But I was not going to think about that now. I had three years to change his mind.
Taking a long swallow of a chilled juice that one of the servants had offered me I focused on the rest of the ballroom crowd. While most of the others were regulars at court whose only interest lie in what their highborn friends were wearing, there was still a large number of mages in attendance – including the Colored Robes who had come to officiate the ascension and offer congratulations to their faction's newest members.
The Black Mage was wearing his signature robe. The silken black layers were etched in an intricate gold design with small red and yellow gemstones dotting its fallen hood. He looked uncomfortable in such lavish dress – probably because mages only wore their robes during public occasions, choosing to spend the rest of their time in more comfortable garb for battle. I could see the two gold earrings in his left ear, dangling under the bright lights of the hall.
I longed to approach him. The dark skinned man with the piercing green eyes had gone against tradition and vouched for me to become the sixth apprentice of my year. That alone would have been enough to make me worship the man, but he was also the best Combat mage in the realm. The man had won the Candidacy fifteen years ago and before that he had served as one of the leading mages in the Crown's Army.
"He won't bite, you know."
I blushed. "You caught me."
Ian grinned and grabbed my arm, dragging me forward to the most important, most powerful mage of Jerar. "Hey, Marius, I think you have an admirer."
I turned the shade of the tapestry behind me as the Black Mage swung around, white teeth flashing. "Is that Master Byron's least favorite apprentice I hear calling my name?" The man's tone implied a longstanding joke.
"Not anymore." Ian nudged me forward, chuckling. "Ryiah has taken over the job for me."
Recognition flashed across the Black Mage's features and he smiled. "Ah, Ryiah, well it is only fitting. That cranky old frog would hate the first-year I personally nominated." He held out his hand and I shook it, palms sweaty and unable to breathe.
After a couple minutes of listening to easy banter between the curly-haired third-year and Marius, I finally found the courage to speak. "I am so grateful you vouched for my apprenticeship." I took a deep breath and continued quickly before I lost my nerve. "And I hope I do not disappoint you."
The man raised an amused brow. "My dear, you can not disappoint me – why the prince was just telling me earlier you and he led the mentees to victory for the first time in a mock battle in over a decade." His eyes danced. "Two second-years… why, I might be in the presence of my successor now. What do you think, Ryiah? Are you going to be taking part in the next Candidacy?"
Was I dreaming? This had to be a dream. Because in what life would the most powerful mage of the realm be suggesting I was a contender for the robe. Not the traditional plain black robe of my faction – but the special robe, the only one etched in gold and encrusted with gems. The one passed down over seventy years among the Candidacy's winning mages. The Colored Robe. The robe that made a mage the Black Mage.
"Well now you've done it." Ian grinned at Marius. "She won't be able to talk all night."
The Black Mage was being called away by the other two Council members. He sighed wearily. "Politics again… I apologize to you both but I must return to my Council." His eyes crinkled as they fell on me. "I hope this isn't the last time we talk, dear Ryiah. I look forward to hearing your accomplishments as the years progress… perhaps my status will seem a little less daunting then." Then the man gave a final nod to the both of us and disappeared into the crowd.
"I have never seen you speechless." Ian was watching me with wonder.
I made a face and shoved him gently. "You've never put me in front of my idol before, either."
Ian caught my arm and his hand lingered on it just a moment too long. "Meet me in the library." There was a hunger in his eyes that sent a stampede of sparks stammering across my chest. "No one will be in that drafty old place – not with the feast going on all night out here."
I had to remind myself to breathe, and when I finally did, butterflies were flooding my spine, from the top of my neck to the tip of my toes. It was the feeling I had every time Ian touched me - every time he whispered that he want to see me alone. We hadn't had many opportunities in our constant deployment – but here at the palace…
"I-I'll leave in a minute," I stuttered. "There's just something I have to do first."
"Don't take too long."
The words brought another rush of heat and I flushed. "I won't."
As soon as Ian had left the room my memory returned and I inspected the room, searching for the one person I needed to speak with. I spotted him through the great doors that led through to the grand balcony. While many of the palace chambers hosted small patios of their own, only the main ballroom had views as stunning as the one below. It faced north – directly into the dense mountains below which reminded me of home in its green majesty.
Beside him was her. Wearing a splendid dress of lavender and yellow lace she looked like she belonged here: the future princess of Jerar. Priscilla's brown hair was done up in the latest fashion, small tendrils escaping an elaborate twist, held high by rusted gold clips.
I watched the two of them for a moment – the dark-haired non-heir and his betrothed. Neither looked happy, and from the way Priscilla's lips kept moving I suspected they were arguing. I watched as the girl thrust her drink glass into his hands and stormed off. Darren watched her go with a weary expression.
I hesitated. This probably wasn't the best time to approach him. The non-heir had been acting strange all week… but after hearing what the Black Mage had said earlier I felt a responsibility to seek him out.
Praying that the prince wasn't in a foul mood – as he'd appeared to be every day this week - I approached him on the crowded dais. "Darren?"
The young man spun around, shoulders rigid.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you..."
Instead of looking to me the prince scanned the crowd behind us. After a moment the tension left his shoulders and his eyes met mine, seemingly relieved.
"I talked to the Black – I talked to Marius. He said you gave me most of the credit for that mock battle in Ishir." I swallowed. "You didn't have to, it was mostly you…"
"I don't give credit unless it's due." Darren's lips held the faintest trace of a smile. "You already know this."
My cheeks burned and I forced myself to continue. "It means a lot – to have him think so highly of me. He's the best mage there is."
"Ryiah." Darren's eyes seemed to gleam in the setting sun. "You have such a low opinion of yourself, but you have no idea what the rest of us think of you already."
"But Master Byron-"
The prince's eyes flashed. "The man is an idiot."
"But he's a master!"
"You can be a great man and still be a fool. Many of our country's leaders can attest to that. Were they still living."
"That's your great grand-parents you are alluding to." I couldn't keep the grin from my face.
Darren sighed. "Unfortunately yes. And they are not alone. People make mistakes all the time – some of us just are in more of a position to leave an impact when we do."
"Have you talked to your father and brother about what happened in Mahj?"
The prince gripped the railing tightly and I could see the white knuckles beneath.
"I'm sorry," I began, "I shouldn't have-"
"They want me to leave the apprenticeship." His words were quiet, angry. "They said it is too much of a risk for me to continue."
"You can't leave!"
"I told them I'm not." He hesitated and then looked to me, suddenly unsure. "You don't think I'm making a mistake? That maybe I shouldn't? Because of Caine?"
"Caine died protecting someone worth saving!" I burst. "Of course you should stay! People want to see their prince fighting with them!"
"But may
be I just put us at more risk."
"Those rebels would have fought us whether you were there or not." I reached down to grab his wrist, ignoring the telltale spark that shot through me as I did, adding earnestly: "You are one of the best apprentices we have! We need you to fight with us – not hide out in some palace like a sheltered pr-" I cut myself off, uncomfortably aware of how close I had come to insulting the Crown. It was treason to even say what I'd already started.
But Darren didn't look angry. He looked relieved, pleased even – like I had affirmed what he already believed. "Especially if war is in our future."
I froze. I wasn't sure I had heard him correctly. "Did you just say-"
"Nothing is certain." The prince's eyes fell to my hand on his arm and I blushed, hastily releasing him. "Don't tell anyone, Ryiah. My father and brother are reluctant to say so, but after the news from Mahj there have been several meetings between the Council and the Crown's advisors. They suspect Caltoth played a part."
"I won't."
"Thank you. I probably shouldn't have said anything." His eyes caught mine and he grinned crookedly. "It's just so easy to say things when you are wearing that dress."
I started to nod and then froze as I realized the last part of his remark. "I…" The blood had rushed to my face and I was suddenly very, very aware of how close we were standing. My traitorous body was reacting very happily to the proximity.
"What happened to that one you were wearing that night in Mahj?"
"T-that?" I was a stammering fool. "It's h-hardly appropriate for the palace."
"That's a shame." Darren's garnet eyes refused to leave my face and I thought I would burst into flame. "I never got to tell you then – but you looked really nice that night, Ryiah."
Ian. Ian. Where was Ian? What was wrong with me?
"I know I shouldn't be saying things like that." The prince made a frustrated noise. "But I am tired of-"
"Darren! There you are! Have you any idea how mad Father is? He just spoke to Priscilla – she said that you are staying!"
Irritation flared in Darren's eyes as he turned to regard his older sibling coolly. "Father cannot make me withdraw my apprenticeship. I'm not you. I have no responsibility to remain at the palace!"
"Save it for Father!" Prince Blayne snapped. Ice blue eyes narrowed on me. "You, lowborn, don't you have somewhere else better to be?"
"I was just-"
Darren took a step forward. "Don't talk to Ryiah like that, brother."
"Don't tell me what to do, Darren."
The two glared at one another and I immediately mumbled a hasty excuse and made way to leave.
I was halfway to the library and then I doubled back, realizing I had taken the wrong passage. When I turned the corner I found myself face-to-face with the heir to the throne. Prince Blayne was dressed stiffly in a blood red shift and dark brown trousers. He still had the short brown hair I had seen him with during the first-year trials, and he was wearing a gold chain bearing the signature black hematite of the Crown gem around his neck. Darren had a similar one but I hardly saw him wear it - unlike his older brother who seemed to dress in a constant state of prestige.
"Ryiah, is it?" Blayne said my name slowly, distastefully.
I recoiled. "Stay away from me." I hadn't forgotten what the crown prince had tried to do to Ella. He might be the heir to the throne, but I carried no respect for someone who tried to assault my friend.
Blayne saw the fear and determination in my eyes and he laughed coldly. "Oh, so Ella told you about us, did she? That girl never did know when to shut her mouth." White teeth flashed like a predator. "Not that I didn't try."
I felt a chill run through me and I was at once grateful that Alex and Ella had foregone the ball that evening in favor of a tour of the markets instead. My friend had been afraid of running into Blayne after the ceremony, and it appeared she was right to feel so.
"What do you want?" I was determined to part ways as quickly as possible.
"Ryiah, Ryiah, that is no way to treat a prince."
I said nothing.
"Well, I'll make this short. End your friendship with my brother. Do not get between him and Priscilla."
"I'm not-"
"Don't lie to me," he snarled. "I knew exactly who you were when I came between the two of you back there. And don't think for a moment that I don't know exactly what you are doing… Let me assure you, it will not end well if you continue to try."
"I'm not 'trying' anything!"
"And see to it you don't." He watched me closely. "Priscilla of Langli is worth a quarter of this country's treasury in gold. We need her dowry should we go to war with Caltoth."
I attempted to feign shock.
"Don't look so surprised, Ryiah. I already know my fool brother told you. The servants hear everything."
"Well then why are you telling me? I'm just an 'insignificant lowborn?'" I was growing more and more wary.
"I am letting you know that if you and your precious friends want to live to a nice ripe age you will leave my brother alone."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I am simply reminding you there are consequences to your actions. Darren knows them." He sneered, "But lately he has been suffering an unfortunate state of forgetfulness. I thought it was my duty to find you and remind you of the same – since the two of you are so…" He paused. "Close."
"Darren is my friend. Our friendship isn't going to start a war." I folded my arms defensively. "If you are so concerned about him and Priscilla why don't you just marry her yourself?"
"Because I am in talks with a Borea Isle princess, you insipid girl!"
His hand came down before I'd even realized he'd raised it. There was a loud clap and then my cheek was on fire, my face jerked rudely to the left as the crown prince withdrew his arm.
My insides burned red, hot anger threatening to consume. "Hit me again," I gasped, "and I will forget you are a prince!"
He slapped me again – only this time I was ready. I immediately sent out my casting: a full rush of force that sent Blayne colliding against the wall behind him.
"You dare to attack your future king!" Blayne screeched. "Guards, seize her!"
Four of the king's personal regiment turned the corner and grabbed me, muffling my cries as they held me down. Two of them were wearing mages' robes.
A rush of fear swept through me as I remembered Ella.
"Let's see how brave you are now!" the prince snarled.
I attempted to cast myself free and one of the mages slammed me against the cold marble floor. I bit the man's hand and screamed as loudly as I could.
There was a shuffle of footsteps from down the hall, and then the mage who I had bitten went flying into the wall in front of me.
"Let her go!"
"Get out of here lowborn, or I will imprison you for interfering with a prince!"
"You can't do thi-"
There was the sound of a scuffle and then I heard someone slam down on the ground beside me. Twisting in my captors grip I saw Ian facedown beside me – there was a large welt on his forehead. Three additional knights and the mage from before were holding him down.
"Blayne! What in the name of the gods is going on in here?" Darren's irritated voice came from around the corner. It suddenly cracked as he registered the scene before him. Ian and I held down and restrained by seven of the King's Regiment while his brother stood idly by, brushing blood off his knuckles.
"Ryiah?" Darren faltered. His eyes were livid as he turned on Blayne. "What is the meaning of this? Let them go at once!"
"Stay out of this, brother. That red-headed one tried to attack me and the boy was no better-"
"I don't care what she did!" Darren yelled. "Let her go! Let both of them go now!"
"This is none of your concern."
"LET THEM GO NOW OR I SWEAR BY THE GODS-"
Blayne made a face and with the wave of his hand the guards were called off. "I was doing you a favor, Darren. They should b
e imprisoned for defying me."
"You think the Council will see it that way if you imprison two of their future mages over a petty disagreement?"
"The Council does not control me."
The two continued their heated argument as Ian and I attempted to stand. The marble below me was slick with blood – from Ian or me, I wasn't too sure. I pulled myself to my knees and started to slide. Ian reached out and caught me.
"Thanks," I whispered, staring up at his split lip and the bruise that was already forming across his right eye.
The third-year brushed back a strand of my hair that was stuck to some blood on my face. His green eyes were filled with concern as he gently lifted my chin, checking for injury.
"Well, brother dear, it appears I was wrong after all." Blayne's cold voice cut through the air like a knife. I immediately jumped and Ian steadied me.
"Look at them."
Darren's eyes shot to Ian and I. He froze as he took in Ian's arms around my waist, but his expression quickly shifted to indifference as he faced his brother again. "I am done with your mind games, Blayne. Let them be."
The crown prince just laughed loudly. He continued to cackle as he strolled out of the hall, a malicious smile on his lips.
For a moment there was only silence. Then:
"Thanks for stopping your brother, Darren," Ian told the non-heir gravely. "All this time I spent wondering what kind of man you were… I feel silly for questioning you now."
"There is no need to thank me." Darren's tone was oddly vacant. My head shot up and I stared at the prince. His eyes were fathomless. For a moment I was sure I saw pain, but it was gone so fast I was sure I'd imagined it.
Ian released me and held his hand out to Darren. "I meant what I said: I am truly grateful. I don't know what I would have done if Blayne had hurt Ryiah here."
Darren's gaze never waivered from my face. "Anything I can do to help."
CHAPTER EIGHT
"Does anyone have a problem with their role in the strategy I just outlined?"
I glanced around the field to see if anyone did, but, as I suspected, not one person - even Jayson or Tyra, minded. Darren had proven himself last year in Ishir. There had been no other nominations for a leader in the day's mock battle.
The Black Mage: Apprentice Page 11
