"Battle tactics and maneuvering," Neil answered. Nigel's face brightened as he turned to Aiden. "Maybe you can help us, Commander?"
Aiden smiled. "There are only two people who have ever scored better than I have in that practical."
"Who?" the twins asked together.
"My father, Byron McKenzie, who is currently the shifter elder and former Unit Commander." Aiden paused smiling.
"Who's the other?" Nigel asked.
Aiden pointed to Meryn.
Adriel's mouth dropped open. "You are not serious."
Eva chuckled. Placing her finger under his chin, she closed his mouth. "Better close that darlin', you're gonna catch flies."
Aiden nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "She is ruthless and practical. She is willing to make the sacrifices needed to win the endgame." He stopped a moment. He looked like he was choosing his words carefully. "Witches, in particular, have always had a hard time doing these practicals. Everything about your gifts revolves around helping others, but Meryn is able to set aside emotion and make decisions that save lives."
"But she's nice," Neil protested.
Aiden's eyes turned sad. "It would be easier on her if she was heartless. She pays for every choice she makes; they weigh on her greatly."
Adriel frowned, looking at Meryn. "She may be small, but she has the heart of a giant."
Magnus clapped his hands together softly. "Okay everyone, clear out."
"I'll wake them an hour before dinner," Eva said, once again trying to get everybody to leave the room.
Adriel and Aiden headed to their mates and gave them each a soft kiss before leaving. Nigel and Neil rose and ran for their books.
Magnus turned to her wincing. "More paperwork?"
"Always paperwork," Kari said, laughing.
CHAPTER SIX
"Okay, explain it to me again, why is this one is chronological?" Magnus asked, holding up a stack of files.
Kari looked up from her desk or what she had commandeered to be her desk. "Because in the long term, paranormals will remember when something happened, not who, where, or what. It is just how we think. Humans remember people and faces."
"How do you know this?" he asked.
"I did a study to help better organize things."
"Why are humans better with faces?" he wondered.
"They have shorter lifespans and usually interact with significantly less people over the course of their lives than paranormals. Most humans live in the same place where they are born, surrounded by familiar things, people, and family. The only thing that changes for them are the people in their lives.
"Paranormals, on the other hand, can live up to fifty times longer. Cities rise and fall, religions are born, family and friends become strangers, but time is a faithful companion. Time never changes, it is why a vampire can tell you when he came to America, but not who was on the boat with him, the weather the day the boat landed, or even who they were traveling with." She stood up and went to his desk. She looked through a tall stack of manila folders before she pulled out a single file. She flipped it open. "When did you begin the Royal Gardens?"
"Six hundred and forty years ago," he answered almost immediately.
She smiled. "And who was the powerful witch that set the crystals?" Magnus' face became blank, and then slowly, understanding began to dawn on his features. She continued. "This is why timelines are better for you than personnel files. A file for the witch Louis Tournesol would be useless since you can not remember who he was."
Magnus sat back. "That is impressive."
"I am glad you think so. Those eight stacks need to be divided by decade." She pointed to the stack leaning against the wall.
Magnus paled. "Those are all of my daily reports from the day I took over as Prince."
"Yes, I know."
"Why are you not doing it?" he asked.
Kari raised a brow. "What good would it do if I organized them? They are your files; you are the one who will have to use them. You will need to know what is there and how to get to them. I may be an excellent organizer, but I cannot think for you."
Magnus nodded, looking properly chastised. "That is fair enough. Your methods have already helped me change how I think. That alone will make things easier."
"And we are just getting started," she said smiling wide.
Magnus was about to answer when the phone rang. He went to reach for it when she popped his hand. "Never answer your own phone," she admonished.
"But Cheryl..." Magnus started.
"Cheryl is not here and for a good reason." Kari picked up the phone from its cradle. "Prince Magnus' office, how can I assist you?"