catriana_fiction

Title: Transcendence
Series: Arcanus
Pairing(s): Not telling although the obvious ones are VariRori and KadenRori
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Drama
Rating: M
Summary: This story takes place along the same time as Arcanus. I'm posting it up here because reviewing it on Word isn't the same. I'm filtering this so that only a few people can read it atm. Please let me know what you think if you can.
Warnings: Boy's Love
Notes: More about the academy and introduction of Hannah and Maria. I'll link the chapters later. Unlocking a chapter at a time. Not sure if I'm going to keep them all unlocked; maybe I'll just unlock one ever few weeks or whatever.

As promised, Kaden returned from his meeting and the two left to the dorm’s dining hall. The younger male did not tell his friend about his new friendship with Vari which had been at the blonde’s insistence.

“I hate that guy, but if Larchs wants to be your friend, I’d take advantage of it” the second year had told him.” So don’t tell him we’re friends. I can tell you like him; having a guy like that on your side is good.”

“Every dorm has a dining hall,” the brunette told Rori. “There’s a dining hall and a ball room at the academy itself. The dining hall there is normally for special occasions, as is the ballroom. Our sister school joins us every year for the annual ball. This is normally done just to become closer to the girls; if you choose someone to marry before sixteen – seventeen at the most – then families normally do not arrange for someone for you. That’s a recent practice, by the way; an attempt to make us feel as if we have some free will.”

Rori didn’t know as much as Kaden did about their society, but even he understood the lie for what it was. Nobles’ lives were determined for them, free will was an illusion.

“Anyway,” he continued as he led them around some confusing turns and halls. It was going to take Rori some time to get used to this place. “I still haven’t explained how the academy functions.

“The Military ward deals with subjects like history, sword play, tactics, and other forms of martial combat. You will have to learn at least one sword fighting style and everyone must be proficient in hand to hand combat by their sixth year.”

That did not sound appealing to the pale boy. For one, he was fairly frail. Rori bruised easily and wasn’t at all physically strong. He also got sick a lot, especially when the seasonal weather would kick in. He didn’t say anything, though, and Kaden continued.

“The Science and Philosophy ward covers things like chemistry, some forms of alchemy, mathematics, philosophy and a bit of history that’s not so militaristic. The Arts and Culture ward covers music – you’re required to learn at least one musical instrument by the way – painting, sculpting, theatrics, languages, politics, and literature. You must learn at least two languages but many instructors will stress for you to learn three or even four.” Dark eyes slid to his friend. “Learn Imperial. If you ever need to go to the imperial capital – and you will – knowing their language makes you look really good. “

It sounded like a lot and blue eyes were wide with awe. “D-do...will I have to learn all of it at once?”

Kaden laughed and took Rori’s hand as they entered the hall. Like on the banisters in the main hallway, there were many black and red flags with the wolf symbol. It was not a large room, enough to perhaps fit one hundred individuals somewhat comfortably, but it was definitely heavily decorated in red and gold.

They received a few strange looks from the older boys as they walked in hand and hand and Rori instinctively moved closer to his friend, disliking the attention. At home, attention was always bad and even painful when it came to him.

“Hey, don’t crowd.” The older boy looked at him with a slight frown before taking in the albino’s highly uncomfortable expression. Looking around, it took him little time to realize why. He was a little confused; because he had to hold his sister’s hand all the time at home and when he had been Rori’s age his brother had held his hand everywhere as well.

Irritated at the others, he tugged on the younger boy’s hand. “Ignore them.” He liked holding Rori’s hand and he was a Silver; not even the older boys would give him too much grief. The quiet boy nodded sheepishly but continued to keep close. It annoyed Kaden at first but then he relented. If he was going to continue to hold his hand he supposed he should just deal with Rori’s slight clinginess.

“Um, Kaden?” the albino gingerly took the silver tray handed to him as they approached the buffet table. “I’ve been meaning to ask about the flags. What are they?”

“Those? Every dorm has its own set of colors and mascot. The wolf is ours and our colors are red, gold, and black. If you go to the other dorms, you’ll notice that they have their own mascot and colors. When we are allowed to wear normal clothing, many here will dress in their dorm colors and dorms compete with each other on things like sports, certain academia, things of that nature.” He grinned “In fact, when everyone comes back for the new year there’s a contest to see which dorm has the most ‘spirit’. It’s normally a week long event where we decorate the dorm and do all sorts of things to show our pride.”

That sounded like a lot of fun and Rori’s face lit up. He didn’t really have a lot of colors that fit the dorm’s, but perhaps if he wrote to his parents they would send him some since it would be a school thing. They would want him to look good, even if they didn’t believe he would do well here.

“When classes start,” Kaden told him as they found a seat and began eating. “In the mornings, you can stop by here to grab a boxed lunch or you can make your own...uh...” he looked thoughtful “Well, you’re technically not allowed to cook until you pass the certification course but...” his smile was warm “I’ll just share mine with you, if you’d like. I can set it up so that we have the same lunch periods.”

Rori had to admit, he was really surprised at just how much power Kaden seemed to have just because he was a Silver. If he was a third year, that meant he was only around nine years old. He supposed the earlier the better when it came to being a strong figure in noble society. His friend definitely seemed very serious about being successful and bringing honor to his family’s name.

“Will we have any classes together?” he poked at his chicken with a fork, a bad habit. He rarely ate and so became distracted easily during meal times.

He was given a look for playing with his food but Kaden didn’t scold him for it. “Unfortunately, no.” he shrugged “You only share classes with the year ahead because certain classes aren’t available to younger groups. The higher you go, the more courses will be available to you. Since you’re a first year, your schedule was already picked for you, so that you will get the basics down. After that, you’ll have a bit more freedom towards what courses you can take.”

“Do Silvers get to take higher level classes early?”

A nod. “Sometimes. Normally, if a Silver wishes to take a more advanced class they must test into it but even then we can only go up the next level of courses available. For example, even though I’m a Silver I couldn’t take an eighth year history course; that’s not how it works. The highest I’d be able to go would be fifth and sixth.”

“Oh.” Rori looked thoughtful. “What’s the Society?”

Kaden gave Rori a look. “You know, there’s a student handbook they give everyone that talks about this stuff. Didn’t you get one?” the brunette had said it lightly but when Rori looked away from him irritation surged and he wasn’t sure if he was annoyed at the fact that Rori was just so ignorant or at his tutors for failing to prepare him for his enrollment. He decided it was a mixture of both.

“Look, I’ll give you mine when we get back to the suite.” Kaden said tersely and ignored Rori’s expression. There was helpless and then there was pathetic and Rori was borderline. The Larchs had his work cut out for him, it seemed. “Anyway, the Society is like a student council. The top student out of the three in their grade is the representative for that grade and normally only they attend the more formal meetings. We handle a lot of the student body’s needs concerning budgets, events, rules, things like that. We are also prefects, in a sense.”

He was given only a nod as a response as the albino looked down at his food. Becoming even more irritated, he suddenly slapped a hand on the other boy’s shoulder to shake him firmly and the reaction was something he had not at all expected.

Blue eyes had flashed at him with real, serious fear for a moment and he instinctively recoiled before regaining his wits. The younger boy blinked back tears but didn’t turn away, as if he was afraid of what Kaden would do if he did.

The brunette had to admit that he was at a total loss at what that strange reaction meant. It had been automatic, habit, even. Kaden had only done it because he had been about to tell Rori that he needed to start acting more firm and sure of himself as a noble should; but now he felt really bad. His sharp mind realized that maybe there was a deeper reason why this introverted; meek boy was the way he was.

The urge to protect the small albino moved through the Larchs and he found himself a little lost and at odds with himself. He would talk to his brother, see if maybe there was more information he could get about Rori’s home situation. If it was something extreme or harmful; he was sure he could at the very least comfort him and try to get some of his personality traits to rub off on his friend.

“Sorry.” He rubbed the spot he had slapped his hand on so roughly just a moment ago but Rori shook his head, giving Kaden a nervous smile.

“I-it’s alright. I’m probably...I won’t ask so many annoying questions...”

“I –“ Kaden’s hand squeezed Rori’s shoulder lightly. “Your questions aren’t annoying, Rori. You can ask me whatever you want, whenever. I won’t get upset anymore, okay?”

It was obvious that Rori didn’t believe him but neither boy pressed the issue. The brunette decided he’d have to try harder to control his emotions. The albino was very sensitive and jumpy, but there was something deeper there that made him uncomfortable.

But he wasn’t a genius for nothing. He’d figure it out and then go from there with his new friend.

Something roughly pushed on Rori’s shoulder and when his eyes snapped open, they then widened when a hand slapped over his mouth and he felt unfamiliar weight on his body. The immediate reaction was to try and struggle and flail about, but this person was much stronger than he.

“Rorizin!” it was hissed and Rori stopped struggling, recognizing it. Vari? “Wake up! You’re about to wake the entire suite!” Once things settled between them the blonde sighed and looked at his friend. “I’m going to move my hand, okay?” when he nodded, Vari pulled back, placing gentle hands on Rori’s slender shoulders. He pulled him up to a sitting position. “Are you alright? It looked like some dream; you were thrashing around like crazy.”

Although he was sitting up now, Vari was still sitting on his lap and seemed quite content to stay there. It made Rori feel a little uncomfortable and something else he couldn’t fathom. “I’m sorry. I must have woken you up.”

“Yeah, but it’s slick, don’t worry.” Smiling warmly, he put a hand through white hair. “Wanna talk about it? It might help and I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

“I...” Rori looked away and shook his head. There was no way he could tell anyone about his nightmares; real or dream.

“Okay.” The blonde didn’t seem too upset by it. “Want me to sleep with you then?” when Rori paled – if such a thing was possible, considering – Vari chuckled. “What? You never had someone sleep with you when you’ve had a nightmare? The girls at the...” he tensed and Rori’s discomfort was forgotten.

“Vari?” feeling awkward, he reached out to touch the other boy’s shoulder but instead the second year took it in his own, giving him a small smile.

“Can I trust you, Rori?” he shook his head before the other could respond. “Never mind, I know I can; you’re...” he shrugged. “Anyway, there’s a reason why everyone talks bad about me and my family. It doesn’t bother me, because I’m not ashamed. I was treated well until my mother died and I learned a lot of stuff about people and things.”

“I won’t tell.” He promised and Vari nodded before leaning forward, pressing their foreheads together. He grinned when Rori’s normally pale face tinted with red. He really was cute.

“My mother ran away from the Foclner family to marry a commoner,” blue eyes widened at this. Such a thing...well, it was unheard of. Highly scandalous and shameful. “Anyway, she was already pregnant with me when she did, but my father left her one day and she refused to go back to her home. Pride and all that.

“Well, pride doesn’t mean much when you don’t have a kon piece to your name and eventually my mother went and began to work at a brothel. Until she died last year and my grandparents took me in, I was raised there.”

“Oh.” Blue eyes were still wide with surprise at this revelation. Rori now understood why Kaden didn’t want him associating with Vari. Unless the blonde’s mother had siblings or he had siblings; that automatically made him heir to the Foclner family. No noble would want to associate themselves with a family like that, especially with a bastard heir.

In a rare act of forwardness, cerulean looked into violet “Well, I, uh, I still like you. E-even though it’s like that.”

Vari’s smile was warm and there was something there, but Rori was too young and inexperienced to understand it. “Thanks. You’re the only one who does...and I’m glad it’s you.” The smile turned to a grin as he nudged forward a little, causing Rori to giggle. “Up until I left that place, if I had a nightmare, one of the girls would let me sleep with them. My mother was...”

Pulling back, he turned his gaze away from his pale friend. “My mother became addicted to alcohol and drugs after she entered the brothel so I was mostly raised by the others. She actually died from overdosing. I think the Foclner family took me in because I’m young and so I could still be raised to become a proper noble or whatever. Also, mother was an only child and my grandparents had already been kind of old when they had her.”

Rori’s expression shifted to sadness. “I’m so sorry, Varicen.” He was glad that he was already blushing, for he liked being able to use Vari’s true name; he enjoyed having that connection with him.

“S’ok.” he shrugged. “I mean, it wasn’t like I went without, the girls took really good care of me and pampered me a lot.” A snort. “They probably also told me way more than a seven year old ever needs to know about sex and ‘the real world’.” Violet eyes rolled and he shook his head.

“I’ll tell you my dream.” Rori said abruptly, causing Vari to blink at him in slight surprise. “You trusted me so I should...” he looked down at his hand that was being held. Even in the darkness of the room his pale skin sharply contrasted with the other boy’s normal tone.

“Rori, don’t tell me anything you don’t want to. It’s only been two weeks anyway, you don’t even know me that well but everyone else knows my background. It’s not like I was telling you something that ain’t public knowledge.”

That wasn’t true and the albino knew it. He was sure no one knew about how Vari was taken care of by the other girls, or how he felt about them. Everyone knew about the outside issue, but not the emotions and experiences that went with it. Besides that; Rori felt a very strong connection with Varicen. It was different than with Kaden but there nonetheless. He also had a feeling that his friend would understand, whereas Kaden wouldn’t.

“I um...I hear voices.” the words came out abruptly, knowing that if he didn’t come out with it he’d lose his nerve. “And in my dreams, I hear them too.”

“Voices?” Vari moved off of Rori’s legs then and motioned for the other boy to scoot over. When he did, the blonde curled up beside the albino, his gaze inquisitive. “What kind of voices?”

Wanting to keep very quiet – there were two boys that had arrived recently and anyone could walk in and overhear – Rori lay down on his side, moving close to Vari so he could talk low. He avoided the other boy’s gaze due to the close proximity. Before his two friends, he had never been physically close with anyone.

“I don’t really know.” A frown “Uh, it’s hard to explain. It’s like, I don’t really know the language but I can kind of understand what they’re saying. In my dreams I can hear them clearly but when I wake up I can’t remember what they were telling me.” Rori hesitated, knowing that this part of the story would determine whether or not Vari would think him insane like his parents. “The voices...come from water.”

Heart pounding, Rori forced his eyes to settle on Vari’s face but what he saw surprised him.

Instead of looking skeptical or looking at him as if he was some sort of nut job, he looked thoughtful. Brows furrowed, his gaze was unfocused for a moment. The younger boy’s breath caught when his friend’s intense gaze focused back on him. “You mean like spirits?” was the question that emerged.

Rori’s mouth dropped slightly and for a moment his jaw worked, making him look like a fish out of water. “I...y-yes...”

With that answer, Vari shrugged. “Sounds like magic attunement to me.” He grinned when Rori continued to just stare at him. “Ever since I showed up at the Foclner estate and I heard about the Crimson Tides and magic, I got really interested in it. It wasn’t easy, but I was able to convince my grandfather to get me some books on it through the black market since they’re illegal to own now.

“According to the elves who disappeared about two hundred years ago, one could cast elemental magic by communicating with the spirits of that element. In the three books I have, every one of them say that the spirits can actually speak and you can even go into some trance like state to really sit down and have a heart to heart or whatever. So maybe you can understand them better when you’re asleep because you’re in a trance.”

“You believe me.” Rori couldn’t even believe it. “You...you...” he was so stunned and happy that his hands moved to rub at his eyes as tears emerged. His parents didn’t believe him at all and ever since he had told them about his dreams and abilities they’ve hated him.

“Rori?” hands settled on his shoulders and Vari looked worried and a bit confused. “Rori, what’s wrong? I wasn’t trying to make you cry, I’m sorry...”

“No one else believes me. Mother and father...when I tried to show them they got really angry and...” he cut himself off and Vari didn’t immediately respond. What he did do was put his arms tightly around the other boy, his hand moving through white strands as he let Rori cry against his chest.

The young Foclner wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about the revelation. Not about the fact that Rori was – he was guessing – a magic user. He was fine with that, be damned the laws. It was that, the more he learned about Rori the more he began to suspect that his parents were...well, abusing him. It didn’t make sense for a seven year old to be the way the albino was; obviously full of complexes and issues already.

Vari knew that the Crimson Tides preached human superiority and that they believed the demons and vampires were working together to create Monsters and wipe out humanity. Even to his eight year old ears that sounded a little weird, but he had always been told that he was smarter than any boy his age had a right to be.

Magic was currently outlawed in Bavaria and any non-human spotted within was to be killed on sight. Although humans could not cast magic; if they knew about Rori they would probably try to take him in or kill him. Maybe Rori was mixed or something? With what he had no idea, but really, if his only friend was truly able to use magic and he wasn’t mixed it made him the only human magic user in existence.

And he was friends with him.

Did that...mean something? The blonde was too cynical to believe in things like coincidences; everything happened for a reason. Add on the fact that the moment he had heard about magic he had been obsessed with the concept of it and Vari was fairly confident the gods were up to something on this one.

“It’s okay, Rorizin.” He whispered softly, arm tightening as his hand continued to move through pale hair. “We’re friends and I know you’d never lie to me.” This made the smaller male cry harder, burying his face into Vari’s chest. Something tight churned in his stomach. This wasn’t right, Rori shouldn’t be like this.

“Th-thank you...Varicen.”

Grunting, he sighed, closing his eyes. Ever since he had been thrown into noble society, Vari had found himself feeling angry and bitter towards it. He had grown up in a very liberal and open environment and all of a sudden there were restrictions and behaviors that he had to follow. People like Larchs judged him simply because of his background and not on his actual efforts. He suddenly had duties and responsibilities, a family that loved him but couldn’t relate to him and vice versa.

Rori was perhaps the only individual he had met that was...innocent; in both worlds the blonde had lived in. Innocent but broken. Seeing that only reinforced just how cruel the world could be to Vari; yet he found that he wanted to do something about it. That wasn’t really him, Vari had learned never to get involved with other people’s problems and he had followed that principle all of his life.

From watching, he could tell that Larchs felt the same way, for despite his attitude he was rather protective over the albino; a first for a guy like that. Vari had a feeling that the older male was also rather possessive, but that was typical of noble males he had learned.

He was a fairly confident individual and Larchs was pretty conceited...maybe they could help Rori in their own ways? He hated seeing his only friend look and feel as if there was something wrong with him because there wasn’t.

Alright then; I’ll do my best to make Rori feel as if he’s valued. Maybe it’ll help his self-esteem.

And if he was honest with himself; the fact that he was growing a small crush on Rori probably had a lot to do with it as well.

“Hey,” he nudged the other boy with his head to get him to look up. He smiled “Will you show me someday?” Vari whispered. “Reading about it isn’t the same as seeing, you know?”

With a small hiccup, Rori nodded, a watery smile on his lips. Blue eyes were bright with excitement and joy. “I c-can’t do much but...”

“It’s okay.” Just because he had to, Vari kissed his friend’s forehead, grinning when reddened cheeks darkened. He liked the fact that Rori was shy, even if it possibly contributed to his low self-esteem. “If all you can do is make a puddle ripple, that’d be slick enough.”

Another nod. Then Rori buried his face in Vari’s chest again, his voice sounding muffled when he spoke again. “I’m...really happy we’re friends, Varicen. Really, really happy.” A yawn escaped and the older boy hoped that his heart couldn’t be heard with how loud it was beating in his chest as Rori all but snuggled up to him. “C-could you stay? If...you want.”

“Mmhm. I offered, so I don’t mind.” Arms squeezed. “Try and get some sleep, Rori. Maybe...when Larchs isn’t monopolizing your time we could do something. We still have weeks before class begins.”

“I’d...” another yawn. “Like that. G’nite Vari.”

He waited until Rori’s body went slack and his breathing became even before he leaned in. Vari hesitated only for a moment before lightly pressing his lips against the albino’s.

“Good night, Rorizin.”

Neither male knew that just outside the threshold Kaden had been leaning against the wall, listening.

“C’mon Rori,” Kaden’s brow rose as he gave his friend a look “you’re making me nervous with your jittering.” Tilting his head, he finished adjusting the sash at Rori’s waist. “You act as if you’ve never seen a girl before.” When the albino didn’t respond after a moment Kaden’s dark eyes widened and he took a step back. “You cannot be serious Rori.”

“Yes, well...” the boy looked sheepish. “My parents didn’t really like to share me with too many people.”

The brunette frowned slightly. Although he was glad that Rori had been changing over the past few months, he did not like it that it wasn’t solely because of him. Foclner’s influence was also to blame for the slight increase in the albino’s self-esteem and sometimes he wondered if it was good or not.

It was obvious that Rori wanted to be more like them and so was adopting bits and pieces of their mannerisms, Kaden just hoped nothing negative would emerge. Rori had a lot of potential; he was a sponge who soaked up everything and wanted to please those important to him.

He hadn’t said anything about Rori and Foclner’s friendship even though it seriously upset him. Kaden knew realistically he couldn’t stop it; the two were roommates, so he tried to take up most of Rori’s time and was for the most part successful.

“Well, the girls will not bite you, if that is what you’re worried about.” Kaden said lightly and the younger boy giggled, ducking his head shyly as he turned to look at himself in his friend’s mirror.

The Wesser family tended to favor blues and purples for their formal wear and Rori’s outfit reflected it. The dark blue tunic was made out of the finest silk with silver trim and a beautiful hawk embroidery that stretched over the boy’s left side from his chest to over his shoulder. The sash at his waist was pale purple and was secured with a metal fastener which held the Wesser family crest.

Kaden’s tunic was tan and gold with a black sash and was a bit more simplistic than Rori’s; but that had been intentional. He already knew what female he would probably pick to be his fiancée when he was older so he wanted the focus to be on his friend. They had promised to stick together during the annual ball. Foclner had already left and the brunette felt very relieved. He had half expected him to want to hang around Rori and gods only knew how that would have looked tonight of all nights.

“You look nice, Ro’.” Crossing his arms, Kaden nodded his head in approval in the mirror, causing Rori’s face to redden slightly. “They’ll probably be curious, since it’s not every day someone sees an albino.”

He had meant for it to be a morale booster since his friend was still very shy, but it had the opposite effect. Blue eyes clouded with worry and his brow furrowed. “I don’t...I don’t think, um, I don’t think I’d want a lot of people staring at me.”

Way to forget that he dislikes being in the center of attention. Kaden scolded himself but then shook it off. It was something Rori would just have to get used to, especially since he was heir of the Wesser house. When he married, he would have to host many socials and would be the center of attention with his wife. It would be the same for the annual meeting with the king that every noble family had to undergo and then there was the five year meeting with the emperor. He wanted to protect his friend but some pains were necessary.

“Do not worry, I’ll be there.” His smile was thin “As a Larchs, many of the girls our age will wish to talk to me more even with your unique looks. They are trying to gain favor, after all. Many wish to marry into the Larchs family.”

When Rori frowned, Kaden was at a loss as to why. Shrugging it off, he reached over and took his friend’s arm. “Come, I called a car for us, the driver should be waiting.”

It was incredibly crowded upon their arrival but that mattered little. He was a Silver and they had a special entrance. No one batted an eyelash when he walked in with Rori in tow even though the latter was a dull tie – a title Silvers gave anyone outside of their elite community.

Smiling, Kaden took Rori’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze when he saw the look of awe and astonishment grace his features. The ballroom was massive, the main reception room being the largest. Crystal chandeliers came down like silver ice sickles, looking as if they were dangling precariously in the air. There were many people already there, mostly older boys and girls chatting idly.

White, gold, and silver lined the ball room’s décor. There was a section set up for dining, long tables filled with food, servants standing by to fulfill the noble’s desires. There was a long golden rug that began from both the main entrance and the Silver’s entrance, crossing in the middle. Large elegant windows were obscured by silk curtains of white trimmed with gold. There was soft music playing at the very back; a band.

“There is someone I would like you to meet.” Taking Rori’s hand, Kaden’s steps were purposeful as he moved from the reception hall to a room that seemed to be full of other children their age or a little older. This room was much smaller than the reception hall, but no less decorated. The most it was missing was the dining tables and the band.

When he spotted who he was looking for he smiled. “This way.”

At a long drink table there were two young girls standing side by side. Both were brunettes; one had chocolate brown hair and the other raven. Their dresses were elaborate with lace, ribbons and bows. The brown hair girl’s was bright green, the raven’s was a deep red.

“Hannah.” Still smiling, he held out his hands when she turned to him. “It is good to see you again.”

The girl with the long brown hair blushed prettily and took his hands, allowing him to bring them to his lips. “Hello Kaden. This is always my favorite time of year, because I can see you again.” Bright brown eyes flickered over to Rori. “Who is this?”

“This is Rori vil Wesser.” He turned so that he could introduce them. “Rori, this is Hannah Oria en Zolts. She is actually not from Bavaria but from the kingdom of Xanith, to the west.”

Both girls looked stunned at Rori’s appearance and he found himself shifting uncomfortably. Stiffly, he approached Hannah and when she numbly raised her hand he gently brought it to his lips, as was custom. “It is nice to meet you.” He says softly. “I-if you are wondering...this is my natural look.”

At his voice it seems that she snaps out of it, blinking. Red crept up pale cheeks at having been caught and she became flustered. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to; I was just...”

“It’s alright.” The smile he gave her was slightly strained. “There aren’t really a lot of albino nobles, I guess. Do not worry, I’m used to it.” He wasn’t really. When the first month of classes had started he had been the center of attention simply because he looked different from the rest. A few Silvers had even given him a hard time, thinking he had bleached his hair. Both Foclner and Kaden had put a quick stop to it but having gone from being nothing to being regarded like some sort of freak show was still uncomfortable. Rori hated people staring at him now; it made him feel paranoid.

“It’s fine, Hannah.” Kaden reassured her. “He’s not offended.” He motioned to the other girl. “Rori, this is Maria Patria en Vizbak. Hannah and Maria are actually cousins. I have known these two all of my life and already it’s clear that they’re going to have a lot of suitors in the future.” Both girls looked very embarrassed by the compliment, giving the two boys demure smiles.

“Good evening.” He greeted Maria in the same fashion he had Hannah. “It is also nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Her voice sounded very high yet soft. Her face was very round despite her thin body although Rori still thought she was pretty. She had large brown eyes and her hair was cut very short, unlike Hannah’s which looked much longer despite being pinned up. She smiled warmly at him. “Is this your first time at one of these?”

Good. Kaden thought as he caught the look Maria had given his friend. The Vizbak family was a good one and if Rori married Maria and he Hannah; it would connect their families and they’d be able to interact much more than they would under normal circumstances. It would also give his young friend less of a reason to associate with the disgraced bastard child in noble’s clothing.

He hated the fact that Rori was friends with Foclner. The sooner he manipulated Rori’s attentions away from the blonde the better.