Velaya sat on the landing for a while, letting the mana potion settle. Teleporting for the first time had left her nearly completely drained. The mana potion that Archmagus Ena had slipped within her pocket wasn’t nearly enough to refill the mana she had used but it was enough to keep her conscious. With a bit of it restored, she no longer felt dizzy but she still felt weak and knew she needed to eat something or she’d risk falling ill.
Groaning, she dragged herself to her feet, and clung to the bannister the entire way back down the Tower’s grand staircase to the doorway. The Great Hall was closer than the dormitories, so she set off towards it.
The dining space was a flurry of activity and sounds as all the students were now officially off for the week. They darted back and forth, exchanging plans for their break, toasting glasses of wine or beer. Velaya wasn’t sure if her classmates had arrived yet and didn’t have the strength to go looking for them. So she settled at the first table she came to.
It was already occupied by a few fourth year students. They shot her curious glances as she sat down and began dragging food onto her plate but they didn’t bother addressing her.
“As I was saying,” a man next to her with short brown hair and slightly pointed ears was speaking to his companions, “I’m using the break to meet with her court.”
“You’re going all the way to Elyzeme?” a large woman with a scar across her chin asked.
“No no, she’s sending an ambassador that I’m to meet with in Moongate.”
“What’s the position for?” a third man asked, who was sitting too far down the table for Velaya to get a good look at.
“I’m not sure but when I was first approached they seemed to value my proficiency in Theology.”
The woman with the scar snorted. “Doesn’t Syndrianna have enough priests?” she asked.
“I’ve no intention of being a priest,” the half-elf said. “I made that clear to them.”
“Then why would she want you? No offence El, but what good is a Theology major who doesn’t want to be a priest?” the man at the end asked, nudging playfully into him as the woman with the scar laughed.
The half-elf, El, shrugged. “They only said the Queen found something related to the Corruption and wanted my expertise.”
Velaya coughed, nearly choking on the piece of bread she was eating. She kept her head down as the three others briefly looked over at her.
It was quiet for a moment, before the woman spoke again. “Why not ask Ena? Isn’t she Aesor’s most renowned theologian?”
“Ena’s not interested in anything outside this Tower,” the third man said, waving his fork in the air. “Has she ever set foot in Elyzeme before?”
“I don’t believe the Queen and her have the best relationship,” El said. “Not that I’m complaining. Especially if this offers me an opportunity at a job once we graduate in a few months. Have either of you put any thought into what you’re going to do after?”
Velaya stopped listening to what they were saying and quickly ate through her plate of food, trying to digest what she’d heard.
“What the hell Velaya,” Otto’s voice rang out from behind her. “You told us to wait for you but you’ve started without us.”
Her Mage classmates, along with Lime, Cerwan, Aila, Dardan, Athone and his fellow Paladin classmate Dylan, all entered into the Great Hall.
“Sorry, I had an intense lesson and needed to eat. Let’s go find a table big enough for all of us,” Velaya said, and shot Rose a pointed look, before standing and leading them to an empty table nearby.
Her friends began to serve themselves and Velaya picked away at a dessert, while they carried on about their plans for the coming week.
By the end of the meal, they’d agreed to travel through the Gate tomorrow to Moongate City where they would all bombard Emilie’s family bakery for breakfast. From there, they’d split off to explore the City and then eventually meet back up at the gates of Valreale Castle. Athone had extended the invitation to all of them to stay and dine at his family’s home, and they were giddy with excitement. They would have dinner with the King and Queen of Ayradora and then would head out for the evening to the tavern that Emilie had recommended before returning to the castle for the night. Otto had insisted they leave the following day empty so that they could recover properly but Velaya and Rose had plans to return to the school to meet with Onas and Delimira. Some of her other classmates were planning on getting in some studying or visiting with friends or family who were coming into town, but they all promised to meet up together again before the week was out to celebrate the turning of the calendar year.
Not wanting to spoil their plans for tomorrow, they all agreed an early night was best so they made their way back to their dormitories at a decent hour. They were in good spirits and Velaya didn’t want to worry Rose, so she told her she’d fill her in on her lesson with Ena another time and bid her goodnight before she slipped into her room.
Velaya was surprised to find a neatly wrapped package on her bed, with a small note attached. The handwriting was delicate and only had two words written on it:
Thank you.
She set the note aside and opened the box to find the device that she and the Archmagus used to analyse her mana pool within. Velaya smiled as she set it carefully on her nightstand. She fell asleep watching the four orbs spin lazily around the blue one in the middle.
~~~
The following morning was a flurry of activity and a buzz of excitement. Nearly all the students at Manatide Tower had descended on the dock and it took far longer than any of them anticipated to finally pass through the Gate and into Moongate City.
They were met by the sounds of the roaring sea against the rocks and the gulls crying overhead, still eager enough to fly through the cold for scraps of fish. It was already late morning and a large throng of people awaited them in the City, looking to visit with family or friends or to offer their goods and services.
The weather had cooperated, a sunny day that took some of the bite out of the air. The mass of grey and purple Tides overtook the harbour as students and Magi flowed their way into the busy capital.
Velaya allowed herself to be swept up by her group of friends and shuffled through the streets. She basked in the familiar sounds of the city that had been a second home to her family - so reminiscent of Evertide.
There had to be well over a thousand students, Magi and alumni alike who crowded the streets, filing into the banks before venturing into shops, stopping to buy from vendor’s carts outside or slipping into the various taverns and inns. The Yuletide break was always a successful week for Moongate’s economy.
“It’s a bit surreal isn’t it?”
Athone’s voice in her ear caused her to jump.
“Yes it is,” she said quietly.
She couldn’t agree more. How strange it was, to walk around and not be recognized, especially here. She could only imagine how he must feel. She chanced a glance over at him.
He wasn’t looking at her, but was facing towards the back of Emilie’s head as she led the way through the streets. He’d elected to keep his tides hood up, as it stretched out from under his dark grey overcoat to cover his brown hair. His body language suggested he was uncomfortable and she could see the green in his eyes rapidly scanning the civilians, guards and shops around him.
They didn’t say anything further as Emilie led them all to one of the city’s banks and by the time they had finished making withdrawals, it was already past noon. None of them had eaten anything and everyone was positively famished by the time they entered Quinn's Bakery - much to the delight of Emilie’s welcoming parents and grandparents.
The bakery was a small, cozy space and they crammed into every corner of it. Emilie’s family wandered around offering them an assortment of pastries and various baked goods. Laughter and the delicious smells of freshly baking bread wafted through the room that was eloquently decorated in multiple shades of pink.
Velaya managed to excuse herself from Lilian and Zin’s company and made her way over to the counter where Emilie’s mother, Anne, was loading another platter full of freshly baked sticky buns for them all to enjoy.
Anne beamed up at her when she approached. “I thought I recognized you, Lady Velaya.”
Velaya offered her a warm smile in return. “You’ve no idea how much I’ve missed these.” She popped the rest of the strawberry tart she’d been eating into her mouth and this time didn’t bother to hide the satisfied groan.
Anne, so much like her daughter but with streaks of silver in her strawberry blonde hair, laughed. “Yes, I remembered how fond of them you were. When Emilie told me you’d be visiting, I ensured there was a fresh batch made just for you.”
“I’m honoured.” Velaya placed a hand over her chest and smiled.
“It’s the least we could do,” Anne continued, as she began pouring a thick syrup over the buns. The smell was divine. “Especially after all the help you’ve given Emilie so far this term.”
Velaya shook her head. “She’s a brilliant Mage. I’m often the one copying from her history notes.”
“Well, you should’ve seen the letters she sent those first few weeks. She was so nervous she wasn’t going to be able to keep up.” Anne smiled up at her and waved a sticky spatula in her face. “She said you’re the one who helped her and that if it weren’t for you, she’d already be back here covered in flour again.”
Velaya felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the tight quarters and blazing hot oven in the back. She turned to look at Emilie.
She was standing with Dardan and Jessica, ensuring they were sampling everything. Velaya couldn’t make out what they were saying but she smiled at the way they laughed with one another.
“Here you go love,” Anne said, drawing her attention back to the counter and where she’d placed a small box with a clear window cut into it. It was full of strawberry tarts. “They’re on the house.”
“I couldn’t possibly.” Velaya flushed as she reached into her pocket to withdraw some coins.
“Of course you can. I insist.”
Velaya frowned and placed three golden coins on the counter. Anne’s eyes widened and her jaw fell open.
“If you will not let me pay for these,” Velaya said pointing to the tarts, “then I must insist on paying for everything else.” She waved her hand around the room, indicating the confections that her friends were enjoying.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Velaya had watched her friends while at the counting house. All of their money combined wouldn’t be more than a raindrop in the ocean compared to the wealth that she or Athone had access to.
When Anne continued to gape at her, Velaya added, “I’ve spent the last four months telling anyone who would listen just how much I adore your creations. To watch them now, finally getting to enjoy them as much as I always have - that is worth all the coin in the world.”
Velaya smiled and reached over to squeeze her hand quickly, before grabbing her box of tarts and moving back towards the front of the room to join Rose and Ingrid.
The three gold coins that Anne was now tucking into her apron pocket, after wiping her face, would be enough to cover the cost of every baked good within the shop, for the entire year.
~~~
It was late afternoon when they’d climbed the hill and arrived at the front gates to Castle Valreale. They were greeted by an assortment of guards and stewards and other castle staff who welcomed them. They were escorted through the courtyard and given a tour of the castle grounds before they were shown to the guest quarters, where they were all welcome to spend the night.
Velaya had remained quiet, enjoying her friends wide-eyed stares as they roamed over the high stone hallways, full of magnificent pieces of art and adorned with the deep green banners of Ayradora.
Athone had branched off shortly after their tour to meet with his family. She assumed he’d be staying within his rooms on the opposite side of the keep from where the hundreds of guest rooms they were staying in.
With their school work and lessons to keep her distracted for the past week, thoughts of him she’d been able to keep at bay were now coursing through her mind.
At every turn in the hallway a story of them was replayed within her mind. A suit of armour they’d hidden behind while playing hide and seek with Doriel. A hidden tapestry they’d used to escape Nora’s wrath after attempting to smuggle a fox into the castle. A bench they’d been forced to wait on while their parents attended council meetings. The fountain they were banished from playing in. The gardens in the back where they sat and talked about all the things they would do once they were King and Queen of their Kingdoms. In that particular case, it was mostly Athone talking while she sat only half listening while reading a book.
Every scene was a reminder of the life they had waiting for them outside of Manatide Tower. A life of expectations and duties. She was expected to return to Bellaurose and he would be expected to stay here. Their Kingdoms were an ocean apart. Even if she mastered teleporting or set up Gates to connect them, it simply would not be practical.
She frowned for even allowing herself to think that.
“Not up to your standards, Princess?” Rose mocked as she stood by the door to Velaya’s rooms. It was the same wing she always stayed in when she visited.
“I miss my books,” Velaya offered her a small smile that Rose returned with a knowing look, though she said nothing.
The two of them looped arms as they joined up with their friends in the long hallway before being led to the great hall. She could practically feel their nervous energy as they chartered amongst each other excitedly. They may have grown accustomed to spending time with Velaya and Athone back at school, but being here in the Castle, about to spend dinner with the King and Queen of Ayradora, was a unique experience for them. Velaya noticed how polished each of them looked. Even Zin had tried to tame his spikey blond hair.
Instead of a steward waiting at the grand double doors, Athone stood there with a welcoming smile on his face, his hands clasped behind his back, looking every bit the Prince of Ayradora - with the exception of his Tides uniform.
“I do hope you’ve all made yourselves at home,” he said. His voice carried over them. “Please allow me to introduce you to my parents, King Arthur and Queen Eloyese Valreale.”
He opened the doors and Velaya stifled her smile at the quiet gasps of awe from around her as they entered into the familiar space.
King Arthur and Queen Eloyese were standing at the end of the table and walked over to greet them all with kind smiles. Athone stood next to them and introduced everyone. Her friends bowed respectfully and clasped their hands.
“And I believe you’ve met before,” Athone said with a wink to Velaya when she finally approached them after everyone else had been introduced.
Queen Eloyese practically squealed as she reached for Velaya and pulled her into a tight hug and King Arthur laughed, his grand belly rolling up and down.
“It’s good to see you again my dear,” King Arthur said as he offered her a hug as well. She was a bit surprised by the gesture. Normally they maintained some level of formality, especially around those they did not know, but she appreciated the gesture nonetheless and offered him a warm smile.
“Thank you both for inviting all of us into your home,” Velaya said.
“How else were we going to hear about all the exciting things you two have been up to?” Queen Eloyese laughed as she steered them back towards the table.
“Please, everyone,” King Arthur called out to the room, “have a seat and enjoy the bounty of Ayradora.”
They all sat around the grand table, Velaya sitting where she had last time, to the Queen’s left with Rose at her side and Athone directly across from her, beside his father.
The room was soon filled with laughter and light conversations as everyone enjoyed another one of the Queen’s infamous feasts. All manner of protein and vegetables were available and the wine and ale being passed around was pulled especially from their private reserves. The Queen had even brought in Quinn’s Bakery goods for the dessert platters - which Emilie, face flushed, thanked her for on more than one occasion.
It was a lovely meal and the company made it all the better. Aside from missing her family, being surrounded by her friends served as the perfect replacement to stuffy court members anyway. Even Athone seemed at ease as he talked with his father and Dylan, the kind brown haired, rounded faced Paladin that they had all started getting closer to.
Dylan had been a little intimidated to hang out with them before. The Mages of the first-year had garnered a reputation for being a close knit group and aside from the Druids: Lime and Cerwan, and occasionally the third-year Shamans: Aila and Dardan, they kept close together. Athone was helping to bridge the gap between them and the Paladins and they’d all taken a liking to Dylan.
The King and Queen were gracious hosts, taking time to speak to each of them at the table and getting to know a little bit more about them and their families, helping to put everyone at ease. They all ended up staying there well after the plates were cleared away and more glasses of wine and ale poured.
Otto’s plan of having them visit a tavern for some gambling and drinking was in jeopardy but he seemed content to stay in the castle and enjoy the free drinks being offered.
Eventually the King and Queen invited them to the more comfortable setting of the billiard room and attached drawing room where they spread out into groups for continued conversation. They took turns shooting billiards or gambled during games of dice or cards. Some had taken to the balcony to enjoy a cigar or two.
The entire atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable and Velaya had sunk back into her chair, having forgotten all about her own worries, for herself and her studies, her Kingdom, the Corruption, whatever was going on between Ena and Barrett, or her brother and Tessa. She let herself be swept up in the music and laughter.
Her eyes travelled over to Athone on more than one occasion and she had turned away first each time he returned her stare. She knew she wasn’t going to be able to avoid him forever and was just working up the confidence to get up and speak to him when she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. She turned to find the Queen smiling down at her.
“Care for a stroll my dear?” Queen Eloyese asked.
Velaya returned the smile and nodded, standing as the two laced their arms together, and exited the room. They began a lazy stroll down the immaculate hallways.
“Tell me, how are you?” Eloyese said as her green eyes, so very similar to Athone’s, quickly roamed over her face. Velaya was touched by the concern she saw in them.
“I’m well, Your Grace,” she said, offering her a reassuring smile.
The Queen stopped. They stood in the middle of a hallway where Velaya remembered chasing after her brother when he’d stolen one of her plush toys from her. She’d fallen and scraped her knee in the very spot they stood and Athone had helped her to her feet and poured his Light magic into her knee to heal it. He wouldn’t have been more than eight at the time.
“When Arthur and I heard what happened…” The Queen closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, needing a moment to compose herself. “I am so terribly sorry that happened to you.”
“Thank you,” Velaya said softly. As warmed as she was to have earned the Queen’s concern, she had worked hard to forget about the attack that had nearly killed her. It wasn’t something she wanted to discuss but she also felt it was important for the Queen to know the role her son played that day. “If Prince Athone had not arrived when he did, I do not know that I would be here today.”
Eloyese reached over to place her hands gently on her shoulders as she searched her face. “And you’re certain you feel safe there?”
“I do,” Veleya said firmly. “Archmagus Ena has implemented more security measures and there haven’t been any incidents since.”
Eloyese offered a small, sad smile. “If it were me, I would have pulled you from there immediately.” Velaya knew she meant it kindly, but was thankful she was not her mother.
Eloyese sighed. She dropped her hands and relooped their arms as they continued walking. “But your mother and Ena are close so I’m certain she’s promised to keep you safe. I understand the two of you are taking private lessons together?”
Velaya blinked in surprise. “What do you mean they’re close?”
Eloyese smiled as they rounded a corner. “Your mother and her have been close for years.” She waved her hand casually in the air as though this wasn’t anything new. “Ever since you were a babe if I remember correctly. Shortly after you were born Ena, along with Archmagus Barrett and some other Magi went to visit you and her, to offer their respects. It was the first time your mother and Ena had met but they got along well. Ena stayed there for a while after the other Magi had left and they’ve remained close ever since.”
The Queen was oblivious to the hollowing of Velaya’s insides. They’d come to confirm the prophecy - that was the only reason they were there.
“Ena had even offered to leave Manatide to stay on as your personal tutor while you grew,” the Queen continued, before her voice took on a darker tone. “But with what was going on in Aesor, with the Corruption, your mother convinced her that staying at the school to teach others was more important. I think we all knew then it was only a matter of time before King Robert would summon the Sentinels and Barrett’s position would be vacated.”
Velaya swallowed as they rounded another corner, past a set of windows overlooking the gardens, now bathed in moonlight. Gardens where Athone had plucked flowers for her and stuck in her hair while Doriel had pretended to be sick.
“I don’t believe anyone was surprised that Ena took over as Archmagus,” Eloyese continued. “The timing of it, along with your recruitment, worked out nicely I would think. I’m not certain Ashaula would’ve sent you there so young had Ena not been promoted.”
Velaya’s mind was racing. She had no idea that Archmagus Ena and her mother were close. She had suspected that they’d been in contact with one another - she was Queen of Bellaurose afterall and would no doubt be involved in the school’s affairs to some extent, but this sounded far deeper than that. When Ena had arrived to recruit Velaya, her mother and her seemed cordial. There was nothing to suggest they’d been friends for sixteen years.
“What do you know about Ena and Barrett’s relationship?” she asked.
The Queen frowned. “They’ve known each other for a long time. For many years they were very close. But that has since changed. I cannot say when that happened, perhaps a decade or two ago. As far as why, I do not know.”
“Humans,” Velaya said quietly, more to herself. The Queen looked over at her, concern etched in the faint lines beginning to show around her eyes.
“Yes, that would have been around the time when the Corruption was first discovered in humans.”
“Are the Trelladain and Elyzeme Kingdoms still…” Velaya hesitated, finding it hard to put it into words.
“Yes.” Eloyese’s answer was short, her face laced with disgust. “They maintain that it is not possible for someone to return to how they were once affected. Your parents and I disagree.”
“And Barrett? Does he not believe a cure is possible?”
“I do not know what Barrett believes, but he is sworn to King Robert now,” there was no hiding the bitterness in Eloyese’s voice.
Velaya had to suppress her shudder. With the Queen’s arm wrapped around hers, she couldn’t risk her feeling it. She said coolly, “And what’s being done? What are the Kingdoms doing to stop this Corruption?”
The Queen looked for a moment as though she was going to answer but then her eyes caught on the purple Tides cloak and her face softened. “That is not something you need to worry about, my dear. I’ve said the same to Athone. While you are at Manatide you mustn’t worry yourself.” She gently patted her hand. “Focus on your lessons.”
Velaya found herself desperately wanting to argue against it, but they’d rounded another corner and were heading back towards the drawing room, voices of her classmates echoing off the halls.
“In any case,” the Queen said softly, “I’m reassured to hear that you are well. Your mother has been sick with worry of late and I will be happy to relay that you are okay.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Velaya said as the two returned to the room. Eloyese left her to join King Arthur’s side, before they wished everyone well and retired for the evening.
Velaya retreated to her room shortly after. She lay in bed for a long while, listening to the sounds of the city outside her window. It took her a while to fall asleep, her mind racing with thoughts that kept her tossing and turning. The one in particular that continued to swirl around her head, was that if her mother had kept her relationship with Ena a secret from her, what else was she withholding?