Blooming Life (Fate's Intent Book 10) (6 page)

Cadence smiled. “Besides getting me arrested for breaking in here, no, I don’t think there’s anything. I’m all right.”

“Your mother doesn’t even know you’re here, does she?”

“No. I couldn’t tell her. I’ll be back before she realizes I’m gone. She’s asleep. I wanted to say good-bye to you the right way.”

I laughed because I didn’t mind our last good-bye so much. “What way is that?”

Cadence stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me. I was surprised and wasn’t quite sure what I should do but I slowly brought up my hands and hugged her back.

“I’m going to miss you.” Cadence said as she pulled away first with a yawn.

“Me too. Are you tired?”

“Just a bit. It’s late and I don’t know why but I got up really early this morning.”

“Then why don’t you rest?” I moved to the side so she had a straight sight of my bed with Rift lying at the end of it. “If you want. You can still make sure you’re back before your mother gets up. It’s a long walk.”

Cadence smiled to my gesture. “Okay. You sure your pet won’t mind?”

“Rift? Of course not. He doesn’t bite.”

Cadence walked over and carefully laid down, lying her head on a soft pillow. “This is nice.”

“You can rest here for as long as you need.” I said, still standing stiff on the other side to see a girl in my bed.

“You’re not coming? I won’t bite either.”

I got a nervous smile and carefully inched myself on the bed next to her. “Okay.”

“Good. I better be getting back soon though. You’ll write me, won’t you?”

“Of course I will. Where—”

“Here.” She passed me a small piece of paper like she’s had it ready in her hand since she’s been here. “Send it here. I’ll get it and I know where to send yours.”

“Well, I don’t know where I’ll be staying yet. My mother could still change her mind.”

“Then I’ll send the same one to both. You should get it.”

“Okay. Don’t forget?”

“I won’t.” Cadence laughed, pushing me over by my shoulder playfully.

I still enjoyed it but there was a knock at the door and I panicked instinctually. “Oh, no. Hide.”

Cadence quickly hopped herself under the thick blankets and covered herself completely.

“Seth?” The door opened and my father stepped in.

“Yes, father?”

“Did I just hear you talking to yourself?”

“Talking to myself?” I shared a worried look with Rift and he tried covering his face with his paw. Some help. I had to think of something. “Ah, yeah. That’s exactly what I was doing.”

My father blinked and his eyes went from blue to solid black in an instant. “You were not.” His voice was a little deep and I looked next to me on the bed where Cadence was. There was really no point in hiding it now.

She moved the blankets down and sat up just a little. “Ah—good evening, your majesty.”

My father’s eyes thankfully changed back when he started to smile. “Cadence. Well, I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised.”

I wasn’t sure if he really wasn’t mad or not but I had to do something. “Father, I can explain—”

“It’s all right, Seth. Just be sure that she’s gone before her mother finds out. Knowing Cadence, I’m sure Meg has no idea that she’s away.”

Cadence just smiled innocently.

“Of course, father.”

He kept his smile and turned back to the door. “Goodnight you two.”

He closed the door as he left and Cadence and I looked at each other for a moment. There was just a short pause until we both started laughing.

“Whoa. That was close.”

“He said he’d be on my side. I’m glad that’s true.”

“Me too but I really should be going.”

“So soon?”

“I don’t want her to wake up and find me gone.” She said as she started to get out of bed. “That would be bad but this was nice. I really am going to miss you.”

I got out of bed with her and walked her over to the balcony doors. “We’ll still be able to write until we can see each other again.”

“That’s true. Good-bye, Seth.”

We hugged.

“Good-bye.”

“See you next summer. I look forward to it.”

She kissed my cheek again and walked out onto the balcony. I followed her and leaned over the side as she was climbing down.

“Be careful.” I whispered. “And don’t get caught!”

Cadence reached the bottom and looked up with a smile. “Don’t worry. They can’t catch me.”

She ran off and I smiled, looking down at the small paper in my hand. I couldn’t wait to see her again.

Chapter 14

Seth

I woke and looked next to me at the empty space. I didn’t remember falling asleep at all. An image of Cadence laying there flashed in my mind and I sat right up. She was probably gone by now and my eyes found their way towards the balcony the way she left. I already missed her but Rift was right there by my feet with a comforting sigh. It was enough for me to look away and pet his head.

“Good. You’re awake.”

My head turned when my father entered. “Morning, father. Come to check in on me?”

“I just wanted to know how it went last night. She obviously left.”

“She left minutes after you did.”

“Not because of me, I hope.”

“No. She knew she had to get back. I’m sure they’re on the road by now.”

“I am sorry that she had to go.”

“It’s okay. We’re going to write each other and in the meantime, I’ll have public school to focus on.”

“Exactly. So, you better get up and ready so we can go.”

“Go?”

“The next session at the Royal Academy begins at the start of fall.”

“The start of fall? But that’s today!” I hopped right out of bed with sudden urgency.

“I know. You’re ready for this, aren’t you?

“Of course I am!”

“Then just get yourself dressed. They’ll issue the proper attire today and you’ll have to start wearing that.”

“Even me?”

“Yes. Even you. They make attempt not to treat you differently so you’ll just be like everyone else.”

“Oh, that sounds swell.”

“You don’t have to be nervous. I’m having your mother convince Ruby and Jaylyn that this is the right thing so Dirk and Bryce will be with you.”

I sighed in relief. “Okay. That makes things a little better. At least I’ll know someone.”

“That was her concern and why she’s doing it. Get ready. I have to go down with you and get you registered in an hour.”

“Okay, father. And thanks.”

“No problem. Come on, Rift. I’ll let you out.” He opened the door and they both went out it, leaving me to get dressed.

I was nervous and anxious about it at the same time. I badly wanted to go but had no idea what it would be like. I’ve never really spent time around other kids besides Dirk and Bryce my entire life. I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I got ready nonetheless as I would for any other day except today, I left my crown up in my room. If I wasn’t going to be treated differently like father said then I wouldn’t be needing it.

I went right downstairs to meet him and Dirk and Bryce jumped me at the bottom of the stairs.

“This is so awesome!” Bryce said excitedly as he had his arm hung around my shoulders. “You planned to start today, right?”

“Of course!” I smiled, starting to walk with them towards the dining hall. “Why wait?”

“Exactly my thought!” Dirk replied. “We deserve this big time!”

I laughed to their enthusiasms too and we continued on our way.

“Oh, look at this.” Jaylyn looked over our excitement. “Your first day! Excited?”

“No. Not really.” Ruby replied.

“I wasn’t asking you.”

“Don’t worry, mother.” Dirk said. “We’ll be all right. We want this.”

“I know. You’re growing up and we can’t stop it but are you sure you’ll be okay? Aleksander hand delivered a mission for us yesterday so we’ll be gone for a couple of weeks.”

“We’ll be fine.”

“Then we’ll have to stop in to the mountain palace on our way back so we can make sure you have everything you’ll need to stay here.” Mother added.

“Then will you be staying here?” I asked.

They looked at each other and mother was hesitant at first to answer. “Well, maybe. We just want to make sure everything is taken care of at home first. You can stay here with just your fathers, can’t you?”

“Of course they can.” Darius came in with a clear answer. “Take his advice and don’t worry.” He leaned down to Ruby, kissing her head. “Let’s go boys! Say good-bye and grab something quick! Your fathers are waiting.”

We quickly grabbed something we could carry to eat and hurried around the table. “Bye mother! See you when you get back.”

“Bye boys.”

Chapter 15

Dirk

We couldn’t have been more ready for this and we ran to finally get out of the palace.

“Dirk, hold up!”

I stopped in the hall before reaching the door and looked back at my father walking towards me. “Yeah, father?”

“Let’s talk first.”

“Oh, no. Not another one of
those
, I hope.”

He laughed as he reached me and patted my shoulder while leading me out the door. “No. Not exactly that kind of talk. I just wanted to let you know that you’ll notice how different things are going to be in the coming days. There may be several or one particular girl that will show an extreme amount of interest in you but I don’t want you to get too attached.”

“Attached? Why? I thought that was a good thing.”

“Not in this particular case.”

“Oh.” I sighed. “I see. You don’t want me killing anyone.”

“No. That’s not it. You already have a destiny with whoever will be chosen as your mother’s successor.”

“You mean, like an Assassin?”

“Mmm hmm. That’s why I think it’s important for you to keep your emotions and desires separate when it comes to the girls you’ll meet through the Academy.”

“But if I’m already destined to be with someone, why haven’t I met her?”

“We’re not even fully sure who she is but when the time comes, she’ll reveal herself and take her place at your side.”

“How long could that take?”

“I don’t want you to worry about your fate with her now. It will be several years before you meet her. By then, your experiences will be well enough to sustain her.”

“So, you tell me that and now I’m just supposed for forget about it completely?”

He laughed but I wasn’t amused by the thought. “Not forget. Just put it in the back of your mind so it’s always there when another girl thinks she’s in love with you. You’ll easily be able to not share in that feeling by knowing there’s someone more special waiting for you.”

“Okay, I’ll do that.”

“Good. Now let’s hurry and catch up to the others.”

We made it to the stables and were given our horses that were there waiting for us. We both got on and took them out into the city along the streets towards the Royal Academy built for families of Randal who resided a near distance to the palace.

From what I researched, it was located just a couple of streets north where it was enclosed by its own walls of rules, discipline and privacy for the molding of the young minds of Seni. Four one story buildings made up the whole of this great school, each with its own design and purpose and named by the direction in which they sit.

The West Hall was the main building of the Academy where all the young learners would pass through to get to the rest of the grounds. It held their perfectly coordinated library as well as the offices for the Academy’s highest positions of educators and had its own facilities for any unsuspected medical emergencies.

The South Hall was where meals were provided at mid-day and was fashioned to be orderly and efficient with their acute line system. Tables were stationary in a design to cause less clutter and fewer confusion amongst the attendants. It was to be neat and obedient at all times and noise was only tolerated to a normal speaking level.

The East Hall was the academic building where most of the classes were taught, such as world as well as national history, mathematics, physical science, literature recite, theatrical performance, creative arts and cuisine study for girls.

The North Hall was the training room where the boys’ combat study class took place as the Academy looked very highly on teaching and encouraging the young men to take up a military based career and serve their great country in the best way possible.

It was everything I read. We arrived through the main gates and simply tied the horses right out front since this was just to be a quick visit and we had no need to use the stable service that was provided.

We walked at our father’s sides as we entered and other kids have already begun to show up to register as well. Everyone seemed to stop what they were doing when they saw us and whispers started to spread around of the arrival of Seni’s Prince and young Lords.

We tried not to act like we noticed as we followed our fathers to the office of the Academy’s High Master, overseer of the entire school and all its attendants and went inside.

“Morning, High Master. I do hope we’re not interrupting.”

We heard a laugh and a man turned a chair around towards the desk. “I knew I recognized that voice. Zayden! Always a delight to get a visit from you, your majesty. Everything well I hope.”

“Ah, well—” Zayden smiled as he pulled Seth in front of him and had his hands on his shoulders.

“Oh, my! It’s like looking at another you!”

“Yes, I know. The boys are very excited to be joining your great institute.”

“Twelve already? Well, we could never turn away such a great honor. I just hope they’re not going to be as much trouble as their fathers were!”

Troy laughed. “Oh, we were not that bad!”

“No. Not entirely but no one’s an angel either. We’ve been more prepared for such incidences since you left.”

“Well, I assure you—” Zayden replied. “Whatever the necessary discipline for any actions caused will justly be taken. Though, I don’t see you running into too much trouble.”

“Well, good. Let’s work on getting them settled in then. They can take a quick tour of the grounds if they’d like while we do all of the boring paperwork.”

“That is a good idea. There are some other things we need to discuss along with it.”

“Very well. Boys, access to the grounds is out the door to the right. You may feel free to see anything you’d like until we’re ready for you and I do believe they’re still serving breakfast for the early arrivals.”

“They could use that.” Zayden said. “They were in a hurry this morning. Go ahead, Seth.”

“Of course, father.” Seth respectfully replied.

He turned from them first out the door and Bryce and I followed.

“What do you think they’re going to talk about?” Bryce asked in a whisper as we walked down the hall away from the office.

I stated the obvious. “Us.”

“Maybe what we can do.” Seth said. “You know because we’re
special
. I doubt they’ve had kids like us here before. We’ll probably be forbidden to use our gifts at all.”

“You really think so?” I wondered it because it would have been horrible to try and do.

Bryce just laughed. “And what would you have to use yours around here for?”

“I don’t know. What if we get picked on?”

“You could easily teach them a lesson without either of your gifts.” Seth replied.

“Yeah, something tells me that’s not going to be tolerated either.” Bryce said. “This is a place with rules.”

“Then we’ll abide by them. Now let’s take that tour. We don’t know how long they’ll be. They’ll probably have to come get us.”

We nodded as we head outside into the courtyard where we could see the other three buildings clearly.

“Whoa. I could get used to this.” I muttered. “It’s better than the illustrations.”

“So, what should we do first?” Seth asked.

“Well, I’m not feeling that hungry.” Bryce said. “We could just walk around and get used to the setting.”

“Not to mention all the stares.” I added, seeing them already.

“All right. A quick tour it is.”

We walked out into the open courtyard where there were benches placed elegantly around the garden landscape and students walking the stone paths in between.

“Well, that’s obviously the dining hall.” Bryce said, looking towards the South Hall where we could see right inside from the full glass walls on the building’s face.

“And that’s probably where all the classes are.” Seth replied, looking at the three story East Hall. “But what’s that?”

The North Hall was a large one story building that was completely made of brick with only one door on its face, no windows in sight.

I figured it had to be the training hall but I had to joke because of its outside appearance compared to the other buildings. “Maybe it’s where all of the punishment happens.” I whispered it and hung my arm around Seth’s shoulders.

A girl’s laugher chimed in from behind us and we quickly looked back.

She was standing a few feet away with a couple of books held in her arms, hugging them to her body and a smile of amusement. “Not even close.”

She was wearing the uniform for girls, a white high collar dress with a gray and silver weaved knit waist cincher wrapped around it. Her blonde hair was left down and simply pulled back on the sides and she stood with her feet right together in their knee high gray boots.

I turned completely and dropped my arm from Seth’s shoulders. “Oh, I knew that.”

“You’re some of the new ones, I see.”

“Ah, yeah.” Seth replied. “Starting today.”

“Well, so you know, that’s the North Hall. It’s where the combat study class is held.”

“A combat class?” Bryce wondered, liking the idea while he shared a look with us. “You taking it?”

The girl laughed loudly like he was joking. “Oh, no. Girls aren’t allowed. That’s just for boys.”

“That doesn’t seem fair.” I said.

“We’re pretty used to it. We can’t even see inside. Notice it has no windows?”

“Yeah, we did notice.” Seth replied.

“This is actually as close to it I’m allowed to get.”

We looked at each other again, only this time confused that things were this way. We were used to women being completely equal because of who our mothers were. Things seemed to be different in other places and I wasn’t sure if I could get used to it.

“Janie!”

The girl turned her head to look behind her and two other girls were waving her over.

“Come on!”

“Okay!” She turned back and looked at us. “Sorry. I’ve got to go. I’ll ah—see you later or something. We can—meet for lunch and—eat like people.”

“I speak solely for myself when I say, I’d love to.” I replied.

Janie smiled shyly to my remark. “Okay. Great.”

“How will I find you?”

“Don’t worry. I think it’s better if I just find you. It shouldn’t be too hard. Oh, and I’m Janie, by the way. Janie Mott.”

“Hi, Janie. I’m—”

“I know who you are.” She cut in with a smile and her eyes still on only me. “Dirk.”

“Janie!”

She turned her head back to her name being called by both girls with more urgency and shouted back. “I said I’m coming! I better go.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

Janie just gave me one last smile and jogged off towards the other girls with her books still held snug in her arms. They all looked back at us with giggles before heading off into the East Hall.

“Would you blink please?” Seth asked, seeing my eyes still locked in Janie’s direction.

“What? Sorry. Did you not see her? She’s cute. That’s definitely going to be my first kiss.”

Bryce laughed, trying to hold it back. “Right. Can we worry about other things?”

“Good idea.” Seth agreed. “I want to see what’s in there.”

We turned back around and had our eyes on the mysterious North Hall.

“We should be able to go in.” I said, taking the first step towards it. “We’re not girls.”

Seth and Bryce followed slowly towards the door.

“It’s weird how girls aren’t allowed.” Bryce said.

“Well, this is the real world.” Seth replied. “They do things differently here. Not every woman has what it takes to become an Assassin.”

“That seems to be the only way they get respect.” I muttered, not wanting my voice to be heard by whoever happened to be inside.

“I’m sure we’ll get used to it.” Seth said, reaching for the door.

It opened and we slowly stepped inside. The sight amazed me. There was equipment covering all spaces of the walls and dozens of each piece. Long sticks, short sticks, shields, bows and protective gear. The floor had markings on them, outlining several rings for dueling and our mouths were hung open from the sight.

“Whoa.” Bryce muttered. “Definitely a class. I’ve never seen so many.”

“Oh, we’re so ready for this.” Seth smiled. “I wonder how experienced they really are.”

“Probably not like us.” I joked.

“There you are!”

Our father’s came through the door behind us.

“Oh, father.” Seth replied. “Looking for us?”

“And right in the first place we look.” Zayden smiled. “I knew it.”

“Is everything settled then?”

“Yes. Everything has been discussed that needs to be. I’m sure you can already guess the terms.”