Aqua slowly opened her eyes, her body still tightly embraced by Azure, who peacefully slept next to her.
I am so jealous of you. Every time she had attempted to sleep, nightmares would invade, which forced her to abandon such a pitiful course of action. Her hands wrapped around Azure, and she gently pulled her friend's head into her chest before giving her a small kiss on the forehead.
Aqua then turned her gaze to Sheira, who was slowly rustling and awakening.
The sun shone through the window, making Sheira's eyes flutter open.
"Good morning, Sheira."
The girl rubbed her eyes and yawned. "Morning, Aqua." She said, groggily. Her eyes landed on the duo of hugging girls and a chuckle escaped her lips. "I am glad I am a heavy sleeper."
Her hands gripped the bedding, and she jumped out, stretching her hands up and letting out a soft moan. "You want to know good news?" Sheira asked.
Aqua raised her head and raised her eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Big sis Aurora has let me attend practical casting with you. I need a place to use my power, as you said before." She said, her hands behind her back.
A small smile formed on Aqua's face, she pulled herself away from Azure's grip and her nightgown changed into the academy uniform.
"Hey, teach me that spell!" Sheira shouted, dashing forward and grabbing Aqua under her arm. "It's such a pain having to change."
This is just an illusion. Aqua let out a sigh. "Sheira, this is just an illusion. I rarely get out of my protective clothing."
"Even when cuddling with your wife?" She teased, leaning forward and smiling. "I suppose you do not want to be caught off guard?"
Aqua scratched her cheek. "I wouldn't exactly say that. I have a lot of actual nightwear and articles of clothing, but I just do not feel a need to change into them."
"Still, I would love to learn it. It seems so useful."
"I will teach you." She said, approaching Sheira and placing her palm on her head.
"Yay!" Sheira exclaimed before wrapping her arms around Aqua and quickly letting go.
"My uniform is all wrinkly." She said, pouting. The princess leaned down and took a sniff. "Doesn't smell at least."
"I guess you collapsed as soon as you touched the bed?" Aqua asked, to which Sheira merely nodded.
"Didn't even have time to switch into a nightgown."
After a moment of silence, Aqua smiled and turned to Azure. "I will wake her, let's meet in front of the Academy, Professor Mia is gonna arrive soon."
"I got it, I got it. I will wait." Sheira said before waving Aqua off and adjusted her hair.
She quickly walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.
Aqua's lips stretched into a thin line, and she leaned over Azure. "Wake up, sleepy~" She whispered into Azure's ear, causing it to twitch and the girl to roll to the other side.
Her finger hovered just above Azure's cheek and poked it. "Azu~ Wakey Wakey."
She then placed her hands on Azure's shoulders and gently shook her. "Azure." She whispered, making Azure's eyes flutter open, and a small groan escaped her throat.
"Good morning, Aqua." She spoke softly.
"Good morning, Azu," Aqua said, taking a step back and letting Azu sit on the edge of the bed.
The champion interlocked her fingers and stretched her arms. "I haven't had better rest in ages."
"I am glad," Aqua said and then took a seat on Sheira's bed. "You should get dressed, Mia should start her class soon."
Azure's gaze wandered down, her modest green nightgown reached her ankles, giving her whole body cover. A small blush formed on her face before she pushed herself up and quickly dressed.
While her clothing wasn't as prim and proper as someone of her stature should be dressed, it was important to appear at least somewhat modest in front of her Aqua. "Ready!"
"You can take your time to get yourself in order. I am sure you don't want to go to the class with messy hair and wrinkly clothing," Aqua said softly, her eyes scanning Azure's messy getup.
"If you do not mind waiting," She answered sheepishly.
"Not at all, I am sure Mia won't mind even if we are a little late," She said, smiling.
"Okay, give me a couple of minutes," Azure said before dashing into her wardrobe and taking out a simple hairbrush. Her eyes were stuck on it for a moment before turning to Aqua.
She looked at her with a puppy stare, holding the brush in both hands. "Would it be an issue?"
Absolutely adorable. Aqua approached and grabbed the brush. "For you? Never. Please take a seat on the edge of the bed and let me fix it for you." She said, pointing at the edge of her bed.
Azure nodded and took a seat. The brush flowed through her hair, fixing the mess caused by nighttime thrashing.
After a couple of minutes, Aqua stepped back. "There we go." She said before handing the brush to Azure. Aqua then reached into her storage and retrieved a small mirror.
The champion looked into the mirror and smiled. "Thank you."
"It is never an issue when it comes to you," Aqua said, grabbing the mirror and throwing it into the void.
Azure stood up and adjusted her clothing, "Let's head out. I really don't want to set a bad example to the young nobility."
"I agree." Aqua chuckled, and the duo headed out toward the gathering place.
After minutes of walking, they approached a small gathering of young nobles. In front of them were Sheira, who was surrounded by the lesser nobles, and next to Mia were Avaros and Hikari.
The teacher's gaze shifted up, noticing the final two students. "Ah, Aqua and Azure. We were waiting for you."
"Sorry, we were late." Aqua apologized, followed by a slight respectful bow.
Mia waved them off dismissively. "It's fine, you are just on time."
"As you noticed, we have an extra student. Sheira de Brightcrown. She will attend the practical casting with you." She spoke through her teeth.
"I don't think you need to worry about her, professor. She is a prodigy that I personally taught."
"Is that so," Mia answered, scratching her cheek. "No matter, let us head to the designated field. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone can do."
The short teacher placed her hands behind her back and stepped past Aqua. She then pulled at her skirt. "Aqua, I made something last night. Stay with me after we are done." She whispered before walking off.
Now I am curious. She crossed her arms and closely followed Mia toward the empty area where the students could safely conjure their spells.
The field before them was a flat and barren grassy field. The grass swayed gently, welcoming the approach of the class. In the middle of the field was a massive white boulder. Mia stepped forward and turned to the group. "Welcome to the first practical casting class. I will be your instructor and teach you everything I know over the next few years! I hope you will be able to handle it!" She exclaimed proudly.