THE ROAD TO THE PALACE
1193 Words
Chapter 6: The Road to the Palace
The day had finally come for Nelly and Nadia to leave their ordinary lives behind and head toward the palace. As they packed their belongings, Nelly still felt a lingering sense of unease. Nadia, on the other hand, was practically glowing with excitement.
"Can you believe it, Nelly? We're actually going to the palace! We’re going to be in classes with princes and princesses," Nadia said as she twirled around their small room, holding up different outfits in front of the mirror.
Nelly smiled, though her heart still felt heavy. The dreams had continued, every night now. Each time the voice grew stronger, more insistent, telling her that something inside her was waiting to be unlocked. She had told Nadia about the dreams, but her friend had brushed them off with jokes and laughter, like she always did.
As they finished packing, there was a knock on the door. It was Aunt Clara. She stood in the doorway, her face solemn, but her eyes soft as she looked at the two girls.
"Are you ready?" Clara asked, her voice calm but laced with something deeper.
Nadia nodded eagerly. "We’re more than ready! We're going to rule that school, Aunt Clara!"
Nelly gave a small smile but said nothing. She could feel Aunt Clara's eyes on her, watching her closely.
Clara stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Nelly's shoulder. "Remember what I told you," she said softly. "The palace is not just a place of learning. There are many things there—things that may not always be what they seem."
Nelly looked up at her aunt, trying to understand the deeper meaning behind her words. But before she could ask, Clara pulled her into a tight hug. "Stay safe," Clara whispered in her ear. "And trust yourself, Nelly. No matter what happens."
When Clara pulled away, she gave both girls a small smile and left the room, leaving them with the weight of her words.
---
The journey to the palace took several hours, but Nelly barely noticed the passing of time. Her mind was too busy replaying her dreams and Aunt Clara's warnings. Nadia, on the other hand, chatted non-stop, her excitement filling the carriage as they traveled.
Finally, as the palace came into view, Nadia gasped. "Look at that, Nelly! It’s even more beautiful than I imagined!"
The palace loomed in the distance, its tall spires piercing the sky. The massive stone structure was surrounded by lush gardens, sparkling fountains, and walls that seemed to shimmer with magic. Even from afar, Nelly could feel the power radiating from the place.
When they arrived at the palace gates, they were greeted by a servant who led them to their quarters. The palace was even more magnificent up close. Every wall, every corner, seemed to hum with magic. Nelly felt a strange tingling sensation in the air as they walked through the corridors, like something was awakening inside her.
Their quarters were spacious, with large windows overlooking the palace gardens. Nelly set her bags down on the bed, trying to take it all in.
"We’re really here," Nadia whispered, her voice filled with awe as she looked around. "This is going to be amazing."
---
Later that evening, as they explored the palace, they were introduced to a few other students, including Anaya. She was a quiet girl with brown hair and kind eyes, who immediately bonded with Nadia over their shared love for magical creatures.
"It’s going to be great having you two here," Anaya said warmly. "You’ll love the classes. The teachers are tough, but you’ll learn a lot."
Nelly nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen—something big. And it had everything to do with the dreams she had been having.
As they walked back to their quarters that night, Nadia grabbed Nelly's arm and pulled her to the side.
"Hey, Nelly, you okay?" Nadia asked, her voice soft. "You’ve been quiet ever since we got here. Is it the dream stuff again?"
Nelly sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, I guess. I just can't stop thinking about them. It’s like... I feel like there’s something I’m missing, something important."
Nadia grinned and gave her a playful nudge. "You worry too much. Maybe the palace will help you figure things out. Maybe your powers just need a little... palace magic!"
Nelly smiled weakly, appreciating her friend’s attempt to lighten the mood, but the weight in her chest remained.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, Joshua was pacing in his chambers, his mind heavy with thoughts. His recent argument with Esther had left him drained, and his mother’s constant pressure about his magic was wearing on him. He had asked for a moment alone after the queen had summoned him earlier in the day, but even now, he felt trapped.
He sat down on the edge of his bed, running a hand through his hair. Why couldn’t things just be simple? Esther had stormed out after their argument, claiming that he didn’t care about her, that he was too focused on his responsibilities and not enough on her. She had broken up with him, but instead of feeling hurt, he felt... relieved.
A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Enter," he called out, expecting one of the servants. But when the door opened, it was his mother, the queen, who stepped inside.
She looked at him with that same stern expression she always wore, but there was a softness in her eyes that made Joshua sit up straight.
"Joseph," she began, her voice calm but firm. "We need to talk."
Joshua sighed. "If this is about mastering my magic, I—"
"It is," the queen interrupted, walking toward him. "But it’s also about your future. You are a prince, and you have responsibilities. The magical school is where you will learn to harness your powers. It is time for you to focus on that."
Joshua ran a hand over his face. "I know, Mother. But I can’t do this alone. I need something to look forward to, something to keep me grounded."
The queen raised an eyebrow. "What do you suggest?"
Joshua hesitated, then looked up at her. "I want two non-nobles to attend the school. There are people out there with potential, people who deserve a chance, even if they aren’t born into privilege."
The queen frowned. "That’s highly unconventional, Joseph."
"I know," Joshua said, standing up. "But I won’t continue if you don’t agree. This is important to me."
The queen studied her son for a long moment, then finally sighed. "Very well. Two non-nobles. But choose wisely, Joseph. This decision could change many things."
Joshua smiled, relief flooding his chest. "Thank you, Mother. I know just the people."
As the queen left, Joshua quickly wrote two letters, sealing them with the royal crest. One for Nadia, and one for Nelly.
The invitations had been sent. The next chapter of their lives was about to begin.
End of chapter 6
- Writer
