HER MAJESTY, HIS ROYALTY

EPISODE 6: LOVE'S FIRST DANCE

EVLY

"Good morning, my wonderful royals! I hope each of you is well aware of the exciting week ahead and is eagerly preparing for it," Viscountess Casey announced during our morning assembly, a rare occurrence after some time.

"Yes! We're off to Gordiee!" a student shouted from the back, setting off a chorus of enthusiastic agreement among the rest of the students.

I've never been particularly fond of Crowns Academy's excursion trips. Perhaps that's because we consistently visited places I had already been to numerous times. However, this time felt different; a hint of excitement lingered within me.

Gordiee, situated in the heart of Athras, stands as the oldest city in the entire realm. Mshell, I assumed, must be quite acquainted with Gordiee. Just then, I scanned the crowd to spot Mshell nearby. Our gazes met, and he offered a smile. I returned the gesture, though the exchange suddenly felt a touch awkward.

Things had taken an odd turn since Mshell's unexpected confession and my somewhat uncertain response. I grappled with finding the right words to provide him with a response that would satisfy both him and me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed, but the shift from his tearful encounter with Hayley to his newfound interest in me felt peculiar. Then again, my mind drifted back to the enchanting evening I shared with Albertus during the ball. Back at school, I was having strange dreams involving Mshell. So I was in no position to judge.

"Yes, indeed, we are embarking on a journey to Gordiee this time. As all of you know, Gordiee rests at the heart of Athras, where the Emperor resides. The royal majesties will be our gracious hosts, so you must conduct yourselves with the utmost decorum, treating all around you as you would our castle servants," the Viscountess explained with authority.

The announcement was met with exuberant cheers before we were released from the assembly.

"Have you ever noticed how we seem to dedicate more time to extracurricular activities here at Crowns than to our actual studies?" Jane mused as we made our way to our respective classes.

"Oh great, here comes the intellectual discourse," Hayley chimed in with her signature teasing tone. Jane shot her a glare that could curdle milk.

"I have to admit that Hayley's point holds some validity this time. We are in the 21st century, after all, and the world continues to evolve. Often, the knowledge we acquire through these extracurricular pursuits proves more valuable and enduring than the content of our standard curriculum," I interjected, not entirely defending Hayley, but offering a more balanced perspective. And so, the campus chatter buzzed on, blending tradition and progress into our daily lives.

"Oh, Evly! You talk as if I'm ever wrong," Hayley exclaimed.

"I know you, Hayley, and that's how I know the significant difference between what you were referring to and what Evly was," Jane remarked. Hayley was about to respond when Carlo smoothly interrupted.

"Hey, princesses! How are you all doing on this lovely morning?" he greeted, a charming smile gracing his face.

"Hi Carlo! I didn't even see you coming," Hayley replied, her grin stretching from ear to ear as if she'd won a prize. Carlo returned her smile with equal warmth.

"I'm not exactly a princess," Jane stated, striding ahead. It might have appeared awkward, but given that it was Jane, it wasn't unusual. Her mannerisms were often misconstrued as snobbishness, though that wasn't the case.

As she headed towards our class, Carlo turned to her and quipped, "Really? I would have never guessed; you exude more royal vibes than any of your friends."