After signing the last of the papers, I followed Aasmon out of the student council room, feeling a strange mix of relief and unease. Knowing Aurora was still inside, likely watching my every move, didn't help. She might be my sister, but her constant attention was suffocating.
Aasmon led me down another hallway, his steps echoing off the stone floor. "Now, your majesty," he began, but then quickly corrected himself. "Aiden, I'll take you to your dormitory. It's customary for all first-year students to have a roommate."
I paused, frowning. "A roommate?"
Aasmon nodded. "Yes, even for someone of your... background." He smiled, his red eyes gleaming as he spoke. "It helps students bond and adjust to life at the academy. Don't worry, the rooms are quite comfortable."
I didn't respond but nodded, feeling slightly uneasy. The thought of sharing a room wasn't appealing, but I couldn't back out now. If this academy had one iron rule, it was that everyone was treated equally, regardless of birth. No one here would address me as "your majesty," just Aiden. It was both freeing and a little unnerving.
Aasmon continued leading me to the dormitory building, which was just as grand as the rest of Blackstone Academy—tall towers of dark stone, elaborate carvings, and large, arched windows. We passed through the entrance and climbed several flights of stairs before reaching a hallway lined with doors.
Finally, we stopped in front of one. Aasmon pushed it open. "This will be your room."
I stepped inside and took in the sight. The room was spacious enough, with two beds, two desks, and large windows overlooking the academy grounds. It wasn't as grand as the palace, but it was definitely comfortable. There was a fire crackling in the small hearth, adding a bit of warmth to the place.
Sitting on one of the beds was a boy, casually reading a book. He looked up as we entered, his green eyes meeting mine with curiosity before a friendly smile appeared on his face. He was a bit shorter than me, with dark hair and sharp features that gave him a striking look. His pointed ears immediately told me he was an elf, or at least part elf.
"Ah, you must be Aiden," he said, closing his book and standing up. "I'm Rael, your roommate for the year. It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise," I replied, setting down my bag. Rael seemed relaxed, but I wasn't sure how I felt about this whole situation yet. Sharing a room with a stranger wasn't something I had much experience with.
Aasmon gave a slight bow. "I'll leave you to get settled. Your first day of classes starts tomorrow, and you'll find your schedule on the desk. Also, as a council member, you'll be expected at tomorrow's student council meeting."
"Council member?" Rael raised an eyebrow, looking at me with surprise.
"Yes," Aasmon confirmed. "By default, all royals are required to participate in the student council. It's tradition here at Blackstone Academy."
I sighed inwardly. Another reason to keep up appearances. "Right," I muttered, not exactly thrilled at the prospect, especially since it meant dealing with Aurora even more. But there was no avoiding it.
"Good day, Aiden. I'll see you tomorrow," Aasmon said with a smile before heading back down the hall, leaving me alone with Rael.
There was a brief silence as I looked around the room, trying to get a sense of this new space. Rael, meanwhile, was watching me curiously.
"So, you're a council member, huh?" he asked, leaning back against his bedpost. "Didn't expect that."
I shrugged. "Yeah, not really by choice."
"Fair enough." He tilted his head slightly, still observing me. "So, what's your deal? A noble, I'm guessing?"
I hesitated for a moment. Rael didn't know who I really was, and for now, I wanted to keep it that way. "You could say that," I replied vaguely.
He nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. "Well, whatever your background, I'm not one for formalities. Let's keep things simple between us."
I couldn't help but smile at that. "Agreed."
Rael seemed relaxed, easygoing, and completely unaware of my true status, which was refreshing. Still, there was something about him—an air of confidence that suggested he was more than just a typical student. But that was a question for another time.
I unpacked my belongings in silence, occasionally glancing at the schedule on my desk. Tomorrow would be the official start of classes: elemental magic training, combat lessons, and lectures on strategy and demon kingdom politics. It was going to be a full day.
What caught my attention, though, was the mandatory student council meeting at the end of the day. Another chance to be under Aurora's watchful eye. I sighed, already dreading it.
"Something wrong?" Rael asked, noticing my expression.
"Just... adjusting," I replied, not wanting to get into the details.
He chuckled. "Yeah, I get it. Blackstone's a lot to take in at first. But trust me, you'll settle in soon enough."
I nodded, though I wasn't so sure about that.