Two Planets

-6-

The next day, I woke up to what is meant to be my uniform, hanging on the side of the bed's lining. It also had the same navy and sapphire blue colour scheme and felt silky smooth - just like the bed and everything in this castle. I got out of my bed and reached for the coat, tracing my fingers around the same angel-winged crest of Crystallis. The coat of arms consisted of a silver shield and a faced down sword down the middle of the shield, where only its sapphire jewelled handle is visible on the logo. A glowing torch surrounded by glinting stars on the shield was embroidered with platinum white thread. The royal crest was placed on the side where our hearts are supposed to be; Crystallis will always be in our hearts. I couldn't help but gawk and gasp at the sight of how beautifully and carefully crafted the uniform appeared to be.

I smile and sigh to myself, my life was changing right before my eyes, and it was soon about to change. My dreams will soon become my reality. What lies ahead is a bright future with the one that I love. I look back at the navy blue cotton socks, the shiny pair of black brogue shoes neatly placed on the dark blue banded starry carpet and the plaid skirt and collar ribbon of raven and blue.

After soaking myself in an extravagant bubble bath and brushing my teeth, I return to my room and look into the silver mirror while I wear my undergarments and uniform. I thought I looked beautiful, my black eyes seemed to shine before me and so did my brown waves of hair. Something glinted on my bedside, it was a star sapphire brooch, just like the ring that Darien gave me, except it was platinum grey. I looked back at myself in the mirror, it was my turn to find myself.

I heard three quiet knocks on the door, it was Darien.

"Good morning, is it alright if I come in? Are you still getting ready?" he asks.

"No, you can come in!" I say.

He walks in, closes the door and looks at my uniform. I stared at his maskless face and obsidian and silver embroidered attire; he had a matching star sapphire brooch on his chest, except it was deep blue like his eyes.

"Marion, my dear, your visage and overall complexion look rather rosy today. I find it very alluring and attractive," he caresses my cheek.

"Darien, oh, this is more than just a dream, it is more than I have ever wanted. You don't understand how much I appreciate all of these things that you provide me with,"

I close my eyes, kissing his lips. He pulls me close to him, kissing me back. I sensed it again, almost an electrical impulse escaping through me, and then the room began to glow into flashes of light. I immediately opened my eyes, and so did he. I look into his eyes, lifting my glowing hand filled with stars.

"You're so beautiful, Mari," he gasps.

"It's you who lights me up, Darien. Don't you see? Do I do the same for you?"

"Yes, you are the light to my darkness," he shows me his left hand and fills the room with darkness and sapphire crystals and stars orbit us. It was as if we were in outer space, the starry night sky surrounding us.

"Oh my, I did not know that you could do that. Well, I somewhat did, but not to this extent..."

"Shh... Darling, close your hand," and he cups it like he always used to all those years ago. "You will be late for class. Take my hand, I'll lead you there,"

The room returned to its usual state and became a sunny day again. It was time for us to leave, and so I held onto his warm, veined hand.

He escorted me out of my dorm room, and into the chequered marbled hallway floors. The windows on the sides were arched with designed iron bars on the outside, much like the two windows in my dorm room. I'm guessing they were probably for security purposes and possible intruders.

We continued to stroll along the hallway, our steps echoing as we walked until I recognised some familiar faces and stopped.

"Klara! Fritha! Edith!" I sob, running across the hallway, their arms reaching out to hug me. I was then in their arms; they were like my shield, my protectors.

Edith still smelled like freshly baked shortbread, Klara still felt warm to the touch and Fritha still felt rough and bony. It felt like I was at home again, where I truly belonged. I moved back to see Fritha's dark brown visage, thin face and coily hair, Edith's usual messy bun and Klara's clear grey eyes and dark hair. They still looked exactly as I remember, just like how they always did.

"I am so glad to have you back! I promise I won't leave you guys again, and I will always go out of my way to protect you! I missed you all so much!" tears fell from my eyes.

"I cannot lose you again, Marion. I was extremely worried, and I almost could not comprehend your disappearance... Klara could not speak for quite a while, she seemed so shocked by it all," Edith softly spoke, her voice shaking slightly.

"It's so nice to see you alive and - well," sighs Klara, it almost sounded like a whisper or a peep. She runs to hug me again. This time the hug felt tighter, with her crying quietly. I tightly hugged them back for longer, and then she looked back at me and kissed my head.

"I will be spending my time with you after class and during the holidays. I hope that's alright with you?"

"Yes!" Edith beams.

"Just be careful, Marion, you may not know what truly lies ahead," Fritha finally speaks in a monotone.

"I'll try my very best to be safe. I'll have to head to my classes, I will see you all later. Goodness, I feel so overwhelmed with strong emotions, I just could not believe it, you are all truly here with me..." I reply breathlessly.

"We'll see you later," Edith smiles, kind wrinkles forming in her eyes. I walk along the hall with Darien and turn around, they wave at me, and I slowly wave back.

"Are you ready?" he asks.

"Yes, Sir," I responded, grabbing onto his hand again.

And so we turned left, where a statue of a man holding onto a sapphire-handle sword stood metres away.

"This is our spot, on this end of the hall. I hope it's not too far away for you,"

"It's perfect, Sir,"

We walked towards the grey statue and approached the rosewood door beside the statue. The door had a platinum label with the inscription: Prince Darien M. Richmond, Enchantments and Fencing ~ Room C203.