A Much More Awkward Kiss...

Sky was laying on her bed having eaten the rest of her dinner but still feeling devoid of energy. She had removed all of her itchy, restrictive clothes and was trying to survive until Aven got back when there was a knock at the door.

Jumping up excitedly, Sky threw on her uniform shirt. It was rather big on her without her corset and kind of looked like a very short dress. Ordinarily, Sky would never contemplate answering the door dressed in just this, but it was obviously Aven at the door, and she didn't want to put on more clothes that she would just have to take off in a few minutes. Smiling in eagerness, Sky skipped to the kitchen-living room area. Her expression fell as she saw her visitors. It was not Aven but Marshall Drakkona and Instructor Drakkon.

Marshall Drakkona frowned as a pensive look crossed his face but from Instructor Drakkon Sky sensed a small burp of deliciousness. It was enough to make her hesitantly walk towards him. There were more blips and as she got closer to him their frequency increased until they were a low steady wave.

Sky was close enough now to touch Instructor Drakkon. Slowly, she reached out and grabbed the front of his shirt. He gazed at her with a clouded expression as Sky felt the calm, peacefulness of Gothe slip into her mind. Her arm, fisted in his shirt, suddenly felt stronger.

Moving quickly, she dragged him down to her and met his surprised mouth with her own. Once more, she eagerly devoured the energy rushing from him into her. It wasn't as strong or delicious as it had been when it came from Aven, but it was still satisfying.

Sky felt two hand grasp her upper arms tightly. They clenched, then pushed her forcibly back. She pouted as her food was removed from her reach.

She was about to struggle against Instructor Drakkon's hands when Sky saw the dark, angry look that had diffused over his handsome features. She froze. Her eyes widened and her mouth formed a soft oh as she covered it with her hand. As swiftly as it had come, her hunger vanished. Sky hung her head, red-faced in shame. Instructor Drakkon released her and the Marshall cleared his throat.

"Go get dressed, Sky. We will wait." Too embarrassed to speak, Sky hurried away down the hallway to her bedroom.

She dressed quickly, not wanting to keep them waiting. Seven minutes later, she had returned to the kitchen-living room area to find Marshall Drakkona sitting at her dining table with a tan packet in front of him. Instructor Drakkon was pacing furiously. He paused and then looked at her.

"I'm so-" Sky began, wringing her hands.

He cut her off sharply, "Don't."

"Come and sit, Sky." Marshall Drakkona ordered, gesturing for her to take the chair beside him. Sky did. Instructor Drakkon snarled and roughly pulled out the chair to her right. The Marshall slid the small packet over to Sky. "These are for you." He placed a stylus down next to them.

Sky opened the packet and withdrew a small stack of papers. She inhaled a staccato breath. The top one read, "Regis Enrollment Contract". She stared at it not quite able to grasp what was going on. She read a few lines and then looked up at Marshall Drakkona.

"Is this real?" She asked breathlessly, placing it down with trembling hands.

"Yes," Marshall Drakkona replied. "It took some doing, but luckily you have some friends in high places." Sky swallowed hard. She hadn't heard anything beyond yes. Her eyes darted back to the contract and she began reading again.

Thirty seconds later, she asked, "So this means I won't be a scholarship student?"

"No, the school is simply not charging you any tuition for any of your years here. It's an apology of sorts. You also receive a stipend of two gold a month." The Marshall glanced at Instructor Drakkon, who was glaring angrily at the center of the table.

Sky stared at Marshall Drakkona flabbergasted. The tuition for Regis was staggering and to not have to pay a cent of it, even if she left for any reason, was incredible. Two gold was also a lot of money. The standard currency was silvers. Sky's lip quivered.

"Don't you dare start crying." Instructor Drakkon snapped. Sky swallowed again.

"I won't." She closed her eyes and took a breath to steady herself. Opening her eyes again, she said, "I didn't know how much my proficiency meant to me, until I had a chance to get it."

Marshall Drakkona smiled and told her, "Only a fool wouldn't care about it and I don't believe you are a fool. Now, finish reading and if you agree to the terms, sign on the last page."

Sky nodded and quickly read through the contract. There were no loopholes anywhere that she could find. It was ironclad and entirely in her favor. Picking up the stylus, she signed on the signature line. Marshall Drakkona grinned broadly at her.

"Congratulations, Skylar. You are official an Active Student." Sky beamed at him. She turned to Instructor Drakkon. He still looked thunderous.

"Thank you for your help so far, Instructor Drakkon."

He coldly replied, "Your form is obviously still unstable, so the same rules apply."

Sky refused to let his comment dampen her spirits. She was officially an active student.

Marshall Drakkona turned to Instructor Drakkon and asked, "Glace, could you give us some privacy please?" Instructor Drakkon looked at him, his brows drawing down and his mouth tightening. "I would like to ask Sky about her treatment here thus far by people other than your uncle. That includes you." Sky glanced at Instructor Drakkon. His nose scrunched up briefly before it relaxed, and his jaw worked.

Finally, he stood and said, "I need to talk to Aven anyway."

The Marshall smiled coolly at him, "As I told you, some of the blame does fall on you too." Instructor Drakkon stiffened and then left the room without even glancing at Sky again.

Sky and the Marshall both watched the door until it clicked shut.

Then he turned to her and began, "I have spoken with the Duchess Fanglon." Sky's eyes brightened and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she leaned forward in her seat. "She won't sign without renumeration." Sky opened her mouth to say she'd give the Duchess her stipend. "Significant renumeration." Marshall Drakkona continued over her. Sky's expression fell and she slumped back in her seat.

"Then it is hopeless." She replied quietly as a rosy flush crept into her cheeks.

"Not entirely, given what's been going on I believe he might sign." Marshall Drakkona said slowly. Sky's shining eyes opened wider.

"He who?"

"Glace." Sky mouth popped open as she drew in a sharp breath.

"Glace Drakkon," she said, "as in the Northern Dragon King's oldest son. I didn't realize before." She looked at her hands which had fisted on the table. "Do you really think he might sign?"

Marshall Drakkona put a reassuring hand over hers and said, "He may, once you explain to him your situation and he calms down. For right now, he is your only hope." Sky nodded and placed a hand over his.

"Thank you for all your help, Marshall. I believe you have done even more for me than you were required to as Overseer of the Magical Education System. I like to think it is because- I'll repay you someday." She said softly. Marshall Drakkona squeezed her hand and Sky looked up at him to see him smiling gently.

"I would have helped you as part of my job, but I was able to take pleasure from doing it because I am quite fond of you, Skylar." He told her. Sky swallowed hard and gave him a watery smile in return. "Now, I must head back to Kylraka. I am very anxious being away from my books for so long." He stood. "It was wonderful to see you again and now that you can, I do hope you will write me again."

"I will, of course." Sky choked out through a tight throat.