Not Giving Into Fate

25- The Opening of Doors

I smooth out my purple robe, the robe that all Masters wear. I pick at the gold starry design that is woven into the cloth. I take a deep breath. Today is the first day of the Academy, meaning there will be many people waiting to enter. I look out the window from my office, anxious that this is my first time out of my house since the trial, the first time I'm not hiding my appearance.

"So, tell me again why the Prince is working under you?" Elric asks. I look over my shoulder and see he's leaning against my desk. His arms are crossed and he doesn't look the happiest. I look over to my couch and I see Sebastian reading a book of mine. They both are dressed in their uniforms, showing pride that they ally with the Church rather than the Tower. I'm sure people won't be pleased with their antics. However, I am happy that my brother is here, supporting what I wish to do so I don't comment on their attire. 

"I had no other choice. The Grand Sorcerer had commanded it. Would you not follow what the Pope ordained you?" I ask to which he kisses his teeth and looks away.

"What did the King say?" Sebastian calls out from behind the book. "Surely, the Prince wasn't thrilled to hear... that his brother returned from the North."

"All I know he is allowed to work here, but he resides at his cousin's. I don't know if he will ever move back to the palace." I say, stepping away from the window when I read the time. "Come, I shall introduce you to my department, there you will meet the Prince. The short meeting will then turn to the meeting of Masters as we prepare to call forth the students who should already be here."

"Sounds busy." Elric sighs.

"You agreed to come, now let's go." I say, bravely walking forward and wrapping my arm around Elric's. I smile up at him. "I'm truly delighted that you have agreed to come," I wave my free hand and my magic forces Sebastian to move from the couch to stand next to me.

"Both of you," I wrap my arm around Sebastian's. "I understand we didn't start at the best foot, but you are my brother's best friend, so I hope we become close as well."

"What happened?" Sebastian squawks, letting go of me, shocked at the magic that had occurred. 

I grin and show off the magic I have inside of me, the magic I struggled to get in control of and magic to have. I wrap my arm around him once more and snap my fingers, instantly transporting us to my department's main floor. Once done, I look at my brother and he looks rather queasy. His mouth is pulled in a frown. Sebastian looks green, letting go of me and taking deep breaths. 

"Master Solon!" Echoes shout around the floor. I look up and see my mages walking towards me. I instantly spot the Prince who seems to poorly blend in with the crowd. He physically embodies sunshine when he smiles at me. I give him an awkward smile and quickly look away. Kramer hops into my field of vision and looks at my brother. 

"Hello, I'm Mage Kramer, Master Giselle's secretary. I help her in all of her paperwork and help run the department. It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Solon." Kramer offers his hand for a shake. I look to Elric and see he's composed himself quickly, the nausea on his face disappeared. 

"Thank you for taking care of my sister," Elric shakes his hand. "I'm relieved to know people are watching over her when I cannot." 

"I don't need to be taken care of." I chide and step forward. "Everyone, this is my older brother Captain Solon and General Sebastian. They have come to see what I do and they'll be watching over me today in lieu of the events that occurred with the trial. I understand the public doesn't have the best opinion of me as of late, but they are here to protect me in the public spaces. Please treat them with respect." 

"I've also come to see why my sister wants to stay being the Master. I hope I can learn more on your department today, learn of what you do and how you help the public." Elric smiles widely, a mannerism I didn't know he can do.