Tessa closed the door of her room and sat on the bed. " I understand the reason for his worrying but I want to help him...." She tried to gather her puzzling thoughts.
"He is so busy that can't even eat properly... those lol hunters (-_-).... Well it's true that as long as he finishes the problem, the world will find it's peaceful life again and no one has to be worried about dying( remembered the orphan kids face) but that also means my reason for being here will be nullified.." she hold her arms tightly " why do I feel bad about it .... I'm only a burden here for Jasper and others... I don't belong here ,I know but still.." she laid down and closed her eyes.
" I must be tired. Let's sleep as tomorrow I have practice session. " She tried to relax without knowing the flickering feeling that stirred in her heart.
Next morning was as usual for her. She got up , became ready and joined Felix for training swords. Her basic core training was almost in edge of finishing.
" Do you feel any difference in your body? " Felix asked while cleaning his sword.
" Yup , I feel little bit stronger than before. I'm happy that I survived the training. "
" Indeed , you have done a great job Lady Tessa. "
" Teacher I would appreciate if you call me by name. "
" I see you are quite eager to escalate our relationship.." Felix smirked.
" I take back my words ."
" Sorry for teasing Tessa . But I find it fun . " Felix laughed. " Ok so from tomorrow we will start the actual sword training. I will teach you basic skills and fighting techniques. "
" Gotcha teacher. Finally the real showdown.". Tessa closed her fist in excitement.
"Your jest is up to the mark . Well for your safety and mine too ... You will be practicing with wooden sword first. After you grasp overall , the real sword will be given."
" Uhaa ok no problem I guess. Then that's my sword I presume." Tessa point a wooden sword lying next to Felix.
" Yup , it's my old sword , when I first joined academy.. it's been awhile.. sorry for the used item .."
" No problem at all . I'm honoured to have the chance of using my teacher's beginning sword. "
" That's a relief.. oh by the way. " Felix looked at Tessa , " extremely sorry to ask this but I suppose you are in your early twenties right? "
Tessa was a little shocked after hearing the question. " Yes... But why? Any problem? "
" Nah of course not . I was wondering... I mean it suddenly hit my head .. when are you joining academy? "
" Pardon? "
Seeing Tessa's amused reaction, Felix said , " I'm not very much aware of how much education you got from Seron but everyone irrespective male , female.. join academy in their early twenties to graduate in a particular subject... I'm sure you have heard about it. "
Tessa tried to behave normal. She heard about academy from Jasper but not in details. Without him or the imperial family no one knows about her secret so it's very obvious question for Felix to ask .
" Uhmm yes yes I know.. I was thinking about it too. Hehe what a telepathy.."
" Good . Have you decided your core subject as admission will be starting soon ."
" Uhh . ... I mean.... I .."
" I guess no? "
Tessa let a sigh out. She nodded.
" It's fine. Don't be stressed about it. You are under the care of the imperial family so I'm sure you will get guidance. Here your sword let me show you how to grip it properly. "
Tessa was relieved to know that Felix didn't find her odd . She tried to look super excited about the gripping lesson as it changed the topic. " I have to inform it to Jasper...or the empress.. " ( she thought aside)
" Here try to hold it like this . See how I do . " Felix tried to demonstrate.
" Like this? "
" No, see .. try to impersonate my hand position...like this . "
" Now? " After some tried Tessa failed to understand.
" I guess you are not getting it .. well it's ok don't be sad . I'm being strict with the gripping because it is the core of sword wielding . If you don't have proper grip you can't fight with even a 10 year old..."
" I understand...sorry for my incompetence."
" If you don't mind let me show you like this " Felix went behind Tessa and grabbed her hands from behind. He put them correctly in the sword and showed a good swing . " Like ... This ! Yes do you get it ? "
" Yup ..aha now I understand what I was doing wrong. "
What both of them didn't realise was someone's eyes inspecting them from a good distance. A flicker of something unreadable crossing his eyes before he turned away.
" Good job . " Felix said and looked behind.
" What happened teacher? " Tessa asked.
" Umm I felt someone watching us ... Maybe I was mistaken. Anyways do 10 swings and let's call it a day after that. "
" Ohkay . " Tessa again focused on training as Felix inspected her .
Later in the afternoon, Tessa tried to think if she should consult with Jasper or approach the Empress. " Elisa , What do you think.. who should I ask... I mean about the academy admission.."
" The empress is mostly busy for looking after the financial and socio political aspects... I guess it will be hard for you to approach her suddenly... But you can try in the dinner time as you eat with the Majesties sometimes my lady. " Elisa said while serving the tea.
" Yes but I don't want to hinder her peaceful eating time when she is free from her duties.... But Ja .. his highness is also busy in the hunters' matter.. ughh well leave it I will ask Jasper rather than her majesty. Can you call for Sir Alex? I'm sure he will help me with a suitable time. "
" Ummm... My lady .... I.... Sure . "
Tessa thought Elisa was trying to say her something but she didn't. Tessa also didn't put her thoughts on it . Alex entered in the room after sometimes, " You called for me My lady? "
" Yes.. Sir Alex I would like to meet his highness... Can you tell me a suitable time for that.. I know he is very busy these days .."
" Umm .. my lady ... I don't think that will be possible..."
" Sir Alex please.. I swear, I won't take much time of him .. I know the vitality of the situation... It's an urgent matter which I need to discuss..."
" My lady ... I ... Umm.. I'm understanding the crucial moment.."
Tessa saw a hesitation in his voice. She remembered the same hesitation which Elisa showed her little ago..." Is there a matter? Is his highness ok? " Her eyes widened. " I just saw him yesterday night... Did anyone attacked? "
" Uhhh no my lady , his highness is totally healthy thanks to your concern. "
" Phew! then? I am getting a hunch that you don't want me to meet him .. my personal maid also showed this same expression...Sir Alex, tell me everything. "
" Everything is fine my lady .. it's just I hope you don't meet him today atleast. I will take you tomorrow.."
" Is he that busy today? Has he eaten? Don't tell me he is again partying with those documents keeping his health aside. Aishh this man! "
" No .. His highness is free right now... Well i can't lie to you .. actually i don't think he is in a good mood to receive you ... That's why. "
" Good mood? Is he sad? Please let me visit him then ." A concern reflected on her face.
" I presume it's anger more than sadness. "
" Anger? He is angry? On what? "
" I don't know too, my lady. His highness is mostly very composed and never expressed his emotions specially while working. But today I don't know what happened ...Something happened during that special unit training... though none dared to ask what.The soldiers told me that he was extremely harsh today . After returning from the training ..... His expressions were.... Hard to explain.. he had meeting afterwards. During that , he objected every proposal and dismissed it within 10 minutes.. he was in a very foul mood. I have never seen him like that "
" Really? " Tessa tried to imagine his angry face .
" I'm afraid if he shouts on you my lady... That's why. "
" But you said this is the first time right? "
" Yes...."
" I guess the stress is eating him up . After all he is shouldered with a grave responsibility... I can help in this situation.. please let me meet him "
" I guess you are right .. please follow me then my lady. " Alex agreed as he knew Tessa had the capability really to bring peace of mind to Jasper.
" What made you so angry, Jasper? Well I guess I would be angry too if these much responsibility i have to deal with everyday. I will tell him some jokes ... Or I can tickle him I guess. I hope as your friend I can help you.." Tessa followed Alex while thinking about it.