Page 97 of City of Secrets and Shadows
“I should return tonight,” I said finally. “If what you’re telling me is true, I need to be back at the academy.”
Santius gripped my shoulder, his calloused hand heavy with the weight of his concern. “Be vigilant, Prince Jalend. Watch your fellow cadets — not just for who excels in training, but for who has the temperament for real war. We’ll need leaders soon, not just fighters.”
“I’m not a prince there,” I reminded him. “Just another cadet.”
A rare smile crossed the Legatus’s weathered face. “I’ve known you since you were a boy who could barely lift a training sword. You’ve never been ‘just’ anything. But do remember, whatever’s coming, it won’t wait for graduation ceremonies.”
25
Iarrived at the training pool in the east wing while darkness still clung to the city. Dawn was just a promise on the horizon, the first tentative glow barely visible through the high arched windows that lined the chamber. The water lay perfectly still, reflecting the flickering torchlight like a dark mirror.
My body ached pleasantly from the night spent in Marcus’s arms. I’d woken wrapped in his embrace, feeling safer than I had in days. He insisted on making me breakfast — a simple meal of bread, fruit, and cheese, but prepared with such care it might as well have been a feast at the Emperor’s table. Then he walked me back to the academy, staying in the shadows until I was safely inside. I could tell he was jealous when I mentioned my swimming lesson with Jalend, though he tried to hide it.
“The noble lord who came to your rescue,” he’d said, his voice carefully neutral. “Interesting timing.”
I’d laughed, assuring him there was nothing to be jealous of. As if someone like Lord Jalend Northreach — wealthy, educated, and insufferably proper — would ever look twice at me beyond his sense of duty. Besides, I had enough to deal with himand Septimus. And Tarshi, I had added to myself quietly. Still, Marcus had kissed me fiercely before letting me go, as if marking his territory.
Now, alone in the cavernous pool chamber, I felt exposed in the thin tunic I was using for swimming. The fabric clung to my skin in a way that would leave little to the imagination once wet, but it covered the scars, and that was what I needed. I paced along the edge of the pool, my bare feet silent against the cool stone, wondering if I should simply leave before Jalend arrived. The thought of facing him after he’d seen me so vulnerable made my stomach twist.
“You’re early.” His voice echoed slightly in the chamber, causing me to turn abruptly.
Jalend stood in the doorway, a folded towel over one arm. He wore only a thin robe over his loincloth, and I forced my eyes to stay fixed on his face.
“I believe punctuality is a virtue, my lord,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.
He approached, setting his towel down beside the pool. “Indeed it is, Lady Cantius. One I appreciate.” His eyes, that unsettling shade of amber that seemed to shift in different lights, studied me for a moment. “How are you feeling? After yesterday’s... incident.”
I stiffened. “I’d prefer not to discuss it.”
“Of course.” He nodded, seeming genuinely respectful of my boundaries. “I only wished to say that Varin will not be returning to the academy. His behaviour was unacceptable. The matter has been addressed.”
This surprised me. “Addressed? How?”
“Let’s just say my father was quite displeased when I informed him of what happened.” A shadow crossed his face. “Varin has been stripped of his position at the academy and returned to his family’s estate in disgrace.”
The implication hung between us. For Jalend to have that kind of influence with the academy council... his family connections must be even more significant than I’d realized.
“Thank you,” I said simply, unsure what else to add.
He waved away my gratitude. “No need for thanks. It was the right thing to do.” He untied his robe and let it fall, revealing a physique that spoke of years of disciplined training. Lean muscle rippled across his chest and shoulders as he stretched his arms above his head.
I looked away, suddenly finding the water fascinating.
“Shall we begin?” he asked, stepping to the edge of the pool. “How much experience do you have with swimming?”
“Very little,” I admitted truthfully.
“We’ll start with the basics, then.” He slipped into the water with graceful ease, then turned to face me. “The water is warmed from the hypocaust system beneath. It’s quite pleasant.”
I hesitated at the edge. Growing up in a farming village, then spending a decade as a slave hadn’t provided many opportunities for swimming lessons. The idea of being at a disadvantage in front of Jalend — of appearing weak or incapable — rankled.
“I won’t let you drown, Lady Cantius,” he said, a hint of a smile softening his usually stern features. “All Imperial warriors must be comfortable in water. It’s essential for your training. Besides, our second attempt at the water trial is in two days, and I’m not sure they’ll grant us a third attempt.”
Taking a breath, I sat at the edge of the pool and lowered myself in. The water was surprisingly warm, enveloping me up to my shoulders. My tunic immediately clung to my body, and I crossed my arms over my chest, acutely aware of how exposed I was.
“First,” he said, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort, “you need to understand how to float. Your body is naturally buoyant if you relax properly.”
“Easy for you to say,” I muttered.
