"An orphan born out of darkness wouldn't know shit," Xavier snarled.
"You're right," Rain declared. "An orphan like me was born into the depths of a river full of dark magic. This orphan somehow was chosen by a woman that couldn't bear children and decided I deserved a chance to live. Now here I am, a royal prince not due to my blood but rather to the love of my parents that only want me to reach my highest potential. They do not bring me down or speak ill about my actions. They encourage me to live, and I follow every word of advice they give me. I don't know shit, but I've experienced enough in my short life to know stupid when I see it."
"Rosadette will be mine in the end."
"Keep telling yourself that while you continue your fling with Monica, just like you did with Esmeralda. Your actions will soon display your true colors to everyone, and let me tell you: your parents won't be able to shield you," Rain declared. "Now I suggest you go away before Chamomile decides to shove an arrow in that ass of yours. I'm sure you can sense her watching this silly debate, and I'd rather Rosadette remain asleep then be rudely awakened by your presence."
"Hmph. I'm not afraid of you. Or that dark fae bitch. Keep playing students while the world fights to get rid of the weak. At least I'll be ready with a powerful woman by my side. Whether it's Rosadette or not will be up to the universe as you portray, but at least I'll have a worthy woman next to me as my queen."
There were stomping footsteps that began to fade, and Rain sighed.
"Asshole," he muttered. "You'd think one of light would be less of a jackass."
Silence soon followed, and I felt myself being lifted up. My head rested against a firm surface as my feet dangled. Rain must have been carrying me, but I was already beginning to drift once again.
"Only a few more weeks to go. Let those petals begin to fall until nothing is left. Then I'll show you the true world, my Sweet Rose." His soft whisper ended with a tender kiss to my lips.
I wished to open my eyes and see what I knew I'd see.
The man that made my heart flutter as our magic called to one another.
Before my consciousness faded once again, I made a vow to myself.
At the end of this semester, I must know the truth about this rose, this world, and the man I was falling madly in love with.
I must discover it all.
Lose It All To Fate
"I passed..." My quiet whisper seemed to reach my ears in comparison to the loud noise of groans and squeals of joy as many students gathered in front of the massive board that displayed our final results.
Not only had I passed, I was in the top ten students, landing at number two with Prince Rainer as the top student and Xavier in third place.
I beat Xavier. I...Rosadette Campbell...got a higher mark than him?
My mind couldn't grasp the reality written up on the board, but what excited me more was what was to come. I could already recall Alicia's words from yesterday.
* * *
"Once we know how you do for your first year, we’ll determine how this summer and the following year’s training will go," Alicia declared as Rain and I finished putting away the training mats.
"You mean, next year will be focused purely on combat and magic?" I inquired, already feeling a bubble of excitement.
"Yes," Alicia answered. "The reason we downplay year one is to observe who takes this academy seriously."
"Why wouldn't they?" I questioned. "Learning is a privilege."
"Not everyone thinks that way, Rosadette," Rain reasoned, walking over to stand next to me as we faced Alicia, who leaned back against the wall of the training room. "Fae are an intriguing race. Some think being born a fae is all they need to cruise through life. Others realize what a privilege it is to learn wisdom from ancient books blessed by our ancestors and grow their magical abilities through knowledge. The ratio between the two is sadly outweighed by those who are positive that life should be easy."
"As Rain explained, everyone doesn't give much emphasis on learning, and thus the reason we dedicate a year to the important information. Being trained by me gives you a little more opportunity to develop your strengths in the realm of magic, but once we know how you both did this year, I'll be able to think of the perfect training plan for summer and the coming second year."
"We won't be penalized for missing the first semester, correct?" I clarified.
"No." Alicia shook her head. "The exams will be based on the entire year so it'll test your knowledge, including what you missed. However, I'm confident the both of you have enough knowledge and understanding of our race to do well."
"Um, I have a question. Or...maybe a request," I hesitantly announced.
"Yes, Rosadette?" Alicia replied, smirking in amusement at my boldness. I understood that I was still a student and shouldn't be requesting stuff, especially from the queen who was willing to take me in as an apprentice, but I wanted to voice my main concern.
Well, close to my main concern.
"When we get the results and I do superbly well, um..." I trailed off in worry, but Rain reached for my hand and squeezed it gently.
His action made me grin as I glanced his way. He smirked in return, nodding his head once in encouragement.
"Can I see the lands beyond the academy?" I asked. "I know we're not bound to the academy, but I'm sure I'd get lost. Compared to other students, I don't have family or relatives here, and it's not like I can venture around on my own. I may have studied our culture and lands but seeing it would affirm what I've learned. I also want to see how beautiful our world is, even if it sometimes means not seeing all the good pictured in books and fae tales."
Alicia was clearly thinking about it, and I nervously waited for her permission. Some would say I'm an adult and can do anything I wanted, especially with no parents to tell me how to live my life, but I respected Alicia and honestly, she felt like the mother I wished to have.
She didn't need to choose me as her apprentice. Nor did she have to treat us with such respect. I craved her permission and it felt right within myself to request such freedom from the queen herself.
"I don't see why not." Her glimmering smile had me grinning from ear to ear.
"I'd be happy to take her around if given permission to join the summer adventure," Rain volunteered with a pleased smile of his own.
"Certainly." Alicia nodded. "Feel free to invite Chamomile as well."
"Yes!" I cheered. "Summer trip! Wait...don't I need a job or something to pay for the journey?"
Thinking about it made me frown, forgetting that I was obviously poor in this new world - not like I was any richer in my previous one.
It was thanks to the generosity of Camilla, Rain, and Alicia that I had an array of clothes, including lingerie. How was I going to afford to go out from the academy walls with no student card paying functions?
"Don't torment yourself regarding expenses. It's about time you got to venture out of the academy and see the vast kingdoms and what the fae world has to offer. You will also be privileged to return to the human world for a bit if you'd like."
"Really?!" I was shocked by the sudden opportunity, but now that it was brought up, it seemed a little thrilling.
To see how much had changed within a year in the fae world.
"That would be amazing."
"Then you have my approval. Let's wait for the results of your final score for this year and we'll sort out the plan for the summer. My original vacation plans have changed so maybe I'll come along."
"The queen is going to come with us," I gasped to Rain, who laughed. "Maybe you'll get to meet my mom, then."
He winked at me as I blushed, and Alicia laughed. "It's been a while since I've seen your mother, Rain. I'm sure she'd love Rosadette."
"Sure would," Rain said with pride and reached out to ruffle my hair.
"Hey. You're ruining my hair."
"You're going to shower and drench it anyway," Rain concluded with a smile.
"Meanie."
"You still love me."
"Thinking about that one," I muttered.
"It's settled then. Be off with your lover's quarrel and get ready for tomorrow."
"Yes, Alicia," we said with confidence, even with her little comment.
* * *
Now that school was officially done, and I'd survived and proved my worth, I could work on growing my self-worth by discovering the lands where I'd been born.
That starts with telling Rain, Camilla, and Alicia the good news!
Pulling out my phone, I dialed Rain's number first. It began to ring, but I noticed the familiar song from behind me.
Arms wrapped around me, and I lifted my head to see a smiling Prince Rainer.
"Hello, Sweet Rose. Were you calling me?"
"I was!" I squealed and turned right around in his hold. "Look! Look!"
He raised his eyes up to look at the board, and when they returned to mine they shifted from orange to blue and then pink.
"Did my girlfriend get second place?"
"Yes!" I happily replied. "And you're first!"
"It seems so," he commented before wrapping his arms around my waist and smothering my lips with his. I giggled and kissed him right back, not caring that we were literally in the middle of the crowd of students.
I could hear the gasps and ohs coming from our peers, but Rain held me tighter as our kiss deepened. Little actions like these only proved that I wasn't someone to be hidden or ignored.
I deserve to be loved! I'm smart and talented. I can't believe I passed.
How amazing it felt to finally see the fruit of my hard labor. To start from a land of self-hate and ridicule and end with a heart filled with jubilee and pride.
"Good job, Sweet Rose," he praised when he broke the kiss. "This calls for a celebration."
"A date!" I exclaimed.
"Sure," he agreed with a laugh. "I gotta tell my parents real quick about the results and then we'll head over to see Alicia."
"That sounds perfect! I'll go and change," I offered.
"Good idea. Seeing as it's early, why don't we take a little trip to the town near the academy? It's a bit of a distance, but most of the stores and restaurants will still be open," he suggested.
"Delightful! I'll see you in a bit." He kissed me lightly on the lips before we went our separate ways to get ready and deliver the news. I texted Camilla the news, hoping she'd find out her results and join us on the trip to town.
Heading back to the dorms, I quickly changed into a simple red dress and red wedges and put my hair up in a ponytail. Using Rain's red ribbon that I'd kidnapped a few nights ago and never given back, I tied it around the bundled strands of my hair, making a bow to finish the simple but elegant look.
Staring around the room of our dorm, I recalled all the good and bad memories. Just like that, I was done with the first year of Fae Rose Academy, but I knew there were many secrets I needed to discover about this new world and myself.
"No more doubting myself. No more thinking less of what I'm meant to be. I will become someone in this world. Someone respected and powerful."
I'd been using positive affirmations to aid me in my growth. I knew that in order to grow my confidence and self-worth, I had to start with loving myself. That was going to be the hardest to achieve when I've been so used to putting myself down mentally before acknowledging my physical faults, but I was going to change all of that in year two.
I'm a purely divine like everyone else. I will be a force that no one would like to mess with.
There was a knock on the door, and I rushed to open it.
"That was-" I trailed off and frowned when I saw a frantic Monica at the door. "Monica? What are you doing here?"
"U-Um." She looked worried, her whole body shaking like it was freezing in here. "Something's wrong with Xavier. I tried to find Ella or the others...or even Esmeralda, but no one else is here."
"What's wrong with him?" I grumbled. "Mad he got third place?"
"No...he's acting a little insane."
"Define 'a little insane'. If this is regarding his anger management problems, that's a normal occurrence." I really wasn't going to let Xavier ruin my day.
"No. He's saying weird stuff, like the sky being red and stuff."
Wait, the sky being red?
"Where is he?"
"The training room. The one you guys always practice in. I figured you could help him calm down or something while I find the queen. I feel like he's losing it."
It's that serious?
"Why should I trust you?" I inquired.
I was still practicing the whole truth versus lie gift we fae carried in our unique genetics. I could easily tell from those who were close to me like Rainer or Camilla, but with acquaintances like Monica, it was hard.
"You don't have to trust me. Xavier's your partner."
"School is over."
"He's the prince of the kingdom and was the reason you even got to attend Fae Rose Academy, from what he told me. Who cares if you hate him or he hates you? Our prince is borderline crazy and needs someone who can make sure he remains safe while I get help!"
"Why don't you stick with him?" I wasn't feeling this whole scenario, but what if Xavier was experiencing what I had that one time when I was ill? Those memories were still a blur, but parts like the red sky and the dream of the sexy fae that reminded me of Rain had clung to my mind.
Xavier could know something about it.
"I would, but I'm a weakling. I can't even keep him from pacing the room like a maniac. I used a spell to keep him in a cube for a short period of time so I can get the queen. Please, Rosadart! I'm being serious!"
"Rosadette," I corrected with an annoyed groan. "Fine. Training room. On it."
I turned around and quickly grabbed my phone and pendulum that was in a red velvet pouch. Slipping it into my hidden pocket, I quickly locked the door to our dorm and headed for the training room.
It didn't take me long, and on the way, I quickly texted Rain and Camilla with an update about the whole Xavier thing. I swear if he tried to sour up my day, I'd wreak havoc on him and the entire training room.
All that specific room did was remind me of all my failures with Xavier's screaming tactic of training, and I wasn't going to deal with it anymore.
Opening the door, I immediately noticed the shift in temperature, going from warm to frigid. I noticed that it was actually snowing within the room and as I closed the door, my eyes caught onto the pacing Xavier that Monica had been worried about.
Oh shit.
She was indeed right. He was a mess.
His hair was all out of place as he paced frantically back and forth. The cement floor was full of snow, the winter flakes obviously of magic origin since we were well into spring - and indoors.
Xavier wore all black and had his royal cape on that fluttered behind him as he walked from one end of the training room to the other.
Crossing my arms, I waited for him to acknowledge me, but after a minute, I knew he would continue his frantic behavior until I made myself known.
"Xavier?" I called out to him. He stopped suddenly, his eyes darting in my direction. My heart skipped a beat at the intense hate, and I noticed the dark circles under his eyes. "Um...are you okay?"
"This is all your fault," he shouted at me.
"What's my fault?"
"Make it stop!"
"Make what stop?"
"The wilting!" he snapped and rushed over to me. I couldn't even move as he was in front of me in three blinks, his hands gripping my shoulders until I was pressed right against the wall.
"Reverse it!"
"I don't even know what you're talking about!" I snapped, fear trickling through me at the way his expression giving me manic vibes.
"The rose is dying!"
"What rose?" He wasn't making sense. "Xavier, I don't know what you're talking about."
"You're supposed to love me!" he screamed in my face, his grip growing harder on my shoulders, e
nough to make me flinch in pain.
"Xavier, let go."
"How dare you love that darkness jackass instead of me?! I'm the good guy in all of this. I'm of light and blessed with power from the universe itself," he shouted. "I'm the reason you left that scum of a home like a helpless slut and arrived here. All you had to do was be the slave you're meant to be and follow my every command, but no! Defiant bitch!"
I shoved him back with enough force that he fell over, and I quickly tried to exit the room, but the door froze entirely. I swiftly turned around, darting for the exit door, but all the walls began to be covered by sheets of ice, the temperature dropping dramatically.
Turning to the source, I glared back at him in anger as my blood boiled.
"Let me go!"
"If I can't have you, no one will have you. The princess is here. She's going to save us from the plague that consumes our lands! Haha! Foolish nonsense," he yelled before his hands shot out and sent rows of icicles in my direction.
I wasn't fast enough to avoid the first round of sharp shards, a hiss leaving my lips as the shards cut my arms, legs, and parts of my dress. Quickly, I took out the pouch and slipped the ring that was attached to the golden chain of the pendulum, my mind already trying to figure out a plan out of this place.
I need to go somewhere far. Not just school. Somewhere far and safe. A place where Rain, Camilla, or Alicia can find me. Where? Where can I go?
I tried to move back, but my legs wouldn't budge, and I noticed how the ice began to crawl up my legs.
Fear spiked through me as I looked back at Xavier, who cynically laughed in glee. That's when my vision began to change.
Xavier no longer was the student cloaked in black. He grew taller, his hair now jet-black with his blue eyes now a dark maroon. He wore black armor, and his cape was now black with weird symbols on it.
His face was slender, and he was even skinnier than usual, the appearance almost as though he was sick. His face was pale, and he looked as though he was going through withdrawal or something.
Fae Rose Academy: Year One (For The Purely Divine Book 1) Page 28
