Fae Rose Academy: Year Two (For The Purely Divine Book 2)

by Quinn Ashwood

  "You and I both know I'm not worried about having any bruising on my flesh."

  "I was referring to me, silly," I quietly moaned and let my hands run through his hair before tugging it back so he had no choice but to look at me. "Camilla's gonna kick your ass and it won't be pretty if it's in public."

  That made him cringe while a pout of disappointment graced his lips. I laughed because, in this sexy hunk of fae form, he looked absolutely adorable.

  "We can have fun later, I promise," I assured him and kissed his swollen lips. "Why are you naked, anyway?"

  "I figured if I got out of our kingdom fast enough, I'd get the opportunity of multitasking by showering with you," he declared.

  "Our kingdom, huh?" I acknowledged his words, feeling overwhelmed with happiness that he continued to think in a marriage manner when we'd yet to be officially engaged.

  With the truth of the current dark kingdom being the original Rosadette kingdom, I honestly expected some sort of hassle along the lines of who's kingdom it was. However, since the revelation, Rainer made it clear that once they could safely announce the truth about the melting of the old dark kingdom, their temporary home would officially be mine to rise upon the throne.

  I don't think any of them realized that I didn't want to rise to the throne so soon. I wasn't close to being ready to rule a property, let alone an entire kingdom, nor did I have the greedy intentions of taking the kingdom they called home.

  With my relationship with Rainer being confirmed with my rose in his possession, it was obvious that we'd be together for quite some time. We may not be officially married or engaged, but the connection with the rose's presence was enough for the two of us to agree that the kingdom would be ours to share.

  My goal was to now find my mother, and by getting stronger, I'd be creeping closer to the finish line. Until then, there was no need to worry about the status of power. Seraphine was doing an amazing job with Emmanuel, far better than I'd be able to do even with Rain's guidance.

  We also didn't know what occurred outside of the walls of our kingdom, which meant we didn't know how crazy things could be in a world where only power can speak.

  "It's ours," he replied against my lips as he plopped a kiss on them.

  "True, but when are you going to make me yours?" I teased.

  "Hmmm, soon." He winked and kissed my nose. "I have to do my research in that department."

  "Do you know what I'm referring to?" I pondered, because men were one of those intellectual creatures that missed women's underlying points almost ninety-nine percent of the time.

  He chuckled and reached for my sponge.

  "I do," he assured me. "Now turn around so I can scrub your back."

  "You're gonna help me bathe? Wow. We're really taking it to the next level." I laughed but felt far too happy at his gesture.

  "We already passed that level, sweetheart," he pointed out. "You did fall into my bath plenty of times."

  "Once," I defended.

  "More than enough times," he concluded, which left me giggling.

  We helped each other wash up, and I teased him because he now smelled like fruity flowers. After changing into our uniforms, I worked on drying my hair with a wind spell as Rainer explained what took so long.

  "Was Seraphine taking a bunch of pictures of you again?" I inquired.

  "Nah, she took plenty of those already," he replied as he lifted the collar of his shirt to slide the silk fabric of his tie in place to begin the sequence of tying it. "My sister returned early this morning."

  "Sister." I had to pause my spell to make sure I heard him right. "Did you actually say ‘sister’?"

  "I thought you knew I had one," he pointed out.

  "I remember I asked, but we never talked about it," I acknowledged. "Also, with what I know now, how do you have a sister, if you don't mind me asking."

  "I don't mind you asking," he answered first. "She's also adopted, but that was because her mother was a good friend of my mom's and she died of a rare illness."

  "I thought fae don't die from diseases," I pointed out.

  "You're correct," he replied. "However, she was human."

  "Wait. So her mom was human and her father a fae?" I tried to figure it out. "Where'd her dad go?"

  "Surprisingly enough, being a fae doesn't mean you won't be a deadbeat father," Rain casually declared as he continued to tie his tie while his eyes remained on me. "When he found out she was pregnant, he ditched. Didn't want a hybrid child or the responsibility. He isn't a fae like us, who live amongst the kingdoms and strive for peace. He's ruthless and I guess was only playing around with her, treating their relationship like it was a fling. Fae can't get pregnant without doing certain rituals and such. He didn't take into consideration that humans don't follow the same process unless the man protects his cock."

  "Which he obviously didn't," I concluded with a sigh. "Why does the male species struggle with the simplest things?"

  "Like?" Rain asked for an elaboration.

  "Men literally cry at the idea of wearing a condom for ten to fifteen seconds but will run for the hills and ditch all levels of responsibility when his actions for a few seconds of pleasure brings a child into the world. It's like they gamble with life. Instead of taking the easy, safer road by wearing a condom, they go on a chase of thrilling adventure before running away and leaving the woman behind to continue driving the car for the next twenty years of her life while raising a child."

  "I agree with you," he admitted. "But I don't know why we're like that." He shrugged as he finished with his tie. "I've respected women and their desire to be protected. Just as it takes two people to tango, sex is something we both deserve to enjoy. That includes the idea of bringing a child into the world. The human world has different viewpoints when it comes to children, but fae acknowledge that the creation of children is a sacred blessing that shouldn't be played around with. Most of the time, anyway. My sister's biological mom just wasn't lucky, but Seraphine and Emmanuel concluded they would take her in. Since fae males and females are trained in completely different aspects, we don't really see each other as often. Only recently, before I started school, did I spend the summer with her."

  "Why didn't we see her this summer?" I inquired. "I would love to meet her."

  "She was working. She's aiming to become a fae doctor in various areas of health. Fae don't normally have physical wounds. Everything is on the more emotional or mental sides of the spectrum, so she's learning how to counter emotional and mental health while working on her physical healing abilities for emergencies like a sudden battle or war. We always have to be prepared just in case things go south on the outside of our kingdoms. She's actually really good at healing," he explained. "As for meeting her, you'll meet her today."

  "I will?"

  "She's the same age as you," he revealed. "She took online classes last year due to some healing complications. Not all healing spells basically heal without consequence."

  "Without consequence? But you're healing someone. Why would there be consequences for being selfless?"

  "Extremely powerful healing magic requires a sacrifice of some sort. It's used for conditions like curses and sometimes death. I believe that Xavier's father was sick with something. Not necessarily cursed but something along those lines. Either way, my sister had to treat him cause no one else was strong enough to do so. That was before you arrived and all. It's information that remains within royals and close family," he admitted. "Due to her healing him, she was basically weak for nine full months. I think humans call it fibromyalgia? You basically feel exhausted all the time and have to do all your activities during the day or as early as possible from the time you wake up or you become drained. She's basically recovered from it, but she still experiences one or two episodes a year of intense weakness. Since it was the headmaster's fault for her missing school, he granted her online classes for the year so she wouldn't be behind. She's attending classes this year."

  "At Fae R
ose?" I asked.

  "Yup. She's a Purely Divine for sure," he declared. "We'll see her after the assembly. She'd love to meet you."

  "Great!" I replied and reached for my brush to comb through my hair. "Are you excited?"

  "For school? Yes and no. With the training we did during the summer, I feel like this year could be a breeze, but then again, it could be hard as ever. You just never know."

  "That's true," I admitted as I combed through my hair that was already beginning to curl on its own. "At least it'll be nice to continue training with Alicia with our special weapons."

  "You haven't used your pendulum since the incident, huh?" Rain brought up as he walked to where I was sitting at the vanity. Reaching for the brush, he took it and began to brush through my back locks.

  "Thank you," I whispered, before answering, "Not really. I was giving it a break since it was pretty drained from the event. I didn't think my pendulum could carry that much power. Alicia said the full moon will be approaching soon, so I'll be able to charge it properly. We never got the chance during the days we were training. I'll have to start marking the calendar for all the full moons."

  "It's a little trickier to predict in the fae lands," Rain acknowledged. "Some months we can have a full moon every day and other times, we don't see it for six months."

  "Maybe we're enduring the latter option," I suggested. "Alicia said she'd give me a heads-up when she senses it."

  "Intriguing how much Alicia adores you and yet Xavier's an ass."

  "One of those unsolvable mysteries," I declared and looked in the mirror to notice his stare. "What?"

  "Are you anxious about him being on campus?"

  "A little," I admitted. "His fae side is a little scary to me."

  "Now that you have more control of your fae magic you don't need to see everyone in their fae form. Everyone will appear in their human forms, especially today because of the mandatory assembly meeting. It's only when you need to see another's fae side for your own purposes, or when you’re amongst close individuals you're connected with that you will see their fae forms."

  "That's a little relieving," I admitted, looking to my fingers in my lap.

  I shouldn't be afraid of Xavier. I was stronger now. Tougher than what he expected from me. There was no need to prove myself to him anymore to get on his worthy list. I'd trained with Alicia, discovered my family's past, and had the support of my best friend and boyfriend. I couldn't ask for more.

  He wouldn't be able to ruin this for me. I wanted to make him acknowledge what he let get away from his grasp.

  I hadn't realized Rain had finished with my hair until both his hands were on my shoulders, squeezing them gently.

  "Rosadette."

  I lifted my head to look at him, and he gave me a firm look that said a thousand words.

  He's here for me. He'll be my shield and protect me from any situation that is deemed unsafe in my heart. I have to trust that I can get through this. He's by my side. That's enough motivation.

  "I know," I whispered. "I have you. By my side."

  He smiled as his head lowered until his lips claimed mine. "If he tries to approach to apologize, you stand right by my side. I doubt he'd be bold enough to do so, but regardless, if he does, the right people will be watching his every move. Alicia said if he does anything that goes against the rules, he's out. His dad can't protect him. So all you need to focus on is yourself, alright?"

  "Alright," I repeated against his lips and kissed him in return.

  The bittersweet kiss ended before it could develop into something deeper, and I stared into his loving eyes as they shifted to a pastel pink with hints of orange.

  "Think you can spare a moment for a picture?"

  "Why?" I asked and lowered my head to see the strawberry chocolate cake on the vanity table. I had to take a few extra blinks. The glass table was covered in a red cloth, and a dazzling cake sat right in the middle. It was white with a dripping chocolate design on the sides. Red roses with hints of gold decorated all around the top of the circular cake, and in the middle it read 'Happy Birthday, Rosadette' in gold cursive.

  "How...when..." I trailed off in my attempt to find words, my eyes looking into the mirror to see his wide grin.

  "You thought I forgot." He winked and leaned over to kiss my cheek. "Happy birthday, my Sweet Rose. May the Universe bless you abundantly with positive experience, love, and strength as you journey into the next chapter of this fae life."

  "Rainer," I whispered, fighting off tears as I looked back to the cake, where the tiny red sticks were now lit up. "How do you keep doing things so quickly?"

  "Magic," he teased. "Make a wish."

  I grinned like a little girl, realizing this was the first cake I'd ever had that was solely for my birthday. Taking a deep inhale, I let it out to blow out the candles. The sound of a picture being taken caught my attention, and I noticed he’d gotten the Kodak moment on his cellphone.

  "My mom would kill me if I didn't get at least one picture," he declared.

  I laughed and reached out for his tie, tugging him closer to me. "One more, then. Just for you and me."

  My words ended with me tugging his tie further until our lips met.

  Another shutter sound kicked off my nineteenth birthday.

  The Year Of Combat And Sister Of Light

  "This year will go by quickly. You will be tested when you least expect it and every class and activity is given to you with a purpose. Some will rise to the challenge. Others will fall and be left behind. As fae, no matter Purely or Deadly, we are divine individuals of grace and power, and we carry the pride of victory on our shoulders. Do not allow yourself to be weak, because the weak are always left behind," Alicia declared as her eyes scanned the vast room of students.

  Headmaster Rose bobbed his head in agreement as he carried on with the final statements.

  "This year is focused on combat. As the queen has stated, you will be tested, and those marks add up. Do not take these tests lightly. Some may be easy. Others, not so much. However, be wise. Not all tests are ones we give to you. If foul play is used against you, gather the proof you need and report it to myself or the queen. Let me be the one to warn you that foul play is a tactic we don't encourage in Year Two. Therefore, if caught, you will be expelled from Fae Rose Academy, and if you really push it, you'll be banished from this kingdom."

  Not a single student made a sound as the nervous energy continued to grow.

  "Looks like everyone understands," Alicia declared. "This week is designated for you to retrieve your combat uniform, schedule, and weapons. A few of you have been chosen to be an apprentice and will get special schedules for this year as well. They have already been reviewed and approved by the headmaster and add up to the same amount of credits needed to continue on to Year Three. If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of the standing professors around the room."

  She gave one last long look around the room before she nodded.

  "You have the rest of the day and week off to prepare. Have a marvelous week and good luck to all of you."

  With those words, everyone began to clap before students with questions practically darted to the fifty professors stationed around the large auditorium.

  Rainer slipped his hand into mine, as the two us noticed Alicia's gaze, which told us to follow her.

  We moved to the stage to be briefly stopped by the guard who then allowed us entry at Alicia's hand raise. I could already sense the stares in our direction as we made it up to the stage before following Alicia to the back curtain that led to a private exit.

  The moment we reached the royal courtyard, I let out a long sigh before taking in the fresh air.

  "That was intense," I declared.

  "I agree. I think it's mostly due to the nervous energy of everyone bottled up in one room that left me feeling uneasy," Rain confessed as Alicia turned around to stare at the two of us.

  "Neither of you should have a problem this year," she comme
nted. "Everything will seem easy to you."

  "Your hope in us is far too high," I commented with a smile. "But we'll do our best to meet your standards."

  "That's what I like to hear," she declared and snapped her fingers. A red envelope appeared in her grasp before she offered it specifically to me. I gave her a look of uncertainty as I accepted it.

  "What's this?" I inquired respectfully.

  "That's your birthday present," she declared with a wink. She turned around before she continued. "Your mother used to mention how she wished to take you to one of our rare fae parks. It's extremely limited and only royal individuals with granted access are able to attend once a year."

  "Wait..." I took in her words as Rainer commented, "You're giving her your pass to attend?"

  "I've gone for a few centuries. Missing one won't hurt. I heard this year they'll have phoenix exhibits and the actual event will be taking place in your kingdom, Rainer, so it seems like a good opportunity to enjoy. There are two tickets, by the way. My love isn't interested in going without me."

  She lifted her hand to give us a back wave. "The two of you will be off this week as well so feel free to take advantage and check the exhibit out. Once training commences, you may not get the opportunity. I'm heading back to the castle to get some paperwork sorted. I will see the two of you next week. Happy Birthday, Rosadette. Make sure nothing brings you down today."

  We both stood there speechless as she headed down the path towards the royal garden maze. It wasn't until she was completely out of sight that I returned my eyes to the very envelope. With shaky fingers, I tugged on the exquisite ribbon and opened the sealed fold to tug out the two tickets that were printed on golden paper with red ink. The exhibit’s name was on it with multicolor phoenix drawings designed around the words.

  "This is the real deal," Rain whispered like it was a well-kept secret. "My mom attends every year with my dad. Tickets are worth millions in human currency and billions in fae currency."

  "B-B-Billions?!" I had to fight not to shriek as I looked at him with wide eyes. “I can’t accept this.”