The Skyhome Academy

Once more Simon found himself in the intendent’s luxurious office. The only difference from his previous experience was the absence of Emma and Mage Isabel. Mage William again stood protectively behind his daughter, while Rose explained what had happened.

“I’m extremely troubled by this incident,” Baron Tessel said when she had finished speaking. “I’d hoped that there would be no further rules violations. But instead you’ve both escalated your reckless behavior.”

“This was my fault, Baron,” Rose told him. “It was my idea to pursue the traitor.”

While Simon had felt pressured into the battle, he could not bring himself to let his friend take all the blame. “I freely agreed to go along, Sir.”

The high noble turned his attention to the citizen. “Cadet Exeter, I’ve noticed that you and Cadet Spellshield have been thick as thieves. I hope you two haven’t been a bad influence on each other—I seem to recall hearing about some trouble between you and Prince Robert?”

Simon knew he was on thin ice, and did his best to sound contrite—even if he did not feel that way regarding the royal. “There were two conversations near the beginning of the year where I was rude to the prince. My behavior was inappropriate, and it won’t happen again. Sir.”

“Very well,” the baron said. “That aside, the two of you have given me little choice but to hand out punishments. Fifteen days detention each. For the rest of the year you’ll receive no more day passes, and you may only fly during your aerial combat class.

“And if you somehow find a way to put yourselves in danger again, or otherwise break the rules…understand that expulsion will be a possible outcome. Please don’t put me in that position. …⁠You’re dismissed, Cadets.”

“Yes, Sir,” Simon said together with Rose. He supposed that this had gone about as well as it could have, under the circumstances. The cadets and the guard commander left the office.

Simon proceeded into the elevator and drifted down, while the Spellshields stopped just before entering. I hope Rose’s father isn’t too angry with her. Curiosity got the better of him, and he stepped out of the elevator at the next floor so he could listen to their conversation. People occasionally passed by, but he pretended to study a painting.

“I guess I really screwed up,” Rose said to her father.

“I’m afraid there’s no other way to put it. Your mother’s going to be distraught when she hears about this.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I blame myself a little—you’re so driven, I tend to forget you’re only fourteen. I should have taken your behavior more seriously last time.”

“I just…I really want to prove myself.”

“I understand. But you shouldn’t be in such a hurry to grow up, Rose. I’m proud of how dedicated you are to your studies, and you have what it takes to make your dreams come true. Just don’t push yourself too hard—there are some things you’re not ready for yet.”

“…⁠That makes sense. Thanks.”

Simon could not help but feel jealous—he did not recall ever having a conversation like this with his father. Mage William spoke again. “Before you go, there’s something I want to talk to you about. I’m concerned that Simon might have inappropriate feelings for you.”

“We’re just friends.” Simon winced at that. “And what do you mean by ‘inappropriate?’”

“Don’t misunderstand—I don’t think that a peasant courting a noble is wrong. But that kind of relationship might damage your career.

“Unfortunately, rising in the military isn’t just about tactical skill or your strength as a spellcaster. Politics will also influence your success. …⁠And there’s no good way to put this, but our family isn’t as wealthy as other landed nobility. If you let Simon pursue you romantically, some might think that your interest would be in Exeter Alchemical Supplies instead of him.”

“I don’t want anyone to think I’m like that!”

“Of course, there’s also his difficulties with the royal cadets…”

Simon had heard enough. He walked away from the elevator. Whatever rebellious tendencies Rose had likely did not extend to her father’s views. If Mage William was this disapproving of him, he had no chance to court her.

In addition to the central elevator, the spire had a number of stairwells. Simon made his way down one of them until he passed by a door to the roost Rose had taken off from that morning. I hope poor Emma’s not still in there.

The doorway was flanked by a pair of guards, but they ignored Simon. He entered and looked around. The roost was just as he had left it. He found Emma wiping down a wall with a mop. A few buckets of water and other mops were nearby.

“Emma, you’ve been stuck here all this time?” Simon asked in dismay.

“Oh, hi. Don’t worry about me—I’m done for the day after I finish this.”

“I could give you a hand…?”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I really don’t mind.” Simon grabbed one of the free mops and joined in.

“…⁠So don’t keep me in suspense,” Emma finally said. “How was the ‘flying lesson?’”

He sighed. “Here’s the short version—Lady Rose figuratively shot me down, then she and I literally shot a traitor down.”

“You mean an actual battle?! Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. We both got detention, and there aren’t going to be any more day passes this year.”

“I’m sorry it went so badly. …⁠I shouldn’t have stuck in my big nose.”

“Don’t say that—it was a good idea. You gave me the push I needed to finally say something. If I hadn’t asked Lady Rose to the formal, I would have regretted that even more than being rejected.”

Emma nodded. “If you don’t mind my asking, why did she turn you down?”

“My lack of military plans is a deal breaker. Although it was also about Prince Robert.” Simon did not want to bring up what he had heard eavesdropping.

“You shouldn’t give up hope. She’s fixated on this idea she has of a perfect guy, but she might get over that someday.”

“Maybe,” Simon answered doubtfully. “…⁠But thanks for being so supportive. I’m not even sure why you’re helping me.”

“You seem to genuinely respect Lady Rose, and you both get along so well. I really want someone to court her who will make her happy, and never take her for granted. I don’t know enough about Prince Robert to say that he can do those things.” Emma continued more quietly. “And I worry that someone so high and mighty could make her feel insignificant, even without meaning to. I never want that to happen to her…it’s such an awful feeling.”

“I think I’ve felt that a few times myself,” Simon admitted. “But neither of us deserves to feel that way.”

“You’re right.”

The topic made him realize that, even after the months they had spent together, he had never paid much attention to Emma. As shy as she was, she was also kindhearted. And while she was not a rare beauty like Lady Rose, she was cute in an unconventional way.

Soon Emma stopped to look over the wall they had been cleaning. “All done. I just need to put this stuff away and I can check out. …⁠Thanks for your help.” She favored him with a pleasant smile before gathering up some of the cleaning supplies.

“I was glad to.” He picked up a couple buckets and followed her. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”

“Let’s see… I need to stop by the academy shops to pick up some stationary and ink. Oh, and some sewing supplies. Then after I get cleaned up, I’ll find Lady Rose so we can eat.”

“Why don’t I come along to the shop?” Emma nodded in reply. This day had not gone well for Simon…but if he could keep her from feeling insignificant for a while, he would feel better about it.