He was puzzled why she's crying and saying some random things.
But then, his chest tighten. He reached at her back and return a hug.
We're trying to atone for our faults.
We're constantly looking for forgiveness.
"You're forgiven", he whispered.
"Aren't I too old for this?", I pouted as I hid under the blanket. "Don't worry, Will is outside the door. He'll be monitoring for tonight", Cayden smiled.
Cayden begged for the Marques to give him a month break. It seems that Will wrote him a letter so he immediately asked for a leave. "His Grace wrote to all of the Dukes and nobles. He is going to gather all men around the Empire to participate in an intensive training in the academy. Usually, it is our choice to bring our children in the academy but he issued a decree." If that happens, we won't see each other as often. Plus, you're...", Cayden was about to say something but I covered his mouth.
"As long as I am here, you always have a reason to come back. I'll be waiting as always. Whether in the academy or in this mansion. If you won't do as what the Emperor ask, he will get mad. I understand what I am supposed to do. I want to help Father as well. If I graduate from the academy, then we can protect the Wall together. That way, we won't be far from each other", I held unto his hand.
"Nymeria, sorry. I can't give you the life a woman should have",he apologized.
"What life? What life should a woman have? If it's to be loved by a man, I am so much fortunate to have you. That's more than enough. That's why, please stop apologizing. If this is the only way I could be with you, then I am more than thankful", I hugged him and burrowed my face on his chest.
When I lost my parents in that fire, I had so many regrets. I wished I could have been a better daughter. If I knew that being with them was that short, I wish I could have love them more. I wish I could have been less selfish.
For the remaining months, Cayden supervised my trainings and tutor. I only have few months left until I turn 12. Once that happens, I am mandated to join the Academy. Cayden assured me that Will is going to be one of the teachers. Cayden would often bring me to the capital to eat cakes and also to buy books.
Unfortunately, Rendell will be joining him at the Wall.
Before my birthday, Head Maid Saphira passed away. Everyone in the Mansion mourned for her. She was the best maid we ever had. She was organized and strict but she was also a mother to us all.
5 months later... Academy
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"Its huge!!!", Nymeria shouted and looked around. "Your luggage are already in your room. Make sure to unpack tonight because your training starts tomorrow. This time, there won't be any servants to attend to your need. I cannot also help you since I am a teacher in this Academy", Will lectured.
"Sir Will... Regarding that matter... What if..", Nymeria was thinking about being revealed as a man. "I already did the countermeasure. Don't underestimate your father's influence. Even with that kind of face, he is loved by many", Will knew what Nymeria is bothered of. _________________________________ Classroom
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"You are all selected to be in the special class due to your scores in the entrance exam", Will explained.
There's a mixture of students here in this room.
Someone entered the classroom panting. "I apologize for coming in late", Nymeria bowed very low. "This is the first day of class and you are late. Go stand outside the room", Will punished.
After sometime, she was allowed to enter. There is only one seat left. At the back side of the room. She mentally cursed herself for not being able to sleep early. She stayed up thinking how to hide her identity as a girl.
"You're like a girl", someone commented. Nymeria flinched and fell off her seat. The rest of the class laughed. "You're weird, aren't you?", he commented.
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"I am the son of the Chancellor . Make sure to respect me. My name is Harold Gertrude", he arrogantly demanded. Nymeria just nodded her head and sat down again.
The introductions ended. Almost all of the students comes from prominent families. Only a few were able to enter the class due to their scores and not because of their names. Will explained that family ties in that academy doesn't matter.
Everyone left the room except for Nymeria. She stretched her limbs. A book fell on her lap. "It's been a long time", the soothing voice made Nymeria looked at the direction. It was a handsome white haired male. She was sure of meeting him before.
"Gilbert!!!", Nymeria stood up and held unto his hand. "Hands off. Didn't you see me a while ago? Well, you were dazing off. If you continue to be like that, you'd be left behind", Gilbert flicked on her forehead. Nymeria was more than happy to see him. His eyes are still captivating. Pair of golden-orange eyes like the sunset.
"Time to have lunch. After this, we are all going to have physical test", he explained. Nymeria followed him.
Afternoon class Academy ground
Obstacles are set on the ground with muds and water. "You are all going to finish this course. Those who will fail won't be having supper", Will announced. Around hundred of children were gathered. There are also 10 more teachers on the side.
"I'm going to top this course", Harold tried to impress the other children.
Building The upperclassman of the Academy were all looking outside the window to anticipate those whom they can laugh at.
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"It seems that this year's class will be worth watching", one of the upperclassman commented. "Oh, Commander Gael", the students made way for him. He is also a student like him but he gained their respect so he was awarded as the commander of the senior students.
"I heard that there's a lot of interesting student this year. One is the son of the Chancellor, also the son of Duke Silverstone, and not to mention the adopted son of the Emperor himself", one reported. Gael seems to spot those interesting student raising to finish the course. A golden hair, ash grey hair, and a beige haired.
"I'd be rooting for that Duke's son", he smirked then left.
Academy Ground
Gilbert came first then followed by Nymeria. "I didn't know you were this trained", Gilbert wiped his sweat. "I just forgot to have my lunch!", Harold explained and went on boasting about his abilities. Gilbert and Nyemria just sighed and sat at the grasses.
"Three more years then I can leave that place", Gilbert said his thoughts louder. Nymeria wasn't sure of what she heard. She was happy to complete the course. She remembered Rendell forcing her to climb trees and jump as far as she could. Rendell would often tease her for being too short.
"Can you stand?", Nymeria asked. Gilbert raised his brow. Nymeria pulled his hand to make him stand. "Hah! I'm taller than you", she exclaimed. Gilbert felt irritated and pulled his hand back. Nymeria was amazed that she's tall even with the fact that she's a lady. "I'm tired. I'm going to take a bath as well", Gilbert started to walk away.
"Bath? Bath?!", Nymeria read at the handbook that there is a huge bathing area for all the students.
"There is a built in bathroom at your room. Haven't you seen it?", Will saw her panicking so he went to check on her. He overheard her and informed her that he purposely gave her the room. Only the nobles were given such opportunity.