The main gate of Aethelred towered high, built from white stone that shimmered like gemstones under the morning sun. Above it, the crest of the Kingdom of Solveria and the four Duke families were carved in line—light, fire, wind, earth, and ice.
The royal carriage stopped at the grand marble courtyard. Servants opened the door and bowed deeply.
Alexa stepped out gracefully, her gown glimmering under the sunlight. Her eyes—sharp and golden—swept across the academy grounds.
> "Princess Zevarelis has arrived," announced one of the overseers.
Suddenly, whispers stirred among the noble youths nearby.
> "That's her, right? The one who can use ice magic without spells…"
"She's stunning. From the South, isn't she?"
"But they say she's been… strange since she woke up from that fainting spell?"
Alexa smiled faintly.
A smile that silenced the whispers.
A true noble doesn't need to defend herself. She merely walks with grace, and the world finds its place.
On the main staircase stood students from other prominent families:
Cyrill Ashven: Son of the Northern Duke. Bright red hair and eyes like embers. His arrogant aura radiated even from a distance. His gaze locked on Alexa—not with admiration, but calculation.
Seraphina Wynhart: Heiress of a western Marquis family. Exceptionally beautiful, with silver-blond hair and deep violet eyes. Her smile was sweet… but sharp like a blade coated in honey.
Eiden Vernoux: From a court wizard lineage. Quiet, with dark gray hair and glasses. His eyes were empty… yet filled with curiosity as they lingered on Alexa.
And of course… standing a bit apart from the rest, wearing the academy cloak with golden royal embroidery:
Thalionric Arelthia.
> Their eyes met—and time seemed to freeze.
> "I thought you'd be late, Princess Alexa," he said, half teasing, half challenging.
> "Why? Afraid I'd steal the spotlight first?" she replied, calm as ever.
The whispers grew louder. But before they could exchange more words, the academy bell rang through the air.
> "All students, to the grand hall for the opening ceremony!"
Amid the crowd of noble youths, new rivals, and judgmental stares…
Alexa walked toward the hall with her head held high.
She wasn't just the Southern Rose.
She was the frost that would freeze anyone who dared to underestimate her.
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🌙 To Be Continued...