Mistaken Consequences

Chapter 8: Seventeen weeks

When Belgrave resumed classes in January, the rumours had already begun circling. Alyssa Drake had ignored them at first. There were always rumours swirling about one thing or another, but after a couple of weeks, people would lose interest and move on to another topic. In this instance, she was wrong.

Alyssa dropped into one of the chairs in the Temple antechamber and smiled at Hamish. The wolves were the only ones who didn't seem interested in joining the gossip crowd. The oldest Knight smiled back and then leaned forward, a book held deferentially in one hand.

"Maybe you can help?" he began. "Selena has me studying-"

He cut off abruptly as Randall leapt over the side of the couch and landed beside him with a bounce. "God, you're such a teacher's pet," Randall laughed, plucking the spell book from Hamish's hands. "What is this anyways? Another book on magical theory?"

Hamish was already leaning over him, trying to take the book back.

"There's nothing wrong with a little initiative. Something you could learn something about, Mr Carpio," Vera's clipped voice from the entrance to the Temple.

Randall released the book and turned to grimace at the Grand Magus. "Thanks, I'll pass."

"And that is why he will advance in the Order and you will not," Vera said as she continued on towards the Reliquary.

"Again, thanks but no thanks," Randall said, watching her leave.

Alyssa thought she heard Vera mutter something along the lines of "worthless mongrel" but she couldn't be sure. From Randall's stormy expression though, it was something along those lines.

Randall waited until she'd disappeared from view before slouching back against the couch and pulling a ball from somewhere, which he began tossing into the air and catching. He fumed in silence for a few minutes before speaking up. "You know, I didn't really believe those rumours, mostly because I didn't think anyone would actually sleep with Severa, but this girl I overheard yesterday actually made a good point. She's always wearing a thick coat now."

"It's January, Randall. It's cold," Hamish said flatly.

"No, no. He's right," Gabrielle said, magically catching wind of the possible gossip and appearing over Alyssa's shoulder. "And have you noticed how baggy her sweaters are? Not a good look, I might add. They make her look puffy."

"Gabby, that's rude," Alyssa told her.

"Not if it's the truth."

"Guys," Hamish interrupted. "Are we seriously going to sit here and gossip about Vera's personal life?"

Randall scrunched his nose. "You're right. Still creeps me out to think about the Ice Queen doing the horizontal tango."

Gabrielle snorted. "Like you wouldn't do her yourself."

"Ewww!" Randall exclaimed, recoiling.

Gabrielle shrugged. "What? Vera Stone is hot. You don't have to like her to see that. I'd bet any guy in this room wouldn't turn down a chance to be with her."

Randall shoved Hamish's arm. "Tell her she's wrong."

Hamish's mouth opened but then he hesitated, looking uncomfortable with the question.

Gabrielle laughed. "And that's a yes!"

Randall groaned dramatically. "Seriously? Not you too."

Gabrielle came around and sat down on the other side of Randall. "I told you, just because you don't see it doesn't mean there aren't guys wouldn't be after her. She's a grown woman. She can do what she wants." She shrugged. "And I'm rooting for a little baby Grand Magus."