1 Elyssa Darling (1)

As daylight and soft breeze slip through the open window, the curtains sway gently, and the room brightens creating a serene ambiance. The warmth and buoyant style of the white room and the simple yet exquisite furnishings adds up to the beauty of the room. The whole feeling upon entering such a place is simply beautiful and soothing that makes you feel at home.

Despite the ambiance set by the room, a woman in her early twenties is lying on the California king size bed and is showing signs of having a terrible nightmare. Beads of sweats on her forehead, brows furrowed deeply, and heavy breaths, it has been minutes since she's under the spell of misery that the gloomy aura condenses around the room.

The heavy atmosphere continues to spread around the room hindering its beauty as the woman is still engrossed in her nightmare. At last, the alarm rings. The woman slowly opens her eyes showing beautiful amethyst eyes. Her heart-shaped face, soft arc brows, perfect straight nose, and natural pink thin lips accentuate her beautiful face.

As soon as the woman opened her eyes, the heavy atmosphere diminishes, and her heavy breathing slowly returns calm and steady. After regulating her breathing, she slowly stood up and wipe out her sweat with her t-shirt. Even after experiencing a nightmare, her face remained calm and unperturbed as if not experiencing any nightmare. It is clear that she's accustomed to her situation and simply didn't care about it.

Wearing her cute bunny slippers, she went towards the bathroom and takes a bath. For 15 minutes, she cleans herself up and went to her walk-in closet at the adjoined room to dress up. Wearing a simple beige blazer, white top, and jeans, her beautiful curvy body still shows. Added with her soft creamy skin tone and dark wavy medium length hair, her beauty is top-notch.

Going out of her room, she went to the kitchen to prepare her breakfast, a slice of toasted bread with an egg and a glass of orange juice. Finishing her breakfast, she washed the dishes first then wear her flat ankle boots before heading outside, bringing her small sling bag and coat.

***

Outside is entirely different opposed to her apartment room's atmosphere. Many people are coming and going in the hallway. Walking towards the elevator, she meets some of her neighbors, busy with their own business. Not greeting nor minding their existence, she continues to move on her own pace, alienating the buzzing activities around her. Her neighbors appear to take no heed on her as they are accustomed to her cold and indifferent personality. They only take a glimpse of her and then do their own business.

The woman lives in district N. Residents in this area are mostly families in the middle-class due to the developed yet low-priced lands. Despite the progress of the community, most people residing here are working in the neighboring districts like districts A and S as it is where most leading companies are founded.

As she steps out of her apartment, she walks to the bus stop. It was still early in the morning, so there are only a few passengers on the bus that she just got into after waiting for 5 minutes. Taking the vacant seat at the middle section of the bus, she leans her head on the window, chins on her palms as her arms are rested on the windowsill.

Tall buildings, rushing cars, and people on the sidewalk appear before her eyes. It was quite active and bustling outside as people are going to their schools or work. It was also a great day that adds up to the lively setting of the city. But looking closely at the woman, her eyes are apathetic and impassive like nothing could enter her eyes.

Her whole aura exudes a nonchalant air. People passing would not regard her due to her dull and apathetic expression. Throughout the ride, not a single person has ever noticed her, even those people who came and sat beside her. Never once did these people had an impression about her as if she's never been there. It was unknown whether the woman did, deliberately or not, not allow her presence to be noticed.

The bus arrived at Central street in district S, 45 minutes away from district N. Arriving at her destination, the woman stood up and followed the group of passengers getting off the bus. Nearing the exit, she slipped her payment on the payment machine beside the driver's seat.

The driver didn't notice that someone had slipped on the bus, not paying the bus fare before entering the vehicle. If he knew this, he would be dumbfounded as he monitors the people entering his bus.

Getting off the bus, the woman headed to her workplace a few blocks away from the bus stop.

***

Away from the busy street stands a prestigious international private primary school, Delton Star Academy. The academy is governed by three influential people in the country. From the school's land area, and the magnificent and exquisite modern buildings to the first-rate facilities, and services provided, it implies the notable and capable status of the institution.

With the school's deep connections with the political and military force, distinguished families enrolled their children in this prestigious school. It allows them to associate with noble and powerful families to form connections all over the world and create opportunities to improve their current status. With this notion, they arranged their children to the school to connect and engage with their classmates, expecting gains from their children

Arriving at the school gate, several elite vehicles are coming and going inside the campus, sending in children to school. The woman, upon entering the school, went straight to the faculty office, avoiding the crowded route.

As she opened the door, several pairs of eyes looked at her.

"Oh, good morning fellow teacher." A middle-aged woman with soft brown eyes and dark hair greeted her. The middle-aged woman has a friendly and approachable personality, coupled with her warm smile, her whole aura is very suitable as a primary teacher. This woman is the head of the faculty staffs. The teachers here have notable status. Some are relatives to reputable families, while some are accomplished people who graduates in reputable universities. Everyone is highly capable with their jobs.

Looking at the bright personality of the woman, she simply bowed her head a little and proceed towards her cubicle. The other teachers around just shook their heads as they already know about the cold and detached personality of the woman. They couldn't even comprehend how come such a woman could become a teacher for small children. However, they brush off that taught as they know how heavy and meticulous the recruitment process of the teachers in this institution. The middle-aged woman also didn't dwell on the situation and just continued the work she left awhile ago.

As she arrived at her workplace, she placed her things on the table and sat down on her chair as she opens the drawer at the side of her left foot.

Compact with stacks of files, she picks out the first folder with several papers attached to it.

The contents on the first few pages of the file are all information regarding the children under her care, ranging from ages 5 to 6 years old. Complete pieces of information about the children, from personal to medical, are gathered in these papers comprehensively and accurately.

Though these data are necessary for teachers to have concerning their students, the contents from the next pages are no longer part of her business.

Lists of extensive and in-depth reports about the families of each child, from businesses and properties owned to networks involved and families associated with, are found. These things are confidential information from the people outside. However, she was able to obtain such materials.

Reading through the contents of each page, she analyzes and memorizes every detail inside the file. Only in a matter of minutes did she finish reading it. Holding such materials in her hands and the capacity of remembering every detail in a short moment reveals that the woman does not have an ordinary character.

Opening another file with the same scope, she read everything until nothing is left in the drawer.

Achieving her aim, she collects the files all together and takes out the paper shredder machine from its compartment. She turned on the machine and inserted the documents on it, erasing all evidence of holding such information.

Observing the woman's attitude, she's pretty calm for a person who owned such troublesome classified information. Her laxity is quite concerning as it could draw trouble. Nonetheless, she didn't give any concern as she knows the people and her surrounding very well. They weigh nothing for her to raise caution.

Only those people are capable to arouse her cautiousness. Her past self and experience are something that makes those people always on the move, hunting her down. Escaping the things she left behind, she's been moving from different countries, one after another, for years. Only in this country did she find solace for almost a year.

However, she knew that someday they would find her again. At that time, she would fight as she's already tired of running. She prepared herself for months thus she only needs to wait for the right moment to act.

As for unveiling her identity, time can only tell.

***

Looking at the shredded papers, she pondered at the information she read and sorted the things she must take note of.

'Still nothing huh?'

"''Those old bones are so slow, yah know.''"

'Shut up!'

"''Whatever.'"'

Her train of thoughts was cut off as one of her co-teachers approaches her.

"Excuse me, Ms. Darling. Sorry to disturb you, but the headmaster would like to see you at the head office."

A woman in her early-thirties with auburn hair tied up in a simple bun and black eyes came to her. This woman is the secretary of the headmaster.

'Must be important. A new student perhaps?'

"Alright then, please take the lead Mrs. Thompson." She agreed and follows Mrs. Thompson to the head office.

Looking at the back of Mrs. Thompson, she examined the woman in front of her.

'Hmm, I remembered. Isn't this woman the wife of that shipping line owner? This institution is simply uncommon.' She blandly thought.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the door of the office. Knocking gently on the door, the secretary announces our arrival and asks for permission to enter before opening the door.

Stepping inside, she adjusted her temperament as soon as she saw the people inside the office. Her previous attitude is not how she acts towards the headmaster. Only to this person does she act cordially and respectfully due to her background being more complex compared to others. It is also the headmaster that had helped and hired her as a teacher in this institution, therefore she is somewhat grateful towards her.

However, today is different. Aside from the headmaster, a man more influential than the headmaster is sitting beside the table. Beside him is a child, the age of 5 or 6, and two other people who may be the assistant are behind them.

***

Scrutinizing the room, the office space emanates a sophisticated and modern touch. The arrangement and style of everything perfectly blend together, an excellent room for receiving and catering to these kinds of people.

Standing at the center of the room in front of the people before her, she calmly looked at them.

Catching a glimpse of the man and child, she saw a bit of resemblance between the two. What caught her attention the most was the stunning gold-colored eyes of the man apart from his gorgeous face and bearing.

'Those eyes, have we seen it before?' She tries to remember the event where she had seen those eyes.

Failing to do so, she dismissed her thoughts and shifted her attention to the woman sitting elegantly and possessing a regal and temperate bearing.

"Mrs. de Graaf, you have called for me?" Her tone was polite as she addresses the woman.

"Ms. Darling, I called you here to inform you that His Majesty, Duke Reyes of Spain, will admit his nephew, Prince Estevan, to this institution in this school year. His highness will be introduced to your class." The headmaster informed her about the new student.

Nodding her head, she positioned herself in facing both the esteemed guests and pay respects to them.

"Sorry for my late introduction, your highness. My name is Elyssa Gale Darling. I am the one being entrusted to the young lord's education and safety during his stay in this institution. I hope this arrangement does not displease you. I assure you that the young lord will be in good hands." She spoke in their language fluently to improve their impression of her and also display the prestige of this institution.

The man raises his eyebrow and smiles towards the headmaster, neglecting the woman who was still bowing respectfully towards him.

"You didn't disappoint this Prince's expectation of this institution. My nephew will be left in your care." He spoke in English and then stood up.

The man in his business suit oozes a sexy and refined demeanor. Coupled with his over-bearing aura and regal temperament, he is like those hot domineering presidents from the novels in the flesh. He then looked at the woman who persists to bow, not moving an inch, as if waiting for the signal of the superior to be permitted to stand.

"You may rise." He found it amusing as the woman's action is unnecessary. Though he did not correct her action, he found it intriguing that the woman knows such etiquette, especially in this time. It was like the woman was trained to do such things and was engraved in her bones.

"Then I'll thank you ahead, Ms. Darling. I am contented that you will be my nephew's adviser." He replied to her in his own dialect as he knew that the woman understands him. He is quite pleased to know that such a woman can speak his language and he doesn't need to worry about his nephew having trouble speaking to others.

Hearing the beaconing of the man, she stood up straightly and eyed the man who spoke to her.

'Bitch' She thought.

"Then I'll thank you ahead, Ms. Darling. I am contented that you will be my nephew's adviser."

"The pleasures all mine, your Highness." She replied.

The man just smiled at her with that blinding smile, however, it didn't affect her at all. Instead, she smiled amiably back at the man.

The man pulled out his smile as he stared at the woman intently. He then shifts his gaze at his nephew who from the very beginning didn't speak nor look at them.

"I'll go ahead now, Estevan. Don't give me any problems as you stay here." He spoke to his nephew coolly. Their relationship is stagnant as it seems.

The little boy just nods his head while still engrossed in the device his holding.

"I'll him in your care then, Ms. Darling. Mrs. de Graaf, I shall excuse myself. My assistant will handle all the procedures needed to work with." He then went out as the headmaster guided him out. The other men in the background left together with him.

"Thank you for your cooperation with us, your highness." The headmaster bid her farewell to the man. Closing the door, she sat back in her chair and look at the woman standing at the center of the room.

"Ms. Darling, I didn't know that you know how to speak other languages. Do you mind if you write it down on your profile?"

"Not at all, Mrs. de Graaf."

"Alright then, I will leave, his highness in your care." The headmaster then stood up and told the little boy about leaving before continuing to go out of her office, leaving the little boy and Ms. Darling in the room.

Silence shrouds between them while the clicking sound from the tablet screen lingers through the room.

Looking at the boy who was concentrating on what he's doing, she noticed his cold and detached personality, unlike his uncle's agreeable disposition. Despite that, she catches the uncomfortable feeling of the little boy.

'Must be from a different environment.'

Moving closer to the boy, she kneels in front of him and meets the gaze of the boy as he looked at her. It seemed that this boy is conscious of his surroundings despite acting distant.

"Welcome to country Xenos's best primary school, Delton Star Academy, your highness." She started.

"As your adviser, I hope you will enjoy your stay here and make new memorable memories. Please be at ease, I will do my best to serve you as your teacher and also as a friend." She added in a warm and sincere voice.

The child looked at her, gone his nervousness, and like a magic needle popping the bubble circling the child, her words moved him.

This is his first time going out to another country. He felt uneasy as he is not fluent enough to speak English and also understand the words. He thought that entering this new school would be troublesome. He hated the decision of going to another country and enrolling in a new school but he must endure. He doesn't want to be a burden to his uncle. Also, he doesn't want to be abandoned by him. His uncle is the only family he has.

The woman in front of him exceeds his expectations. Not only did she know how to speak his language, but she speaks it fluently. She also gives off a warm and friendly atmosphere. She seems to feel his anxiety, however, she didn't point it out but help him be at ease.

"I-I'm not good speaking your language." He stated with his incoherent English accent. He revealed his dilemma, notifying her of his trouble.

"It's ok your highness. You don't have to worry about that. If it bothers you, allow me to guide and help you get over with it. It is also not the first time that someone has trouble in speaking other languages aside from their main dialect." She replied, still speaking his language.

As if his burden was lifted, he finally let go of his anxiety and reveal some enthusiasm.

"Then, I'll trust Teacher in assisting me throughout the year."

"You can count on me, your highness."

She smiled at the boy and pat his head. Despite the differences in their status, she sees him as a kid and not a royalty. The child was shocked at her action, but he shyly bows his head, allowing her to pat him. This action made her smile more.

"Your highness, may I call you by your name? If you allow it." She asked for permission. She still knows her standing.

"Mhm, you can Teacher. I'm Ryan Estevan y Reyes. You can call me whatever you like."

"Alright, you already gave me your word. No takey-backy, Little Estevan." She playfully answered.

The boy just blushed at the endearment but didn't object it. He liked her more and more. After his parents died from the accident, no one has shown him a warm and cozy feeling. He was subjected to pity and isolation. His so-called relatives aimed for his inheritance. His friends neglected him, and the gazes of the people around him are annoying him. He didn't need sympathy, but he needed a home.

It was only him who didn't pity nor sympathize him (Estevan). His uncle, the brother of his mother, took him with him. He didn't aim for the inheritance left behind by his parents, rather, he took him because he was his only direct family left. He was thankful to his uncle, however, he was still left behind to the caretakers. He was a very busy man and has little to no time for him at all. Nonetheless, he still respected the man who brought him under his care.

After all the events, she was the first one to welcome him warmly. She didn't care about his status. She cared about him. He finally found someone who will open her arms widely for him and he is very grateful for that person, the person in front of him.

***

Guiding Estevan to the class and introducing him to his fellow classmates, he warmed up pretty well to his new environment. The students all welcomed him, and everyone had a good time. Knowing that half of the students are foreigners, she spoke slowly and clearly to them and even use their languages to allow other students to appreciate other dialects. She maintained the harmonious relationship between everyone and help them communicate well with others.

She allowed her students to play and be kids, despite the pressure given to her by their families. She didn't care about them at all. All she cared about is to protect these little ones and guide them to become better people themselves.

Their pure and innocent smiles are what motivate her to come and teach in this institution.

But playing is not only what she taught to them. She thought them the things they are required to know based on their curriculum and solidify their foundations on their personal and social development. As their teacher, she prepared them for their future, instilling the values and virtues of life and allowing them to integrate into the world.

She also kept a look at their progress in getting along together. Seeing how well their relationship is, she felt at ease.

Looking at how Estevan is coping with his classmates and learning with his English, she knew that in a couple of months, he will be able to speak the language well.

She gave him more attention as he is the only royalty in the class. She also has another reason as to why she keeps an eye on him.

He is a Reyes.