I was now feeling bad in seconds, and I quietly cursed for once again letting my bitterness get the better of me. My goal was to treat her like a delicate rose, but all I'd done was stress her out.
Not to forget that I made her feel like a foolish human.
Shaking my head, I leaned against the wall to wait, deciding it was best to zone out and ready my magic for whatever was about to transpire.
All I could hope for was that our exam would be either a test or physical challenge. If it was either, it meant I could step in and volunteer to go first. That way, she could just sit and watch. How thankful I was that this was all a test that didn't truly impact our final ranks.
I had a feeling this woman would screw this up somehow, but I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
It's only a matter of time before she has no choice in accepting that she’s merely a weakling.
Failure Before The Journey Began
~ROSADETTE~
* * *
"Don't be nervous. You studied hard. I'll cheer you on once I finish mine," Camilla assured me. I swallowed down my nerves, hoping she was right. I should have felt confident after studying so hard this week. It was honestly the most effort I'd put into anything, and my nervousness was triggered by my desire to prove myself.
Our test was being conducted in this massive arena, one that wasn't close to size of their apparent auditorium we'd gotten to see on our way here. That was already huge, so I couldn’t imagine this arena we were headed to.
Students and the general public were allowed to be here, and they didn't hesitate to fill every seat in the gigantic room.
Their cheers and vocal excitement only contributed to my worry. I was partnered up with Xavier, the prince they all already loved and adored. I couldn't possibly bring him down.
We'd been told the general rules and the breakdown of our exam, that it would go either one way or the other.
The decision would be based on the professors: the king and queen. In this scenario, the king was designated headmaster, and would be addressed as so, but the queen seemed to be the very talk of the arena.
From the talk we overheard on our way here, the queen rarely attended the initiation exams. If she attended, it was a hint that she was intrigued by training a sole student. That training could last from one to all four years of Fae Rose Academy, and the last one to be trained by her was a hundred years ago.
A hundred years!
To be chosen by her meant you were blessed with potential, grace, and could be deemed the chance of queenship. I could only assume the last one that had been chosen must have not been of interest to the prince, or he was far younger and not interested.
From the buzzing gossip, whoever was chosen could even be arranged to marry Xavier.
I wasn't sure how he felt about it; the mentions of it always made his frown deepen, even when it was a tiny whisper. I couldn't imagine what it was like to court or be arranged to marry someone you may not be interested in.
Not like I could say much about love since I'd always hit a sour patch when it came to that subject.
For now, my main focus was to try and do my finest to prove my worth. With the arena's immense beauty, I couldn't imagine how magnificent the school would be on the first day, and it was just one of the many things pushing me forward.
"Can you stall later? We need to get into our sectored spots," Xavier grumbled.
And Xavier's bossy butt.
"Good luck, Camilla. You'll do amazing," I encouraged, knowing she really didn't need help. From the jet-black pants and blazer to the red tie that popped out from the creamy white dress shirt, Camilla looked like she was already ready to go.
Her brunette hair kept its slightly curled look, and with the dark red lipstick that cloaked her lips and her slightly tanned skin, she exuded professional kickassery, if that was even a word. Her silver eyes shone brightly. The added white and black stripes on her tie made me envy their uniform.
Since I didn't have all the qualifications a fae would, I wasn't given a blazer like everyone else. I wore a similar white dress shirt with dark blue pants, and a bright red tie with black and white stripes. The shade of red was far brighter than Camilla's dark blood-like shade.
I could have been looking too into things, but when I noticed my other peers had blazing gold blazers, I felt out of the loop.
Xavier, on the other hand, wore dark blue pants, a white dress shirt, and a gold vest with a matching tie like mine. He looked extra special with the vest, since no one else had it.
Pushing appearances aside, I gave Camilla the best smile I could muster as we said our quick goodbyes and I saw her off. She was up first, but since she was a shadow fae, her test was in another arena.
I'm sure she'd finish and come back in time to watch mine, but part of me wished I could get all of this over with and be by my best friend. How I'd enjoyed my alone moments back home when I'd worked deep in the fields.
To be in this environment that buzzed with people that put themselves on a pedestal of extravagance only proved just how out of place I was. Their perfect figures, flawless skin, prominent body language, and fae confidence shone brightly even though we all wore almost the same uniform.
I felt like a whale in a sea of impeccable dolphins.
"Can we go?" Xavier gave me an impatient look, those icy eyes glaring into mine. His cold nature wasn't helping me, and it must have shown because he groaned and reached for my hand.
"It's just a test, Rosadette. It's not a life and death fight. Relax and breathe." His harsh comment made me put my head down and give a submissive nod. I wasn't in the mood to fight right now.
I could vomit that cup of coffee and anything else that hadn't digested from last night's dinner if I wasn't afraid of making a fool of myself. He tugged at my hand, ignoring my quietness as we made our way to our sectioned area.
When we arrived, my nervousness went down a bit when I saw Ella, Monica, and a third woman. She had long, dark green hair that reminded me of emeralds, and her onyx eyes seemed to stand out from her pale skin.
She wore the Shadow Fae Academy uniform, and she was in deep conversation with Ella before our arrival.
"Hey Ella," I greeted, though my voice sounded like a squeaking mouse. She grinned marvellously, but her eyes were set on Xavier.
"Hey, Rosadette," she greeted, her eyes lowering to our joined hands. Her questioning eyebrow arched up, and I noticed the slight drop of her joyous aura, but Xavier let go and huffed.
"Next time you slow me down, I'm ditching you to get lost for the rest of the year," he snarled at me.
"Sorry," I apologized, which only made me feel shittier.
Why the hell am I being so...submissive? I'm not like this.
Was I so afraid of my new surroundings? Did I truly not fit into this world so much that I had to cower among my peers? I'm a fae like them. C'mon, Rosadette. Get a grip.
My self-talk should have helped me, but a look at Monica's dark glare made me want to hiccup and hide behind Xavier in fear.
Screw Xavier. I'd run and hide behind a damn pillar to get away from that look. It was one of those intense gazes you gave to your worst enemy. Scratch worst enemy.
It's what you gave to someone you wanted dead.
"Who's this?" the girl with emerald-like hair questioned the girls as she eyed me with a tiny grin. "You don't look fae,"
"Ah." Ella giggled and gestured to me. "This is Rosadette. She's apparently a fae from the lower worlds. She's human but has fae qualities." Her introduction had me frowning.
A human with fae qualities? That's not it at all. I am fae, right?
I glanced at Xavier, but his eyes were elsewhere, viewing the massive crowd in the circular arena. Glancing back to the three girls, I cleared my throat and tried to stand a little taller.
"I am a fae. That's what I was told. I'm trying to find that out and thus, the reason why I was offered to attend Fae Rose Academy. I was raised as a human back down in Hi
malayan," I explained, hoping my slightly trembling voice didn't completely give away my hint of fear.
Monica sighed dramatically. "What a sad predicament. They must have been lying to you, since I don't sense any magic coming from your dull body. Not even an aura." She rolled her eyes. "Not a big deal. You won't even last the first couple of classes. Should feel lucky this is an entrance test that doesn't count."
Ella was silent while the new girl among them gave a shy grin. "Don't mind Monica. She's just amped up for the test. My name is Esmeralda. Funny, seeing as my hair is naturally emerald. Nice to meet you, uh...Rosadart?"
"Rosadette," I corrected.
"Right." She nodded. "Funny how you're named after the lost royal family."
"Lost royal family?" I pouted my lips, unsure what she was talking about, but Xavier cleared his throat. "Esmeralda? Don't you have somewhere to be? Your exams aren't here."
"You're right, Prince Rose. Thank you for so kindly reminding me." She blinked her eyes seductively at him before she walked past us. "Pleasure to meet you, Rosadart."
"Rosadette," I corrected a second time.
"Right," she replied. "Ella, Monica, I'll see you guys after. Lunch on me."
"Alright," Ella sweetly replied. "See you, Esme!"
"Bye, Esme," Monica kindly bid farewell. Her tone was far nicer than how she'd spoken to me. She must have a vendetta against me.
Ella grinned and looked at Xavier.
"We'll be off to our sector. Best of luck, prince."
"Thanks," Xavier replied.
Monica and Ella bowed their heads in respect to him, leaving without a glance my way. The way my heart clenched in pain with their suddenly cold nature had me worried about how school life would be here.
I was clearly an outcast already, and school hadn't even started yet. Deep within, I knew if I just remained calm and confident in all I'd learned, there shouldn't be a problem. This all could have been a test, and they wanted to see how I reacted.
Just be yourself, Rosadette. You are powerful and got through the hardest days to reach this point. They may mock me now, but I'm sure none of them could handle the brute cold of our harsh winters, or the boiling heat that fought to roast us during the peak of summer. I have potential. If the king and queen believe in me, and I was able to knock Xavier out, it has to mean something. It...just has to!
I tightened my hands into fists, shaking out any bits of nervousness left.
These were my future peers, and if I didn't display a better presentation of myself, I'd be walked on. I'd dealt with the same back in my childhood and early teens when the rich mocked me for being an orphan.
I wasn't the smartest or the most talented in the few activities I'd gotten to participate in, but over time, I strengthened the shell around me and let their remarks and bullying taunts slide off of me like water.
This was no different. I studied, worked hard, and it was time to prove myself.
"You ready?" Xavier asked. "We're about to find out what our tests are."
"Yes," I answered, but didn't look his way.
His ignorance during those girls’ mean remarks and obviously dismissive demeanor made me a little upset. A prince should defend everyone, regardless of status or rank, but he stood there, more entertained by the crowd than protective of me.
His behavior reminded me of the words of the old woman who'd given me the magical book.
Be careful who you trust, Rosadette, for sugar and salt both look the same. Let those around you prove themselves worthy of your kindness before you accept and open your heart.
How could I forget some of her wise words? But at least I remembered them now. I'd trust just Camilla. Ella hadn't been as hostile as Monica, but that didn't prove her innocence either.
Shaking my head, I focused on what was in front of me. I was ready to face this exam head-on.
"Team A5 will be facing Team B5," a female announcer declared, drawing all our attention to the middle of the circular arena. A platform began to rise. A woman in a glamorous dress that sparkled various colors held the mic.
"Welcome, all, to Sector Z's entry level exams for Fae Rose Academy. As your host, I will keep you all informed of the headmaster's decisions to pass or fail each team." She looked around as her shining smile seemed to shine. "We have been extra blessed with the queen's presence. I now introduce to you: Queen Rose!"
Everyone cheered, many if not most individuals rising from their seats to clap and praise the queen.
I followed their gaze to the woman herself. The queen was wearing another eye-catching gown. Today's color was a marvelous gold that sparkled with hints of red and white. Her long hair was in loose curls, and her crown sat on her head, emphasizing her royalty.
She sat in a throne, right next to the headmaster, who was obviously the king. It was interesting how his presence seemed less like a headmaster because everyone knew he was the king. It had to be their culture or the way the school was run.
From the legends and the vibes I got from Xavier, it felt like the man was always in control, dominating and ensuring the women knew their place. Only on rare occasions were the roles equal, if not reversed.
Sometimes I wondered why they never emphasized the element of their kingdom or family, but again, some fae liked to keep those fine details to themselves. With how kind and generous the queen had been so far, I'm sure she was of the light.
Even the king had been rather kind to me, compared to their grumpy son that could gift me a full wardrobe one day, and treat me like a pesky mosquito the next.
We were Team A5. Our pillar began to move. I had to hold onto the sidebar to not lose my balance, while Xavier stood there with his head held up and arms crossed.
Like a future king next to a peasant.
I corrected my posture as our platform reached the peak height and the spotlight shone down on us. I had no choice but to squint my eyes.
"Team A5!"
The raging screams and squeals could pierce one's ears. It was enough to make my ears ring. I'm sure the hysterics were all for Xavier, many females begging for him to look their way, even with the distance between where we stood and the many below.
The host waited until the cheering dimmed, which took a solid two minutes before she gestured to her left.
"Now for Team B5!"
The light moved from us, landing on the opposite platform and showing Ella and an extremely handsome man. The screams that pierced my ears could pop them as they went on another level of pitch.
"PRINCE RAINER!"
The crowd went wild as the man in question stood there with dominance. He even had me gawking in shock. His appearance alone was like looking at a model, one that had that immaculate smile that could steal hearts and the looks of an ascending angel.
His long platinum blond hair was up in a ponytail, and his tanned skin made his flaming red eyes pop out like blooming roses. A red ribbon was what held his hair together, matching the Fae Rose uniform that cloaked his slim but built body.
He had to be Xavier's height of 6'0", but I bet it didn't matter because his mere presence demanded the world's attention. There was no question in my heart that he was a prince.
"Tsk. Why the hell is he here?"
It was hard to peel my eyes from the man in question. I turned to Xavier to see his obvious distaste of the competition.
Two princes?
"Who is he?" I asked, and those angered orbs darted to me.
"No one." He dismissed me like I was an annoying child.
"Or Prince Rainer, from what everyone else is saying," I muttered back, not liking his tone. "And watch your tone."
"What?"
I met his questioning stare with a blank one.
"I may be trash to you, but at least have a bit of respect for me when we're out in the open. If you cared about appearances, you'd work harder to observe what happens around you instead of ignoring what you believe doesn't affect you."
My words were referring to the confron
tation we'd just had and his obvious ignorance to it, but as much as I wanted to lay it all out so he'd see why I was being defensive, we had an exam to complete.
The crowd calmed, and the host snapped her fingers. A golden paper appeared out of nowhere, and I waited anxiously as she cleared her throat.
"The females of both teams, step forward!"
I stepped forward as did Ella, the two of us locking eyes from across the arena. She looked as confident as ever, but there was something in her eyes that I couldn't quite decipher. It was like she knew something that I didn't, leaving me a bit uneasy.
"You will be tested on your knowledge of fae and our culture. Please be ready to answer the questions. Whoever gets the most correct answers will win."
Yes! Something I can do!
My biggest silent worry was being put right into some type of battle, but I guess the gods were on my side for this one.
"Let us begin. First question. As fae, we rise above any challenge especially when turmoil and hardships come our way. What element should we use first to conqueror our enemies?"
"Darkness," I quickly answered, remembering that part in Ella's notes
"Light magic, followed by any other elemental magic that complements your aura," Ella replied.
"One point to Team B5!"
Wait a minute...
Xavier sighed behind me, and I looked over my shoulder to see his disappointment and utmost worry. It was like he'd already given up on me.
"Ella said it was darkness."
"What did I tell you about trust?" he whispered.
"Next question!" the woman rushed on. "As fae, we are closer to the realms of gods than any other mythological race! Which golden weapon can command the seas and ignite thunder from the depths of the skies?"
"A golden scepter," I answered hesitantly.
"A golden trident, one that is usually portrayed in the stories of Zeus and other descending gods and demigods," Ella responded, crossing her arms in pride. "Common knowledge taught in grade school."
Many began to snicker, while others cheered Ella's name.
Fae Rose Academy: Year One (For The Purely Divine Book 1) Page 13