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S he went to the dorm and found Felicia lounging on her bed flipping through one of Lilith’s books about runes, waiting for her. Everyone else was mostly settled into their beds for the night.

“So…” Felicia said turning a page, not caring to look up.

“Care for a bath?” Lilith went to gather her things.

Felicia casually went to get her own toiletries.

They left for the ladies' bath on the third floor.

By now the place had vacated. The routine was to soak right after their last class, which meant they were able to get settled in after the last upper year left.

“You and the prince are getting quite close.” Felicia grinned at her friend.

“He’s an obnoxious flirt. As I have said before, I find him interesting.” Lilith looked back on her interactions with Prince Demetrius. He may be standoffish, and arrogant, but he had not been cruel towards her. She needed to keep her distance from him. “I don’t need more complications.”

“There's more you’re holding out on.” Felicia sank a little deeper into the tub. She was always perceptive .

“This is not widely known. There is talk about closing the school soon.” There was more that Lilith wanted to share, but she held her tongue.

Felicia gasped. “Have you heard when?”

Shaking her head, Lilith looked around the room. There were no signs of unwelcome ears. “There is an issue in the capital.”

Rumours of the school closing spread like wildfire through the students.

Everyone was chatting about it at breakfast. Lilith was keenly aware that an unusual presence of faculty was lingering about the hall.

It only added fuel to the fire of speculation.

Lord Helmer stood among them chatting. He walked to the front of the hall.

“Do not leave after you have finished. We will wait until everyone is present. Fang and Iris, would you be so kind as to return to the dorms to instruct everyone to come down.” He nodded to Sir Tornbury, who disappeared.

The sounds of talking had died among students.

They just waited. A few people jumped as the silence was broken by the ringing of the bell.

People started trickling in, finding seats where they could.

Some of the auxiliary staff members joined the hall and waited for Lord Helmer to speak.

When Fang and Iris returned to their spot, Lord Helmer spoke: “By now you have heard that this school will close. For hundreds of years, Skilheim Stronghold served to provide leaders for our kingdom. As students of Skilheim, you are trained to become future generals, commanders and strategists. This is what our forefathers have done and it is what our children will do after us. This is the way of our realm. This school has remained open during wars, famine, and disease. Yet, I have been instructed to shut down all school programs and classes.” Lord Helmer halted to look around the sea of faces, and considered his next words.

“Our kingdom is under attack from both the expansion of the Void and from among our own people. Whether this dispute lasts one year or several, your lives will be intertwined with the powers at play.” Lord Helmer looked at Prince Demetrius.

“King Amadeus has demanded that all fourth and fifth years present their service to the kingdom. Your guardians are aware and approve of this-” The hall erupted in commotion.

“They’re sending us to the front?!”

“They’re sending us because we’re the best!” someone yelled.

“We’re the best chance this kingdom has.” More cheers erupted from some students.

“This is absurd! Everyone that goes there dies. There’s no way to fight darkness itself.

” It was Narticia that spoke, silencing the crowd.

Her words rang true as they have heard nothing from the front except death.

There was no way to push back the darkness spilling from the Void.

Lilith looked at the prince, who was stone faced and quiet.

Lord Helmer held his hands up. “Our faculty staff will be fighting alongside you. It is not clear whether we will be sent directly to the front encampment or if we will serve to push back the growing rebellion. Years one to three will be returning home in two days. We have notified your guardians to prepare for your arrival. Those that are unable to return are welcome to stay here. Fourth and fifth years will depart in a week. Failure to report will result in imprisonment at the capital. In light of this news, all classes have been suspended. I wish you all the best, and may the gods show mercy to us all.” He walked out of the hall with the faculty following him.

Prince Demetrius briskly left in their shadows with a few of the fifth years trailing behind him.

Those remaining in the hall sat unmoving and were left to process what they had just been told.

Felicia looked frustrated as she shook Lilith’s arm, calling for her attention.

“I’m coming with you.” Lilith had not shared her plans with the prince with Felicia last night during their bath.

Felicia continued, “My parents are mostly stationed at Vanguard and we live close to the palace. It’s not easy being home. ”

Lilith didn’t know how to respond. “I’ll be honest. My plans are not straightforward.

I’ll have to check something and get back to you.

I do, however, think you should come with me.

I could use a friend.” Felicia wanted to question her, but held off.

With classes cancelled everyone disappeared to the dorms.

Most of the women were in various stages of packing, not that there was much to pack.

Verrona sat on her bed watching others. “Will everyone here be able to return home?”

Juniper, who was also sitting on her bed, watching, piped up, “Nym and I will travel to the Red Forest by boat. The Everlade Mountains separate us from the Void and its expansion has not moved into our territory, so far.”

The twins stopped folding their things and Meridith chirped, “We live in Vanguard. I’m assuming our parents will find us tutors or make us their apprentices.”

“What do your parents do?” Juniper asked them.

Meira blushed and said, “Our mother is Mistress of the Robes for the queen. So it’s likely we will become ladies in waiting.”

Felicia cocked her head, “But I thought ladies in waiting weren’t permitted to marry whilst serving the royals?”

“Traditionally, yes. Our father is a favoured commander of the king. As a reward for his accomplishments he was allowed to marry our mother. She is the queen’s favourite lady in waiting and is allowed to stay to serve her.”

Lilith needed to ask the prince some questions.

She closed her trunk and nodded at Felicia.

Felicia interrupted the twins to talk about what it was like to live in the palace.

While everyone’s attention was on the twins, Lilith slipped out and headed down to the picture of the man riding the horse.

After unlocking the frame, she called out to her flames to illuminate the pitch black spiral staircase.

Is this a bad idea? Going to his bedchamber uninvited? She stood contemplating her next move.

“I can hear you breathing,” came a voice from within the bed chamber. “You may as well come in." Lilith cursed and went further up to unlatch the door. Prince Demetrius was sprawled on his bed reading a book.

“What a pleasant surprise.” He tossed his book to the side and moved to rest on his elbow. Uncertain in her confidence, she bit her lip. The prince sat up straighter. “Now you’ve really piqued my interest,” he said as he crossed his legs on his bed .

“Felicia Flavian would do well as one of your 'ears.' She is more perceptive than I, and more discreet.” Lilith spoke calmly.

“I am well aware of Miss Flavian.” The prince gracefully moved off his bed and strode towards Lilith. “Are you recommending her as your replacement?” He asked harshly, as he stood in front of her.

She tilted her head up to look at him, “Not as a replacement. She would be an asset.”

“You’ve only known her for a few months and yet you’re willing to recommend her.

Would you be willing to take responsibility for her?

” His ice blue eyes were focused on hers.

In truth, she was still uncertain of Felicia.

She showed loyalty to Lilith and seemed trustworthy, but people can be deceitful.

“She has a brother that is missing. That could be leverage enough to exploit her to remain loyal to you. In return for helping us, we would look into finding her missing brother.” Lilith was grasping at straws.

“You state that you are well aware of Miss Flavian. You know her outside of this school?” The prince looked away, which Lilith took as confirmation.

“She has mentioned that her parents work for the king. Would she not be risking the lives of her parents if she became a problem?”

With a sigh the prince went to the window. “Fine. Bring her on. Though if she does step out of line, you will be the one paying the price.”

Lilith grinned and said, “Thank you.” The prince looked slightly shocked at the sight of her smiling .

“Here I was hoping you had changed your mind on our professional working relationship. I should have bargained for a kiss.” He grinned back at her.

“Hmm.” Lilith wondered aloud, “It’s been a while since I’ve singed someone’s balls.”

“Your fascination with balls is unbecoming. My balls shrivel at the sight of you.”

“Then I have trained them well.” She laughed and watched the prince, who was genuinely laughing with her. Her feet slowly took her to him. She breathed in deeply as she reached out to touch his chest. His eyes trailed her movement.

“What are you…”