Minerva came up to the podium next, her piercing purple eyes examine the canidates.

"That's it for the program's leadership introduction. Now I will be assigning you to your houses according to the Cardinal Majesty's wishes. As Katrina, ahem, Miss Blackway stated before, you will all be working under a royal house while attending classes- meaning you will be living and working for them as a royal servant. However, you are not obliged to listen to orders from those other than your patrons, Miss Blackway, and other proper authorities."

Caroline was surprised to find that they weren't being forced to treat all Asurians as above them. Instead, it seemed your status would be directly assigned to who you end up with.

'I wonder if that's what Rosalie meant when she said she didn't want to just be a barons daughter…'

After she explained a bit more about how the living and working situation would work with classes, Minerva began to assign people to a house. To their surprise, the royals they would be working under were their instructors! This was sounding more and more like an actual scholarship program than she'd previously thought. Maybe… maybe they were more than just extra labor.

"Did she leave that out on purpose just to surprise us or what?" Whispered Emily.

Caroline smiled and whispered back, "Maybe. She seems like the type that likes to catch people by surprise. Also… don't think I haven't noticed you side eyeing Sir Rowan over there…"

Emily lightly pushed her, a soft pink covering her face. That answered that!

While she was giggling to herself, she watched as both Niko and Gus were assigned to be under house Nolan. That meant their patrons were Carter and Nidrie! They lucked out not getting Miss Blackway or either of the battle maniacs. The two of them now stood behind Carter and Nidrie along with the others that had been chosen for house Nolan.

"Rosalie Lockridige of Kumia, please step forward," Minerva announced, her gaze remaining cold and indifferent. No one could tell what she was thinking.

Caroline and Emily both stopped whispering to each other to pay attention to this. They really didn't want to have to live in the same house as that snob.

The red head walked out from the crowd and Caroline noticed that she actually looked somewhat nervous. Maybe it was the fact she was scolded in front of everyone earlier or the giant crowd, but she seemed like a normal girl for once.

"Rosalie, you will be joining house Eddlestone." Minerva carefully handed her a keycard and gestured to the people now lined up behind Gaius. No one noticed how the woman was stomping her foot as she did so. Roslie's face dropped as she dragged her feet over to the battle crazy caveman. If anything, Caroline hoped that the noble could learn some humility while she lived there.

"Caroline Woods from the Council of Americas, please step forward."

Caroline was so wrapped up in watching the depressed Kumarian noble that she almost didn't hear her name. Thankfully, Emily did and she quickly elbowed her friend. With a jolt, she realized what was happening. A bout of anxiety kicked in as she quickly made her way through the crowd to meet Minerva.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Minerva's expression changed slightly- although barely noticeable. She seemed to have a faint smile on her lip, "Caroline, you have been directly assigned to the Cardinal Majesty. For now, please stand beside Sir Rowan Gregor until the ceremony is over."

Her heart almost stopped as people gasped, their eyes searing her image into their minds. She was going to be working directly under the Cardinal? In the Palace? What would she be doing there? Her inner voice seemingly mocked her, "You know exactly what you're being called to do. Why else he choose to make someone personally attend to him?"

She couldn't help shoot her gaze up to where he was sitting, her thoughts racing just as fast as her heart, only to find that he was looking right back at her. Caroline heard her breathe and the world seemed to freeze. Even if she couldn't see his face through the mask, she felt as if she were being fondly gazed upon by someone dear to her. Embarrassed because she was caught, she blushed, took her card from Minerva, and shuffled her way over to Rowan. There were so many eyes on her that she wanted to just disappear. However, the surprises didn't stop there.

"Emily Constantine from the Council of Americas, please step forward."

Poor Emily still wasn't over the shock of her friend getting assigned directly to the Cardinal so she somewhat stumbled a bit when she got to the front. An awkward smile appeared on her face as she made eye contact with Minerva.

"Emily, you will be joining house Gregor directly under Rowan Gregor. Please make your way to stand beside him and Caroline."

If Caroline looked closely, she thought she could maybe see steam coming from the top of Emily's head. Oh right… she remembered how her friend had reacted to first seeing Rowan. How would she react if she had to work for him all the time? Even more so now that she seemed to have come to the same conclusion Caroline did.

Emily's hands were shaking slightly as she took her card from Minerva and shyly looked down as she approached Rowan, nodding at him while fiddling with her card, "P-pleased to work with you," she whispered.

He smiled warmly at her, his hazel eyes having a light twinkle to them, "Likewise, Emily."

Caroline practically watched her friend melt as Rowan said her name, leaving her to scoop her back up and bring her to her senses so the two of them could watch the rest of the ceremony. 'Well, at least Emily seems to be fine with this arrangement. I'm not sure what to feel,' she thought to herself while anxiously nibbling her lip.

It hadn't even been 48 hours since she left her home for good, leaving everything she had ever known. That included Drew, her boyfriend of convenience, as well. While she herself only started dating him because she wanted to try to fall in love, Drew had been deeply in love with her for years. He was a jealous man who hated the very idea of seeing her standing next to another guy, let alone small friendly acts such as a handshake or hugging. What would he think now?

Finally, the last person was assigned to their house and Minerva nodded while looking around to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be, "Make sure to treat your patrons with respect. Should you be caught slacking off or misbehaving, there will be proper punishment to fit the circumstance. Of course, that was stated in the contracts you signed but I shall repeat it. Patrons, please take care of our new additions and help them settle in as requested by the Cardinal Majesty! Make sure they know our rules. Those that were not named will get to meet them at a later time. That concludes the sorting part of this ceremony. Asurians, as today is a special occasion, The Cardinal has arranged for all food and beverages to be half off as a way of saying thank you."

The crowd was clearly moved as they all rang out happy cries, "Glory to the Cardinal Majesty! Thank you for your generosity!" Unbeknownst to the new arrivals, this day was truly one to celebrate thanks to Caroline's arrival. They couldn't help but feel their hearts swell.

Minerva also bowed her head in thanks towards the Cardinal's position on the balcony before continuing, "Candidates, please follow your leaders. They will show you to your new home and make sure you are settled in. You will have the rest of the day to learn the rules of your particular living space." She glanced at the Cardinal, who seemed to rise at the same time, "Everyone, rise with the Cardinal, you are dismissed."