Two mornings after I'd wished on Tamsin's star, I was in the kitchen at Blakely, hastily slathering jam onto toast. I'd already missed breakfast, and Gerald had left for gym without me.

One of my friends shook his head as he departed. "Running late again, Blane?"

"It's an experiment in time management," I said with a smile.

In truth, it was the second time this week I'd suffered restless sleep. Blood filled my dreams--fouling the river and sea, spilling across the land, allowing no escape. If Gerald hadn't shaken me awake, I likely wouldn't have risen at all. I gathered my bag and tablet, and devoured the toast as I ran. My wristcom chimed, startling me. Only Tamsin would call at this early hour. The display was deactivated, in case a disconcerting situation such as this arose.

I answered. "Good morning. This is an inopportune time to chat, my dear."

Her laughter cajoled me, as always. "If you want to meet at all this week, it'll have to be a five-minute fiasco."

"Certainly. When and where?"

"After Worlds History. The statue of De Haviland. You know the one."

It was a peculiar spot for an interlude. However, I longed to see her. I agreed, then hurried to class.

Another day of rowing practice and trials awaited. I was exhausted, but I found the rhythm and focus therapeutic. Chester and I surpassed our previous record with ease.

Vance startled me with a manly pat to the shoulder. "I knew you had it in you. We'll surely bring the cup home to Chamberlayne this year."

Later, as I helped the team wipe the racing shells clean, he knelt beside me.

"Since I've come to know you, you've surprised me, Blane. I'd assumed you were as arrogant and misguided as our families portray. But you seem a more forthright type. I admire that in a person."

I gave him a casual nod, then returned to scrubbing. "There's always a human side to exaggeration. I've discovered this as well."

He chuckled. "At any rate, our association can only strengthen the team spirit. Regardless of what our fathers think, I'd like to share a more civil esteem."

I set my polishing rag down. "Are you saying you wish to be friends?"

"As close as we can get, without losing our inheritances to treason. Why not?"

The sweep of his blue eyes filled me with dread rather than conviviality, but I acknowledged the handshake he extended. I sensed a deeper purpose to his regard, which I couldn't decipher.

My own duplicity surely equaled his. It was wise to keep a rival close, and perhaps this was his intention. I decided to make it mine.

After I showered and changed, I bade farewell to everyone.

Worlds History set off to a humorous start when the professor scolded Tamsin.

"Miss Lovejoy, do remove your floral accouterments, please. This is your last warning. The next time you ignore the rules, you'll face disciplinary action."

She swaggered to the front of the class, removed the sprig of honeysuckle pinned in her hair, and dropped it ceremoniously into the wastebasket.

Several students laughed.

She returned to her seat, and brushed her fingers discreetly along the side of my desk as she passed.

I couldn't resist a grin.

The professor called us to order. "In two weeks, we have a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of History and Culture in Michigattan. Part of your term final will be to select a time period, and detail its importance in a cooperative project."

Sighs and groans filled the room.

"The system has randomly assigned each of you to a partner," the professor said. "As I call your names, please give thought as to which of the following eras you wish to represent."

He sent a class-wide document over the network with one tap on his wristcom. My tablet acknowledged receipt with a pleasant tone. I paid little attention to the partner assignments until my name was announced.

"Mr. Silas Blane, and Miss Tamsin Lovejoy. Which historical period will you choose?"

I shrugged. It was awkward beyond reason to be paired with her.

"We'll take the early settlement of Mars, sir," she said, with her usual composure.

After class was dismissed, I lingered a moment, letting Tamsin get a head start.

Once outside, I wandered closer to the large marble statue of the famous philosopher, Nolan De Haviland. It was an extravagant work, though I doubted if the man had ever been so vain in life. One fine arm raised to the heavens, he proclaimed the superiority of humankind in immortal pomp, within a niche all his own--all alone, in a corner of the courtyard, where students passed without a second glance at his greatness. The bird droppings adorning his elaborate carved wig attested to the indifference.

Tamsin waved from behind a long whorl of De Haviland's stone cloak. I glanced about, then joined her in hiding.

"This is a precarious arrangement," I said.

"That's half the fun, isn't it? Always the chance of getting caught. But we'll outwit them."

The thrill of touching her heightened with the risk, along with the brief intensity of our passion. "We have to get to class," I said, my breath warming her skin.

"I know."

"Is this truly the only time I'll see you this week?"

She sighed. "We have to be careful, especially now that we're working on a class project together. My father and uncle are in Michigattan for business, and they'll monitor my whereabouts. It's best if we hold off a while."

"I miss you already. One more to part with?"

We shared another kiss. Severing myself from her embrace was agony.

"I'll call you when it's safe," she said. "Be careful, my love."

I grinned. "So, it's love now?"

She kissed the tip of her finger, and pressed it against my lips. "Never question a good thing."

Then she peered around the corner, and dashed away to her next class, leaving me stunned.

The next few days presented a busy regimen, which I was glad for. I missed Tamsin more than I thought I would. Determined not to pine, I filled my free time with friends and recreation. Gerald spent most evenings with Alys, and it was fair to say she was now his girlfriend. No matter, I had other acquaintances.

Reuben visited Blakely on the weekend, and we perfected our skills at billiards. He was agreeable on the surface, but his wit was often indelicate.

"That was a right good scene you and the Lovejoy girl put on," he said, as he sank another of my stripes into a side pocket. "You two raised the temperature on that boat by several degrees. It's too bad your families are so antagonistic. She's one hell of a looker, and she seemed to enjoy your attentions."

Eager to change the subject, I chalked the tip of my cue. "The moment stands as an unfortunate farce. There are more important things to worry about at our age than women."

He snickered. "Couldn't say it better myself. My old man warned me to stay away from skirts. Says I'll thank myself for it later. It's been the best advice he ever gave me. Most of his words just sink into a pile of I-don't-give-a-damns."

I broke a cluster with a loud clack, and sat on the edge of the pool table. "What does your father do, out of curiosity?"

"Net broadcasting. Ever hear of Gable Media Group?"

"You mean GMG, the host of the Society News Hour? Of course. Who doesn't know of it?"

"Precisely. We're a household name, don't forget it." He grinned, and pointed a finger. "Be glad you've met one of us. If you're ever in a bind, we can paint a more favorable situation for you, with a few maneuvers in the right places."

I laughed. "Well, now I know who to come to when my reputation is in shambles."

"Don't underestimate the power of connections," he said, grinning.

"I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of a foundation."

Reuben sat beside me, and lowered his voice. "Speaking of connections, how far have you progressed in your initiation with The Order?"

"I've only attended a couple gatherings, but my mother and Lady Selketh have taught me much over the past months. My mother says I'm ready for my Rite of Passage , but I have doubts."

"You must have exceptional abilities to be nominated for the Rite so soon. Are you a seer, like your mother?"

"I am, though an amateur one."

He scrutinized me with pale gray eyes. "I didn't know. Gifted seers are rare, and they hold much influence among the circles. Verthandis--your mother, that is--is one of the greatest. I'm doubly honored to have made your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is mine."

When we finished our game, Reuben invited me to go for a walk. It was a nice evening. We meandered to the middle of the square, and paused before the tower as it rang eight o'clock.

"Now that's a full moon," Reuben said, admiring the bright orb rising over the rooftops. "Must make you homesick to see it."

"Yes. I didn't expect to miss my family as much as I have."

He bowed his head. "I miss mine, too. Even my mother's badgering. I suppose you can't appreciate something until you're away from it."

We made our way to the lake, and sat upon one of the stone benches along the bank.

"Why did you join The Order?" I asked, tossing a pebble into the water. It skipped, then disappeared beneath the placid surface, leaving a ring of ripples.

"My father is a high-ranking member, and he introduced me to it. We're not supposed to reveal the identity of other seekers. But you surely know of Noble Steward Cyrilio."

I remembered him well enough, as the bone-clad stag Guardian, Olenhesch. "Is he your father?"

One curt nod broke the secrecy vow.

"Most interesting."

The clock struck half the hour. Reuben checked his wristcom. "I'd best be getting back to Lyons. Our Housemaster is prone to fits if we stay out too long."

"Our Mr. Worthington is equally frantic. It must be a job requirement for them to have erratic nerves."

He laughed. "I suppose so. Anyway, splendid evening, Blane. I look forward to next time."

We shook hands, and he departed. I walked on alone, lost in reverie. As I neared the front steps of Knights Hall, an expensive hover sedan drifted to the curb. Platinum and chrome accents gleamed beneath the moonlight. I proceeded, thinking little of it.

One of the doors opened.

"Father, you've the most shameless perspective." It was Tamsin's voice, her laughter echoing.

I froze in dread. Their car blocked my path, so I ducked behind a hedge row to wait.

An elegant chauffeur emerged, and took a lady's gloved hand. Tamsin stepped out, wearing a fur-trimmed evening cape in blushing mauve, and a modish head-wrap adorned with gems and feathers. She smiled at the two men accompanying her.

I recognized the older gentleman with alarm. Silvering hair swept into a bleak part, he strutted to Tamsin's side with overreaching authority, long overcoat flowing behind him. Mr. Raleigh Lovejoy was as ruthless as I remembered.

The second man was also well-dressed. His light brown hair and gold-green eyes were charmingly familiar, the image of Tamsin. It could only be Irving Lovejoy. The lines upon his face hinted at smiles, rather than the arrogant leering of his older brother. He put an arm around his daughter, and she embraced him.

"It was a most enjoyable evening," he said. "Do call more often. I've sent you my updated contact, and I expect you to use it."

"Of course I will."

He kissed her on the cheek. "That's my little rose."

Raleigh cleared his throat. "Tamsin, my dear. May I have a word with you in private?"

She whirled to face him, dangled pearls and plumes quivering. "Of course, Uncle."

They walked a short distance, toward my hiding spot.

I crouched lower in the shadows, scarcely able to move or breathe.

Headlights shafted in precise white beams across the terrace. Irving and the chauffeur conversed quietly, silhouetted against the glare.

Tamsin and her uncle faced each other. They stood a few paces away, close enough to reveal the creased discontent in her expression.

Raleigh lit a cigar. "I understand you've quite the busy schedule for your first term."

"Yes, sir."

The scent of sweet tobacco cloistered through the air, wafting in tendrils. "And have you chosen a major yet? You must decide sooner or later."

She took a deep breath, and folded her arms. "I'm considering business law."

"An interesting choice. As long as there's room for a husband and children alongside, you're on the right path."

Her eyes flicked away, in my direction. She didn't see me, but I saw the anger flaring beneath her pale skin.

"And what if I follow a different path? I'm only fifteen, Uncle Raleigh. I don't want to think about such things yet."

He tapped smoldering ash onto the pavement. "Tamsin. How many times must I remind you? You are your father's heir, and mine as well. Seeing as your aunt and I were cursed to be childless, our next generation begins with you. The stipulations of inheritance will only pass to a married party. If it isn't you, it'll be your brother, Stewart."

"I know all about the family fortune, and your rules" she said. "Yet I still fail to see the necessity of a married heir. I'll make up my own mind about it."

He grabbed her by the arm, face contorted in rage. "You'll listen to me, if you know what's best for you."

"Let go. That hurts."

"Not until you stop acting like a child, and promise to uphold your duty."

She twisted away from him. "What duty? Vance--is he my so-called duty, now? Shall I become his prized broodmare, and give you lots of babies stamped with the names Lovejoy and Prynne? I think not. I don't love him, and I'll never marry him. You can't force me to."

"Don't try to cross me with your stubbornness. I won't bow to it like your spineless father does."

Irving approached, concern apparent. "Tamsin, is everything alright?"

"No, it isn't." Her voice shook. "Nothing will be alright until I become Vance Prynne's whore."

Raleigh slapped her across the jaw.

She cried out, cowering from him.

Irving shouted, rushing forward with a raised fist.

Raleigh shoved the younger man to the ground in an undignified heap. "You'd both be wise to show more restraint. Remember, little brother, if it wasn't for me, you'd be lounging in a cell somewhere, doing time for all those unpaid gambling debts. Even your daughter's tuition to this esteemed academy came from my hand. Come, tempt me to withdraw my support. It won't take much, given this impertinence."

Tamsin buried her face in her hands, sobbing.

Abandoning sense and caution, I walked into the light.

All three stared with horrified expressions. Irving scrambled to his feet, and stood beside Raleigh.

"Oh, pardon me," I said. "Have I interrupted anything of importance?"

Raleigh sneered. "Blane. What in hell are you doing here?"

I lifted my chin. "I was out for an evening stroll by the lake, when I heard a lady crying. Naturally, a gentleman would investigate. Are you well, Miss Lovejoy?"

A cold ambivalence emanated from her. "I'm perfectly fine, thank you. You may continue on your way, sir."

I bowed. "Glad to hear it. If you like, I'll call campus security. They'll send an escort to see you safely--"

"She doesn't need your help," Raleigh said. "Be gone, Mr. Blane. I detest your presence."

"So be it. A wonderful evening to all of you."

I walked slowly, and hesitated a moment at the corner. If Raleigh made another violent move toward my beloved, I'd intervene.

The contention about them settled, and they fell into a heated discussion.

Returning to Blakely did little to calm me. I slammed the door to my room.

Gerald looked up from his desk, where he labored over a homework assignment. "What's the matter, my friend? You look as if you'd like to murder someone with your bare hands."

"I would. His name is Raleigh Lovejoy."

He laughed. "Finding reason to despise him as much as our parents do already?"

"More than you know."

I peeled off my coat, and proceeded to the lavatory to relieve myself. After I washed my hands, my wristcom chimed.

Tamsin. The display was on for once, and her lovely face appeared an inch above my cuff.

"Silas, what in the worlds were you thinking with that stunt?" Agitation was shrill in her voice.

I swallowed. "I really was just out for a walk. You and your delightful patriarchs happened to be in my way."

She regarded me with lowered brows. "What did you see?"

I couldn't lie to her. "I saw and heard everything."

"Damn it all." She bit her lip. Tears darkened her eyes on the hologram.

"Please, don't cry. I can't bear to see you in distress."

She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. "Well, I've nothing to hide. Now you've witnessed what I suffer. I've many obligations to people I hate. Yet I can do little against them, for the sake of my father."

"I've never liked your uncle. He's a brute. Your father seemed a decent man, from what I observed."

"My father is the one person I can trust in my family. But he's considered a scoundrel by many." Her countenance quieted somewhat. "I suppose I take after him in more ways than I thought."

"There's a little smile. I'll do anything to see you happy again."

She tilted her head. "Are you really so enamored of me?"

"Of course I am, darling. I miss you, and I long to hold you."

She was silent for a while, then closed her eyes. "We'll meet soon. I must go, now. Watch for my call, as always."

The image faded, and I was left sitting on the floor, back to the wall. Turmoil muddled my thoughts, and uncertainty burdened my heart.