Bright One | Empire of Blood and Swords Series

42. A Dance of Swords

-42-
-A Dance of Swords-

Winter is arriving next moon. Sapphire said she was going to request for Wei Lóng to train me even harder. But he said he couldn't, now that Lilygrasp is still taking care of a few different ranks. Plus, they were preparing for next Spring's new batch of students.

Some things happened in the West the other day. It must've been important, seeing that Paul brought Ryker and Nixon with him.  Luckily for me, I get to have the entire week off. Sylas got a letter from Lilygrasp three days after Seth started school.

Like expected, the younger brother whined and groaned the entire packing hour.

"Stop crying, you'll fall," Saoirse scolded during dinner time. "Be a man. How are you suppose to find a lady with this—this—wailing."

"Urgh, this is ridiculous. They did this last year, too." Sylas grumbled.

"They pull you back to school every year?" I asked, sounding surprised.

Sapphire nodded, and Suzanna's eyes lit up with joy.

"Well, not every year. They give us five years' rest before sending us back for a two moons." Sapphire answered. "I enjoy going to school."

"What?" Saoirse raised an eyebrow.

"It makes me feel. . . young."

A snort slipped from my lips.

Stuffing food into her mouth, Saoirse pointed a fork at her twin. "Nerds like you are dangerous. I only enjoy school because I get to see my friends."

"Wisdom lies within those who seek it."

Suzanna shook her head, drinking silently on her tea. When she placed the cup down, she turned to Saoirse with a teasing smirk.

"You only hate going to school because you're dumb."

"I beg your pardon," Saoirse put an arm on her heart.

"It's true," Sylas whispered at me.

"Quiet, pup, go back to your wailing," Saoirse snapped.

Sylas only grinned as he turned away. These siblings sure are something.

"Odette, I wonder if you would like to go to school," Suzanna asked.

I paused in my chewing as I made my answer. It would be nice to be able to go to school. The smile on students' faces when they see each other. Or the laughs when a joke breaks out in class.

But it's not like I'll be able to see that again. The Imperial City is no place for an outcast like me. Though it was nice having Kells with me. They kept me even when it was against their laws.

Smiling, I turned to Suzanna. "That would be nice. But I enjoy one-on-one lessons."

"Oh? Why's that?" Suzanna asked.

"Why do you think that is, Suz?" Saoirse said to Suzanna. "She's been called a freak all her life. With only a few friends around to help. It's not easy to adjust to sudden changes, believe me, I know how you feel."