SHANON
My carriages, along with the one I travelled in, had departed forward to the True Class dormitory to load off my luggage. I would probably be assigned the room with Pauline and Aprialla.
However, those matters came later.
My eyes, mind and heart were occupied by the exquisite exterior of Wisteria Royal Academy that was characterized with towering spires and turrets that seem to stretch up to the clouds, grand stone walls adorned with intricate carvings of magical creatures and ancient runes.
Other than that, the stained-glass windows that filter the light, casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the ground. A sweeping entrance with massive wooden doors, adorned with gold filigree and a regal crest.
And a spawling courtyard surrounded by lush greenery and an enchanted fountain, though I'm not ascertain why exactly the fountain was enchanted.
However, it will only be a matter of time before I discover it.
I started my steps ahead to the stairs, preparing myself for my next five years in this academy before I'm shoved into the real world.
But I was dragged out of my thoughts by a voice calling out my name. "Shanon!" I turned around to discover the exact owner of the voice that I expected it to be.
A grin creeped on my face immediately. "Princess Pauline! Princess Aprialla!" I did a little curtsy as they climbed up the stairs towards me with jovial faces.
Princess Pauline is the crown princess of Delphinia, one of the fourteen major kingdoms of the continent. Though she can be regarded as a little dull and naive, her academic performance speak otherwise. She is right behind me academically. With an average height and a rather healthy body, she might not be considered as femininely beautiful. But she was adorable. Her shoulder length jet black hair and black eyes compliment her round face.
On the other hand, Princess Aprialla, the crown princess of Brindlemark who is her best friend is extremely cunning. She is a beauty externally and internally. Though Brindlemark was the wealthiest, the biggest and most influential kingdom of Elowyn, she never boasted of it. She was sweet and caring as well. Though she wasn't gifted with much height, her curvy and healthy body with short straight hair which was always dyed (Currently ash brown with blonde highlights) were enough to bewitch people. She was committed but it could not be considered as a conventional relationship as she was in love with a commoner. It was bound to end on a bad note. However, that couldn't chain her. Other than that, she was already engaged in a political arrangement to the prince of Versona.
They performed a little curtsy as well when they reached me.
"I cannot wait for the classes to start!" Aprialla almost squealed. "Classes?" I raised a questioning brow.
Aprialla groaned. "I am lying. I certainly desire to be abstained from the classes." Her scowling face turned beatific soon after. "But I missed y'all."
"I missed all of you as well. I am elated that all of us are going to be in the same class again!" I smiled.
"Shall we head in, then?" Pauline suggested with a beam. She has always relished going to school. I nodded and we started heading into the school
Just when we reached the grand door, I spotted an individual I wished were a commoner so that we would not be attending school together.
Aprialla's fiancé.
He bowed. Helplessly, Aprilla returned the greeting with a curtsy. "Princess, did you have a safe journey?" Benjamin spoke in a sinister voice.
Prince Benjamin, the crown prince of Versona. Though a part of the fourteen major kingdoms, it is the smallest one. Hence, I am rather perplexed about how he managed to get affianced to the princess of the largest kingdom. In middle school, girls have considered Benjamin to be rather handsome with a 6 ft height, a French background, umber hair, brown eyes and a tanned skin. However, I personally perceive him as a gorilla. It isn't my fault that he resembles one. What is uglier than his face is his personality. He never wastes a chance to get on my nerves every time I encounter him. Maybe it's the rivalry between our kingdoms that we were taught to despise him.
"She is standing in front of you in an entirely fit form. She certainly had a safe journey." I snapped before Aprialla could speak.
Benjamin squeezed his eyes shut as it was obvious that my comment provoked him. "I was not addressing to you, Princess Shanon." He hissed as he glared at me for a mere second before turning back to Aprialla.
She answered his question.
They chatted for a few minutes. A conversation that I was not even merely interested in. I do not understand why she treats him so well that she talks to him even though she is aware that he is the one getting in between her and Cedric, her commoner boyfriend.
"We will head in then." I was dying to catch those words escaping Aprialla's mouth. "Indeed, the map and schedule are being handed on the reception." Benjamin informed and strolled away.
"Map?" Pauline questioned once Benjamin was out of earshot. "Makes sense when the castle is enormous." I prompted. Aprialla turned to us. "At least Benjamin was of some help. He informed us about it."
I almost snorted.
"Quit defending him. We would've discovered it eventually anyway." I reasoned. Aprialla just shrugged as a response and we resumed our journey.
As we entered through the grand door, there was a spacious lobby that was furnished with comfortable couches that was where I assumed the students leisured in their free classes.
Another door, though a little smaller than that of the entrance stood at the centre and marked the presence of counters on either of its sides. It didn't take me long before I realised which counter belonged to which class.
I, along with Pauline and Aprialla marched to the counter on the left. There stood two lengthy queues according to the gender. I took my spot behind Princess Katherine of Brynhaven, a minor kingdom under Chalcedon.
We had attended Crestwood Royal Prep together. Though she was a taciturn, she never had any issue with communicating with anyone. A slim girl with a rich brown colour and long straight charcoal black hair. A gentle jawline supporting a face that is always smiling.
Howbeit, before I could greet her, I spotted Prince Angus and Prince Augustine waiting in the other queue beside us. Their kingdoms were my kingdom's allies.
"Prince Angus, Prince Augustine." Though I did not perform a full curtsy, I greeted them with a partial bow.
Prince Angus, the crown prince of Ravenia, a part of the 14 major kingdoms. He has a deep skin tone with a muscular built. With a height of 5'11 ft, he possesses a commanding presence. Angus was the most skilled swordsman back in Crestwood and it would be enthralling to see if he would be able to hold that title here. He is not boisterous, but is always able to communicate easily. He can be quite hilarious at times as well.
The one stationed behind him, Prince Augustine, the crown prince of Galwyn, another major kingdom. Augustine is 5'9 with a slight build. Blonde curly hair compliments his soft features. Augustine has always been reclusive. Though he seems to get along well with the princes, he doesn't appear to exchange much conversation with the princesses. His behaviour at times indicate that he isn't really fond of us. Potentially, he might be scared of the female gender.
"Princess Shanon." Prince Augustine dipped slightly, his face screaming disinterest. "Shanon, how did your summer go? I hope I don't gain a reply involving studying." Prince Angus spoke.
Just because I was The Ace in Crestwood of our batch, it doesn't mean everyone should hold prejudice against me that studying takes up most of my time. Though I admit I went through some course material I gathered from a senior, nonetheless stereotyping me is entirely unethical.
I was about to snap at him; however, I was interrupted by a yell.
It made everyone turn their heads to the top of the queue. It didn't astonish me even the slightest to discover the source of the bellow.
"Did they break up?" Pauline sighed out.
"Suggests so." I responded, deflated at the tussle towards the head of the line.
"You're cutting the line, Kristian!" A female voice shrieked. "I don't know what you're talking about, princess. I evidently am positioned first in line." Kristian snapped.
He's riling her up.
"Of your queue. Haven't heard the phrase 'Ladies First?" Irene argued, her voice amplifying with each sentence. "I'm not to be blamed if I turned up here first. Besides, no, maybe all the etiquettes are just taught in Athenburg." Kristian bickered.
Both Irene and Kristian, located at the beginning of both the queues were facing one another, breathing heavily, their eyes flaming in rage as they glared at each other.
On the other hand, the receptionist, which was a dryad, a beautiful young woman-like nymph was panicking from the other side of the glass panel. She was on her feet anxiously, trying to calm them down. However, she wasn't even able to speak a word in between the clash.
Princess Irene, the crown princess of Athenburg, the second largest kingdom among the fourteen major kingdoms. Irene was just a little taller than Aprialla, however, no one ever had the time to judge her height, everyone was always occupied by her slender physique that was accentuated by luscious curves, a true masterpiece of feminine form. Her face was a piece of art on its own. An oval face of fair skin with grey siren eyes and full lips along with long voluminous and slightly wavy che hair that fell down to her lower back. However, she couldn't be considered beautiful inside out. Though she was chivalrous with The Trues, she held biasness. She loathed The Partials and The Pretentious. Nonetheless, she was the most famous student in Crestwood and evidently her impact certainly be witnessed here as well. She is a playgirl, a bully and possesses anger issues.
The one she is brawling with is Prince Kristian.
Her ex-boyfriend.
Prince Kristian, the crown prince of Chalcedon, one of the fourteen major kingdoms and the rival kingdom of Athenburg. Standing tall at 6'1 of height, Kristian could be considered handsome. A willowy built and a face that screams mischief. He possessed sharp features with amber eyes. His dark hair was in a mullet that was messy in a refined way. He was a gregarious person that could charm anyone and everyone he desired which eventually turned him into the charismatic playboy in Crestwood.
"Why did they even bother to date when they ended up separating?" Angus commented, addressing them.
"It certainly has created an awkward conundrum for us." Aprialla shook her head, dejectedly.
"We are hereby compelled to think thousand times before mentioning one's name in front of the other." I rolled my eyes. I was tired of them.
"Kristian says it was an ugly break up." Augustine opined.
"You little piece of-"as the series of words escaped Irene's mouth furiously, my eyes grew wider and I could sense people around me gasping.
Irene was about to cruse.
It was strictly a taboo in aristocracy.
"Irene!" Screamed a shrieky voice from behind her in the trail. "There she goes again!" Though I didn't witness it with my eyes, but Aprialla's tone made it apparent that she was rolling her eyes.
She wasn't addressing Irene.
"Irene! People are watching!" Princess Samirah positioned herself between Irene and Kristian. "Let them!" Irene snapped. Samirah sighed dramatically. "Just go first. Kristian will go after you."
Irene shot a last glare at Kristian before lifting her head high and turning to the receptionist.
"And you." Samirah turned to Kristian after she managed to shimmer down Irene. Samirah's apprehensive expression softened. She gently placed her hand on Kristian's arm.
"Calm down, okay? Look at me. How many times have I told you not to get involved in any unnecessary tussles? Swear on me that you will not perform such an act again." She looked up at Kristian with doe eyes.
Everyone who were invested in watching the brawl immediately turned away with groans and eyerolls.
Princess Samirah, the crown princess of Salvaria, another major kingdom of Elowyn. Both her and her kingdom were the peacekeepers between Irene and Kristian and Athenburg and Chalcedon respectively. She was best friends with both Irene and Kristian and allegedly the reason for misunderstandings among them. Rumours and her conduct towards Kristian suggest that she fancies him. Samirah is one of the tallest princesses. She is adorned with a caramel-kissed complexion, wavy inky black coils chopped to a bob, a unibrow and green eyes. Her approach towards everyone is…. friendly….. a little too friendly at that.
"She wants to get in his pants." Aprialla said.
"Patently."
We received our schedule and map from the extremely timid dryad named Calantha and with the assistance of the map, we were able to get to our classroom without getting lost.
The classroom was enormous. Just how anyone expects a royal classroom to be. Rich tapestries and polished marble floors, portraits of the former monarchs hanging high on the walls, globes, astrolabes and rare manuscripts and an atmosphere screaming reverence, respect and tradition. There were five columns and about thirteen rows of singular ornate desks and velvet chairs.
Just as I was busy appreciating the resplendence of the classroom, my ears caught the ringing of low weeps from behind me.
I turned around.
Not again!
There stood Aprialla and Pauline, consoling Princess Scarlette, who was weeping on Princess Pristine's shoulder who seemed to have just arrived. My face immediately fell into a scowl. I would have had some empathy for Scarlette. However, she refuses learn from her mistakes.
"But…. I gave my love nugget my everything…" Scarlette sobbed.
Love Nugget?! Calm down, Shanon.
"Please don't cry, he will surely pay for his action of cheating on someone like you!" Princess Pristine patted Scarlette's back. Although she appeared as tired as me about the situation.
Princess Scarlette, the crown princess of Keldorn, a part of the fourteen major kingdoms. She stands tall on a height of 5'7. She has a petite musculature without any curves. However, she was beautiful. Long sunflower blonde straight locks falling to her lower back, plump lips, big brown eyes and an elegant demeanour. However, she possessed a huge flaw, in the form of her dating life. She constantly fell for people like a son of a duke who was a womanizer, a disgusting jewel heir, and recently, a hideous gangster.
Yes, her choices just downgrades.
She always remains loyal but ends up getting cheated or dumped which leads her to go into depression,
The one who has lent Princess Scarlette her shoulder, Princess Pristine of Dynstown, Keldorn's alley. Dynstown is also another major kingdom. Pristine stands on a height of 5'4. She is the most fancied princess after Irene and Aprialla. Pristine is blessed with a slender frame, she possesses a vibrant mane of wavy red hair that is medium in length. Her Olive Green eyes and pointy chin gives her an endearing look. Pristine is kind and charming.
I turned away from them. This isn't any new news.
Among the 52 available seats, the order was already predetermined ever since we were young as these were the exact people I attended elementary and middle school with.
The front rows were to be occupied by the minors while the majors were concentrated towards the back as we weren't much fond of sitting closer to the teacher. Hence, we compelled the minors to always be positioned towards the front.
From my left to right at the last row were the seats of Prince Benjamin, Prince Kristian. Prince Angus, Prince Augustine and Prince Perseus. One row ahead of them were the spots of Princess Samirah, Princess Irene, Princess Pristine, Princess Isabelle and Princess Sabrina and just before them were our seats. A seat that incessantly has been unoccupied, Princess Pauline, Princess Aprialla, mine and Princess Scarlette.
My feet instinctively hauled me to my seat.
Turning around, I witnessed Princess Isabelle and Princess Sabrina giggling among themselves.
Princess Isabelle, the crown princess of Barandal, a major kingdom. She's a 5'3 slim girl with a small face. Though her bod isn't particularly bony, her facial features are. She has caramel brown shoulder length wavy hair and hazel eyes. She is extremely smart and witty, always engaging in an academic confront with Pauline.
Her best friend and the cousin of Princess Aprialla, princess Sabrina, the crown princess of Beaverton, another major kingdom. God blessed Sabrina with a great height of 5'8. She is gifted with straight shadow black hair that goes down to her upper back. Sabrina is slim with curves to an extent. She is extremely timid and sheepish, even with her friends.
Behind them, Prince Angus was seen scribbling down something on his desk with Prince Perseus.
Prince Perseus, the crown prince of Belgarth, yet again a major kingdom. Standing at a height of 5'10 and a muscular frame, wavy locks of short black hair topped his head. Perseus though is a little diffident, he always seems to enjoy our company.
Perseus met my eyes and flashed a bashful smile.
I nodded as a response with a faint curve.
I shifted around as the classroom slowly started to fill in with students, creating commotion.
This was it.
This was Wisteria Royal Academy.