Ryan concentrated on his drills, just as Matthew had shown him, determined to perfect them. He knew that he didn’t stand a chance of measuring up to the standard of Marcus or the other Elite, starting as late as he had with the sword. Yet Marcus seemed impressed with his abilities with the veil.
He’d also discovered the Royal Library since Prince Alexander had brought him here. The scholars had even assured him that as long as he didn’t neglect his other tasks, he was free to go to the library at any time. He’d loved getting classes from the scholars again. He was behind the others of his age in the palace, even the children of the palace staff, yet the scholars had been impressed that he already had a good grasp of his letters and counting, and that he could read. He loved visiting the l
