| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 92 : END OF THE YEAR OF 2023

DATE : Decembre 2023

PLACE : Marlborough College and London

The cold December wind swirled around Marlborough College, rattling the last stubborn leaves on the ancient oak trees that lined the courtyard. Matilda pulled her coat tighter around herself as she hurried across the stone pathway leading to the library, her boots crunching on the frosted grass. It was the last week of term, and the air was thick with anticipation. Students were buzzing about their upcoming holiday plans, Christmas shopping, and last-minute revisions before heading home.

Matilda had always loved this time of year. There was something magical about December—the twinkling fairy lights strung up in common areas, the scent of mulled cider wafting from the dining hall, and the warm glow of candles during evening study sessions. But this year was different. It was her first Christmas at Marlborough, and while she was excited to go home and see her family, she couldn't deny how much she would miss the new friendships she had made.

She had found a wonderful group of friends—Amelia, a confident and lively girl of Jamaican descent who loved fashion and music; Yuki, a soft-spoken but incredibly intelligent girl with Japanese roots who had a sharp wit hidden behind her quiet demeanor; and Oliver, a boy who always seemed to be laughing, making jokes, and bringing everyone together. They had become her second family, and as the end of term approached, they all decided they needed one last adventure together before parting ways for the holidays.

"Alright, we need a plan," Amelia declared dramatically, flopping down onto one of the couches in the common room after dinner. "We have exactly one weekend before we all head home. And what better way to spend it than Christmas shopping in London?"

Matilda perked up at the suggestion. "That's actually a great idea. I still need to get gifts for my family."

"Same," Yuki agreed. "I always leave it until the last minute."

Oliver grinned. "I don't really have a plan, but I'm coming anyway. Someone needs to keep you three from getting lost in a shopping frenzy."

Matilda laughed, already picturing Amelia dragging them into every store on Oxford Street. "Fine, but let's be strategic. I need gifts for my parents, my brothers, and Charlotte. And I want something meaningful, not just random things."

Amelia leaned forward, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Okay, okay. First stop: Covent Garden for classy, unique gifts. Then we brave Oxford Street for the chaos. And finally, we reward ourselves with cake and hot chocolate. Deal?"

"Deal," Matilda said, and with that, the plan was set.

The next morning, they boarded the train to London, bundled up in coats and scarves, their breath misting in the cold air as they chattered excitedly. The moment they stepped onto the streets of Covent Garden, Matilda felt the festive atmosphere wash over her. Twinkling lights wrapped around lampposts, street performers played cheerful holiday tunes, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced cider filled the air.

"This place is perfect," Yuki murmured, her eyes scanning the quaint boutique shops.

Matilda wandered into a small antique store, the kind filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. After browsing for a while, her fingers brushed against a beautifully bound book—a collection of Winston Churchill's speeches. She picked it up, running her fingers over the worn leather cover. Her father would love this.

"For Dad," she said with a satisfied nod, tucking it under her arm.

Oliver appeared beside her, holding up a rather extravagant quill pen. "Wouldn't this be perfect for your mom? It's elegant, sophisticated—very regal."