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“Referees?” Magnus asked aloud as he looked from Zas to Tidas.

“To be honest, I couldn’t tell.. The rock walls blocked my view,” Zas replied hesitantly.

Tidas let out a long sigh before he added; “I’m in the same boat.. I couldn’t see beyond the rocks.”

Skye felt a stab of irrational anger at the situation, especially at her husband. He knew she hated lying, as did the king. She did, and didn’t understand why they wouldn’t take her word for it. As the King of Alcon; Magnus needed to be unbiased.

With the RMC commanders, future soldiers, and the Fae representatives being there; it put Magnus in a precarious situation. If those present were going to respect his decisions, and his ability to make them, then he needed to explain his reasoning thoroughly. He didn’t want Skye angry at him, but it was going to happen either way. He fully expected her ire later in private.

“You are incredibly talented my dear, and you did technically win. But you only did so by including yourself in your attack.. What if it was one meant to kill? Like it would have to be on a real battlefield? Would you sacrifice yourself to take out one enemy?”

Magnus stood before he continued; ” This test was supposed to see if you were capable of taking the trials tomorrow, and I do not believe you are ready. While you were quite impressive with your abilities, you couldn’t land a hit before the time limit ran out. Shasta wasn’t even using her powers then. I know; I’ve seen her fight for almost a decade now.”

“The most common magic users are Tankers, and at least half have some kind of speed aspect. Thanks to my son, it’s becoming more common for Tanks to have both power, and speed now. Many of the competitors will see you as a threat. Teams might even form temporary alliances to take out yours. You don’t know how to work as part of a military squad.. I cannot, with a clear conscience send you out there. It’s not fair to you, or your teammates.”

.....

Magnus snapped his fingers twice, and the older man from earlier appeared with refreshments and Peggy. She’d just been returning with tea for the fairies when Olsen stopped her. He carried a large tray filled with cups, cheese, fresh loaves of bread, strawberry preserves, and a small bowl of fresh fruit. Another servant carried three bottles; two of wine, and one of cream. He passed them off to Peggy without a word, then walked off, which had annoyed her greatly.

As drinks were poured, and started to be passed around; Skye stewed. She knew Magnus had valid points, but she still thought her chances of passing were good enough to try. As the princess ran through the king’s words, she tried to come up with a counter argument focused around her Shaman trait. Lost in her thoughts; Skye didn’t notice the Vice Commander staring at her.

Shasta was shaking herself like a dog as she had listened to their conversation. She could easily complicate things for the princess by lying. The thought had crossed her mind as she attempted to dry herself. Shasta hated water, and only bathed when necessary. She hated how dry and itchy her skin felt after she washed. ‘Thanks to that spoiled little princess, I’ll have to take a damn bath!’

Skye had been releasing so much magic that Shasta didn’t sense the buildup of it above her. Normally the smell of water put her on edge, but she’d been enjoying herself too much in the moment. The princess had been able to keep track of her footfalls, and planted the pitfall accordingly.

She didn’t know for sure if the girl had worked it out like that on purpose, but Shasta still applauded her creativity. She’d been worried Skye lacked imagination, but it might be the opposite. A soldier who couldn’t imagine the worst; couldn’t prepare for it. If the princess was serious about joining; she would have to accept it as a possibility. If she truly wished to join..

As she watched Skye, Shasta could tell she was trying to think up an argument. The king had been correct about everything, but sugarcoated it. The point wasn’t sinking in, and it irritated her to the point of saying something.

Shasta walked over to stand directly in front of Skye and Tidas before stating her piece; “Do you really not get it, little princess? I wasn’t even using my magic, and you couldn’t hit me. I was literally running circles around you... And you think you can handle the RMC trials?”

Resting her hands on her hips, Shasta continued in a derisive tone; “First off: the teams can use magic against each other during the entirety of the course. Plus the regular obstacles you and your team have to deal with, at the same time, Together.. So if you screw it up, it’s not just your chance you’re blowing! Do you know how expensive it is for some to travel here? How not-rich most people are?”

“Second: the trials are used to see who can Possibly, make it in the RMC. You’re responsible for your unit’s lives in the field; no matter who’s in charge.. Do you honestly think you’re ready for that? Or do you not care who dies; as long as you can be with your husband?”

“That’s enough, Shasta!” Tidas barked at his second in command.

Skye was furious at Shasta for her attitude, but she had made a painful point. Skye’s entire motivation was centered around wanting to be with and protect Tidas. Even Zas had said something similar to the cat woman’s words; but in a non-antagonistic way.

Skye had wanted to train, but with news of Tidas’ uncle’s location; she thought she’d lost her time. Tidas knew that he was the reason for her angst, and had been trying to figure out what to say to the king. Calling his brother a lecherous liar wouldn’t change his father’s mind. If anything; Tidas would probably be punished for it. Marco was the next king, after all.. And could do no wrong intentionally in his father’s eyes.

Shasta was purposefully antagonizing Skye, but her underlying point was right. Commitment to the Corp was required for entry, not just to Tidas. Skye was utterly dedicated to him, and clearly loved the people of Alcon. But doing niceties of convenience was a far cry from possibly sacrificing your life for people you didn’t know. Skye needed to fully understand what it meant to join the military before she actually did it. And that would require more time..

“Father, allow me to send my own scouts ahead, to verify my uncle’s position. I don’t want to mobilize the entire RMC without first having substantiations. I trust my brother, but I don’t trust his men. I’d like to send my own.. This will also give Skye a chance to fully understand what it is she’s asking for,” the prince tempted his father with an easy-out with Skye.

Tidas had just thrown himself under the bus with his wife for his father, and he knew it. He’d basically just admitted to agreeing with the king and Shasta. Effectively alienating himself from Skye. He could see the hurt and anger in her expression, but had to stand his ground to gain his father’s approval for the scouting mission.

Magnus also recognized what his son had just done, and felt he shouldn’t waste the young man’s sacrifice. Skye had always had a temper, and he saw it flare higher when Shasta began to laugh. She downed a cup of cream, and was shaking the glass in the air for another as she mocked the princess.

“Hear that? Even your hubs there doesn’t think you’re capable of it yet!” Shasta cackled as she held her glass out to Olsen for a refill.

“Enough Shasta! Or you won’t be allowed any cream for a month, understand? Tidas; you may send a small scouting party ahead, but I want the RMC to begin preparations in such things as weapons, armor, and training; as soon as possible.. I want my brother gone from this earth before anyone gets the stupid idea to attempt a coup d’état again,” Magnus’ voice was stern as he finished.

Tidas bowed to his father, but Skye stared at him; unwavering. Magnus felt bad, but only because he didn’t like seeing Skye upset. She looked so much like Sorcha that it used to pain him sometimes. He knew she and Lucas had eloped, and Skye’s true lineage, but kept it to himself. Only he, and his most trusted adviser knew. Not even Lucas knows that he knew then, for Sorcha will always be a sore spot between them...

While the two discussed the recon mission in detail a bit more, all the Fae had gathered, and begun chatting. Zas, Maevis, and Nicolas all shared memories of times past. Shasta interjected with questions occasionally, but mainly listened and drank her cream. Skye went off to the side when she spotted Peggy waving her over.

Seeing Skye’s state upon returning with the tea; she’d almost immediately turned around to fetch her a towel. Peggy purposely didn’t grab one for the cat woman, but the jab had barely gone noticed. In fact if Peggy wouldn’t have glared at her in passing; Shasta probably would’ve never noticed.

After getting as dry as she could; Skye handed Peggy the towel back, and thanked her. She informed the princess that the preparations for her bathing were complete, and ready whenever she was. The expression on her bairn’s face was like twisting a dagger into her heart. Peggy so very badly wanted to wallop Shasta; figuring that she was the source of Skye’s hurt.

Looking at her husband made Skye’s blood simmer. She knew that they were right, but Tidas is her husband. She felt that he should’ve had her back when everyone was ganging up on her. Feeling sorry for herself; Skye requested to leave so she could clean up before dinner. Tidas could see the hurt in her eyes, but didn’t know what to say to her yet..

Magnus gave her permission to leave, so Skye scooped up Zazzy, and told the elder Fae where she was going. Maevis commented on how close it was to dinner, and that she had a knack for being late to being with.

“Won’t a bath take too long? You just had one this morning,” Maevis asked Skye as she sipped her tea.

“Oh no, Tis not a bath! It’s a wonderful reinvention! Instead of sitting in yer own dirty water, it rains down on ye; washing all the muck down the drain! It comes down like a thinned waterfall; it’s So relaxing and clean! Ye must try it! Tidas calls it a ‘shower’!”