The Crown Princess ( Royal Academy Series #1 )

I woke up early today; I couldn't wait for my alarm to ring. I'm not excited—I simply can't sleep. I still can't believe my parents transferred me to a royal academy. I can vividly remember their faces when I got the letter. All they told me was that His Majesty and Her Majesty were aware of me and required my attendance at the academy. I'm now packing my things, hoping this is the right decision. I don't want to waste my time there. I know there are a lot of Ladies and Lords there, and it will be a great opportunity for me to meet them since I'm the daughter of a Count. Someone is knocking at my door, and I know who it is. It's my mother, the Countess. A quick background on her: she's a commoner, not a noble. She only became a Countess after marrying my dad. Of course, everyone opposed their relationship, but my dad didn't care. Come in," I said. After that, the door opened, and I saw my mother, the Countess, wearing her cream gown. "Hi sweetie, is everything fine?" she asked, walking toward my bed. "Yes, Layla helped me with my other things. These are just the important things I need to bring to the academy." "Oh, do you need help with this?" "No need, Mom," I replied. "There's something I want to discuss with you, sweetie," she said. My attention snapped to her. "What is it, Mom?" I asked, suddenly curious. "I know this is hard for you; going to a royal academy isn't your thing. I know you want a simple life, but sweetie, that's not going to happen since you are a noble. As much as I want you to have a simple life, it's not that easy. You are the daughter of a Count, and you know your Dad's influence." "I know, Mom." "Just remember this, your Dad and I only want your life to be better. You deserve everything in this world, sweetie, and I know you'll be okay at the academy." "Thanks, Mom. I hope my days at the academy will be smooth so I can be with you again soon." "That's so silly of you, Sera," she said happily. After our talk, my mother went to the garden because her friend had arrived. That afternoon, the academy's carriage arrived at our estate to pick me up. I could already feel the nervousness washing over my body. I felt like I was going to collapse here at any minute. Just then, a knock at my door told me it was Layla, my maid. She will be coming with me to the academy. "This is it, Layla," I said. "You're overreacting, Lady Sera. you're just going to the academy," she said. "Layla, of course I'm not overreacting! You know how much I love going out and doing everything I want. At the academy, we can't do everything we want. We'll be just like puppets there." "...but having you there will benefit the Count." I was struck by her words. That's the reality. being at the academy will increase my father's influence. Layla helped me get my things into the carriage. Before I left, I looked at my room. I'm going to miss it. I will miss everything here. I saw my parents waiting for me downstairs. Their smiles told me they were happy with what was happening now. "I'm going to miss you, sweetie. Don't forget to write to us, okay?" My mom said, her voice getting emotional. "I will, Mom," I replied. She hugged me, and I felt her belly. She's two months pregnant. "Anyway, Mom, write to me as soon as possible after you've given birth," I said. "Of course!" she exclaimed. "Sera, sweetie," my dad called to me. "Dad," I said, turning to him. "You're getting so big. You'll be a big sister soon, and now you're off to the Royal Academy," he said, sounding just as emotional. "Dad, you're making this hard!" I said, trying to joke. "Time flies fast, doesn't it? You will always be my Sera no matter what happens," he promised. "Of course, Dad," I replied. After the emotional goodbyes, I stepped inside the carriage. Gosh, it was beautiful—so extravagant for a simple carriage. After hours of traveling, we finally arrived at the academy. It was already late at night, but I could still see some other nobles arriving at the academy. "Here we are, Lady Sera," Layla said excitedly. Some of them were familiar to me, but I'm not close to them since I'm not a fan of socializing. "Is that Lady Amanda? The one who talked to you at the Duchess Frinton's banquet?" Layla asked. I looked the way she was seeing. Yes, it was Amanda. I didn't know she was going to the academy, too. She's a Count's daughter as well. "Yes, Layla, it is Lady Amanda, but why is she here?" "Well, there's a rumor that Count Marple asked His Majesty if it was okay to send his daughter to the academy." "Oh," I said, though I wasn't surprised, since that's exactly the kind of thing Count Marple would do. There was a butler who helped us with our things. "Lady Sera of Garett?" he asked. "Yes?" "Follow me, Lady Sera; we will go to your dorm now," he instructed. "Sure. By the way, this is Layla, my maid. Will she be staying with me in my dorm?" "No, Lady Sera. She's going to the maid quarter. She will be with you in the morning and afternoon only, as per the administration's rules." Layla gave me an assuring look. I hadn't known about this rule. Anyway, I followed the butler as he guided us toward my dorm. "Do I have roommates?" I asked. "Yes, Lady Sera." What?! "Wait, I thought I was going to have my own room?" I asked, completely confused. "That's reserved for a higher rank, Lady Sera." Even here, there are ranks? Argh, I can't believe this! How could I possibly sleep soundly when I had roommates I had never even met before? We were now standing in front of my dorm. The butler gave a soft knock, and a Lady opened the door. She was incredibly pale, and I suspected she was from the South based on her outfit. Her gown had long sleeves, which were perfect for cold weather. "Hi!" she exclaimed. I was utterly shocked by her jolly tone. "Lady Casidy, this is Lady Sera," the butler informed her. "Ahm, hi," I said shyly. "Come inside, Sera," she said, still using that jolly tone. I nodded and went inside. There were two bedrooms side by side. She had already chosen the left side and decorated it. She's clearly into purple stuff, so I figured I would take the right side. The butler and Layla put my things next to my bedroom door and took their leave. The butler was going to help Layla get to the Maid Quarter and instruct her on the rules.