Royal Academy: The Beginning

Chapter 2

Eliza's POV

Present day

I am brought out of my thoughts by the car slowing down and coming to a halt. Twin iron gates stood tall infront of us. Across it's top stood the words "Royal Academy" in gold.

The guard at the gate took the driver's ID and walked back to his booth. It was then that I actually took the time to give the driver a once over. He seemed fairly young, save for the beard that looked like it needed a trim. his brown eyes caught mine in the rearview mirror and I quickly looked away.

My parents explained to me that they would come see me during the semester because dad had pack responsibilities and mom needed to attend to her Luna commitments. I released a heavy sigh as I recalled our quick good-bye at our driveway. My mother sobbed uncontrollably while my dad kept patting her back. My grandmother was there as well and she gave me some words of encouragement.

"You are and will always be my special angel. Gifted or not, you were meant for great things my dear child. Chin up, go kick some butt"

"Mother!" my mother admonished her with a bewildered look on her face.

Grandmother gave me a wink before patting me gently on the arm and turning to go inside.

"She will kick a** but I wanted to say it in a nice way" she chuckled.

My father shakes his head and approaches me slowly. He places his hands on either of my shoulders as I look up at him.

"Always remember what we taught you. Trust must be earned and-"

"Aim for the groin with force" I finish for him with a wink.

He smiles at me and gives me a quick hug as my mother comes toward us. Sniffling slightly she gives me a bear hug before pulling away to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

"Be safe sweetheart. You can call us anyday, anytime. Ethan also has all our numbers. He will meet you at the school."

She gives me one last hug and then steps back.

"Ok, I guess this is it. I'll call you guys when I'm settled" I give them a small wave and then step into the car my father had ready for my departure.

As the car drives away from our front yard I look back one more time at my parents holding each other. I wave again not knowing if they see me and then turn back in my seat.

I look down at my hands clasped around the picture of Sarah and I, wondering just what was I to expect at Crystal Lakes.

The creaking of the iron gates reminded me that I was about to find out. The car continues forward along a stone driveway that seemed to stretch on forever. Old oak trees spanned along the driveway and lush green lawn fanned the ground. The car turned a corner and a small hedge now bordered the path with pretty pink flowers peeping out here and there. We approached a large fountain and circled around it, coming to a stop infront a tall flight of stairs.

"This is it Miss Cade" the driver announced before getting out to retrieve my suitcase.

I opened my door and stepped out, immediately hugging my coat to myself when the chill in the air hit me.

The driver rolled my suitcase to me and tipped his hat with a curt nod before getting back into the car and driving off.

I looked at the tall flight of stairs and my heavy suitcase. I let out a huff as I held onto the handle and proceeded to drag it step by step until I reached the top.

Reaching the top, I put down my suitcase and flex my aching fingers momentarily before looking at what may very well be the house of the Queen of England.

Huge walls of aged brick and stained glass windows spanned for miles. Victorian styled doors stood at the entrance with archaic gargoyle statues on each side. Unkept rose bushes grew up the walls, with vines winding up tall pillars that lined the front.

I rolled my suitcase to the front door and stood there, not quite sure what to do next. As I was about to knock, they swing open in the opposite direction and a tall, broody looking bespectacled man stares down his nose at me.

I take a step back as he glares at me and says nothing.

Biting my lip I reach into my coat pocket to retrieve the entrance letter my parents gave to me.

Taking it from me, he quickly looks at it before handing it back to me and motioning for me to come in. I step in and let out an audible gasp.

Large crystal chandeliers hung in grand elegance at the ceiling, running the entire length of the front hall. The man gestures for me to follow him and he leads me to a large, winding teak staircase. I groan inwardly at the thought of taking my suitcase up another flight of stairs when I suddenly feel it being lift from my grasp. The man effortlessly takes my suitcase in his grasp and carries it up the stairs without waivering.

I look up at his retreating figure, slightly impressed and momentarily intrigued. As I step forward to follow him, I misstep and fall backwards.

I brace myself for the impact of my back to the hard marble floor when I feel hands on my upper arms. I angle my head to see my savior when my eyes zone in on twin orbs of grey steel. I could have sworn they glazed over momentarily but they were back to the cold grey in a split second.

My gaze falls to the person's hands on my arms and I look back at him to see that he did the same. He pushes me forward to steady my stance and then lets me go.

I open my mouth to thank him but he causally brushes past me and continues up the stairs. I make another attempt to thank him when he suddenly turns back around, disarming me again with his cold grey stare.

He seemed ready to tell me off when he suddenly turns back around and continues on his way. I stand there with my mouth opening and closing like a fish until the bespectacled man I was following comes to the top of the stairs and looks down at me.

Correcting my posture I run up the remaining stairs and nod for him to continue on. As we continued walking I couldn't help but recall that pair of cold grey eyes. A shiver runs down my spine and I shake my head to clear it.

Royal Academy 1- Eliza Cade 0