Deg grabbed Aric’s hand and the prince lifted him to his feet. “Apologies, Sir. We never meant for water to get on the floor like this or for anyone to get hurt.”
Deg snatched his fallen spectacles off the floor and wiped them on his robe. “Get this place cleaned up. No magic! I want this floor dry as a weathered bone.” Then he stormed out, stomping his feet on the way.
I grabbed a mop and tossed it to Taz, he caught the handle mid-air, and cleaning up the floor was added to dish duty which was nearly done. I enchanted my broomstick, disregarding Deg’s order. Madison said we could use magic, and she was my Kingdom Leader.
I watched Aric roll up his sleeves before he took hold of a broom, and the skull mark on his wrist caught my eye again. I’d wanted to ask Aric about what creatures from the north could rip into the horse like that but with the two Hesstian kids there I kept quiet. Now I had two questions for him.
My curiosity getting the best of me, I looked to the dark-haired boy with the blue uniform. He’d said his name, as did the other, but I’d already forgotten. “Why don’t you two go? We’ll finish up since we started the water fight.”
If I had to guess, they were eager to get out of there. They didn’t ask any questions, said their “Thank you’s” and left.
I elbowed Legacy who was towel drying her hair. “Let’s ask him about what we overheard today.”
She nodded and set her towel down. “Aric,” she said, getting his attention. He’d been talking with Taz and they both looked our way.
“What creature from Collweya could kill that horse and be undetected.”
Aric’s already pale complexion seemed to lose more color. “What do you mean?”
Legacy’s eyes flicked to me, apparently wanting me to take it from there. Of course she would, she wanted to be the fun one, not questioning him about things he clearly didn’t want to answer.
I stepped closer and lowered my voice. “We overheard some of your professors.”
Clearing his throat, he seemed to gain back his composure, and leaned against the mop stick. “Well, there are a lot of things that could mutilate an animal up there. Stuff of nightmares lurking about in the cold and darkness.”
A chill ran down my body and goosebumps erupted on my flesh.
“But I doubt any of them would acclimate to this place or ever make it this far. It’s too hot and the sun shines far too much. Not that I’m complaining.”
Relief washed over me. All this worry and speculation and it probably was just a wolf or wild animal that could be easily dealt with.
“Good to know. I’m sure this incident will be over with and forgotten soon.” But as the words left my mouth they tasted like a lie.
When the place was cleaned and dry, we left and walked in a group with no destination in mind. Legacy and Aric chatted like Taz and I weren’t even there. It was like they were already a couple. I then knew what it felt like to be Taz when Legacy and I talked about boys we liked. I felt like I didn’t belong.
I grabbed Taz’s arm and stopped. “You two go on ahead, Taz and I are going to check out the library.” I could see he was dying inside anyway watching those two.
“Oh,” Aric said as if remembering we were there. “We can go to the library with you.”
I waved my hand and shook my head. “You two should get to know each other better. We planned on going anyway.” I looked over at Taz and he nodded.
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
When they were out of earshot, Taz said, “Thank you. I felt so awkward.”
“Tell me about it,” I said and chuckled.
Since we had some time I wanted to find where my classes were. I hated that everything was unfamiliar and I didn’t know where I needed to be in the morning. Taz pulled out his class schedule and we both laughed seeing we had Professor Deg together again.
“Let’s find his classroom first,” I said. “You know how he is if someone is late. Especially us.”
Before we even got three steps I heard, “Hey freckles,” from behind me.
Why the nickname made my skin burn with anger, I didn’t know. I absolutely hated that he called me freckles, and I had like five on my face anyway so he was stupid for saying it.
Taz’s face scrunched up as we both turned.
Zyacus approached with his two henchmen, Skinny and Unibrow, I’d silently decided to call them. Given the gangly arms nature of one and the caterpillar-like black brow that didn’t seem to end, of the other, it was fitting. “You’re bailing out on our bet?”
“Considering I won, I don’t care to witness you jumping in the lake all that much. It’s satisfying enough to know I’m a better shot than you.” Unibrow let out a puff of air from his puffy cheeks like it was a joke. I hoped we were in Advanced Swords together so I could give him a good wallop. “Unless you want to finish two weeks of dish duty for me.”
“I don’t do servant work,” Zyacus said like it was absurd for me to even suggest it. Typical of him.
“Then have fun with your,” I looked his friends over, “minions.”
I knew it would get a rise out of at least one of them, Skinny pushed out his chest and started toward me like he was going to do something. Taz moved closer to me and I rested my palm on the hilt of my sword.
Hand flashing out, Zyacus snatched Skinny’s uniform and held him. I couldn’t help but notice the taut muscles on his arm as he constrained his friend.
