by J E Mueller
Aylum was quickly beside me. “May I ask what the look was intended for, if not for me?”
“Just a bit of nonsense, really,” I stated, keeping my attention forward.
“Isn’t that what adventuring is for?”
“Well played,” I chuckled. “It truly isn’t something to think on though.”
Aylum was quiet for a while, long enough that I was certain his thoughts had moved on. “All I can come up with is the last thing I said was about switching schools. It occurs to me that such a feat might not be feasible for all.”
“Who would it be feasible for?” I humored his thoughts.
“Any with enough money or power really.” He thought on it some more. “Oh, I do suppose not all families let the women make decisions.”
“You suppose correctly,” I agreed, glad I didn’t have to explain it myself.
“I’m sorry for the reminder. I’m sure that’s frustrating, and even more frustrating if you’re one of the upperclassmen?”
I gave a nod. “Yes, this is my final year.”
“I’m sorry for all the needless restrictions.” His voice sounded sincere, so honest and pure that I wasn’t sure what to say back.
“I suppose I will just see how things turn out.”
“Sitting by and waiting or fighting the whole way through?” He grinned.
I couldn’t help but grin back. “Subtly fighting the whole way through, more or less.”
“What part would be more?” Aylum seemed genuinely curious.
“Depends on their decisions.” I gave a smirk.
“What decisions?”
“If they choose to pair me with a complete imbecile or not.”
Aylum laughed. “Well, that does seem fair to me. No one should be forced to marry a complete idiot. I’m surprised you didn’t say anything on looks.”
“The one nice thing this academy has offered is the variety of very handsome individuals. Most will not have complaints there, though I will admit I have zero attraction to most.”
“Likely due to their caveman ways?” Aylum laughed. “I can appreciate that sentiment. I would rather a pairing with some brains and talent, though I feel that may be difficult with how many ladies are taught to giggle and act silly.”
“You will have a large share of that here. There’s hardly a soul that prizes their brain outside of barely passing classes.” The words came out far more angrily than I expected and I had to take a breath to calm myself. “My apologies.”
“None needed. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
I noticed our walk had taken us back to our original meeting point. “Sadly, I should go now. There’s much to be done in order to be at least half-decent for tonight’s ball.”
Aylum gave a small nod and bowed. “Thank you for walking with me. It was nice. I look forward to seeing you and everyone else tonight.”
Nodding, I bid him farewell and headed back to the school. He seemed pleasant enough, if not a little odd. Not that he would think any better of me. It didn’t matter, I was already Promised to someone. Someone I was thankful I wasn’t forced to attend school with.
Chapter Two
Getting ready was annoying. Not hard though, thankfully, even without help. We all had magic tools or magic in general that made preparing for events easier. My hairbrush and rollers were magicked, heating, cooling, and moving on their own to style my hair how I desired.
The hair I did not mind doing, but makeup? That was not my skill set. No matter how many times mother showed me, I just could not get it to look right alone. I would rather let magic do it. Studying was worth more time then worrying about having the need to do it on my own.
Ready, I stepped out of my room into the common area. Four of us shared a living space, meant to represent the balance of powers gifted to us by the four great dragons. Not that anyone had seen dragons recently. They were said to be extinct, or live only across the seas where the mountains could hide them, and valleys keep them full. No one liked the idea that they could all be just myth. Magic had to come from somewhere after all. I liked the idea of dragons giving us power, but I wasn’t going to search the land and sea until they were found.
“All set Kismet?” I asked my roommate who was checking her reflection by the door.
She nodded, tucking a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear. “As ready as I can be.” Kismet turned to smile at me. “Do you think the others have gone down yet?”
“Doubtful,” I snorted as I walked over to Neveah’s door and knocked.
“I’m almost finished!” she called, confirming my thoughts.
“We’re set to be exactly fashionably late.” I shrugged back at Kismet as I heard Fenella yell from her room that she was nearly ready as well.
The guys would arrive early, and of course we were expected, but not on time. The concept annoyed me. Why did they always want us later? To give the guys an extra moment to gather courage and be ready to dance with us? For us to show off more than what we were expected to do daily? Either way, I bit back my complaint. I didn’t know why my roommates needed so much time, but they were using every second of it.
Since it did zero good to be early, I waited with Kismet for our other two roommates. It was more fun to go as a group anyway. Once they were ready we headed down to the ballroom together. The room was covered from ceiling to floor in reds, golds, and dark greens. The variety of shades did an excellent job of highlighting the beginning of fall.
“I love it,” Fenella squealed with delight as we entered the room, looking for a table to sit at.
“Thank you,” Neveah beamed proudly.
I had forgotten she was part of the main decoration committee. I was too wrapped up in gathering herbs and ingredients for a potion I was attempting this past week. I mostly helped with the initial cleaning and getting hallways decorated.
“This might be your best work yet.” I smiled at her, meaning my words. “The lights were never sparkled like this before. How did you convince the enchanters to do such a solid job?”
Neveah waggled her eyebrows. “Persuasion.”
I snorted, trying to keep my composure. “Which kind?”
A playful smirk crossed her face. “I helped the head of the enchanting club sneak out to spend time with his beloved. He agreed to help make the lights look more like torches in exchange.”
I nodded approvingly. “Clever.”
“If I can’t use my under appreciated magic for anything you bet I’ll find another way.” She smirked, then added in a whisper. “Maybe with a dash of persuasion magic.”
“That’s my girl.” I shared a smile with her before we joined a table of girls from the room below us.
“Hello, fellow tower dwellers.” Soleia smiled and waved at us. “I was surprised no one bothered me today.” I noted the deep red gown she wore looked amazing with her darker complexion. I was certain it wouldn’t look nearly as good on me, but I’d see about trying it on later.
Soleia’s room was under mine. She normally had an abundant supply of odd accessories, making her a great ally for standing out just a bit more at events. I may have accidentally kept several things over the years, and I was certain she had several of mine.
“I think these events exist solely to remind me how many of your things I’ve borrowed.” I snickered, moving so she could see the lightly glowing psutheria flower broach I was wearing. The ribbons in my hair matched the color perfectly and were also hers.
“I forgot those were mine,” Soleia chuckled. “When did you borrow them anyway? Last semester? Two semesters ago?”
I thought for a moment before laughing. “I can’t remember.”
We all looked to Kismet who seemed to have a keen mind for needless details, even if she couldn’t tell you what month we were in. “Oh, Kareia first wore that our second year here at the winter formal. If I remember correctly, she’s worn it several times since then throughout the last few years.”
Soleia gave a laugh. “I hadn’t even notic
ed. It’s not one of my favorites. You might as well keep it.”
“Did you not say it was from far away?” I frowned, not wanting a possible treasure to be lost like that.
“Most of my things are. I have family in Dustarn, remember? I was technically born there.” Soleia waved it off.
“That is fair. I hadn’t thought of it like that.” I was excited to keep them though. It was one of my favorites. As Kismet pointed out, I did wear it frequently.
We continued to chat while food was brought out to us. As the servers worked I took in the room, seeing who was where. Of course, everyone would be present. There wasn’t much getting out of school events. As I looked, my eyes caught sight of Aylum chatting comfortably a few tables away, as if he had been here years instead of a few hours.
“Who are you staring at?” Soleia asked curiously, following my eyes. “Oh, that must be the new student. He looks a bit familiar.”
“Where?” Neveah asked as the entire table wasted no time in looking. I tore my gaze away, not wanting to be overtly staring. Sure, I was curious about him, he was new after all, but that didn’t mean he was going to be interesting. Soon enough Aylum would just be another student here.
The girls quickly turned away giggling and it was easy enough to assume someone had spotted them so obviously staring.
“He’s cute,” someone declared, causing more giggling as everyone instantly agreed.
I dug into the salad that had been placed in front of me, not interested in joining in on the conversation.
“Why so quiet Kareia?” Kismet nudged me as Soleia leaned in to hear my reply.
I gave a shrug as I finished my bite. “It’s less fun to talk about cute guys when you’re Promised.”
“Ah.” Soleia relented for a moment. “That lovely Promised still sounds like an absolute prick, doesn’t he?”
“Indeed. His letters started promising, but I’m more than confident it will not work.” I cringed at the thought.
“Oh no. What else has Eastyn said?” Neveah asked in curious horror, clearly no longer interested in staring at the new student. Promised drama was always where the good gossip was.
“In plain speech how Eastyn looks forward to dominating me, and how he’s thrilled that after our prospective meeting there should be a quick marriage. He loathes that the women at his school avoid him. No surprise as to why. He has also gotten into rather imaginative detail of what he would like to do with me.”
“Ew. Another grabby hands lustful Promised.” Soleia groaned tiredly.
“Indeed. You’re having better luck aren’t you?” I happily turned the conversation over to her knowing things were going far better with her love life. She was sending letters to a special someone, but no one could get a name from her, though she had no problems sharing how well things were going.
The conversation quickly engulfed the table. Most of them were lucky to have either been allowed to find someone on their own or been Promised to someone reasonable. Except Neveah who was equally as bitter about the entire process as I was. Parents had too much control over things that they shouldn’t.
Why should my classes be limited? Why couldn’t I choose someone that made me happy? So what if it didn’t advance my family in any way. The bitterness only led to more anger and the need to rebel. I pushed the thoughts aside and tried to be happy for my friends and classmates, sharing an occasional knowing look with Neveah.
It was a relief when we were finally allowed to get up and move. Dancing was often fun, though not always my favorite. We, as the well brought up ladies we should be, had to at least dance a few times with whatever gentleman asked, as long as we were not engaged. We were also not supposed to play favorites since that was not becoming of an eligible lady.
Blah blah blah… the rules were too annoying to keep up with, remember, and follow. Promised wasn’t the same as engaged, but it was close enough to it in all matters except for this.
Soleia quickly pulled me over to the crowding dance floor, twirling me as she went, despite this particular dance not calling for it. Still, I laughed, as we altered the proper steps until we found a spot.
The first dance was always shorter, giving people time to get up and move and find who they might want to dance with. Time and again it was that way, and yet it always surprised me when it was over. The laughter faded away as Nolan from our class quickly walked over to ask Soleia to dance.
I gave her a small wave as she stepped away from me, surprised to feel a tap on my shoulder. I turned expecting to see Delmar or Gawin who seemed to consistently ask me to dance but instead saw Aylum.
“May I have this dance?” he didn’t hesitate to ask.
“Of course,” I replied a bit shocked as I took his outstretched hand. There was no way he easily made it this far without someone trying to be the first to dance with the new student.
“You seem surprised.” He chuckled as we joined in the dancing.
I let the truth slip off my tongue, “A bit. I figured the new student would be swarmed with people wanting to dance with him.”
“Oh, that is certainly going to be the night,” Aylum agreed, giving a small shrug. “But, I already know I enjoyed conversing with you and wanted a bit of a break from the standard repetitive conversation.”
I gave a small laugh. “I will admit, they have the advantage there. I don’t know many of the standard things about you. Only that you like to sneak out.”
“Sneaking out is more fun than being pestered.” Aylum didn’t look bothered by the comment.
“It’s easy enough, but that means you missed the fun things inside the small castle estate that is our school,” I replied, amused to see his eyes light up with curiosity.
He tilted his head curiously. “No one’s said anything about things inside the castle.”
“Of course not, few know, and those of us that do enjoy keeping the secret. It gives us the advantage.” I smirked.
“Well, what are they?” he asked, leaning a bit closer to me as we danced so he could hear better.
“Now, what did I just say? We enjoy not everyone knowing.” I gave a small laugh, freely letting my amusement show.
“Well, I’m not like everyone else.” He smiled back.
“Correct. We’re all very unique individuals.” I could battle these simple lines all day.
Aylum laughed, quickly giving in. “Okay, how can I get you to tell me?”
“You can’t,” I replied. “But, if you pay attention you’ll figure it out quickly. Surely you’re clever enough for that.”
Mischief twinkled in his eyes. “Very well. I’ll be paying close attention. I will figure these secrets out. This coming week even.”
“Best of luck. There’s plenty of newness. It’ll take at least a month,” I assured him.
“And I’ll happily prove you wrong.” The dance ended, almost as if on cue.
“May I cut in?” Gawin asked, which was not a surprise to me at all.
Aylum stepped aside, his expression turning much more formal, “Of course.”
Gawin took over as the music started up once more. He scowled at me, something I was expecting. “What do you think you’re doing?”
I kept my expression as neutral as possible. “Dancing with whoever asked, as required.”
“You looked like you were up to no good.” Gawin countered.
“If you are trying to say I cannot talk and laugh with others, you are mistaken. Just because I am Promised to your cousin, does not mean I cannot mildly enjoy an event.”
“Women like you need to learn your place. You don’t gawk and cackle at other men. You politely smile, and keep it to a minimum. Everything important should be saved for your husband,” Gawin sneered.
This was another reason I was trying to make sure my Promised wanted to break away from me. Still, I kept my composure. “Everything important is.” With that, I broke out of his grasp. “Excuse me, I have to visit the ladies room.” I picked up my skirt and rushed off, k
nowing he couldn’t follow me there.
I only hid away for a few moments before rejoining the event with a group of girls that were already in there. It was easy to let myself get lost in the crowd since everyone was in attendance. For most of the night I did my best to avoid Gawin and tried to smile and not be put off by the other requests to dance. It annoyed me that this dance was open to the entire school, meaning there was much more than my own class to dance with. I did, however, like how it also was easier to get lost in the crowd.
At least I thought it was. I did seem to keep finding Soleia, and seeing Cressida, Effie, and Celibria fawning over Aylum. If I had thought anyone was enjoying this event less, it was him. Being new made him instantly interesting and popular. It was clearly wearing him down as his laughs and smiles slowly looked more tired.
Part of me felt bad for him. The other part of me was too busy ducking away and hiding from Gawin’s harassment. That was one family I was very interested in breaking away from. The sooner I could lose his cousin's interest the better.
I was surprised to turn and find Aylum again between dances.
“Will you do me the honors of another dance?” he asked before dropping his voice, “Before I go mad from this undeserved popularity.”
I couldn’t completely hold back a laugh as I took his hand. “Only if you do me a favor and not mention it to Gawin.”
He frowned as the dance began. “I wasn’t planning on mentioning who I danced with or how many times, but why?” I gave a slight shrug but before I could answer he continued. “I’ve noticed you looking over your shoulder a lot. Is he giving you trouble?”
I gave a sigh. “You could say that. I am Promised to his cousin. Nothing official has been set yet, and I don’t intend for anything to become such. He still takes it as his personal responsibility to make sure I don’t enjoy any other gentlemen’s company, even as a friend.”
Aylum frowned. “Ah, I have heard that was more common over here. It’s always a shame when someone is too possessive, but being that possessive on another's behalf? Maybe his cousin could get him to stop if you wrote him.”