Ch. 11: Departing

A week had passed, and Luna stood in her room. Her mind was in a daze as the maids raced around packing the last of her luggage. A part of herself was still trying to process the bizarre situation of her meeting with the royal council and how in just a few minutes, she'd be departing from Lunaris to attend Starlight University. 

"Oh great, my stomach is aching again," grimaced Luna as her nerves were skyrocketing through the roof.

Thankfully, she was distracted by the doors of her room being thrown open and saw her mother, who, instead of her royal attire, walked in wearing a fabulous white suit. She ordered directions to the maids before she walked over to Luna’s side.

"Right after I drop you off at the airport, I must return to Solis and wrap up some business. One last time, I will ask, are you sure you want to go down this path?" asked Luna's mother.

Once again, Luna's temptation tried to cloud her judgment, and running away seemed the better option. But a part of her knew that running away wasn't the right thing to do. 

"Yes, mom. Besides, I owe it to dad, who, despite how unfit I was as princess and heir, still believed in me, even towards the end. I can't let him down! I gotta at least try!" Luna's mother was taken back by the glimmer of determination that she saw a flash through her daughter's eyes and smiled. 

"Alright! I won't push you any farther! Now let's go, the plane to the realm of Arcana takes off an hour from now!" Pulling her sunglasses down from her head, the ruler Solis made sure Luna had everything she needed before driving her to Lunaris’ airport. 

The location of the airport was northeast of the capital, where everything was more advanced and modernized. In her mother's sporty white car, Lune gazed out the window and saw tall skyscraper buildings and even the famous Twilight clocktower. The view which bypassed Luna's eyes held dozens of stores and restaurants. Not to mention the streets were packed with people and cars, and the flashy digital billboards advertised idols. 

This side of the capital contrasted deeply with the capital Luna was familiar with, not that she journeyed outside much. The only few times she ever went out was to go to the local bookstore to buy hardcovers of her favorite books in her attempt to support the author. There was also that lovely bakery right across the street from the bookstore that Luna liked visiting as that part of the capital's architecture was more authentic and less modernized. 

Arriving at the airport, discarding her luggage with the baggage handlers, Luna's mother escorted Luna to the exit terminal. "Alright! This is how far I go. Again, I don't know why you didn't take the royal private jet! You could've gotten there faster and in comfort." 

"Mom, I'm fine flying economy! Besides, flying private would only draw unwanted attention!" 

"Fine, but if you ever feel like you’re in a pinch, just give your brother or me a call. Remember, you still have us. Okay, now go and be a college student! I'm expecting a call from you once you are settled in!" Pulled into a tight hug by her mother, Luna felt teary-eyed, and despite the reluctance, pulled away. 

"Thanks, mom, for everything. I know I wasn't the best daughter, but I'm hoping to improve myself!" Luna recalled the reason why she came to live on Lunaris with her father.

Reaching out to wipe her daughter's tears, Luna's mother smiled. "The past is the past. You are a lovely daughter, a diamond in the eyes of both your father and me. A mothers' job is to be there when her child needs her most, and that's what I'm doing. Now go! I believe in you, Luna!" 

Wishing her daughter well, Solis's ruler watched as her daughter left to board the plane. "Your future is in your own hands now, my precious daughter." 

Making her way down the aisle, searching for her seat, Luna soon found it and saw a person sitting in the one next to it. The person in the chair was female and looked around the same age as herself.

Not only were they of similar age, but the girl was very attractive. Her was a golden brown as she wore orange cargo trousers paired with a black crop hoodie. Her brown hair was slicked back into ponytail as long crinkles of hair fell down her back, wireless white headphone sat around her neck.

Just as Luna's butt touched the chair, the girl removed her eyes from the window and set them onto Luna. "Seems I got a seatmate! The name’s Sasha and yours?" The friendly girl who introduced herself as Sasha smiled at Luna.

"H-Hi, I'm Luna!" Luna nervously greeted her back, nerves rattling as she introduced herself to a stranger.

"Let me guess, you're attending Starlight University too?" Sasha tried to start up a conversation with Luna.

"Umm, yes! How about you?" Twiddling with the long sleeves of her white blouse, worn over it was a simple and short orchid colored dress. Luna tried to force down her nerves and have a simple conversation with Sasha, who seemed friendly. 

"Yep! I somehow got in through a scholarship, unlike those of the upper-class who with one quick word from mommy and daddy, instantly they’re in." Sasha snapped her fingers, tone laced with sarcasm, and talked about the benefits those of the upper-class had. Luna couldn't help but feel a little guilty. 

Starlight University was a dream come true for those with awe-inspiring big aspirations, yet this dream was nearly impossible for those of the lower class. Luna only needed her mother to send in her registration form, and instantly, she was enrolled as a student, but things were much different for those of common birth. 

The only way a person of their status could step foot through the shining doors of Starlight University was if that person was exceptionally gifted or talented, which could earn them a scholarship. A task that only a limited number of people could achieve. 

'Note to self, do not let Sasha know I'm a princess,' Luna mentally told herself, warming up to Sasha as the two talked during the plane ride.