Chapter 4 The Academy

Chapter 4

Jamie/Astrid's POV

"Do you think she's okay?"

"What happened last night, Brother?"

"Should we wake her up?"

"Let her be. She must be tired."

"How do you know she's tired?"

"I saw what happened."

"She managed to release her Element last night."

"What?!"

"I knew it! Didn't I tell you, Walter? She would have an Element. Hand it over. You owe me the bet."

These people are so noisy. Can't they see someone is trying to sleep?

I suddenly sat up and glared at them, making them go silent in shock. All the royalties were in my room, along with my three siblings and a man I hadn't seen yesterday.

Why are they all here?

"You're coming with us, right? Now get up, we're leaving," said Nathan-the Prince of Floramere Kingdom-in a cold voice. I didn't think anyone could be colder than Aaron. Nathan was the one I hadn't seen yesterday when the other royals arrived.

Leaving? Oh, right, we're going to the Academy today.

After he spoke, Nathan left the room. His siblings, Nathalie-the only princess of the Floramere Kingdom-and Nathaniel, the Prince, followed, along with the other royals. They all exited the room, except for Arthur.

"You worried me again," Arthur said, ruffling my hair, something he clearly loved doing. "Kuya Aaron told me you fainted last night after you released your Element. Your body must've been exhausted, which is why you passed out."

'So that means... I really did release my Element last night? Awesome!'

I glanced out the window and realized it was already morning... or noon? I wasn't sure, but it was already hot outside.

"I'm so proud of you. All our daily training finally paid off," Arthur added. I didn't respond.

I stared at my hands, which were still a little red. I smiled.

Oh, Astrid! You really had powers after all. Wherever you are now, I hope you're happy knowing you had them.

"I'll go now so you can get ready. We're leaving soon," Arthur said. I smiled and nodded at him before looking back at my hands. A few moments later, I heard the door open and close. Finally, I was alone!

I immediately stood up, stretched, and got into position. I mimicked what Aaron did last night, waving my hands around, imagining something coming out of them. I kept waving and waving, but nothing happened.

"What's wrong? Why isn't it working?"

I tried again, this time really focusing. I waved my hands and closed my eyes.

"Oh, come on! Why won't it come out?!" I said, almost in tears. This was harder than I thought. I had imagined one wave would bring out the wind.

I lowered my hands, and suddenly, I was lifted into the air! Wind had burst from my hands with so much force that it lifted me off the ground! I felt like Iron Man.

"Whoa!"

I lost my balance and fell, landing on my backside.

'Ouch.'

"What happened to you?" Arthur asked when he saw me approaching, holding my sore lower back. That Element really did a number on me. I forced a smile at Arthur, not wanting him to be suspicious about what happened.

Luckily, I didn't faint this time after releasing my Element. I was just a bit weak, and my backside hurt! I guess my body was just overwhelmed last night, which is why I fainted.

We were outside the palace, waiting for the carriage that would take us to the Academy. All the royals were there, and just from their presence, you could tell they came from noble families. If they lived on Earth, they'd definitely be celebrities! Especially the princes, who were all so handsome, like models.

The King and Queen approached us, so I straightened up. The Queen smiled at me and gently fixed my hair, as if adjusting it. Then she touched my cheek, which made me a bit uncomfortable.

"I believe you'll pass your preliminary exam," the Queen said with a smile, gently stroking my cheek. It seemed like they didn't know what happened to me last night. "I know you're struggling with your situation, even to the point of hurting yourself, but I want you to know that your father and I are here for you. Whatever the result of your exam, we will be here, waiting and accepting you fully."

I couldn't stop myself from tearing up as I absorbed her words. I immediately hugged her, surprising her. In that moment, I felt like I had a mother again.

I discreetly wiped my tears and let go of her. The King and Arthur stood nearby, smiling at us. I couldn't help but feel guilty. They all thought they were still with Astrid. They had no idea that Astrid was dead and that someone else stood before them. I couldn't tell them, because even I didn't understand why I was in Astrid's body.

A few moments later, I heard the flapping of wings. I was stunned to see three different carriages being pulled by white horses with wings! Even though I knew such creatures existed in this world, it was still unbelievable to see them up close.

As the carriages drew nearer, the royals boarded one by one. Aaron and Asta said goodbye to the King and Queen before entering different carriages. Arthur and I were left behind.

"Don't worry, Mother, I'll look after Astrid. I'll take care of her," Arthur said, smiling at the Queen. She returned his smile. "We're leaving now."

Both the King and Queen hugged us before we got into the carriage. We waved to them as our carriage lifted into the air.

In the first carriage were Asta and the royal siblings from the Pyrovia Kingdom, Farrah and Finral. The second carriage held Aaron and the royal siblings from the Floramere Kingdom-Nathan, Nathalie, and Nathaniel. In the third carriage with Arthur and me were the twins Walter and Warner from the Aquaria Kingdom. They were the ones who ate my cake last night.

I stared out the window, wondering how long I would have to live as the weak princess of the Aeris Kingdom.

'What will life be like at the Academy? Will I be able to pass?'

I felt like a child as I looked outside the carriage. We were currently flying through the air, pulled by two winged horses. We hadn't gone far, so from up here, I could clearly see the entirety of Aeris Palace.

It was an enormous palace surrounded by small floating landscapes! Too bad I didn't get the chance to explore the whole palace. I know what's inside, but seeing it in person would've been much better.

I still can't believe that this world exists.

I pulled my face away from the window since all I could see below were trees. I looked at my companions Arthur was reading a book, while the twins were teasing each other, even getting into a fistfight earlier.

If I pass the exam, I won't return to the palace for another six months, unless there's an emergency and I need to come back.

"Brother Art." I had nothing else to do, so I decided to pester Arthur-A.K.A. 'Brother Art'. I also had a question for him.

"Hmm? Why?" he asked without looking up from his book. I puffed out my cheeks, hesitating whether to ask.

"Do you have any idea what reincarnation is?" I finally asked. He paused his reading and looked at me.

"Reincarnation? Hmm... From what I know, reincarnation is a belief that a person's soul or spirit can be reborn into a new body after death. That's all I know, really," he answered. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just curious." I smiled. He went back to his book, and I turned my gaze back outside.

I was surprised to see houses below. This was the town under the Aeris Kingdom's domain! Astrid had only been here once while she was alive, as she was always confined within the palace.

This wasn't the only town under the kingdom's rule-there were many more. This seemed to be the main town, like a capital city. I couldn't see it clearly since we were still in the air.

A few moments later, we were nearing the gigantic gates of the Academy. A gray gate with the words "Elemental Academy" written above it. The gate was surrounded by various plants, adding to its beauty. There was also a semi-sphere barrier surrounding the entire Academy. A magical school indeed.

Our carriage slowly descended as we approached the entrance of the gate. An elderly man greeted us, bowed, and then opened the massive gate.

'Wow.'

The Academy looked so magical! From the landscapes to the buildings, you wouldn't think they housed classrooms. I saw lots of students flying around, mostly boys. And when I say flying, I mean literally flying! I even saw someone running so fast they teleported! It's different when you see it in person.

Air, Fire, Water, and Nature are the four main Elements. Aside from these, there's also a 'Chance' that a person can acquire something called an 'Ability.' Some examples include Teleportation, Mind Reading, Speed, and more.

In the Academy, it's strictly forbidden to use Elements without the teacher's permission. Students here are still learning to control their Elements, so it's too dangerous to use them recklessly. There are punishments for anyone caught using their Element without permission. However, you're allowed to use your Ability-if you have one. So far, I haven't sensed that Astrid's body has any Ability.

The new school year starts tomorrow, so the students aren't in uniform yet. They were called back today to rest after their travels. All the students from different places in this world who want to learn about their Elements are here.

The carriage stopped, and we all stepped out one by one. We immediately attracted attention, of course. After all, I was with royalties. Four of them were the next in line to be Kings or Queens of their respective kingdoms, so naturally, they drew attention.

After a few moments, people came over to take my companions' luggage. They began walking in different directions, probably heading to their rooms in the Academy. They didn't even bother saying goodbye. What if I fail the exam? They won't get to see my beauty for six months!

Once again, it was just me and Arthur.

"Let's go. I'll escort you," he said. "You need to head to the Exam Hall for your preliminary test."

He started walking ahead, so I followed. I was right behind him, glancing around. There weren't too many students yet, but I was starting to get irritated by their stares and whispers.

"Princess Astrid is going to attempt the preliminary exam again. Do you think she'll pass this time?"

"Isn't she the princess without any power?"

To Be Continued....