The Skyhome Academy

Simon awoke in his bunk bed to the telepathic buzzing of a nexus crystal. Only he could hear the annoying noise—but then, it was his own fault for setting the alarm the night before. He sat up and mentally accessed the magical object so that it would stop invading his mind with its racket.

The crystal was set in a nearby wall by a metal plate that would set off a much more serious alarm if tampered with. While it would have been much more convenient—not to mention safer—if every cadet could carry a personal crystal, the risk of theft was considered too great.

There were fifty or so cadets in Simon’s barrack, but few were stirring this early on a weekend. The magical lamps in the room had grown brighter now that curfew was over, but they would not increase to full intensity for some time.

Simon hurried through his morning routine in the nearby restroom, and then went to the wide locker beside his bed and changed from his night clothes to a uniform. After that he went to the elevator and down into the mess hall. Inside he found numerous castle servants in their gray outfits eating breakfast. Emma was among them. Simon gathered a tray of food and joined her.

“Oh, hi,” the healer said. “I wouldn’t have expected you this early.”

He sat down across from her. “I thought you might like some company.”

“I appreciate it, but I don’t have long before my shift.” She proceeded to eat much more rapidly than Simon did.

“Where did you get stuck today?”

“The library. It’s one of the better jobs, really.”

“Still, it’s awful how much work you get. …⁠Maybe I could take a shift for you once in a while?”

Emma laughed. “Don’t be silly.”

“If you’re sure? …⁠Anyway, at least you have the rest of the day. Maybe we could skip combat practice and see the football match this afternoon?”

“I couldn’t skip practice—if I don’t get better at evasion, I’ll be a liability to Rose once she’s a squire.”

“We could still see part of the match after practice?”

“I’m sorry, but I already have plans. I promised Mei I’d help her with the empathetic field. …⁠It’s too bad Rose isn’t here to go with you.”

Simon shook his head. “If you mean as a date, that ship’s already sailed.”

“I guess… But I’m so worried about her being off with the prince all weekend.” Emma continued in a whisper. “What if he pressures her to, you know…do things.” She then continued at her normal, though still soft volume. “I wouldn’t have to worry if you were courting her. I know you’re a decent person.”

“Thanks.” They ate in silence for a time, but Simon was troubled. No doubt Emma would think less of him if she knew the sort of fantasies he had entertained about her. And Rose. And many of the other female cadets. And Mage Isabel.

But such flights of fancy aside, Simon’s feelings about Rose and Emma were more complicated. He knew that he had no chance for a romantic relationship with Rose due to his disinterest in a military career and the disapproval of her father. But he was unable to get over her. As for Emma, he was still interested—and she was still trying to push him toward Rose. Did she really not care for him, or was her unfair workload leaving her too stressed for romance?

Emma was just finishing her meal when she looked to someone approaching. “Rose? Why are you back so soon?” Simon watched in surprise as the noble sat down next to the serf. He also noticed that servants were rapidly leaving the mess hall, with a lesser number of cadets arriving to take their place.

“I’m here because the prince thinks he can be with more than one woman!” Rose whispered viciously.

“That’s awful,” Emma said. “My shift is about to start, but we can talk about it later if you want?”

“I’d appreciate it.” She gave a smile that looked forced. “See you around.”

“Have a good day,” Simon told Emma. She nodded before departing with her tray.

He was not sure what to say to console Rose, and after a brief silence she spoke up. “If you want to say ‘I told you so,’ go ahead.”

Simon shook his head. “It’s true I never trusted the guy, but I didn’t want to see you get hurt. If you need someone to vent at, feel free.”

“How could I complain about Prince Robert taking me for granted when I did the same to you before the Winter Formal? That wouldn’t be fair.”

“You already apologized for that. Emma and I both forgave you too, so don’t beat yourself up.”

“Thanks. …⁠But honestly, there’s not too much to tell about what happened. The prince was a perfect gentleman, right up until he told me that he was going to seek a political marriage with Lady Susanna. And he just expected me to be the other woman like it was no big deal! I got pretty angry, and he sent me packing.”

“That’s messed up. …⁠But speaking as a peasant, the nobility do have a reputation for philandering.”

“I guess it’s justified in this case. Why do some nobles not realize that they’re supposed to set a positive example?”

Simon shrugged, and Rose sighed before continuing. “Anyway, I’m done with romance for a while—two complete disasters are enough for one year. …⁠What about you, any lucky ladies catch your eye?” she asked tiredly. He hesitated, and her eyes widened. “There is someone! Come on, out with it.”

There was no point in admitting that he still had feelings for her, Simon decided—the result would be the same as it had been in Stonebrook. “…⁠I’m still hoping Emma will change her mind about a second date. But I don’t want to pressure her by bringing it up again.”

Rose looked troubled before she answered, and he wondered if her feelings were conflicted as well. “I could ask her if she’s having any second thoughts—she wouldn’t need to know it was your idea.”

“You really don’t mind?”

“Of course not. …⁠It would be nice to see her come further out of her shell.”

“I’d like that too.”

“Anyway, I should go get breakfast before the line gets too long.”

“I’ll be here.”

Rose departed, and Simon started in on what was left of his meal. Despite the futility of it, he found himself wishing that he had been more honest about his feelings.