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The air in our hidden observatory meeting place felt charged—a mix of triumph and unease. Kaelen's agreement to "be in" had sent a ripple of both relief and apprehension through our little group. He was powerful, influential, but also notoriously self-serving.
"So, he's in," Maya stated, a skeptical edge in her voice as she polished a small, intricately carved wooden charm. "What exactly does 'in' mean for Prince Kaelen?"
I met her gaze, a small smile playing on my lips. "It means he's willing to give us information. And perhaps, subtly, shift opinions in our favor among his more… elite circle."
"And what's he getting out of it?" Liam asked, always cutting to the chase. He was sketching a complex runic diagram on a piece of parchment, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"A seat at the table of the future, as I told him," I replied. "He sees which way the Academy is heading, and he wants to be on the winning side. Master Theron's influence is strong, but it's built on old power. Ours, if we succeed, will be built on true merit and progress."
Caius, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "His information must be tested," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "We cannot afford to be naive. If he gives us something, we must verify it independently."
"Precisely," I agreed, looking at him. His caution was a constant, steadying force. "And he's already delivered. He told me about a new rule Master Theron plans to introduce next week, targeting students from smaller kingdoms. It's subtle, framed as 'resource optimization,' but it would effectively cut funding for their research projects."
Maya's eyes narrowed. "That's outrageous! It's a direct attack on students like Liam, like Rix!"
"Indeed," I said. "And it's a perfect opportunity to test Kaelen—and to show the Academy what we stand for. We need to expose Theron's true intentions before that rule passes."
Liam looked up from his drawing, his eyes alight with a new kind of fire. "How?"
"Professor Eldrin is holding his quarterly open forum for student proposals on resource allocation tomorrow," I explained. "It's a small event, mostly for the faculty and a few senior students. But if we can expose Theron's scheme there, before it gains momentum, we might be able to rally enough support to stop it."
"It's risky," Lyra mused, tapping a finger on her chin. "Theron will have his loyalists there. They'll try to shut us down."
"Which is why we need to be prepared," Caius added. "We need irrefutable proof. And a strong, clear argument."
I looked at each of them. "Liam, can you gather data on the existing resource distribution—how it unfairly impacts students from smaller kingdoms? Maya, I need your voice. You're excellent at articulating these injustices. Lyra, your knowledge of Academy regulations and your noble standing could be invaluable in framing our argument. And Caius," I met his unwavering gaze, "I need you to be ready for anything. Theron won't be pleased."
"As always, Your Highness," Caius said, a faint, determined smile touching his lips. "My sword, and my wits, are yours."
"Good," I said, a surge of adrenaline pushing away my lingering doubts. "Then let's prepare. The real fight begins now."
We spent the rest of the evening poring over documents, strategizing, and refining our arguments. The air in the observatory, once filled with nervous whispers, now crackled with a new kind of energy—the energy of shared purpose, of a plan slowly coming together. Our reluctant ally had given us an opening, and we were determined to seize it.
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