I adjust my grip on my wineglass before it cracks in my hand and take a gulp.
Kaelis makes his rounds, greeting his professors new and preexisting, Ravin an ever-present companion.Why is the crown prince here?If Kaelis had known in advance, then he would’ve warned me. Which means Ravin is a surprise.
I brace myself as they finally reach the small circle of professors I’m standing with. Kaelis’s eyes flick to mine, and the look he gives me says everything. He didn’t know Ravin would be here, and he likes it about as much as I do.
“Ah, you’re one of the new ones.” Kaelis doesn’t miss an opportunity to cement our lie, or my new identity.
“Yes, your highness.” I duck my chin.
“Headmaster,when we’re in the academy,” he says, almost offhand, as he turns to greet another professor when they pass by. His entire body language says I am of little importance. And I could kiss him for it.
“And you may call me Prince Ravin.” Ravin scoops up my hand, pressing his lips to it, and I barely stop myself from retching. As Kaelis’s eyes turn back to me, there’s a spark in them that’s damn near murderous. “While my brother can’t be bothered to introduce us, I would love to know your name.”
“Sophie Veillgar,” I say without missing a beat, forcing a smile.Play the game.I try to sink further into this second skin of mine even as I fight for my hands not to tremble as Ravin takes his time releasing my fingers.
“Lovely name.” Ravin smiles, continuing with platitudes as smooth as silk. “It’s so refreshing to know that new talent is regularly brought into the academy. I know my brother ensures that the staff is composed of only the most capable individuals. What is it you teach, Miss Veillgar?”
“Wielding. I’m a professor under Vaduin.” I keep my voice in the same measured, confident tone. As though just speaking to Ravin is a supreme honor.
“Ah,yes, that’s right…” Kaelis says with a hum, attention returning to me in earnest from his side conversation with the other professors. His gaze is guarded, almost dull, like he couldn’t be more bored to be looking at me, even as he makes a show of sizing me up. “Vaduin spoke highly of your skill. Perhaps I should sit in on your class one of these days to ensure you’re a worthy investment.”
“It would be my honor.” My words nearly quiver. I fight to not wipe the hand Ravin just kissed.
Kaelis locks eyes with me in a manner that almost says,Look at me. Look only at me.The trembling stops. He’s here. My disguise is perfect. Ravin doesn’t know. There is no reason to panic.
“Perhaps you might also observe one of my lessons, Headmaster?”The woman next to me shuffles forward slightly. “I would be glad for any suggestions on how I could improve my craft. There’s no higher honor than to learn from one of the best Arcanists to ever live.”
“I’m not sure if you could handle my lesson, Lady Armena.” Kaelis wears a tight smile that the woman at my side somehow misreads as coy. I’m not sure how, when it’s so obvious he’s clenching his jaw.
“You really are so scandalous, Headmaster.” Armena laughs a little too loudly, leaning in to playfully bat at his arm. I’m honestly surprised Kaelis doesn’t retaliate with a card when she touches him. “Whatever shall we do with you?”
I’ve never seen anyone showing remote interest in the void-born prince. Then again, the only time I was ever close enough to possibly see such behavior, I was his bride-to-be. And no self-respecting noble would dare publicly throw themselves at a sworn prince.
You know, there are women who would kill to be engaged to me,Kaelis had said to me a year ago. I’d scoffed at it then. But he had no reason to lie.
“Now I see why you’re always chasing me away from the academy, brother. When you have women throwing themselves at you here, why invite competition?” Ravin chuckles, and Armena’s face turns scarlet.
Kaelis has yet to move. He stands as still as a statue, wineglass in his grasp. Eyes narrowing slightly.
“Do not touch my person if you wish to keep your hand.” Kaelis brushes off his sleeve where she touched it.
Ah, there’s the reaction I was expecting.
She mumbles a quick “Yes, of course” and then makes it a point to engage herself in a conversation with the two other professors who stepped aside when Kaelis and Ravin arrived.
I am suddenly alone with the two princes, the other professors we were speaking with following Armena.
Kaelis’s eyes return to mine once more. “I look forward to seeing your performance this year, Sophie Veillgar.”
With that, he abandons me. I know he had no reason to stay, but I want to scream for him to come back when Ravin lingers rather thanfollowing his brother. He leans in, locking eyes with me. He’s so close that I’m certain he must be able to hear the pounding of my heart.
“I wouldn’t get your hopes up. My brother is recovering right now.”
“Pardon?” I don’t trust myself to do anything more than feign ignorance and say only a single word.
Ravin sighs. It’s all a show. This man. His fancy clothes. His suave mannerisms and charisma. I see right through it. I see his dead, haunted eyes.
“I heard a woman matching your description was out in the city with him from an enforcer.” Ravin’s network is truly unmatched. “Surely you know what happened with his previous intended?” He keeps his placating tone and pitying expression.
