Alienation

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I had talked to Headmaster Gavin the day that I arrived at the Academy. He informed me that I am living in a room where five other girls, who are orphans (I prefer being called homeless), like me. And the Academy has provided me my things – school uniform, daily clothes, shoes, school supplies, and such. I also won’t have to worry about food because we are being provided.

But the catch is, we have to help in maintaining the castle clean and in order.

Since it’s my birthday today, as I had just discovered three days ago, and I’m now seventeen. I’ll automatically be in third year then. I have to take extra lessons to make up for the two years which I had ‘missed.’ But of course, that just made my schedule loaded. Between my regular classes, extra classes, and cleaning responsibilities, I don’t think I would have any time to rest.

But of course, I still haven’t forgotten that Ciann would be visiting today. I secretly hoped that he would just forget and not show up. I just wanted to lie down in bed and get to know my roommates better 

We are six in the room: Inaleen, Jynasha, Gimane, Elyrsha,  Mylavi, and I. Mylavi is in her fifth year. She specializes in water and she has this authoritative air around her. I guess it comes with being the eldest. Elyrsha and Gimane are just starting in their first year. They are a little bit excited about it. I find myself hanging around them more. Inaleen is in her second year. She doesn’t talk much and prefers being alone. Jynasha and I are on our third year. I often ask her questions about the Academy, the subjects, classes, professors and what to expect. But she prefers hanging around Irmad who is also an orphan, that’s why I’m hanging around Elyrsha and Gimane instead of her. It doesn’t take a genius to know that they like each other.

They really don’t get into relationships here like on Earth. You become friends, you get close, like you’re dating, but it really isn’t called anything, it’s like just hanging around together. Then when you decide that you want to spend the rest of your life with the person, ask him/her to be your mate. But the guys should be the one to ask the girl. It’s like getting married. But once you are mated, there’s no turning back. You are bonded by magic and there’s no way to break free. Except when the other dies.

The students are encouraged to get mated before they graduate. Having a mate means you have shared energy, and magical capabilities. The Academy just wanted to make the students ‘stronger’ before they face the ‘real world.’

Of course, I’ve learned all of those from Elyrsha and Gimane. They are extremely talkative. They’re acting like overexcited first years. Well, they really are.

I am currently sitting, Indian style, in my bed, fiddling with the hem of my cloak when Elyrsha came bounding in the room. Jumping, and all excited. I’m surprised that Gimane isn’t with her. I swear they’re inseparable.

“Phinea! By magic! The Crown Prince! The Crown Prince is looking for you!” She said in just one breath, looking so excited.

“The Crown Prince? You mean… as in the future King of Ashyron?” I stammered. Stupid question. “W-what does he want? I—have I done anything wrong?” I tried to remember all the things that I’ve done. Had I somehow broken a rule or something?

“Phinea!” Elyrsha waved at my face. “No! You haven’t done anything wrong! And he doesn’t look like arresting you or something! Besides, it’s not his job! You have to go see him now!”

“But—“

“You have you to go see him now! Gimane is talking with him! Oh, I’d faint. What does he want with you? Oh! But we’re orphans!” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “No you’re not! You’re from another world! Come!”