Everyone at the Card Academy could only talk about one name, whether it was good or bad comments, it was always that name. That person could be none other than Annabell Prynrius, the youngest daughter of the White Queen.
This day marked her arrival at the Academy, the beginning of the three best years of her life, or so people said. The Academy was considered the best place in all Wonderland, guaranteeing a glorious future and providing the best memories for its students, even if some memories were not so clear.
The Academy was founded after the Great War of Colors, when the two kingdoms fought a war that lasted for years. It was founded with the sacrifice of the former rulers and various soldiers, whose souls merged with the structure of the castle, giving it a kind of life. The goal of the Academy is to minimize the chances of another war. People claim that the Academy encourages healthy rivalry among students and allows them to coexist, forgetting their differences.
The Card Academy became a place where only the best from the kingdoms would have the right to enter. At 18 years old, if you were deemed worthy, you would receive a letter and your name would appear on the huge list of freshmen in front of the building. People didn't know the criteria used to classify the "best from the kingdoms" but if your name appeared on the list, it could completely change your life.
Annabell's name was the first to appear on the list. For half of the school, it was a huge relief, but this joy was short-lived. Seconds later, another name emerged.
Ezariel Filandry, one of the strong candidates to assume the position of the Jack of Hearts, responsible for the military organization of the Kingdom of Hearts. The Jack of Hearts was considered a threat to the White Kingdom, being the strongest, fastest, most agile, and intelligent. Moreover, the Jack was the only one who could declare war or peace in the Kingdom of Hearts.
People from the White Kingdom often say, "Ezariel is a beast." There are rumors that he kills without hesitation if someone becomes a nuisance to him, the outcome won't be pleasant.
Annabell and Ezariel were loved in their kingdoms, but in the opposite kingdom, the situation was different. In the Kingdom of Hearts, Annabell was hated, seen as a spoiled and incompetent princess. In the White Kingdom, Ezariel was feared.
Both of them caused joy and dissatisfaction, and both kingdoms would have important representatives at the Academy. Everyone believed that both of them would go to the dormitories of their respective kingdoms.
The last time the school was so excited was 4 years ago when Annabell's brothers were welcomed to the Academy. One of the two would be the future King of the White Kingdom, so it was obvious that this would cause a huge commotion. Annabell, even though she wasn't a strong candidate to assume the throne, had a reputation as great as her brothers'.
... ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...
All the seniors were gathered at the castle entrance, and the enormous avenue leading to the castle was empty, as the students were on the lawn.
Decorations in black, white, gold, and silver surrounded the entire castle. Students painted in the colors of the dormitories, flags, and balloons scattered everywhere.
The ceremony, usually just a formality, was different this year. Because of the two special guests, the organizers of the ceremony decided to do something different. It would be a grand event, a grand entrance, unlike any opening scene in all the years of the Academy.
"As everyone knows, this year's opening ceremony is going to be different. We will have a parade of our newcomers, with two extremely important figures! In addition, of course, to our traditional dormitory selection ceremony" the headmistress said excitedly. A huge smile adorned the woman's lips.
The students cheered enthusiastically.
"Open the gates!" the headmistress's voice echoed throughout the space.
The gates were opened, and a huge red carpet stretched along the avenue. Fireworks with the emblems of the dormitories began to appear in the sky, colorful birds flew, releasing white and red smoke.
On the right side of the enormous avenue, a woman began to walk. She was simply stunning. The woman wore a white dress with small silver embroidered flowers and scattered shimmer. The silver details outlined her waist, forming a V-shape at the front of her body. The upper part of her shoulders was exposed, and the sleeves were wide without any kind of detail. The silver lining connected the sleeves to the dress, tracing the neckline.
Her white hair reached her waist, with small curls forming at the ends, adding volume. On top of her head, she wore a crown with few details. Her makeup was striking and enhanced her beauty, though not extravagant. The most attention-grabbing feature was her lips painted in a bold red, adding a touch of aggressiveness to her gentle appearance. Her brown eyes conveyed kindness and immense joy. She never stopped smiling for a second.
Annabell felt like she was in a magical moment, but it wasn't as "amazing" as she had imagined. In fact, it was a bit intimidating. She would be staying in that Academy for five years. She could only speak to her parents on special occasions, and vacations lasted only one week. Sometimes she felt like she was going to some kind of prison.
She didn't let her thoughts show. She continued to smile and thank the people. Everyone believed that the Academy was the best option, and she had to go along with that idea. After all, Annabell believed in it too.
"Stop smiling so much, it looks like your face is going to tear apart" Annabell resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She turned her face and looked at the redhead on the white horse. "It's annoying" she had spent nearly 2 hours next to that man. Every comment he made was unbearable.
The man had a fierce appearance, and compared to the princess, his attire was simple. He wore a black and red leather coat with golden details that accentuated his lines. Around his waist, there was a large black belt that marked the region. His vivid red hair was messy.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"If you tried to smile, you wouldn't be so unbearable" Annabell looked back at the people celebrating their arrival.
Neither of them spoke until they reached the stairs that led to the castle entrance. Ezariel dismounted from the horse and gave a smug smile to the princess. The redhead looked at the princess's dress and then back at her.
"Can't you climb the stairs? You should call one of them, they're dying to do a favor for the lovely princess" his sarcasm was evident.
When they were getting ready for the grand parade, the headmistress suggested that Ezariel help Annabell climb the stairs as a way to show that the Academy would unite the kingdoms.
Annabell took a deep breath and held up the skirt of her dress, pulling it slightly upwards as she began to climb the stairs. Her steps were slow and confident. She knew Ezariel wouldn't help her, and she didn't need anyone for that.
"If you keep standing there like a post, it will be you who requires help. They'll think you've soiled your pants and given up on the Academy" Annabell spoke loudly enough for Ezariel to hear, amidst the noise and excitement of the students. No one would notice this small interaction.
When they both reached the top, behind them, an enormous dragon began to soar. It was made of white and red energy threads. The dragon flew and interacted with the people. Ezariel and Annabell turned around, bowing to the students as a way of thanking them for their presence. The dragon flew towards them, and just as it was about to collide with them, the dragon exploded, causing red and white flowers to rain down from the sky.
The headmistress opened a huge smile. She embraced each of them before speaking with enthusiasm.
"It is a great honor to welcome these two great representatives. Annabell Prynrius, from the White Kingdom, and Ezariel Filandry, from the Kingdom of Hearts. We know it's not easy to get here, but know that all this effort will be rewarded!" The students began to applaud. "It's a highly anticipated moment for everyone, and no one can explain the immense excitement of receiving both of you. This year will be filled with new stories, but before we embark on the journey of our future students, some announcements need to be made."
"This year, the Wonderland Cup will take place, where a representative from each dormitory will be chosen to compete in this marvelous event and bring pride to their dormitory! Alongside our traditional dormitory competitions" one of the teachers responsible for the school's events said excitedly.
"Now, let's allow Annabell and Ezariel to say a few words" the headmistress said.
A table with a microphone appeared in front of Annabell, decorated with various white flowers and silver vines.
"I don't even know how to express my gratitude for this wonderful reception. I was extremely happy when I found out that my name was the first on the list! Many expect great things from me, and I hope to meet their expectations" she waved to some students. "And thank you to the Yellow Sea Dormitory for organizing this incredible event!"
Most of the students started applauding and cheering. The headmistress waited for the students to calm down before moving the microphone. Now, the table was decorated with hearts and spades cards. Silence spread throughout the entrance of the castle. Ezariel leaned on the table, releasing a low laugh.
"I thank you for the reception. I commit to doing my best to bring pride to the Kingdom of Hearts and prove that things will be different. This time, victory will be ours!" The crowd's cheer was enthusiastic, almost like a battle cry.
Seeing the excitement of the students, the headmistress decided to intervene. She snapped her fingers, and a strong wave passed through the students, making them quiet down.
"Let's begin the selection of the dormitories. Everyone will be taken to the Arena Theater."
Don't be fooled, people didn't walk to the Theater. With a simple wave of magic, everyone was transported to the Theater.
The place was entirely open, and the sound of birds could be heard. Just like the entrance of the castle, the Theater was fully decorated, but the colors were divided. Each one represented a dormitory.
In the center of the Arena, there were four broken pillars with objects on top. The first one was a White Lotus flower. On the second, a Black Rose. The third one held two Joker cards. Finally, there was a painting of a Yellow Sea. These were the symbols that gave origin to the names of the dormitories.
The headmistress began to speak about the importance of choosing the right dormitory. Regardless of what is imposed by family and friends, your dormitory should be your own choice, free from external influences. Selecting the right dormitory meant finding your home.
The director
began speaking about the importance of deciding the right dormitory. Regardless of what is imposed by family and friends, your dormitory should be your own choice, free from external influences. Selecting the right dormitory meant finding your home.
"Which dormitory will the little princess decide?" he leaned towards her.
"For someone who can't stand me, you sure talk to me a lot" she pointed at him and chuckled softly.
"It's hard to endure all this nonsense in silence. Talking to you is better than listening to her, at least you don't talk about unity and peace between the kingdoms" the redhead made a disgusted face.
"Let's begin with Annabell Pynrius!" The girl widened her eyes when she heard her name, having stopped paying attention to the speech.
The headmistress extended her hand towards her and then pointed to the altars.
Annabell walked slowly towards the altars. She could still hear her father's voice recounting the meaning of each symbol.
"The first one is the White Lotus. It represents our Kingdom. We are widely recognized for our arts and kindness. Although most people are from our kingdom, some residents from the Kingdom of Hearts takes the risk, as well as other people without a kingdom. Everyone is welcome."
"The second one is the Black Rose. It represents the Kingdom of Hearts. They say that everything ends with them, so they chose the Black Rose as their symbol. They are skilled in battles and strategy. Furthermore, they are not very receptive to people from our kingdom. If someone from the White Kingdom enters there, they must prove themselves worthy."
"The third one is the jokers. They have no side, always seeking their own benefit. They are not very trustworthy, but if any of them swears loyalty to you, do not doubt it, they do not lie about that. They are excellent in magic, with a strong connection to nature."
"And lastly, the Yellow Sea. Nobody really understands them, they're just there. Most of them support our Kingdom, they are very lively and friendly, but they also hold a lot of grudges. They are responsible for the events of the Academy."
"Don't worry about what others say, when deciding your Dormitory, pick the place where you will be happiest. It's your life, my daughter."
Annabell smiled at the fond memory. She approached the altars and held the knife next to the flower. She made a small cut on her finger, and a drop of blood fell onto the white petal.
"Princess Annabell of the White Lotus Dormitory!"
The applause resounded. Birds began to sing, and little fairies flew towards the princess. A glow enveloped the woman, and her clothes were replaced by a more comfortable skirt and blouse set. Her hair was now in a half-up bun with butterfly clips scattered throughout. Throughout the whole process, Annabell couldn't hide her joy and surprise.