They parted ways after supper, with Aiela leading Lauren and Tom to guest rooms they would use until they figured out something a bit more permanent. Venza would have preferred to let them stay in the house completely, but it would have been unfair to the maids and other servants who lived in the town.

  Aiela had been an exception due to her circumstances, but even Vosmer lived in his own house in Verdeholm.

  Rather than go straight to her room, she loitered outside the dining room and was not disappointed when Vosmer came out half a minute later looking like he had something to tell her.

  He grinned when he saw her expectant look. "Maybe your mother's right. Maybe I am enabling you too much."

  "Like you said, I think today proves I'd go out on my own even without your assistance," Venza answered.

  "You’ve got me there," Vosmer said. "Alright, I promise if any trouble in Astamarr reaches my ears and regular soldiers can't handle it, I'll let you or Aiela know. But I'm not going to send you after every single problem we have. People's taxes pay for the Grey Guard, you know."

  Venza favored him with a smile. "Thank you, Vosmer."

  He smiled back at her. "I'd tell you to be careful, but Aiela is cautious enough for the both of you."

  "Well, if it eases your mind any," Venza began. "We'll have a third member soon."

  "The girl named Lauren." Vosmer looked thoughtful. "I don't know how much help a single Air Mage will be, but knowing Aiela…" he trailed off.

  "She likely has something in mind already," Venza finished for him.

  "What worries me is what her Familiar will be like," Vosmer admitted. "House Carsten uses them as loyal, unwavering combat mounts, but that's too normal for Aiela."

  "She hasn't deigned to share her plans for it with me," Venza said. "But then, that's probably because I won't understand half of it anyway."

  "I swear, it's like that girl came from another world sometimes," Vosmer mused. "Will you be writing Lord Elton of House Carsten for aid?"

  Venza shook her head. "Aiela and I became acquainted with his son, Morgan, during our time with House Carsten last summer. I'll try him first."

  "Ah, yes. We've met. Fine young lad. He's Heir to House Carsten, if I recall."

  "He also has a surprising amount of sway in its affairs," Venza said, feeling a pang of jealousy. "Lord Elton is probably grooming him to take over soon."

  "Perhaps. Elton Carsten is older than your father," Vosmer said. "Very well. I'll be on my way. Best of luck, and good night."

  "Good night, Vosmer."

  She took a long, warm bath before working on her letter to Morgan. In truth, she was exhausted. Training during the morning, surviving and subsequently befriending Sally, subjugating some bandits, and finally, most tiresome of all her tasks, explaining her actions to her mother. Her bed called out to her like a siren to a sailor, but she resisted its lure.

  Sally and her broods couldn't stay in a cave forever, and she wanted the letter on its way to the Carstens first thing in the morning. It wouldn't need to travel far, as the Carstens' land bordered Astamarr to the north, right between House Greyfield's lands and the imperial capital of Gran Odolen.

  She sighed as she stared at the blank sheet of parchment, wondering how to frame her request. Morgan would probably be willing to give assistance with nothing in return due to their families being on good terms, but she felt she already owed too much after asking the Carstens to (unsuccessfully) teach her to ride.

  A series of knocks sounded on her door, and without even looking up, she said, "Come in, Aiela."

  "How were you sure it wasn't Tom or Lauren?" Aiela asked, shutting the door behind her.

  Venza looked up at her and grinned. "There's a pattern to how you knock: Four rapid taps that never get louder or softer followed by a pause and then two more. You've never noticed?"

  Aiela frowned. "No. I guess I've just never paid attention."

  "Are they settling in alright?" Venza asked.

  "They were rather pleased, yes. Lauren actually hugged me."

  Despite herself, Venza felt another pang of jealousy. "Ah, you must have found that unpleasant." Aiela didn't like when people touched her, though she made an exception for Venza. They spent every day together, after all. It was only natural.

  "It was strange, though I didn't dislike it," Aiela said. She leveled an inquisitive look at her. "I wasn't aware you found women attractive."

  "I, uh, what makes you say that?"

  "I've seen you look at boys you like," Aiela said. "But I don't think I've seen you look at any of them the way you look at Lauren."

  "I'm just surprised to see another girl my age who's in such good shape," Venza said. She swore internally. Her voice was pitched higher than usual. "And I think being graceful in the air without any magic is a feat worth looking into. That's all."

  Aiela rolled her eyes. "Right."

  Venza closed her eyes and sunk her face into her hands. She remained like that for several seconds, imagining the smug look on Aiela's face. Had she been that obvious?

  "I mean, she is gorgeous," Venza admitted, finally opening one eye to peek. Aiela did not, in fact, look smug seated on the edge of Venza's bed. Her expression, if Venza had to describe it, was blank.

  "Were you hoping she'd come in here and see you dressed like that?" Aiela asked.

  Venza inspected herself. She hadn't really been paying attention, but she'd just put on a short, black night dress after her bath. "Er, no, I was just too tired to really notice."

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "It's only fair, I suppose," Aiela continued. "You already got a good, long look at her in that tiny leotard."

  Venza blushed. "I- wait a minute. Do you like her?"

  Aiela considered a moment. "I suppose she she does fit my type." She cast a glance at Venza as she answered. "Tall, athletic, willing to take down someone who’s wronged her."

  Venza pursed her lips. This was bad. Aiela was so smart, and pretty, and she did all sorts of amazing things Venza couldn't do. Sure, Venza was a looker, too, but all she had going for her that Aiela didn't was being of noble birth, and when it came to being interested in someone she couldn't have kids with, that was more hindrance than help.

  "It's funny," Venza began. "I've never seen you like someone and it just happens to be someone I like."

  Aiela shrugged. "Maybe our tastes are just similar. We did grow up together, after all."

  Venza’s thoughts raced even faster. "You're going to be spending a lot of time with her for her training, aren't you?"

  Aiela nodded. “Wouldn’t be much of a training session otherwise.”

  Jealousy wasn’t new to Venza. How many times had she felt its prick whenever her father talked about a distant relative who was moving ahead in life? She felt its sting whenever she thought of Morgan who was being taught to replace his father. They were practically the same age, but their lives were so dissimilar!

  But this time felt different. She felt like Lauren would pick Aiela, and she'd have no chance if that happened. Aiela's expression remained almost unreadable, although Venza thought she could see something like sadness in the girl’s eyes. A moment of awkward silence filled the room as neither girl seemed willing to speak.

  It was Aiela who finally broke it with a deep sigh. She spoke, however, with an even tone. "Have you finished writing a letter to Morgan?"

  "Er, no. Not yet."

  “Do you need help?’ Aiela asked.

  “I think I can manage,” Venza said.

  “Let's just get it over with," Aiela insisted. "What's giving you trouble? He’s one of your noble peers, and I'm pretty sure he likes you."

  Venza blinked. "He does?"

  "You are painfully dense at telling when people are interested in you," Aiela deadpanned. "Why not let him pursue you? As Heir Greyfield, I imagine your parents expect you to bear a child in the future, after all. Something Lauren can’t give you."

  "Lauren and I could always adopt," Venza said quickly, surprised by the sudden hostility she was feeling. "I mean, there are sons and daughters of Houses too big who don't actually have plans for them-"

  "Back on topic," Aiela said, annoyance audible in her voice. "What's the problem?"

  "I just don't think we should be asking House Carsten for any more favors," Venza admitted. “They’ve already done so much for us.”

  Aiela looked at her like she was speaking some alien language. "Then don't. The project is my idea, and the Simulacrum is for my Familiar."

  "But you're part of House Greyfield, too," Venza answered. She meant it. "Astamarr wouldn't have reached its current prosperity without Aiela Durrell."

  "Precisely," Aiela said, matter-of-factually. "Offer to loan my services to House Carsten in exchange for help with our little zoo project and a Simulacrum."

  Venza's mouth fell and hung open for a good three seconds. Was Aiela suggesting what she thought she was suggesting? The idea of them being separated for more than a few days made her uncomfortable. They'd had each other's backs for six years.

  "No."

  Aiela's brow furrowed. "What do you mean 'No?'"

  "We need you here," Venza said simply.

  "House Greyfield was fine before I came," Aiela said. "It will survive my absence for a few weeks."

  "I need you here, then."

  There was a pause, a second pregnant silence as the words hung in the air. Aiela looked conflicted, which was rare for her. The mage almost never hesitated, even in combat. Finally, she said, "I don't get you sometimes."

  Venza opened her mouth to speak, but Aiela cut her off.

  "You want the acrobat," Aiela said. "But you also don't want me to leave your side. Do you want me to watch, then? Is that what tickles your fancy?"

  "What? No, I just meant I'll go with you!" Venza yelled, sighing in frustration.

  Aiela's annoyance vanished, replaced by confusion. "To the Carstens? Why? What would you do?"

  "I don't know," Venza admitted. "But I'll offer in the letter. Morgan might have some task that needs doing they can't handle. I think we proved today we're pretty capable, don't you?"

  "It's unnecessary," Aiela said quickly. “My services should be sufficient.”

  "I want to do it," Venza insisted. "It could be a good chance to prove ourselves further, and I'm sure whatever your Familiar is, it'll be a huge asset for keeping Odolenia safe.”

  Aiela didn’t answer, looking deep in thought, so Venza continued.

  “Look,” Venza said. “We’ve stuck with each other for six years now and we both know we work best when we’re together."

  Aiela’s lips curled into a frown. "Fine. We'll bring my apprentice, too."

  "Will she be ready by then? This could be in a few days for all we know."

  "It's so I can train her while we're out of town," Aiela answered. "And an extra Air Caster on our side wouldn't hurt, even if she is an amateur. Now, I should go.”

  As the mage turned to leave, Venza placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “Wait, Aiela.”

  Aiela looked over her shoulder, not quite turning to face Venza. “Yes?”

  Venza swallowed a lump in her throat. “Is everything alright between us?”

  Aiela gave her a long, longing look. “Yeah. Of course it is. Good night, Venza.”

  “Good night, Aiela.”

  And then the mage was gone like the darkness at dawn, leaving a confused Venza alone in her room.