From Princess to Queen

Invitation

Ava's POV

One week later, the morning light streams into my room reflecting off my white walls, making it seem like the sun were in here itself. Taking a deep, exasperated breath, I pull the thick goose feather blanket over my face.

I’m so not ready to get up. Please, a few more minutes.

Sighing, I spread my arms out wide, hearing the sound of paper being scrunched. Confused, I move my right arm where I had heard the sound come from, and that is when I feel it paper.

I shoot up in bed and search over the top of my blanket for the source, and there it is in a large black envelope, the Academy letter.

“HOLY s**t!

“I snatch the envelope off my bed with shaky hands and rip it open. Oh gods, oh gods please. I rub frantically at the sleep still in my eyes so I can read the letter clearly. Taking in a calming breath, I begin to read.

Dear Princess Ava Perez,

Congratulations on being accepted into Luna Academy

We expect you to arrive today at 6pm sharp. You will be staying in the Elite Tower. Uniform will be provided, as will all meals. Pack essentials and clothes to wear during weekends and special occasions. We look forward to seeing you.

Mistress Gwen Tompkins

My mouth hits the floor. My eyes bug out. I can’t believe it. I got in I’m going to the Academy!

Footsteps sound outside my room, and then I hear the voices of my parents.

Oh, this is not going to be fun. I’m dead. Scratch that I’m deader than dead! ‘Ava are your awake, Sweat Pea?’ My mother’s excited voice comes from the other side of the door.

I scramble out of bed, my foot getting caught in the blanket as I leap out.

My face smashing into the white marble floor, pain shoots up the side of my face and I squeeze my eyes shut. f**k! That hurt!

Still hanging upside down off my bed like a bat, my bedroom door swings open.

My parents rush in, a look of shock and amusement playing on their faces.

‘Ava, what in the world are you doing?’ My mother asks in a playful tone as she walks across the room to my bed and starts to untangle my foot from the blanket that held it captive.

Finally free, the rest of my body slides off the bed with a thump. Groaning, I sit up on the cold floor, turning my head to look up at my mother who was now holding a black envelope and looking like she was about to blow steam from her ears.

Here comes the execution.

‘Mum, I can explain’ I rush the words out, holding my hands up as if she had a gun to my head. I take a deep, shaky breath, but I’m cut off when she raises her hand.

‘How dare you, Ava? This is a massive decision you have made without consulting your father or me. Do you have any idea how dangerous it can be out there?’

Hurt reflects in her voice as she turns to me tears, starting to spill down her face.

Holding my breath, I turn to look at Dad, who looks so disappointed in me it hurts. Did I do the right thing?

‘I’m sorry I never told you I applied, but you would have never let me go. I need this! I’m never allowed to leave the castle grounds. I don’t get to experience things a normal eighteen-year-old should.’ I cry out. My eyes well up as I fight to hold back the tears.

‘That’s because you’re not a normal eighteen-year-old, Ava. You’re a princess with abilities you couldn’t even comprehend!’ Mum shouts, before storming across the room to stand beside Dad.

Pulling my knees to my chest, I wrap my arms around them tightly, looking at my dad with pleading eyes. “Please, Dad. I really am sorry. But I need this. I can’t hide behind you all in the castle forever.”

I say sniffling my voice weak.

He looks at me with sadness on his face.

“Ava I’m sorry. You mean the world to me, but your mother is right. You should have spoken to us about this. There are things you don’t know, which are why we are more protective of you.” Dad says.

Pulling myself up from the floor, I straighten my silk shorts and stand tall, holding my chin up. I made this decision, and I will, stand by it and face the consequences. “Then tell me, Dad. I am always left in the dark, I cannot be my own person or find who I am if decisions are always being made for me. You all treat me as if I’m made of glass and can’t handle myself. I know you are both disappointed in me right now, but I made this decision. I want to do this, and I will be going to the Academy with or without your blessing.”

My voice was stern and confident. I really need to look like I know what I’m doing, even though, really, I have no f*****g idea.

They turn and look at each other, something unspoken passing between them. Sounding defeated, Dad takes a few steps towards me and reaches for my hands initially holding them tightly, then running his thumb over my knuckles in a soothing motion.

He looks down at my face with conflicting emotions flashing over his eyes, hurt, love and sadness. “Sweet Pea, I’m sorry if we ever made you feel like that. We just want what’s best for you and there are just somethings you are not ready to hear. I’m sorry if that may confuse you, but just know that we will support you going to the Academy now that you have been accepted.”

He says with a soothing voice.

I don’t understand what he is hinting at, nor why they are suddenly are being so accepting about this. I am simply happy for the support and the opportunity to become my own person.

My mum clears her throat and comes to stand next to us. “If you’re really doing this, then there are a few things you need to know. Being accepted into the Academy bounds you to the ground for the first year, which isn’t ideal for you seeing as you’re the princess and so you could be put in danger with no way of escape.”

Her voice full of worry. She walks over to my bed and gently sits down and nervously starts bouncing her leg, patting the space next to her. I make my way to the bed, taking a seat next to her and drawing in a nervous breath.

“Near the end of the first year, they have all the first-year students take part in what they call the “death trials”. There are three trials each first year must go through. There is no fail and go home, Ava. Failure means actual death. Students die in these games.”

Okay, now I feel sick. My breathing quickens and black spots dance in my vision. I can feel the blood drain from my face. Holy s**t balls, I’m about to pass out.

My dad places his hands on my shoulders. “Calm down, Sweet Pea. Just breathe. You have been well trained, you have a fighting chance. But this is why we never wanted you going there, there are too many risks.” He whispers to me while keeping eye contact.

I manage to calm my breathing down a bit so I can speak “Grace,” I chock out. My hand rests on my chest rubbing small calming circles, tears now running freely down my face. I look into my dad’s wide eyes and paling face.

“NO! She didn’t,” he says panic in his voice.

Nodding my head, I reply, “We applied together. I can’t lose her, Dad. She’s been through so much already. Why would they put students through that? And keeping them bound to Academy grounds is a bit much.” I sob, wiping the tears from my face.

“They do it to weed out the weak. It’s a top supernatural school and they refuse to have weak students there. That’s how they get rid of them. I’m sorry, Ava, it’s been like that since the school opened one thousand years ago.” He replies.

I can’t believe this, it’s all my fault. Mine and Grace’s lives are at risk because I wasn’t happy being a good little princess and staying in the castle. I’m so selfish. But I refuse to let any harm come to my best friend because of me.

Standing up from my bed, determination pumping through my body, I walk over to my large walk-in wardrobe. As I take out my suitcase and bring it to the bed, Mum gives me a sad smile.

“We will leave you to pack, darling,” she says. “I will go and tell Grace what we have told you and get her to pack. Then we will have to leave soon to get there before six. It’s a three-hour drive. I will get the kitchen staff to bring your breakfast up.”

She stands from the bed and walks towards the door with my dad. Before leaving, she turns and says in a soft voice, “Happy birthday, Ava. Your gift is on the drive.”

“Thank you, both. I will be down soon” They leave my room and I frantically start packing.

I drag my heavy suitcase outside to find, my parents and Grace waiting for me. My mum takes in my outfit with a raised eyebrow.

“You really want to wear that? You have to make a good impression. You are the princess after all.” she says in an annoyed tone, rolling my eyes.

“I suppose you would want me in a tight dress, Mother?” I reply sarcastically. She huffs out a breath, clearly not amused.

I look down at my outfit not seeing anything wrong with it. I choose my skinny black jeans with rips on the knees, an oversized black jumper, and my black and white checked slip-on Vans. My white, blonde hair is in loose waves. My favourite colour is black. Mum is always trying to get me in bright colours, but they just make me feel so uncomfortable.

Grace runs towards me and hugs me tightly, her arms squeezing my waist. She is also wearing black ripped jeans, but with a light grey jumper and black Converse.” Your mum told me about the Academy and the death games. Don’t worry, babe, we will do this together. And please don’t underestimate me, Ava, I can handle myself.” She says as she gives me a cocky grin.

“I know, babe. Sorry. You know I worry about you.” I push her hair out of her face and smile at her. My beautiful best friend.

A black Range Rover with blacked out windows comes up the long, dark, gravel driveway.

My parents are both wearing massive smiles.

“Happy birthday, Sweet Pea. Here’s your gift” Dad gestures towards the gorgeous car with his hand.

My mouth drops open, my head leaning forward. A lump forms in my throat. “For me?” I squeak, emotion clear in my voice. Grace still clinging to my arm.

“Get in you two,” Dad says. Even though it’s your car, Sweet Pea, I will be driving you both to the Academy. Then I’ll bring the car back here for now.” He opens the backseat door.

“Thank you so much! I love it!” I say. A bit annoyed I don’t get to drive my own present though,” I add. “Even if I don’t know the way there.”

My dad lets out a laugh. “Don’t worry, I will get someone to bring the car up to you in a few weeks if you want it there. But you can’t use it as you will be bound to the grounds for the first year.”

Letting out an annoyed breath, I stomp my foot in annoyance. Yes, actually stomped my foot like a spoiled child. Oh well, I can’t un stomp it now.

Grace giggles and shakes her head. My cheeks redden with the embarrassing way I handled that.

I Jump in the car and slide along the black leather seats to the other side so Grace can get in. I quickly put on my seat belt, my stomach in knots with how nervous I was starting to get. Once everyone is in, we set off for the Academy.