“So what?” I asked. “Why would you care?”
“I did not care and neither did she. Though rare, it is not unheard of for a secunnario to live in Civi Obsura. Most would immediately seek out work and a better life in Civi Adasa, but I could not bear to leave Sawnya. For many years we were happy, but shortly after Sin was born, King Verren caught wind of my abilities. He decided that I would serve in his court.” Corym stalled, the weight of his sadness evident in his entire being. “My wife, however, was not welcome.”
My jaw dropped. “So you left them? You abandoned your wife and child for a damn job?”
“It is not so simple, Raynella,” he protested, wringing his hands anxiously. “My presence was not a request but a command, and it nearly destroyed me to leave them. The last time I saw Sin’s mother she told me that my child would grow up thinking I was dead. Better for him to believe that than to think I willingly left him.”
“But you did leave him.” I could see the pain he had suffered, but that didn’t make it okay. Nothing made abandoning your child okay. “Why didn’t you both leave? Go to another court? Better yet, tell my dad to fuck off.” I stood up, pacing around the room. How could my father break up families so casually? He wanted me to restore the lines and give the magic back to the people, something that seemed incredibly altruistic, yet he had torn Sin’s family apart for his own gain.
“One does not refuse a king,” Corym replied solemnly. “Were we to flee to another court, it would have put my family in danger of retaliation. To protect Sawnya and Sin, I had to leave them.”
I sank back onto the couch, the weight of his story heavy on my shoulders. “And Sin has no idea?”
“His mother died of the plague some years ago, and as far I know he was only ever told the lie. When he came to work for King Verren, I was ecstatic to be able to see him again yet tooafraid to tell him the truth. How could he ever forgive me for what I had done? I do all that I can to help him when he needs it, but he thinks I am merely kind.” Corym turned to me then, fear blanching his face. “Please tell me that you will keep this secret, Raynella.”
“I will,” I promised. I respected Corym despite everything, so I could honor his wishes even though I itched to tell Sin the truth. Everybody deserved to have family in their life.
“Thank you,” he replied, the tension in his shoulders easing.
Another long pause stretched out, the secret hanging between us like a tangible presence.
“So would this be a bad time to ask for a favor?” I asked, brushing back my wet hair that was slowly dripping onto his sofa.
He chuckled. “There is never a bad time for the princess.” Straightening, his scholarly air settled about him as if he had just put on an old familiar coat. “How can I assist you?”
“Right, so I’ve been waiting for you to get back because I am in desperate need of your skills.” I felt a little gross saying that after everything he just told me. Everything he gave up so his precious skills would be here at the palace for someone like me. “I need you to do that language transfer thingy. I’m sure you’ve heard that I agreed to fulfill the prophecy, and I can’t stay here without learning Rivellan.”
Corym blinked at me, then his brow furrowed in confusion. “Get back from where? I have been in the library every day. I honestly expected you to seek me out much sooner for this very reason.”
I shook my head. “No, my father said you were gone. Your sister was sick or something.”
“Oh, I am afraid he was mistaken. I have not left the palace in many years now.”
“He lied to me?”
Why wouldn’t my father want me talking to Corym?
“I am certain it was an honest mistake. King Verren has many advisors and much is happening with the Council. He likely confused me with another.”
“Maybe…” I conceded. Though I’d bet a week’s pay at the Taco Hut my father knew exactly what he was doing. He hadn’t wanted me to learn Rivellan. Had said as much at breakfast the first day I met him. Was that why he lied? To prevent me from doing this very thing?
“Is it dangerous?” I asked. “The transfer?”
Corym stroked his neat beard for a moment. “I do not believe so, though I have only transferred something as complex as language to a few others. I have given immense sums of information to many individuals before but never to one who has not manifested.”
Maybe my father was right and there was a risk. Although that was nothing compared to the alternative—continuing to feel like everyone was hiding things from me.
“Ok.” I said, my voice resolute. “Go big or go home right?”
Maybe that phrase wasn’t the best in this situation.
I cleared my throat. “I’m ready is what I’m saying. If you’re willing to do the transfer.”
Corym smiled. “Of course I will not.”
I frowned. “Wait, what?”
He paused, then cleared his throat. “I said of course I will… not.” His mouth opened and closed as he struggled to form words, but the message was pretty clear.
