Days passed, then weeks, then months. The rhythm of the mansion became a relentless tide—lessons, chores, whispered conspiracies. Valeri's world expanded and deepened, colored by the subtle powers she began to notice all around her.
It was Emily who first spoke of their true nature. "My mother and I," she said quietly one evening, "we are water elementals. The way we move, the way we calm and flow—it's in our blood."
Valeri watched as AnnaBell, the head maid and Emily's mother, carried herself with a quiet, unshakable strength, like a calm river beneath the surface.
Maelis, the fiery kitchen maid, was different—always moving like a flame, quick to anger but also warmth. Liora, the gardener, was water again, gentle but unyielding, coaxing life from the soil with a touch that seemed to shimmer.
"Most of the servants are elementals," Emily explained, "and even the guards, the butler, and the master himself have powers hidden deep beneath their noble exteriors."
Valeri felt the weight of their gazes, subtle and potent, as if magic seeped from every stone in the walls. Yet she was alone in her affinity—or rather, her lack of one.
"Sir Lorcan," she asked during a lesson, "what of those who have no affinity? No elemental power?"
Lorcan's face darkened, his eyes narrowing. "Impossible. Everyone has a core, a tie to something—earth, air, or even the smallest creature. Unless... your core was taken as punishment, or you died and were reborn. It's a rarity I have never witnessed."
She smiled faintly, brushing off his growing suspicion. "Just testing the odds."
The class ended with a new task: a court case to analyze—a complex tangle of politics and betrayal. Strategy was now her armor as much as knowledge.
She left, but a servant intercepted her, delivering a summons—her master requested her presence.
Would you like me to continue with the scene of her meeting the master or expand the court case strategy assignment with her analysis?
The heavy study door creaked open, and Valeri stepped inside. Vrim's sharp gaze sliced through the room in quick, appraising glances—here and there, his disapproval was obvious.
He still doesn't like me. Not that I care, she thought, keeping her expression cool and unreadable.
Eryndor sat behind his imposing desk, fingers steepled, eyes narrowed under his furrowed brow. "You've been tasked with analyzing the court case. Present your findings."
Valeri nodded, stepping forward with confidence.
"Sir," she began, her voice steady, "the case revolves around disputed borders between the provinces of King Kaelith Ravenshadow and King Tharion Ironfang. The tensions stem from secret alliances and unspoken betrayals."
She paused briefly, gathering her thoughts.
"The key to resolution lies in understanding the subtle power plays—the Thread of Truth taught in Kaelith's realm warns us that honesty is delicate. We must unravel the lies carefully."
Eryndor's eyes flickered with interest as she continued.
"The balance of strength from Tharion's side cannot be ignored. His Shield of Silence doctrine means many negotiations are conducted in shadows. To expose these would provoke war."
Lorcan's butler, Vrim, shifted uneasily. "Master, such complexities usually require more time—"
Valeri cut him off smoothly. "I have examined the testimonies, financial ledgers aligning with King Vaelor Duskbane's Ledger of Loyalty, and the persuasive influence from King Oryndel Starborne's Scepter of Speech exercised by the involved nobles."
Her words came fluent and critical, weaving the realms' doctrines into a cohesive analysis.
"In conclusion, a temporary truce supported by mutual benefit and guarded secrecy would serve best—trust in loyalty, but vigilance in valor."
Eryndor studied her for a moment, then gave a curt nod. "Adequate. Continue your studies."
Vrim's disbelieving frown deepened, but he said nothing as Valeri turned and headed for the door.
She paused, hands resting lightly on the frame, and sighed softly.
One step closer, she thought, and now... leisure.
She stepped lightly through the mansion's dim corridors, the polished stone cool beneath her feet. Outside, the last light of the day slipped through stained-glass windows, casting colorful shards that danced on the walls.
Her steps carried her toward the stables—a place where the scents of fresh hay, oiled leather, and warm horses offered a brief sanctuary from the weight of court politics.
The stable hands greeted her with quiet nods as she approached the row of powerful steeds. Nearby, the master groom was brushing a magnificent black stallion, its coat gleaming in the twilight.
Valeri reached out hesitantly, running her hand along the horse's muscular neck, feeling its warmth and steady breath. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the calm seep into her bones.
Leisure here was a luxury—but moments like this were priceless. The echo of soft nickers, the rustling of halters, and the distant calls of crickets wrapped the world in gentle sounds.
She thought of the lessons, the intrigues, and the long path ahead.