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“Today, I have been asked to do a small overview of each class you have so you will be better prepared for the rest of the day, along with the coming week, as we adapt to the new changes for us all.” She lifts a piece of parchment from her desk, walking around to the front to lean against it before she continues. “Combat class. I think that’s self-explanatory, don’t you? You’ll need your fitness clothes for this class, and combat will range from hand-to-hand training to weaponry.” She purses her lips, her eyes flicking over the document. “History class, another easy one. You’re going to learn everything about what went wrong in the past so we don’t make those same mistakes in the future.” My fingers curl tight, turning my knuckles white, and I slip them off the table and into my lap to hide them away from any watchful eyes.
“Those mistakes are exactly the reason I don’t think the fae should be here,” Vallie reiterates, tilting her head so her nose sticks a little higher in the air.
This time, the professor doesn’t even bother to acknowledge her, and I can’t deny that makes me like her a little more.
“Origins class is where you will work on your individual abilities as well as learn about each other so that when the heir is selected, there’s a wider understanding and appreciation among everyone. The potions and incantations class will be for everyone as well. Not that everyone will excel in those areas, but there are certain skills that can come in handy, and if you don’t even know they exist, you’ll never learn, am I right?”
I glance around the room, expecting someone to answer her, especially a mage, but to my surprise, everyone remains quiet.
“Then we have the kingdom classes, which are broken down into three different sections: kingdom visits, kingdom etiquette, and kingdom services.”
“What does that mean?” a guy from the front row asks. I haven’t seen him before, but the cream cloak confirms he’s a human.
“If you let me get to the end of this, you’ll find out,” the professor retorts, not bothering to lift her head as another round of snickers echo around the room. “Kingdom visits are just that; you will travel to all parts of the kingdom to see everyone and everything. What is an heir to the throne if you haven’t walked among the people, seen all the pain and love mingled among them?” Her words hang heavy, but excitement fills me at the prospect of traveling. “Kingdom etiquette will cover what being the heir is all about when you’re not dealing with wars, blessing babies, or any of the other boring stuff,” she explains, waving her hand dismissively. “And kingdom services just might be my favorite. It will require each and every person in attendance at the academy to offer some form of service to the kingdom. It may be your magical ability or an afternoon of picking up litter in the park. You’ll know on the day and provide whatever services the kingdom requires to prove to the people outside these walls that you love this land as much as they do.”
I strangely like the idea of that too.
“Finally, this is your form class. We will gather every Monday morning like this. It gives us a chance to provide you with any important information, allows you time to catch up on anything you’re struggling with, and gives you the opportunity to bring any queries forward that you haven’t had the opportunity to speak with your head of origins professor about.”
Someone clears their throat from the left behind me, and I glance back to see a small girl in a gray cloak. Fae.
“Will our voices be heard?”
“I’m sorry?” I’m unsure if the professor simply didn’t hear her, or if she needs further clarification. Either way, my pulse quickens as I watch the girl falter under everyone’s stare. When she remains quiet, I open my mouth, ready to repeat the question for her when she manages to pull the strength from within and do it herself.
“Our queries, will they be listened to?” It’s an honest question, more valid than anything else I’ve really heard today, and when I turn back to the professor, I can sense the same level of understanding in her eyes.
“As strongly as I’m listening to you now,” she vows, the snarky comments and sternness no longer present as she nods at the fae girl. Rising from her desk, the professor discards the parchment, pacing a few times in front of us before she exhales slowly. “Let me make myself clear. I don’t care if you’re a vampire, a wolf, a mage, a shifter, a human, or a fae. I honestly couldn’t care less if my life depended on it. I won’t let vampires walk in here and dictate to me like they have the ability to do elsewhere, and I won’t overlook fae simply because the kingdom has a history. This academy is here for everyone, but most of all, it’s here for the kingdom. The kingdom deserves us, deserves this level of loyalty from its people. That is what I am here for. That is what you should be here for.”
I feel like I can barely breathe listening to her. Her words ring true. Not just for me, but for all of us. Possibly not the vampires because they’ll get pissy that they can’t just rule everyone, but hearing her list off all of the origins, humans and fae included, feels validating.
“The last time it was reigned over like this, it didn’t end well,” Vallie remarks, and the professor instantly shakes her head.
“The last time the kingdom was reigned over, it was lonely at the top. Not only will the heir be the best of the best when the time comes, but those who stand around them will be just as honorable, just as strong, just as determined. We’re not here to find a diamond in the rough. We’re here to forge something never seen before that can face any storm, weather any war, and remain unwavering throughout.”
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Fuck it. Screw my chances, give this woman the role. She knows what it’s about.
A bell rings, shattering the moment, and everyone starts to stand. I follow suit, acutely aware that I don’t recall the professor even telling us her name. Maybe next week.
“I’m here for you all. That’s my role. We’ll meet once a week, just like this, but my office is always open at any other time, too,” she adds as we all head for the door.
I slip from between the two guys that were flanking my sides moments ago, rushing for the door with as much speed as I can without all-out running. I have no idea where I’m headed after this, I just need a minute to breathe and refocus before I go anywhere.
Barely making it over the threshold, a hand wraps around my arm, nails biting into my skin as a familiar voice rasps against my ear.
“You’re not running away from me for the third time.”
NINE
ADDI
My back hits the wall with a thud, stiffening every muscle in my body as I glare up at the self-righteous vampire. His facial features give nothing away, not even a sneer, and it makes me want to put one there. I’m not sure what it is I’ve done specifically that’s put the biggest target on my back, but it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
“Addi.” The worry in Flora’s voice is clear. This isn’t something she needs to get herself involved with. The last thing I want is for Flora to be on their radar.
“I’m good, Flora. I’ll meet you there.” I don’t look away from Raiden, trying to keep my voice as calm and unfazed as possible. I don’t actually know where there is, but whatever this issue is, it’s between Raiden and myself, and getting her away from it is my first priority.
