Chapter Six; Escapism
Xavier came into my room the next morning to wake me up. I was really hoping he still wasn’t freaked out about last night’s ‘excitement.’ I handled the Phantom King fine like I normally can. I’m not some weak phantom that is doubted across the phantom world-’hybrid’ or not-even if others tend to disagree.
*
“We finally are given the prophecy’s gift of the Destroyer, and we are given this? This tiny little jammer with no signs of powers at four?! Ridiculous!”
“I’m just as confused as you are, father.”
“Silence! This is why the throne will never be yours, Hatchi. You’re weak, just like that thing. No daughter of mine will be with a Jammer. I thought you riding me of your gruesome presence would be helpful, not completely destroying the entire phantom world with a so-called Destroyer!”
“I’m the rightful heir! Kirai might be two years older, but she’s not suitable for the throne.”
“The only miserable phantom here is you! And that thing, but she’s not even a full phantom! Kirai will make a fine Phantom Queen. Finer than you would’ve ever been!”
*
I’m quite surprised I wasn’t able to pick up on the ‘full phantom’ comment. I had only recently found out about my ‘jamaanity' when I met Xavier, and he told me everything. I know the Phantom King doesn't like my mother for some reason, but why me? I barely even knew him! I met him once, and he said he never wanted to see my ‘ugly face’ again. Honestly, I didn’t want to see his either. I guess that was short lived.
“Mariah, are you alright?” Xavier asked as maids brought me breakfast.
“I’m fine. I told you, I can handle myself. Trust me.” I explained, climbing out of the large bed.
“You can’t be going out there if the Phantom King is after you.” Xavier continued.
“I’ll be fine. Besides, him attacking that school seems not his style.”
“You know his style?”
“Bits and pieces. I had to study battle strategies with mom.”
“Right.” I looked at my face in the mirror. My lip wasn’t bad. There was a tiny cut, but it was nothing I couldn’t cover up.
“Well, it’s your first day of Magestia Prep! Do you know your schedule?” Xavier asked, putting a purple bag he had brought in onto my desk.
“I haven’t looked at that sheet of paper since we left the office.” I replied slowly, eating some of the blueberries.
“It’s going to be alright. Olivia and Liam will be there to show you around.” Xavier explained, opening up the bag. He pulled out multiple binders and bags.
“What are those for?” I asked, getting out of the large bed.
“They’re for your classes. They have different materials you’ll need like paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, and folders.” Xavier explained, showing off the various pouches and bags. I nodded, half-paying attention. I knew the Phantom King well enough that if he wants something, he’ll do whatever is needed to get what he’s after. I just didn’t want to worry Xavier by telling him the truth. Sure, if I did tell him, I’d probably get out of Magestia Prep and the Festival tomorrow. The Festival. That’s his chance.
“How many people are going to the Festival tomorrow?” I asked bluntly, looking at his green eyes.
“Mostーif not allーof the kingdom. Why do you ask?” Xavier replied, putting everything back into the bag. I sighed.
“Just curious.” I replied, walking over to the closet. I was expected to wear one of these, aren’t I?
“Mariah, if you say he won’t-” Xavier began, but I stopped him.
“I lied.” I blurted, covering my mouth.
“What?”
“Exactly what I said.”
“He’s attacking you? How do you know?”
“I didn’t mean that.” I replied, flipping through the hundreds of gowns.
“Then what do you mean?” Xavier asked.
“Just that if he’s out for blood, he’ll do whatever to get it.” I responded standing in the
closet. I didn’t want to wear any of them. Weren’t my sweats enough?
“Hello no need to thank me.” Olivia cheered, bursting into my room. She was wearing an
obnoxiously pink gown with her diamond pink tiara. I almost threw up the moment I saw the amount of pink on this girl. She looks like she’s ready for a royal event or something-not school.
Olivia’s Dress (Thanks for the dress idea, Yum!)
“Why in Mira’s name would I thank you? I asked, crossing my arms.
“Dad recruited me to help you with your,” Olivia paused, clearing her throat in a judgmental tone, “unique fashion sense.” She finished. I growled but remembered Xavier was standing right there. If she picks something ridiculous I will be throwing a punch or two.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Lucy smiled, coming into the room. Do people not knock on doors in this house either?
“Elijah! I can’t find my bag.” I heard Liam shout from his room down the hall.
“This is the third time this week!” Elijah exclaimed, rushing to his room. Olivia rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“How is that my twin?” She sighed, walking over to my closet. The amount of comebacks I have right now, Olivia. You’d be sorry.
“How about this beauty?” Olivia exclaimed, pulling out a large gown. I almost choked on the apple juice I had in a cup. They’ve been bringing me breakfast in bed for some reason. Probably to ‘give me space.’
“Pfft. Are you kidding me? It’s school. Not a royal ball.” I exclaimed, putting the cup down.
“I know this is a big step,” Xavier explained, “but it’s going to be fine. You’ll fit in wonderfully there. You’re taking so many interesting courses with other princes and princesses all across the world. ”
“Siri, Rudo, Rima, Sango, and I could go on for miles!” Olivia explained, pulling out another dress. This one was a lot less poofy. It was-well- pretty. It had ruffles on the collar and sleeves, and was lavender in color. It was perfect.
Mariah’s dress! (Thanks for the decision, Celebrati0n!)
“Are you sure you’ll be alright? Maybe I should inform the Alphas about last ni-”
I quickly cut him off. “No it’s fine. I can handle myself.” I explained. It wasn’t their fight. I’m not having a repeat of my mother’s trapping. This is my mistake to fix. Not theirs. Besides, nobody’s better to take down phantoms but a phantom herself.
“Can I at least tell them to be on alert?” Xavier asked. I sighed.
“If it’ll ease your nerves, sure.” I replied as Lucy and Xavier walked out of the room. Olivia stayed-however- to see how the dress looked on me. Of course. I walked into the large bathroom and slipped the dress on. I walked out, and Olivia clapped.
“You really do clean up well. You look nice.” She smiled, putting a purple tiara onto my head.
“Thanks. I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve told me since I got here.” I smiled back, fixing the amulet around my neck.
“About the whole muting thing, I’m-”
“It’s in the past.”
“You forgive me?”
“Not really. But I’ll stop holding a grudge.”
“That’s nice of you.”
“Sarcasm?”
“Just a bit.”
“Look, I’m not a fan of having a half sister phantom in the castle, but I have always wanted a sister.” Olivia admitted, sitting down on the side of my bed.
“Gee thanks.” I replied in a sarcastic tone.
“No problem.” Olivia smirked. Wow. She’s getting good.
“Oh my Mira you’re blind.”
“Excuse me?”
“It’s an expression.”
“I was mute.”
“No grudge, huh?” I crossed my arms.
“Starting now.” Olivia smiled standing up and fixing the tiara on my head.
“Fine.” I laughed, fixing the braid I had in my hair since last night. The events of before
went to bed distracted me from my hair at the time. She got my bag for me and we headed to the carriage to take us to Magestia Prep.
***
“I’m so excited for soccer tryouts next week!” Liam exclaimed as the dreaded school came into view.
“Soccer tryouts?” I asked.
“Yeah! You remember Prince Andrew? He’s trying out, too. It’s our first year to try out as Magestia Prep students. We used to be at Royal Academy before we came here this year. That’s basically an elementary school.”
“So we’re in year Seven? So when do you get out?”
“You mean graduate? That’s technically year Ten. If you’re going to be Queen or King, your year Ten is spent shadowing your parents. The Headmaster gets reports on how you do, and that’s your year Ten grades. Everyone else stays here at MP and does another normal school year. After that, we all get to pick what we want to do and follow that career path at different Academies. The kids who job shadowed continue learning with their parents about ways to rule. They then become ruler whenever the law in their kingdom says they can.”
“That’s cool.” I replied as the carriage pulled up to the doors.
“The school day is usually seven hours, but sometimes we go longer for assemblies. Those are like where they talk to us about random stuff. They aren’t as often.” Liam explained, grabbing his bag. I nodded.
“Just to let you know, we haven’t gotten a new student in our grade since-well-ever. Most royals are-you know- here since year One. Some of them might be a little weird because we’ve never had a new student. Just so you’re ready.” Olivia explained. Liam and Olivia exited the carriage, while I stood and stared.
“You alright, Princess?” One of the guards asked. I cleared my throat.
“Never been better.” I lied, hopping out of the carriage. There were a few kids also getting out of their carriages.
“I’ve got to sign up for soccer tryouts. Will you show Mariah to her locker?” Liam asked Olivia.
“Sure. We’ll be sure to say hello to all of my friends as well.” Olivia replied, grabbing my hand. She dragged me inside the large doors.
“Is that her?” A bunch of kids muttered. I was sure to keep my head down. There was no way I could handle three more years of this place. And then job shadowing Xavier? What if I didn’t want to be Queen? I’m a phantom, not a Jammer.
“Princess Olivia! Hello!” A girl exclaimed, curtsying. “Oh. Is this Princess Mariah from the coronation?” Olivia nodded.
“Welcome to Magestia Prep! I’m Princess Mila! It’s a pleasure to meet you!” She exclaimed, giving me a hug. I hate hugs. I forced myself to smile.
“You’re so beautiful! And you’re not wearing a gown?” She asked, looking at my dress. What? So it isn’t annoyingly poofy. That means I’m wrong?
“I just don’t want to wear poofy dresses. That’s all.” I replied. She snorted, but quickly apologized for not being ‘lady-like.’
“So your locker is somewhere in that direction. It should be easy to find. It’ll have your name on it. Bye!” Olivia smiled, walking along with a large group of girls. I threw my hands in the air as she walked down another hall.
“I swear to Mira I will-” I began, but I ran into someone. I fell to the ground with a thud. Oops?
“I am so sorry!” I heard a boy exclaim. I looked up to see Balcony Boy himselfーin the flesh. He reached out his hand, which I didn’t take. I stood up myself.
“It’s fine. Really. I wasn’t looking.” I explained, fixing the tiara on my head.
“Princess Mariah! Welcome! Where’s Prince Liam or Princess Olivia?” Andrew asked, looking around.
“Liam went to sign up for soccer, and Olivia ran off with her friends.” I shrugged. Andrew sighed.
“Here. I’ll help you. I assume you need your locker?” He asked, leading me down a hallway. I nodded. Olivia, I really thought you changed.
***
“What’s your first class?” Andrew asked as I put my bag into my locker. I pulled out the schedule and handed it to him.
“I’m in most of your classes actually. All but these weird phantom classes and your geography class. I’m taking that ancient heroes class though! I was lucky to have gotten in! I’m surprised you got in. It’s mostly for the older Years.” Andrew explained, giving me the paper back.
“Yeah I just have quite the knowledge on the phantom universe.” I explained, closing my locker.
“Say, do you want to sit with me at lunch? Only if you want to of course. Or unless you’re sitting with anyone else.” Andrew ran his fingers through his blonde hair.
“You seriously think I’m actually sitting with anyone? Olivia left me to die in these halls. I’d love to.” I replied. He instantly glowed with happiness. How can someone be so happy about sitting by someone at lunch?
“Awesome! I’ll walk with you to lunch. And all of your other classes if you want.” Andrew grinned.
“That would be amazing.” I smiled. Suddenly, a loud chiming began to echo through the halls. I jumped out of defense.
“You okay?”
“What the heck was that?”
“It’s the school bell.”
“What’s that?” I asked, fixing the binder in my arms.
“Tells you to go to class. Didn’t you have that at your old school?”
“I-uh was homeschooled.”
“Oh. Well I suppose this was a wonderful step.” Andrew sarcastically replied. Royalty being sarcastic? That’s new.
“The best.” We laughed.
“We better get to mathematics. Professor Henerson will be angry if we aren’t there on time.”
“I guess i’ll have to face
That in this awful place
I shouldn't show a trace of doubt.”
But I think I found my escapism.
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own the designs of the dresses used as imagery in this chapter. All rights go to the specified owners. I merely found them on Google. Here are the links to the dresses for copyright purposes.
Lavender Dress: https://cdn77.gemgrace.com/34250-thickbox_default/elegant-purple-long-tulle-prom-formal-dress-with-beaded-cape.jpg
