It took almost two days for Evelyn to reach the capital city of Bastian in the Kingdom of Versailles. She was inside the carriage gazing out of the window at the bustling city ahead.
The sun was setting leaving a pinkish orange hue in the sky, while the shopkeepers were lighting lamps to welcome the night. She saw how breathtaking this majestic coastal city was. The city was like ancient grandeur illuminated by countless golden lights that spilled from buildings and streets against the approaching night.
Eve saw how people were bustling around the shops, some taking an evening stroll while some bargaining with the vendors. Their voices filled with laughter and chatter echoing through the busy market.
While watching this Eve's heart was filled with too many emotions that she has been suppressing all this while. Her heart thudded against her chest in excitement to let out her inner child to experience this new side of the world. Yet another part of her feared the unknown that awaited her inside the infamous academy.
She still remembered how coldly her father brushed off her concerns regarding the academy, let alone even asking for her opinion. He never did and never cared. His actions showed just how detached he truly was as refused to see off his only daughter who would be away for years to come.
Her mood plummeted thinking about her father, 'No it's His Majesty, not my father' she thought to herself as heaviness settled in her chest and her eyes started to blur with unshed tears.
Her throat tightened, but she willed herself to push down her emotions threatening to escape.'This too shall pass and I will get through this' she chanted to herself. Her hand subconsciously gripped her amber locket that laid over her chest as if drawing strength from it to get by.
Soon, the lively chatter began to fade as they left the bustling market behind, following a quieter path that led to a secluded residential district. Grand mansions stood proudly on either side of the road. All paths, however, seemed to lead toward a single destination. a wide, straight road that climbed steadily toward a colossal castle perched on a distant hill.
As Eve was a royal herself, she was privy to basic information about other kingdoms. She knew that the towering structure was a lair of one of the most dangerous predators in existence. King of Versailles and his son belonged to the most feared pure blooded vampire lineage. Little was known about the prince but she knew this much that the king was a wise ruler.
After traveling for twenty more minutes to the adjacent hill to the royal castle, the carriage finally came to a halt, Eve stepped down gracefully when the coachman opened the door for her. She moved her gaze to scan her surroundings when she felt a familiar dread coil up in her stomach.
In front of her stood an expansive gothic looking building with grey clouds hovering over it. A stark contrast from the lively and vibrant coastal city below the hill. This place looked like it hadn't seen joy ever since the invention of candles.
Eve thought 'The place looks like Halloween came early and decided to stay.. permanently.'
She turned to the coachman with a questioning gaze and asked "Did you bring me to the right place Bram?"
Bram bowed and answered " Yes Your Highness, this is the Blood Moon Academy"
Although his instincts were screaming to run as far away as possible from this dreadful place, he maintained an impeccably calm face in front of the lady, though the anxious bullets of sweat on his forehead betrayed his stoic facade.
Eve decided to spare the poor man with further questions. With a soft sigh she began "Oh, let me see who can hel-"
She was cut off abruptly by an older woman with dark grey hair who looked like the sun owed her money "Welcome to Blood Moon Academy, Princess Evelyn" she said in a voice cold enough to refrigerate meat. " I am Mrs. Morris, and I will be helping you settle in the academy.
Clearing her throat Eve said "Ah yes. Thank you for receiving me. I will be in your care." She thanked her while an awkward smile graced her lips.
Mrs. Morris subtly sized her up from head to top with her light red eyes and gestured towards two men who seemed to materialise out of thin air just like her, both wearing academy's staff uniform, grey pants and white shirt. "Take her luggage to her assigned room" She instructed them.
She then turned to Evelyn "Please allow me to lead you to your room, Princess Evelyn." Her cold monotonous voice sent a shiver down Eve's spine.
Eve nodded and turned to Bram. "Take care Bram, I will see you soon." She offered him a small smile. Sweat trickled further down from Bram's face, this time from genuine concern for leaving the princess in the care of someone who looked like a walking corpse.
He bowed his head again muttering something that suspiciously sounded like a prayer.
"Take care, Your Highness". Saying this went to help the pale looking porter boys with Eve's luggage. With a slight nod she turned and started to follow Mrs. Morris.