The gates of the Royal Academy loomed tall and stately, crafted from silver-trimmed oak and adorned with the crest of Eldoria.
Luke stood just inside those gates, his breathing still heavy from the intensity of the riot.
Dust clung to his uniform and he dusts himself off.
The chaos outside the walls still echoed in his mind, shouting voices, flashing blades, and the unmistakable scent of desperation.
He exhaled slowly, calming his nerves.
"You alright?" came a familiar voice.
Luke turned sharply.
Standing before him, a few paces away on the cobbled courtyard path, was Princess Gwenevere Eldoria.
Dressed in the uniform of the Royal Academy, and her beautiful chestnut hair tied neatly behind her head in braided coils, she looked like a vision born of poise and nobility.
Her emerald eyes widened with warmth, surprise, and something else, something soft and fleeting, as if her heart had just stumbled for a beat.
"Princess …" Luke said, stunned. "You're here?"
Before she could answer, another familiar voice joined in.
"Well, it certainly took you long enough," said Lady Elysia Ravenshade, stepping beside the princess.
Her dark hair fell over her shoulder like a curtain of silk, and her expression, though cool as ever, was tempered by relief.
"I heard you got caught in that mess."
"I did," Luke admitted, brushing some more dust from his uniform. "A man tried to stab a girl. The crowd was… out of control."
Gwenevere's brows furrowed in concern.
"We heard the shouting. The queen warned us things might be tense in the capital, but that… that was nearly a riot."
"It was a riot," Elysia said flatly. "And judging by the looks of you, you didn't keep your distance."
"I couldn't just stand by," Luke said. "People were scared. Angry. But that doesn't justify harming innocents."
There was a pause, and then Gwenevere stepped closer.
"You've changed."
Luke blinked.
"How so?"
"You've grown taller. Stronger. Reckless."
That brought a small smirk to his lips.
"You've studied me haven't you?"
"Of course," she said, softly.
For a moment, the three of them stood in a quiet triangle, the air between them charged with unsaid emotions and memories of their last meeting, at the ball room, during Luke's introduction to Gwenevere.
The connection between Luke and Gwenevere stirred again, subtle but undeniable, like the pull of a thread tying their fates together.
"Also for the future here, just call me Gwen."
Luke smiled brightly.
"Ok, Gwen."
Her name rolled off his tongue like honey and it caused Gwen's heart rate to increase.
Just then, the great bell of the academy rang, its chimes echoing through the stone halls and courtyards.
Dozens of students, noble and commoner alike, emerged from their dormitories and gathering points, all making their way toward the Grand Assembly Hall.
Banners fluttered in the breeze. Guards flanked the wide stone stairs that led up to the ceremonial platform.
"The ceremony's starting," Elysia said, nodding toward the procession. "Let's go."
The Grand Assembly Hall was magnificent. Its vaulted ceilings glittered with enchanted chandeliers that floated without chains, casting light that shimmered like sunlight on water. Marble pillars stretched toward the heavens, each carved with scenes from Eldoria's mythic past, the founding of the kingdom, the taming of dragons, the coronation of the first monarch.
Hundreds of students filled the hall in orderly rows, all clad in matching uniforms that bore the crest of the academy. Luke, Gwen, and Elysia found their seats near the front, reserved for those of noble birth.
A hush fell over the room as the Headmaster ascended the platform at the front of the hall.
He was an older man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a robe of deep midnight blue and a staff crowned with a dragon's eye crystal.
His silver beard reached his chest, and his gaze was sharper than any sword.
"Welcome," he said, voice resonant and commanding, "to the Royal Academy of Eldoria. For generations, this land has weathered the trials of time, war, famine, betrayal, and glory. And yet, in all those years, there has never been an institution like this. For the first time in Eldorian history, students from all walks of life, noble and commoner alike shall study side by side."
He paused as murmurs ran through the room.
"Yes, I know that some of you might be against commoners in an educational setting, but do not mistake this for a privilege freely given. If you are here, it's because the Queen has seen and acknowledge you and your family's potential at growing Eldoria. Some of you will become generals. Others, scholars. Some… merchants. But no matter what path you choose in life, all of you must first become students."
There was a brief silence, and then the Headmaster bowed his head.
"And now, Her Majesty, High Queen Adrian Eldoria, shall address you herself."
All rose as the queen entered, flanked by two royal guards and wearing a flowing black and sapphire gown.
Her crystalline sapphire crown glimmered in the light.
Her presence commanded not only respect, but reverence.
Her gaze swept across the room, lingering only slightly when her eyes met Luke's.
He bowed deeply.
"Children of Eldoria," she began, her voice calm and measured, "you enter these halls in uncertain times. The land suffers. Our people grow restless. But within these walls lies hope, hope forged by your hands, your hearts, your strength. You are not merely the heirs of tomorrow. You are its architects."
Her eyes flickered to the noble houses, then the commoners.
"Noble or commoner, let this be a place of unity. Of knowledge. Of discipline. I ask only that you give your best, for you, your families, and for the future of Eldoria. And should the world outside fall to shadow, let this academy shine as a beacon."
With that, she nodded once and returned to her seat as the entire auditorium erupted in applause.
The Headmaster stepped forward again.
"While you attend this institute, you will be placed into six class ranks here. S, A, B, C, D, and F. Your initial rank will be determined through a series of assessments in the coming days. Be warned, ranking is not determined by bloodline or titles. Only performance. Now do not be discouraged if you find yourself in Class F, it shows that you have much to learn and you will be taught by some of the kingdom's best instructors. With that said, Class S is reserved for those of exceptional talent, those who will be considered for elite service under the crown."
He let that sink in.
"You are dismissed for now. Your first trials begin tomorrow."
Later that evening, after the ceremony, the students were shown to their dormitories.
Luke's room was spacious and well-furnished.
He found the bed to be extremely lavish and comfortable.
Luke stood at the window, overlooking the quiet academy grounds.
The riots outside the walls still simmered in his thoughts.
There was a knock at the door.
When he opened it, Gwen stood there, and Elysia a few paces behind.
"I just wanted to say," Gwen began, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, "I'm glad you're here. Really."
Luke smiled.
"Me too."
There was a brief silence before Elysia cleared her throat.
"Don't stay out too late. We've got a long day tomorrow."
She turned and left, leaving Luke and Gwen alone in the hallway.
"You were brave today," she said, looking up at him.
"So were you," he replied.
Gwen's voice softened.
"I didn't do anything."
"You were there," Luke said. "Sometimes that's enough."
Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the weight of the world outside, the expectations, the academy ranks, and even their names fell away.
They were just two souls, drawn inexplicably to each other.
Gwenevere smiled.
"Goodnight, Luke."
"Goodnight, Gwen."
As she turned and walked down the hallway, Luke felt a strange warmth settle in his chest.
It was only the beginning… but already, something had settled deep in his heart.