The Good Crown

Chapter 18

The next morning felt like a blur of activity as I walked to class with Elara and Thomas. As we made our way through the courtyard, we spotted Leo running toward us, his grin wider than ever.

"I made the team!" Leo announced, his voice bubbling with excitement. "First practice is today after classes!"

Elara clapped him on the back. "I knew you would! Now we just have to make sure you don't trip over your own feet out there."

"Ha, very funny," Leo quipped back, his eyes twinkling. "But seriously, this is huge. All the royal kids will be watching, and so will the king. This is my chance to get close to them."

I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift to Prince Noah. He'd probably be at the practice too, either cheering on his royal friends or just hanging around. The idea of seeing him again made me feel... conflicted. After yesterday, when he'd pulled back and walked away so quickly, I didn't know how to approach him. Every attempt to connect felt like pushing against a wall.

But maybe today, I could figure something out. Maybe I could make another attempt—without completely embarrassing myself.

By the end of the day, Leo was practically vibrating with energy, eagerly chatting about his first soccer practice as we all gathered our things. Elara, Thomas, and I were planning to go watch, but my mind was more focused on whether Prince Noah would be there.

As we left the classroom, I found myself slowing down, my feet dragging a bit. Elara and Thomas were already a few steps ahead, but I lingered, looking around the hallway like I was expecting to see someone. I told myself it wasn't a big deal, but deep down, I knew I was hoping for a glimpse of Noah.

"I'll catch up with you guys later," I said, trying to sound casual as I waved them off. "I just want to check something."

Thomas raised a brow but didn't question it, and Elara shot me a knowing look before they both headed off toward the field.

I stood there for a moment, watching the crowd thin out as students trickled out of the building. Why was I even doing this? It wasn't like I had some grand plan. I just wanted to see him. Maybe get another chance to figure out what was going on in his head—or what was going on in mine.

I was about to give up and head to the practice field when I saw him. Prince Noah. But he wasn't alone.

Penelope was draped all over him, her arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders like a snake coiling around its prey. She laughed at something he said, tilting her head back, and Noah just smiled politely in return. My stomach twisted at the sight, and I felt a heat rise in my chest. Of course, she's hanging all over him. Why wouldn't she be?

I quickly turned on my heel, intending to walk away, but it was too late.

"Daniella?" Noah's voice called out.

I froze, forcing myself to turn back around. "Oh, hey," I said, trying to keep my voice light and casual. I could feel Penelope's eyes on me, cold and scrutinizing, but I ignored her. "I was just... waiting for Leo. He's got his first soccer practice today."

Noah raised a brow, his smile tight but genuine. "Right, Coach liked his energy a lot."

"Yeah, we're all really proud of him," I said, plastering on a smile of my own. I could feel my pulse quickening as I stood there, trying to act normal while Penelope practically hung off him like a piece of jewelry. "Well, I don't want to keep you guys. I'm sure you've got things to do."

"No, it's fine," Noah said quickly, stepping away from Penelope's hold just slightly. "Actually, I was going to head to the field too. Maybe I'll see you there?"

I nodded, though the tightness in my chest didn't go away. "I'm actually heading back to my dorm."

Penelope narrowed her eyes at me, her grip on Noah's arm tightening as if to remind me that he wasn't available. "Come on, Noah," she said in a sugary sweet voice. "You promised to walk me to the library."

Noah gave me an apologetic look, but I shrugged it off, pretending I didn't care. "See you around, then," I said, turning before he could say anything else.

As I walked away, I felt a storm brewing inside me. What am I even doing? This whole plan to flirt with Noah—to use him for the rebellion—was starting to feel like a game I didn't know how to play.

Lost in thought, I barely registered the sound of someone calling my name. I paused mid-step, frowning. Was that...?

"Daniella, wait!"

I turned, surprised to see Noah jogging toward me, his usual calm expression replaced with something a bit more urgent. He slowed down as he reached me, catching his breath, and for a moment, I wasn't sure how to react.

"Hey," he said, slightly out of breath but still managing to give me that charming half-smile. "Do you mind if I walk you to your dorm?"

I blinked, momentarily thrown off. "What about practice? And Penelope?" I asked, genuinely confused. "Shouldn't you be with her?"

Noah grimaced slightly at the mention of Penelope, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, practice today is mostly just introductions for the new players. It's not mandatory for me. And... I kind of needed an excuse to get away from Penelope, to be honest."

I raised an eyebrow. "An excuse?"

"Yeah," he sighed, his smile turning wry. "Penelope's... a bit much sometimes. I mean, she's nice, but she tends to cling on when I'm not really in the mood for all that. So, when I saw you walking, I figured it was a good opportunity to escape."

I stared at him, feeling an odd mix of confusion and disbelief. Was he serious? He was ditching Penelope, the queen bee of the royal kids, to walk me back to my dorm? It didn't make sense. It was just so... unexpected.

"So you're using me as an escape route," I said, my voice carrying a hint of sarcasm.

Noah chuckled softly. "More like I'm saving myself and asking if you want company on the way back."

I folded my arms, still not sure how to feel. It was strange, hearing him speak so candidly about Penelope and everything. Part of me wanted to tell him to leave, to go back to his fancy world, and stop trying to be so damn nice. But another part of me—the curious part—wanted to know more.

I hesitated, the air between us suddenly feeling too heavy, too real. His sincerity was getting under my skin, and I didn't like it. But this was the opportunity I was waiting for.

"Alright," I said after a long pause, turning on my heel and starting to walk again. "If you want to walk me back, fine."

Prince Noah smiled and we began walking towards my dorm.

"You know," I said, trying to sound nonchalant, "I don't get why you're always trying to talk to me. You're royalty, and I'm... well, not."

Noah's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something genuine there. "Maybe that's why I like talking to you," he said quietly. "You're not like everyone else around here."