Chapter 1

THE STOIC GENTLEMAN DISMISSED ME, IMPERVIOUS OF MY UNRELENTING INQUIRIES.

"Do you believe in aliens?" I decided to try a more fun subject to get the smoker's attention. He finally glanced up from the Forbes magazine, his steely emerald eyes slanted at my immaturity. I've come to learn that he goes by the name of sir Carlos and that he was an avid smoker.

The majestic private jet was filled with wisps of smoke from his black cigar which fumes smelled of cranberries and sage. Dozens of ocean breeze scented candles were lit to fumigate the strong scent which however encouraged it more.

I was changed into a sunkissed robe with the finest and softest fabric, velvety and comfortable. The symbol of St. Royals Academy was knitted by the shoulder, a black crown, shield and sword adorning the background of the name embellished in gold. My face was covered in a white aloe vera mask while my lips were smeared with strawberry-scented lip balm.

To my delight, a tall stewardess with kind eyes rolled in with the refreshments. Her tray was filled with scones, bagels, small condiments, blueberry muffins, a basket of ripe fruits and a bucket of bottled wine.

She poured red wine in a copper goblet and offered it to Sir Carlos. I raised my hand for the same which he quickly dismissed.

"We'll be there soon. I don't want to bring a drunk student to the academy. Don't get any ideas," he muttered while flipping the page of the crisp magazine.

I sighed, stifled from not being able to do anything except stare in awe at the azure and edgy arrangement of the private jet. The plush seats were adorned with flecks of gold and sunshine feathers while the walls glowed of wheatish ivory. The floor was carpeted like a sea of blood, tempting me to lay down and feel how soft it was.

Sir Carlos clapped his hands and ordered the handmaidens to dress me up. Immediately, I was ushered to a different section of the plane wherein the maidens began to spruce me up altogether and at the same time. My face was powdered, my lips painted in rose gold, my stubborn mahogany hair was brushed while my eyebrows were plucked avidly. Another maiden took off my robe and covered my torso with a black corset.

"Breathe in," she ordered. I complied, taking in a huge breathe before she tightened the blasted thing, knocking the air out of my lungs.

I was told to close my eyes as they drew dark lines on my eyelids and powdered them gently with sapphire grey. A cobalt dress flew over my head embellished with turquoise tulles at the arms and below the knees. They braided my hair and covered it with unique hydrangeas and beautiful camellias. For the final touch, they smeared a mildly scented perfume of gardenias on my neck, collarbones and wrists adorning it with specks of white silver glittery shimmers.

"Beautiful," said one of the maidens and showed me to the mirror.

I gasped in disbelief. Truly, that woman isn't me, is she?

She is you. If only were you this self-conscious, you could have charmed your way of living much easier. The conniving banshee inside my head commented.

"You look almost human at least," was Sir Carlos's generous reaction after we were dropped off by the private jet.

A white limousine with a brandished golden plate was waiting for our arrival. Still struggling with the Louboutin silver heels, I held onto Sir Carlos' arm who grudgingly led me to the car. The interior of the car was jet black velvet making it even more magnificent. A bottle of champagne and biscuits were displayed on the royal blue side table which I mauled over, ignoring the smoker's protest.

Within a few minutes of enthusiastically watching the endless green pastures, seas of starlight sunflowers and silver rivers slithering like snakes, a huge edifice came into view.

My jaw dropped at how enormous it was. Tall white pillars were as tall as giants while the granite walls were as sturdy as the great wall of China. Red draperies with slivers of gold were attached at the open halls and the high windows were hinged with vines of calico flowers. Around the castle were all kinds of wisterias blooming in every direction. I could only imagine what the interior would look like.

Sir Carlos took my hand delicately as I stepped out of the vehicle. A maid appeared and put a wreath of blue hydrangeas on my head which I thanked her for. I had never felt this pretty and it was heavenly.

The stroll to the castle took a long time because I would let go of Sir Carlos's arms to look at the different kinds of flowers and herbs. Butterflies swarmed on them like bees on honey and I couldn't help but smile. I showed a beige butterfly that landed on my index finger to the grumpy Sir Carlos who quickly shooed it away. The granite pathway was mixed with white gleaming pebbles which made it even harder to walk.

When we finally arrived at the towering entrance of one of the major rooms, my name was announced by a herald along with Sir Carlos.

The sky-high double doors opened revealing a throng of royalties, each formally and elegantly dressed, and all looked up momentarily to glance at me.

I gave them all a timid smile whilst knowing the etiquette of modesty.

A buffet of all kinds of sumptuous food was laid on a lengthy table. Rectangular tables were set with variant eating paraphernalia, laced white napkins, untouched appetizers and Bulgarian rose oiled candles.

"Is this—"

"In your common school, it's the cafeteria but in our world, it's the royal dining room."

"It's magnificent," I expressed my fervent admiration at the fancy ambiance of the royal palace.

Sir Carlos led me to a table with two royalties sitting across each other and conversing in a hushed tone. Their clothing style conveyed the polar opposite of one another. The Asian beauty wore a frilly peach long summer dress which was delicately fastened at her slender neck with a rose brooch. Her smooth shoulders were revealed until her elbows, each festooned with golden wide cuffs. She was like a blooming summer sunflower while the other shone like a black star in a bright sky alight of rainbow sunshine.

The woman sat across the Asian beaut had a velvet black attire adorned with sapphire jewels. Her black gloves were beautifully laced with wisps of silver and her ebony hair was half braided, weaved with wisteria.

"Your royal highness, allow me to introduce your new roommate who is now a court lady trainee, Clarissa Valdez, " Sir Carlos said gallantly while pulling a Victorian seat for me. "Please be acquainted with her royal highnesses, heiress Riallyn of England and Princess Vanessa of Singapore."

Both sets of curious and dove eyes gazed at me with interest.

"Hi, your royal highness, please call me Clary." I waved a friendly smile, hopeful for a peaceful and pleasant exchange.

Time to get acquainted, figure out how to beat the hierarchy and win this shit.

~