Chapter Two: First Day
I woke up and yawned. Duchess was still asleep. I pushed away the red curtains to let some light in.I had gotten a new hairstyle at O'Hair Salon. It was a neat bun with side bangs that curved against my face (think Tinkerbell style). Instead of my plume, I wore a shining, small golden tiara. I supposed that I had better embrace my Royal heritage. I then rummaged in my closet for my favorite tutu and pulled it over my head. I laced up my red heels and glanced over at Duchess. Don't tell anyone I said this, but she honks when she sleeps. I pulled on a cloak. Beast Training and Care was my first class.
I grabbed a muffin from the breakfast table. Duchess was rubbing her eyes and cursing the 300 steps. We walked over to the cafeteria tables.
"Let's find Faybelle and Lizzie. I don't want to have to sit with any of these morons." said Duchess.
"They're probably still sleeping," I said. The cafeteria was almost empty, "Who's that?"
I pointed to a handsome boy reading. He had ice-blue eyes, and platinum blonde hair parted on the side. His skin was smooth and pale, and there was a snowflake birthmark on his left cheek. His cheekbones were High, and he had full, pale lips.
"The Snow Queen's son. Apparently he's really quiet. A bit of a weirdo, if you ask me."
I couldn't keep my eyes off him, "He looks sort of familiar."
Duchess suppressed a giggle, "First day and you've already got a crush? He's a first year like you."
"I'm going to go talk to him," I said.
"What? You want to commit social suicide? You will do no such thing."
"I will. Coming Duchess?"
She sighed, "Go and make a fool of yourself by all means."
I walked over to the boy's table, suddenly very nervous. Maybe Duchess was right.
"Um, hi. Do you mind if I sit?"
The boy nodded, not looking up from his book.
"I'm Lady Phoenix. You are?"
The boy finally looked up. "Edgar Frost." Then his eyes widened, "You have a mark, too. Right below your eye."
I touched a finger to the red outline of a flame, "I've had it forever."
"Marks," said Edgar, "symbolize that magic resides it a person, and that specific kind of magic. Watch."
Edgar moved his hand over a chair. Frost began to crept up it.
"I can't really do any magic. Fire or otherwise. I just have the natural residue." I looked down at the floor, "Whatever magic my mom has, I just have some watered down version. Residue."
"You have the mark. Your magic is strong."
And then our eyes met. Ice blue staring into warm amber. Edgar's eyes held clarity and kindness, a softness that I could have never imagined in such a cold color... I averted my gaze shamefully. Duchess is right. I am a Royal now. I have to follow my destiny, no matter what.
Rumpelstiltskin was the teacher of Science and Sorcery.
"TEST TOMORROW!" shouted the little man, "CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 26!"
"We haven't even started Chapter One," complained a strawberry blonde girl, "It wasn't on the required reading list!"
"Good luck tomorrow," cackled the little man, "You'll need it!"
I facepalmed, "I'm going to fail."
We all shuffled out of the classroom. I thought lunch would never come.
"Who's that?" I asked Duchess, pointing to a rosy cheeked blonde girl and tall blond boy waving at everyone.
"Apple White and Daring Charming, future king and queen," said Duchess, morosely twirling her pasta on a fork. Just then, a ginger haired punk rocker dashed up to our table.
"Sparrow Hood invites you to his very own concert!" He sang, dropping two tickets.
"SHUT UP!" Duchess yelled, "CAN'T YOU JUST SPEAK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON?"
But Sparrow Hood was already out of earshot. Hopper, also a first year, walked up to our table.
"Someone wanted me to deliver this to Lady Phoenix."
"Oh, um, thanks."
"Off with your head!" Lizzie screamed at him.
"She means, Thank you."
Alone in my dorm finally, I steeled myself and opened the letter.
To the fairest bird of them all,
Would it please you to meet in the Enchanted Forest, on Saturday noon?
Edgar Frost
It simply wasn't possible. Edgar liked me back? I was going to have to send him a message, somehow. Or maybe it wasn't meant for me. Maybe it was for Duchess, or... Hopper had given it to me. I am chosen.
I clutched my stomach, taking deep breaths.
"Are you alright?" asked Duchess, lifting a fork. We were at Saturday breakfast.
"I'm fine. Just a little queasy. I think I ate something funny," I lied, "Faybelle, don't eat that oatmeal. Kitty Cheshire put pins in it."
Faybelle gathered up magic in her fingertips.
"Maybe not the best idea." said Duchess, "We don't want you to be expelled."
"Off with your head!" Screamed Lizzie, "Definitely a bad idea."
We looked over. Kitty Cheshire was sitting next to a mint haired, quirky looking girl. Beside them was a girl with violet eyes and streaked, Tyrian purple hair. Raven Queen. According to Duchess, she's the only person with a worst destiny than her. The kind that ends in a life sentence. Blondie Lockes, school reporter, was buzzing from table to table.
"What's all the commotion?" I asked.
"Legacy Day," answered Lizzie Hearts.
"Where each second year student pledges to follow their destiny," said Faybelle Thorn dramatically.
"They can't get it over fast enough for me," said Duchess, rolling her eyes. Apple White and Daring Charming walked in.
"Do those two ever get tired of getting their pictures taken?" Asked Faybelle.
"Apparently not. Off with their heads!" answered Lizzie.
"Shush, they're coming this way," hissed Duchess.
"How are you, Duchess, Lady, Faybelle, Lizzie?" Asked Apple, giving everyone a smile.
"Don't look at the teeth," said Daring, "Just had them whitened."
Duchess was fidgeting with a strand of hair.
"It's almost noon! I've got to fly! See you later!"
I burned up, just like that, and my Phoenix rose from the ashes. It felt great to fly. I spotted Edgar in the bushes, and remmaterizallized in a burst of flame.
"Um, nice landing."
A blush was creeping up Edgar's cheeks. The queasy feeling in my stomach returned.
