•Ella
"Tell me what a princess like you is doing in the protectors district," Leon said, walking behind me.
"Maybe this princess is not actually a princess," I answered, without turning to look at him.
"I'm just saying, it's not your style, and you won't get to wear those fancy dresses you love as often." He moved to my side.
"Do not provoke me so early in the morning." I tried walking faster, but he still managed to match my pace, effortlessly.
He picked out a book from the shelf. "This is it. This is probably one of Bidwell's most recommended books."
I took the book from him, and walked towards an empty table to take a seat. He took a seat beside me.
It was a Sunday, a free day for everyone —Except the class who ranked the lowest. Luckily, my class was not.
But because Professor Bidwell made it mandatory to have a history test every Tuesday, I have to study—or at least I thought was going to study.
I should not have told Leon I was at the library. He did spend three hours tutoring me— which was really helpful—but after those three hours, we had engaged in meaningless conversations, and we had been shushed about twenty seven times.
"And they didn't say anything about the bruises you had after returning from school?" Leon asked.
"It seemed like they did not care. Apart from the occasional first aid box which I am sure my mom kept placing on my bed when I was not there," I answered.
"Must have been hard going through all that everyday."
I just shrugged at his comment. "Not everyday per se. Saturdays were cool."
He laughed out, for some reason, earning us our twenty-eighth shush.
"What's so funny?" I whispered.
He stopped laughing and leaned into his chair, meeting my gaze. "I just realized you are so much stronger than I am."
That must have been the craziest thing he has ever said. The whole point of his power is being stronger than everyone.
"Emotion wise," he clarified.
"You didn't let them bring you down. That shows your resilience."
His words reminded me of what Liv once told me.
Resilience.
Was I really as strong as they thought?
I turn away, staring blankly at the table.
After a second of silence, I answered, "I was really excited when I turned fifteen. I was excited to have magic." I did not turn to look at him, but I know he was looking at me.
"I even started writing a journal, to document the day I finally got magic. But that did not happen, unfortunately, and I did not really feel strong at that moment. So, I did not write in that journal again.
"Two year later, I met Liv." I smiled. "She treated me differently, and reminded me that not having magic did not mean I was broken. She was like a little flame in my massive cold world." I finally looked at him.
He had this look on his face that I could not quite decipher.
"I just wanted to tell someone about her, about how she treats me normally, but I did not have anyone to talk to. So, I wrote in my journal. It was also the day I met you." I paused when a small smile formed on his face, causing me to smile as well.
"As for everyone else who treated me like shit, they can all go to he-" Leon placed a finger on my lips, shushing me.
"I do not think you should be saying those words as a princess." He removed his finger.
I scoffed, before we both turned back to the books on the table.
"Leon," I said in a calm tone.
"Yes?"
"Remember when I said I hate when you call me princess?" I asked.
"Yes," He answered.
"I meant it."
"Oh, I know," He replied.
I turned to him in disbelief, before kicking him off the chair.
Everyone turned towards us after that.
"Leon, are you alright?" I asked, feigning concern, before stretching a hand to help him up.
He groaned in pain before taking my hand. "Evil empress it is."
Since he said that to annoy me, I let go of his hand, causing him to fall again.
•••
"You got us kicked out," I complained.
"Me?!" Leon exclaimed. "You're the one who made me fall, twice."
"You were trying to annoy me, and I got annoyed." I stopped walking, causing him to stop as well.
"You just…look so terrifying when you are angry, but in an adorable way," he replied.
Terrifying and adorable?! What does that even mean?!
"I am going back to my room," I said, walking ahead of him. I stopped in my tracks and walked back to him when I realized.
"You are… a good tutor," I said hesitantly, and a corner of his lips lifted up slightly.
We ended up spending the rest of the day in his room, studying.
•••
"I heard you have a test tomorrow. Are you ready for it?" Kara asked.
Kara was one of Leon's friend and inventor buddy. After Leon introduced me to his friends, they also became my friends. We just were not in the same class—They were all second years.
"I have never not been ready for a test." I flash her a smile.
We were heading back to our rooms after classes had ended.
"Ella!" Leon's voice made me jump. When I turned to him, I saw that he was wearing his vest, instead of the usual blazer he usually wore.
That is completely on me.
"Uh-oh. I will see you tomorrow, Kara." I ran off before he could get to me.
There is a reason why ACA's uniform consists of both a vest and a blazer. It is supposed to be interchanged—Wearing one sometimes, and the other some other times.
Leon only wears the blazers.
I just wanted to see him in his vest, and now that I have, I do not regret sneaking off with his blazers yesterday night.
"You should know you look great in that," I called out, before dashing into my room. I would return his blazers tomorrow, or next week.
•••
'Dear journal,
It has been a month since I started at ACA. So far, I still love it. My favorite parts are the battle tests we have. Although, I am not really good at combat. But Leon is.
I am also not great at riding a Pegasus.
I made a few friends, most of them are Leon's friends, but nonetheless, friends.
I also think Professor Bidwell hates me.
Apart from that, I think I am starting to fit in. Everything is going well.
I just need to figure out why I keep hearing all these weird voices.'
—-The last excerpt from Ella's first journal —-