Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 21:

Today was the day. The demonstration of magic by the Royal Academy of Magic. I was so curious, because in my other life anything different was frowned upon. That's why I was bouncing from foster home to foster home. That's why I was determined to hide my abilities, even resorting to a counter regarding incidents.

I figured I wasn't hiding my excitement, because multiple times Sanih had to repeat her questions and directions because I was so distracted. Laughing at my behavior, she gave me a comfortable dress that didn't feel bulky or heavy. Part of me wanted to see her reaction if I asked for a pair of pants, but pushed that aside.

Once I was already, I made my way to the front of the hotel. The women yesterday learned their lesson, as they just watched from the sidelines. I could still feel their glares in my back, but I was focusing on the man in front of me. Khesir would always blow me away every time I saw him. Stoic, but I could feel his kindness. Maybe it was just because I was in tune with his presence.

Bowing my head, I took his hand and stepped into the carriage. Hazen was there with a wide grin. Not holding back, I gave him a huge hug before sitting next to Khesir. Not wanting to sit in silence, Hazen asked both of us about last night. "So how what the mingling of the nobility?" Hazen directed this towards me, since it was obvious that Khesir had no desire to attend. "It was fine. The musicians were wonderful to converse with. Though Khesir had to greet the King there."

Hazen then turned his gaze towards Khesir. With just a look, Khesir mumbled. "It was short. Nothing to talk about." Obviously I was not included on this development, I moved the conversation along. "The First Prince also talked to us as we were about to leave." I should have known that was not a good thing to bring up.

Khesir stiffened and I could tell Hazen's grin was slowly fading away. "What did he have to say?" Hazen was still trying to keep this civil. "He asked if I was the lady who rushed to Khesir's side. I responded yes and then he asked why I would do such a thing." Khesir shifted and wrapped his hand around mine, squeezing it before he added on to the conversation. "He also remarked on the state of her eyes."

That was it for Hazen he clenched his teeth. I was kinda confused, because I had come to terms about my blindness. After a couple deep breaths, Hazen explained to me. Khesir was just silent, but not as angry as he was last night. "Rumad decided to point out your flaws in front of the noble families. These are the families that Khesir will need to gain support from to become the heir. By pointing out a flaw in Khesir's partner, Rumad was trying to make him seem like a fool to desire the throne."

My heart clenched. Flaws? I didn't really think of my blindness as a flaw, because the silver lines still guided me. Though from the outside, I supposed it was a game changer. I needed to make sure that the people could believe in my abilities to guide the country. Maybe they would once they saw my magic.

Hazen and Khesir remained silent as I mulled over these thoughts. There were pros and cons to everything. After awhile, Khesir gave his quiet opinion. "You don't need to prove anything to anyone. You've shown that you are fiercely loyal and protective and I have no doubt that would extend to the subjects of this country." It was a short pep talk, but it made me feel better. Yes, with Hazen and Khesir by my side, I would be able to change and make a difference.

The conversation became lighter after that. Hazen took the liberty to tease us about the dance that we snuck off too. I'm pretty sure by the time we arrives, my face was beet red. I don't know about Khesir, but he did look a little flustered instead of annoyed.

Hazen got out first and made sure that we were clear. Khesir was next and per usual I grabbed his hand and stepped out. I would never get tired of that feeling. The rush of excitement and energy looking forward to something of a new adventure. The building that we were in front of was huge.

"Welcome to the Royal Academy of Magic." Hazen said sarcastically. I couldn't imagine why, but I was sure he had his reasons. A large gate was closed and the walls almost stretched to the skies. Feeling a little overwhelmed by the aura of this building, I stepped back. Bumping into chest, the butterflies returned. "Let's go, we still have to find our way to the demonstration."

Following Hazen's lead, we explored the grounds of the Royal Academy. Everything was pristine. Almost too perfect. It gave me an uncertain feeling. There was no sound of laugher, of students gossiping. It was cold and dead.

I didn't like this and I stuck close to Khesir. Soon we made our way towards a large opening. The ground was gravel like and tents were scattered around it. I was a little confused by the change in environment. Hazen caught that look and explained. "It's to make sure that the grass doesn't catch on fire if a spell is performed." That made sense. I wondered how many times it took before the grass was removed for gravel.

We made our way towards a dark tent. One I figure was for Khesir. Strolling in there was two chairs facing the areas. With a quick glance to Hazen, he waved off my concern. "I'm supposed to stand at the entrance of the tent. I don't need to sit." Letting him go, I sat next to Khesir. I couldn't hear anything outside of the tent. It didn't make me uncomfortable, only dwelling on the grave atmosphere of this school.

Turning towards Khesir, I posed my questions. "Why is it so quiet here? It doesn't seem like a normal school? Where are the students?" My flurry of questions didn't overwhelm Khesir. Positioning himself so that he could face me and still keep an eye on the entrance, he responded.

"Discipline is a big part of this academy. Students are taught to maintain control over their emotions and thus their magic. Even in....desperate situations." I didn't like the sound of that, but I kept my mouth shut. "Students are assigned to dorms when they arrive. Every minute is planned accordingly so that there is nothing wasted." It sounded like a military academy more than a school. Guess that slipped out of my mouth, because Khesir grimly stated. "The magicians produced are soldiers. The better the magician, the closer the crown holds them."

So the King kept all the best for himself, not for the people. That didn't sit right with me. "What about those who don't want to be soldiers." The look in Khesir's eyes made me want to cry. "All magicians are soldiers, the more expendables are taken care of." I wanted to cry, I wanted to throw something. The cruelty of this academy was apparent. If you had magic, you had to come to this school. If not you were hunted down. Even if you joined this academy, if you were not developing enough, they would not let you go. Death was the only way out.

Khesir wrapped his arms around my shoulders as tears of angry flowed down my cheeks. Those poor children. I wanted to go and take them away from here. Then something came to the forefront of my mind. Khesir used magic, the first time we danced. So does that mean? I turned to him again, clutching the front of his shirt. "Khesir, you have magic. Does that mean?"

A pathetic smile was the only answer I needed. Khesir went here and lived through this abomination of an institution. I couldn't imagine how much he suffer. Reach and grabbing the sides of his face, I rested my forehead on his. Silent tears streaked down. Khesir remained still, watching as I mourned the loss of his childhood. This was the reason Sanih was talking about. The coldness behind his eyes.

A small headache was emerging and I wiped away the last of my tears. I must look like a mess. "I'm sorry. Here I am crying when I didn't experience anything." I felt the weight of his head on my shoulder. Unsure of what to do, I place my hand on his head. Khesir mumbled something in my clothes and I couldn't hear it.

"What was that?" He turned his head and whispered. "No one ever shed a tear on my behalf. But you, a stranger, after putting together the pieces wept." I sounded so silly. And he gave a little laugh. "Thank you. I knew I picked the right woman." We went back to our silence, but Khesir didn't raise his head from my shoulder. And I didn't want to tell him no.

Soon horns blared and the demonstration was about to begin. Before we entered the tent, I was excited to witness these abilities. But now I had a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Yes I would be seeing something wonderful, but the blood, sweat and tears behind that made my blood boil. Khesir will be the heir and this would be the first place that I would change.

Determination made my heart stronger and I grippedKhesir's hand. We would make a difference. I was sure of it.