"It's still not quite right," he said. "Do you mind if I move you into a better position?" he asked.
I shook my head. If it would make me better and give me the skills I needed to impress Jake, then I'd do anything.
Topher moved into my personal space, bringing his scent with him. I'd expected him to smell a little earthy, perhaps because of his looks, but that was wrong. The only way I could think of describing the way he smelled was like apple pie, cinnamon, and hot, flaky pastry. Delicious and comforting at the same time. Just like his scruffy dark hair, it suited him.
His arms wrapped around me as he gently moved my head into a better position and lifted my arm slightly. "Your left foot needs to go back a little still," he said, his breath tickling my ear, though I knew he wasn't doing that on purpose.
I shifted, bringing us even closer together.
"Alright, now fire your spell. Use a marking spell. That way, we’ll see where you hit." He stepped back, giving me the space I needed to cast my spell without hurting him.
I took a deep breath and focused on the center of the target, letting the magic fly out of my wand. Unlike before, the spell hit exactly where it was supposed to, leaving a shower of sparks in its wake.
"I did it?" Even to myself, I sounded surprised. I turned to Topher, who was grinning broadly.
"You did. But the question is, can you do it again? Without me positioning you."
"I can try," I said eagerly. I wanted to impress him. He was a wonderful teacher, and I needed to make sure he knew that.
I got myself back into position, feeling confident as I shot off a spell. It didn't quite hit the center of the target, but it came close enough that I was going to call it a win.
"Excellent, now we just need to practice more," he said, pulling out his own wand.
The more we practiced, the more confident I felt, no doubt, because Topher didn't once make me feel like I was the weird princess the world saw.
Exhausted but exhilarated from training with Topher, I trudged back into the palace. The stairs almost seemed too much for me, but there was no other way of getting around. With one foot in front of the other, I made my way back to my room.
I was about to turn into the corridor where the royal chambers were situated when I heard voices. Intrigued, I changed my direction and crept towards the source.
It was coming from one of the hallways the servants used to get around without being seen.
The voices were louder in here, and the cobwebs were thicker. This part must not be used anymore.
"Please, Michael, don't do that," one of the voices said.
I froze in my spot. I recognized the voice. Lyss. And someone called Michael? I didn’t know any Michaels.
I peeked around the corner, my eyes widening as I took in what was in front of me.
Lyss pushed her jacket sleeve so it covered her shoulder once more, then leaned up and kissed Michael deeply. I vaguely recognized him, but couldn't place from where. Perhaps he was the son of one of the minor lords or knights. Most of their children spent time at court. When I was younger, I suspect they hoped I'd build a special friendship with some of them that could then be used to gain the monarchy's favor. I wasn't so easily swayed, and they'd stopped after a while.
"We could get caught," she whispered after ending their kiss.
"Isn't that part of the fun?" Michael responded. "Life here was so dull before you came along. That princess they have..."
I stumbled backwards. I'd seen enough, and had no desire to find out what a nobody thought of me. I exited the passage as swiftly as possible and half-ran back to my room, slamming the door shut behind me as I did.
"You shouldn't run; a red face makes you blotchy," the mirror said as soon as it noticed me.
I scowled but ignored it. I wasn't in the mood to enter into a verbal sparring match with it right now.
What should I do about Lyss? I couldn't just ignore what I'd seen. Jake had introduced her as his girlfriend. Surely, she wouldn't want to pass up someone as amazing as Jake for some random lordling?
Jake.
Should I tell him? Let him make his own mind up about what to do with Lyss? But no. There was a chance he wouldn't believe me, or worse, that he'd think I was trying to break them up and being extra weird in the process.
I took a deep breath. This wasn't something I should rush. I'd keep Lyss' secret for now, and only tell anyone if it became relevant.
With that decided, I headed over to my dressing room to get into something different to wear for dinner. Not for Jake’s benefit, I reminded myself, but he might be single soon...
A small bottle caught my eye, and I walked over to find a note from Father next to it. He'd sent the sleeping draught up for me, just like he said he would. I closed my hand around the tiny bottle. Around the only chance I had at getting a decent night's sleep. I hoped it worked because otherwise, I was going to end up dropping dead from exhaustion.
12th October
I rubbed my hand over my face, chasing away the veil of sleep. There'd been no dream. I'd slept through the night without anything disturbing it. Relief flooded through me, Father's sleep syrup had worked.
I had planned morning tea with Rhi, and then I had some work to do before I spent more time with Adam and his friends. I found Rhi in the sitting room already waiting for me.
One of the maids brought a pot of freshly brewed tea and poured a cup for each of
