Whitewynn Estate, Dining hall.

Lysander leaned back in his chair, casually swirling the wine in his goblet. His silver-gray eye locked on Adrian, and his voice cut through the quiet clink of cutlery. “Of course I’ll help you get into the Mistral Royal Academy. It won’t be a problem.”

Adrian, halfway through a bite of roast lamb, paused, his fork hovering just above his plate.Well, that was... unexpected.

Natasha froze mid-bite, her silver eyes wide with disbelief. Slowly, she set her fork down, her gaze snapping between her father and Adrian as if waiting for one of them to reveal the punchline to a joke. “Really? Just like that?”

Lysander arched a brow at her reaction, taking a slow sip from his goblet before responding. “Why not? Adrian has proven himself capable. And besides, I’ve always admired ambition. If he’s willing to aim for the academy, I’ll do what I can to support him.”

Adrian set his fork down carefully as he absorbed the man’s words. He didn’t know what reaction he’d expected, perhaps a polite refusal or some elusive half-promise to consider the matter later. But not this. Help me? Just like that?

“I… really appreciate your generosity, Lysander, but how do you plan to help me enroll?” Adrian asked.

Lysander’s goblet clinked softly as he set it on the table. “Connections, my boy. It’s what keeps the world turning. I know a few people who can ensure your name is on the list for the entrance exam. Anything beyond that will depend on your performance. The academy doesn’t hand out favors to the unworthy.”

Adrian’s thoughts raced, but outwardly, he nodded. That’s more than I could’ve hoped for. Still, this feels too... easy. Why would he go to such lengths for me? “That’s more than generous. Thank you, truly.”

Natasha finally broke the silence as she studied her father with growing suspicion. “You’re really doing this? Just like that? No elaborate tests or hoops for him to jump through?”

Lysander shot her an amused glance. “There's no need."

"But Daddy, it'll be years before he can even enroll!"

"Hmm, that's a fair point. Adrian, how old are you?"

"I'm nine—"

Before Adrian could continue, Lysander spoke again “Then you’ll need to wait to enroll, but you don’t have to wait to familiarize yourself with the academy.”

Adrian’s gaze snapped back to Lysander. “What do you mean?”

“We’re visiting the academy soon, a campus tour of sorts. You can come along.”

Adrian’s thoughts swirled with curiosity and cautious excitement. The academy... I’ll be able to see it up close. That’s more valuable than I could’ve imagined. “Is this the trip you mentioned before?”

Lysander inclined his head, a faint glimmer of amusement in his eye. “It is. We’ll be leaving in a few days. Consider it an early introduction. Who knows? You might even meet some of your future competitors.”

“Well, looks like you’re getting the royal treatment already. Try not to embarrass us while you’re there.” Natasha said, sighing slightly.

Adrian met her teasing gaze with calm resolve. “I’ll do my best.”

Lysander straightened in his chair. “Ah, before I forget. There’s a letter for you in the mail. Marcus and Anisa sent it, arrived just earlier today.”

Adrian’s eyes widened slightly, his thoughts shifting from the academy to the couple who had taken him in. Marcus and Anisa… it’s been a while since I last heard from them.

He gave Lysander a small nod. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll make sure to read it as soon as possible.”

***

Adrian sat cross-legged on the rug near the fireplace in his room, the flickering glow casting long shadows across the walls. In his hands was the letter, its paper slightly rough under his fingers. He unfolded it carefully, scanning the familiar handwriting that carried voices he hadn’t heard in weeks.

The first section was written in Anisa’s neat but hurried script, the ink darker and pressed deep into the paper.

Adrian, dear, I hope this letter finds you well. Are they treating you kindly? Are you eating enough? I know you’re strong and capable, but these people… the Whitewynns… they’re strangers to us. I can’t help but worry. Please, if anything is wrong, you must let us know. We’re only a letter away. I pray every night that you’re safe.

Her words tightened a knot in his chest. He could almost hear her fretting as she paced their small home. She worries too much, but it’s because she cares. How can I tell her I’m fine without her thinking I’m downplaying something?

He shifted the letter slightly, and Marcus’s more casual scrawl followed in contrast.

Adrian, boy, don’t mind her overthinking. You know how she is. Anyway, I'm glad to hear that you're safe, which is… admittedly miraculous considering you're in South Tusk. But do come back to Willowbrook eventually will ya? If you take too long, Anisa might lose all of her hair.

A faint smile broke across Adrian’s face as he lowered the letter to his lap. Marcus acts so relaxed, but I know he’s just as concerned.

He placed the letter carefully on his desk and reached for a fresh sheet of paper. Dipping his quill into the inkwell, he started to write, each word deliberate.

Dear Marcus and Anisa, thank you for your letter. I’m safe, and everything is—

The door to his room creaked open without warning, and Adrian froze mid-sentence, quill hovering above the paper. A sharp cough followed, loud and purposeful, breaking the quiet like a challenge.

Adrian turned his head, irritation flickering across his face as Natasha stepped inside. She shut the door behind her, arms crossed and leaning against it like she owned the space.

“You could’ve knocked,” Adrian said flatly, setting the quill down with forced calm. Of course it’s her.

Natasha shrugged, her smirk widening as she crossed the room with an air of confidence. “I still can’t believe it. You actually convinced Daddy to support you enrolling in the academy one day."

Adrian sighed, leaning back slightly in his chair as he folded his arms. “I didn’t do much. I just asked nicely.”

“Asked nicely? Please. Do you have any idea how rare it is for Daddy to agree to something like that? You must have done something.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“I didn’t use any magical shenanigans on him, if that’s what you’re thinking. He probably saw some value in it, that’s all.”

Her gaze sharpened, and she jabbed a finger toward him. “It doesn’t matter why. The real question is whether you deserve to go. And let’s be honest, you don’t.”

Adrian’s eyes snapped to her, his calm demeanor faltering as he straightened. “What makes you think that? The last time we dueled, we were evenly matched.”

“Evenly matched? If you’re so confident, why don’t we settle it? Let’s finish that duel, and if I win, you have to shut up about this whole academy thing for good."

“Deal. But if I win, you’re going to be my butler for a week.” Natasha said proudly.

Adrian blinked, his lips twitching with the urge to laugh. “A whole week? That’s a little disproportionate, don’t you think?”

Her grin only widened as she stepped closer, tilting her head mockingly. “That’s your fault for not asking for more. Or are you scared you’ll lose?”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Alright, fine. But don’t think I’m going to make it easy for you.”

Natasha spun on her heel, the grin still plastered on her face as she strode toward the door. “Follow me. We’ll settle this in the courtyard.”

Adrian sighed again, running a hand through his hair before following her. His footsteps were quiet against the stone floor, his mind already shifting into a focused state. This isn’t just about proving myself. If I let her win, I’ll never hear the end of it. And being her butler again? Absolutely not.

When they rounded a corner, they encountered Selena coming from the opposite direction. She was carrying a stack of neatly folded linens, and her eyes lit with curiosity the moment she spotted them. “Miss Natasha, Adrian, what are you two up to?”

Natasha waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, just taking a walk together. Stretching our legs.”

Adrian fought the urge to roll his eyes. “Yeah, what she said,” he added with a shrug, trying to match Natasha’s nonchalant tone. Not exactly a lie, right? We are walking... technically.

Selena’s gaze flicked between the two of them. She shifted the linens in her arms, tilting her head. “A walk? This late? You’re both acting suspicious.”

Adrian took a half-step forward, his voice calm but reassuring. “It’s nothing, really. We just needed some air. Everything’s fine, I promise.”

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, searching his expression as if weighing the truth in his words. After a pause, she let out a soft sigh. “Alright. Just… don’t do anything reckless, you two.”

Natasha gave her a mock salute, already resuming her pace down the hall. “Reckless? Us? Never.”

Adrian shot Selena a small, grateful smile before following after Natasha. Once they were out of earshot, he muttered, “You really didn’t need to make that so complicated.”

Natasha glanced back at him, her smirk returning full force. “What? I thought that went perfectly. Besides, you played along.”

He didn’t respond, choosing instead to focus on the courtyard ahead. The place was open and spacious, the perfect place for an impromptu duel.

Natasha sauntered to the center of the courtyard as she turned to face him. “Let’s see if you’re really as good as you think you are.”

Adrian stepped forward. “I could say the same to you. Just don’t cry when you lose.”

Natasha’s expression shifted subtly as she extended her arm, a faint crimson glow emanating from her palm. The air around her grew dense with energy, and Adrian could feel it, a pulsating, unnatural force that made the hairs on the back of his neck rise.

Slowly, a long blade materialized in her hand, crafted entirely of shimmering blood magic. Its edges pulsed faintly, almost alive, as she gripped it with practiced ease.

“Ready when you are,” she said, her voice carrying an air of smug confidence. “In fact, I’m feeling generous. I won’t even make the first move. You can go ahead.”

Adrian chuckled softly, taking his place opposite her. “I’ll take you up on that offer.”

He let his stance relax, lowering his sword to his side as his body stilled completely. His breathing slowed, and his expression turned unreadable as he closed his eyes, focusing inward.

“What’s this? Standing there like a statue? Afraid already?” Natasha taunted.

Adrian didn’t respond. Focus. Control.

The air around him began to shift, growing warmer. A faint flicker of blue light sparked at his fingertips, climbing upward in gentle waves.

Natasha’s smirk faded as the energy around Adrian intensified, the blue flames growing brighter until a halo of fire shimmered above his head. His body was enveloped in the same bluish aura, the flames licking harmlessly at his skin but radiating immense power.

Adrian opened his eyes, the cool blue fire reflecting in his gaze as he gave Natasha a calm, unwavering look. “I’ll start now.”

Natasha’s breath hitched as she raised her blood sword, her cocky demeanor slipping. She extended her free hand, summoning another burst of crimson energy. A jagged dagger formed mid-air, and with a sharp gesture, she hurled it toward him.

Adrian sidestepped the projectile with ease. He dashed forward and caught the dagger with his bare hands, crushing it in his grip. I love this enhanced state.

Natasha gritted her teeth as she conjured another dagger, throwing it toward his side. Adrian flicked his wrist, a plume of blue fire intercepting the blade and disintegrating it mid-air. He then countered with a sweeping torrent of flame, forcing her back.

“Impressive,” Natasha admitted grudgingly, stepping back and conjuring a shield of blood magic to deflect a stream of fire Adrian sent her way. "But I still have tricks up my sleeve."

She thrust her sword toward him, and the ground at his feet erupted in crimson spikes. Adrian leapt back, his flames flaring to propel him out of harm’s way.

He landed gracefully, retaliating with a burst of fire that arced toward her. Natasha sliced through the flames with her blood sword, her hair whipping around her face as she closed the distance between them.

Their battle escalated, the courtyard filled with the sound of clashing blades, crackling fire, and the hum of blood magic. Natasha conjured whips, shields, and jagged projectiles, hurling them with precision and speed. Adrian dodged, parried, and countered each and every one, his blue flames dancing in synchronization with his every move.

Where once their fights had been evenly matched, tonight was different. Adrian felt it. He wasn’t struggling to keep up. He was leading. She’s strong, but this time, I’m stronger.

Natasha lunged, her blood sword aimed at his shoulder, but Adrian sidestepped smoothly, his free hand glowing with fiery energy. In one fluid motion, he stepped inside her guard, palm stopping inches from her face. A swirling orb of blue fire hovered there, its heat radiating against her skin.

Natasha froze, eyes wide. Her grip on the blood sword faltered. She closed her eyes and winced, bracing herself for the impact.

But instead of releasing the fire, Adrian let it dissipate, the heat vanishing as quickly as it had come. He stepped back, lowering his hand as he gave her a small, triumphant smile. “I win.”

Natasha stepped back, lowering her blood sword as her silver eyes burned with frustration. She pressed her lips into a thin line, clearly grappling with her loss.

Adrian allowed his enhanced state to dissipate entirely, the air cooling as he extended a hand towards Natasha. “If it makes you feel better, we can call it a draw.”

Natasha’s eyes snapped to his, narrowing as if weighing his words. Her pride warred with reality, and for a moment, she looked like she might refuse. But then her expression softened just a fraction. She hesitated before taking his hand with a sigh.

“Fine. A draw,” she said begrudgingly, though the words were spoken with clear reluctance. Her grip was firm as he helped her back to her feet.

Adrian chuckled softly, releasing her hand. “You know, you could just say I won and get it over with.”

She shot him a glare. “Don’t push it, Adrian.”

He laughed again, the tension between them easing slightly. At least she didn’t storm off. That’s progress.

Before either could say more, the sound of soft footsteps echoed from the courtyard’s entrance. Both turned to see Selena strolling toward them, a tray balanced expertly in her hands. A teapot, two delicate cups, and a small plate of pastries rested atop it.

“I knew you two would be up to something,” Selena said. Her eyes sparkled knowingly as she stopped a few steps away and gave them a pointed look. “So, what was it this time? Another duel?”

Natasha folded her arms and tilted her head. “Just a friendly spar."

Adrian smirked, brushing dust from his sleeves. “Yeah, a friendly spar. You know, bonding time.”

Selena arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Bonding time that involved nearly setting the courtyard on fire?” She glanced pointedly at the faint scorch marks on the stone and the lingering wisps of dissipating blood magic. “I should’ve brought a bucket of water instead of tea.”

Adrian scratched the back of his head. “We kept it under control. Mostly.”

Natasha, despite herself, let out a quiet laugh and reached for the tray Selena held. “Well, if you’re offering tea, I won’t say no. After all, dueling Adrian works up an appetite.”

Selena handed her the tray with a dramatic sigh. “I figured. You two are predictable, if nothing else. At least no one got hurt.”

“Not for lack of trying,” Adrian joked, nudging Natasha lightly with his elbow as she set the tray on a nearby stone bench.

Natasha rolled her eyes but didn’t protest. “Next time, you won’t be so lucky.”