Page 53 of Heir to His Court

“These additions are notated, and the Professor left extensive handwritten notes accompanying each text.”

“Concordances?”

“Indeed, as well.”

“Can these books be removed from University premises?”

The Dean straightened. “These are yours, Lady, bequeathed directly to you from Lord Embriel's personal collection. You may do with them as you please. This room is also considered your personal storage and study space.”

I had come to the University seeking answers but with each moment I only had more questions. At least they were different questions.

“As these are your personal property,” he continued after a moment, watching me closely, “you are within your rights to remove them from University grounds.” He hesitated.

“Speak.”

Alawarre bowed. “You may receive requests from others to study the texts, and whether or not you entertain those requests are at your discretion. There are a handful of professors here who have been waiting for such permission.”

I began to refuse. Knowledge was power. Knowledge was danger. I didn't know what these books contained—and for once, I was growing eager to find out.

But I hesitated. “Are these requests that Lord Embriel might have granted?”

“Perhaps. He granted some, but never all, and I was not privy to his reasoning, of course. In the end, I believe, you will be able to make the most informed decision after you read the texts and judge if the information therein is a risk to yourself or your House.” He gave me another of his keen glances. “We have scholars and faculty from all the Houses on staff here, Lady. No one who teaches at the University places the politics of their House above the import of learning.”

“Of course not,” I murmured. I picked up the slender text on top of the stack and opened it. The pages were blank. “What is this?”

“Ah. That is complicated.”

A blade appeared in the Dean's hand. Lavendre unsheathed a sword and slid in front of me in two seconds, her formerly indifferent demeanor shoved aside under bristling hostility.

“Lavendre, he means no harm.” I'd been watching his eyes.

Alawarre didn't move.

“You should give some warning,” I told him gently, “when you unsheathe a blade in front of a House warrior. They are protective.” He clearly had not interacted in any negative fashion with a warrior before.

He cleared his throat. “Yes, my apologies. I was not thinking.”

“Lavendre.”

My warrior looked him up and down, then stepped slowly to the side.

Alawarre gave her a look I interpreted as sheepish, holding out a hand. I looked at it.

“The volume requires your blood to activate its purpose,” he explained.

Lavendre snorted. “I don't think so.”

“It will not harm her, warrior.”

“Do you want to die today?”

I held up a hand. She slammed her mouth closed.

“Its purpose?” I asked.

“These kinds of tomes are rare and were costly to make.” Not in terms of money. “Once keyed to a specific recipient, it cannot be undone. It could be anything from a diary to a cookbook to a grimoire.”

A grimoire?

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