Graduation (2)

Three years passed in the blink of an eye, and soon it was time for another graduation at the Emperian Academy. Lydia and Arabella were preparing to bid farewell to their alma mater, stepping into the wider world beyond its hallowed halls. Amelia and Octavia, now in their third year, watched with a mix of excitement and trepidation as their friends prepared to graduate. Meanwhile, Matilda and Isadora, the youngest of the group, had just begun their journey at the academy.

At just nine years old, Matilda was allowed early entry into the academy on the condition that she would turn ten shortly after the term began. Isadora, however, was a special case. After her remarkable encounter with His Imperial Highness, Prince Riven, over three years ago, she was recommended for admission to the Emperian Academy for her exceptional problem-solving skills and prodigious knowledge. She aced the entrance exams, surpassing even Lydia and Arabella in all subjects, earning the title of a prodigy.

They were both heading to year two after this year's graduation. But now Isadora is 9 years old and Matilda is 10 years old.

As the graduation festivities commenced, a bittersweet atmosphere permeated the academy. This time, there were many heartfelt goodbyes. Matilda, through her investigations, discovered that Arabella was a reincarnated individual, a revelation that shed light on Arabella's future aspirations. Octavia, who had grown close to Prince Caleb over the years, was particularly saddened by the prospect of parting ways. Arabella, on the other hand, felt a pang of betrayal, believing her friend wasn't as upset as she should be. Meanwhile, Amelia clung to Lydia, unwilling to let go as graduation loomed.

The ballroom was alive with music and laughter as people paired up and danced the night away. Caleb and Octavia shared a quiet moment, away from the bustling crowd.

"Well, I believe this is where we part," Caleb began, his voice tinged with sadness.

"I know, right? I'm grateful for the three years we spent together. It was lovely," Octavia replied, smiling warmly.

"I'll send letters from time to time. I still hope we can keep in touch," Caleb said, his eyes earnest.

"Sure, why not?" Octavia replied, her smile widening.

In a quieter corner of the ballroom, Amelia sipped her juice, enjoying a moment of solitude, when Cassian approached her.

"You," he called out, not loudly enough for the entire ballroom to hear, but enough to startle her. She jumped, spilling her juice on her dress.

"What the hell is your problem?" she snapped, looking down at the stain spreading across her gown.

Cassian offered her his handkerchief, watching as she wiped her dress vigorously.

"What?" she asked, noticing his lingering gaze.

"You're still the same," he commented, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Did you expect me to change?" she retorted, handing back his handkerchief.

"Well, after that graduation night, I thought you would act weirdly around me," Cassian admitted.

"What happened that night?" she asked, puzzled.

Realizing she had no recollection of that evening, he quickly changed the subject. "I'm talking about when we danced."

"It was just dancing. It's not like anything happened. Chill," she replied nonchalantly.

For some reason, Cassian felt relieved by her response. He smiled as she walked away to fetch another glass of juice.

Across the room, Isadora stood alone, a silent observer amidst the revelry. The count hadn't visited, and she was certain it was due to his mistress, Diana, and Cole. Unbothered by their absence, she focused on the scene before her—people forming cliques, engaging in animated conversations, and dancing with abandon. The atmosphere felt stifling, yet she remained by the window with a plate of cake, observing the dynamics of social interactions.

The only time people approached Isadora was when they needed help, her expertise in interrogation and problem-solving making her invaluable. But tonight, she felt like an outsider, a strategist in the body of an eight-year-old, unsure of how to initiate a conversation.

Amelia noticed Isadora sitting alone and decided to join her. "You look quite lonely," Amelia commented, dragging a chair to sit beside her.

"I thought you would put it simply as introverted, but yes, it is lonely," Isadora replied, accepting the drink Amelia offered her. 'Bright blonde hair and bloodshot red eyes—this has to be the main character, Amelia Hara Sinclair,' Isadora thought to herself.

Amelia stretched out her hand. "Hi, my name is Amelia Hara Sinclair. And you are?"

"Isadora Yeri Ashford," she replied, shaking Amelia's hand. 'Jackpot! I got to meet the main character of the novel.'

"You! You left me to start a conversation with another girl!" Cassian marched forward, interrupting their exchange.

"Cassian, chill. We are meant to involve people in conversations, not treat them as outcasts," Amelia scolded.

'Lavender hair and black eyes—this has to be the Crown Prince Cassian. Oh, seeing this is so much joy,' Isadora thought, curtsying. "Greetings to His Highness of Arcadia."

"Well, she has manners," Cassian remarked.

"You are too much, a lot in fact," Amelia retorted.

They began discussing their future dreams once they left the academy's walls.

"Well, I left and fulfilled my duty as crown prince—books, work, and more work," Cassian complained.

"I'm not sure until I get there," Amelia said.

"I haven't decided," Isadora added.

Their conversation flowed easily, with Cassian and Amelia's bickering providing comic relief. Isadora giggled at their antics.

"You dare to laugh at the prince and princess of kingdoms?" Cassian joked.

"No, sire, it just looked like you two were made for each other," Isadora replied.

"In dreams, not reality," Amelia countered.

"You never know, Princess Amelia," Isadora added.

"Just Amelia will do," she said.

"Well, I'll be taking my leave. Thank you for keeping me company," Isadora said, curtsying before leaving them.

As the ball drew to a close, everyone followed the usual procedures, preparing to go home. Isadora, with no one visiting, left alone in a carriage that arrived after the teleportation. She looked out the window the passion trees in the night time. She started at the stars and almost felt the urge to cry.

" Mama, Papa, are you doing okay? I miss you very much ", she whispered under her breath.