Hidden Royalties

epilogue ༉‧₊˚.

THE SLOW ANTAGONISING walk towards the podium was nothing like addressing a crowd of filthy rich and influential adults. Speaking to them was nothing like speaking to a group of my own peers, kids my own age. The Principal gave me a look of approval before I stepped up to the microphone to give my valedictorian speech.

I looked into the crowd of people who mindlessly ignored me as I kept secrets from them for the past four years. But now they look at me, not as the girl who perfected her grades and never did anything spontaneous but as the girl who hid away her true lineage for the sake of being like them.

I'd admit, the attention had a more sinister meaning behind it but there was no turning back. Whether they cared or not, their opinions mattered less and less as I only tuned out the negatives.

"Today we sit here in our caps and gowns to reflect on the past and look onwards into the future. Four years ago, we walked the halls knowing about the people around us yet not knowing them. Today, we know a little more about each other and have made friends." I gathered a low hymn of laughs from the crowds. "At most acquaintances then."

"We have so much to be grateful for today, for we are in debt to the amazing faculty and opportunities Petunia has given us. It is the reason why we have all gathered here today to celebrate our success, but we also can't forget the people who put in the most effort, ourselves."

"I've lived two lives these couple of years as you may have heard." I stopped to find Elias in the crowd. How the comfort of his gaze could put me at ease. "The quiet outspoken girl who wanted to find herself aside from the expectations of her first life. I thought separating the two wouldn't make a difference. How wrong was I?"

"Despite the crazy life I'm sure no one but one can relate to, I'm sure we can all remember the times of our firsts. I remember all of my firsts that brought upon so many emotions. My first exam, my first party, my first time learning about the various activities done after school, my first kiss, my first love. Feelings good and bad but opportunities to learn and grow from, helping us develop into the young adults we are."

"Once we leave these grounds today, we are officially introduced to society as the young men and women who we are or just improved versions of who we are meant to be. Whether you're leaving here today to go run multi-million dollar company's, go on to show your talents in the many fields you've tinkered them to or university, our efforts these past years have been worth it."

"So to the Class of 2022, follow your dreams and aspirations whether small or big because even through the hardships it may take, it would've been yours to pursue."

The crowd erupted into applause as I concluded my speech and was followed by the Principal. "Well done, Mary. You have much to be proud of." She hugs me tightly before she addresses the class for the final time.

"Thank you."

I walked to my seat in the crowd right next to Elias. He waits for me grinning in his graduation gown wearing those glasses that made him just a touch bit more attractive. Of course, it didn't make him any less attractive, just more alluring in my eyes. He fills the empty space in my hand with his as we watch the Principal take to the podium.

I remember looking at Elias as we stood up together getting ready to throw our caps in the air. I think about the memories that got us to where we were right then and there, our journey.

The class threw their caps in the air, a tradition I never thought I would be able to do. Such a small mundane detail that brought so much meaning.

Elias turned to me and enveloped me in a sudden deep kiss. I'll cherish this moment that is forever engraved into my memories.

"Look at my graduates!" Mina proudly exclaimed as she met with us in the field. Kaito sheepishly walked next to her with his hands in his pocket. "See Kai, we should have graduated like this!"

Kaito laughed at her suggestion, "I graduated two years ago in the comfort of my own home and you celebrated with one of your stupid insta stories."

"Can't wait till we're all at university together next fall!" Morgan said, putting his arms around Kaito and Morgan.

That was right. Elias had ended up enrolling at St. Peter's and so did I even with my late application. Morgan had gotten a spot on St. Peter's soccer team long before senior year. Mina followed suit wanting to expand her knowledge of business to improve her newly established company. Kaito thought that the two years of running his company had stumped the growth of it and needed a source to improve on. Not to forget Alice but her father was making her go to university. We weren't parting ways just yet, not like we ever were.

I looked at Elias who was gleaming at the sight of his friends. This man was going to be beside me, and I was with him. One day the inevitable will occur, his mother's passing, his depressive state, his coronation. It would be my turn to do what he was for me these past few months in return, support him through the tough times.

Fairy tales end in a happy ending. I guess this was that, for now.

fin