Page 35 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“I’m sure he knows where to find me. But, you know, he’s a man, so I have no expectations.”

I can feel Dante watching me as I storm out of the dining hall.

CHapter

Fifteen

Master Zimmerman is a tight-lipped man, only about an inch taller than I am, giving me a clear view of his balding head. His long, emerald-green coat is made of fine brocade, with silver embroidery along the edges and cuffs. Underneath, his white, linen shirt has ruffles at the neck and cuffs. There’s a brooch on his lapel that shows the royal insignia, to signify his role within the court.

“It’s just this way,” he says. “Magister Kadmiel awaits you.”

His boots clomp on the gravelly path through the courtyard as he leads Nadya and me to another section of the castle. He stops in front of an open door and gives a slight bow.

As I step into the grandiose chamber designated for my princess lessons, a sense of apprehension grips me. I fidget, picking at my nails as I shuffle farther into the room. There is an aura of scholarly refinement, the shelves lining the perimeter, laden with volumes of knowledge that seem to beckon me forth into their depths.

My gaze sweeps across the array of materials laid out before me: quills and parchment, vials of shimmering ink, and scrolls bearing cryptic runes.

“Why do I feel like I’m living somebody else’s life?” Nadya, with awry smile, nudges me playfully.

I’m grateful for the gesture, which reminds me that we’re in this together, that I’m not alone. I don’t know if I would survive without her snarky yet endearing demeanor.

My gaze shifts to the figure awaiting us at the front of the room, and a sense of reverence washes over me. The magister cuts a striking figure, his demeanor both dignified and approachable. I’d wager to guess he was the same age as the king, except his hair is more salt-and-pepper than white. There’s a warmth in his eyes that makes me feel at ease.

He turns to us, draped in flowing robes of deep indigo, intricately embroidered with arcane sigils that glimmer softly in the ambient light.

“Ah, Your Highness and Lady Nadya. Please do come in.” Magister Kadmiel turns to a portion of the wall that’s been painted black. When he starts writing upon it, I realize he’s using chalk, which reminds me of Uncle Kormak drawing out strategies back at the Garrison.

There are two stools facing him, each with a plump cushion upon it. I look to Nadya, who shrugs, and then we take our seats. When the magister sets his chalk down, I look to see what he has written.

The Age of Dragons.

The Age of Blood.

The Age of Silence.

“I’m sure Master Zimmerman has already informed you,” the magister says as he faces me, “but since you must be absorbing a lot of information at once, I’ll give you the courtesy and introduce myself. I’m Magister Ezra Kadmiel, and I have been appointed to teach you how to navigate the intricacies of courtly life with grace and poise, as well as fill your mind with the history of Hedera and all of Terre Ferique.”

I dip my head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is entirely mine, Princess.”

I can’t help but cringe. “Magister Kadmiel, it still makes me uncomfortable to be addressed that way. Or as ‘Your Highness.’ I understand it is the proper thing for those in the court to do, but would it be all right if you agreed to call me Celeste? I need someplace to be a sanctuary from the life of royalty. Someplace where I can just be me,without the intimidating title.”

A small smile forms on his lips. “Yes, of course. As you wish.”

“And may I ask one other thing?”

He gestures for me to continue.

“I embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, ever mindful of the weight of my crown and the legacy, but I’m also quite proud of my skill with sword and dagger. Do you think we could work time into my lessons for me to continue my training?”

He hesitates, as if weighing the options. “I’m sure that can be arranged.”

“The king has agreed to let me join my squad once a month,” I explain. “So I don’t want my abilities to waver.”

“That wouldn’t be ideal, to be sure.” He gives me a nod. “I will schedule your training into our lesson plans.”

“Thank you, Magister Kadmiel.”

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