Apprentice (The Black Mage, #2)(44)
I relaxed in his grip, satisfied from the look on my best friend and brother's horrified faces that I had done my duty. They would never, ever say that I was holding a grudge. Then, when Ian's hand relaxed I spun around so that I was in his arms, surrounded by the whole camp audience.
"And I love you, Ian of Ferren's Keep!" I threw my arms around his neck, not caring who watched as I kissed him soundly on the lips.
A low moan came from Ian's throat and he pulled back to look at me, wonderingly. "You can't do this here, Ryiah," he murmured, warm breathe on my cheek. "I know I like to cause trouble with Byron but this might be too…"
I continued to kiss him, ignoring his protest as I melted into his arms. This was right. This was where I belonged. I did love the blacksmith's son. I didn't love the prince. "I don't care."
Ian fell backward in shock – and he would have hit the ground had Darren – who had been standing awkwardly by during the whole event - not caught the fourth-year's arm just in time. I was not so lucky. I landed on the ground.
"APPRENTICE RYIAH. IF YOU DO NOT RETURN TO YOUR QUARTERS THIS INSTANT I WILL HAVE YOU REMOVED – MY RESPECT FOR THE PRINCE'S WISHES ASIDE!"
I scrambled up from the grass and gave a mock bow to my audience. "Thank you all for your time!" Then I raced out of the camp before anyone could notice how flushed my face was. Especially the prince.
****
"What was that?" Ella cornered me as soon as I had entered the tent.
"Oh, that?" I feigned innocence. "Well, I wanted to let you know that I've 'moved on.'"
"Ryiah, I didn't mean to upset you. Alex and I were only talking."
I held up my hand to quiet her. "I don't want to discuss it. I forgave Darren. I told Ian my feelings. I feel better now that I have released everything I've been keeping to myself."
"Is that really what you've been keeping to yourself?" Her tone held suspicion.
It wasn't. "It is." I held my friend's amber eyes until she finally sighed.
"If you ever change your mind about your 'feelings,'" she said softly, "you know you can always talk to me."
I did not miss her implication. But instead of answering I burrowed under my covers, determined to block out the evening's events from my mind.
****
Dear Ryiah (and Alex too, sorry brother, you always knew I liked her best!),
I hope you are both enjoying the second year of your apprenticeship – I have heard Port Langli has the best mead – if you get time to drink that is, ha! My trial year in the Cavalry is going well. Sir Piers gave my recommendation to the head soldiers who lead it so I think I am one of the favorites… a nice change of pace from my time at the Academy.
Ryiah, you were right to encourage me. There is no shame here, the other applicants may not have magic or the skill of a full-fledged knight but they are still honorable and hard working. There's another boy here named Jacob – he comes from Ferren's Keep, where I think you two will train, eventually, and he has been a great friend to confide in. He knows all about life as a soldier – his dad is serving in his local regiment and he says it's always full of action since they are so far north! I know I shouldn't hope for battle – but I do think it would be exciting to fight rogue Caltothians one day.
Jacob told me the first station we are placed at after our trial year is a city on the northern border so I think I might actually get my wish! There's no apprenticeship after we graduate – they just place us and have the local soldiers train us as we serve… which means I might actually be stationed where you will be training in a year or two!
…I need to get back to study now but please write back. I miss you, Ryiah (and you, too, Alex) so it would be nice to hear from you.
Warmly,
Your favorite brother, Derrick
Alex chuckled as he finished reading the letter and offered it back to me. I shook my head. I had already read it three times. "I wonder what he would think of that stunt you pulled during our trip back to the Academy!"
I shoved him. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Oh, but I would. You know Derrick would find it hilarious." Alex cleared his throat loudly and several apprentices looked over at him over the noon meal. "'I. Forgive. You,'" he declared in a high falsetto.
Several people snickered into their stew.
I put my hands on my head and Ian wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
"Let Ryiah be, Alex, I think we've all teased her enough – it's been over two months." Then he grinned. "After all… We. Forgive. You."
I lurched to my feet.
"Oh, Ryiah, we were only playing," the fourth-year began.
I raised a brow. "You tease me for the night I declare my love, yet I seem to remember you being rather enthusiastic when I was kissing you."
Ian's eyes twinkled mischievously. "That was a good night." He snorted. "Until Darren had to catch me in his arms."
I cringed. I had forgotten that last part.
Ever since that night I had avoided the prince at all costs. When our paths did accidentally cross in practice or passing I had made a point to show it was not anger but humiliation that kept me distant. I thought I'd played the part very well. No one was accusing me of being in love with Darren now.