Elara didn't sleep well in her new suite. The bed was too soft, and the room too quiet, she wasn't used to it. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Caden's face as he'd carried her luggage with his face burning with humiliation and rage.
By morning, the entire school knew about the mandatory assembly. Principal Smith had sent an emergency notification at midnight to all students and the faculty members ordering them to attend the assembly at 9 in the morning.
Elara stood in front of her new mirror, staring at her reflection. Captain Henrik had delivered a new uniform at night. The blazer had a motif of her kingdom on it. It made her look regal.
"Your Highness." Henrik called from outside her door. "It's time."
The walk to the auditorium felt surreal. Students were staring, whispering, some bowing awkwardly as she passed.
"Is that really her?"
"She looks so different."
"I can't believe she was a princess the whole time."
Elara kept her chin up, even though her heart was pounding. She wasn't used to this attention.
The auditorium was packed. Every seat was filled. On the stage, Principal Smith stood at the podium. When Elara entered through the side door, the room fell silent.
She could feel every eye on her as she walked towards the stage. Henrik guided her to a chair that had been placed in the front looking like a throne.
She sat on it. From there, she could see the entire auditorium. She saw Caden sitting in the third row with his jaw clenched.
Next to him was Seraphina. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her usual perfect posture had collapsed. For the first time in three years, Seraphina Whitmore looked ordinary.
Principal Smith cleared his throat.
"Students and faculty members." He began. "We are gathered here today for a historic occasion. An occasion that will be remembered in Ashford Academy's history for generations to come." He paused.
"Yesterday, we learned that one of our students, someone who has been with us for three years is, in fact, royalty of the highest order. I'm sure you've all seen the news coverage, the social media posts, and the official statements from the Kingdom of Veloria."
"It is my profound honor to formally introduce to you Princess Elara Marriana Aldridge, Crown Princess of Veloria, first in line to the Velorian throne, and as of this moment, the most important student in Ashford Academy's three hundred year history."
The auditorium erupted with a collective gasp, followed by chaotic noise.
"Please, please." Principal Smith raised his hands. "There's more. Due to Princess Elara's status and security requirements, certain changes will be implemented immediately. First, she is exempted from the standard dormitory regulations and curfews. Second, she will have priority access to all the academy facilities. Third, and most importantly, all students and faculty members are expected to treat her with respect."
Elara watched Seraphina's face crumble. Her hands were fisted in her lap.
"Now." Principal Smith said, turning towards Elara with a smile. "Princess Elara would you like to say a few words?"
Every one looked at her, waiting for her answer.
Elara hadn't prepared anything. She stood up slowly, and walked to the podium. She waited until the auditorium was silent.
"Thank you, Principal Smith." She said. "I know this is unexpected for everyone including me as well." She paused.
"Three years ago, I came to Ashford Academy with nothing but a scholarship and hope. I was excited to be here. But I learned quickly that not everyone liked scholarship students. That some people believed we didn't belong here."
The atmosphere of the auditorium suddenly changed. Several elite students and teachers looked away.
"I'm not going to pretend those three years were easy. I was bullied, humiliated, made to feel worthless daily." She looked at Caden. "But I survived, and now I know why. Because I was never worthless. I was a princess who just didn't know it."
Seraphina snickered.
"I'm not saying this to make anyone feel guilty." Elara continued, though that was exactly what she was doing. "I'm saying this because things are going to change. Not just for me, but for every scholarship student in this school. From now on, they will be treated with the same respect as everyone else. Anyone who has a problem with that can take it up with me."
Students exchanged nervous glances.
"Thank you for your time." Elara said as she stepped away from the podium, and returned to her seat.
The applause was loud this time. The scholarship students were clapping hard, some had tears in their eyes. The elite students clapped too but it was forced.
Caden and Seraphina didn't clap at all. They just stared at her.
The moment the assembly ended, chaos erupted. Students walked towards Elara, all trying to talk to her. The guards had to form a barrier to keep them away.
"Princess Elara, can I get a photo?"
"Princess Elara, will you sit with us at lunch?"
"I always knew there was something special about you!"
That last one came from a girl who'd literally tripped Elara in the hall two weeks ago.
Elara tried to push through the crowd, but it was impossible.
"Please, everyone, step back." Henrik commanded. "Princess needs space."
They finally made it to the hall, but even there, students were waiting for her.
"This is too much." Elara muttered.
"This is your life now." Henrik said. "You'll adjust."
"Actually, I want to talk to you about something." Elara said to Henrik. "I don't need guards with me 24*7. This is getting too much for me."
"But this is mandatory. Your security is our most important concern. We can't leave you alone." Henrik said.
"I know. But this is overwhelming and to be honest, uncomfortable. And moreover, this is my school. Everyone knows I'm a princess, I'm sure I can manage."
Henrik thought for a minute.
"As you wish, Princess Elara. We will return but there will be two guards staying in the academy for you, in case of emergency situations."
"Okay. Thank you so much."