(Ash's pov)

"Come on Ash, get a move on!" Serena yelled from outside the dorms.

"Alright already, geez, I'm on my way down!" I replied.

It's been an hour since our meeting with director Nanu and Calem, and now Serena and I are gathering up our things. And by Serena and I, I of course mean me. Ever since Calem found out I was Serena's roommate, I've been getting a bad vibe from the guy. He's been glaring at me non-stop since we headed back to the dorms, and now I've become the resident pack mule so to speak. I had to carry mine and Serena's luggage down to the limo. It wasn't that big of a deal though, I would have done it anyway.

I made my way down to the lobby, I sat down the luggage and placed our room keys on the counter. I turned to pick up the bags and when I did I saw Dawn peering from around the corner. She quickly hid herself when she noticed that I saw her. I clenched my fist, it took all of my being to keep myself from going over there and giving her a piece of my mind. But, I knew that Serena and Calem were waiting, so I made a heavy sigh and made my way out to the limo.

"Hey sorry about that guys." I said as I walk up to the limo.

"Not the most punctual of people, are you. Just put the luggage in the back so we can be on our way." Calem said.

"O-okay." I replied.

This guy really gives me the chills, I can tell we aren't going to get along too well.

I loaded up the luggage and climbed into the limo. I wanted to sit next to Serena, but judging by the death glare I was getting from Calem in the rear view mirror, I decided to sit on the opposite side of the car. We headed out a few minutes later. My mind was racing, despite our situation, I was so excited! I can't believe I get to visit an actual castle and meet Serena's mother and father!

My excitement quickly faded though. I turned to say something to Serena, but I paused. She looked so out of character. Serena was usually so full of life, always smiling and happy. But...now she looked depressed, she was staring out the window, her head was low, and it looked like she was on the verge of tears. I hated seeing her like this. I knew she was still upset at herself about Dawn and what Nanu said. I wanted to comfort her, but I was afraid that if I made even the slightest wrong move Calem would dive back here and who knows what he'd do. So I decided to just stay silent.

The seconds soon turned to minutes and the atmosphere seemed to only get more depressing as time went on. I figured that I might as well break the silence.

"So...how far away is the castle from the school?" I asked.

"Not too far." Serena replied weakly.

"Oh, I see...So are we almost there or...?" I asked.

Serena didn't reply, she just kept looking out the window. I noticed Calem glance back at me.

"We should be there in 15 minutes or so." He said.

"Oh okay, thanks." I replied.

He simply faced forward. I really don't like this guy.

I looked over at Serena again.

'Serena...' I thought to myself.

There's got to be something I can do to help her out of this. I'll try talking to her later when things are a lot less...tense.

There wasn't another word said for the rest of the trip. That is, not until the castle came into view.

"Wooow!! That's the castle!?" I said in awe.

"It is indeed, magnificent isn't it?" Calem said with a smug grin.

I overlooked that little bit and nodded in agreement. Magnificent was an understatement, it was breathtaking!

The castle wasn't your typical storybook castle, it was the perfect mixture of Victorian and modern architecture. The exterior was an ivory color and the roof was a dark shade of blue. As we got closer, the palace grew bigger and bigger and much more beautiful.

We soon reached the gate. We were checked by a security guard and headed inside. The front courtyard was filled with a vibrant array of flowers and hedges as well as fountains and canals with bridges over them. My awe inspired trance was suddenly broken when I felt the limo stop.

"Well, we're here. How does it feel to be home, little sister?" Asked Calem.

Serena didn't reply.

In all honesty, Serena looked as if returning home was making her even more upset. Then it occurred to me, I remembered what Serena had told me a while back. About how excited she was about actually being able to leave the castle and live a normal life.

Or at least normal enough. I really hope she lightens up soon, I know it's only been an hour and a half, but I already miss that smile of hers.

Within seconds, a crowd of butlers and maids came out to greet us. They opened Serena and Calem's doors and they both stepped out. I followed behind Serena.

"Prince Calem and Princess Serena, welcome home! Her grace would like to see you right away!" They said, giving a slight bow.

Calem nodded and turned to me.

"Serena and I are going to go meet with Mother. In the meantime, I want you to take your things and get settled. We'll send someone to fetch you in 20 minutes, understood?" Calem said.

"Y-yeah, I gotcha." I replied.

"Good, come now Serena." Said Calem as he started walking.

Serena nodded and followed. She made a brief glance back at me, before quickly facing forward again before Calem noticed. I watched as they headed through the massive doors leading inside the castle. All of the servants, except for one butler, escorted them in.

"You must be Serena's roommate, Ashton wasn't it?" Said the butler.

I turned to face him. This guy didn't look that much older than me. He had tanned skin and spiky black hair. Not quite as spiky as mine, but he definitely had some spikeage goin' on.

"Yep that's me, but people usually just call me Ash." I replied.

"Well then it's a pleasure to meet you Ash, my name's Brock." Said Brock as he extended a hand.

I smiled and shook his hand.

"Nice to meet you too Brock." I replied.

He happily nodded.

"So, are you ready for me to take you to your quarters?" Asked Brock.

"You bet I am, I'm dying to see what this place looks like on the inside!" I replied.

"I bet, this place really is amazing. Here, let me help you with your things." Said Brock.

We got the luggage out of the limo. I decided to go ahead and grab Serena's too. Brock told me that someone else would come and get it later, but I figured that I might as well bring it inside at least. When we walked in, I was stunned. The castle was even more beautiful on the inside!

"Welcome to the Kalos National Palace!" Said Brock in a welcoming tone.

I was too in awe to answer. I was mesmerized by the way the light reflected off of the giant chandelier and glassware. As well as the fountain in the middle of the foyer.

"Uhh, Ash? Earth to Ash." Said Brock, waving a hand in front of my face.

"What? Oh, sorry about that Brock. I was a little distracted." I said with a chuckle.

"Don't you worry, there will be plenty of time for that after we get you settled in. You wouldn't want prince Calem to call for you and not be ready would you?" Said Brock.

A chill went down my spine.

"Oh lord no, I wouldn't want to do anything that would put me even further into that guy's cross hairs. Lead the way." I replied.

Brock chuckled and nodded. We went up the stairs and headed down the hall to the west wing. This place was even bigger on the inside. Seriously, I thought the dorms were big, but man this makes them look like a roadside motel. After a couple of minutes we stopped in front of a large mahogany door.

"Well, here we are. I'm sure you'll find everything to your liking. I'll be taking my leave now, see you around." Said Brock.

"Oh I definitely will, thanks a lot Brock." I said, waving goodbye.

I opened the door to my room and wow just....wow! It was easily three times the size of my old room and dorm room combined. There was a king-sized bed, a 50 inch 4k TV, a memory foam sofa, a personal bathroom, my own gas fireplace, and a beautiful balcony overlooking the back courtyard. I plopped down on the bed.

"Ahhhh, my gosh this is freaking amazing. I don't even wanna move." I said with content.

I wonder, if a guest room like this is so nice, I can't imagine what Serena's room looks like. Not that Calem would let me anywhere near it. I felt myself begin to drift off to sleep. But, as soon as I got comfortable there was a know on the door.

"Mr. Ketchum, Queen Grace would like to see you now." Said a maid.

"Oh...alright, thank you." I replied.

As I headed to the door I started feeling nervous. I've been so caught up in my surroundings that I overlooked the fact that I'm actually about to meet with leader of all of the Kalos region, a queen, and she just so happens to be the girl I like's mother.

Oh man, what in the world have I gotten myself into...