After my Delphine slip, I answered only what they asked.
Linden wrote it all down.
At the end, Linden stood.
“You will not discuss this interrogation with any student or instructor other than Juno,” Linden said. “If Juno’s access to you changes, you will be told.”
“Changes how?”
Quill answered for the first time.
“You will be informed if it becomes necessary.”
I couldn’t find anymore words so I nodded.
“One more matter.”
“Of course.”
“Your combat assessment has been scheduled. Aldric will conduct it. You will receive the time and location by basin summons. The combat assessment is a school matter, not a pairing matter. It will proceed regardless of Council review. Do you understand?”
I blinked and shook my head.
“No, I don’t.”
Linden waited.
“I’m not enrolled in a combat class,” I said. “I haven’t been taught how to hold a blade, a staff, or my own feet in a room where someone is trying to put me on the floor. What exactly am I being assessed on?”
“Your adaptability.”
“To what?”
“To instruction under pressure.”
“So the fact that I haven’t been taught the rules is part of the assessment.”
“Correct.”
I understood this game.
I just wasn’t sure I knew how to play it.
“You may go.” Quill, from the table.
Linden wrote one final word.
I rose and walked to the door.
Caswell opened it from behind me.
Caspian Ashford was still on the other side.
Relief went through me so fast I almost hated him for it.
My Mark pulled under my sleeve, sharp and certain, and something in my chest loosened before I gave it permission.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
