Her Highness' Favour

For the following week, classes would resume as normal. Torren would be at his door early in the morning before they took off to breakfast. With some help, they would finish timely before going to the tram station and arriving onto the campus.

The whole school was in preparation for the exam week that was fast approaching. For as much as their work involved battle and to a worse extent war, they were protectors not weapons, and so as members of society they had to be properly equipped to contribute to it. Which meant their basic education was indeed a priority.

So nearing the last two weeks of the term, the first week would be solely dedicated to academics. Surprisingly even the battle hardened educators such as Reiss and Yuria were just as demanding of their students when it came to their studies as they were with any battles that they were involved in.

Torren and Shynerai were the main victims of Reiss' wrath, though Ketsu had consoled them, understanding that their losses in the Carnival were still difficult to bear for him.

Despite having their arms in slings while the rest of their bodies were bound in dense bundles of bandages, he still expected them to complete their study assessments on time and without aid.

For Torren who wasn't as bedridden, he simply finished work before immediately going to music practice, something that he became more dedicated to since the Carnival, with the only person having any idea why being Stephen who was unusually tight-lipped in the manner.

Though it's not as if Shynerai had any chance to seek him out and ask. 

While his arms were still bound, a classmate took it upon herself to check in on him, ensuring that his assessments were complete before he left class and that he had a home cooked meal before going to bed.

When her friend Princess Charlotte wondered where she would go after school as they would typically head to their dorms together, Vaceris answered, more flushed than the Princess expected:

"Knowing him, if I leave him alone, he may be off swinging a sword before his stitches manage to set. He is nothing if not the world's worst patient"

Every night she would work with Shynerai, happily taking in his teachings with a fiery determination. The gesture of her willingness to learn was met with equal passion, as Erai was well aware of how much she had been helping him, he felt it only right to do his best. And also avoid consuming more poison in the process. 

Still, despite the challenges she faced in learning to do all of this for herself, she was always willing to try, remembering when she first burst into the empty classroom to find him struggling to finish the task Reiss had dumped on him.

Without so much as a word from him, she asked if he had been struggling before settling beside him and helping him through it.

While they would go about the school day normally, after school she would be by his side, ready to help, even taking their cooking lessons seriously, even though she would never need the skill while living in the Royal Palace.

But on one Sunday night, her efforts would pay off as she had managed to cook something quite well and all on her own, garnering praise from Shynerai who unconsciously congratulated her with a gentle smile.

"Well? If it's terrible, you might as well say it. I simply wanted to try my hand at doing it on my own. To put your teachings to the test" She said, speaking with anticipation as she watched him another spoonful of the meal

"Taste it yourself" handing her the spoon, while she hesitated for a moment, she eventually took a bite with rosy cheeks highlighting her look of delight.

'For someone so oblivious, he seems to have a talent for putting my heart through its paces"

"Is something on your mind?" He wondered, having taken notice of her distant expression, who simply continued to eat the rest of the meal before he joined her. Once they had finished, he insisted on clearing the dishes while she took a break…something that she needed more than she realized.

"You should be proud of yourself, Vaceris." He whispered to himself.

With all the effort she was putting into taking care of him, she managed to wear herself out, with Shynerai finding her asleep against her chair. 

'I never imagined she would be so willing to help me. When I think of who Vaceris was when we first met, it's a little shocking' Shynerai thought before letting her rest after putting her to bed before heading to Reven's forge.

Since meeting Reven, his Forgeheart had become his second home. Even the warsmith was quite surprised at how much time he chose to spend there, but Shynerai's reasons were simple. He enjoyed being near a memory of his father. And so, when he could he would sneak off to this place, and not one to let the boy laze around, Reven had no issue putting him to work, as he was mostly healed.

The warsmith did find the boy's presence comforting even if he wouldn't say it, he would show it. As he silently moved an old couch into the Forgeheart just so that he would have a place to pass out.

In the early hours of the new Monday morning, Vaceris awoke to the sound of her Notebook's alarm chiming. Getting up, she checked it took her eyes a few moments to adjust before she realized that she was still in his room. Quickly dragging and covering herself with the nearby blanket to hide her fluster.

While caught in the mild scent of Sprite berries and Lyspine wood of the blanket, she found a soothing calm wash over her, almost lulling her back to sleep–before she quickly collects herself before getting up and looking for him. 

When she saw a glowing charm on her Notebook indicating an unread message. Taking up the Notebook and reading the message she saw mentioning that he stepped out after she had fallen asleep. 

The thought that he would be sneaking away to train again so soon could only bring out an exhausted sigh as she gathered her things and left the room. On her way out of his room, she would barely make it to the stairs when her heart almost jumped out of her chest at the sound of a familiar voice, prompting her to hide by the stairwell. 

Where she could hear what sounded like Torren sleepily knocking on Shynerai's door to wake him for school before shuffling back to his room, while she held her breath on the stairway before quickly rushing to the ground floor and flying off, hoping no one else was a awake to catch wind of her flight.

With the examination week upon them, Professor Colt was scouring the halls, campus grounds and Recreational Buildings to ensure all Trinity Cross students were in class and completing their assessments. 

With regular and Guardian classes suspended during this period, once students had finished their tests for the day, they would be free for the rest of the day, but with resident disciplinarian on the watch, any stragglers that found themselves with extra time each afternoon were quickly funneling into his extra lesson classes, meant to prepare them for the next day's testing. 

Among his victims were Stephen and Torren who couldn't avoid him on their way to see the President of the Disciplinary Committee, Arno.

Their experience was not unknown to their mentor who silently sought their forgiveness, being fully aware of what brought the wrath of Professor Colt upon them, for after his return to the campus, Jaret was more than willing to express how he felt about the events that occurred during his time away.

While he was not invited to the meeting he had with the Headmistress upon his arrival, anyone could tell by looking at the rubble that was once the bridge leading to her office that it was not a pleasant exchange of news, sending Professor Colt on mission to hunt him down while taking in anyone that managed to stray on his path during the mission.

But even with the chaos, the students carried on and through the examination week, leading into the final week of the school term. 

By this point, Shynerai's recovery was cleared by Dr Arturion, deeming him well enough to even head home for the holidays. But still urging him to take care without his supervision for his stitches are still at risk of opening if he is too rough. 

With a single command instilled upon him as well before sending him on his way after his check up:

"If I hear you took on a Quest between now and when you return, they'll be hell to pay. Understood Shynerai?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good, now on your way. I'm sure you are needed elsewhere to aid with the closing term" Sending him on his way with a pat on the back. Leaving the Medical Ward with no tasks to his name for the closing week, we went where he usually does, to Master Reven's Forge.

The students that were in clubs had the job of organizing the events for the next term as well as any that would occur during the break. 

While all the Student Generals were expected to attend their daily meetings and go about their responsibilities without change. Some of their rank would be assigned to Dorm duty, ensuring that the students that remain on campus for the break aren't without their authority and guidance

On the last day of the closing week.

Homeroom was held thirty minutes earlier than usual. With the occasional latecomers finally reaching his class, Reiss was able to begin.

Through gritted teeth he congratulated them on their efforts through the term and wished them all a good break before instructing them to proceed to the Main Auditorium for the final Assembly.

On their way to the Hall, Reiss held Ketsu and Shynerai back for a quick word:

"You two. Expect to hear from the school on your break. I cannot speak more on the matter but do not be alarmed once you do. Now off you go."

Getting through the last Assembly, the students were dismissed and free to depart from the school. Shynerai and Torren were joined by Stephen and Tersia on their way to the Tram Station, all the while discussing their plans for the break.

"While I'd love to spend my break sleeping all day, I've got to start looking for a job. I can't sit around hoping a bag of uld falls into my lap"

"You'll be working? Why not take on a Quest?" Shynerai wondered, with some worry over seeing his friend overworked.

"The school doesn't sanction any Guardian work for its students during the holidays, except for the fourth year students. Ms Aurelia and Mr Lotarim told me several times over each time I stopped by the Questing Committee."

"If you're looking for work, I may have a suggestion. Mother will be putting me to work at the restaurant during the break, but I need to visit my grandparents as well. I'm sure she wouldn't mind having you in my stead"

"Really…Are you sure Stephen?"

"Well, we will find out. Let me give her a call"

"Oh look at you Stepehn, ever the dependable brother are you, looking out for our little Torren"

"Enough of nonsense Tersia. Shouldn't you be on your way home. Something tells me you're a long way from home. I suggest you run along and get to packing"

"Wow, I do hope you do not grow into a gambling man with hopeless intuition like that. I'm actually a Melodorian native, born and bred on Aria's soil so home is most certainly not far."

"Anyway. Ignoring him, what do you have planned, Erai…Erai?" While they continued in a lively exchange, Shynerai had appeared to have something on his mind since he arrived at Homeroom class. 

Tersia tried to tease a response from him, when she noticed something that he was carrying. Within one of the pockets of his satchel was an object she couldn't make sense of, but one that her keen senses took an interest in.

Shifting her attention to the object instantly summoned Shynerai's focus , and drawing in Torren and Stephen, who watched as he presented them with the object. The moment he held it in his hands, their eyes brightened while their minds filled with a mountain of questions. 

Their curiosity took over any discussion they had before as they sought every detail surrounding the object. Their bustle meant they hadn't moved from their spot since Shynerai opened himself when Vaceris along with her companions encountered the intriguing sight, watchingTersia pressing a confused Erai 

"You don't need to worry. Aww, it's so cute" Said Tersia after holding it before handing it back to him

"I came here with you, if she blasts you away I'll be by your side" Torren gave him a pat on the back as he teased, hoping to ease their troubled expression he was wearing.

"What's going on, are you guys heading out soon?"

"Oh, speak of the devil. Well I've still got some packing to do. Don't you do too, Torren?"

"Not really, kinda just waiting on–" he was cut short as Tersia dragged him away.

"What was that about?" Vaceris wondered.

"...I'm not entirely sure myself"

"Well I just wanted to see you before I was on my way. Has Sergei and Ketsu already left"

"Yes. They mentioned that they would be taking the train out of Melodoria so they left immediately after the Assembly."

"I see. Well, since you all seem to be fine, I'll be seeing you. Hope you all enjoy your time off" Noticing Charlotte coming down the hallway with Vauntuss.

As she waved to them goodbye, she walked off to her group but Erai stopped her.

"Before you go....her." Presenting her with a trinket wrapped in the familiar sweet smelling fabric.

"Is…this for me…"

"For helping me out after the Carnival. I wasn't sure what a princess would like so I just decided to make something. With how often the forge was unattended lately, Master didn't mind" he mused.

"I don't know what to say…It's beautiful"

Unsure of what to say, as her friends joined them, asking her if she was ready to go. She nodded before the left, not before she thanked him. 

Unable to face him as she did, she knew her pale skin would give her away, but her flushed ears did nothing to disguise her blush, as Heimrill and Charlotte took notice...while Erai was locked in a staring contest with Vauntuss.

"You should probably take the time to train, you're still far too weak to stand on my level"

"Oh, tell me how someone can sound so certain knowing that they had to pull a last-minute fluke to win?" 

"It's no trouble when your opponent is the only one still in stitches" With the help of Charlotte and Vaceris, the two of them were broken up while Vaceris held her gift tightly.

'He made it himself?' The thought had her hiding her reddened cheeks behind companions, hoping that he wouldn't look over at him. 'What is he doing to me, Shynerai…'

Arriving at the Songfall Palace with her friends in tow, all except Vauntuss who was asked to stay behind while they were accompanied by another member of House Strum's knights. 

While Heimrill planned on making his own way back to the Capital Square after he was last seen swarmed by girls all interested in his plans for the holiday, Vauntuss tried to wade through them to reach his friend only to discover him taking delight in entertaining the crowd.

So Vaceris and Charlotte made their first stop at the Throne Room of the Palace, where they were greeted by a surprising audience of the King and Queen of the Kingdom.

"Your Majesties, are the Prince and Princess home by any chance?" Vaceris asked after she curtsied in their presence.

"Yes my dear, I am sure they have missed you dearly, as we have. We are all grateful for your safe return. I shall not keep you from your family. You may go, my child" The King answered.

"As you wish, your Highness" Hugging Charlotte before taking off.

'Take me with you' she whispered to her departing friend who could only leave her with a smile on her way out.

"Now young lady, your father and I have been informed of your exploits during your first term. Do you have anything to say for yourself" A statement that had her cussing out Vauntuss who she wished was part of the scolding. 

Facing her parents she could see their advisor exchanging a few hush words with them before they spoke once more.

"Tresonn has also informed us that you were seen with a most troublesome individual. Is this true?" Her mother pressed while she gestured to her approach.

"Bastard sold me out…" She murmured.

"I was not aware that such a figure was present at our school"

"Child you would do well to watch your tone. Did you honestly think that your actions would go unseen?" Tresonn scolded her.

"Look, I wasn't having the time of my life eating ambrosia behind the school if that's what you're asking." Catching her mom off guard by the mention of the opioid.

"Then tell me, what was a Markholdz's child doing with my daughter?" Her father spoke to her for the first time since she arrived.

"For one, he wasn't doing anything, we're schoolmates so we're bound to run into each other"

"Then why did your guard not do his duty? Am I to have a word with the young Sir Strum?" His voice was heavy and his brow creased. 

"Because his duty to me is as my guard, not my warden. And regarding Stephen, he was not considered a threat to my safety. For all the time we spent together he shows no interest in nobility"

"Sigh. When I had planned on welcoming my daughter home and celebrating her accomplishments at school, mention of that family was not intended to soil my tongue"

"Celebrating, I thought this was a scolding?"

"It is, but we are your parents and we cannot deny that you have made us proud."

"I have…I couldn't imagine hearing your approval considering how vocal you and father were about dismissing my desire to attend Trinity Cross alongside Vauntuss and Vaceris. Father would sooner see me wed to a Faltarien prince from the South"

"It is not approval as much as it is simply a matter of parenting. If we cannot make you see reason therefore we shall allow you to see this endeavor to fruition. Upon which you will come to see reason and understand your duty as the Third Princess of the Crossbane Royal Family wherein you will select a suitable mate who will father our grandchildren" Her mother stood from her seat to address her with her downcast gaze, shrinking Charlotte's stature with her presence.

'They haven't given up yet.' Her frustrations spoke to her loudly but she held her tongue, knowing that within the Palace's walls, she was at the mercy of her duty.

"Enough of this. Tresonn will take you to your chambers. Prepare to welcome our guests this evening, they have traveled far to meet you." Informing her with a smile while Charlotte tried to hide her expression that wished for her to be anywhere but there.

Elsewhere in the Palace

Vaceris entered her parents room, where they greeted her warmly within their embrace, as her father panicked, checking that she was still unharmed.

Calming him down with a hug, she sat beside them before telling them of her time spent at the Academy, earning both looks of fear and relief as she continued. When was done her father had one reaction:

"Excuse me dear, I must make a call to your school, nothing too serious I swear." Picking up the display saber mounted on the wall as he left the room with a malicious aura.

"There he goes again."

"If he calls the school I won't survive the embarrassment. You know how he can get, mother." Burying her face in her mother's lap.

"With all that you have just told us, I cannot imagine him acting any different, his overreaction aside"

"I understand but I am fine. I have my friends and classmates looking out for me" When suddenly the thought of a particular something brought a gentle smile.

"Oh are they indeed so dependable, or could there be another reason for you to make such a face" Admiring the silver bellflower hairpin.

"This does not look like any piece you have received from your father or I...ah was it a suitor, have one of them finally captured the heart of my dear daughter"

"Mother no!"

"Well then who is it from?"" She asked with a curious look in her eyes.

"From a dear friend…no a fellow classmate. He called it a thank you gift. It's my first time receiving one considering all the other kinds of gifts I get so I am still unsure of what to make of it. Perhaps I should have gotten him something in return" Her words were followed with a soft blush of her cheeks.

"I would assume that a gift of this nature required no reciprocation, but if you're so insistent perhaps you may find the chance to do so in the future. For what it is worth, your friend certainly has a good eye, so cherish it earnestly, the honest effort of such a gift cannot…it is a wonderful sight" She said, watching the glow of her expression grow.

"That being said, I hope not to hear of any more exploits with unnamed figures, not until we have been introduced to them and their family as well. There is a right way of doing things, Vaceris!" Showing the same wrath as her husband.

"Calm down mother...it is beautiful." She couldn't help fiddling with it trying to set it perfectly with a beaming smile.

"Well, It will certainly spurn the ire of the rest of your suitors, spoiling any future talks of marriage for you."

"All the better mother, they'll finally stop pestering father and leave me alone while they're at it"

"You know that is not how we do things, dear"

"Well then my heart has been claimed mother, and this is the proof"

"While that is a lovely notion, you will have to be far more convincing if you wish to dissuade any of your suitors. Now I need to hurry along, stop your father before he manages to find where I've hidden his rifle"

'If he hasn't claimed then what is this feeling? What has Shynerai done to my heart?'