Academy of Magic Collection

by Angelique S Anderson et al.

  The bell sounds again, but this time, I ignore it. There's something more important I need to deal with.

  I reach out to grasp the blanket that should cover the mirror, and end up knocking it off myself. It drops into a pile in front of the mirror, covering nothing.

  I suck in a deep breath, expecting something but getting nothing.

  "It isn't the mirror from the prophecy," I remind myself, my voice shaking with every word. "No one can see you through it."

  That's not how mirrors work. I know it isn't how mirrors work.

  The only thing that stares back at me is my own reflection. My skin is as pale as ever, my eyes wide in terror. This isn't the image anyone has of a princess. No doubt my parents are glad I'm not still at court making their nobility uneasy.

  "See, nothing there." I touch my throat with tentative fingers. Nothing is threatening to choke me. I don't have to worry about poison. Grimm Academy is built with the protection of students like me in mind, and that should be enough to stop this from going wrong.

  I pick up the blanket, and shake it out, closing my eyes against the dust it whips into the air. The maids know better than to touch the blanket and uncover the mirror after I saw one do it and ended up in a heap on the floor.

  Not my finest moment, and no doubt one of the sources of the rumours about me. But no one has touched the blanket since. Which makes it odd that it fell off today.

  I open my eyes and gasp, stepping back and letting go of the corners as I do. The blanket falls to the floor but I pay it no mind.

  Black smoke circles the edge of the mirror, and I'm too stunned to do anything about it. I don't know who found the magic to break through the academy's defences, but the smoke is definitely there. Someone's using it to spy on me.

  After a moment, I snap out of my stupor and grab the blanket from the floor, throwing it over the mirror and hiding the smoke, and my reflection, from sight. But as hidden as it is, I'll know it's there. I won't be able to unsee the swirling blackness.

  It'll haunt my dreams. Of that much I'm sure. I'll see my terrified eyes and feel the breath choke from my lungs. It's a common nightmare, one I'm used to after having it for years.

  I press my hand against my chest and take a deep breath, concentrating on the movement and not the terror. I can do this. I can focus myself and not give in to the fear. Edward won't want to stay around me if he finds out about this.

  Even as I think it, I know it isn't true. I broke down in the market and he stood by me, he even made sure I got back to my room safely, and has been spending time with me every day since, even if it's just a stolen moment.

  I wish he'd kiss me.

  My eyes widen, in shock this time instead of fright. Why am I thinking like that? While I believe what Edward says about marriage is true, my love life isn't the top of my list. Nor is it something I can give a lot of consideration to without my parents involved.

  Then again, Edward is a prince. I doubt they'll object to him, even if I'm not sure exactly where he's the prince of. I should probably have that conversation with him at some point. I don't think he even knows where I'm from. It hardly matters in the world of the academy. If I throw a coin in the middle of any room, I'm likely to hit a royal or noble with it.

  Here at the academy, there's no real hierarchy. Or not one that's been created by the outside world. I'm sure if I pay more attention I'll find there is a group of students ruling the place.

  I snap my fingers, pulling myself away from the haze of thoughts surrounding me. I need to get to class, though the idea of walking through the door as late as I'm going to fills me with dread. I'm not the kind of girl who shows up late, I take great pride in my education.

  But the mirror made it necessary. I glare at the now hidden glass. Just the fact it exists hurts me enough, but I know it'll only arouse suspicion if I ask to have it removed from my room. Though that seems like the easiest solution to my predicament. Maybe I should ask Edward to move it for me, I don't think he'll question it too much.

  Yes. That's the best plan I have.

  My eyes stray back to the book on my bed, where the book with information about the unicorns still sits. I wonder if there's more information the handler can give me. I should make a list of questions for her.

  But first, class. And I should think of a good excuse for why I'm late. I don't think the academy will accept having a breakdown as a reason, and nor should they. We're held to a high standard here and that shouldn't change.

  Chapter Five

  I set my bowl down on the table, wishing I could go back to my room with my food and ignore the noise in here. But if I want to eat without having to go down into the town, then this is my choice.

  "You alright?" Edward asks, looking up from his stew and taking the opportunity to grab another piece of bread.

  "It's just so loud." I wince. For all I know, someone could be casting a spell to make all this noise. Not everyone here has the ability to do magic, but some can, and they often show off that ability wherever they can.

  "That's because they just made an announcement," he responds.

  "Oh?" I raise an eyebrow. "And it's made everyone really excited?" That doesn't make much sense to me, normally announcements are boring things about important visitors.

  "They've announced a dance."

  My eyebrows shoot up further. "A...a dance?"

  "Yes. Like a ball, but just for us." He dips his bread in the stew and takes a bite. "This is delicious, by the way. You should eat before it gets cold."

  I nod and pick up my spoon. He's right, I should eat while it's hot. I have no idea what they put in it, but I have no desire to eat it cold.

  "I don't know why they want to have a ball," I mutter.

  "Probably to give everyone something to focus on and keep us all out of trouble?"

  I shrug. "They've never been my thing." There are always too many people for my liking, and all of them act like they know me and expect me to know them. I used to try memorising information about guests I knew would attend, but I got so tongue-tied that it never turned out to be useful. I've not bothered since.

  "So you don't want to go?" he asks, a slightly disappointed look coming over his face.

  "Do you?"

  He pulls a face. "Maybe. It could be fun?"

  "I'll think about it."

  "And you're presuming I'm asking you?" The twinkle in his eye convinces me he's joking, but a little part of me still panics and insists he's not.

  "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have presumed..."

  "Snow..." He sets his hand on top of mine and gives it a gentle squeeze. "I'm just teasing. Of course I want to go with you. No one else holds any interest for me."

  "Not even that girl on your jousting team?" I ask, hating myself for even going there. I don't pay any attention to my soup. I can't when my heart is pounding painfully and reminding me of everything I'm not.

  "Joan? Even if I was interested, I don't think I'm her type." There's a hint of laughter in his voice, though I appreciate the fact he doesn't do it. I swear he understands me better than should be possible.

  "How can you not be her type? You're handsome, athletic, a prince." I stop talking abruptly having felt my cheeks starting to redden. Where is all of this coming from? I'm not the type to gush over guys, I never have been. Mostly because I'm too nervous about letting the wrong thing slip out and insulting some visiting dignitary.

  "If you'd like, we can ignore that you called me handsome and focus on talking about Joan instead?" he offers, a mischievous smile playing on his lips even as he takes another bite of bread.

  "Please," I squeak.

  "She's never told me outright, but I think you would be more her type than me."

  "Oh." Come to think of it, I think I've heard rumours about that too. I just don't pay much attention to them because it doesn't really matter to me. She's not hurting anyone by preferring the company of other women to men. So long as everyone is happy with the situation, I see no pro
blem with it.

  "So, no. I don't want to take Joan to the dance. There's only one girl in the whole academy I'd want to go with, but if she says no, then I'll suggest some other kind of date for the two of us. Maybe a picnic down by the stream, or stargazing on the tower."

  Butterflies go crazy in my stomach, demanding to be free. I know he's talking about me, even if the little voice in my head tries to tell me otherwise.

  "I'll think about it," I whisper. "I mean, what we're going to do."

  "But we can do something?" He perks up, clearly pleased with the answer.

  "Yes, we can do something that night," I assure him. "I'd like that."

  From his expression, he may jump up and shout with joy, though I hope he doesn't, it'll draw all kinds of attention to us that I'm not ready for.

  "I can plan several dates for us and then you can pick one?" he suggests.

  I flash him a weak smile and nod. "Sounds good."

  I finally turn my attention to the stew, quickly spooning it into my mouth. He's right, this is good. And the perfect temperature now it's had some time to cool.

  "What do you have after lunch?" he asks.

  "A rest period. You?"

  "Same." He pauses for a moment, no doubt deciding if he wants to say something or not.

  "Do you want to do something?" I whisper the question even though I'm scared it'll get lost in the chatter about the upcoming ball.

  "I'd love to. Did you have anything in mind?"

  I shake my head. "You choose."

  "How do you feel about going into the woods?"

  "That depends, will I come back out?" I half-joke. It does seem dangerous to do that with someone I barely know, but maybe we'll have a chance to get to know one another better.

  "Of course. You can write a note before we leave and put all the blame on me if you don't?"

  I chuckle and eat more of my stew, feeling more at ease than I had before.

  "Forget the note, I want to live dangerously," I say, feeling emboldened.

  "Do you need to change before we go?"

  I think through my attire before nodding. "Just my shoes."

  "Me too. Want to meet me by the front door just after the bell goes?" he suggests.

  I nod. "Sounds good." I eat the rest of my stew and try to ignore the giddy feeling welling up inside me. This is going to be great. I can't wait to spend time just the two of us, and I'm going to make the most of it.

  Maybe I'll even pluck up the courage to kiss him.

  Chapter Six

  The crunch of our boots on the ground only builds the excitement within me. I don't feel as nervous as I should given that we're spending so much time alone together. He has this effect on me.

  "Why the woods?" I ask, wondering if it's the privacy. No one really goes there because of the Huntsmen, they're scared of the ferocious team of elite fighters.

  I'm not. They take an oath to protect all life, both human and animal. They aren't going to hurt anyone unless there's a very good reason.

  "I feel most at home there," he admits.

  "Where are you from?" It’s something I should have asked right back at the beginning of the two of us spending time together, but for whatever reason, I haven't yet.

  He chuckles. "You won't have heard of it. I'm the prince of a tiny woodland kingdom fae to the north."

  "You can't be that tiny." I tap a finger against the high-quality material of his jacket.

  A knowing smile crosses his lips. "Size doesn't always equal wealth," he points out.

  I suppose that is true, though it's not something I have much experience of. My father's kingdom is on the large side and he does everything he can to remind everyone of that whenever he can.

  "Where does your wealth come from?" I ask.

  "Are you trying to assess whether or not I'm a good catch?" he jokes.

  I don't say anything, but it doesn't stop the answer rushing through my mind. He'd be a good catch even if he had nothing.

  He sighs. Guilt fills me. I don't mean to make him feel like he has to answer all my probing questions. There's a reason I'm not trotted out for small talk.

  "We're renowned for our gems. We have a couple of mines and we trade them with other kingdoms," he says when I don't speak.

  "That makes sense," I murmur. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I'm not very good at this." I wave my free hand between the two of us, not moving my other one from its place on his arm. I like it there too much.

  "What do you mean by this?" he asks.

  "Social situations, dating, that kind of thing," I admit. "I've spent my whole life looking over my shoulder and waiting for something linked to my prophecy to start. I wasn't paying as much attention as I should to the things most people do."

  He smiles wryly. "I can't imagine what that must be like."

  Edward dips forward and lets go of my arm so he can push some foliage to the side.

  "Thank you." I pull my dress in so it doesn't catch on the small branches on either side. "Do you know where we're going?"

  He nods as he lets the leafy branch fall back into place. "I've heard a few of the other guys talk about a place they bring their dates for..." he trails off, leaving no doubt in my mind what he means. "I don't expect that from you," he adds hurriedly.

  I let a small laugh slip from me. Having the woods around me is almost as soothing as Edward being near. There's no mirrors here. No corsets or combs. Hopefully no apples either.

  "I know you don't," I assure him. "Though I hope a kiss isn't off the cards."

  My hand flies to my mouth as I long to stuff the words back in. I can't believe I just said that. I'm not the kind of girl who is so forward with my desires. Nor should I be. Even if I'm not the heir to the throne, I'm still a princess and I can't forget that.

  Edward catches hold of my arm and tugs me towards him. I fall into his embrace, loving the feel of his warm hard chest against mine.

  "Do you want it to be?" he murmurs, his breath fanning against my lips.

  My heart thuds in my chest, but this time, the nerves aren't completely unwelcome. There's something more in them. Almost an anticipation.

  "Yes," I whisper. "More than anything." And it's true. I want him to kiss me. No, want is too small of a word. I need it.

  He leans down and presses his lips against mine. I return the kiss instantly, melting into his arms.

  Warmth spreads through me as I lose myself, forgetting about my worries for the first time in my life. Birds sing around us and the wind rustles some of the leaves, but I pay them no attention. Not one thing is a threat to us. We're in our own world with nothing to worry about except how we feel about one another.

  We pull apart, our breath mingling in the air.

  I laugh lightly. "Wow."

  "That good?" He smiles down at me, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

  "You know it," I whisper.

  "I know it was good from where I'm standing, but the most important thing in this is you," he points out.

  My heart skips a beat. "Yes."

  The smile he gives me fills his entire face. He reaches out and cups my cheek in his hand.

  I don't know how long we stand there, time doesn't matter. Nothing matters, not even the worry which normally consumes me. I know that's not logical, but I don't care.

  "Do you have another class this afternoon?" I ask after a few more moments silence.

  He nods. "And jousting practice afterwards."

  "Can I...come watch?" I'm not sure what makes me ask, but I like the idea of seeing him on the top of a horse covered in armour.

  "Only if you let me wear your favour," he jokes.

  "Is it a tournament?" I don't remember seeing one on the academy notice board, but that doesn't mean anything. It's not something I've been paying much attention to until now.

  "No, but it's always traditional to wear a favour."

  I pull away from him slightly and tug at a ribbon out of the waist of my dress and hand it to him. "If I'
d known, it would be something better..."

  His hand clasps around mine along with the ribbon. "It's perfect, Snow. I wouldn't want anything else." He leans in and kisses me again, chasing away any doubts I have.

  Chapter Seven

  I settle in on one of the cold stone benches and pull my cloak tighter around me in the face of the slightly cool evening air. No one is on the lists yet, but I can see some of the team warming up their horses behind the permanent tent like structure that they use to rest between jousts.

  I've never been out here before. It hasn't interested me what the team gets up to. And why should it? Chasing each other down with big pointy sticks isn't exactly the safest thing to spend time doing. Though I guess it's easy to avoid corsets here. Maybe I should give it a go after all.

  A trumpet sounds and two riders line up, one at each side of the list. It only takes me a second to assure myself that neither of them is Edward. I toy with the cover of the book on my lap. I don't need to watch them, they're not who I'm here for.

  And yet, my eyes stay trained on them as their horses begin the thunderous charge down the list. Their lances are lifted, ready to knock one another from their perches.

  My heart pounds in my throat. It's not the normal anxious feeling I'm used to, it's more akin to the anticipation I felt just before Edward kissed me. I'm starting to understand why people like watching this.

  One of the lances crashes into the armour of the other rider, and I find myself disappointed to discover it has a fake tip. Instead of throwing the other person off like would happen in a normal joust, he's just marked down a point. I suppose this is only practice, I can't expect it to be as all out as they're only practicing.

  Edward rides onto the field on a beautiful white stallion. I can tell from the way he's riding him that it's been his horse for a long time. He's not wearing as much armour as the others, sending a wave of nerves through me. I don't want him to get hurt because of that.

  Our eyes lock and he waves at me. I smile and wave back, happy to see him even if I am worried.