10

It Starts with a Spark

“Why did you have me ride with you instead of Gwyn?” Amari's voice pierced the relative silence of the carriage's interior. She pressed further, “What happened in the forest, Taenya?”

Taenya looked around. They were in a carriage all to themselves, Ilyana and Lucian were in the other one with Gwyn and Calista. She was sure Ilyana was asking all sorts of questions from their princess. The last she'd seen, Gwyn had been tenderly cradling the contentedly sleeping Calista, undoubtedly worn out after her meal.

Lord Edele, after vehemently denying his faction's involvement in the recent assault, had graciously offered them an escort of guards. The offer, although well-intentioned, was politely declined. The hospitable Lord Marle even suggested they stay another night at his castle. To ensure Gwyn's comfort, he'd willingly offered up his personal chambers. However, Taenya had diplomatically declined that as well, citing Gwyn's need for rest following her intense magic exertion.

They saw the aftermath of Gwyn’s rampage. They didn’t need to know she was already capable of fighting everyone in the castle at once.

There was nothing else to say.

She would have sworn Edele had really started to understand what they were up against at that point. What was  surprising was that Countess Racine had left just after the attack.

That woman is nothing more than a viper, always seeking to infiltrate courts with her venomous intentions.  Taenya mentally chided herself. Racine's motivations remained a frustrating unknown, but it was evident she was driven by her own agenda. Even the nobility seemed to keep her at arm's length, viewing her more as a necessary evil than a true ally.

Sabina will need to follow up with that.

But now it was getting late, and they had left.

Dusk was gradually deepening, and the moment of arrival drew near. The thought of the impending introduction of their little stowaway brought a smirk to her face.

Alright, he’s not little. He’s taller than me. I bet I can needle him with that though.

“Taenya! Did you even hear me?” Amari's voice, tinged with frustration, brought her back from her musings.

Caught off guard, Taenya blinked, her gaze meeting the fiery orange depths of Amari's eyes. “My apologies, I was lost in thought,” she confessed. “Gwyn is in good hands with Lucian accompanying her. He'd alert us immediately if any issues arise. As for your presence here, I wanted to… introduce you to someone. And I hope you'd approach the introduction with an open mind.”

A hint of suspicion flashed in Amari's eyes. “Introduce me to whom?”

Her only response was to nod toward the carriage window, eyes expectant.

Any moment now.

Taenya focused on the gentle jostle of the carriage as it rolled along the dirt road, the dim light from outside cast an eerie scene on the surrounding plains. The sisters, one gleaming pure white and the other bathed in a soft yellow glow, illuminated the night’s canopy with a surreal radiance. Gwyn loved that there were two moons in Taenya’s world, and always loved to lay and watch the celestial dance the two had in the night sky. Taenya knew if she had been sent to Gwyn’s Earth a profound sense of longing would have filled her every night to see one missing.

Especially since after their many discussions, the one gone would have been Relena.

I wonder if anyone from our world went to hers. What would it be like to see a strange moon and then not see the physical embodiment of the afterlife…

She suspected there would be many tears.

Taenya usually felt a sense of peace on clear nights like tonight. The ambiance was punctuated by the rhythmic sound of horses’ hooves and the occasional paladin riding past the carriages as they moved randomly to not establish a pattern.

Yet, tonight was different.

There was much to do, and Gwyn had a new fire in her eyes that did not bode well for the future. It was possible the attack had affected her more than she let on. She was hiding it, Taenya knew. She so easily put that mask back on but had withheld using her emotion-blocking magic.

Like she always does.

Then, a sudden feeling of being watched washed over her, intensifying the hairs on the nape of her neck. Lucian’s magic was strange, even more foreign than Sabina’s.

Perhaps it was because of how much she trusted her friend. Sabina’s mind felt like a soothing balm, a familiar presence that radiated love and loyalty.

Gwyn wasn’t wrong when she told the Wrens that Sabina was her most loyal knight. Any other knight may be offended, but with Sabina… you could feel  it.

‘Something approaches, from behind. It’s a… person,’ Lucian's mental warning came to them.

Amari narrowed her eyes, and Taenya replied,  ‘They're expected. Inform the guards that everything is fine.’

‘Understood.’

The House Reinhart guards selected to join them had long been informed of mind magic and its benefits. Most notably, the communication aspect of it. Sabina’s Wynvers were even more aware of all that it entailed, and they had trained extensively. Lucian had even expressed a desire to work with them, to teach them the basics of how his order operated.

One trait the guards shared on that team, was that they were hybrid aligned, like Taenya.

A rustle of wings echoed softly outside. A knock followed, punctuating the silence within.

Amari's gaze sharpened, eyes narrowing in suspicion as she turned toward the entrance. But before she could react, Taenya reached out and opened the door.

Black-scaled and draconic, Rhion stepped inside. His head ducked so his prominent horns wouldn't snag the doorframe, but the confined space seemed to hardly accommodate his wings and tail. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Amari catch her breath in surprise.

Rhion gave Taenya a nod of acknowledgment as she moved aside, making space for him.

He shifted awkwardly, trying to find a comfortable position for his expansive wings as his tail curled around his midsection, forcing him to hunch over slightly.

That has to be uncomfortable. We need to accommodate his features better,  Taenya mused, watching him.

His draconic eyes, with their narrow slits, fixed on Amari before they narrowed even further. He bared his sharp teeth, and Taenya could sense the impending foolishness about to spill from his lips.

Quick to intervene, Taenya rested a calming hand on his shoulder, pressing gently. “She's a member of House Reinhart. A protector to Gwyn, and also injured in the attack. You can... try to at least tolerate her presence, even if she is a sun elf.” she advised.

Amari's expression darkened at Taenya, her voice laced with suspicion. “Why do we have a Valeni with us?”

Clearing her throat, Taenya replied, her voice tinged with regret, “Amari, I'd like you to meet Captain Rhion Wren of the Eldenthor Ranger Corps. He will be with us for a while.”

Introducing him further, she said, “Rhion, this is Evocati Amari, one of House Reinhart's two paladins. While the other paladins who are patrolling around the carriages represent the Church.”

Amari’s voice held a hint of correction, “I still represent the Church, Taenya.”

Aware of her oversight, Taenya replied, “Of course. I'll let Amari elaborate.”

The paladin, still visibly taken aback by the unexpected draconic company, seemed ready to voice her concerns. However, Rhion beat her to it, and Taenya braced herself for what was to come.

“With respect, Evocati Amari, it's a privilege to meet you,” Rhion began with deceptive cordiality. “You certainly have a formidable reputation. You hold yourself well for someone who was injured, especially after letting your charge rush into a forest and fend off a group of warriors alone.”

Taenya mentally sighed. Motherfucker. Seriously? He just had to poke the bear.

Amari's stare intensified, her gaze piercing, as if trying to penetrate Rhion's very soul.

Taenya, sensing the danger of a brewing storm, moved her body slightly to act as a barrier between the two. If she hadn't been there, sparks would undoubtedly have flown. “Amari's magic has accelerated her healing. She learned it after the attack through the sheer force of paladin stubbornness and will. It was a near thing.”

“But I was on my feet by the morning,” Amari interjected defiantly.

“Barely,” Taenya countered, worry evident in her eyes.

Amari then turned her steely gaze towards Rhion, her eyes demanding answers. “You're the Valeni who escorted Taenya this morning. What's your purpose here?”

Taenya shot Rhion a sharp glance, an unspoken plea screaming ‘Don't fuck this up.’

“My people are now the drak'val,” Rhion began, his voice measured. “And we have come to hold humans and terrans, like Princess Gwyneth, in great esteem after a few have joined us. She's not only chosen by the drakyn, which is monumental, but she also saved my sister. Honor dictates I repay this debt. By forging a bond between Clan Wren and House Reinhart, I aim to help her and my own family. In return for broadening my knowledge of magic, I'll arm her followers with my people's skills.”

Amari scoffed. “And why should that matter? Your people have isolated themselves for centuries.”

“By choice,” Rhion responded coolly. “Your people have not dared wage war on us in many years, and rightfully so after the last attempts. And from what I have briefly learned, the other clans yet stand as well.”

Amari's expression darkened. “The Paladins of Alos have never had the pleasure. As long as your evil remains contained—”

“Evil?” Rhion bristled, anger evident. “We embrace no wickedness, unlike—”

Taenya quickly intervened, voice rising. “Enough, both of you! Amari, that was uncalled for. I have seen his town, and there was nothing evil about it. It looked like any other large town you’d find in the middle of a forest.”

Both of the other occupants of the carriage gave her a dry look. She held her hands up in surrender.

Amari coldly retorted, “The Old Empire must stay buried.”

Rhion nodded, a touch of sadness in his eyes. “The Old Empire is gone, the Loreni saw to that. The Clans of Valen have since progressed, discarding savage customs of the past, just as any advanced society does. Have you given up your own barbaric ways, Loreni? Or did they simply shift to other methods? From what I've heard, the Kingdom of Avira revels in their poisonous games . Ones that are oh so similar to the Loreni that arrived on our shores to pillage and burn our lands.”

Ah, fuck.   There is a lot more to this that I’m not aware of.

Amari shot back, “Avira is not my kingdom.”

A long pause ensued before Rhion spoke, voice tinged with weary resignation. “Then perhaps we can learn to work together, paladin. I'll stifle my pride. In exchange, suppress your prejudices. I have a debt of honor to repay, and it would do me no good to have to fight you to do it.”

Taenya exhaled, feeling the atmosphere in the carriage lighten. That… That actually went really well! Sort of.

Amari, looking somewhat mollified, turned her gaze to the window. “Gwyn owes me extensive training for what she did to me. Once I've imparted my teachings to her, Captain, I look forward to what I can learn  from you.”

Suppressing a grimace, Taenya thought, If you thought facing me was close…

“I eagerly await our sessions, Evocati Amari,” Rhion replied.

You poor man. You have no idea.

✦     ✦     ✦

Gwyn groaned as she sat down, everything  hurt. She instantly regretted asking Adrienne to heal Amari. Apparently there were still a lot of internal issues that left Gwyn scolding the paladin. The woman took it in stride, then in her fresh state, decided it was a great time to spar… everyone.

Next to her, Vicori Rollo let out pained noises that echoed hers almost perfectly. She had spent the last bell getting her butt kicked by Amari while Rollo got his handed to him by Amari First and then Rhion.

<<Strong!>>

“Yeah, she is…” Gwyn said as the three of them watched Amari toss Rhion to the ground again. It was the fourth time since they walked away from the training ground and toward the benches.

“Here, Gwyn.”

She turned to see a blonde elf with violet eyes holding out a cup. Gwyn accepted it gratefully and drank from the water deeply as Roslyn sat next to her. In the time it took to get her fill, Rhion got tossed into the dirt two more times.

“He’s persistent, at least,” Rollo said while rubbing the back of his head.

Gwyn nodded. Rhion had  to be hurting by now, but he wasn’t giving up. That was good, because Amari did not seem to like him at all. After they got home, Rollo and Lucian were hesitant, but they both decided to follow Amari’s lead.

She looked up, glancing briefly at the clashing swords of Rhion and Amari. The sound was sharp, almost intrusive in her contemplative state.

Rhion lasted twenty seconds that time.

Her eyes drifted to the playful little dragon, Calista, who was engaging with the world around her in pure wonder. It was a simple joy that Gwyn envied.

Roslyn adjusted next to her, drawing Gwyn back. There was a searching look in Roz's eyes, a depth of care that made Gwyn's heart clench. She's always been there for me, Gwyn thought.

“How are you feeling?” Roz’s voice was soft, edged with concern.

Gwyn's mind flashed to the wall collapsing around her, the courtyard of the castle, the scent of blood, the chilling weight of the blade in her hand... “It was... chaos, Roz,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “After the attack, I had to face the mercenaries. Amari was hurt, and I... I had to protect us.”

She could see Roslyn's shock, the flash of pain in her friend's eyes. How do I even explain it? Gwyn wondered. Rollo sat silently, giving the two girls their moment.

“I killed them, Roz,” she admitted, the weight of her confession pressing down on her. “It was my first time with a sword. The first time it was so close...” The words lodged in her throat.

The soft touch of Roslyn's hand over hers brought her back. Her friend's eyes were so full of understanding, so free of judgment. “But then,” Gwyn continued, drawing strength from that simple touch, “I found a moment of peace in the forest. I met Calista.” She then pointed towards Rhion, who was moving more defensively this time. “And then... Neira, Rhion’s sister.”

Silence stretched between them. Gwyn's thoughts swirled, grappling with the weight of her experiences.  It's changed me, she realized. Out loud, she said, “Everything that happened, meeting Rhion’s family. It's made me stronger, Roz. Made me realize the weight of my responsibilities. I think I'm ready for what's next.”

Roslyn squeezed her hand. “And I'll be right there, every step of the way. Side-by-side.”

“Against the world…”

Their shoulders brushed gently, a silent reaffirmation of the bond they shared. But just as the weight of their conversation was about to sink in, a playful interruption came.

<<Interested. Playful!>>

Calista, with her gleaming scales reflecting the sunlight, reared onto her hind legs, her front claws delicately resting on Roz's knees. It was as if the little dragonet sensed the intense emotions and wanted to lighten the mood.

The sight was so unexpected that Gwyn couldn’t help but chuckle. The laughter bubbled up, providing a release from the tension that had gripped her.

Roslyn’s fingers released Gwyn’s hand, and with a warm smile lighting up her face, she reached down to scoop up Calista. Her touch was gentle, a reflection of the kindness she always radiated. “You’re adorable, little one,” she cooed, nuzzling the dragonet's snout. “Gwyn always has a knack for finding the most charming friends.”

A smile tugged at her lips, her gaze unwavering from the heiress. “I really do…”

Caught off guard by the intensity of the gaze, Roz's cheeks flushed a light shade of pink. She playfully nudged Gwyn, a smirk playing on her lips. “Heh. You better not forget it either! After all you've dragged me into. Seriously, what am I supposed to do with you?”

Just be by my side forever, and not let yourself get forced into some dumb marriage that you won’t want.

But she swallowed those thoughts, instead opting for a playful grin. “That's what friends are for, right?”

Roz nodded, her eyes softening. “Right.”

Gwyn glanced over to see Khalan walking up to the panting Rhion and a completely fine Amari. House Reinhart’s paladin introduced the Tiloral paladin to the drak’valan.

“They really all got changed like that?” Roz asked while watching Rhion stretch out his wings.

“Yeah… I can’t wait until you can meet Neira. She’s really cool, if really into fighting.”

Roz chuckled. “Then you two must have got along swimmingly.”

Gwyn rolled her eyes. “She’s worse than even me.”

“I’m not sure that’s possible, but I’ll take your word for it. But it’s true, the Valeni would really allow you to return?”

“Yup, and they said I can bring you if I wanted.”

“I’m not sure…” Roz said hesitantly. “I don’t think my grandfather would allow it.”

Gwyn leaned close and was about to whisper when a hand grabbed her shoulder. Rollo’s voice was calm. “Princess, Amari will throw you into whatever dungeon she can find before you try to go sneaking off.”

“What? I would never!” she let out a nervous laugh and straightened her back.

Roslyn nudged her. “Yeah, we’ll figure it out. Maybe Neira can meet us somewhere else in the future. I want to meet all of your friends! I’ll meet her eventually, but I definitely won’t be allowed to go into the forest.”

A sigh escaped Gwyn’s lips. “Alright… fine. Are you ready for school?”

Roslyn smiled. “Yes! Are you? I’m excited to share a dorm room with you.”

“Me too.”

✦     ✦     ✦

Gwyn's mental voice was resolute as she reached out to Sabina,  ‘I need you to figure out who sent them.’

Sabina hesitated for a moment before responding, ‘Don’t worry. I will. Once I suss them out, what do you want me to do?’

Instead of merely replying, Gwyn extended a bridge of emotion towards her trusted mind-knight . Raw, unfiltered feelings of pain and defiance flooded the connection. More than anything, it was a burning determination—a desire to go on the attack.

‘We are no longer reacting. I need you to be the knife in the dark, Sabina. When you find them, we confront them together.’

Sabina inhaled deeply, her eyes consumed by swirling mana, turning into abyssal voids. She moved closer, cradling Gwyn's face with a tenderness that belied her fierce demeanor. A surge of warmth and affection cascaded between them. Gwyn felt the knight take in her emotions as if she were checking her over for injuries.

‘Do not let it control you. I know all too well, ’ Sabina warned. ‘I will find them. But, if I feel that you are going down a path that would cause self-harm, I will not bring you. We must be devoid of vengeful thoughts. This path must have a purpose. What is it?’

Gwyn nodded as she felt Sabina’s genuine concern. But she already knew that. Gwyn pulled on her core and let red mana flow through her, letting its concepts of justice and protection meld with her feelings. She's right. It's about more than just vengeance.

‘Mom is coming, Sabina. We will create a place of safety for when she gets here. Taenya will be resistant, but I need you. I trust you implicitly. No more playing defense. If we want peace, we will take it by force.’

Sabina, her raven-black hair cascading like a shadowy waterfall, nodded solemnly.  ‘Once I have their whereabouts, I’ll inform you. But first, describe the ones that got away again.’

With a sly grin, Gwyn said, ‘I’ll do one better.’

Opening the floodgates of her memories, Gwyn shared a mental recount of  the event starting when she and Amari fell and ending when she went deeper into the forest. She laid it all out and felt Sabina’s magic flow through the memories as if watching a movie—pausing and slowing it down to focus on different scenes.

When she was done, Sabina’s tone was as dark as her magic. ‘I have them. I’ll let you know when I find them. Then we will follow the thread to who set them against us. It may take some time.’

“Don’t worry, I’ll be at school. I have other things I need to do there when it starts.”

Sabina nodded. “Be careful and keep Amari close.”

“It’s not me who will need to be careful.”

But I do need to get Amari to have the Headmaster approve Calista staying with me.

✦     ✦     ✦

The wooden door of Gwyn's dorm room creaked open to reveal her room that had already been set up a few weeks prior. Calista ran in and nimbly leaped up onto the bed and snuggled up on the pillows. Following after the little dragon, Gwyn gingerly stepped in, cradling a hefty crate of her possessions that she wanted to bring since last here. The room smelled like a mix of stale air and anticipation—of stories yet to be told and adventures yet to be embarked upon.

Directly behind her, Amari struggled with an assortment of bags, her focus dedicated to maneuvering through the narrow doorway without dropping anything. When Gwyn suddenly paused, trying to mentally map out where everything should go, Amari didn't have time to adjust. She inadvertently bumped into Gwyn's back, causing a small gasp and the clinking sound of items jostling within the crate.

“Careful, Amari!” Gwyn said, trying to not drop the crate in her hands.

“Why’d you stop?” the paladin’s reply came from behind the large stack of luggage.

From the common room, a chiding voice echoed. “This is why you shouldn't have waited until the last minute! I  was here yesterday.” Roslyn's tone carried an all-too-familiar mix of jest and genuine concern.

Gwyn turned her head slightly, her face painted with mock exasperation. “I didn't mean to! I was busy! And you didn’t tell me you were going to be here yesterday!”

“Practicing magic isn't busy,” Roslyn countered, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. “But, for your information… I may have been busy practicing as well when I should have told you.”

With a dramatic flourish, Gwyn retorted, “Exactly. Not busy, it's a lifestyle!”

Amari interjected, “Girls, can you wait until we get settled? I'm still holding all your clothing. I don’t even know why you had to bring this much more. There’s already clothing in the wardrobe.”

“Fiiiine,” Gwyn drawled, resuming her task of finding a spot for her belongings.

“Amari. I finally convinced them to let me have pants. I will not let them wallow in disuse at the estate when I can bring them here.”

“Gwyn! You did not ,” Roslyn cried out. “Pants? On a princess? Are you trying  to create a scandal?”

“Better a scandal than discomfort, I say! Let them say something, I’ll roast em.”

“Gwyn.”

“Fine~!”

Once everything was in its proper place, Gwyn opened the drawer of her nightstand with a sense of reverence. She gently laid down the diary Roslyn had given her, its cover filled with unspoken words and future confessions. Next to it, she positioned the ornate dagger, a gift from Ilyana with its lightly glowing runes. Its blade gleamed in the subdued lighting, reflecting her own face back at her. Then she turned her attention to her desk where she set down her cherished art supplies and the small, ornate mirror from Friedrich that captured her image in softened light.

Calista looked up from her spot on the bed and chirped, spreading her wings and flapping them a couple of times before settling down.

<<Mine!>>

Gwyn rolled her eyes. “You can share . Or I’ll make you sleep on the floor.”

The little dragon growled, a cute little sound that made Gwyn laugh. She walked over and scritched behind Calista’s tiny horns. “I’m kidding! Of course you can snuggle with me.”

<<Acceptance. Contentment.>>

“Good.”

I’m happy to have Amari, convincing the headmaster to let me keep Calista here. I still can't believe she just demanded it and got away with it.

She stepped back to take it all in, her hands instinctively going to her hips. She felt her mouth stretch into a satisfied smile as she looked around at the other knickknacks from her birthday that she'd lovingly placed around.

Mom would have loved to see this setup.

Convinced that her room was finally becoming a sanctuary—or maybe a lair—she returned to the common room with a dragon in tow and unceremoniously plopped down into a cushioned chair next to Roslyn. She sighed loudly, but Roslyn's nose remained buried in her book, absorbed in whatever fantasy world she was exploring.

Another, more forceful sigh escaped Gwyn's lips.

At that, Roslyn placed a ribbon in her book to mark her place, lowered it to her lap, and finally looked at Gwyn, one eyebrow arching questioningly. “What's wrong?”

Taking in her surroundings, Gwyn noted that Amari and Rollo had already left to claim their own quarters nearby.  It's just us now. Just me, Roslyn, and Calista. In our very own space.

“Look around,” Gwyn urged.

Roslyn complied, her eyes scanning the room before settling back on her friend. “What am I supposed to be seeing?”

“It's just us,” Gwyn emphasized.

“We've spent weekends together before, Gwyn. What are you insinuating?” Roslyn queried, her tone a blend of amusement and confusion.

“This is different. It's not just any room. It's our room. This is huge!”

“I suspect you'll be over the novelty by tomorrow,” Roslyn deadpanned.

Feigning shock, Gwyn gasped, “I would never! My best friend is also my roommate? That calls for celebration.”

“And how would we go about celebrating this momentous occasion?” Roslyn inquired, her eyes twinkling with restrained laughter.

“Back home, people would break out bottles of wine and alcohol,” Gwyn mused.

Roslyn rolled her eyes. “Being of noble bearing, I consider such things beneath me. As should you, as a princess. We are not commoners who inebriate ourselves at the slightest uptick in fortune.”

Grinning, Gwyn shot back, “How about a strawberry slushie then?”

Calista’s head lifted from where she lay in front of the fireplace. <<Curious!>>

Roslyn's face lit up. “Phisenta save me, yes! Where can you get some? Wait,  do you already have some?”

Got her.

Gwyn stood and walked over to the bottles Rollo had tucked into the drink cabinet. She uncorked a bottle of delicious strawberry concoction and poured its heavenly contents into crystal glasses. A quick manipulation of her mana allowed her to use [Cryomancy]  and [Telekinesis]  to turn the liquid into two perfect strawberry slushies. She then repeated a little bit that went into a small bowl. She balanced it all in her arms and returned to her two waiting roommates.

She returned to find Roslyn practically vibrating with impatience, her hand outstretched in a demanding 'gimme' gesture. The moment Roslyn's hand wrapped around the glass, an involuntary squeal of delight burst from her lips.

As she quickly partook of her drink, Gwyn moved over and placed the bowl in front of Calista.

The little dragon’s forked tongue tried a little bit but then she shook her head and stepped away. Gwyn chuckled. “Don’t like it?”

<<Dislike. Disapproving!>>

“Fine, fine. We’ll find you something more your style. Probably less sweet.”

<<Hopeful.>>

She turned around to see Roslyn draining the drink.

“Careful!” Gwyn warned. “You don't want another brain freeze. Adrienne isn't here to save you.”

Roslyn glanced up, grinning. “But you are! Just use your fire magic to heat my head.”

“That's… not how it works, Roz. At least I don’t think so.”

“You said it's a brain freeze, didn't you?”

Gwyn chuckled. “Well, yes, but mamma always told me that you should put your tongue to the roof of your mouth to stop it. That's something only you can do.”

Roslyn's cheeks flushed a rosy hue as she nodded. “Ah, yes, that makes sense.”

Satisfied, Gwyn settled back into her chair and took a sip of her own slushie. “Although, I could probably shove my thumb into your mouth if it really came down to it.”

Roslyn began to choke on her drink. After recovering, she shot Gwyn a glare that could only be described as murderous. “Don't you dare make me waste any of this.”

Stammering, Gwyn replied, “S-sorry?”

Calista, feeling the shift in atmosphere, let out a tiny, concerned chirp.

Roslyn nodded, her posture radiating ducal dignity. “Good. Now, let's focus on planning for the first week.”

Gwyn grinned, the weight of the day starting to lift. “Gladly.”

Roslyn held her glass out with a smirk. “My mind works better when it's cooled.”

The princess couldn't help but roll her eyes, but she didn't hesitate. She rose and went about concocting another slushie for her roommate. Because that's what best friends did. She'd be there to indulge Roslyn's whims and to share midnight secrets. She’d even make all the strawberry slushies Roz could ever want.

Now, with her best friend right beside her every day, everything felt just right.

It was, indeed, perfect.

✦     ✦     ✦

The opening week of school unfurled itself in a tapestry of familiar routines. Lectures about the academic expectations for the upcoming year mingled with quizzes designed to test what should've been read during the break.

Gwyn's companion during these days was almost always Roslyn. The duo, joined at the hip, met up with Daria and Salla each morning to embark on their academic ventures. By evening, Adrienne and Lorrena joined them, laughter and tales echoing in their shared space.

Introducing Calista to the others had been a lesson in the various versions of the teenaged squee. For once, Gwyn understood what her paladins went through whenever she or Roslyn felt overwhelmed by cuteness.

Calista… her little Nyx, and draconic sibling if her trait was anything to go by, ate it up. She was a tiny ball of energy that loved to soak up compliments and attention. Not to mention the mana that Gwyn constantly sent into her.

She was also growing.

But it wasn’t too much, yet. Although, Amari had noticed, and she warned Gwyn that Calista’s time in the school wouldn’t last long if she grew too fast.

She wasn’t that  big yet, but there was definitely a notable size improvement since returning from the forest.

That was a future Gwyn problem.

When her friends weren’t hanging out with them in either their room or the library, the ties of friendship pulled Lorrena away more often than not, Salla having seemingly reserved an unspoken claim on her for their shared studies. It was a dynamic shift that struck Gwyn rather pointedly. The realization that her lady-in-waiting no longer felt required to be in her constant presence left Gwyn feeling both proud and strangely bereft.

She suspected her retainer felt fine with leaving her princess with the future duchess.

In class, Roslyn and Gwyn sat side-by-side while Salla and Daria were always close by. The four of them had even claimed their own table at lunch where Adrienne and Lorrena would join them. It was great, and if she were back on Earth, Gwyn knew  her table would be considered the place where all of the cool kids sat.

Princess Elora, for her part, seemed to embrace isolation with resolute stubbornness.

Her frosty demeanor maintained its chilly distance, allowing Gwyn and her crew to sit through their classes without disturbance or bullying. It was a silver lining for Gwyn, as the last thing she wanted was to indulge in any pointless conversations with the Aviran princess.

As for Aran, he also kept his distance, appearing only for brief moments and exclusively in his sister's presence.

Even their little followers had avoided confrontation thus far.

It was almost too good to be true.

But that just gave Gwyn time to focus on everything else.

Magic class, to Gwyn's disappointment, was more introduction to what was to come than any magical learning. But with promises of more things to practice and learn on the horizon, she remained hopeful.

Elective time brought about some changes. She kept Combat Foundations, despite knowing that she would eventually be outpaced by those with their physical alignments, but she wanted to keep learning. It was her way to honor Raafe.

Then, Gwyn, her heart initially set on returning to Art, was persuaded by Roslyn to change her second choice for the semester's first half as a way to reinforce her stature amongst their peers.

So, in a move she'd never fathom back on Earth, she gravitated towards Equestrian Studies. Guess I'll need a name for the horse now.  Gwyn realized she'd have to send word to Taenya to transport her new horse to the Academy which would be permitted to be boarded in the Academy’s stables.

This class was like a Who’s Who of the aristocracy and aspirant knights, and to Gwyn's delight, Roslyn had also enrolled. Gwyn's understanding was that the course encompassed more than just riding—it delved into horse care, polo-like games, and for the boys, jousting.

The latter irked her slightly.

I want to try it too…

Sharing her whimsical wish with Roslyn, Gwyn half-expected a derisive laugh. But Roslyn, in her typical dry fashion, only remarked on the potential hazards of Gwyn’s inherent strength in such a sport, suggesting she might inadvertently impale an opponent.

It was oddly reassuring, even if Gwyn knew she wasn't quite at that point.

Yet.

In another academic shuffle, Adrienne had also changed away from Art, immersing herself in the complexities of Economics and Trade.

Then as the first week wound down, Gwyn found herself alongside Roslyn, their steps purposeful as they made their way to the library. Behind them were two of their four paladins. With the two girls always together, Amari and Khalan had come up with a plan to split the shifts so that they could finally get time to train or rest.

Gwyn was all for it.

It also meant Calista had someone to hang out with while Gwyn was in class.

This was their rendezvous point, where they’d meet up with the rest of their group. Their chatter, animated and light, was disrupted by an unexpected scene unfolding in their path.

Ahead, two older girls stood in a tense tableau. One was a high elf, her stature proud and unyielding. Beside her was a sun elf, her shoulders hunched and eyes glistening with unshed tears.

The high elf was berating the girl. “You messed up, again. How many times do I have to correct you?”

“My apologies, milady.” The sun elf’s voice trembled, weighed down with reproach.

“Apologies? That's all I get?” The high elf snapped, her voice dripping with derision. “Father sent you here to attend to me, and that's what you should do.”

Gwyn's face contorted into a scowl, her natural empathy amplifying the injustice of the situation. Who does she think she is?  She nudged Roslyn subtly, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Who's that?”

Roslyn’s eyes flashed with mana before a tinge of distaste colored her tone as she replied, “Lady Ashryn Breland. A third year and the Duke of Breland's eldest daughter.”

Gwyn snorted. “She seems like a piece of work.”

“In more ways than one,” Roslyn replied. “My cousin Esme is actually set to marry her elder brother, the third son.”

Gwyn's gaze flitted back to the sun elf, sympathy evident. “And her?”

Roslyn paused, considering. “Not sure. But from the conversation, she sounds like a servant. Odd though, students aren’t allowed servants. Only Aviran Royalty can have knights, or in our situation, paladins. If she’s truly a servant, it means she earned her place here by her own merit.”

Their whispered conversation evidently hadn't gone unnoticed. Lady Ashryn's head whipped around, her gaze cold and disdainful. “Mind your business. This is a private matter.”

Roslyn's retort was swift, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “If you wanted privacy, perhaps a public corridor wasn’t your best choice.”

Gwyn, sensing an opportunity, cut in, directing her words to the sun elf. “Are you okay?”

The girl nodded hurriedly, her voice catching in her throat. “I’m fine, miss, I'm so—”

“Enough with the apologies!” Lady Ashryn’s voice cracked like a whip. “Especially to those of lower status than your mistress!”

Roslyn, her demeanor icy, interjected, “Miss Breland, do remember your status. Such public displays are beneath you. If you wish to have such a discussion with your fellow student, and if she is consenting, you may take it elsewhere.”

Lady Ashryn's nostrils flared, her voice dripping with contempt. “Who do you think you—”

Cutting her off, Gwyn raised a hand, injecting her voice with a measured calmness. “Allow me a moment to introduce ourselves, since you are clearly caught unawares. I'm Princess Gwyneth Reinhart, and this,” she gestured to Roslyn with a smirk, “is the Heiress to the Duchy of Tiloral, Lady Roslyn. My advice? Calm down and rethink your actions. This isn’t a secluded corner, and you don’t know who might be passing through. Perhaps returning to your room would allow you to cool off.”

Harnessing her magic, Gwyn used [Cryomancy]  to force an icy mist to emanate from her eyes. “Unless you’d like me to assist with that.”

Realization flickered across Lady Ashryn's face, but her pride kept her silent. She merely snapped her fingers at the sun elf. “To our room. Now.”

Gwyn sent a gentle, reassuring smile towards the sun elf, hoping it offered some comfort.

Once the duo vanished from sight, Roslyn nudged Gwyn playfully. “You did well! I’m proud of you! Now, let’s go meet up with the others. Do we have plans for the weekend? Anything in mind? And don’t you say—”

I do need to check on Sabina’s status…

“Magic?” Gwyn's eyes sparkled mischievously.

Roslyn laughed, feigning exasperation. “We can’t do that every weekend!”

Gwyn feigned shock. “And why ever not?”

“Let’s think of something else just this once. We can do magic next weekend.”

But as Gwyn moved beside Roslyn, her playful pout evident, her mind was elsewhere. The sun elf's glistening eyes and quivering voice haunted her thoughts, casting a shadow over the banter she usually relished.

The weight of nobility and power came with responsibilities, and Gwyn felt the weight of that responsibility now. It was no longer just about flashy spells and the thrill of magic; it was about the people around her, the relationships that made this new world tangible.

The urge to check on the girl, to reach out and ensure her well-being, tugged at Gwyn. She might be a princess, but at her core, Gwyn was a protector, someone who genuinely cared about her people. To see someone not treat one of their own with respect…

It lit a spark inside of her.

It might not change everything but maybe I should seek her out again. Just to be sure she's truly okay.