Spindles and Spells Page 2
He nods. "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. But it's no trouble. There's a seat for you beside Rapunzel." He points.
I turn to see a pretty girl with waist-length dark hair giving me a half-wave. I make my way over to her and set my bag down. I grab my journal from it, along with a pen and then wait expectantly for the lesson to begin.
"You're Princess Briar, right?" Rapunzel asks.
I nod.
"I'm Rapunzel," she says unnecessarily, but I appreciate the gesture all the same.
"Lady?" I prompt.
She shrugs. "If you like. But I don't know. I'm still looking for my real family."
"That doesn't sound good."
"It sounds worse than it is. I've never known them. The woman I thought was my Mother turned out to have kidnapped me as a baby. I guess I'm a Lady if I retain her title. She was a Baroness."
"Whatever makes you most comfortable," I lie, already a little confused by this girl.
She laughs lightly. "Just Rapunzel it is." And then she does the worst thing I can imagine, she waits for me to tell her it’s fine to drop my title too.
I take a deep breath. I'm going to have to get used to this, and she is being nice to me. "Briar is good too."
"This is pretty," she says, reaching out and touching the simple leather bracelet around my wrist.
"Thank you, my Mother gave it to me when I was small." I lift up my wrist so she can see the tiny silver rose on it. "To remind me of my name."
"Did you have problems remembering it?" There's no accusation in her voice, and certainly nothing that would suggest she's judging me.
"No. But she named me Briar Rose, to remind me that beauty can be fierce. It sounds so strange now, but at the time, I needed the reminder." Why am I telling her this? She doesn't need to know about my childhood insecurities. This is one step away from blurting out how Father is still secretly disappointed I'm not a boy. He still loves me, but I can see it in his eyes.
"I think it's beautiful," she says.
I smile. Being stuck next to her in class won't be too bad if she can see how beautiful this is. A lot of highborn people wouldn't see it. The bracelet would be too simple for them, and nowhere near shiny enough. But for me, it's the perfect reminder of who I am. Besides, if I want to impress with jewels, I have plenty of tiaras and necklaces I can do that with.
When she doesn't say anything else, I turn my attention to the front, though the lesson hasn't started yet. Students are still drifting in. I wonder where they're all coming from. The teacher doesn't look particularly bothered, so maybe this is normal.
"Oh, I'm your student guide, by the way," Rapunzel blurts.
I whip my head around to look at her.
"Oops, sorry, I should have started with that."
"Nothing to be sorry for," I respond. "The Headmistress said I'd be meeting you, though she didn't tell me your name."
Her eyes widen. "The Headmistress talked to you alone?"
"Yes, why? Is that unusual?"
"It depends on if you have a prophecy or not. She talks a lot to the prophecy students, it's her job. But the others, not so much."
I study her face, trying to work out from her expression which of the two groups she belongs to. I don't come up with an answer, much to my annoyance.
"I asked her directions here, she gave me them, then said I'd meet my student guide early." Not technically a lie, but it does sidestep the prophecy issue. She seems nice, but I've only just met her, I don't want to tell Rapunzel everything about myself.
To my surprise, she laughs. "Only a crown princess would think to ask Headmistress Andersen for directions."
"I'm not a crown princess." Yet. I'm still working on it.
Rapunzel looks surprised. "Aren't you the heir to your kingdom?" she asks.
"Kind of. I'm the heir presumptive, but I have to be married in order to gain the throne, and that poses a bit of a problem."
"I can see why. I wouldn't want to be married to one of them either." She gestured towards a group of three boys.
"Who are they?"
"They call themselves the Princes."
"That's a title, not a name," I point out.
"Exactly, but they think they're gifts to the world. All three of them are from rich kingdoms, each has a title, but isn't the heir. I think that's the problem, if I'm honest. They want to rule something so bad, they've decided it's going to be the academy."
"Does it work?"
She laughs again. "Definitely not. They turn up at every dance alone. Not even the lowest born girls here are interested."
And those are the kind of princes I'd have to marry if I want to take my rightful place in the succession. Titled, rich, a prince, but not one who'll inherit on his own. I shudder at the thought.
"Don't worry, there are some good guys here too. And plenty of good dancers for the balls. You won't have to go anywhere near them," Rapunzel assures me.
I'm about to ask her more about it when the teacher raps on the board and brings everyone's attention to the front.
"Good morning, class. I'm Professor Torrence and I'll be taking you for this alchemy course..."
"Wait, this is the first one?" I whisper to Rapunzel.
She nods. "Starts today. They won't throw you into classes like this if they're already underway," she responds softly.
"...Many people believe alchemy is about turning metals into gold, but that's an old wive's tale," Professor Torrence says. "Alchemy is about more than that. It's the transmission of one thing to another. And not only when it comes to objects. Alchemy can also be used in order to turn a curse into something more benign."
I lean forward, enraptured by the possibilities. I'm not sure Father meant to enrol me in this course, but I'm glad he did. It sounds fascinating.
One of the boys, not one of the Princes, at the front puts his hand up.
"Yes, Arthur?" the Professor asks.
"Is it true this course has a practical element to it?" Arthur asks.
"Yes, that is one component of the course."
Rapunzel leans in to whisper in my ear. "He's one of the good ones. Captain of the jousting team too, but he keeps them in line. The rumours say he's part of a prophecy including his best friends, but no one knows the details of it."
"Are you going to tell me about everyone?" I ask, only half-jokingly.
She shrugs. "If I know interesting things about them, then yes. I see it as my duty to make sure you're informed about the people around you. I can stop, if you want."
I shake my head. "It's useful. The point of being here is to make connections, right?"
"And to learn." She points towards the professor, who is still talking about the wonders of alchemy.
I'm looking forward to learning more about it, but right now I'm sort of wishing I'd not come today and started on the interesting stuff tomorrow instead. But it’s far too late for that.
"What have you got after this?" Rapunzel asks when there's another lull in Professor Torrence's speech.
"A dancing class, I think." I pull my time table out of my journal and show it to her.
She nods. "Me too. I'll walk you."
I almost sigh with relief. The academy is a big castle, and I don't want to get lost on my way anywhere. Having her to guide me is kind of the point, but it's also nice.
"Thank you."
"It's what I'm here for," she replies in a cheery tone. I hope it’s accurate. I don't want her secretly hating the burden I am.
And with that, I realise I've done one of the things I promised myself I wouldn't. I've made a friend.
Chapter Four
I close my eyes, letting the warmth of the sun soak into my skin. It's a brief break from the book I'm reading, and a welcome one. The text of this one is dull to say the least. But I have to read it if I want to catch up with the politics class I'm in. They've put me in the most a
dvanced class because the others are too basic for me, but they started a couple of weeks ago, so I'm having to prepare extra in advance.
"May I sit here?" a male voice asks.
I open my eyes and look up at the tall boy standing in front of me. Except that boy doesn't do him justice. He's on the cusp of manhood, with dark curly hair, and kind eyes.
"Of course," I say, a little flustered. Why haven't I prepared myself for situations like this? There's no way of avoiding them with all the shared space at the academy. But I'm used to being the only person my age around. The nobles bring their children to Court sometimes, but they never want to spend any time with me. I suspect they're all a little intimidated by the title and what it means to be a princess.
"I haven't seen you around, are you new?" he asks.
I nod. "I started a few days ago."
"And they've got you in Totting's politics class already?" He raises an eyebrow. "Are you some kind of crown princess or something?" he jokes.
"In all but name," I mutter under my breath. "What makes you think it's Totting's class?" I say louder, though I suspect he heard my first remark from the amused look on his face.
"I recognise the book." He unhooks the catch on his bag and then digs out a copy of the same book. "My sister recommended Totting's course to me."
"Does she hate you?" I tease.
"Possibly. My belief is she resents the change in our laws that mean she'll inherit because she's the firstborn, and my maleness doesn't come into it."
"Why would she be angry about that?" I blurt without meaning to.
He shrugs. "She gets all the responsibility of running the Duchy, and none of the fun, whereas I get the wealth, the prestige, and none of the problems." He grins impishly, almost as if it's part of some grand plan he has.
"It sounds perfect to me."
"Ah, definitely a crown princess."
"You don't even know I'm a princess," I point out, a smile coming to my face. I'm enjoying talking with him, even if I'm not about to admit it to anyone.
"I do now," he counters. "But I could tell before. You're sitting way too straight to be used to relaxing in the gardens..."
"I relax all the time," I protest weakly. Because he has a point, and I know it. I'm used to working as hard as I can to prove to Father I have what it takes. If I had a brother, he probably wouldn't have to do half as much as I did for a higher level of approval.
"I'll believe it when I see it. But my guess is that you're used to doing things the way other people think is proper, and now you're in a place where that's not always the case and you don't know what to do with yourself."
"If you think I'm so proper, then why haven't you introduced yourself?" I question.
"I did wonder how long it would take you to bring that up." He seems more amused than anything else.
"Are you going to tell me?" I prompt, trying not to let his amusement catch onto me too. I'm not sure what it is about him, but he's easy to talk to and is putting me at ease, something I haven't experienced much of.
He jumps to his feet and gives me an elaborate bow. "I'm at your command, Your Highness. You may call me Lord Walter."
"I thought titles were frowned upon here," I ask.
He chuckles and sits back down. "I wouldn't say frowned upon, but they like to encourage us not to use them so people don't feel inferior to one another. I don't think it works."
"Why not?" I've never thought about titles in that way, but now he's mentioned it, I find it impossible not to.
"Because the people who would lord their titles over others, forgive the pun, will do it anyway. Take the Princes for example..."
"You know about them?" My interest is piqued. Though that may be from having previously been reading from such a boring book. The hint of a potential scandal is much more interesting than that.
"Everyone knows about them," he counters. "They make sure everyone knows they run the academy, even though they don't." His distaste drips from every word.
"I've met their kind before," I say. "There are a few men like it at Court. They're always a nightmare when you have to get them to do anything, even if it’s their duty."
"Thankfully, most of us at the academy aren't like that."
"Most of you?" I raise an eyebrow. Either he thinks very highly of himself, or he's right. I'm not sure which of the two seems more likely at this point.
"I'd like to think I'm among the number, yes. Or am I giving off the wrong impression?" He cocks his head to the side in a gesture that reminds me of Mother's dogs back home.
I find myself smiling at him. This isn't proper, or how I should be dealing with the conversation. But I can't help it. The way Walter is talking to me is somehow connecting with me on a level I've never experienced before. It takes me another moment to realise why that is. He's treating me like a person. To him, I'm not a princess, or a noble. I'm nothing more than a girl taking the same class as he is.
"You're giving off a great impression," I answer honestly.
"Then will you do the honour of telling me your name?"
"Oh." The sound slips out before I can think about it.
"Oh?" he prompts.
"I thought you knew it," I admit sheepishly.
"I'm good, but I'm not that good," he jokes.
"I'm sorry. You said I was royal and I thought it meant you knew who I was."
"Should I?"
I shrug. "I guess it depends what kingdom you're from." Perhaps I should be insulted that he doesn't know me from descriptions or rumours, but I'm not. "I'm Briar." This time, it feels right to leave my title off.
"Ah."
"Oh no, that's not a good sound," I say hastily. What have I done? I don't think there are bad things said about me.
"Nothing bad. It just makes sense now. You're the heir to the most powerful kingdom there is."
I snort. "It's not the most powerful, we only want people to think that," I admit. "And I'm only the heir presumptive. I'm not allowed to inherit without a husband."
He wrinkles up his nose. "What kind of archaic rule is that?"
I warm to him a little more. Anyone who sees my predicament for what it is can spend more time with me as far as I'm concerned.
"One I'm trying to get Father to change," I admit. "He said if I came here and didn't kick up a fuss, then he'd consider changing it. So, here I am." I throw my hands in the air.
"Ah, the whole bargaining-with-the-parents thing, I think a lot of people here do that."
"They do?" That's surprising. Though I suppose I can't be the only one who isn't so keen on the idea of a prophecy.
He nods. "Do you see the girl over there in the green?"
"Yes."
The girl in question is sat by the side of one of the beautifully crafted ponds, staring out at the lilies as if looking for something.
"That's Marigold. Her parents had to bribe her into coming here with a golden ball."
"That can't be true," I counter.
"It is. I'm sure there's more to it, but that's what the rumour says."
"And what would the rumours say about you?" I ask, curiosity rising inside me. I suspect I could ask Rapunzel, she knows everything about everyone. But a part of me wants to know if he'll tell me.
"Nothing interesting, I'm afraid. And no, I'm not lying. I know you'll ask your friends anyway. The only thing they can say about me is that I'm a second child from a wealthy family destined to be an ambassador and thankful for it. Travelling has always been a dream of mine."
I don't have to check with Rapunzel, I know he's telling the truth.
In the main building, the bell rings, signalling it's time for us to get to lessons again. I rise to my feet and dust off the pale blue gown I'm wearing, even if it doesn't need it.
"It's been a pleasure talking to you, Walter," I say, enjoying the way his name rolls off my tongue.
"Likewise, Briar."
A shiver runs down my spine at his use of mine. That's unexpected, but I can deal wit
h it.
"I look forward to seeing you again." I walk away before he can respond, feeling surprisingly bold. Grimm Academy isn't turning out too bad so far. If I can carry on spending time with Rapunzel and Walter, then it won't be too bad. And the classes may turn out to be useful if my first few days have been anything to go by.
Not that Father will ever hear me say that.
Chapter Five
I sip my tea and ensure I'm wearing an expression of feigned interest. It isn't that these girls don't have anything interesting to say, I'm sure they do, but the current subject is one I avoid at all costs.
"I still think you have to tell him," Ella says to Marigold. The two of them seem to be fast friends from the way they're talking. I've seen them together a few times as well. The only time I've seen the latter away from her ringleader was the other day at the pond with Walter.
"I don't think she does," Helena, another of their friends, counters.
"Of course she does." Ella's tone is so determined, even I'm ready to believe it. I'm not sure why we're spending so much time with them, but Rapunzel asked me to come for a tea break, so I have. Lesson learned.
"Why?" Helena responds. "We all know some of the students here have prophecies. Do you tell your friends you have one?"
"You know I do," Ella says, almost proudly. Her attitude is a mystery to me. But then, most of Ella's personality is. She seems very focused on shoes, dresses, and balls, more so than she should be.
"It's different when you're wanting to court them, though, right?" Marigold says as she worries her golden dress in her hands. She needs to think about toning down the garishness of her wardrobe. Everyone knows she's from one of the richest kingdoms around, we don't need reminding with her preening all the time.
"No, it isn't," Ella responds.
"Surely it depends," Rapunzel puts in. "What if they're part of your prophecy? Then you have to tell them."
I glance at her, somewhat surprised to see guilt flash across her face. I'm confused by it. As far as I'm aware, she's almost to the engagement stage of her courtship with Gavin. Though I still haven't met him.
"He's not part of it," Marigold says quickly, jumping on the out Rapunzel has given her.