"Deep breath."
Azra inhales slowly before exhaling his next breath, forcing his body not tense up. These checkups have been a part of his daily life since he was a baby. Yet still, Azra couldn't help the involuntary shudder that crawled across his spine at Scott's invasive magic curling through his body.
"I know it's uncomfortable but thank you for dealing with it so well Your Highness."
"There's really no need to call me that in private."
"…just like your father."
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing, now let's see here."
Matteus watched with a close eye as his son was examined. Unable to keep his patience he spoke.
"I'd like for him to go through with the healing that will strengthen his heart before the entrance exams begin. Tell me it is possible Scott."
Scott removed his hand from Azra's chest to look at both father and son. As if sensing his hesitance Matteus addressed it.
"Speak, it is Azra's body. He deserves to know as well."
"Unfortunately it isn't going as I had hoped. Originally I thought that as Azra got older his heart would strengthen enough to undergo healing sessions but there has been little to no change over the years. The most I can do without causing damage is fortifying the walls of his heart to ensure reinforcement. He is still far too weak for the initial spell I wanted to use that would alter the structure of his heart itself."
Azra slumped deeper into his chair at the explanation. It was not a surprise to him but still disappointing to hear. It was his body for All Father's sake, he knew it better than anyone, even without the world renown healing magic Scott had.
It wasn't so obvious when he was a child but as he got older Azra became aware of how both Callum and Quentin quickly surpassed him in height and strength. Their stamina constantly improving while Azra was left out of breath with just a simple game of tag. To the point where he was no longer considered competition and they aimed at besting each other. It was hard getting left out and being reminded to rest regularly by his father and Anna.
Azra was sure the two had long picked up on his delicate state but they never mentioned or asked anything, much to his relief.
"It's still only a hypothesis but I've come to the conclusion that Azra hasn't been able to use any form of magic due to the weakness of his heart; as it does function as a kidney would. The heart filters mana and sends it to the body which is then outputted as magic. No mana filtration means no magic. It may be how his ability to manipulate raw mana came about. Like a defense mechanism created by his body."
"You mean to say that Azra can manipulate mana because he can't create his own magic?"
"Hypothetically speaking… yes, though I have no idea how his body managed to evolve in such a way. Must be the Alfonsi blood."
A somber mood settled over the room at that. Scratching his heard, Scott tried to fix it.
"On the bright side, despite not having gotten better it hasn't gotten worse either. Just keep doing as you have been Azra, things will be fine."
Azra struggled not to open his mouth and complain, it was unbecoming and although he knew he qualified to be unhappy it made no sense to lash out at the people who were only trying to help.
He had seen Quentin practice with a wooden sword a handful of times before he left for Yelrine Institute. The way he moved held the fluidity of fast running water, it was almost like dancing and Azra was instantly intrigued. He wanted to learn as well and was betting on his heart eventually getting better so he could do just that.
Seems that dream will stay just that… a dream.
"Thanks Scott, for everything."
Though his smile was fake his words were anything but.
"It is my pleasure your Highness, I wish you the best of luck on the upcoming exams."
Yeah… I'm really going to need it.
- - -
Two weeks later
Azra strolled around the garden with Anna trailing not far behind him. Lately he had been studying mana patterns all around him. Where it was light and strong, how it moved through living and inanimate things. It was fascinating, and never ceased to amaze him.
Suddenly the wind strengthen and with it came a familiar laugh. Anna sighed but Azra just let out an awkward chuckle as the ever colorful Sir Ryan floated to a soft stop before him and bowed, removing his large cherry red feather hat in a grand gesture.
"Your Highness, I come with wondrous news. The Institute of Yelrine will be hosting an open day on school grounds to give out information on the upcoming exams."
"How did you know I was preparing to enter that school?"
"Well Yelrine is one of the few places fit for royalty such as yourself and since you held your debutante a bit earlier than everyone was expecting; one could assume it was because you were planning on appearing in society on a more regular bases."
Azra blinked in astonishment.
"That is quite the deduction."
Ryan raised a hand to smooth out the curl on one side of his styled mustache in what could only be perceived as poorly concealed pride. It bounced back as soon as he placed his hand on his chest. Eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Ho ho, my big mouth is worth noting without my information gathering skills. Worry not your highness, I shan't blab to any about your possible presence at Yelrine."
After a few more words of exchange the man was gone in a flash of color and wind just as he had come. Azra turned nervously to Anna.
"Can he be trusted?"
"Collecting information is not only Sir Ryan's job but also his hobby. He probably knows many of Alfonsi's darkest secrets but he is not a liar. If he says he shall not say then he will not, he respects His Majesty too much to do something so petty."
Deciding to believe the words Azra let out a breath of relief. The last thing he wanted was groups of people gathering at Yelrine solely to see what kind of magic he was going to use to ace the entrance exams. Only to be disappointed when it becomes clear he has no magic at all.
Passing was already going to be difficult as it was and there was no way to plan without knowing what exactly the exams would entail this far in advance. Azra was surprised he wasn't loosing hair from the stress of it all.
Pushing the negative thoughts away, Azra made his way back inside.
"Anna, have a messenger reach out to Callum, we should go to Yelrine together. Tell him to prepare."
Callum seemed far more prepared than Azra wished he was as the day came. Having been transported to the King's mansion in the noble residence; the two were moments away from taking a carriage to the institute.
"Um Cal, what is all this?"
Azra looked down at the various potions and clothes that were laid out on a table before him.
Callum tilted his head in confusion.
"You told me to prepare, I thought that was code for you wanting me to get a disguise for you, so I brought everything I could think of. I even got wigs! They cost more than the potions can you believe it?"
"Cal I didn't mean for you to-"
Looking at his eyes that sparkled with excitement Azra couldn't bring himself to say that it was all unnecessary. Besides, having a disguise for the entrance exam wasn't really a bad idea. Although he didn't plan to keep it if he was accepted.
Yes, just for now. It was alright.
Is it really just for now?
"Um what's this?"
Azra gingerly held up a corked glass filled with pearlescent green liquid. There were many similar ones like it of different colors packed at one corner of the table.
"Those are potions to change the color of your hair. White hair is a sign of royalty so you really gotta hide it if you want to blend in at all. It's harder to detect than a spell that changes your looks and since we're going to a place that specializes in magic and spells… that might not be the best idea anyway."
Now that his options were in front of him Azra was getting a bit excited. For this moment he could be anyone, not the prince but a commoner, a merchant's son or a noble if he wished. The outfits Callum prepared would certainly allow it with its sheer variety.
"So what color were you looking for, fiery red? Sunset yellow? Or you could do pink and become my long-lost brother."
Azra laughed as Callum wiped a fake tear from the corner of his eye.
Taking a moment to look through the glass containers carefully Azra picked the one at the far back.
"Oh, that one. Interesting choice, just leave the rest to me then. I can see a story coming together already."