Fallen Royals

Chapter 16

Bonaparte's students had finished their lunch on the road and now they were mounting the horses to continue the journey to the ski resort. The resort was near the former border of ex-countries France and Italy. It should take them two more hours to reach their final destination.

Adela was trying to find a good position in the saddle. She wasn't used to such long rides. Her butt was killing her, no matter how she sat. Valentin rode up to her horse.

"What do you want?"

"Woah, I haven't said anything and you already got defensive."

"I'm not interested in a playboy. I don't understand why you're always around me." Since the incident in the living room, Valentin kept giving her remarks in the hallways and several times suggested they should hang out together.

"Are you interested in having a new friend?"

"You want me to friend zone you?"

"No. But I'd love to be a friend to you who turns out to be something more."

"Friends with benefits?"

"No, a relationship."

"Why? You don't know me. You just bug me around."

"You don't give me a chance."

"I'm not interested in a shallow relationship. A man I decide to give my attention to is a relationship material. You aren't."

"Like that old guy? Is he a pedo?"

"You come here to insult me and my friends? Don't talk to me." - Adela increased her horse's pace, leaving Valentin behind.

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The mountain was covered in snow, the cold was biting the students for their noses, cheeks, and fingers. Everyone sped up as they neared the ski resort.

Adela expected a grand place, renovated in the newest fashion, and she wasn't disappointed! The lobby was big, welcoming and warm. The furniture was in dark green and white colors, reflecting the nature the ski resort was situated in. They checked-in and eagerly left for their rooms. Adela and Sass will share the room. The girls got ready for dinner, both deciding on dresses which will keep them warm.

When Natko entered the dining hall, the wolf pack was occupying two tables looking at the entrance, with their backs to the wall. The best defense position in the room. He'd prefer to sit in a similar position, which would mean next to them but he decided against it as Valentin might take another opportunity to bother Adela.

Natko crossed the room and sat as far as he could from the wolves. Soon the table was full; Natko, Milan, Adela, Sass and Stefan sat around it. One more person could in theory fit in.

"So I hear there's a skating rink which works until 10 pm. Maybe we could go after dinner?" - Sass proposed.

"Ice skating? I'd love to try that!" - Adela was energetic about it.

"You go. They have night skiing, and I can't wait to stand on skis." - Natko responded.

"Wait, you know how to ski?" - Sass asked him.

"Yes, I've been several times and I'm quite good at it."

"Wow, I've never met anyone who can ski."

"Yeah, only royals and filthy rich ski." - Adela added to Sass' words.

"I guess I got lucky as a kid. Also, we're all here to ski, aren't we?"

"Yeah, but the rest of us will learn for the first time. You're very very lucky."