It took less time than Aleydis had anticipated to be both accepted and admitted into Constellations Academy.

The headmaster had left right after their conversation, citing important business that he had to attend to. However, he looked like he would've preferred to stay and linger near the roaring fireplaces for a little bit longer instead of being chained to a desk. Most people probably wouldn't have picked up on it, but she was well familiar with the longing expression of wanting to just play hooky from watching her father when he had to work on something he didn't want to.

Thankfully, he did introduce her to Madame Bettia, the head housekeeper of the academy, and Sir Regis, the captain of all the knights and guards who protected the academy. It awed her that such important people were the ones who had come out to greet her, so she curtsied again after the introductions, deeper this time.

"May the skies of your heart always be bright and clear. I am in your care, Madame, Sir."

They exchanged approving glances and Sir Regis knelt in front of her so that they were eye-to-eye, emphasizing exactly how tall he really was. "While you are within these walls, you will never have to know fear or danger. The guard takes our oaths to protect all within its walls very seriously. Headmaster Gibroni informed us that a potential student was arriving today but not which academic track you wish to follow. Are you hear as a warrior or a scholar?"

Her questions as to why that would be important must've been plain on her face because he offered her a warm smile. "It will help us ascertain whose care you're under. If you are following an academic path, Madame Bettia will oversee you. Whereas, if you are going for the warrior path, you will be under my command."

She fisted her hands in her skirt, resisting the urge to chew on her lip as she thought. She really did need to work on erasing her tells but this was her first day at the academy, so she wasn't going to be too hard on herself. She finally ventured uncertainly, "Both? Maybe? I plan on becoming a diplomatic envoy for my kingdom, which means that I shall have to study languages, cultures, etiquettes, and arts. However, a diplomat's skills are often called upon in times of uncertainty and there is no guarantee that my guards will always be permitted with me."

She gestured discreetly at Rita who was standing silently behind her, observing everything so she could undoubtedly report it back to the king and queen. "I mean, take today for example. I've already been separated from my guards because this is a place of peace and neutral territory. I'm sure that Rita would give her life for mine, but I'd rather that not happen. And I'm sure there will be times in the future when bringing guards with me would be considered an outright insult or a threat."

She sighed, releasing her skirt and tugging absently on a strand of hair. "I doubt that I shall ever be a formidable warrior, not like my brother and father. But I would like to have enough skill to protect myself and those under my care, if that makes sense?"

He placed his hand over his heart and inclined his head, "A noble goal indeed. Since you are to be an envoy, the bulk of your time will be taken up with the studies you have already named. However, as you have expressed your desire to be at least skilled in the basics of self-defense, Madame Bettia and I shall work together to formulate a hybrid course of studies for you. We already have a handful of students taking dual focuses, so it shouldn't be hard to adapt their schedules to fit your needs."

Surprise filled her voice as she asked, "You can do that?"

He nodded and stood, smiling down at her. "The goal of Constellations Academy is to help our students shine as bright as the stars in the sky. As long as students are willing to learn and put in the work, we will do whatever we can to help them succeed. Bright Skies!"

She smiled back at him. "Fair winds!"

He turned to Madame Bettia, offering her a bow. "Let me know when arrangements are settled and I'll inform the appropriate instructors. I have to get back to the training hall."

With one last nod to all of them, he strode off, quickly disappearing from sight.

Once he was gone from sight, Madame Bettia cleared her throat delicately, smiling when they looked over at her. "If you ladies will follow me, my office is this way."

Aleydis could feel Rita shifting uneasily behind her, so she murmured just loudly enough for Rita to hear, "All are equal within these walls. It's okay, don't worry about it."

Rita didn't respond but Aleydis could hear her footsteps smooth out, so figured that she'd managed to reassure her for now. They walked for quite a ways but this building was enormous enough to hold probably two of Colbini's royal castles, so that was no surprise.

Madame Bettia's office was filled with bookshelves and a couple of pedestals containing cushions that held large communication orbs. They were dark now but they were so large that they probably lit up the room when they were active. There were also two closed doors that piqued Aleydis's curiosity, what sort of secrets were hidden in a head housekeeper's office?

She shook her head a little, pushing the fanciful thought away. It was none of her business what was or wasn't behind those doors. This wasn't Colbini, she wouldn't be excused for her curiosity here like she usually was whenever she wandered someplace that she shouldn't be.

She had been admitted easier than she'd expected but she could be unadmitted just as fast. She frowned as her brain tripped over that. Was unadmitted even a word? She sought for the right one but gave up when Rita steered her over to a set of chairs set in front of the desk. Aleydis sat carefully, nearly slipping when she sunk into the comfortable cushioning on it. Still, it wasn't that surprising when she thought on it for a moment, after all, all sorts of royalty and wealthy patrons attended the academy. They couldn't have them forced to deal with uncomfortable chairs. Those were probably reserved for misbehaving students or parents.

Her attention was drawn back when Madame Bettia began to speak, her voice soft. "Now that you've been admitted to our academy, there are just a few details that we need to go over before we finish up the paperwork to admit you. Since you have voiced your wish to become a diplomatic envoy, the teachers and I will discuss which classes will best help you to achieve this goal."

She pulled out a stack of papers and set them on the desk between them. "You have arrived just in time, the new term starts in two days, so you'll have just enough time to settle in before they begin."

Aleydis had been worried that having to travel overland would slow her down enough that she would miss the new term and be turned away automatically. It was good to know that hadn't happened, it would've been frustrating and embarrassing to have to return home that way. "Of course, Madame Bettia. I am looking forward to beginning classes."

Her tone suddenly became brisk. "To start off with, your status here at the academy. The teachers and staff are aware that you are the only princess of Colbini. However, here at the academy, you are just another first-year student. There is no rank here, from emperor to peasant, all are equals. Students, naturally, defer to staff and younger students to older students. However, bullying is not permitted and anyone found to have engaged in such behavior will be expelled at once.

That was the word, expelled. Letting out a silent sigh of relief, she turned her full attention back to Madame Bettia. "All are equal within the academy walls. However, I do have one question about this."

Madame Battia's turned stern, seeming to be examining her for something. Her voice held a hint of warning, "And what would that be?"

"How am I to introduce myself to others? I assume that there is a hierarchy and I do not wish to cause offense to any studying here."

She studied Aleydis for another long moment as if expecting her to say something else. Then she relaxed a little in her chair. "A very sensible question to ask. Upon first introduction, you can either introduce yourself as Aleydis of Colbini or if you prefer to not reveal your country of origin, then you shall use Aleydis, First Year. You will refer to older students as either Senior their name or just Senior. To your year mates, you may use their first name or call them by their study pathway of Scholar or Warrior. To those who enter the academy after you, refer to them by either Junior their name or simply Junior. Staff will always be referred to as Sir or Ma'am, or their chosen title if they prefer, of which they will inform you on your first encounter with them."

That seemed simple enough. She nodded to show that she understood and then listened carefully as Madame Bettia laid out the rest of the rules.

She was finally a student!