Chapter Two

Chapter Two.

                            Natasha

“I have no intention of changing my mind, Mother. You still have a long way to go, before descending from your position as queen. I don't want to become your successor,” I snapped, not bothering to hide the biting edge in my voice.

She winced, and leaned down to gently raise her cup of tea from the table. I watched as she slowly brought it to her lips and took a sip. 

“I don't remember seeking your permission, Nat.” She said quietly. 

But beneath that calm facade, I could sense her boiling anger. I took a deep breath, and leaned against the sofa.

After scolding me about my constant visits to the human realm, she'd asked to have a discussion with me. And here we were. 

“Mother, anyone could have the throne. I don't care.” I retorted. I was sorry for speaking to her in that manner, yet I wasn't.

She remained silent for a while, and then holding my gaze she asked, “Even Calise?” 

My gaze turned sharp, and I straightened on my seat. A gnawing feeling began sprouting within my belly. But I didn't avert my gaze.

“What about her?” 

Calise.

I hated the name, just as I did the owner. Last I heard of my cousin, she was having the time of her life in the human realm. Italy, I'd heard.

Hearing my mother mention her name brought back memories I wasn't willing to relive.

“Nevermind. We'll continue this discussion tomorrow.” My mother said dismissively, her other fingers wrapped elegantly around the porcelain cup. 

I fought back my sharp retort, knowing it'd do no good. Certain I was as level headed as possible, I asked again,

“What about Calise, Mother?”

“Well, she's scheduled to return to Gavemorth soon. And I've known my niece long enough to know her intentions.” She said, crossing her legs leisurely.

Her intentions… 

“When do you think she'd arrive?” I asked again.

My mother simply shrugged, a glint in her eyes that suggested her triumph at finally gaining my interest.

And I hated that I could do nothing about it. Hated that when it came to any matter concerning Calise, my cousin, I always became blind to logic. To my own desires even.

“I’ll think about it tonight. About ascending the throne, I mean. You'd have my response tomorrow.” With that I rose to my feet.

I was halfway across the large white themed living room when her next words made me halt right in my tracks.

“Lest I forget, Nat. You'll be attending the Dark Realm Royal Academy. That's if your response tomorrow turns out to be positive.” She said calmly.

I didn't bother turning to look at her. “I don't want to attend any academy. Becoming a queen is tasking enough already.” I replied, my nails digging into the palm of my hand, hard enough to draw blood.

“The Dark Realm Royal Academy is a test, as well as a training. You don't want your subjects looking down on you now, do you? Maybe enough to think that there's a better choice aside from you.” She said in a lethally calm tone.

My chest heaved. I knew what she was insinuating. She was laying a trap. One I didn't mind falling into.

She knew how much I loved challenges. 

“Do you think Calise would attend the academy?” I asked her, after a moment's silence.

I heard the silent laughter in her voice. “She would.”

I nodded. “Tomorrow. I'll let you know my decision tomorrow.” And with that, I hurried towards my room.

My room was on the east wing of the castle. The scent of lavender hit me once I pushed the door open. With a sigh, I strolled over to my queen-sized bed and plopped down on it.

“Fuck,” I cursed beneath my breath, running my hand through my hair. 

I pondered over my mother's words. I already knew what my decision would be. I'd known since the moment she mentioned Calise.

I hated Calise more than anything unlikable. And it wasn't in a casual ‘I hate you’ sense. No, it was stronger than that. My hatred for my cousin ran deeper.

I took off my shirt slowly, and with robotic steps walked over to my large mirror. I slanted my head in an angle that let me catch the glimpse of my back. I swallowed, my eyes burning with hatred.

On my back was a large hideous tattoo branded forcefully by my-

I shook my head, willing myself not to think about the past. A past which even my mother wasn't aware of. 

Calise. She'd caused it. Had taken everything I loved away from me. 

And if taking my rightful place on the throne of my kingdom, would be the first step to my plans to torture her, I'd do it. 

Then, there was the matter of the Dark Realm Royal Academy. 

And Kai.

His name slipped into my mind so easily. So naturally. 

His scent. 

I walked back to my bed, forcing myself not to think about how aroused I'd been back there. How I'd attempted kissing him, and how I'd even thought of him as handsome.

I was probably running mad. 

I clamped my legs together, and turned to the other side of my bed. 

And since I'd become so accustomed to lying to myself, I insisted that I hadn't felt the spark that ignited between us back in that deserted street. 

…

I let out a deep sigh as the water from the showerhead rained down on me. I placed my hand against the wall, standing immobile as my chest rose and fell.

My hand inched down towards my aching core, but halfway I decided against it, and moved it away. 

I had to find some way to let out my built up tension. Tonight would've been perfect, if my plans hadn't been ruined.

I sauntered out of the bathroom minutes later, and slipped into my silky nightgown. 

I reached out for the bottle of foul tasting medicine on my bedside table, and took a gulp. The last time I'd tried to go to sleep without my usual dose, my nightmares had hunted me, and I hadn't gotten a wink of sleep that night.

The inner calming effect was almost immediate, as I leaned back against my bed. 

Kai was dangerous. I had to steer clear his path. 

With that thought, I finally fell asleep.

                                ★★★

My mother was seated at the dining table the next morning when I came downstairs. My legs felt wobbly.

“I’ll attend the Academy,” I said as a form of greeting, as I took my seat and placed my elbow on the table.

Her face remained neutral, to her credit. 

“Good. Then, you have to leave as soon as possible.” She said, smothering apricot jam over her bread gently.

A flicker of surprise crossed my eyes. “How soon?” 

“After breakfast,” she simply replied.

My stomach flipped again. “What is the rush? Surely, I could resume next week.” I poured myself a glass of lemonade.

“All that's left for you is to report yourself present, and of course claim a room. I've sorted out everything else.” She ventured to say.

I stilled. “You registered, even before telling me?” My voice dropped low, my fingers clasping the stalk of my glass hard. 

She didn't respond, and instead pushed off her chair.

“After breakfast, Nat.” Then she left the dining room. I waited until the sound of her footsteps died down. Then I turned towards my plate of food, and dug in.

I met her outside two hours later, standing with that regal calm that I was already accustomed to. I hadn't bothered dressing up in fancy attire, opting instead for gray pants and a deeper shade gray sweater.

She spared me a nod, and created a portal. 

“Ready?” She asked, turning back to me.

“Would you let me stay, if I said no?” I retorted.

“Not a chance,” she chuckled.

“Then, let's go.” I said blandly, stepping into the portal. 

A large towering gate appeared in my line of sight, as I stepped out of the portal again. My mother stood behind me.

Air wheezed out of my lungs, as I beheld the splendor before me. Even before stepping through the gates, I could feel the power thrumming within. My chest constricted, as I suddenly found it hard to breathe.

“This place…” I choked out.

“Nothing to worry about. It's the Academy's defense merely being hostile to strangers. Your powers would return once you're fully registered as a student.” My mother explained.

Dark Realm Royal Academy.

This was where I'd be spending the next few years of my life.

And before I could turn to my mother, someone materialized before us. He was dressed in black trousers, and sleeveless black shirt. 

My eyes slid down to his diamond wristwatch with the initials ‘DRRA’ on it. His muscles bunched, and lethality oozed from his body. He bowed before us, and straightened. Then holding my gaze, he said in a cold voice,

“Welcome to the Dark Realm Royal Academy.”