chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

After the examination, Alissa was handed a folded woolen blanket and directed to the Maesters' dormitories. The official who gave it to her did not speak much, only muttering something about arrangements being limited.

She had expected resistance, but this?

As she stepped inside the dimly lit chamber, the air shifted. The room fell into a thick silence, and three pairs of eyes turned to her.

The dormitory was modest-four narrow beds, a single table cluttered with books and scrolls, and a candle burning low in the center. The air smelled of ink, old parchment, and a hint of damp wool.

She gripped the blanket tighter.

The three boys studied her, each reacting differently.

The tallest among them, broad-shouldered with sun-darkened skin and sharp features, leaned lazily against the bedpost, his lips already curling into a smirk. "What's this?" he drawled, eyes raking over her in amusement. "They're putting girls in our rooms now?"

The second boy, red-haired with a lean frame and bright, sharp eyes, chuckled but said nothing. He looked entertained, as if watching a game unfold.

The last was the youngest-frail-looking, with dark curls that nearly covered his wide eyes. He sat at the edge of his bed, gripping a quail firmly.

Alissa stepped forward, ignoring the way the first two watched her. "I was assigned here."

The broad-shouldered one-Ronan, if she had heard his name correctly when the officials called for them-let out a mock sigh. "Assigned? Here?" He glanced at the redhead. "What do you think, Ewan? Should we start addressing her as 'brother' now?"

Ewan laughed. "Not much of a brother, is she?"

Alissa held her ground. "I do not seek to be your brother. I am here to study."

Ronan's grin widened. "Study?" He pushed off his bed, stepping closer, arms crossed. "And what exactly does a girl like you plan to do as a Maester? Sew bandages? Tend to children?"

Ewan snickered, while the youngest boy-who had yet to speak-looked down at his book, shifting uncomfortably.

Alissa clenched her jaw. "What I plan to do is none of your concern."

Ronan stepped even closer. "Oh, but it is." His voice dropped lower, his smirk sharpening. "You see, we share this space. Which means, little dove, if you're staying, we should get along. Don't you think?"

Alissa met his gaze evenly. "I think you should step aside."

For a second, there was silence. Then-Ewan burst into laughter. Even Ronan gave a low chuckle.

The youngest boy did not laugh. Instead, he stood abruptly, gripping his quail like he could strike at any time. His voice was soft, but firm.

"Leave her be, Ronan."

Ronan scoffed, glancing back at him. "Oh, and what will you do, Finn? Hide behind your books at me?"

Ronan stared at him for a moment, then sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Let her have her bed." He turned back to Alissa, amusement still lingering in his gaze. "But don't expect us to start treating you like one of us, girl."

Alissa exhaled slowly as he stepped away, settling back onto his bed as if he had already grown bored of her. Ewan gave her one last glance, still grinning, before returning to his own seat.

Only Finn met her eyes, offering the smallest nod.

She nodded back.

Without another word, she crossed the room and set her things on the empty bed, pointedly ignoring Ronan's presence.

The night was far from over, but she had already won the first battle.

---

The dormitory was quiet, save for the soft sounds of steady breathing. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of old parchment and ink from the books stacked near Finn's bed. Alissa lay on her cot, staring at the ceiling, sleep evading her. The events of the day swirled in her mind-the stares, the whispers, the weight of expectation pressing on her chest.

A flicker of movement caught her eye. Finn was awake, his frail frame curled under a blanket, the dim glow of a candle illuminating the book in his hands. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up. Their eyes met, and after a brief hesitation, he silently mouthed, Let's go outside.

Alissa hesitated. It was late, and if they were caught... but the suffocating silence of the dorm was unbearable. Slowly, she pushed aside her blanket and followed Finn as he tiptoed toward the door.

The night air was crisp when they stepped into the open courtyard. The Citadel loomed around them, its towers dark against the starlit sky. They walked in silence for a moment before Finn finally spoke.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, keeping his voice low.

Alissa shook her head. "No. Too much on my mind."

Finn hummed in understanding. "You're not the only one. First nights here feel different. Like you're in a place that doesn't want you yet."

She glanced at him. "Is that how you felt?"

He gave a small, wry smile. "I still feel like that sometimes." He tapped a finger against his book. "But books don't judge. They don't care where you come from."

Alissa folded her arms. "People do."

Finn looked at her, studying her expression. "They do. And they talk. Especially when someone like you shows up, taking a path no girl has taken before."

She narrowed her eyes. "Do you think I shouldn't be here?"

Finn exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "No. I think it's bold. But boldness invites trouble."

Alissa smirked slightly. "You sound like you're warning me."

As they lingered in the cool night air, Finn tilted his head slightly, watching her with quiet curiosity. "You're not a noble, are you?"

Alissa's response was swift. "No."

Finn chuckled, the sound barely above a whisper. "You answered that too quickly."

She folded her arms, feigning indifference. "Because it's true."

Finn's eyes gleamed with amusement in the dim light. "Hm. Strange. You carry yourself like one."

Alissa scoffed. "And how does a noble carry themselves?"

He smirked. "Like they have never known hunger. Like they have never worried about where they'll sleep tomorrow. Like they expect the world to yield to them." He leaned back slightly. "You walk like that."

Alissa's lips pressed together. "Maybe I just have good posture."

Finn huffed a quiet laugh. "Perhaps." He eyed her again, as if seeing something she was trying to hide. "But you don't speak like a common girl either. Your words are too measured."

Alissa exhaled through her nose. "I don't see why it matters."

Finn shrugged. "It doesn't. Just an observation." His fingers drummed lightly against the spine of his book. "I doubt you'll tell me the truth, and I won't ask again. But..." he glanced at her, a knowing glint in his eyes, "...it will be interesting to watch you try to keep up the act."

Alissa narrowed her eyes. "I'm not acting."

Finn only smiled. "Of course."

The silence stretched between them, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl. Then, with a sigh, Finn closed his book and gestured toward the dormitory. "Come. It is late, and I would rather not be woken at dawn by Ronan's snoring again."

Alissa gave him a sidelong glance but followed. As they stepped back inside, she realized he had not truly believed her. But he had let it go-for now.

---

Valla, the royal pavilion

The night air was cool, carrying the distant hum of the city as King Mathias and General Grendy sat beneath the open pavilion, their goblets untouched before them. The torches flickered, casting a warm glow over the stone columns, while the scent of rain lingered in the air.

"Trade along the western routes remains troubled," Mathias remarked, his gaze fixed on the distant city lights. "Bandits, mercenaries... or something worse. We may need to send a stronger force."

Grendy folded his arms. "A show of strength would be wise. If we let this fester, it will spread. You know how quickly lawlessness takes root."

Mathias smirked. "You always did prefer the sword over the scroll."

"And has the scroll ever won a battle?" Grendy countered, making Mathias chuckle.

Silence stretched between them, not heavy with formality but with the ease of old friendship. Then, Mathias exhaled, his fingers idly tapping the rim of his goblet.

"Both of my children are away," he murmured. "Alistair on his duties, and Alissa at the Citadel. I find myself alone." He let out a soft chuckle, though there was something distant in his voice.

Grendy raised a brow. "I would think a man in your position would welcome the peace."

Mathias scoffed lightly. "Peace is a dreadful thing, old friend. It leaves too much time for thinking."

Before Grendy could respond, a voice rang from the entrance.

"Your Grace, Lord Vryndel has arrived."

Mathias straightened as the old noble entered, his presence still formidable despite the years upon him. He bowed briefly before speaking.

"Your Grace. General."

Mathias waved a hand. "Come now, Vryndel, we have known each other far too long for such formalities. Sit."

Vryndel chuckled as he took a seat. "Old habits."

Grendy smirked. "That is what you said last time."

Vryndel only shrugged before turning to Mathias. "I came to speak of Alistair's marriage."

Mathias nodded. "He knows."

"And?"

Mathias sighed, swirling the wine in his goblet. "And he has said nothing against it."

Vryndel studied him. "That does not mean he is pleased."

Grendy leaned forward slightly. "Alistair has never been a man to voice his displeasure in matters he cannot change."

Mathias smiled faintly. "That is what worries me most."

Vryndel exhaled. "It is a good match, Mathias. Jasmine is strong-willed, but she is wise. They will find a way."

Mathias nodded, but his expression remained unreadable. "The wedding will happen. I have given my word."

Vryndel watched him a moment longer before raising his goblet. "To duty, then."

Mathias lifted his own. "To duty."

Grendy smirked. "And to stubborn children."

The three old friends shared a quiet chuckle before drinking, the weight of their decisions lingering between them like an unspoken truth.