64 - Schedule Change

64 - Schedule Change
When Clare headed over to Frey’s office for her morning magic lesson the next day, she was surprised to find Reverie inside drinking tea with Frey.
She hadn’t seen the other woman since she had been introduced to all the queen’s Swords so it was strange seeing Reverie there, acting so causal. It was also as if the two were having a gossip session over tea.
“Good morning.” Frey greeted Clare as she walked over to the other two.
“Morning…” Clare greeted back, hoping she did not seem meek before them.
Reverie bowed her head in acknowledgment as Frey said, “Have some tea with us. We have much to discuss today.”
Clare silently nodded her head and sat down, placing her plant down as Lif prepared a cup of tea for her. Frey glanced at the plant for a moment, nodding his head approvingly.
“So, what’s this about?” Clare asked.
“Well, it’s about you.” Reverie explained. “Specifically that the Fae Court has come to learn about you and want you to debut. Normally that won’t be a problem because I can take care of the court but it seems the other courts have gotten word too.”
Clare wasn’t sure how to take her words. She had barely gotten anywhere in her princess training so she could debut before the Fae Court. But if the other courts were going to get involve…
What would that mean for her exactly?
She didn’t know much about the other courts, just that they existed and shared ruling the natural world with the Fae Queen. Other than that, Clare had nothing about their customs, rulings and relations with the Fae Court.
“The Queen has held off the other courts but it won’t last forever.” Frey said, breaking down the situation for Clare. “The court leaders will enter the court for the annual Autmn Festival in a month’s time. That means you’ll need to debut at the festival.”
So, she had a month to learn everything possible to debut before not only the Fae Court but also the leaders of the other courts. If stressing about debuting was enough for her, debuting in front of leaders was going to add even more stress.
Would she be able to get prepared for such a thing in such little time?
“I see…” Clare sighed. “What will I have to do to prepare for this?”
“I’ll be joining your lessons from today onwards to help increase your learning.” Reverie answered. “You’ll have your usual lessons with Lors Frey along with extra lessons on the Fae Court with me. Additionally, you’ll join me three times a week for sparring lessons.”
Sparring?
Was she going to have to learn combat on top of everything else? Well, it made sense that Clare would have to learn combat skills to at least protect herself as the next queen.
Even if she was to have Swords at her side at all times.
“It will be basic combat training, nothing to hard.” Reverie continued speaking. “This is so you’ll be able to protect yourself since the Unseelie King is still a danger. It’ll also help with building your stamina so your swimming lessons will be swapped for combat instead for three days.”
“Alright, I understand.” Clare nodded her head.
Just as she thought. The training was for her to learn to protect herself.
Having combat training three times a week didn’t seem too bad. Clare had a feeling it wasn’t any more because Reverie had other responsibilities to take care of. Not that she wanted more training. She already had a lot going on and didn’t want to be too exhausted for her magic lessons afterwards.
“Good then I shall get going then.” Reverie got up from her seat. “My familiar, Mavis, shall escort you to the training grounds tomorrow.”
With that, Reverie headed out the room, leaving the two alone in silence. Clare wondered what her familiar looked like, not having the chance to ask.
“It’s a fox.” Frey stated, placing his tea cup down and turning to face Clare.
Clare gazed at him confused. “Sorry?”
“Reverie’s familiar.” Frey explained. “She forgot to tell you what it was so I’m telling you now.”
“Ah right…. Thanks.” Clare murmured as she picked up her plant. “So, I managed to get this to start growing last night…”
Frey nodded. “I can see that. You’ll need to keep working at it for a few more days so it can flower. This is very important.”
“Can I ask why? Is there something special with this plant?” Clare questioned, tired of not having answers.
She understood that this plant was a beginner’s task and meant to help her grow her magic. However, a part of Clare felt there was more to the plant than just that.
Frey was quiet for a moment before he sighed. “I guess there’s no point in hiding it since you’ve completed the first task… You’ll probably just bribe Lif for the answer if I don’t say anything.”
“You knew?” Clare muttered, wondering if that robin had told Frey.
“Of course. You think I would let such a loophole exist when I banned everyone from giving you a direct answer without there being a reason.” Frey gazed at Clare amused. “The task is not just about your solving skills but also to see your wits. As a future queen, you’ll need plenty wits to deal with Fae and the other courts.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Clare mused.
She wasn’t really upset now that she knew the reason behind the task. Of course, it was frustrating that it had taken her some time but now she knew what to look for.
Frey was right about this teaching her something.
“Anyway, the reason I’m having you grow this plant is because it will help you manifest your full potential.” Frey explained, breaking Clare’s train of thought. “The seed comes from the Fae Tree of Life and when a Fae grows it with their magic, they’re able to unlock all the magic inside them.
“Of course, one needs to consume the flower first to unlock their magic and it depends on the Fae if they have anything to unlock. And if you’re lucky, you may be granted a special power.”
Clare gazed down at her plant, surprised that such a small thing has so much power. It made her curious too as to what this plant would unlock once she had grown it completely.
Seemed she was going to need to work extra hard to grow this plant quickly.