BENJAMIN
Greander didn't lie.
Sire Malcolm, the sorcerer of Versona wad dead. The reason for the death wasn't divulged. The students weren't even enlightened about the incident. All the classes were just dismissed for the day.
If Greander hadn't caught the sight of the incident by chance, even our class would've been in darkness.
Malcolm wasn't close to me, but the death of our sorcerer was a huge burden on Versona.
I ran a hand through my hair, uneasily. After the dismissal of the classes, everyone had dispersed to spend their leisure time. But I couldn't bring myself to enjoy even a second of this.
First my father joins the school as my professor and now this. Can the year get any worse?
God, if you're listening, no, I didn't mean it as a challenge.
I was about to release another breath when I heard movement behind me. I had chosen the backstairs of The Great Bell Tower to grieve intentionally to luxuriate in some solitude.
"Who's there?" I sighed out in a weary voice.
"What are you doing here alone?" A familiar voice drew closer.
"Trying to be alone." I hope she gets the request to get out of my sight. But instead, Aprialla seated herself beside me. "What are you doing here?" I just couldn't maintain my usual gruffy voice. I was in a much vulnerable state that I didn't really desire to be seen by people.
"This place makes a great make out spot. You know, secluded and unoccupied." She replied. Cedric. Of course.
"Just how impudent are you to brazenly tell your future husband that you were snogging some other man here." I attempted to make a joke.
"Correction. Not future husband but fiancé. I'll try my best to run away before we get hitched." Aprialla responded. "I hope you keep your promise." I replied.
Silence fell between us for a few minutes before Aprialla spoke up again. "I didn't know you were close to Malcolm."
"What makes you think we were close?"
"You. Here. Grieving."
I shook my head and sighed out. "No, I was not close to him. What frets me is my kingdom. I have nothing to hide from you. You are already aware that Versona is geographically the smallest and politically the weakest among the fourteen kingdoms."
She nodded slowly.
"We are already looked down upon and are considered an easy target by the minor kingdoms. The absence of any mythical being there doesn't help either. We were blessed to have a sorcerer but now that he is gone too, Versona is in an even more vulnerable state now. I'm afraid if it'll last till the time I inherit the throne."
By the time I finished speaking, I felt Aprialla's hand over mine.
If I would've been my old self back of Crestwood, I would've in seventh heaven because the girl of my dreams held my hand. But it was different now, the unrequited love that I had for her in my heart had fleeted.
Her hand squeezed mine. "Everything will work out eventually."
I turned to her. "Your optimism isn't helpful."
"I know. What happened to Sir Malcolm was bereaving. But it might just be an accident."
"It didn't seem like an accident, Aprialla. I saw his dead body. Father suspects an ulterior motive as well. He has departed for Versona."
"It might not be an accident. But there is nothing we can do about it. We are mere teenagers. Let the adults tackle this issue." She slowly pulled away her hand from mine.
"We are not mere teenagers, April. We are the upcoming rulers of our respective kingdoms and the future of Elowyn." I faced her.
"What are you going to do then? We have no clue if this is even an accident or not." She dropped her gaze to her lap.
"And I will start there."
With a curt nod and an exhale, Aprialla leapt to her feet. "I wish you luck!" She briefly faced me. I nodded. Aprialla traversed down the stairs.
I have no clue what I am going to do. But I am not going to let Versona sink.