Pelmora Academy of Magic: Book 2

-Victoria-

What a year it had been. I go from a normal everyday 18-year-old ready to start college to a princess in some magical realm that I never knew existed. I met my prince charming and some really great friends. I also nearly died, but that's water under the bridge now.

I got to have the most amazing break with my friends as we learned new skills to help for the school year ahead. A week ago, all of them went home to spend time with their families before school.

"Victoria, are you ready?" My mom asked, entering my room.

"Yup!" I said, smiling brightly at her.

"Excited?" She asked.

"And a little nervous." I confessed.

"Is it Azax?"

"Yeah, he put on a brave face all break, but I can tell he's worried."

"She can't harm either of you." She assured me.

"He's more worried about our friends." I told her, "They don't get the same protections we do."

"I'm sure you both will take good care of them." She pulled me into a hug, "Plus, the headmaster insured the class was mixed allowing you all to be together."

"Can't help but worry still."

"I know." She pulled back, rubbing her hand up and down my arm. "But you'll need to worry at school if you want to meet your friends before the welcome dinner."

"Alright, I get it, you and father want to spend some alone time," I joked, "It's gross but cute."

"Victoria! That has nothing to do with it!" She said, crossing her arms, "Besides you and Azax were far worse while he was here."

"We were not."

"Oh, definitely were," She assured me, "Ask your friends. Now are you going to make your poor mother walk down all those stairs or are you going to take me with you?"

I rolled my eyes at her antics. Taking her arm in mine, I moved us from my room in the high tower to the entrance where my father and Aunt Suni waited. Over the break, I used teleportation as often as I could to the point it was like breathing now.

"Did Ustrea leave already?" I asked.

"She went to make sure everything was properly set up in your rooms." Suni informed me.

I smiled at that. Ustrea had really taken her punishment to heart, flourishing in her role. I wouldn't say she's forgiven but she is trying, and we can all see that. With the arrival of that ominous letter from her mother, I had worried that our peace would be shattered as it started to grow. Luckily, her mother still has not arrived, and our family was growing closer.

"She'll take good care of you while you're away." Suni pulled me in for a hug, "And I will miss you."

"I'll miss you too." I squeezed her tight.

Once Suni released her grip, my father pulled me in tight.

"Be careful." He said, "That woman is not to be messed with. Though she is in banishment, she is still technically a queen."

"I'll be careful." I assured him, pulling back from the hug.

My mom grabbed my hands, pride shining through her eyes.

"At least this time it's not such a sudden departure." I joked.

"I'm glad for it." She laughed.

"You'll come and see me? And I'll visit you?"

She pulled me in arms wrapped tight.

"You couldn't keep me away." She stated.

Pulling back, she kissed me on the head and stepped back to stand by my father. I raised my hand to wave and moved myself to the front gate where all hell broke loose.

"Your Highness!" Voices yelled out in the massive crowd.

"Hear my case, Your Highness!" One person yelled.

"Let me serve you, my princess!" Yelled another.

I was backed into a corner, overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught. I felt a hand grab mine and pull me. Confusion filtered through the crowd as they wondered where I'd gone. Looking over I saw Nothall's smiling at me. I hugged her which she gladly returned.

"My hero." I laughed.

"They were here when I arrived," She informed me, "I figured it would be best if I waited for you."

"I appreciate it."

We emerged from the crowd and into the main gardens in front of the school, still as lush as they were when I welcomed the new headmaster. Nothall didn't release my hand until we were safely inside, away from prying eyes.

"Where are the others?" I asked.

"Behind you." A voice said right in my ear.

I jumped sky high to the amusement of my friends. Anna was doubled over and being held up by Ani. Itrix had mischief swirling in his eyes and Wal was on the floor in tears. Azax stood the closest, a wicked smile plastered on his face. I turned back to Nothall.

"Take me back outside." I said, "The mob was much nicer than these people."

"Don't be like that." Azax said pulling me back into his arms, "I missed you."

"Doesn't feel like it." I grumbled, adding, "Plus, it's only been a week."

"Even that is too long." He pulled me into a kiss.

Groans and fake gagging were heard from the group behind us along with Nothalls signature giggle. Maybe my mom was right. We pulled away quickly, to the joy of our friends.

"So, does everyone feel ready for the new school year?" Ani asked.

"I feel better about it than I did last year." I said, causing everyone to laugh, "But seriously I think this will be a good year."

We laughed and chatted the whole way to the dining hall. Arriving there, we found our usual table had been moved to a more central location. Other students continued to filter in as the welcome dinner came closer. A hush fell over the room suddenly, all eyes turning to look behind us. Azax stiffened beside me.

"Hello, darling." A woman said from behind us.

Azax and I slowly turned to see an aristocratic looking woman with dark hair standing there. She carried herself highly and the resemblance was easy to see. Azax stood to face her, and we all joined him on our feet.

"Madame." He said, his tone short.

"You look well." She eyed him up and down before turning her gaze to me, "As does your bride."

He stepped in front of me to block her view.

"You will leave her alone." He ordered.

"It's only fitting that the mother of the groom gets to know her future daughter-in-law." She stated.

"Like I'd want to get to know you." I snapped back.

The corner of her mouth slanted up ever so slightly. Clearly, I'd given exactly what she wanted. Azax seethed in front of me. Part of me worried he was going to attack her.

"Professor Avae." The headmaster's voice rang through the hall.

All eyes turned to the headmaster entering with Professors Zekora and Ethar. They came to stand before our table. Azax's mother turning back to face them.

"Queen Avae, headmaster." She corrected.

"You forfeit all other titles when accepting a position at this school." Headmaster Minyll reminder her, "To be said, I'd rather drink poison then call you Queen."

"Yet outside these halls, it remains my title and right." She countered.

"For now." The woman stood a little straighter, "You were told to limit your interactions with the Prince and Princess to class time. This will be your only warning."

"Of course, my mistake." She gave a small curtsey, "I shall recuse myself on the welcome feast as I feel unwell. I'll see them in class."

She didn't look back at us as she gracefully swept from the room. Murmurs flooded the hall. The headmaster gave us a small nod as she passed us to the front of the room. Zekora winked and I helped Azax sit back down, hand in hand. He was still shaking with suppressed anger.

All eyes turned to the front, where the headmaster now stood. She gave as deep a curtsey as she could, using her cane to support herself.

"Welcome students to Pelmora." She said as she rose, "I am your new Headmaster, Minyll. For those new to this place, I hope you find your days enjoyable. Those who've been here before, you might find things changed."

She waved the two professors forward. They both gave a bow.

"This is Professor Ethar and Professor Zekora," She said, "They will be your head professors for the year."

Chatter erupted again. I looked around curiously.

"Is that really news?" I asked aloud.

"Professor Ubaris has been head professor for Aivoria for like 20 years." Nothall explained.

"And I never even met the head professor for Varezia." Confided Ani.

"I always assumed that was Zekora." I said.

"Nope," Anna told me, "She just stepped up to fill the slot considering how absent the actual head professor was."

"Silence." Minyll called out, everyone hushed, "These changes were made to facilitate a new school dynamic as shared classes will now begin with second year. The class is about etiquette and will be taught by Professor Avae."

"Told you." Azax mumbled under his breath.

I squeezed his hand in response.

"Students, raise your cups to a bright new year." I could feel her eyes fall on us, "And a bright future for Evania. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" yelled everyone.

A new school year dawns. Our adventures have only just begun.