The next morning arrived too quickly.
Tessa barely slept, and Jasper didn't sleep at all. The palace was unusually silent, as if the entire place understood that today something… important was shifting.
Tessa stood in front of the grand stairs with her backpack neatly strapped, her hair tied in a loose braid, anxiety and excitement mixing in her chest like two storms colliding.
Alex stood beside her, stiff as ever. "I will escort you till the academy gates, my lady."
"Thank you, Sir Alex." Tessa's wandering eyes were still taking the glance of the palace. But Alex somehow understood that it's not only the palace she is memorising... Her eyes was searching for someone's desparate presence.
" My lady , his highness is in the meeting probably... Its a very important one about the hunters matter and civil safety... I don't think... He will be able to see you off.."
" Did you think I was looking for his highness? Aish nooo , not at all . I was just feeling bad for leaving this palace. It's like a home to me ....." Tessa smiled.
Alex knew it was just a cover up answer . " She is lying..." He thought and said , " sorry for my wrong interpretation. It's time we should go now. "
" Yup let's go . Don't wanna be late in my very first day . " They both were about to cross the main door while they heard a running footstep from behind. Alex immediately hold the sword hilt but to their surprise it was someone no one expected.
" Your highness! " Both of them let that out with utter shock. Tessa also ran to him .
" What are you doing here? Anything happened? " Her eyes were trying to figure out the current situation.
" Your highness, is everything all right? " Alex also immediately asked .
" It's ... *Huff huff * .. ok . I .. just came to see her off. "
Alex stood silent. Tessa said, " Are not you in the cabinet meeting? How can you leave that just for this mere thing? I was just joking last nig..." Before she could finish Jasper looked at her . He was still catching his breath. " I have something for you ." He managed his composure and gave Tessa a packet. It's a black polythene bag used in her world.
" Wow ... Thanks , I never saw a this here before.. if is it that important why didn't you ..." She peek inside the bag and her eyes widened. It was 4 pouches of Sanitary napkins ( Pads). She looked at Jasper in shock. He leaned closer to Tessa and said in a very low voice, " I don't know which ones you use so get them from the recommendation... I hope it's enough for now. I will bring more next time. "
" But.... But how ? Why ? ... I mean people here don't use it right? From where did you get them ? And how? "
" Women here use high-tech pants specifically made for them .... I was thinking you might not feel comfortable that suddenly so .... "
" So? "
" I went to that world and brought some of this for you ? "
" Went to....you didn't sleep last night, did you? "
Jasper looked away . " I knew it . But ... I mean .. I also have forgotten about it myself. Thank you for doing this much for me . " Tessa lowered her head. She was emotional.. yes she was because it was the first time someone went this far for her .. and just to bring a common sanitary pads because she might not feel comfortable... The thoughtful gesture Jasper did that day was far behind her imagination. First going in the borders, then creating a portal , then going and buying, then returning back with it and now leaving an important cabinet meeting to give it to her ...
" Tessa? Are you ok? I'm sorry if I got something you don't like.... The shop lady recommended this.. I wanted ask your roommate but it was night time and I didn't wanted to enter in her room without permission so...."
" Thank you Jasper. " She smiled brightly while looking at him. " I'm more happy than I could show. "
" Really? "
She nodded.
" Your highness! The meeting is waiting for you ? The emperor ordered me to tell you that. " A soldier suddenly interrupted their conversation.
" Yes , tell his majesty, I will be there shortly. Oh , Tessa I'm sorry I have to leave. Have a safe journey and if you're in the need of ..."
" I will buy only if you promise to take care of yourself and don't push your limits that hard. Please stay safe too. And when we meet next time , let's promise to meet in a better state than now. "
Jasper smiled and nodded. They both bid farewell to each other. Tessa put that packet inside her bag and got in the carriage. The sun was glowing brightly but not in front of her happiness. Alex was sitting opposite of her.
" His highness must have been eager to meet you my lady. I am happy you get to see him too before your departure. "
" Why ? Ahh it's just .."
" I'm telling because of his gesture today. The cabinet room is in the emperor's official building. It's in the back of the main building. Well in normal running or walking it takes 25 minutes to reach the main gate. "
" But that's for who can't teleport them right? Like us? " Tessa said.
" Yes ... His highness can teleport himself but I guess he forgot about that as he came running. "
Tessa was again speechless.
" That's why I got afraid that what suddenly happened. He never did this before. But I was wrong hehe. He can be forgetful too. "
" Sir Alex... I guess inside academy you are not allowed...right? "
" Yes my lady. Don't worry as it is highly protected by magical barrier. "
" Please take care of him on my behalf. He is irregular and ignorant when it comes to his health. He casts everything aside while working and out reaches his limits. Last night he didn't get to sleep and now he handling a cabinet meeting. And I guess after that he will go to the training...or do his paperworks..."
" Um.. yes.. my lady you are right... His highness is very devoted to his duties. "
" You were his personal knight until I came right? I hope you keep reminding him that he is also someone beneath his duties. A self who needs to be taken care. And if he doesn't listen... Write to me or tell the empress ."
" I understand my lady. " Alex smiled. He felt good knowing someone genuinely cares for his highness. But the changes between them was clearly visible to him . " I think he finally found his other half.", He thought and looked outside.
The campus was massive, built between an ancient crystalline forest and towering marble cliffs. Statues of legendary creatures stood guard on both sides — dragons, shadow wolves, moon elves.
Students walked in groups — vampires with silver-edged uniforms, werewolves with insignias that shimmered under sunlight, a few rare races carrying strange aura.
All of them powerful.
All of them NOT like her.
Tessa inhaled deeply.
Alex walked beside her. "You will have a core subject and you can choose any 2 additionals as your side ones. My journey ends here my lady , be safe . All your luggage has been already transferred into your room. "
" Thank you for escorting me sir Alex. Please take care of yourself too. When I come back , let's have a tea party together like last time. "
" Thank you for your concern my lady. I shall keep your words in my head intact."
Tessa headed towards inside after weaving her goodbye to her brother-like friend, Sir Alex. She didn't know what was waiting for him but she oath to conquer every obstacles for her loved ones.