"I heard you made quite some trouble, Lia." The voice echoed from the enchanted communication orb, its soft light casting an otherworldly glow across the room. Grand Duke Arien did not sound pleased.
My brow arched, a flicker of annoyance stirring within me. "If you mean the incident at the academy," I began, my tone measured, "I was only trying to hide my skills to blend in. I ended up getting attacked because of it. Hardly what I would call 'making trouble.'"
There was a pause before Arien spoke again, his voice even firmer. "And I suppose you were 'blending in' when you left Lord Abel cowering in fear last night?"
My breath hitched, surprise flaring within me. "W-what are you talking about?" I stammered, struggling to keep my voice steady. A tense pause hung in the air before I continued, my tone sharpening. "I didn't leave a trace. That means you had someone spy on me. Explain, Ari."
A wry chuckle escaped from the other end. "You ought to be more grateful. I was simply worried about you, Lia." His tone softened, but I could feel the underlying concern. "You are reckless. Someone needs to ensure you don't end up in a mess too big to escape from."
My jaw tightened, and a stubborn defiance flared in my eyes. "I can take care of myself," I snapped, my words sharp as steel. "I didn't need your interference, and I certainly didn't need a spy."
Ignoring my protest, Arien pressed on. "You need to be careful with the tools I've given you. Especially the ring," he said, urgency creeping into his voice. "If you continue to use it so carelessly, you will have only four years left to live."
"I know the risks, Ari. I would not waste my life so easily."
"In fact, I'm reclaiming the tools I provided." As his words faded, I felt a tingling sensation in the air around me. The familiar weight of the tools vanished, all except the appearance concealer, which remained with me.
I narrowed my eyes. "You dare take away my resources?"
"I've left you with the one tool you seem most reliant upon," Arien remarked dryly. "But remember, Lia, I allowed you to attend the academy on the condition that you keep a low profile. If you attract any more unwanted attention, I will have no choice but to withdraw you from the academy."
My jaw clenched. "Then perhaps I should stir more trouble, just to give you something to do," I countered, my voice light but laced with defiance.
"You test my patience, Lia," he warned. Arien's expression sobered, and his tone dropped to a warning. "You were allowed to attend the academy under one condition—that you do not draw undue attention to yourself. If you attract any more unwanted notice, I will personally see to it that you are withdrawn from the academy. Is that clear?"
Fuck.
"Perfectly clear, your grace," I said, my expression stern as I resisted the urge to bang the orb.
As the light from the enchanted orb began to fade, signalling that Arien had cut the call, I felt a twinge of irritation. Did he truly think he could control me? With a huff, I pocketed the orb and nearly collided with Master Eryx, who had been standing just a few steps away, a watchful expression on his face.
I met his gaze, striving to maintain my composure. "Apologies, Master Eryx. I was merely returning from an important discussion."
His brow furrowed slightly, a hint of scepticism in his eyes. "An important discussion? I hope it did not involve any… mischief that might concern the academy."
I waved a hand dismissively, determined to keep the details to myself. "No mischief, I assure you. Just a necessary conversation with a family member."
He studied me for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Very well. But remember, Lady Verena, the academy values discipline above all. Do not let your distractions affect your studies."
I inclined my head, acknowledging his words, though my thoughts raced ahead to my next steps. "Of course, Master Eryx. I appreciate your concern."
As I approached him, I could see the concern etched on his features, his brow slightly furrowed. "What was that about?" he inquired, his tone low and steady, as if trying to gauge the depth of my frustration.
"Just a chat with my dear grand duke," I replied with a dismissive wave of my hand, though my heart still raced. "He tends to worry far too much."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, scepticism clear on his face. "You seem agitated. Is he giving you trouble?"
I sighed, crossing my arms defensively. "Arien is simply trying to remind me of my limitations. He took some of my tools away, and now he thinks I'll be hindered."
"And what do you plan to do about that?" Lucian asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Go to the night market," I stated, my voice firm, as if laying the foundation for my resolve. "I can find what I need there—"
He frowned, his expression deepening with worry. "It's too risky, Verena. You shouldn't go alone. I can send a servant to run the errands for you."
"Nuh-uh." I insisted, shaking my head. "I cannot risk anyone getting involved. If they get trailed and caught, I'll be the one suffering losses. I don't trust anyone except myself."
Lucian stepped closer, his expression earnest, as if trying to bridge the gap between us. "Then allow me to accompany you. I can ensure your safety."
I was clear. "No, Lucian. I appreciate your concern, but this is something I must do on my own."
"Verena," he began, but I cut him off, my resolve hardening as I met his gaze.
"I will handle this. I always do."