~ The Academy ~

When she first entered through the doorway, she was enveloped by a bright yellow light. It was blinding, but Lysander covered her eyes with his hand to shield her from the harsh glow. She felt warm, almost as if she was being swallowed by a wave of heat. Then she felt extremely cold, as if she was drowning in ice cold water. The sensations were only there for a few seconds while they passed through the portal, but they left her feeling as if she was being poked by pins and needles. It took a while for the world around her to stop spinning, and she was left with yet another horrible headache.

Ezekiel explained that a portal was simply a permanent teleportation effect made from transmutation magic that safely whisks its user to a predetermined place. Portals came in pairs, requiring a matching doorway at the destination in order to return. An archway or frame of some sort was used to mark a portal's location in order to prevent someone from accidentally entering.

The Silvermondian Empire was made up of an extensive group of states under the supreme authority of the King. As such, the Empire relied heavily on the establishment of several portals in order to facilitate transportation and trading. There were two types of portals: minor portals and major portals. Minor portals were used unrestrictedly and connected areas that were often frequented by those in the Empire, such as the one they took to the capital. Major portals were heavily monitored and guarded by the King's men and only those granted permission from the King could use them.

The Aurosilio Empire and the Silvermondian Empire established a major portal connecting both Kingdoms as a treaty of peace. Envoys from both kingdoms often used it in order to carry out official business and trades, or in Prince Henrik's case, as a way to court the Princess. The King debated closing it due to the Prince's shenanigans, but such an action would break the treaty and elicit a war.

The capital market was buzzing with life. Several aristocrats, some with forlorn faces and others drunk with happiness, were swarming about in crowds. The aroma of several different food booths hung tauntingly in the air and vendors called out at passing customers amongst the ruckus. Even in the warmth of the sun, Winter felt cold to her core.

As soon as the Del Silvermond carriage came through the portal doorway, the street began to buzz with excitement. Many aristocrats swarming about the streets suddenly stopped upon the carriage's arrival. Eager to see who was inside, they crowded near the portal practically drowning in their own excitement.

The fully opened landau, drawn by four white horses, glistened gold under the morning rays of sun. Winter nuzzled her head into Snowflake's coat in an attempt to hide her face while gently stroking North's feathers. Aiden, who sat beside her in the open carriage, was too captivated by North's enchanting tail to notice the watchful eyes of the people in the street. The loud sound of hooves against the stone floor echoed into the street around them. The King had sent several knights, including Ezekiel and Emris, to accompany them on horseback.

"Ah," Lysander flashed a charming smile at the crowd. "If you're a member of the Royal Family, you automatically become someone who is adored blindly and excessively. I know you two aren't used to crowds of people yet, but they'll flock to you regardless if you want them to or not."

"Ugh," Winter grumbled feeling nauseas. "There's too many of them, I think I'm gonna throw up."

Grabbing Winter's arm softly, Aiden replied, "That's okay, don't look at them. Just focus on North's feathers like me. Aren't they pretty?"

Winter nodded.

"Look," Lysander said, gesturing towards a building. "It's the academy. Don't worry about the people, they can't get to you from where they are. You're completely safe, no one can touch you anymore. If any of them are bothering you just let me know and I'll cut off their hands."

Winter sighed. "Don't forget our deal, Your Highness."

"I know," Lysander chuckled. "You want my entire collection of all John Bell's published and unpublished papers on modern quantum theory."

Winter grinned revealing a weak smile, the corner of her eyes crinkling slightly. Lysander clenched his teeth at the thought of how troublesome his younger sister was going to be for him in the future. She was only nine and already the Prince of Aurosilio and Sir Rothmore were completely smitten with her. He'd have to talk to Father about a way to get rid of them.

"We're here." Aiden exclaimed as the carriage came to a stop.

The Academia was a school for high ranking nobles and rich aristocrats. The academicians engaged in all sorts of disciplines, from history and geography to poetry and art. It was formally constituted by a previous King with the sole purpose of influencing and shaping the new generations of the high class. Heirs and successors from each powerful household were sent here to learn under some of the most influential and talented scholars within the Empire.

Winter thought that the academy looked more like a palace with its soaring cobblestone walls and large stained glass windows. Several scholars and students were lined up outside to greet them upon their arrival. Winter sighed and hugged Snowflake tightly. She wished she could disappear. Snowflake watched her with compassionate eyes, as if he understood how she felt.

"Come on," Lysander said while reaching out a gloved hand to her. "I'll escort you."