Chapter Four

Liz walked through the house as she heard arguing. She crept slowly toward her parents bedroom door where she peeked in to see her mother packing a suitcase hurriedly.

“Fiona, lets just think this through.” Liz's dad said.

“I have thought it through, after what happened they will come for me, we both know it. I have to leave for our daughters sake. If they find out what she is they will want to kill her, I can't let that happen.” Liz's mom said as she shook her head.

“We can go north, I may not be a lord anymore but Princess Freya is still a friend. She could help us hide, we could start over somewhere just the three of us.” Dad took mom's arm turning her toward him.

“I wish that was true but slayers will never stop looking for me and the others after tonight.”

“Please, Fiona, I can't do this. My life isn't complete without you.” Dad said.

“And I would not see you or our daughter die because of me.” Mom pulled her arm free. Liz bumped the door slightly and her parents turned to see her.

“Hey baby.” Mom said as she came over wiping her face and picking Liz up.

“Mommy, Why are you crying?”

“It's nothing. Mommy has to go away for awhile on a trip. I need you to be a big girl and look after daddy while I am gone. Can you do that for me Libby?” Mom said as she smiled.

“Um, hum.” Liz nodded.

“Good girl, mommy loves you.” She replied kissing Liz's forehead.

Elizabeth opened her eyes looking up at the ceiling. It was all a dream though it felt like a memory. Liz had been to young when mom left and Liz had never remembered anything about that day before. She wondered if being here in the house brought it back a memory or if it was just a dream from seeing the pictures of mom.

Liz had managed to get some sleep after Paige had given her something for the pain. Truthfully Liz didn't remember much after that like how she had even gotten into the bed or gotten dressed for bed for that matter. Luckily she hurt a lot less then she did yesterday she thought as she sat up. It still hurt a little but not as bad as she thought it would be. Liz reached over and pushed the intercom button beside her bed.

“Xavier?” Liz looked up.

“Yes, My Lady?” The House responded. That would take some getting used to, living inside essentially a sentient intelligent house always at her beck and call.

“Where is Paige?”

“You're handmaiden is coming upstairs now with your brunch my Lady.” The house replied quickly.

“You mean breakfast.” Liz smirked.

“No my lady, it is well past breakfast hours. I tried to cook you breakfast earlier but your hand maiden was very insistent only letting you sleep in this morning.” The house said in a blunt tone.

“That will be all.” Liz shook her head. She would have to see about making a few changes if it felt the need to correct her every time they talked. Liz didn't have her fathers skills but she could probably manage to make small changes on her own.

“Very well my Lady?” The house said and the doors to the bedroom opened. The self opening doors felt strange to Liz. Not that she wasn't used to doors being opened for her but typically there was someone on the other side. There was a lot she would have to get used to living here.

“Good morning my Lady.”

“Morning Paige.” Liz said fluffing her pillow up behind her. The only time the Miss Gates, the governess who looked after Liz and her sisters, would allow her to eat in bed was when she was sick.

“I took the liberty of making you breakfast in bed. How do you feel?” She said setting the tray on a table beside the bed and came over to fluff up Liz's pillow so that Liz could sit up properly.

“Much better.” Liz nodded

“So do you want me to change your bandage now or after you eat my lady?” Paige smiled.

“Just give me a piece of toast first.” Liz pointed feeling famished. She had eaten some last night but had still felt slightly unnerved by the whole experience yesterday. Especially at the thought that it may not have been an accident. Paige offered her the piece of toast with jam and Liz dug in with her teeth. Paige had been taking lessons in the castle kitchen for the past year and had become a pretty good cook.

“I took the liberty to go through the library last night. There are quit a few books that I set out on the desk for your perusal.” Paige said. Liz knew the books would all be on witch related subjects.

“And the security?” Liz asked as she held up her hand for Paige to change the dressing.

“It is very thorough, the house has military grade security. I also fixed a leak I saw in the basement.” Paige replied. Liz had expected that either her father or her Uncle would have a way of monitoring the house from the outside to keep an eye on Liz. Liz had had time to think about what her father would have done.

“Anyway of finding out where it was coming from?” Liz replied but Paige shook her head no. Liz had hoped that maybe she could use it to find her father but if Liz could think of it she was sure her father had as well. Liz could always turn it back on later but she preferred the house not reporting everything Liz and Paige did to an unknown third party. Especially about Liz's powers. If it was her father or uncle they would either confront her about it or secretly try and fix it.

“It seems this is healing nicely.” Paige said looking at Liz's hands, though it was still red and tender it looked like it had happened days ago and not yesterday. “One of the benefits of being a Witch?”

“Yes though it is more common for warlocks then a sorceress.” Liz wasn't to familiar with warlocks powers but she knew a sorceress moved things with a flick of their fingers, but Liz had been able to read uncle James mind in the auto which meant she had some talent as an enchantress. She would have to do a lot of reading if she was to find a way to hide her powers or at the very least control them.

“You should be completely healed in a day or two at this rate but I would suggest at least wearing gloves for the sake of appearances as to not raise suspicions.” Paige said as she undressed the other hand. Liz nodded in response.

“Mister Mercer called to see if you wanted to reschedule your appointment given yesterdays events.” Paige said bringing her tray over.