The Scholar and The Crown

21

Maude

"White and amber really go together," I commented, peeking through the bushes not far from where Prince Sylas and Lady Sia were having tea. "But stalking them is absurd," I added, turning to face Cedric and Laura, who were also hiding with me.

I had been studying peacefully earlier when Laura dragged me here.

I yawned and leaned back against the bush.

"But this is one of the rarest moments, Maude," Laura whispered. "Laura's right. This is the first time Prince Sylas has had a private meeting with one of the ladies in the selection," Cedric added.

"This is like the primal step of our plan," Laura added. 

I winced, remembering the chaotic library scene.

"Can you plan something safer next time?" I asked Laura. She saluted and laughed. "Yes."

"So, what's the plan? Lady Sia and Prince Sylas seem close," Cedric asked. Laura held her chin thoughtfully. "We need to push them closer, let them spend more time together," she said, thinking aloud.

"If we want to do that, we should probably leave them alone now," I suggested, pointing at the bush.

"We can't do that. Things might go downhill if they're left unsupervised," Laura overthought.

I sighed inwardly. "So, are we just going to watch them?" I asked lazily. They both nodded in response. They surely aren't that busy, huh?

Suddenly, we were interrupted by laughter coming from the direction of the Prince and Lady Sia. We looked at each other, surprised.

"Oh my goodness!" Laura mouthed, eyes wide.

Coming back home might be sooner than I expected.

"...a new era of democratic governance inspired by the ideals of the rebellion, or a period of reconstruction and healing." I looked at the ladies.

After Laura took me on a stakeout with Prince Sylas and Lady Sia yesterday, I resumed my normal daily routine and my primary purpose for being here: teaching these ladies. But today, I had an additional student—the Prince. He was here again, sitting in his usual seat. I asked Cedric why he was here, and he just said the Prince was here to observe.

"That's it for today," I announced, closing my book. The ladies simultaneously closed their books and stood up.

Looks like the meeting between Prince Sylas and Lady Sia yesterday was discreet. The other ladies would be glaring daggers at Lady Sia if they knew, or there might be another fight if they found out the Prince was getting close to one of them.

They're pretty chill today, which is good.

Some of the ladies started to leave the room while I was still organizing papers on the table.

"Lady Maude, can I help you? I can erase the board," Lady Eva approached me. I smiled kindly at her.

I would appreciate the help, but that guy at the back might accuse me of ordering the ladies around again.

"No, I can manage it. You may go now. Thank you for offering," I told her. She nodded and smiled again before leaving the room.

After finishing with the papers, I began erasing the board. It was covered with the lessons I had discussed earlier. I squinted at my own handwriting.

Haha, a five-year-old has better handwriting than me.

I grabbed the cloth to wipe the board. The chalk dust started to come off as I cleaned it. The board was pretty big, so it took me a while. When I finally finished, I turned around and, to my surprise, only Prince Sylas and Lady Sia remained in the classroom.

Shoot, this is a chance for them!

I quickly grabbed my book and papers, not minding the chalk dust on my hands. As I collected my things, I left the room as quickly as possible.

Walking down the hallway, I finally had a chance to dust off my hands and clothes. But I stopped when I heard footsteps following me. I turned to see Lady Sia and Prince Sylas approaching.

I had never seen them properly together, not even at the royal ball since I was chatting with Mabel when they were dancing, and yesterday, I only caught a glimpse of them from afar. Even in walking, they gave off a very professional vibe.

I might see them walking like this again in the future.

I'm looking forward to that event.

"Lady Maude," Lady Sia called my name as they reached me. "Lady Sia, Your Majesty," I bowed to the Prince. "Did I forget something?" I asked, noticing the paper in Lady Sia's hand.

"I think you dropped this earlier," she said, handing me the paper. "I can help you with those papers," she offered, pointing at the stack I was holding.

"We're going to the faculty, anyway," the Prince added, scratching his nape. Then I got an idea.

"Are you sure?" I tilted my head at Lady Sia. She nodded willingly. "You can give them to Lady Laura; she'll take care of them," I smiled and handed her the papers. "I have to go somewhere," I reasoned.

"Noted!" she said cheerfully.

"Thank you, Lady Sia," I said shyly. Ordering a lady of higher rank felt awkward.

"How about your book?" she asked, pointing at the thick book I was holding before taking it from me.

"Ah, Lady Sia! That's too heavy for you to carry," I tried to get my book back, but to my surprise, Prince Sylas took it from her.

"I will carry it," he said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" I bowed again.

"Let's go," he said to Lady Sia. She nodded to me before they walked away.

Sorry, Maeve. They do look good together, though.

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