Page 68 of Under Restless Skies

Beautiful like my own strange image in the mirror. Wearing this dress, I don’t feel like a cook, don’t feel like part of the cleaning crew, don’t even feel like a recruit. What I see is a princess—or at least someone worthy… of a prince.

I swallow, my heart agitated in my chest. Is that what Alayel meant to tell me? Or am I making up a story, creating meaning from where there’s none? He probably didn’t even see the dress. But he still got me a dress—and an incredible one, in fact.

My reflection stares at me, reproach in her eyes. Had I entered the academy like I should have, I’d have a dress. Simpler, yes, but I wouldn’t need to owe anyone a favor. Giving me a dress is the least Alayel can do, and I shouldn’t feel indebted to him because of it. Still, I can admire my image in the mirror.

“Are you ready?” Julia asks.

“I… suppose? You’re the experts. But isn’t it early?”

The two look at each other, and Julia says, “The king likes to hold large events at around the time of the storm.”

When no dragons can attack us. Makes sense.

“Doesn’t he know when Auranius sleeps?” I ask.

“I assume not.”

A polite answer for a stupid question.

If anyone knew when our guardian dragon slept, we’d have no need of panicked bells when the invaders came. If anything, it’s as if the riders know it even before we do. I’d love to understand why it happens, and I hope some of my classes will shed light on it.

“The reception will be at the mosaic hall,” Mariana says. “We’ll accompany you there, where you’ll join your friends.”

We walk to the main atrium, where they ring a bell to call the elevator. We go up until we’re on the floor of the ballroom with the gigantic windows that I cleaned with Celine.

Recruits, instructors, and members of the Sky Guard are approaching the entrance, and I wish I had gone to Celine’s dormitory so we could come together. It feels odd to be alone here, and the impressive dress makes me feel even more self-conscious, since it draws so many eyes. Still, I pretend to be calm and confident and cross the ballroom doors to be greeted by a colorful spectacle as sunlight streams through the window panes.

The room looks different, with chairs and some tables, a small orchestra in a corner, and tables covered with all kinds of appetizers. A throne sits on an elevated dais, in an area surrounded by wooden partitions and guards.

Thunder rumbles in the sky far away, when I see a dash of purple cutting through the room—Celine. Her dress drapes her petite form well, and her blond locks contrast with the color of the fabric. Nelly’s beside her, wearing a pretty pink dress, her hair arranged in delicate brown curls. I’m surprised that they’re together, as I assumed they’d be hanging around people in their own years.

“Mayara, you found a dress!” Celine spreads out her arms as if to call the attention of the entire ballroom.

I wish I could hide, but I’m happy for her enthusiasm. “I did.” I remember her effort trying to get me a dress, so I explain, in a low voice, “But it was just now. When you took me to the supply room, I didn’t know.”

“Oh, it was obvious you had no clue about anything. Let me guess. Your friend wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m not sure.” And it’s true, even if the smile coming to my face tells a different story.

She rolls her eyes, while Nelly looks me up and down. “It’s beautiful.”

Perhaps it’s my imagination, but I hear a tinge of resentment in her voice, and I can’t blame her. There’s an ocean of difference between my outfit and hers, and it probably feels unfair.

“I didn’t choose it.” More thunder echoes outside, and I ask, “Can people even talk during the storm?”

“The early part is for food.” She points at the appetizers. “We’re supposed to eat when it rains, then dance and socialize after. They’ll bring the shutters down to protect the windows, don’t worry. And part of the guard and some recruits will leave.”

“I’m not worried. Not too much, at least.”

“Auranius hasn’t slept in a while,” Nelly says.

“He has gone without sleeping for a month before.” I turn to Celine. “Did you learn anything about it in your classes? Why Auranius’ schedule is so random? Why we can’t predict when the dragons show up?”

She shakes her head. “We just learn to always be ready, so… It’s unfortunately unpredictable.”

Thunder roars in the sky again, and the first raindrops splatter on the colorful windows.

Celine and Nelly approach one of the tables, and I take one little appetizer, a round, dry bread roll with some cheese in the middle. In truth, I’m terrified of getting this dress dirty. As I look around, I find another face that I recognize. A face with so many memories, so many promises.