The Skyhome Academy

“Good morning,” Rose said to Simon as she and Mei put down their trays of food and sat across the table from him. The mess hall was sparsely populated, as the castle servants had already eaten and the cadets’ breakfast rush had yet to begin.

“Morning,” Simon answered cheerfully. “Emma’s not here?”

“She has an early shift in the infirmary,” Rose explained. “But at least she’s working with the patients instead of cleaning, so she’s pretty excited about it.”

“That’s good. Though it would be nice if she didn’t have to clean at all.” Simon looked pointedly at Mei, but she did not respond.

“I still don’t get why my dad released you from academy chores instead of Emma,” Rose added.

“I already told you that I can’t discuss that,” the former princess complained. “And I would certainly rather that we’d both been freed from that drudgery. Why not pester your father instead of me if you want to help her?”

“I’ve tried, believe me.”

The three ate in silence for a time before Simon spoke. “Mei, did you hear the latest from the Middle Kingdom?”

“Yes…but I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”

“What happened?” Rose asked her.

“Rumor has it my brother is still alive, and he’s led the remnants of my father’s army into the southern jungle.”

“But that’s great news, isn’t it?”

“Even if it’s true, what hope of victory would he have? Nearly the entire nation has already submitted to the new ‘Emperor.’ I’d rather he abandon our ungrateful countrymen and seek asylum here. …⁠Then I would still have a family.”

Rose was surprised by Mei’s honesty. “For what it’s worth, I hope it does work out that way.” Simon nodded in agreement.

“…⁠Thank you,” the serf muttered self-consciously.

After another lull in the conversation, Rose addressed her companions. “Oh, I was wondering if you’d both like to work on the aerial combat essay today?”

“That’s fine. But if you need my help, you could just ask directly,” Mei said archly. Rose gave her a sidelong glance.

“Sounds good to me,” Simon added. “I need to do well on the written work to balance out my flying.”

“You’re not a bad flier,” Rose reassured him.

“I’m sure that tree I nearly broke in half would disagree.” Rose laughed slightly. She was glad that they had once again become comfortable with each other—though they had not spoken at all of romance since the Winter Formal.

“When did you hit a tree?” Mei asked Simon in surprise.

“It was when I went after that traitor with Rose…” He told the story, with the noble occasionally commenting. By the time he was done, all three of the cadets had finished their meals. After they left the table and bused their trays, Rose noticed Prince Robert approaching her.

“I’ll see you later,” Simon said.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Mei added. Both of Rose’s companions looked to the royal in resentment before departing for the elevator.

“My Lord.”

“Lady Rose. I was hoping to speak with you privately.” The prince gestured with his hand toward a section of the mess hall that was still empty of cadets. Rose walked with him in that direction. His bodyguards followed some distance behind them. “I’d like to apologize for ignoring you last semester. But my father asked me to pursue Mei for the sake of fostering a closer relationship with the Middle Kingdom.”

“I understand.”

“Of course, I’m no longer constrained to do so. …⁠And honestly, she was a bit of a chore at times—not that I would have wished such tragedy on her. How is she?”

“I think she’s doing as well as can be expected.”

“That’s good to know.” Prince Robert stopped walking. “Not that I’m here to talk about her.

“Now that I’m free to court whomever I wish, I’d rather pursue a more lovely and good-natured maiden—yourself.” Rose felt completely overwhelmed as he took one of her hands and held it in both of his own. She blushed. “Would you agree to go on a date with me, My Lady?”

“Of course! That would be wonderful, My Lord.”

“I’ll be visiting home next weekend. You could come with me to see the castle? I’d show you all the capital has to offer as well.”

Rose’s face fell. “I’m not allowed day passes, let alone a weekend. You must have heard how I got in trouble for chasing after that traitor?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’m sure the intendent would be willing to make an exception as a personal favor.”

“That’s amazing! I’d love to see the capital with you.”

Before he could respond, Baron Tessel’s voice came over the crystals. “Attention. An unknown assailant has gravely injured Mage Charles Highcastle. All cadets are ordered to immediately return to their rooms or barracks.”

“I can’t believe anyone would want to hurt him,” Rose said in dismay.

Prince Robert released her hand, while his guards quickly joined him. “My Lord, this way,” one man said, indicating the nearby door into one of the stairwells. “And please cast your shield.”

“Of course.” The prince drew his wand and cast the spell. He then looked back to Rose. “I’ll talk to you soon, My Lady.”

She nodded, and the royal’s guards spirited him away. The noble lined up among the other cadets to use the elevator, her feeling of elation lost for now. She could only hope that Mage Charles would recover.