Iftia: Lyx Palace, Study

• Elianna •

Pushing the door ajar, Elianna stood behind and hoped that Rowan wouldn't be too busy for her. His entire silhouette was almost hidden behind tall piles of documents on his desk and she suddenly felt that it might be a wrong time for her to visit. Regardless, she tried in a low voice, "Your Highness." 

At the sound of her voice, Rowan lifted his head and appeared above the mountains of documents on his desk. His brilliant blue eyes sparkled in surprise when he smiled, "Eli? Come on in, don't just stand there." 

"Are you busy? Do you have some time to talk now?" she checked, carefully made her way into the room.  

"Just a little, please don't be bothered by it." Rowan got up from his seat and walked towards her. 

"Your High—" 

Before she could continue to speak all that she had in her mind, he placed a finger on her lips. Looking at her, he grazed his finger gently across the curve of her lower lip and said, "When we're alone, please call me Rowan. I don't like it when you're so formal with me." 

The sudden closeness caused her heart to skitter and she felt herself getting lost in the depths of his blue eyes when she stared at them for a little too long. His name became a soft murmur that tumbled past her lips, "Rowan."

"How can I help you, love?" His fingers moved to tuck loose strands of her hair behind her ear. 

Elianna inhaled sharply, trying to figure out the wave of foreign emotions that darted through her chest. Even when she had spent quite an amount of time with him, she still couldn't get used to his loving gestures. Since their meeting, Rowan didn't bother to hide his intentions towards her but neither did she dare to ask him about them. They always left her slightly lost with a desire of wanting more but also confused and unsure of how to reciprocate. Once again, she was left utterly flustered and had to shift her gaze away from his eyes to stare at the space above his shoulder. She spoke her request, "U-Um, I would like to take the Royal Medical Exam." 

"You don't have to rush, Eli. The Royal Medical Exam is one of the most difficult exams in the Kingdom and each candidate only has one chance to attempt every two years," Rowan reminded. 

"I'm well-prepared," Elianna replied firmly. Though, she wouldn't know how to explain to him if he were to ask her. Every piece of knowledge and those medical texts were taught and left to her by Jason. She couldn't just mention to him about Jason because of the wronged sentence of treason that was tied to his name. 

Even when Rowan had been genuine and sincere to here, she wasn't confident enough to tell her story. She didn't know if she could trust him enough for him to not send her back to Thethia once he knew about everything. After all, she was still a wanted criminal and an accomplice to their treacherous act against the royal name of Thethia. If the First Prince of Iftia was suspected of providing sanctuary to a person like her, he could be prosecuted. 

"If that's the case, I'll send Kaylon over to the Royal Medical Department to schedule an exam for you," Rowan smiled, seemingly convinced that she didn't require any more preparations.

"Thank you," Elianna returned a smile, relieved that he hadn't probed further. 

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Over dinner, the knights were chatting among themselves when Elianna entered the dining hall. Kaylon caught sight of her immediately and announced, "Elianna, your exam is scheduled to be two days later!"

Pleasantly delighted by the news, she beamed, "Thank you, Kaylon!" 

Alec raised his glass towards her and smiled widely, "All the best! Let's celebrate after you're done." 

"That's only valid if I pass the exam," she laughed. 

"We have faith in you, " Ilias followed to raise his glass towards her.

"I'm sure you will do well," Rowan added.

"No doubt," Tristan winked.

Warmth brimmed in her heart and she was sure that if everyone else was still alive, they would have the same unwavering faith in her. An ache surfaced but she made sure the pained feelings didn't make it to her expression. Elianna was determined to do well because she wanted to make everyone proud. 

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The two days before the official appointment for her examinations, Elianna worked hard on her preparations and made sure that she had gone through the medical texts thoroughly. This morning, she woke up earlier than usual to freshen up and reached over to give a tight squeeze on Thunder for some confidence boost. She murmured, "I'll do well, right?" 

The panther turned his head slightly and left wet, sloppy kisses all over her face as he gave her some comfort and encouragement to ease her nerves. He let out a soft rumbling mewl and nuzzled his head against hers. Giggling happily, she grinned, "Sleep, Thunder. I'll be sure to bring good news!" 

The panther bared his teeth in the manner as though he was smiling at her and he closed his eyes and went back to sleep. Elianna quickly smoothed her hand over the medical garb and ensure that she was neatly dressed. She psyched herself up before leaving her bedchamber and went towards the dining hall. Everyone was already there, waiting for her before they dine. 

"You look beautiful in those," Rowan complimented.

"Thank you," Elianna nodded shyly.

"Today is the day, isn't it?" Alec grinned as he reached out to ruffle her hair gently. 

From the corner of her eye, she saw Rowan throwing a fork at Alec. Judging the angle of the fork, she knew that it wouldn't hit her but she lowered her head reflexively. On the other hand, Alec caught the fork with swift accuracy before settling it down on the table in front of him. Elianna raised her head and looked towards Alec, seeing that he was smirking mischievously while winking towards Rowan. 

After breakfast, Rowan sent her to the Royal Medical Department and he held onto her hand while guiding her down the carriage. She bowed slightly, "Thank you." 

He smiled, giving her hand a slight squeeze before releasing it. Her heart skipped a beat but the gesture also filled her with more confidence for the exam. It was his way of wishing her well and in a clear voice, he said, "Let's go in." 

They entered the Royal Medical Department Hall together. When the medical administrators saw Rowan, they greeted him politely. An old official greeted him at the administration hall, he asked, "Your Highness, is she the one?" 

"Yes, Professor Hamley," Rowan replied politely and continued, "She is the one that I hope to see working in Lyx Palace." 

"May I have the Lady's name?" Professor Hamley looked at her.

"Elianna—" Elianna reported her name but paused immediately when she thought about her family name. She couldn't possibly reveal that she was an Evarix and neither could she use her mother's family name. She pondered hard about whose family name she could borrow but all her line of thoughts went to the same conclusion that she couldn't even use Jason's, Lylia's nor Marie's family name. 

"Everson," Rowan said. She shot her head up to look at him, but he remained facing Professor Hamley. He repeated, "Her name is Elianna Everson." 

"Very well, Lady Elianna. I am Raphael Hamley, the Chief of Royal Medical Department and your examiner for the day," Professor Hamley reached out his right hand, wanting to acquaint himself to her through a handshake.

Elianna was still bothered by the fake family name that Rowan came up for her, but she reached forward to take Professor Hamley's hand. Bowing respectfully, she stammered a little, "I-It is my honour to meet you, Professor Hamley."

"May I ask about the veil that you're wearing?" 

Once again, she was lost for words. Elianna fidgeted nervously as she blamed herself in her mind that she hadn't thought about these details the night before. 

"Professor Hamley, please do not question further," Rowan's voice turned cold and sharp. "I was the one who allowed it and that's all you need to know." 

At that moment, the room's temperature seemed to have dropped to a freezing point. Elianna felt a chill travel down her spine, forcing her back to straighten and her shoulders to shift uncomfortably. Professor Hamley also noticed the change and bowed nervously towards Rowan, keeping his head low, "If Your Highness wishes for me to not ask further, I will end my questions here." 

"I would appreciate that," Rowan said, easing the tension within the room. Elianna noticed that he had turned to face her and his gaze was no longer cold and dangerous. There was a glimpse of warmth in them and she mentally heaved a sigh of relief. He wished her well again, "All the best and I'll see you in a bit, Eli." 

"Thank you, Your Highness." Elianna bowed towards him. With that, Rowan left the Royal Medical Department, bringing the remaining freezing tension along with him.

"Lady Elianna, please follow me to your examination hall," Professor Hamley gestured to her.

"Alright, thank you, Professor Hamley." Elianna nodded respectfully.

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Iftia: Lyx Palace, Study

• Rowan •

Two weeks passed after Elianna completed the exam and Rowan requested for Ilias to drop by the Royal Medical Department to await her results. 

When Ilias came back, he brought back her results, along with Professor Hamley.

"Is there a matter?" Rowan asked, confused.

"Your Highness, may I ask where did you find Lady Elianna?"

"I'm afraid that I can't tell you that," he replied, alarmed by the sudden question. "May I ask why?"

"When I was looking through her essays, I thought that she had a marvelous way of thinking! No one ever came out with these sort of theories except for the Genius of Thethia!" Professor Hamley exclaimed, almost unable to contain his excitement.

"Jason Wayland?" Rowan checked.

"Indeed! I am so honoured to be able to meet a talent such as Lady Elianna! It's a pity that Jason Wayland died young, but Lady Elianna rationalises the exact same way as he used to!" Professor Hamley went on and on.

Rowan didn't bother with Professor Hamley's ramblings. Rather, he fell deep into his thoughts after having a glimpse into the mystery surrounding her. 

Jason Wayland...?

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