You Really Do Have Beautiful Eyes

I paced back and forth in my bedroom for two hours, yet I felt no pain. The anticipation of my father's arrival had kept me on edge all day, so much so that I hadn't eaten. I was desperate to find out what the king wanted to talk to my father about. I knew my father and the king shared a close bond, but even the king had to answer to the church he followed. If the church decreed that my father should be executed for hiding me, then— "No, no." I shook my head.

"Lady Seraphina, your father has arrived." My maid, Anne says. Without another word, I bolt from my chambers, my heart pounding, each step echoing like a drumbeat in the silence. The hall seems to stretch before me, as if time itself is mocking my frantic pace.

I throw open the door to my father's quarters, breath catching in my throat. "Father?" My voice cracks, a fragile whisper in the thick air.

But it's not him who stands before me. It's Albert.

"Where's father?"

"Sera, father will be here in a moment."

"Sera." Only Albert calls me that, not even Samuel does even though I call him "Sammy" most of the time.

"Why are you here, Albert?"

"I live here," Albert shot back with a grin.

I roll my eyes. "Honestly, if anyone were to be here I'd expect it to be Samuel."

Albert smirked. "Well, father called me here. Apparently, he wants to talk to both of us."

I plop down next to him. Just then, father walks in, looking all serious.

"Father." Albert and I say in unison.

"Seraphina." My father's voice cuts through the air, his eyes locking onto mine.

"The king has ordered that you go to the Magical Academy."

"Huh?" I blink, my mouth hanging open in disbelief. I stare at my father like some kind of fool, unable to comprehend what I just heard. Even Albert's jaw drops, his usually composed face frozen in shock.

"You will be going to the Magical Academy this year, under the king's orders," Father repeats, his tone firmer now, as though confirming an undeniable fact.

A burst of warmth floods through me. I feel a rush of exhilaration, my heart pounding in my chest. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm going to the Magical Academy! Thank you, thank you, thank you, heavens above!" I squeal, barely able to contain my joy. It's everything I've dreamed of—everything I've wanted my whole life.

"Settle down, Seraphina." My father's voice is still steady, but there's a hint of reprimand in it.

I freeze, suddenly aware of how unrestrained I've been. My face flushes, and I quickly drop back into my seat, squeezing my hands together to stop their trembling. "Sorry," I mutter, my voice small.

Albert looks over at me, his brow furrowed with concern. "Father, are you sure about this? She'll be the only girl there. It'll be dangerous."

Father meets Albert's gaze with a calm, measured expression, though the tension in his shoulders is palpable. "I will come to that point soon, Albert," he says, before turning his attention back to me.

My excitement falters when I meet father's serious gaze. "Seraphina, I know how long you've dreamed of going to the Magical Academy, but let me be clear: It's not all glamour and glory. You're not just going to learn magic—there are risks, dangers you've never faced before."

His words cut through my joy, sending a cold chill to the pit of my stomach. I can feel my excitement start to waver, and I hold my breath, waiting for him to continue.

"As you know, your appearance is… somewhat unusual, especially your eyes. And, like your mother, you inherited her black hair, but combined with golden eyes, people will fear you. It won't matter that you're simply trying to learn magic. To them, you'll look like something out of their worst nightmares. Most will call you a witch, a demon, or worse."

I feel a weight settle on my chest, the truth of his words sinking in. I've always known that I looked different from everyone else. The golden hue of my eyes has never fit in, always making people stare. But hearing my father put it so bluntly... It stings more than I expected.

He continues, his voice hardening with concern, "And you'll be the first female ability-user known to mankind. That alone will bring challenges you can't even imagine. You will face harassment. You will face prejudice. Trouble and misfortune will follow you, and that's the price of going to that academy."

I swallow hard, trying to process what he's saying. It feels like my dream is slipping from my grasp, replaced by the cold reality of what awaits me.

Father shifts his gaze to Albert, his eyes intense. "And this is where you come in, Albert." He points at him, his expression unyielding. "At the academy, other males will likely harass Seraphina. You are to stick with her at all times. Protect her. And, Seraphina, you mustn't hesitate to use your magic if you need to defend yourself."

I turn to Albert, seeking reassurance in his eyes. His face is a mask of determination, his jaw set with unwavering resolve. He nods, a sharp, intense gesture. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Seraphina. You have my word."

His confidence, though comforting, doesn't quite erase the knot of fear tightening in my stomach. The thought of the academy—of being thrust into a world where I'll be constantly judged, scrutinized, and potentially harmed—is terrifying. Yet, in Albert's gaze, there's a promise, and for the first time since hearing Father's warning, I feel a flicker of hope. I won't be alone. Maybe, with Albert by my side, I can make it through this.

"Excuse me, Sir Richard." A servant at the door calls.

"Yes." My father replies grimly.

"I'm sorry but prince Julian is here to see you." Prince Julian walks in.

"Your highness." We all bow.

"I beg your pardon for my sudden arrival. I deemed it most prudent to convey His Majesty's directives in person. As for Lady Seraphina's upcoming attendance at the academy next month, I shall take it upon myself to ensure her protection. As long as she remains within my care, I give you my solemn word that no harm shall come to her. Naturally, the assistance of Albert will be called upon when necessary. Aside from that, all arrangements have been finalised. There is no need for further concerns."

"I don't even know you." I say before I can hold myself back.

"Did we not meet yesterday at the garden?"

"Yes, we did. But I've only met you once. If any man were to protect me I'd rather it be my brother."

Julian laughs smugly. "Oh, how charming. But, it's truly for the best if you stay with me. You wouldn't want to cause your brother any unnecessary trouble, would you?"

"What exactly are you implying?" I snap, a sharp edge to my voice.

"I am the crown prince," he says, his tone dripping with superiority. "No one would ever dare threaten me because of my status. So, if you stay by my side, the very sight of me will keep trouble at bay. Understand?"

I really did not like this prince's attitude. Yesterday he was all courteous and kind, but today he's acting like an arrogant piece of shit. Despite my feelings I need to act mature.

"Oh, my deepest apologies, your highness, for not comprehending your sheer brilliance. It would truly be the ultimate honour and privilege to have you as my bodyguard. I'm practically shaking with excitement."  I bow dramatically.

"Excuse me? Bodyguard?"

"Yes, you will be my bodyguard next month." I emphasis 'bodyguard' to annoy him.

I can hear Albert snickering next to me.

"I am not your bodyguard."

"Of course you're not." My father says.

"But you said you will protect me. Isn't that what bodyguards do?" I say sarcastically, tapping my chin.

Albert is shaking, on the verge of laughter now, and I can see him glancing at Julian, clearly enjoying the moment.

Julian doesn't answer right away. When I look up, I catch him forcing a tight smile, trying to hide his discomfort. His jaw clenches slightly, and there's a flicker of annoyance in his eyes.

"Really?" he mutters, voice low, almost too quiet for anyone else to hear. "Teasing me now, are we?"

I grin, pleased with myself.

"Goodbye, Sir Richard, Albert." Julian says obviously ignoring me.

"Goodbye!" I shout.

So much for being mature. But he started it!

When Julian leaves, Albert bursts out laughing.

"Seraphina." Father says cross, whilst Albert still laughs in the background.