The Skyhome Academy

Rose was walking through the courtyard when she spotted Simon at one of the many round stone tables scattered throughout the area. “Hey!” she called out with a wave. He waved back as she approached. She put aside her backpack before sitting near him on a bench. Other cadets and academy staff occasionally passed by along the courtyard’s paths as they spoke.

“What are you doing here?” Rose asked.

“I thought it was too nice out for studying in the library.”

“That’s true.” It was a mild afternoon, with the academy’s shield allowing through a gentle breeze.

“Also, I have to admit that I love the idea of having a secret telepathic conversation right out in the open—that’s some serious spy stuff,” Simon told her with a grin.

“Yeah, when everyone gets here we should all face away from each other and pretend to read newspapers.”

“If we looked that suspicious, we’d be terrible spies.”

Rose scoffed. “Next you’re going to tell me that bribes shouldn’t come in bags with dollar signs on the side.”

They shared a laugh. Rose glanced away to look for the rest of the study group, but there was no sign of them. This is as good a time as any. “Simon…there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“What is it?”

She moved down the bench until she was next to him, and he turned to more easily face her. “I know I gave a bad impression during the first semester, and that you still have feelings for Emma. But we’re so close, and I realize now it’s something that could become more than friendship. …⁠Will you go to the Summer Formal with me?”

Simon hesitated a moment in surprise. “I’d love to,” he said happily. Rose released a breath she had not realized she had been holding. He took one of her hands. “You’re not bothered that I don’t want to join the military? Or that we’re in different social classes?”

Rose shook her head. “I got a little carried away with my love of magehood. And I’m not going to let being a noble dictate my life. If some people don’t approve of our romance, that’s their problem.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

Rose then noticed the remaining members of the study group approaching. The prince’s bodyguards kept watch some distance away.

“You’re holding hands,” Emma said excitedly. “Did something happen?”

“We’re going to the formal!” Rose cried. She saw disappointment in Robert’s expression.

Her sister gave an excited squeal. “I’m so happy for both of you!” Mei seemed amused by the healer’s reaction.

“Oh, we have news too,” Emma added. She pointed to the prince’s belt. “‘Look Ma, no wands!’” Rose saw that his wand was absent.

He gave a self-conscious laugh. “Just in time for finals.”

“Congratulations,” Rose told him. The three new arrivals put aside their backpacks and sat at the table.

“Emma, I would have failed this year if not for you,” Robert said. “Would you consider allowing my family to purchase your serf contract? You’d become my official tutor. I’d see to it that your military service obligation is waived, and you’d receive your citizenship upon graduation.”

Rose worried that her sister would accept, but Emma shook her head. “Thank you for such a generous offer. But my place is with Rose.”

“I understand.” Robert then looked to Rose. “It’s impressive that you can inspire such devotion.”

“I don’t deserve it,” she admitted before looking to her sister. “Thank you.” Emma nodded.

“Anyway, let’s get to what we’re here for,” Rose continued. “Mei⁠—”

“I know the drill,” she answered before establishing mind links with the group. Rose finally released Simon’s hand so that she could join everyone in placing some books and papers on the table and pretending to study.

“So I’m sure you’ve all heard the news,” Rose sent. “Two castle servants tried to assassinate Baron Tessel in Roost Alpha as he was about to go out for a flight. But he sensed their magic and raised his shield in time. Then he killed both attackers.”

“And now the crimes at the academy this year are considered their doing,” Mei added. “That much has been made public. Were there any witnesses we could talk to?”

“No,” Rose replied. “It was probably an attack of opportunity—an archmage would be a major obstacle to capturing the castle, and they happened to catch him alone.” She looked to Emma. “What were the autopsy findings?”

“Both the servants were struck in the chest by arcane bolts. They would have died immediately.”

“It’s too bad they weren’t taken alive for questioning,” Simon sent.

Rose considered this. “I can’t fault the baron for that. It’s only natural to respond with everything you have when ambushed. And a close range, maximum strength attack by an archmage would break through a basic shield.

“But the real question is, can we be sure all four incidents were the work of these two?”

“Your father and Baron Tessel believe that more traitors getting past the academy background checks is highly unlikely,” Robert reminded Rose.

“Unlikely isn’t the same as impossible—there could be more of Griffonskull’s pawns. Also, Margas and Professor Akintola are still possibilities for the attempts on you and Mage Charles. Although the dead servants did work in Roost Alpha, where your griffon is kept.”

“Could servants afford that expensive toxin?” Simon asked Rose.

“Not by themselves, but they might have had a contact outside the academy mail it to them. Did you ever hear back about the Margas family buying controlled reagents?”

“They only purchased one substance used in Maggot’s Bane, apparently for a medical reason. But there are other sources for alchemical supplies.”

“So once again, we can’t say anything definite about anything,” Mei complained.

“It does feel like we’re spinning our wheels,” Rose admitted to her. “How’s the empathic field?”

“Finally ready at a forty yard radius, though my efficiency is still terrible. I’ll need Emma to continually transfer mana to me while I use the spell. We tested it near Margas so that I could get an impression of his mind. I’m certain I could recognize his hateful presence if I sensed it again. Of course, this will all be pointless if he keeps a shield up the entire time he’s committing some malicious act—but it’s the best we can do.”

“That’s fine. Robert, could you have your men continue to monitor Margas?” He nodded, and Rose looked over her companions. “Now that the spell is ready, we have to make a decision. If Margas breaks curfew, do we go after him?”

Each of Rose’s companions answered affirmatively, and she nodded. “It’s settled then. Everyone remember that if we do get caught out after curfew or catch Margas committing a crime, we were just sneaking around for fun. The legal problems we’ll have if we admit to spying on a high noble are much worse than a disciplinary infraction.”

Everyone nodded, and Rose yawned. “Boy, this studying sure is boring.” All her companions except for Mei stifled laughs.

Rose then noticed a transport ship entering through the castle gate. It touched down, and plainly dressed serfs began exiting the vehicle.

“Who are they?” Simon asked Rose.

“Extra servants for the tournament. There are more arriving later in the week.”

“I heard that they’ll be sleeping on cots between the bunk beds in the peasant barracks,” Mei complained before looking to Robert in resentment. “Of course, you’ll continue to enjoy having your own apartment while I suffer this indignity.”

“I don’t recall you disapproving of the castle’s living arrangements last semester,” Robert said pointedly. But then he sighed. “For what it’s worth, I don’t blame you for feeling bitter. And I’m sorry that I ignored your distress—but I couldn’t risk the political consequences of helping you.”

“…⁠If the situation had been reversed, I would have abandoned you for the same reason. So let’s not mention it again.”

Robert nodded. “I’m afraid I can’t do anything about your accommodations. But if you want to go to the Summer Formal, I know a noble cadet who expressed interest in you.”

“I’ve already had several boys ask after me. Unfortunately, I no longer own any dresses worthy of my beauty.”

“I could get you fitted for a nice dress,” Rose offered.

“…⁠I also don’t care for dancing.”

“Rose, which dress are you going to wear?” Emma asked.

“I’m not sure.” She looked to Simon. “Any preference?”

He gave an awkward laugh. “…⁠I hope this isn’t weird to say, but you look amazing in a dress uniform.”

Rose took his hand. “That’s a perfect suggestion.”

There was silence for a short time, until Robert spoke. “Simon, you’re fortunate to take Lady Rose to the formal. She’s an exceptional young woman.”

“I agree,” he answered evenly.

“Wow, you two managed to talk to each other without giving the rest of us testosterone poisoning,” Rose joked. She did not want to acknowledge the prince’s compliment.

Simon and Robert looked to her skeptically, and she gave a slight laugh before continuing. “Anyway, maybe we should finally get around to studying.”