The Schism (The Broken Prism Book 4) Read Online Free Page B

like his usual self.
    “Is that all the stuff you brought with you?”
    “I travel light,” Hayden replied with a frown, setting his bag on the edge of his bed and watching Bonk regard the slender, T-shaped post that he was meant to perch on with disdain. “I suppose we’re allowed to speak freely in here?”
    “You don’t see any servants lurking around, do you?” Oliver sneered.
    Hayden scowled. “This is going to be the worst winter holiday I’ve ever had, and that includes being at the orphanage in Merina.”
    “It’s no picnic for Lorn and I either, having you here,” the older boy retorted. “If you don’t like it, feel free to leave.”
    “Not until I get my stuff back.” Hayden assured him defiantly. “I’ll play whatever games I have to play, and learn whatever I have to learn, no matter how many times your mother smacks me for it.”
    “Then you might stand a chance at winning,” Oliver conceded.
    “I’m beginning to understand why you and Lorn are such snots. I used to think my mom was strict when she sent me to bed without dessert, but she never punched me in the head for simple breaches of etiquette.”
    Oliver shrugged, unoffended. “My mother is powerful and influential in the magical community, and your mother was as common as they come. You don’t get to be where we are by being common; you get there by being fantastic at everything you do and playing the game better than everyone else.”
    Hayden momentarily considered punching him for insulting his mother, but then considered that he had kind of insulted Magdalene Trout, and that punching Oliver would likely be considered a breach of etiquette worthy of getting him slapped again.
    “Fine, then let’s put on our friendly faces and you can tour me around this small city before dinner.”
    Oliver nodded and opened the door, unconsciously straightening his posture and leading Hayden back into the hall. Bonk took flight and soared above them, obviously keen on touring the place for himself, which didn’t appear to bother Oliver because he didn’t comment on it as they walked.
    Hayden straightened his own posture as well, determined not to give anyone reason to criticize him if he could avoid it.
    I’ll show the entire Trout family how fast a Frost can learn.
    They wandered idly through the house, moving from room to room while Oliver pointed out all the things of interest and the household staff came and went. They were nothing but pleasant to each other on the surface, which felt odd but also entertaining, because there was an art form to conveying one’s dislike for another while being as overtly friendly as possible. It gave him a whole new perspective on how adults dealt with each other, and he wondered how many of the Council members actually liked each other, or how many of the teachers at Mizzenwald for that matter, and how much was just posturing for others.
    Hayden’s stomach was growling by the time Oliver led him to the formal dining hall for dinner. Hayden was pleased to note that it was considerably smaller than the formal dining room at the Frost estate, which was intended to seat at least forty.
    Magdalene and Lorn were already there, seated at one end of the table for twenty, where there were four plates and sets of silverware laid out. Hayden was a little daunted by how many forks, knives, spoons, and plates of different sizes were spread out for each of them.
    The dish washers must cry every time they say they’re expecting guests.
    “We’re eating in the formal dining room because I seem to recall your struggle with table manners the last time we met in Kargath,” Magdalene explained before he could ask.
    Hayden felt his face burn at the memory of his second year at school, when the Council had decided to check up on him over breakfast and he had violated nearly every law of etiquette that existed in front of the most important mages in the Nine Lands.
    “I wasn’t aware that the trial would be held over