Chapter 32
Ravin moves with the same grace as Kaelis.
It’s second nature to them both, baked into their bloodline.
But that’s where the resemblance ends. Kaelis is measured steps and calculated poise.
He’s knowing looks and barely-there gestures.
Ravin is all showy performance—wide smiles, shining eyes, hands that never stop moving as he pauses to greet students and faculty.
No one would ever know that under that charming smile is the shroud of Death itself.
I adjust my grip on my wineglass before it cracks in my hand and take a gulp.
Kaelis makes his rounds, greeting his professors new and preexisting, Ravin an ever-present companion. Why is the crown prince here? If Kaelis had known in advance, then he would’ve warned me. Which means Ravin is a surprise.
I brace myself as they finally reach the small circle of professors I’m standing with. Kaelis’s eyes flick to mine, and the look he gives me says everything. He didn’t know Ravin would be here, and he likes it about as much as I do.
“Ah, you’re one of the new ones.” Kaelis doesn’t miss an opportunity to cement our lie, or my new identity.
“Yes, your highness.” I duck my chin.
“Headmaster, when we’re in the academy,” he says, almost offhand, as he turns to greet another professor when they pass by. His entire body language says I am of little importance. And I could kiss him for it.
“And you may call me Prince Ravin.” Ravin scoops up my hand, pressing his lips to it, and I barely stop myself from retching. As Kaelis’s eyes turn back to me, there’s a spark in them that’s damn near murderous. “While my brother can’t be bothered to introduce us, I would love to know your name.”
“Sophie Veillgar,” I say without missing a beat, forcing a smile. Play the game. I try to sink further into this second skin of mine even as I fight for my hands not to tremble as Ravin takes his time releasing my fingers.
“Lovely name.” Ravin smiles, continuing with platitudes as smooth as silk. “It’s so refreshing to know that new talent is regularly brought into the academy. I know my brother ensures that the staff is composed of only the most capable individuals. What is it you teach, Miss Veillgar?”
“Wielding. I’m a professor under Vaduin.” I keep my voice in the same measured, confident tone. As though just speaking to Ravin is a supreme honor.
“Ah, yes, that’s right…” Kaelis says with a hum, attention returning to me in earnest from his side conversation with the other professors.
His gaze is guarded, almost dull, like he couldn’t be more bored to be looking at me, even as he makes a show of sizing me up.
“Vaduin spoke highly of your skill. Perhaps I should sit in on your class one of these days to ensure you’re a worthy investment. ”
“It would be my honor.” My words nearly quiver. I fight to not wipe the hand Ravin just kissed.
Kaelis locks eyes with me in a manner that almost says, Look at me. Look only at me. The trembling stops. He’s here. My disguise is perfect. Ravin doesn’t know. There is no reason to panic.
“Perhaps you might also observe one of my lessons, Headmaster?” The woman next to me shuffles forward slightly. “I would be glad for any suggestions on how I could improve my craft. There’s no higher honor than to learn from one of the best Arcanists to ever live.”
“I’m not sure if you could handle my lesson, Lady Armena.” Kaelis wears a tight smile that the woman at my side somehow misreads as coy. I’m not sure how, when it’s so obvious he’s clenching his jaw.
“You really are so scandalous, Headmaster.” Armena laughs a little too loudly, leaning in to playfully bat at his arm. I’m honestly surprised Kaelis doesn’t retaliate with a card when she touches him. “Whatever shall we do with you?”
I’ve never seen anyone showing remote interest in the void-born prince. Then again, the only time I was ever close enough to possibly see such behavior, I was his bride-to-be. And no self-respecting noble would dare publicly throw themselves at a sworn prince.
You know, there are women who would kill to be engaged to me, Kaelis had said to me a year ago. I’d scoffed at it then. But he had no reason to lie.
“Now I see why you’re always chasing me away from the academy, brother. When you have women throwing themselves at you here, why invite competition?” Ravin chuckles, and Armena’s face turns scarlet.
Kaelis has yet to move. He stands as still as a statue, wineglass in his grasp. Eyes narrowing slightly.
“Do not touch my person if you wish to keep your hand.” Kaelis brushes off his sleeve where she touched it.
Ah, there’s the reaction I was expecting.
She mumbles a quick “Yes, of course” and then makes it a point to engage herself in a conversation with the two other professors who stepped aside when Kaelis and Ravin arrived.
I am suddenly alone with the two princes, the other professors we were speaking with following Armena.
Kaelis’s eyes return to mine once more. “I look forward to seeing your performance this year, Sophie Veillgar.”
With that, he abandons me. I know he had no reason to stay, but I want to scream for him to come back when Ravin lingers rather than following his brother. He leans in, locking eyes with me. He’s so close that I’m certain he must be able to hear the pounding of my heart.
“I wouldn’t get your hopes up. My brother is recovering right now.”
“Pardon?” I don’t trust myself to do anything more than feign ignorance and say only a single word.
Ravin sighs. It’s all a show. This man. His fancy clothes. His suave mannerisms and charisma. I see right through it. I see his dead, haunted eyes.
“I heard a woman matching your description was out in the city with him from an enforcer.” Ravin’s network is truly unmatched. “Surely you know what happened with his previous intended?” He keeps his placating tone and pitying expression.
“I…I’ve heard.” I nod, leaning into my part.
“Then you’ll understand that it’s likely he’ll let any woman into his bed in an effort to move on.” Ravin shakes his head with mocking sorrow. “Poor man. You seem nice enough that I’d hate to see you ensnared in his web.”
You don’t know the half of it.
Here Ravin is, warning me, when I’m the one who has Kaelis dancing at my whim. When I’m the one calling the shots with the Worldkeepers. When I’m Ravin’s sworn enemy, the orchestrator of what will be his ultimate demise, and I’m standing right in front of him and he doesn’t even know it.
“Thank you,” I say, trying to sound earnest.
“You’re very welcome.” With that, Ravin heads off to mingle with some of the other professors that Kaelis has just departed to meet.
But the headmaster is heading for the main table, and the other professors follow closely behind.
As we take our seats, so, too, do the students in advance of the arrival of the initiates.
I sit at the far end of the large faculty table. Given the way it arcs, I’m able to glimpse Kaelis as he stands to address the initiates when they enter. Curiously, Ravin sits at his side. I would’ve expected him to leave—he has no business here.
“Welcome, initiates, to the hallowed halls of Arcana Academy, a bastion of learning, and the seat of tarot magic itself. You have done well—you’ve made it through your initial trial.
However, your tests have only just begun…
” He begins with the usual introductions and information about how the academic year unfolds.
The Kings of each house stand, declaring how many slots they have.
But right when Kaelis would usually end his welcome speech, he says, “There is one more thing before I will let you all begin enjoying your Fire Feast.”
Murmuring and uncertain looks. The students, who know this is abnormal, can’t keep the surprise from their faces.
Kaelis motions to his brother and then sits.
Ravin stands. “Thank you, brother, for your hospitality on this most celebratory eve. I realize it is unconventional for me to be in attendance. But these are…desperate times. A shadow has fallen upon our kingdom. An Arcanist of dangerous skill and wicked intent.
“Last year, she infiltrated these halls. She impersonated a noble, lying to our prince and your dear headmaster. She attempted to worm her way into the royal family.”
Murmurs ripple among students and initiates alike. I shift, trying to look appropriately horrified and somber when all I want to do is roar with laughter. Infiltrated? How hilarious when it was Kaelis who helped break me out of prison in the first place so he could use my abilities.
“She has broken free more of her ilk and attempted to kill a captain of the Stellis charged with her capture.”
Attempted to kill…Did Emilia survive? Jura died and she somehow lived. I bite back a scream and dig my nails into my palms as I clench my fists.
“So I have come here today for two purposes.
“The first is to reassure you that my brother and I are doing all that is in our power to keep you safe both here and in Eclipse City. We will not rest until she is brought to justice.
“And the second…” Ravin reaches into the inner breast pocket of his coat and retrieves a letter folded into an envelope as black as the fabric itself.
Emblazoned on the front in an ink that’s dried to a glossy finish is a single sword emerging from a field of clouds.
A crown caps its tip, and thorny, flowering rose vines trellis down around the blade.
On the back is a silver wax seal, already broken.
The prince makes a show of opening the envelope with a flourish. He reads from the missive within.
“A declaration from King Naethor Oricalis to his loyal subjects of the kingdom in his name.” Ravin pauses, allowing everyone to hang on the prospect of a royal declaration.
“The criminal known as Clara Graysword remains at large. She is the sworn enemy of Oricalis. Anyone found offering her aid or safe harbor will be considered an enemy of the crown and shall be put to death alongside her.”
All I can think of is the irony of Kaelis being the one to offer me safe harbor. Of Ravin kissing my hand and giving me warnings.
“However, anyone who gives credible information tied to her whereabouts will be handsomely rewarded in a manner befitting the information provided.
“And…should any bring her forward, alive, so that she might be brought to justice, then they would be rewarded with all the titles and lands of Clan Hermit.”