

  "It won't help," Yllana said. "His parents are snobbish, but they also want grandchildren."

  "Still," I said. "It's worth a try. Can you get me his mother's number?"
>
  Yllana went home with a promise to get Mrs. Novak's number (she said her mother would have it). I stayed in the Academy, wanting to chew my fingernails. Thankfully, I couldn't, or I'd bitten myself bloody. When Yllana texted me the number, I felt my stomach churning as I pressed the numbers. I'd never done something like this before.

  It took two tries, but she finally responded.

  "Yes? Who is it?" she said.

  "Hello, Mother," I said. I almost bit my tongue. Mother? What was I thinking? But then, I didn't prepare a script. I was winging it.

  "I don't remember having a daughter," she said. "Who are you?"

  "I'm Martinus' fiancée, Mother," I said. "He's insisting we get engaged, but I think he was too shy to tell you. I just want to make sure you are all right with it."

  "Please stop calling me with this nonsense," Mrs. Novak said, her voice growing angry. "Martinus isn't engaged."

  "But it's true," I said. "He said it today, right after class, in front of everybody. You can ask anyone at the Academy, they'll all tell you they heard of it. Now, about the engagement. I think it's a bit too soon, since I'd like to finish the Academy, but Martinus is so insistent…"

  "You know I can verify this easily," Mrs. Novak said.

  "If you want to verify it, Mother, I can't help it," I said. "Although your distrust hurts me. How about you call somebody in the Academy, and, when you confirm it, you call me back? Then we can go back to discussing the engagement party."

  "I will," she said, "and if this is a silly prank, you'll suffer the consequences."

  "I'll be waiting, Mother," I said.

  She hung up.

  I nervously paced around the room, trying to calm my nerves. Would it work? Would Mrs. Novak be unhappy that her son chose a poor beggar and force him to break off the engagement? Well, anyway, what's the worst that could happen?

  She called after two minutes when I was almost going crazy around the room.

  I answered the call.

  "Yes, Mother?" I said.

  "Hello, Amy Laurendeau," Mrs. Novak said.

  I guess whoever she called told her about the incident, and my name.

  "Hello, Mother. But I'm afraid you have an advantage on me. I don't know your name."

  "Hasn't Martinus told you?" Mrs. Novak asked.

  "I'm afraid he didn't, Mother," I replied. "Our courtship was so fast… I didn't even realize we were engaged until he announced it this morning."

  "I'm Leta. Leta Novak," she said. "Could you come to the cafeteria next to the Academy? We need to talk."

  "I'm afraid I can't," I said. "I'm a distance student, you see. And I'm limited to only parts of the Academy. I can't step outside."

  "I see," Mrs. Novak said. "Well, then wait for me in the Main Hall. I'll come now."

  "Sure, Mother," I said. "I'll wait."

  3

  I stood in the Main Hall, under the curious eyes of onlookers, waiting for Mrs. Novak. I hoped she could deal with her son and make him see reason.

  I didn't know how Mrs. Novak looked, but I guessed who she was when a lady in a dress of impeccable taste entered the Main Hall. She looked around, with a slightly condescending expression on her face. I lunged towards her.

  "Mother!" I yelled, trying to make a spectacle.

  I couldn't hug her in my ghost form, since she wasn't wearing an artifact like Martinus. So I just stood there, waving my hand just a couple of feet from her, trying to look like an idiot. Not the kind of girlfriend a rich woman would want for her son.

  "I'm so happy to see you, Mother. I'm Amy, Amy Laurendeau, Martinus' fiancée."

  She looked at me, observing me from head to toe. I was wearing jeans and a bright orange T-shirt under the cloak. Certainly not half as elegant as she was.

  "I see," she said, in a cold voice that could freeze a lake.

  If I was Martinus' real fiancée, I would panic right now. But, since I wasn't, I was full of glee instead.

  "Where would you like to go talk, Mother?" I said. "I don't have a room, but maybe we could go to the Academy's cafeteria? You could have some tea while we talk."

  "The cafeteria is too crowded," Mrs. Novak said, as if she hadn't offer me to go to a cafeteria outside the Academy mere minutes ago. "Let's go to a more private place."

  "We could use an empty class," I said. "Or the library."

  "Sure," Mrs. Novak said. "Let's go to an empty class. I know there's an unused classroom close to here."

  And, without saying anything, she headed down one of the corridors. Everybody looked with curiosity, but nobody dared follow us. I run after Mrs. Novak. She was going to some place only she knew, passing by perfectly usable rooms. Finally, we arrived at the destination.

  "Here," she said. "This classroom wasn't used for classes when I was at the Academy, and I don't think it gets much use now, either."

  I stared at the room, full of broken chairs and desks. There was no dust, but that's probably because the Academy's cleaning spells work everywhere.

  "I don't need a seat anyway," I said. "But are you sure you'll be comfortable here, Mother?"

  She sat on a still-intact table.

  "Now, Amy," she said. "I'll call you Amy, since you call me Mother."

  "That's fair, Mother," I replied.

  "When did you and Martinus meet?" she asked.

  "At the beginning of the course year," I said. "I liked him from the beginning, since he's so rich and handsome, but we didn't get along at first, and we had a few encounters, but once Martinus found we were magically compatible, he…"

  I hope I'm painting myself in a bad enough light. And I hope she has enough influence on her son.

  "Wait," Mrs. Novak said. "You and Martinus are magically compatible?"

  "Yes," I replied. "It happened by accident, you see. I was just teasing him, and then, boom, I felt like I was hit by a storm. He's been weird afterward, and today he announced I was his fiancée."

  I didn't want to tell her I saved Martinus's life. Sure, that happened after my crazy psychopath's father beat him up, but it still painted me in a partly positive light. I'd save my crazy father's identity for later; in case this didn't work.

  "I see," Mrs. Novak said. "And how do you feel about it?"

  "Well, Martinus is rich," I said. "So he could pay for the next academic year since it's unlikely I'll get the scholarship. I'm a poor orphan, you see. I have neither money nor skills. I need to work very hard just to pass."

  "An orphan?" Mrs. Novak said. "And how do you pay for your living expenses?"

  "I work," I said. "As a nanny."

  I used to be a waitress on Earth, but here on Marn, I'm a nanny. A well paid one, for some reason.

  "Does Martinus know?" Mrs. Novak asked.

  "That I work for a living?" I shrugged. "He never asked, and I never thought of telling him. He knows I grew up in a magically isolated world, and that I'm poor."

  "So Martinus is your ticket to the good life," Mrs. Novak said.

  "I guess so," I shrugged, not wanting to overplay the gold-digger part. "Once I get out of my world, that is. You'd need a lot of energy to build a portal from my world."

  Mrs. Novak's stare was inscrutable.

  "What do you want, Amy?" she said.

  "Well, it depends on what you want, Mrs. Novak."

  "I haven't decided yet," Mrs. Novak said. "But you were talking about an engagement party."

  "Ah, yes," I said. "The engagement party. Well, I thought, Mrs. Novak, that now that your son told the whole Academy, it won't be long until rumors start spreading. It would be better if you confirm or deny the rumors before they get too wild. A big engagement party would calm everybody. Of course, there is my ghost form, since I can't leave the limits of the Academy."

  I was already physically in Marn, but maybe mentioning that her son's fiancée wasn't just poor and talentless, but also required the construction of an expensive magic portal would convince her of my unsuitability.

  "That can be solved," Mrs. Novak s
aid. "With an accumulator. I can talk to the Rector, make sure he arranges for that."

  "I want a big party," I said. "I'd like all our classmates to be invited, including the distance-learning ones. Of course, I'll be happy with whoever Martinus wishes to invite, also."

  The more expensive, the better. Hopefully, that will dissuade Martinus from playing whatever game he's playing.

  "I'll talk with my son," Mrs. Novak said, her voice still cold. "And we'll discuss this entire thing."

  "Great!" I said, smiling. "I'm sure, with your help, Mother, we'll have the greatest engagement party ever!"

  Was I pushy and gold-diggy enough? I hope it didn't backfire.

  She checked her vizor for the time.

  "Well, it seems like I need to leave," she said. "It was a pleasure to talk with you, Amy," she said with a smile so warm and polite it almost fooled me.

  I returned the smile. I'd worked as a waitress enough to fake a smile to the most unpleasant of customers.

  "I'll escort you to the exit, Mother," I said.

  When we arrived at the Main Hall, Martinus was there, alone, without his coterie.

  "Mother?" he exclaimed, sending me a killer stare. "What are you doing here?"

  "Martinus," his mother said. "I came to meet your fiancée, since you didn't introduce her to me. She called me to talk about your engagement party."

  "Did she?" he said, now looking at me, raising his eyebrows.

  I went towards him and grabbed his arm.

  "Martinus, dear," I said, batting my eyelashes. "I hope you don't mind I invited Mother here. I thought she shouldn't learn everything from rumors. Besides, there were so many things to discuss about how we'll announce our engagement. I want to have a party that will be the biggest event of the season. Magical fireworks, the most beautiful illusionists, the works. And, since your family will have to be the ones paying for it…"

  He smiled, with a dangerous twinkle in his eyes.

  "Are you sure you want that, pumpkin?" he asked.

  "Of course," I said. "I can't be the fiancée of the scion of one of the richest and most powerful families and throw a small party, can I? It just wouldn't be proper."