Ready or Not Book 4; Chapter Three

Chapter Three; Silence

I got up the next morning to the somewhat familiar sound of the intercom blaring in my room, a servant asking to enter my room with my tray of breakfast. I mumbled a quiet ‘yes’ before the maids came filing into my room with the tray of usual eggs and blueberries. Aura peeped her head out from behind the pillows, her eyes widening at the sight of the tower of blue fruits before her. 

“Thank you.” I muttered, rubbing my eyes as the maids put the tray on a stand placed on my bed. As soon as the maids shut my door, Aura dived towards the blueberries. I laughed as she gobbled one up in one bite. I took a few bites of the eggs before making my way to the closet.  

“Let me help you!” Aura speaked, flying over with a blueberry in her grasp. She threw it up in the air before catching it in her mouth. She flew into my closet, ruffling through the hundreds of dresses and gowns that I had. She pulled out a simple light purple dress with floral patterns on it. I slipped it on quickly as Aura flew over to grab my hairbrush. I took out the braid from last night, combing through it as quickly as I could. I knew Xavier would want to talk to me before I left, and I wanted to make sure I had enough time to do so. I put in another “Mariah braid.” 

“Do you think you’re ready for this?” Aura asked me. I shrugged. 

“Ready or not, I have to go back.” I explained. She nodded. My phone started to buzz, with  Andrew on the caller ID. I answered it, leaving Aura in another one of her gushy fazes. 

“Hey! I’m so excited to see you during my day.” Andrew said. I agreed, opening the door and making my way to dad’s office. 

“If there’s any way I can support you, please let me know.” He continued. I answered shortly, turning the corner to his office. 

“Are you alright?” He asked. I ruffled my hands through the part of my hair. 

“Not really, but I’ll see you there. I have to talk to dad before I leave.” I said. 

“Sounds good, see you soon.” He said, hanging up the phone. I hope I didn’t upset him. I knocked on the door of my dad’s office, and the door swung open. Xavier greeted me with his warm smile. 

“Good morning, Mariah. Are you feeling ready to return back to school?” He asked me, papers spread out all over his desk like they normally were. He took a seat on the throne. 

“I guess so. It’s just,” I paused, “different now.” I sat on the chair in front of the large desk. 

“It’s a big step, but so was last year. And look at you now, how far you’ve come. I know you can overcome any obstacle that’s placed in your path. Just think of this as another one of those obstacles. It might seem difficult right now, and it’s probably going to feel different for a long time. It took me three years before I would sit on this throne in this office. This is the King’s Office, where my father spent most of his time during my childhood. After he passed, I couldn’t imagine leading in my father’s footsteps, trying to be a powerful leader when I had no guidance or a clue on what I was doing. It took a lot of self growth on my part to get to a point where I realized I didn’t need to be my father. I needed to be me. As you grow up and near taking your place as Queen, I hope I can prepare you to lead as the Queen you are, not who anyone expects you to be.” Xavier trailed on, touching the smooth wooden handles of the throne he sat upon. I looked up at the painting on the wall of my father, his parents, and his brother. I stared at my grandmother’s smiling face. I’ve never seen that woman smile. Ever. 

“My mother wasn’t around much. When I got older and I wasn’t the powerful destroyer that the Phantoms expected me to be, any love she did have for me left. I remember when I was really young, she was a typical mother to me. But it was so long ago that I’ve almost forgotten what my mother was like when she was happy, when she loved me. I spent my whole life proving myself to her, but I’ll never be what she expected me to be. I’ll never be what anyone expects me to be. I’ll never be that perfect princess that wears the frilly gowns and big tiaras while waving a fan in front of my face. I’ll never be the destroyer that will one day rule Jamaa with an ‘iron fist’ with all Jammer and Phantom kinds at my will with powers to destroy all that is good and beautiful, and I’m okay with that. The labels are just words. It’s the actions and who you really are that make you who you truly are. And to me, I’m just Mariah.” I explained, playing with a ruffle on my dress. I traced the floral patterns, holding back tears at the discussion of my mother. Xavier stood up, tears in his eyes. He gave me a warm embrace. 

“I’m so proud of you. You are accepted here, always and forever.” He looked at me, handing me a photo frame from off of his desk. 

“Is this-” I began. 

“Your mother and me, yes.” He answered. I moved my paw over my mother, noticing the tight bun and fancy dress she was wearing. 

“She looks so much different.” I noted. He nodded. 

“I almost didn’t know who she was when I first saw her when you showed up last year.” He added. I looked over to the portrait of my grandparents again, looking at my grandfather. 

“You know, your father would’ve hated me. Just like your mother does.” I said bluntly. He cleared his throat. 

“I’m hoping that with time, your grandmother will come around. Just like the kingdom soon will, she will learn just how amazing you truly are. She’s even coming to your next soccer game next week.” He explained. 

“She’s probably going to see Liam.” I retorted. 

“While that might be true, she’ll see how incredible you are at soccer too. We can talk about this more later. Now, let’s get you on the carriage to go to school. I’m sure you have a lot of work to catch up on.” Xavier opened the door, leading me to the front entrance of the castle. 

***

When the carriage pulled up to the castle, I spotted Andrew out on the stairs waiting for me. When our eyes connected, a big grin grew on his face. 

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Liam told me as the carriage came to a halt. 

“Thanks. I’m glad to be back here and on the field again.” I explained as Olivia and Liam exited the carriage. Andrew was waiting outside the carriage. I sat in silence for a few moments, touching the cold gem around my neck. What if everyone hates me? What if someone starts attacking me or harassing me? What if things are never the same? 

“Just think of this as another one of those obstacles.”

I sighed, shaking the negative thoughts out of my mind. Andrew offered his hand as I climbed out of the carriage. As I reached the stone path of Magestia Prep, Andrew could tell something was off. 

“I promise everything will be okay. I’ll be here every step of the way. If someone says anything, they’ll have to get through me first.” He said, putting his paw on my back. We got to the doors of the school, and I saw a few of the guards staring into my soul. I shivered, taking my first step on the marbled floors in weeks. Instantly, the halls fell quiet, and you could hear a pencil drop on the floor. Everyone stared at me, watching each step that I took. Olivia was with her group of friends, and she was trying to continue a conversation with them. Before I could reach my locker, the intercom went off. 

“Attention students! We will be having an assembly during first period today. Please report to your class for attendance, and your professor will take you to the auditorium. Thank you!” Headmaster Cruizer’s voice rang through the halls. Instant chatter spread through the halls like wildfire, and people looked up to catch a glance of me. I sighed. 

“It’s going to be alright, I promise. He’s probably just going to tell everyone to respect you, which they should be doing already.” He said, glaring at a few people as we walked past. I reached my locker, putting my book bag inside of it. I grabbed my binder for my first period class, though I was sure this assembly was going to last a lot longer than that. My mother ruined their dance, and I’m sure that’s something I won’t be able to live down. Even if I didn’t have control over it. 

“I’ll see you at the assembly.” He said. I nodded, closing my locker. Before I walked away, he pulled me into a hug. 

“You are more than what everyone thinks you are. You are so, so much more.” He told me. A tear went down my face. 

“I don’t deserve a friend-sorry-a boyfriend-like you.” I admitted. He looked directly in my eyes, wiping my tear from my face. 

“No, I don’t deserve someone like you. You are an incredible person, and it’s a privilege to be by your side through the good and the bad.” He said, giving my paw a tight squeeze. I really don’t deserve it. 

***

“Hello, students. Thank you for joining in on this important discussion today.” Headmaster Cruizer began. The teachers sat on the stage as well on large chairs. Headmaster Cruizer stood on the stage behind a large pulpit. We sat in the audience seats, which were very comfortable throne-like chairs. Since each class only had about 10-15 students, not all the chairs were taken up. There wasn’t a lot of royalty in the world, and many had siblings in other years. There were a total of 25 kingdoms, with Jamaa being the head of them all. All of the kingdoms ruled their respective lands, but the ruler of Jamaa oversaw all of the other kingdoms, as well as the land of Jamaa. It was a highly respected position, which is no wonder why there was such a ruckus when the students filed into the large room. Andrew waved me over to sit beside him, and I weaved my way through princesses with large gowns to slide into the seat next to him. He put his paw on mine, reassuring me that it would be okay. I didn’t believe him for a second. 

“I know that we have all heard the news by now of a hybrid princess in our midst.” I gulped, everyone turning around to find me. Headmaster Cruizer cleared his throat, causing everyone to look back to him. I sighed a sigh of relief. 

“While this might be a shocker to many of you, I assure you that she poses no threat or harm to this school or any kingdoms. She is of royal blood, and she will be seen and respected as such. If anyone is seen disrespecting this student, you will be directly sent to me. Do I make myself clear?” He asked the crowd. There were small mutters, but most of the class politely agreed with the Headmaster. My leg bounced as kids still shot small glares at me. 

“Thank you, you are dismissed.” He said, looking at me. He held up a finger to me, telling me to wait. I looked over at Andrew. 

“I’ll stay, if you want.” He said, grabbing his binder. I nodded. We made our way to the front of the auditorium, Headmaster Cruizer trailing down the stairs of the stage. He waved us over to the edge of the auditorium. 

“I’m hoping this helps to ease any blows you might receive from any other students at this school. I want this to be a place you can learn and thrive, as I’d want that for any other royalty that walks through those gates. If you have any problems, please come speak with me. I spoke with your father earlier this morning, and he agrees that it is in your best interest to try to keep living life as normal as it was before the news got out. You’re doing very well here, and I’m impressed with how much you’ve grown.” He explained. 

“Thank you, Headmaster. I’ve had some great people to show me the way.” I laughed, Andrew giving my shoulder a tight squeeze. 

“I’m glad. I’m also eager to see you back on the field. The team could use you.” He said.

I let out a small laugh, a smile on my face. A genuine smile. The first one in a long time. “But that is all, you two may return back to class.” He waved us goodbye. Maybe things would be different now.. 

***  

I had a lot of work to catch up on, and I mean a lot. Thankfully Andrew was willing to help me after school, as well as all of my professors. 

I started to leave my room after school, and began to join in on family dinners again. I started talking to Olivia and Liam again, and I found myself thinking less about what could’ve been and started focusing on what is. 

My mother might not have been around, and while I wished and hoped that one day she might’ve changed, the fact is she was never going to change. She made her decision, and I made mine. She didn’t want to change, and the corruption in her heart clouded any love she could’ve had for me. 

She made her choice, and I’m pretty happy with mine.

Hey guys! Sorry for such a long break! I have been all over the place with starting college, having some medical things, etc. But I am READY to get back to posting some chapters!

Jam On!

-Cuteypie (Etherial)