12

Beaumont shrugs as Clemence takes center stage. They beam at the gathered students, and clear their throat.

"I run the third Leadership Class, which is the Student Council," they say. "This year we're doing something different. You'll have much more autonomy, and will have a positive effect on Archambault as a whole. And its future, too!"

Javi looks unmoved; Beaumont looks bored. Over on the other side of the room, Dominique sits bolt upright as though he's only just started listening.

Pascal steps forward once more, brandishing a clipboard. "Sign-ups now, please!"

You consider for a moment while the others rush forward. Beaumont, Mai, and a few others sign up for Athletics with Vere; Javi is signing up for the Drama Club with Pascal. Dominique's chatting with Clemence as he signs up to the Student Council. You'll have more time with your peers in your chosen Leadership Class, though there will be time for everyone. Certainly your presence in a class will bring more prestige to the teacher.

Dominique has already sidled over to sign up for the Student Council, along with the quiet student, Gabi, who was taking notes at the front. You stride up to Clemence and sign your name on the clipboard.

"Wonderful!" Clemence says happily. "We'll meet in my classroom in half an hour."

Next

You arrive at Clemence's class at the same time as Gabi, the student you noticed in the theater. Their shirt and pants are unwrinkled, their tie is immaculate, and their heavy, dark hair is cut in a neat bob. They bow smoothly to you.

"I'm so looking forward to working with you, Prince Irad Motahhari," they say with a touch of officiousness.

Together, you enter the classroom and take your seats. Clemence has set up desks facing each other, putting you in mind of a parliamentary session. Clemence is watching from their desk, taking notes while most of the students are sitting around chatting. Dominique is sitting on one of the tables, cross-legged.

"…so, I think maybe it's best if we start work now," says Dominique, but the chatter does not abate.

Clemence coughs. "Be a little firmer," they say kindly. Gabi nods along, but Dominique looks alarmed.

Dominique nods quickly. "Come on, everyone," he says.

No one seems to hear, or if they do, they don't pay attention. Gabi sighs very obviously.

Dominique shoots you a nervous smile. "So," he says. "We were discussing the Winter Ball!"

It seems Archambault Academy and Gallatin College have a tradition of meeting for a Hearthlight celebration before the end of the Winter Term. You've not met any of the Gallatin students yet, of course, but Clemence intimates that you'll have a chance to socialize before the ball.

"We have to outdo what they did last time," Dominique says. "It was fireworks before. I was thinking a hot air balloon ride."

Gabi looks horrified. "That's incredibly dangerous!" they burst out. "How could we organize something like that in good conscience? A carriage ride would be much more appropriate."

Someone else puts up a hand and suggests a boat trip, and the discussion devolves into argument. Clemence catches your eye, saying nothing, but this must all be part of the Leadership Class experience.

I'd love a hot air balloon ride," you say. "It's not something that's been done before. Everyone will remember it for years!"

Dominique beams at you, but Gabi frowns at you from beneath their heavy bangs.

"The bylaws of Reichner County," they say, "strongly discourage loud noises at night. It's a farming issue."

Some of the others start muttering amongst themselves, not going so far as to disagree with you directly, but you're certain they'll cause problems if you don't address it now.

"What I do know," you say, with a meaningful weight behind your words, "is that my mother always loves balloon rides at night."

"Yes, but," Gabi says. "I don't think it's wise in the winter weather."

"Prince Irad Motahhari said what he said!" Dominique snaps.

Clemence stands up. "Come on, everyone," they say. "Prince Irad Motahhari's decision is perfectly sound. Let's talk about how we'll make it happen."

Next

Despite Clemence stepping in, the discussion is fraught and tense. It's evening when you finish, and everyone is tired and fractious by the end. "It feels like the end of term's going to be next week," Dominique groans.

"Don't worry," Clemence says. "You've got plenty of time."

Afterwards, Dominique dawdles in the corridor to speak with you, looking preoccupied. He looks distracted, and not exactly his usual self..

Come on," you say sharply. "Tell me what's wrong. You look like a sad dog."

Dominique gives you a dramatically wounded expression. "A sad dog," Dominique says. "I never heard the like."

He shoots you a weak smile.

He sighs heavily.

"My parents have been saying I can't have the sapphire ring I wanted for Winter Ball," he says. "I've been wanting it for forever—I saw it in a jeweler's window before term started and they promised, and now it's not happening. It feels horrid."

Rarely have you been refused a trinket that you wanted. It must feel disappointing. Certainly Dominique looks entirely downcast.

Dominique blinks at you. "I suppose I do have an allowance, don't I?" he says as though this has never occurred to him before. "My parents are the ones to deal with it."

"You can save up," you suggest.

"Hmm," Dominique says thoughtfully.

"You can tell me how it looks, once I get it," he says. Lowering his voice, he adds, "I've been told my hands are one of my best features."

He cocks his head flirtatiously.

As Dominique meets your gaze, his brown eyes sparkle.

"I'm looking forward to the Winter Ball, anyway," he says. "The Gallatin lot are plenty of fun."

The Days Pass

As fall sets in, the bite in the air grows. On the first day of frost, your shoes crunch on the fallen leaves, and your breath steams in the air. Pascal announces at breakfast that the older students from Archambault will be attending Gallatin College for a formal dinner.

"Now, we're going to comport ourselves with our usual enthusiasm and aplomb," Pascal says. "It'll be a wonderful evening."

Dominique gives you a significant look. "We can find out what they'd like for the Winter Ball!" he says. "So it's perfect."

"They won't be thinking about that," Javi scoffs. "They'll be fishing for spouses."

Beside you, Asher says softly, "I've been checking it over each day this week. It's a beautiful set of buildings."