It has been ten years since I was born into the kingdom of Tethia. I was born to a very average family. My father is a cobbler and my mother is a seamstress. Basically, even though it is a normal family my clothing is always the best. I often dream of another world, as if I had lived there once. It was a boring world where one just worked in monotony endlessly, without a drop of magic in sight. Perhaps that is why I am so attracted to magic. 

I have always envied the Queen of Tethia. She is the one at the forefront of magic, along with the Head Magician. The Head Magician is always a man, but the Queen also has a lot of power over the magical development of the country. Plus, here in Tethia I don’t have to marry any weird princes. I just have to work hard!

“Cassandra!” mother called, “I know you are excited but if you don’t get going you will be late!”

I quickly checked my appearance one last time and darted down the stairs. I was proud to say I was a very fashionable ten-year-old. 

“So today is the selection, huh,” father mused, “My grades were never good enough, but you might be able to, Sandra. I don’t know where all that magic comes from!”

“Determination!” I shouted, “I am going to attend Nobility and learn the best magic there is!”

My parents chuckled at my eagerness. “Don’t be too disappointed if you are not selected,” mother warned, “The magic test is very hard.”

Unlike father, mother had amazing grades, but no skill at magic. Plus, the course she would have gone into was economics so she declined and stayed in town. Nobility was prestigious but also known for being unbelievably harsh. It is no wonder that mother, who only wanted to be a seamstress, did not go.

“I love you!” I shouted as I pounced at them for a vicious hug, “I won’t let you down!”

They held me close for a few moments and I darted off. 

“Wow, the test is so crowded,” I whispered once I arrived. Every child from our town and the neighboring villages had to be here. I was admitted by the guard and headed to the end of the long line that was forming. As soon as I stopped, at least five children had already stepped up behind me. At least I wasn’t last.

I looked ahead and froze. No way! There was no orb or old man staring down at the testees. Instead was a beautiful woman, who looked like an angel surrounded by children. I knew exactly who that beloved angel was. None other than my esteemed idol, the Queen. As I stared, her eyes glanced into mine and… nothing really. She just went on with the testing. 

After what felt like an eternity it was my turn. “What is your name,” the gorgeous queen asked.

“Sa- Cassandra,” I managed. 

“Cassandra?” she confirmed. I nodded quickly, “And why do you want to attend Nobility?”

In my mind, I hesitated, but my words spilled out before I could stop them. “To learn all the magic and become Queen!”

There was a hush in the room after my exclamation. I heard many whispers, but they were all silenced with the Queen’s cool gaze.

“That is a very high aspiration, but the Queen is not all about magic. The Queen is a job where we must watch the King and make sure the country is safe in his hands. We are his advisor, and we care for the people. In the case of a battle a queen will use her magic to step behind enemy lines and negotiate peace. If this is truly the job you desire, then go through that door?”

The beautiful Queen gestured to a doorway further into the mansion. My mouth was gaping from her explanation. The Queen was so much cooler than I thought! 

“Yes! I want to be that person very much!” I replied, restraining myself from jumping. After she gave me a nod I headed to the door. 

Inside was a room full of other ten-year-olds, some furniture, and refreshments. “A waiting room?”

“Yeah,” a boy replied, “Do you know? If we passed or failed? Are we even in this together? There are three other rooms so what does this one mean?”

I looked around. “I guess we have to wait to find out?” I sat down near the refreshment table and grabbed a cookie. Everyone else seemed too nervous to eat.