17
Adair
They were gathered in the courtyard, the morning light spilling onto the pale stones. Nei clutched his arm, unaware that her husband was locked in the depths within Adair’s clutches, unable to resurface. Emory sat beside her, still, her flawless skin pale against the promise of the new day. Her gaze flickered amongst the crowd, searching. Silent tears ran down Nei’s face as he stood, the Academy watching his every move. Students, teachers, completely unaware that Adair was still adjusting to Roque’s body, his own resting in the hidden tunnels of the Academy. His disguise was impeccable. A predator amongst the grieving sea.
It was a mass of black, their bleak wear contrasted by the four piers at the front. The fire was lit, the smoldering flames crackling deep indigo. He walked silently down the aisles, a stillness having fallen over them all. Looking to his right, he spotted Tadeas and Marquis talking quietly. Adair’s heart lurched painfully at the sight of the young prince who had no idea what he was about to bring upon them all. His mind scrambled as his footfalls echoed heavily, the whispers pressing heavily against his consciousness.
You are wasting time. Gnashing his teeth, his hands curled into fists. Destroy them, and all your desires will be fulfilled.
Gulping, he reached the front, turning slowly. The voices hissed at the edges of his mind, snapping and clawing at him. The wind tussled his hair lightly, a crispness clinging in the air. Bowing his head, his low voice rumbled. “Today, we mourn a great loss for our school. The students, teachers, and warriors from the Shattered Isles fought valiantly against dark forces our country has not seen. The capital has fallen, and we are spinning into times tinged with darkness. Yet we stand unified and take today to celebrate the life of our loved ones, our friends, and our colleagues. For they will live on within our memories and will never be forgotten.”
The crowd sparked as tears spilled down their faces and the flames roared behind him. Nodding, a hush fell over the crowd once more as he pulled out crisp parchment. “We remember today Professor Iasan, Professor Ida, Collin Greenbay, Aedian McMulian...” The list went on, and Adair read through each inky name scrolled in Nei’s fine print. Each word, each beat, felt like ash in his mouth. Finally, reaching the last name, he sighed, gently placing the parchment in the flames, the paper instantly dissolving. He watched for a moment entranced as the ink bubbled and peeled, fading into the coals and smoke. The scraping of chairs slammed him back into the present and he boomed, “Now let us reconvene in the dining hall and pay our respects!”
Murmurs spread amongst them, some people lingering by the flames, whispering their goodbyes. Catching Tadeas’s eye, he froze as the king made his way toward him. Chewing his inner cheek, he dipped his head. “Tadeas.”
“Roque. You spoke well. I am grateful for that, for our fallen from the Isles.” Marquis followed them, his eyes casted down as they headed toward the Academy. Tadeas eyed the crowd. “You can rest assured that your secret is safe with me during this uneasy time.” His voice was hushed, and Adair raised a dark eyebrow, feigning innocence. “It will remain safe if you let my son and me return to the Isles. To our home.”
Relief flooded through him, knowing Roque’s reluctance to let them leave. He cleared his voice gruffly, stalling to clasp his forearm. “I will have your passage readied to the port.”
Tadeas blanched, as if not hearing him right. “You’re actually letting us go?”
He nodded. “Go back to the Isles and let our allegiance be known. Your trading routes are free. All I ask, King, is to not leave Kiero in the dark. Go home. Grieve for your losses. We will be in contact, soon.”
Gracefully, he bowed, his pale green hair loosening. “What about Cesan?”
At the mention of his father’s name, he darkened, his ability throttling Roque within his dark rage. “I will deal with Cesan and make him answer for what he has done.” Marquis stalled behind his father, his eyes narrowing, and for a moment, Adair thought he saw a flash of recognition in those emerald eyes.
Just as fast as it had occurred, it vanished, and Tadeas looked to his son. “Well, we will take our leave after the feast then.”
“I will have your horses prepared.” Nodding, they walked back into the Academy. The sun rose higher in the sky, the smoke curling up to meet it.
Delicious scents churned through the air. Honey and dates, sweet tangs of freshly baked fruit and nut bread, the spices of mulled wine. He sat back at the head of the table, taking in the dining hall. Nei had outdone herself. Deep green vines churned along the edge of the headboard of each seat, deep blue blossoms flowering among the vines. The intricate petals curled, flecks of silver catching in the shades. Shimmering above them, a haze of golden mist recreated the look of a sunset twinkling above crystal water. It was flawless, every color deep and rich, as they dove into the celebration planned to last well into the afternoon and night. Chewing on the soft, warm bread, Adair sighed, his gaze briefly drifting above to a small crack barely visible, where his true body lay.
“Dad, can I talk to you for a second?” Startled, he took in Emory, and cleared his throat gruffly, his heart hammering and his mind scrambling. Would she detect the shadows churning within his eyes? Clearing his throat, he nodded, and she said, “Brokk, Memphis, and Adair are all missing. Adair and I... we got into a bad fight last night, and he was heading to talk to you. What happened?” What happened indeed.
“Emory, I wouldn’t be too worried. Adair is feeling a bit... lost. He just came to me seeking council last night. When was
