Derrick winked at me. "That we are." He turned to Alex with a sly grin on his face. "Well, if your lady love declines to join you south, I would be happy to have her stay up north with Ryiah and I. Ella grows more lovely every time I set eyes on her." Derrick ducked just in time to avoid Alex's fist.
The innkeeper barked at Alex to stop riling his customers.
I shot my embarrassed twin an amused expression. "You know Derrick only teases you because you are so easy to rattle."
"Yes," Derrick declared, "that and I'm afraid I've grown restless. Eight months is far too long to go without fighting any Caltothians." He shrugged. "Those drills my commander puts us through are no use. I'm not accustomed to peace."
"It's not peace," I reminded him tersely, "it's the quiet before the storm." I glanced at Alex. "And you. Even if you two aren't stationed together, she'll wait for you. All you have to do is ask. I, for one, would love to have another girl in this family."
Alex turned a deep shade of red and busied himself with his stew. Derrick, meanwhile, picked up the conversation, steering me toward a much-needed debate on the merits of a two-handed axe. I became so engrossed in conversation I almost missed the tolling of the midnight hour. Alex and I groaned our apologies to Derrick and then retired to the stables for our final night's ride to the keep's barracks.
In a couple short hours we would be back on King's Road, headed for the palace… Only this time we would leave it as mages.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
"I have never been more terrified in my life." Alex was writhing in his best clothes – a silk-lined tunic and fresh-pressed breeches. Ella reached out to straighten his hem and then pushed back his bangs, laughing.
"Master Joan is much less intimidating than Byron," she teased. "It'll be over before you know it. And just think, when it is, you'll emerge looking handsomer than before in a red Restoration robe."
I smirked. "And if not, at least your face will match the rest of you."
Alex paled and Ella gave him a quick kiss in the cheek, wagging her finger at me as she did. "Leave your poor brother alone," she chided. "If he gets any more nervous he'll sweat through his shirt. I hardly think we can find another in time for the ceremony."
I fingered my own outfit and vaguely wished I shared some of my twin's own discomfort. I felt exposed in the dress I was wearing – a soft lilac thing with a bodice that felt much too tight. It didn't seem right to wear something so feminine going into an ascension for Combat, but Ella had assured me that was exactly why I should. "You are a woman," she'd insisted. "We are already a minority in all of the war schools - not just our own faction as mages. It would do good to remind the audience that we can be both."
And so now here I was, unable to breathe – which I must admit was becoming a common occurrence around Ella during important occasions in general - and dreading the rest of the evening. Master Byron's attitude toward me had only grown worse in the last couple of months, and I had no doubt what my standing would be at the end of the ceremony. Even though I had Commander Nyx's offer to hold onto, it did little to sway the deep sense of foreboding that was growing more prevalent by the second. In less than an hour I would have to face the world as a fifth-rank mage.
By the time Ella had finished adjusting my twin's new tunic it was time to go. I gathered the hem of my dress and followed my brother and friend into the palace's throne room. There was a red and gold-lined rug that trailed down the center of the great hall, folding several times on tall steps before finally resting under a large gold-adorned throne marked with plush red cushions and thick golden arms. The king studied the apprentices as we entered.
One by one, each one of us kneeled before him and then separated into three distinct rows: Restoration closest to the front and Combat at the rear.
Prince Blayne sat in a less ornate chair than his father, but he still looked very regal and cold in the same hematite and steel crown. He had a look of extreme boredom as each apprentice entered, with only the slightest expression of interest when his brother appeared.
Behind the throne, three massive stained glass windows cast rays of light across the hall and onto the side risers at either end where the nobility and our younger factionmates sat watching. Several members of the King's Regiment stood guard at the front and back of the room while the Council of Magic and Crown Advisors sat in a small stand to the left of the king to watch the proceedings from their own special box.
The three faction masters strode forward to begin our rite. Ella giggled into her hand and pointed. Master Byron looked beyond miserable standing between Master Joan and Master Perry. From his strained tone, it was obvious he would rather be anywhere else than close quarters with the two female mages.
"…To defend all those in need of rescuing."
We all answered in unison. "I solemnly pledge."
"To speak the truth to all questions asked. No matter the consequence."
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be loyal to your commander in trying times. To exercise caution before magic."
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be brave in times of danger. To obey Crown and Council Law in all matters of service."
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be kind in times of need. To only fight when it is necessary. "
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be a mage of honor and valiance. To always put the Crown before yourself."
"As a mage to the Crown and Jerar, I solemnly pledge."
Commander Joan took a step forward to call on her Restoration mages, one by one. When she called Alex, he was given the third rank. Though we were supposed to remain silent during the entire ceremony, it did not stop me from letting out a small shriek and Ella from clapping almost hysterically loud.
Master Perry went next with her Alchemy mages. Ruth was given first-rank. I should have known. She always was the best of her faction. I watched her, envious, as she returned back to her seat.
Then it was time for Combat.
Master Byron stood proudly as he called, "In the matter of first-rank ascension I would like to call forward our very own Prince Darren, second-in-line to the throne and now first-rank mage of Combat."
I watched as the non-heir left his position in line to kneel before his father, his brother, and then, finally, Master Byron. When he arose, a servant handed him a silken black robe. Darren's face was expressionless as he slid the smooth mage's robe over his regular clothes, letting the hood rest on his forehead for just a moment before it slid back onto his shoulders.
There was a hushed silence as Darren turned back to face the crowd. I lost my breath. Blayne might wear the crown, but Darren was the one who looked like a king. I was jealous and proud. Whatever I might think of him, the non-heir had earned that robe.
Darren returned to his seat beside Priscilla and I waited with bated breath. Who would Byron name next? The only other male in our faction, or the future princess of Jerar? I was sure he wanted to name Ray, but the master would not be so quick as to snub someone of great influence.
Ella nudged me with her arm. "Ryiah!"
"Shhh." I nudged her back. "I'm trying to hear who they pick."
"Byron just called your name!"
"You are joking."
"No. I'm not." She jerked her chin to point in the direction of the throne.
All the blood rushed from my face as I realized she was telling the truth. The training master was glowering at me from his position beside the king. I hastily pulled myself off the cold marble floor and raced over to stand before the throne. I kneeled before the King Lucius, Prince Blayne, and Master Byron.
"Ryiah of Demsh'aa, I award you second rank for your…" The man paused uncomfortably. "Your outstanding apprenticeship. I'd be a fool to ignore power when I see it, even if you are a-" He coughed. "-A woman. Please stand and accept your new status as a second-rank mage of Combat."
I stood, hardly conscious that I was sobbing. I only realized it when the servant handing
me my robe touched the side of my face and showed me my tears. "Not many mages cry," she told me kindly, "but I like to think it's the best of them that do." I nodded, wetness staining my cheeks, and then let her help me with my robe.
Then I turned back to face my audience. I could hardly see straight, tears were blocking most of my vision, and by the time I reached my seat my sight had cleared just enough for me to find my place beside Ella.
"You blubbering mess," she teased, "you are making a fool of yourself."
"I d-don't care." And it was true. I was smiling so hard my face hurt.
Master Byron called Ella next – much to her extreme shock. The girl almost screamed when he said it. And then it was time for Ray.
Priscilla was last. When the dark-haired beauty left the podium she was seething, anger piercing the gaze of any person foolish enough to lay eyes on her. I, for one, had trouble containing my glee.
Almost immediately the newly ascended mages were called from the throne room to take the ceremonial banquet in the king's dining hall. Having never before partaken in the meal (apprentices were always directed to the ballroom with the rest of the visiting mages and court) I was eager to see how it transpired. Only the Council of Magic and the king's family were allowed to dine with us.
I took my seat between Ella and Alex. Within seconds the room had filled with the rest of our year, chattering on in quiet but excited voices as they found their place along the table. At the very front of the table sat the three Colored Robes, King Lucius, and Prince Blayne.
I did a double take when I realized who was still missing.
Two seats down from me I heard Priscilla complaining to one of Ruth's factionmates. "I told him not to go anywhere but did he listen to me? Of course not. Well, when Blayne finds out he is off with that trollop again-"
The chamber door swung open to reveal a red-faced Darren and Princess Shinako clinging steadfastly to his arm. My pulse stopped. Dear gods, no. I was so close to being free of him. Couldn't he just wait until tomorrow to proclaim his love for her? Even on my happiest day he had found a way to ruin it.
King Lucius looked up at his son and the crown princess of the Borea Isles, startled. Blayne was clutching his wine goblet, his face tight with rage.
Darren cleared his throat loudly. "Everyone, please stay where you are." The whole room fell silent. "Princess Shinako and I have an announcement to make and I want all of you to bear witness."
No. No. No. Why was he doing this now? My eyes sought Darren's but his attention was focused on the king.
"Father." Darren took a deep breath. "You promised if I secured a dowry equal to Priscilla of Langli I would be free to break off my current engagement in favor of that opportunity. You have said that Jerar is our utmost concern, and its strength triumphs all."
Priscilla's face went white as a sheet.
Prince Blayne pushed back his chair, spitting wine as he cried: "He did not give you permission to steal my future wife, you ungrateful, power-mad-"
Darren held up his hand. "I am not stealing her, brother."
Blayne sat down, eyes suspiciously fixed on the non-heir. "Then what is the meaning of this ridiculous speech?"
"Princess Shinako and her father have been kind enough to guarantee us the sum of her dowry and a pledge of support – equal to what the two of you would receive once wed - in exchange for the same pledge from us and a dissolution of your intended marriage. We received a signed letter from Emperor Liang just this morning."
"Father, this is madness!" Blayne turned to the king in horror. "Tell him to put an end to this!"
The king scowled at his oldest. "Let him speak, Blayne. I must admit even I am intrigued."
"Not only have I secured Jerar more wealth than any daughter of Langli, I have also given my dearest brother the opportunity to marry a princess from Pythus and amass an even greater dowry and support for this great country."
"The king of Pythus would never marry one of his daughters to me!" Blayne's face was as red as his venison.
"Perhaps you haven't tried hard enough to please him." Darren didn't look perturbed.
"Father!"
"Silence, Blayne!" the king snapped. "Your brother has done a great thing for us. Foolish, but great. I will not be so blind as to deny it would benefit us greatly, and you most of all." The man turned to Darren. "Very well, your previous engagement has been ceded in favor of this new proposal. Pending the signed pledge, of course."
The door slammed shut and I realized Priscilla of Langli had left the room. The king chuckled and indicated for Darren and Shinako to take a seat.
"That is not all, Father."
The king stopped laughing to stare at his son, his eyes narrowing. "Isn't it?" His tone held a warning.
"No. It's not."
My heart began to slam against my chest - so loud and so fast I was sure the whole room could hear it. Ryi-ah. Ryi-ah. Ryi-ah.
What if it hadn't been a dream?
Darren's eyes found mine.
My fork clattered to the floor.
"I wish to secure a new engagement with the dowry Princess Shinako has so generously bestowed."
"I gave you what you wanted." The king's eyes were furious. "You are free of that Langli girl. Anything more and you have overstepped your-"
"I wish to marry Mage Ryiah of Demsh'aa."
Several people exclaimed at once. My brother choked on his water. Ella grabbed my arm. The king clutched his knife so tightly his knuckles went white.
"Absolutely not!"
I just sat there, motionless. This isn't real. It can't be real. It's a dream. I watched Darren, standing there in front of his father with his back erect.
"I believe Master Byron just deemed Ryiah one of the most powerful mages in this room," Darren said slowly, "and if we all know Byron, he is nothing if not stingy in his praise where women are concerned..."
The training master's face went up in flames. Somehow I knew his praise was anything but voluntary.
"…In fact it was Shina, excuse me, Princess Shinako's only stipulation that the dowry she so generously bestows go to Mage Ryiah specifically, was it not?"
The princess nodded demurely, smiling. "Yes, it is the least I can do. Darren and I are good friends. Nothing would please me more than his happiness."
"So you see, Father, there is absolutely no one who would benefit me – or Jerar - more than Ryiah of Demsh'aa. As you said, strength triumphs all and Ryiah's dowry and status would certainly bring the Crown strength." Darren pulled out a scroll tucked into the sleeve of his robe. "Your advisors have already given this union their full blessing, here is a letter stating their support…"
"This is ridiculous!" Blayne shrieked. "Father, do not let him marry that lowborn!"
"Your Majesty." The Black Mage stood with the two Colored Robes at his side. "The Council of Magic would be in full support of this union. We think it a very wise proposal."
The king stood, fists clenched. When he finally spoke it was strained and full of unspoken rage. "Then it appears this is indeed Jerar's best interest." The man turned to his youngest. "Congratulations, my son, on your new wife."
King Lucius strode out of the room without another word.
****
The moment the king and his heir departed, the room became chaos. I flew out of my chair, slamming the door behind me as I tore into the hallway beyond. My heart was beating so fast I was afraid my ribs would explode. I could barely breathe; air was coming out of my lungs in quick, choking gasps.
I hunched over, leaning against the side of the wall while the room rose and fell all around me in a dizzying mess. I stayed there for a couple of minutes, breathing in and out, in and out, until the room began to seem a bit more static.
The door opened and closed behind me.
I turned and saw Darren standing there. "I was looking for you," he said.
When I didn't reply, he made himself speak.
"I know you are mad at me." Darren took a step for
ward and then stopped himself. His eyes found mine and he took a deep breath. "If you'll let me explain-"
"You lied to me."
"I did." His gaze didn't waver. "I lied, and I lied, and I lied to you. Over and over. I know what I did. I know what I said. I wanted to make you hate me."
"But why?"
"Why, Ryiah?" Darren made a frustrated sound. "Because what kind of prince would I be if I let my love for a silly lowborn blind me from the fate of my country?"
A silly lowborn? Tears stung my eyes and I turned away, biting back a sob.
Darren's hand clamped down on my arm, and he spun me around, eyes blazing. "I needed to do the right thing." His face was flushed. "Don't you see, Ryiah? I would have been exactly what you accused me of – a coward - if I had let my love for you blind me from what has been happening all around us! I know you despise me for what I did, but when I went to my father that day, he told me that we were going to war with Caltoth. That hundreds of our men were going to die, and if I chose to marry for love over wealth I would be ensuring millions more." He cursed. "The king was right. I couldn't marry you without a dowry, not unless I wanted people like Caine and Eve to die every day all so I can have a bit of selfishness."
I shoved him away. "But you never told me, Darren! You made me hate you, you told me-"
Darren caught my hand in his and I trembled. "I had to." His voice was hoarse.
"Ryiah, I was willing to jeopardize the fate of this country just for a chance to be near you. I needed you to hate me, because it was the only way I could do the right thing."
"I thought you were in love with Princess Shinako. Or that you were trying to impress your father so he'd make you his heir." I could barely get the words out.
"So did my brother. So did everyone." Darren's laugh was bitter.
My hand fell away and I took a step back, shaking. I had cried myself to sleep for the good part of two years. My heart had shattered every time he looked at her.
Darren said the next words so quietly I almost missed them. "I kept telling myself it was better than them assuming the alternative."
The Black Mage: Apprentice Page 30
