Mountains Vast and a Kingdom So Red

Chapter 27

 In letter form, Minister Keith wishes me luck on the exam, and I place it in my boot. Notes are forbidden for the duration of the exam, but my tutor has spoken nothing of luck. My siblings are in the Oval room with me and engage in their own nervous habits until the dictates how we label our name and information on the top of our tests. They will not be grading, that chore will belong to the Preeminent Scholars Collective, and they will grade all of the young citizens' exams. However, the royals receive preferential treatment in when they will be graded, so hopefully I will be in Leviys's arms in the beginning of next week. He has shared that his alpha and alphaness received my parent's postage and they gave their blessing for my visit. Surprising no one, I jumped in the kitchen at the news. After three hours, with foggy brains, we hand over our pages, and goodness, I'm sweating.

Two days later, I shove my exam in Ryder's face inside the compound. This is before I can tease him for his loosened tie and loose buttons on his black shirt.

"Look! Two marks above passing," I say. He grips the stack and eyes the red script.

"Why not ten?" He says, raising his eyebrows.

"Stuff it. I am a Primary scholar regardless."

"I know. Congratulations. Maybe we can get sparkling wine to celebrate," he suggests, which makes me think of Leviys. But, holding to our word, we train without distraction. It is tough wrestling with him, even his stomach is toned, I feel the muscles when I am astride him and begin to blush. He must notice something because he pushes me off, gripping my arm so he can capture me before a final blow. In my defeat, I kick him in the shin, and he laughs.

"How did your siblings perform?"

"Passed as well. I wish our parents were here to celebrate with them."

He says, "We could invite them. Perhaps they can indulge in virgin wine?"

"Oh. But I plan to become rip roaring drunk."

Ryder smiles."They're uninvited."