Pretending To Be Gilead's Prince and Master Wizard

The following day has come when I have to finally take the written exams part.

I know I have done my very best to study for this, so I am trying to convince myself that I should be able to pull this one through even I have a small, empty brain inside me.

Waking up to the blaring sound of my alarm clock, I immediately turned it off then lazily went up from bed with my eyes still closed.

"Good morning Krisella!"

I was surprised to see Lucas inside my room, with a spare key in hand. Sometimes, I don't know what to feel with the guys I am living with inside this castle knowing they have a spare key in this room.

Should I be worried?

Nah… so far, they have all been good to me and not showing any malice upon my very existence here as the only girl living here.

Uh…. except for Alex though. That guy is heartless!

Lucas smiled at me with so much energy for today. I wonder how does he do that every day?

"Good morning Lucas," I said in a sluggish tone. "Are you checking if I am already up?"

"Yes. We don't want you to be late for your exams," he said, his smile never leaving his face. "I guess, you need to prepare for school right now."

"Yeah."

"Well then, if you'll excuse me, I will leave right this instance."

And with that, the lad indeed left the room. Upon leaving, I can't help but smile in my place. That literally just made my day for now.

Oof, time to get ready now.

--

Before totally leaving the castle, I faced my three mentors once again to bid farewell for now. Lancelot and Lucas smiled at me, while Alex… you know that guy. Smiling is not his thing.

"Good luck in your examination, Krisella." Lancelot cheerfully said.

I smiled in return. "Thank you, Lancelot!"

Then the two lads quickly averted their gaze to their silent comrade-- whose hands are crossed over his chest and his eyebrows are snapped together.

When he felt their sudden gazes, he arched one eyebrow at them.

"What?" he snapped.

"Don't you want to say something to your student?" Lancelot asked.

"Do I have to say something to her?" he questioned back.

I rolled my eyes. Typical Alex.

"Guys, I need to go now or I will be late for school."

Without waiting for their response, I already turned around and started walking away from them. It was then that I heard Alex's voice out of the blue, when I thought he already dropped the matter.

"Good luck… Krisella."

*Badump… badump*

I can feel my cheeks turning beet red, and my heart pounding loudly than it usually does upon hearing his words just now. Unconsciously, I raised my hand and put it right over my chest.

W-what is wrong with me?

He just greeted me, like what Lucas and Lancelot did a while ago!

"T-thanks…" I responded without turning back at him, in fear that they will all see my face turned red right now.

Without much thinking about it, I hastily went away from here-- thinking that my heart would calm down the moment I went out of here.

After a few minutes of walking, I finally arrived at the front gates of Gilead Academy. That's when I can feel myself already calming down a bit, and my heart going back to its normal pace.

"Good morning Kris!"

I turned around and saw my childhood friend Dexter Woods smiling at me-- that usually has an effect of lighting up my whole world.

But now… I just don't know anymore.

Wait, what did I just say?!

No, no, it's not like that! He is still my long time crush after all...

"Good morning Dexter." I greeted back. And then we started walking inside the gates.

"Are you ready for your written exam?" he asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I said as anxiety and nervousness starts to kick in once again.

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll do just fine."

"Yeah…. I hope so."

We started parting ways by the time I already arrived in my classroom, and his is four rooms away from here.

I waved goodbye at him first before proceeding inside the room, where I already saw my friends Ariella and Maggie already reviewing for the written exam

"Oh hi, Krisella!" Ariella greeted me enthusiastically. The same is true with Maggie as soon as she saw me.

"I see you are both pretty much busy with studying huh," I said before taking a seat beside Ariella.

If I know, it should be me who needs a lot of studying right now. Both Ariella and Maggie are already known here in class as two of the students who have an outstanding average in the last quarter.

"Yeah. Didn't you know that you cannot proceed to the execution part if you fail the written exams?"

I sighed while taking out my textbook from my bag.

"I knew that already. That is why I am feeling anxious right now."

"Aww, don't worry much about it Kris." Ariela rested one hand over my shoulder.

Yeah… everyone is saying that to me today…

"We believe that all of us could somehow pass this and advance to the second level of the magic skills test. So, take this opportunity to review now while Mr. Pumpkin is still not here." Then my friend ended her statement with a smile on her face, which made me smile in return.

"Okay, I will. Thanks, Ariella."

After having that short conversation with her, I started opening my books and reviewed for the possible items that may come out in the exam.

Just thinking all that they have said to me, and all the training sessions I had with my three mentors for me to improve in my magic, somehow inspires and motivates me to do good in this exam.

---

"Don't let your exam jitters overwhelm you."

---

I suddenly recalled what Lucas had said to me yesterday night.

Yeah right, exam jitters.

Smiling at that silly name that the prince had come up with, I continued reading my textbook in my seat.