Page 56 of The Awakening of Essensia

Elijah nodded. “Someone is reporting on your progress in training. She’s given you a month to prove your worth or you’ll be removed.”

A cold sweat broke out on the back of her neck. “Why does she care?” she asked, wiping her palms on her trousers.

“The Crown is under intense scrutiny from certain members of Court. The King has missed too many council meetings, I am rarely at court. They are analysing our every move. And now, for the first time in decades, an outsider has been brought into the barracks. Anything that suggests you were brought here for reasons other than your combat skills is attention we can’t afford.” He gave her a knowing look. “Neither can you.”

Vaelira leaned against the desk and let her head fall into her hand. It was too much. Nausea twisted in her gut, and she swallowed it back.

Jurah placed a hand on her shoulder. “That’s enough for tonight,” he said. “You have nothing scheduled tomorrow. Take the day to reset.”

Vaelira nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Her heart pounded against her ribs. Queen Mairese was watching her. Demons were being summoned inside the city, maybe at that very moment and the Royal Librarian might have answers, not only about her power, but about Jon too.

She stood and stumbled sideways. Strong arms caught her. She tried to draw a breath but gagged, her hand flying to her mouth. Elijah reached for her again, but she held out a hand to stop him.

Swallowing hard, she breathed through her nose then turned and left.

The next morning, Vaelira made her way to the washroom and grabbed one of the few remaining pitchers on the counter. She tipped the water into the basin before dunking her hands and splashing her face. It was freezing. It must be later than she had thought.

She dried her face and turned quickly from the mirror, not wanting to catch her reflection. Whatever state she was in could wait until there was something solid in her stomach.

By the time she reached the refectory, lunch was already being served. Her head throbbed with every step, but at least the nausea had passed. She stared down at her plate. Of all the revelations last night, knowing she was being watched was the most unsettling. She resisted the urge to look around the room.

Were they watching her now, reporting back to Queen Mairese on her lack of appetite?

She was about to stab a piece of meat when a tray slammed onto the table in front of her. Vaelira jumped, her fork clattering onto the plate.

“Gods, Ressa,” Fang said, mouth already filled with food. “You scared the life out of her.”

Ressa stood on the opposite side of the table, head cocked. “Just checking she’s still alive.”

Vaelira raised a hand halfway. “Still alive,” she said, her voice rougher than expected. Next time Willem brought out a bottle of whiskey, she’d decline.

Ressa and Fang sat across from her.

“I came by your room last night,” Ressa said, biting into a bread roll. “No answer.”

Vaelira cleared her throat. “I’m a deep sleeper. Sorry about that.”

“She knocked pretty loud,” Fang said. “Woke me up and I’m, like, four doors down.”

Vaelira shifted in her seat. “What did you want?” she asked, trying not to sound defensive.

Ressa shrugged. “I was bored. Had a bottle I swiped from my father. Thought we might do some girl bonding.”

“Hey, I would’ve been up for a drink,” Fang said incredulously.

“And girl bonding?”

Fang smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Always.”

Ressa rolled her eyes and turned back to Vaelira. “Anyway, looks like you had plenty to drink last night. I could’ve sworn I saw you slip in long past curfew.”

“Must’ve been in the washroom.” Vaelira lied.

Ressa’s eyes narrowed. “If you say so.”

Fang pushed his empty plate aside and leaned on the table. It groaned under his weight. “We’re headed into town after lunch. Want to join?”

Vaelira looked at them both. Fang seemed to genuinely want her to go, but Ressa was eyeing her cautiously. If she had seen Vaelira slip in, she’d know it wasn’t from the direction of the washrooms.