Legacy's Prince

Chapter Seventeen: Hadrian

I watch Zahairas disappear with crossed arms.

"Thanks a lot," I mutter before pulling out my schedule to see what my next class is. 

Alchemy, terrific!

 I shove my schedule into my pocket with a groan and trudge back to the main building. Except for the occasional tiny woodland creature or gryphon scout there's no noise to disrupt my thoughts.

Hadrian? 

Of course, I'd heard of him, he's my ancestor, but I really don't know much about him other than what I'd told to Zahairas. He was a king of Durcardi long before my father, but as far as I know, there's nothing significant about him. He was an alright king, I suppose, but nothing really stands out about his reign, evidence by the fact I don't remember a lot about him.

So why would Zahairas care about him?

I cross over the veranda and walk into the lobby of the main building. 

At least that's the plan. 

"Cai!" someone shouts as I reach about halfway up the steps.

I look up at the sound of my name to find Lazuli running from the veranda towards me, a group of young girls around her age and younger standing behind her.

"Cousin Lazuli?" I ask as she races down the steps towards me.

"Just call me Lazuli," she pants as she reaches my stair leans on her knees to catch her breath. "Are you alright?"

"Huh?"

"I saw you fall in that hole back at the Red Forrest, but I haven't heard from you since. You weren't hurt were you?"

"Oh," I reply as Lazuli holds a concerned hand to her chest. Strange. She looks almost exactly like Mother when she does that.

"No. I mean, yes, I'm fine. I hit my head so they kept me under observation as a precaution, but I'm alright."

"That's good," Lazuli sighs in relief. "I was so worried about you."

Worried about me? We barely even know each other, even if we are cousins. It feels odd she'd be so concerned for me.

"Hello, Prince Cai!" I high-pitched voice calls from behind Lazuli. The girl who'd tried winking at me in history class is waving to me from the top of the veranda steps.

"Uh...hi?" I reply.

"I'm Oriana! Won't you sit next to me in class?" she asks, smiling sweetly at me.

"Uh..."

"Speaking of class, shouldn't you get going?" Lazuli mutters, eyes narrowing, which surprises me. Still, the group of girls hustles off, Oriana still winking at me.

"Can I give you a bit of advice?" Lazuli asks once they're gone, setting a hand on my shoulder and guiding me up the steps.

"Hm?"

"Stay away from girls like her."

"Huh?" I'm even more confused now as we reach and cross the veranda.

"You may not be in the palace anymore, but you are the Crown Prince of Durcardi. There are going to be several young girls here who will try to use you for your title and power."

"Oh," I nod my head. I suppose I should be expecting that, but I've been so focused on the whole Zahairas situation I hadn't thought so much about social climbers.

"Just be careful, alright?" Lazuli asks, a worried frown on her face as I push the door open for her.

"I will be," I promise before closing the door. "I have to go to class now, but we'll speak more later?"