-Victoria-
The three days between the meeting with the headmaster and the arrival of the Kings seemed to pass slowly but also at lightning speed. When I was alone, time moved at a snail's pace. I could feel the seconds passing by. If I was with my friends, however, there didn't seem to be enough hours in the day. We were spending every available second together. And, after the stunt he attempted during the meeting, even Azax and his friends joined us.
During that time, I learned two important things. Number one…the person I called wall actually had a name. It was Wuzahl. He insisted I continue calling him wall, however, because he likes the nickname. Number two…Itrix and Nothall were close. Like really close. I had to pull Azax aside and ask him about it after dinner.
"So," I started, "What's going on with those two?"
"Well, they're all but dating now." He explained.
"No!" I exclaimed in shock.
"It makes sense," He continued, "They're very similar. Both pass through the world unseen."
"But I've never even seen them together." I said, confused.
"Well, you wouldn't if they didn't want you too." He replied, which is a fair assessment, "Plus, Nothall knew you didn't want to have anything to do with me. Itrix and I are a package deal so she would only be with him when you weren't around."
"Really?" I asked, upset that I got between the two.
"Yes," He looked a little amused at my misery, "they've been sitting together on the days you attend classes with the Varezian students."
"Stop." I cried, hand over my heart.
"Nothall didn't want to abandon her first friend just to sit with a boy," Azax was grinning widely at my despair, "As soon as you would leave after dinner, the two would spend as much time together as possible."
I nearly fell over from the weight of it all. How could I let my problems get in the way of my friend's love? I rushed over to where Nothall and Itrix were talking and wrapped her in big hug, startling her.
"I am so sorry," I cried, "Please forgive me."
"What's going on?" Nothall asked trying to separate from me.
"Azax just told me you and Itrix are a couple," I ignored the blush that spread over her cheeks along with the faint red on Itrix, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I know you don't like the prince," She explained, "and Itrix will always be with him. It was easier to just be with him when you weren't around. I didn't want to upset you after you'd been so kind to me."
"Nothall, as sweet as that is, you shouldn't worry about me," I explained, "You should be able to spend time with whoever you want, especially your boyfriend."
"Well, it's not really official." Nothall mumbled, blushing brighter while Itrix became very interested in his shoes.
"Either way, you deserve to be happy," I smiled at her, "Besides, the reason I stay away from the prince isn't because I don't like him. It's actually the exact opposite."
"Oh." She said, realization dawning on her.
"So, take it from me," I pulled her close to whisper in her ear, "Don't let love escape you for some noble reason, it only brings pain."
"Maybe you should take your own advice." She whispered back.
My eyes caught Azax with a smile on his face. Seems he heard us and was trying to tell me to listen to my friend. I started shaking my head as I pulled out of the hug.
"The situation isn't very similar," I pointed out, "Itrix doesn't have a fiancé he's been fated to be with since birth."
Nothall gave me a pity filled smile. I just smiled back, my eyes drifting to Azax. He looked so pained by my statement. I wanted to comfort him but restrained myself. Instead, I linked arms with Nothall.
"Now I need to be caught up on all the juicy gossip from these past weeks," I led her down the hall towards my room, "Has he kissed you yet?"
"Victoria!" She exclaimed, blushing brightly. I just laughed.
Those moments with my friends kept me sane. But all too soon, the day arrived. Originally, the headmaster had wanted a formal ceremony in front of the whole school claiming the arrival of the Kings was to be treated with fanfare. Professor Zekora argued against it and, thankfully, both Kings agreed. They were here as a favor to an old friend and a son.
The meeting was to take place in the headmaster's office. The headmaster, Professor Zekora, the Kings and their children would be the only once in attendance. The rest decided they would loiter outside the office so they could learn the results as soon as possible. I waited with them until Professor Zekora came to get me.
"Victoria," she said, opening the door, "We're ready for you now."
I entered the office and was met with a rather intimidating sight. The headmaster sat at his desk, wearing his fanciest blue robes pinned with medals and sashes denoting his status as headmaster. To his right stood Azax and a man I can only assume to be King Romonar. They looked very alike, Azax, for the first time, looking every bit the prince he was in a more military style outfit. Father and son smiled lightly at me. Seems Azax has shared much with his father.
To the headmaster's left stood King Udel and Ustrea. Ustrea looked incredibly nervous to be there. She kept shuffling and looking at her father. Seemed that Professor Zekora could be right about the princess being a liar. The king, however, looked tired. Like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. The air around him carried a thick sense of sadness, mourning and heartbreak.
"Your Majesties," Professor Zekora said, motioning me into the center of the room, "Allow me to present Miss Victoria. Our way ward child found in the human realm."
"Thank you, Zekora," The headmaster tried shooing her away, "That will be all."
"Zekora will stay," King Udel insisted, "She is my oldest friend and is the girl's appointed guardian while she is without parents. She has every right to be here."
"Very well," The headmaster begrudgingly agreed, "Let's begin."
"I will go first if you don't mind," King Romonar said stepping away from Azax, "I already know what I'll find."
"You're that confident, Your Majesty?" Professor Zekora asked, a crazed smile on her face.
"I am indeed," King Romonar replied, "I exchange letters with my son close to every other day. I am confident that he did not lie during his assessment the day the girl arrived. Rather, I agreed to come assess Miss Victoria myself only to meet the girl who has captured my son's interest and heart."
I ducked my head while my face went bright red. I had to wonder what Azax had told his father about me. King Romonar took my hand in his, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Though I do hope you don't let love escape you for some moral reason." He said, throwing my own words from the other day back at me.
"Did your son tell you to say that?" I asked quietly causing him to laugh.
"It may have been mentioned upon my arrival." His smile just got wider. I couldn't help but smile back.
A deep blue energy began to envelop me. As it seeped into my body and coursed through my veins, I couldn't help but notice how similar it felt to Azax's magic. At the same time, it was different. It didn't stir the energy inside me into action. After a short while, the king's magic left me.
"As my son said," King Romonar dropped my hand, "She is not Aivorian."
"King Udel?" Professor Zekora indicated for the king to come forward.
He came to stand before me, his hand outstretched for me to take. I placed my hand in his and, as soon as his dark red magic touched me, I felt some unknown pressure inside me just release. My uniform went from white to red in the blink of an eye. The king dropped my hand and turned to look at Ustrea, disappointment clear in his eyes. Ustrea seemed torn between anger and embarrassment.
"The result then?" The headmaster asked though gritted teeth.
Everyone, even Ustrea, looked at him like he had just grown three heads.
"I think it's pretty obvious, headmaster," King Udel replied, "This girl is Varezian. Ustrea lied and I am very disappointed."
Ustrea, at least, had the decency to look ashamed of what she had done. I just couldn't think of why she would lie about something like that.
"Zekora, you and I will discuss Ustrea's punishment after we're done here." King Udel finished.
"It would be my pleasure, your majesty." Professor Zekora agreed with a bow and a smirk.
"Only one thing left to determine," The headmaster said, "Does Miss Victoria even belong at Pelmora to begin with?"
"Why would that even be a question?" King Romonar seemed very confused.
"Victoria has not demonstrated any magical abilities since she arrived." The headmaster answered.
"Seems the princess is not the only liar," King Romonar threw back causing the headmaster's eyes to go wide while Azax smirked, "My son has helped Miss Victoria tap into her magic on several occasions. Once, so I've been told, in this very office."
"I've misspoke," The headmaster backpedaled, "What I meant was, she hasn't shown any ability without aid. We just don't know if her magic is strong enough to meet the criteria for entry."
"It does," King Udel chimed in, all eyes turning to him, "It's extremely underdeveloped but, with some work, it will certainly meet and likely surpass the standard for entry."
"Your majesty, how can you be so sure?" The headmaster was grasping for straws.
"Your memory seems off, headmaster," Professor Zekora said, "I asked King Udel to check her magic while he was testing it."
"Alright then," The headmaster looked steamed by all this, "She is Varezian and can attend Pelmora. I will reorganize your schedule so you can attend the proper classes and find you a room in the Varezian dorms."
"Actually," I interrupted shyly, "I'd like to keep my classes the way they are. I'd also rather not move rooms."
"Out of the question," The headmaster insisted, "Varezian must attend classes together and live together. There is no mixing."
"But isn't that what this school is supposed to be about?" I argued, "Unity through peace. Learning to get along by being together in a shared space."
Professor Zekora had a bright smile, as did King Romonar and Azax. Even King Udel had a small smile on his face. The headmaster and Ustrea, however, seemed very enflamed by this statement.
"Couldn't have put it better myself." King Romonar said.
"I must agree," King Udel added, "Victoria will keep her schedule and lodging the same for at least the rest of the school year."
"Your majesties, I must protest." The headmaster tried to argue.
"You can protest all you like," King Udel sassed at the headmaster, "But you serve at our pleasure."
"At the end of the day," King Romonar continued, "If we tell you something is going to happen, then that is how it will be."
"Or we can always replace you with someone who will listen." King Udel finished.
"My apologies, your majesties," The headmaster bowed low, "I am your humble servant."
"That seems to be everything," King Romonar said with a clap of his hands, "Miss Victoria, I do hope to see you again soon but there is some business I must discuss concerning my son and the troublesome princess."
"Oh, hang on," Professor Zekora shot over to the door, "Stand behind me Victoria, I want to surprise your friends with your new look."
"Always a flare for the dramatic." I heard King Udel chuckle.
Professor Zekora wiped the wide smile off her face as she opened the door. You could've heard a pin drop with how quiet it was in the hall. Finally, she stepped aside, and my friends got a good look at me. It didn't seem to register at first but then it clicked because I had an armful of Anna. I was lightly pushed out into the hallway as the office door shut behind me. It didn't matter anymore. I finally knew where I belonged. I was Varezian but I belonged at Pelmora.