New World - A New Beginning

Chapter 40: Historic Meeting

DIANA IMANIA'S POV:

I stood alongside my family, all of us awaiting what was about to emerge behind the massive golden doors. This was the moment that the entire continent was waiting for, the entire population frozen in time as they awaited the result of this meeting.

The current leaders of the nations had already met before, but that wasn't the most crucial part of this gathering.

What would determine the future of Auroria was how the future generations cooperated. Two heirs meeting face-to-face, the entire future of their people depending on their mutual understanding.

The doors shuddered as they began to open, my eyes quivering in anticipation. I had heard so many stories about the Dragonkin, but to think that I would be able to see one, interact with one, was a dream come true.

As a princess, I understood the weight of our past conflicts, the scars that each side inflicted upon the other would never fade.

But I was optimistic. I believed in a new kind of understanding, a new alliance, a new bond between the nations of Auroria.

I saw a flutter of white behind the massive doors, a girl appearing before me. My instincts told me there were others present with her, but I couldn't take my eyes off her.

Her white hair entranced me like a potion, her equally white dress made her look like a deity. She was gorgeous. I looked right into her ruby red eyes, power roaring within them. The ferocity within them didn't scare me though, it was a gentle strength, one that resonated with kindness and warmth.

It reminded me of that boy. I felt like I was looking at a mirror image of Jay, both him and this girl radiating with similar levels of power.

I finally realized the only feature separating her from me, the horns. Black horns stood on her head, both of them glowing ever so slightly with a golden aura. I had expected the horns to be massive, completely dominating the appearance of a dragon, but they were the complete opposite.

I hadn't even noticed them when the girl had initially entered the room, and her elegance was unlike anything I had seen before.

I wanted to become more than a political ally with this princess. I wanted to learn about her, learn about her origins, her life, and become her friend. If she was really going to be the first transfer student from the dragons, then I didn't care which school she attended, I would join.

I expected her to join the main academy, but I was already prepared to switch if it was necessary.

She curtsied slightly in front of me, the motion seeming natural to her. I realized the entire room was silent, my parents, the guards, and the emperors all watching us.

"It's an honor to meet you, Princess Diana," said the girl politely, smiling at me.

I could hear my own heartbeat hammering my chest, my conscience realizing that this was the moment, this was the instant that would define the rest of Auroria. My answer would shape the future, and I knew what my duty as a Princess was. It was extremely simple, but simplicity didn't nullify stress.

I smiled in return, letting the words escape freely.

"Princess Asthia, welcome to Eloria. It's so great to finally meet you."

The girl let out a small giggle, the words she had wanted to hear her entire life finally reaching her ears. For the first time in her life, she was not considered an outcast, an enemy of the alliance.

She was welcome back.

--

"Will you be attending the academy as a second year?" I asked as we walked through the infinite hallways of the castle. I had been showing Asthia the various rooms while the adults discussed the political aspects and finalized the agreements, giving me some time to discuss things with the princess alone.

"No, I'll be a first-year," she responded calmly as she looked around, curiosity and awe beaming on her face.

I didn't ask for an explanation. It was the logical choice, and first-years tended to be a lot more welcoming of others. That being said, I doubted Asthia would have any issues in terms of race or bullying considering her persona. If I had to guess, I believed she would become the pride of the academy.

"You'll be attracting a lot of attention, you ready for that kind of popularity?" I added, a hint of playful mockery in my voice.

"I'm not sure the Princess is better off," she responded jokingly. I laughed, realizing she was completely right.

"You'll be attracting boys, too," I said sarcastically, the girl laughing at the comment. It was sometimes hard to remember that were both ten and eleven, little girls who were forced to put up mature fronts for the sake of their country. Relaxing and talking about these things was nice from time to time.

"Not interested," she immediately said, brushing off the comment. I raised my eyebrow in suspicion.

"Oh? Already have somebody?" I smirked.

A wave of pink flushed the girl's cheeks, her eyes avoiding mine at all costs. I grinned.

"I see. Interesting Princess," I teased.

"Shut up," she whispered, clearly not enjoying all of her secrets being spilled. She cleared her throat, regaining her composure, but the small embarrassment lingered in her color. "Let's continue the visit!"

"Haha, sure. This is my room," I said, opening a wide double door at the end of a long hallway. "It's really nice, and the bed is ridiculously big."

I entered the room to present various aspects of the room, but I could immediately tell something was off. Asthia, who was usually overjoyed to discover a new room, stood still at the entrance. I looked back, my eyes widening at the sight.

Tears were running down her cheeks, her face paralyzed in shock.

"Woah, Woah. Are you okay?" I asked worriedly, hurrying over to her side.

Her reaction was slow, almost confused. Did she even know she was crying?

Her hands reached towards her cheeks, wiping away the tears unconsciously.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," she stuttered weakly. I stood there perplexed, completely lost as to what action to take. I had no clue as to what the source of her sadness was, and something told me she felt the exact same way.

How could this girl cry if she didn't even know why?