“Will we each write a dissertation or write one together?” Adalin asked.
“Only one is required. The choice is yours whether to delegate the task to your partner, take it on yourself, or write it together,” the ambassador replied.
Adalin nodded as she wrote his words down. “Thank you, Ambassador.”
“Any other questions?” he asked as though he wished he didn’t have to.
No one was as brave as Adalin, or perhaps they thought the task simple enough. Either way, the ambassador’s delight was both seen and felt by Wren when no questions came.
“Very well then!” he clapped his hands together. “I will call you and your partner up to retrieve your assignment and accept your essays. After that, you may leave to work how and where you wish.”
Ambassador Westover sauntered to his desk and sat down in his plush desk chair. He cleared his throat, then began. Two by two, students submitted their essays and obtained a rolled slip of parchment tied with black ribbon.
“A fan of dramatics, isn’t he?” Castien mused under his breath.
Surprise rippled through Wren. Due to the attention they had recently garnered, she expected him to behave coldly to her until they were in private. Perhaps he thought they could speak in class and look the part of the partners they were.
“I could see him on a stage, to be sure,” Wren replied in an equally low tone.
They both faced forward, but Wren cut her eyes to the side to catch the faintest smirk on Castien’s lips.
“I think he prefers to play the puppeteer.”
Wren hummed in response. The ambassador did not appear malignant in nature, but he certainly swayed toward eccentricity. He favored entertainment over teaching. Even if she was truthful about her Gift, she doubted that this class would enhance it.
“Lady Wren Kalyxi and Prince Castien Valengard,” Ambassador Westover proclaimed as though they were entering a ballroom.
Wren and Castien rose from their seats in tandem. There were few students left, but Wren was keenly aware of their gazes. She had become accustomed to being watched since arriving at the academy, but the weight of such intense study of her personhood was still heavy.
“I am looking forward to reading your essays,” the ambassador said with a sly grin.
Wren slid her papers out of her bag and handed them to the ambassador. He traded them for the miniature scroll, then took Castien’s essays next. Wren noted his stack of parchment was much larger than hers. How much had he written? Her gaze raked over the top page, but didn’t make out so much as a full sentence before the ambassador stacked her essay on top.
“Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any trouble. I am happy to assist.” His offer was made with the same feline grin that made Wren suspicious. She was certain hisassistancewould be more of a detriment. He’d likely deem sharing their greatest weaknesses helpful.
“Thank you, Ambassador,” Castien intoned, then stepped around Wren to head for the door. Wren followed him out,tightly clutching the strap to her shoulder bag in one hand, the unopened scroll in the other.
They went from the hall to the mist in silence. Wren did not ask where they were going. The dark alcove called to her like a harpen. Soon they would be alone. Not only could they speak freely, but she would be released from the shackles of her Curse for a few blessed moments. Though her anxiety spiked when she considered her last letter, the relief at having a break from feeling overcame every other thought. She walked faster down the foggy path to the library, gaining two paces on Castien.
“Eager to get me alone, Kalyxi?” Castien’s voice was silk brushing across her skin. The same unfamiliar swirl of warmth swept through her at the sound.
“These grounds have become more observatory than academic. I wish to be free from the burden of being perceived," Wren replied.
Castien closed the distance between them. His suit coat brushed the sleeve of her dress. On instinct, she stepped to the side. Space was good. Safe.
“Do you think I don’t perceive you?” Castien asked as the library’s serpent guardians came into view. Their red eyes gleamed. Wren felt as though they saw through her lies. Could Castien?
“You see me as a puzzle,” Wren answered as they climbed the stone steps. “They see me as an opponent.”
“Am I incapable of seeing you as both?” Castien opened the door. Warmth reached out a hand in welcome. Wren accepted the invitation and entered into the hushed sanctuary.
“I am not important enough to be your enemy,” Wren murmured as they wound through the shelves side by side.
They did not see many students on their journey, but Wren felt the sparks of surprise as they passed their peers. Castien did not speak again until they were alone. He struck a match and lit thecandle in the middle of the table. Wren took her seat, setting her bag on the ground next to her feet.
“You are not my enemy,” Castien said as he sat down. His eyes found Wren’s. “But do not mistake yourself as insignificant when you are far from it.”
Wren could not make out the meaning of his words. She stored them away for further analysis later.
