Elias watched her quietly, noting her progress. Seraphine had improved dramatically in her studies over the past weeks, yet her mannerisms remained unpredictible. He remembered the day she had been so displeased with a maid for accidentally spilling hot tea on her that she had thrown her teacup   shattering pieces landing sqaurely in the maid's hand. The image was almost comical now, yet it reminded him of how sudden and absolute her temper could be. When they attended the Academy, would things truly be safe? He glanced at her silently, writing with her hair falling over her face, the sharpness of her focus at odds with the volatile girl she could become.

                                                                                                      

A week before school began, they were mid-lesson. Elias had been teaching her about the kings and their lineages.

"Who succeeded King Aldric after his second son passed?" he asked, pausing for her to answer,

Seraphine gave the correct response without hesitation. Elias nodded and glanced out the window. "That's about all I have for today. I was planning to go out with Sheila   want to join?"

Seraphine's face twisted in confusion. "Sheila?"

"It's what I named the Black mare," he explained. "You may name your horse Cookie, but I can't name mine?"

She raised her eyebrow, clearly shocked that he knew the name of her favourite stallion. Elias chuckled lightly. "The maids speak quite loudly near my chambers. I was bound to hear."

"Is that a no?" he teased. "Would you rather do some math?"

Over the last few months, Seraphine found Elias dreadfully annoying   one moment icy, the next human, unpredictable. Yet, a small rivalry had formed between them, a rhythm of challenge and tease that was now effortless but confusing. His righteousness clashed with her villainess persona, creating sparks neither could ignore.

"I already rode today, and I don't fancy any other horse," she sighed, regaining her composure. "But I did see you ride the other day   you barely looked like a flailing fish, congrats. Math it is, then?"

Elias allowed a small twitch at her words but simply shrugged. " I was just kidding about the math, see you tomorrow, and have a good evening, Lady Seraphine,"

Mina left quielty, unaware this would be the last day they would see each other before school began.

                                                                                   

The following morning, she arrived at the same time for her lesson, but the room was empty. She waited a few minutes, suspicion growing.

Storming into the hall, she found the nearest maid. "If you want to keep your life, tell me where Elias is right now," she demanded, her voice sharp. The maid trembled.

A cold voice cut through the tension like ice. "He was summoned to the capital last minute this morning, Now stop acting like a fool   you are an embarrassment."

Seraphine froze. Only one could speak with gut-wrencing authority. The Duke stood behind her, eyes like polished steel. She swallowed her fear; she was a villainess, after all, and had no choice but to be evil.

"And it isn't deemed important to inform me? Or at least provide another tutor? she asked, trying to keep her voice sharp and commanding, the words trembling slightly despite her best efforts to sound fearsome.

The Duke sighed, frustration evident. "I wouldn't allow you to squander the Arlowe name any further than you have until now. He will remain in the capital until the first day of school. I will send a tutor for you until then, but if you harm them even slightly, I will revoke your attendance. Do you hear me, Seraphine Allexandria Arlowe?"

"I understand, Your Grace. Thank you for thus opportunity," she whispered, bowing carefully.

Once the Duke walked away, she returned to her room. Until the Academy's first day, she studied with the new tutor her father had assigned. Days passed quietly, with minimal disruptions, and threat of her former violent outbursts felt almost distant.