The Doll and the Prince | Tedros Pendragon

Chapter 2

Layna was escorted to the Charity tower by Professor Espada as the girl marveled at the pink corridors while they headed towards a room located at the end of a hall. The man knocked once, nodded to her, and left – but only after repeatedly reminding her not to make any contact with the Ever boys as it would "ruin the tradition," to which she agreed to every single one.

After entering the room, she was greeted by the sight of a grandiose office. Ceiling high bookcases made of fine marble decorated each side of the room except for the one opposite her, which was a pristine window that overlooked a sparkling lake that surrounded the School for Good. Illuminating the room were the gentle beams of sunlight that crept to a desk stacked with papers, a crystal pumpkin paperweight, a crystal pen, and a silver plaque that read:

CLARISSA DOVEY
Dean of Good

Occupying the desk was an older woman in a chartreuse high-necked dress, speckled with iridescent green beetle wings. Layna curtseyed, making the Dean of Good smile warmly at her as she stood up from her seat. Then, she motioned for the girl to sit on one of the mini couches and picked up a small glass bell to ring it.

It didn't take long for a seven-foot-tall nymph to arrive after Layna sat down.

"Two cups of chamomile tea with a tablespoon of honey, please." The older woman stated.

And off the nymph went. 

"Princess Etiquette will be a part of your curriculum, though it looks like you're already quite familiar with it, child."

Layna smiled sweetly. "Thank you, madam, but I still have more to learn."

Then, Dean Dovey, with graceful steps, sat on the couch opposite the girl.

"You know, Ever girls are scheduled to arrive next month." She started, her countenance similar to a comforting grandmother with the tender tone of her voice. "Don't you think you're a little too early for school, dear?" 

Layna's practiced smile became troubled, unsure of what to say. How does she explain going to school with the other girls to being transported – alone – after a mere blink without being labeled as a madwoman?

Or a liar?

"I think so too." she laughed softly, absentmindedly fiddling with her fingertips.

There was a short moment of silence, each waiting for the other to speak. Then, the nymph returned and placed two full teacups upon the glass table, one in front of the older woman and the other in front of Layna.  After the girl was dutifully served, she sipped the hot drink and murmured a gentle "thank you" before the nymph went out of the room.

"Layna of Maidenvale. You are as sweet as they say." The older woman mused as she took a sip of the steaming beverage. "I'm sure an old woman like me can handle your story, child."

With a simple statement, all of the girl's troubles departed as she allowed herself to trust the woman who had been nothing but kind.

"I... I was on the flower train with the other girls. We were all going to the School for Good, since today is the Welcoming." Layna's gaze went down to the teacup, tracing the curved edges of porcelain. "But before I knew it, I was already in front of the school. I waited for the others to arrive, but no one did. So I let myself inside, and the rest.. Well, Professor Espada led me to you."

After listening intently to the girl's words, there was a short silence that made the girl rethink her decision to tell the truth.

Maybe she should have been quiet instead. Even she was not sure if what she experienced was real.