By the time Ella had finished adjusting my twin's new tunic it was time to go. I gathered the hem of my dress and followed my brother and friend into the palace's throne room. There was a red and gold-lined rug that trailed down the center of the great hall, folding several times on tall steps before finally resting under a large gold-adorned throne marked with plush red cushions and thick golden arms. The king studied the apprentices as we entered.
One by one, each one of us kneeled before him and then separated into three distinct rows: Restoration closest to the front and Combat at the rear.
Prince Blayne sat in a less ornate chair than his father, but he still looked very regal and cold in the same hematite and steel crown. He had a look of extreme boredom as each apprentice entered, with only the slightest expression of interest when his brother appeared.
Behind the throne, three massive stained glass windows cast rays of light across the hall and onto the side risers at either end where the nobility and our younger factionmates sat watching. Several members of the King's Regiment stood guard at the front and back of the room while the Council of Magic and Crown Advisors sat in a small stand to the left of the king to watch the proceedings from their own special box.
The three faction masters strode forward to begin our rite. Ella giggled into her hand and pointed. Master Byron looked beyond miserable standing between Master Joan and Master Perry. From his strained tone, it was obvious he would rather be anywhere else than close quarters with the two female mages.
"…To defend all those in need of rescuing."
We all answered in unison. "I solemnly pledge."
"To speak the truth to all questions asked. No matter the consequence."
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be loyal to your commander in trying times. To exercise caution before magic."
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be brave in times of danger. To obey Crown and Council Law in all matters of service."
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be kind in times of need. To only fight when it is necessary. "
"I solemnly pledge."
"To be a mage of honor and valiance. To always put the Crown before yourself."
"As a mage to the Crown and Jerar, I solemnly pledge."
Commander Joan took a step forward to call on her Restoration mages, one by one. When she called Alex, he was given the third rank. Though we were supposed to remain silent during the entire ceremony, it did not stop me from letting out a small shriek and Ella from clapping almost hysterically loud.
Master Perry went next with her Alchemy mages. Ruth was given first-rank. I should have known. She always was the best of her faction. I watched her, envious, as she returned back to her seat.
Then it was time for Combat.
Master Byron stood proudly as he called, "In the matter of first-rank ascension I would like to call forward our very own Prince Darren, second-in-line to the throne and now first-rank mage of Combat."
I watched as the non-heir left his position in line to kneel before his father, his brother, and then, finally, Master Byron. When he arose, a servant handed him a silken black robe. Darren's face was expressionless as he slid the smooth mage's robe over his regular clothes, letting the hood rest on his forehead for just a moment before it slid back onto his shoulders.
There was a hushed silence as Darren turned back to face the crowd. I lost my breath. Blayne might wear the crown, but Darren was the one who looked like a king. I was jealous and proud. Whatever I might think of him, the non-heir had earned that robe.
Darren returned to his seat beside Priscilla and I waited with bated breath. Who would Byron name next? The only other male in our faction, or the future princess of Jerar? I was sure he wanted to name Ray, but the master would not be so quick as to snub someone of great influence.
Ella nudged me with her arm. "Ryiah!"
"Shhh." I nudged her back. "I'm trying to hear who they pick."
"Byron just called your name!"
"You are joking."
"No. I'm not." She jerked her chin to point in the direction of the throne.
All the blood rushed from my face as I realized she was telling the truth. The training master was glowering at me from his position beside the king. I hastily pulled myself off the cold marble floor and raced over to stand before the throne. I kneeled before the King Lucius, Prince Blayne, and Master Byron.
"Ryiah of Demsh'aa, I award you second rank for your…" The man paused uncomfortably. "Your outstanding apprenticeship. I'd be a fool to ignore power when I see it, even if you are a-" He coughed. "-A woman. Please stand and accept your new status as a second-rank mage of Combat."
I stood, hardly conscious that I was sobbing. I only realized it when the servant handing me my robe touched the side of my face and showed me my tears. "Not many mages cry," she told me kindly, "but I like to think it's the best of them that do." I nodded, wetness staining my cheeks, and then let her help me with my robe.
Then I turned back to face my audience. I could hardly see straight, tears were blocking most of my vision, and by the time I reached my seat my sight had cleared just enough for me to find my place beside Ella.
"You blubbering mess," she teased, "you are making a fool of yourself."