Fire Princess

Chapter Seven

Agatha woke, blinded by sunlight, swimming in puddles of sweat. Agatha looked for Sophie, only to see Phoenix frowning.

“Where were you last night?” Phoenix asked of her roommate. “You disappeared.”

“You didn’t tell any teachers, did you?” Agatha asked, looking alarmed.

“Of course not.” Phoenix looked insulted. “I’m not a tattletale. I thought you went home. Wouldn’t ruin that for you.”

Agatha felt touched by Phoenix’s way of thinking.

“Anyway, you best get ready for the day.” Phoenix stood, brushing her long hair and tying it back into the twin braids. “You don’t want to miss breakfast.”

Agatha nodded, glad that Phoenix didn’t press the issue.

Along with making friends with Hort, Phoenix had become close with Kiko. Agatha and Phoenix were still friends, but Phoenix started spending more time with Kiko.

With Hansel’s Haven still in ruins, classes were moved to the tower common rooms. Agatha stumbled in late.

“Sit here!”

Kiko, the sweet, short-haired girl, scooted aside, making space between her and Phoenix. As the others tittered, Agatha squeezed in beside them. “They’ll all hate you now,” she mumbled.

“I don’t understand how they can think themselves Good and be so rude,” Kiko whispered.

“Maybe because I almost burned down the school.”

“They’re just jealous. You can make wishes come true. None of us can do that yet.” Phoenix reasoned.

“It was a fluke. If I could make wishes come true, I’d be home with my friend and my cat.” The thought of Reaper made Agatha grasp for another subject. “Um, how’s that boy you wished for, Kiko?”

“Tristan?” Kiko’s face fell. “He likes Beatrix. Every boy likes Beatrix.”

“But he gave you his rose,” Agatha said.

“By accident. I jumped in front of Beatrix to catch it.” Kiko gave Beatrix a dirty look. “Do you think he’ll take me to the Ball? Not every boy can take that she-wolf.”

Agatha smirked. Then frowned. “What ball?”

“The Evers Snow Ball! It’s right before Christmas and every one of us has to find a boy to take us or we’re failed! We get ranked as couples based on our presentation, demeanour, and dancing. Why do you think we all wished for different boys at the lake? Girls are practical like that. Boys just all want the prettiest one.” Kiko grinned.

“It’s where my mother and father first met.” Phoenix sighed. “Though I’m already aware I’m not going to get a perfect fairytale like them.”

“Of course you will.” Kiko said reassuringly, then turned to Agatha. “Who do you have your eye on?”

The doors flew open and a busty woman flounced in wearing a bejewelled red turban and scarf that matched her dress, caked caramel makeup, swarthy kohl around her eyes, Gypsy hoop earrings, and jangling tambourine bracelets.

“Umm...Professor Anemone?” Kiko gawked.

“I am Scherezade,” Professor Anemone boomed in a ridiculous accent. “Queen of Persia. Sultaness of the Seven Seas. Behold my dusky desert beauty.”

She whipped off her scarf and did a terrible belly dance. “See how I seduce you with my hips!” She veiled her face and blinked like an owl. “See how I tempt you with my eyes!” She shook her bosom and beat her bangles noisily. “See how I become Midnight’s Temptress!”