The Numbers on Our Arms

Chapter 18

John's fist knocked on the door, it softly echoing out. He glanced up to the plaque on the door.

"Come in," the Headmaster called out from the other side of the door. When the door clicked open, he looked inside to see him leaning up against his thick wooden desk with a small cup of tea in his hands.

"Good morning, sir," John said.

"Ah, John!" He crossed his arms over his chest, cup on his arm. "What brings you to my office today?"

"Well, I did a lot of thinking during my time at my time at home and I've decided I don't want to be involved with the school's affairs anymore." He met his eyes. "Sir, I want to give up my title."

Vaughn agreed and nodded, even though he let out a sigh. Then he called in the other Royals into the office.

Eventually, footsteps echoed on the floor outside and Remi was the first to open the door. "Sir, you wanted to see us?"

He smiled. "Ah, yes. Good day, everyone. I'm sure you're wondering why you've been called here today. John has something to discuss with you all."

As his eyes looked over the group that contained Remi, Arlo and Blyke, he froze up.

He cleared his throat. "I've decided to resign as King, so I need to pass the title onto someone else."

He stared at Arlo, who frowned. "Look, I'm graduating soon." He crossed his arms over his chest. "There's no point in giving the title back to me if I'm just gonna leave in a few months. Wellston is going through some changes so now's a good time to pass the title onto someone fresh. Someone more permanent who can adapt and benefit from the experience."

"So who?" he questioned, his arms stuffed into the pockets of his trousers."

"Well, if neither of you are interesting in the position..." Remi shrugged. "I know that Blyke-."

"Why are you speaking for me." Blyke interrupted, wide eyed and staring at Remi unexpectedly.

"Well, you're next-in-line." She turned to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "You've got another year at Wellston and I think the students would be good in your hands."

John stared at Blyke and suddenly blood was spurting out of his nose and his fist on his cheek. Then he blinked and it was back to before.

"John?" Seraphina called out.

"Hm?" He jumped and met Blyke's eyes as he took a step closer to Remi.

"Are you against Blyke taking over?" Seraphina stepped towards him with her hand reaching out. "You looking you have something to say."

He shifted back. "... Not really, I guess."

"Arlo, what about you?" Seraphina asked, looking away from him and towards Arlo, who stood with his arms crossed over his chest and a frown. Remi giggled.

"Fine by me."

"I'm fine with it," Blyke said, taking a long look at Remi.

"Good." Her hair swished behind her as she took a bow towards Headmaster Vaughn and spun to be the first to walk out.

"Sera." John rushed up to her after the meeting and took her hand. "Do you have time now?"

"I was just at the Safe House before I was called in. I was playing a card game with Evie and some others, and I shouldn't just leave them," she replied, removing her hand from his grip. "Although they probably have moved on already."