From Rags to Royalty [Jellal x Erza]

Lessons with the Prince

Monday morning, I woke up early. I wasn't sure if I'd be going to my regular school or if I'd have to transfer.

Speaking of which, I wonder where the Prince goes to school. Some prestigious school for the rich, perhaps?

There's no way I'm going there.

I timidly crack open my bedroom door and poke my head out into the hallway.

Where are my parents?

I close the door and walk over to the nightstand, where my phone is, and pick it up, dialing my mother's number.

"Hmm? Erza?" My mom mumbles groggily. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry to wake you up, but where will I be going to school?"

"Uhh . . here, I think."

"Here?"

"Yeah, with the Prince. He has a personal instructor."

Of course he does!

"I-I see. Thanks."

"No problem. It doesn't start until nine so *yawn* try and get some sleep. Goodnight."

After that, she hangs up.

I suppose a personal instructor makes sense. I couldn't help but let out a sigh, crawling back into bed.

And before I knew it, I was asleep.

"Miss Erza." A voice calls. I groan in response. "Miss Erza."

Then I can feel myself being shaken.

"Miss Erza, please wake up."

I slowly blink my eyes open and see a maid standing next to the bed.

"Is something wrong?" I ask.

"Prince Jellal requests your presence in the garden." The maid said.

The Prince?

"O-Oh okay." I hesitantly sat up in bed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The maid bows before leaving the room.

I check the time using my phone.

9:25 AM

Oh no, didn't the private lesson start at nine? Did I already miss it! No, no it couldn't have. Maybe that's why the Prince wants me outside.

I hurry and get dressed, attempting to look fairly decent facial wise.

I leave my bedroom only to realize that I don't know where the garden is. I sigh and look to my left and right as if I was crossing the street.

Well, I'm not going to find the garden while standing around indoors. Giving myself a little "pep talk," I find my way to the front door and exit the mansion.

As soon as I'm outside, the cool wind blows against me, swaying my hair along with it. On each side of the house, there are a beautiful array of flowers that even I can see from this distance. I don't know which side the Prince is on, so I guess I'll have to check both.

I start with the right side.

Not only were there a large number flowers, but in the center of all the flowers was a fountain. I scanned the area and found no Prince.

So I walk back over to the left side.

There, there is no fountain. Instead, in the center of the flowers was a round table with three chairs around it.

And it was there that I saw Prince Jellal and a man. They were sitting at the table, drinking tea.

As I approach the table, Prince Jellal notices me.

"Erza, you've come." He smiles.

"You requested me." I state.

"Yes," He nods. "starting today our parents have decided that we'll be being educated together."

"I see." Even though I somewhat already knew that.

"Good Morning, Miss Scarlet." The man greets, holding out his hand. I shake it and noting his firm grip. "I am Jura Neekis, your new instructor. Lessons begin at nine in the morning sharp. Please, do not be late tomorrow."

"I won't, sir."

I sit down in the remaining chair and Mr. Neekis begins the lesson. He talks to us about the history of the United States. More specifically, all the wars the country has fought and won.

In my opinion, war doesn't do anything but create problems. But other countries still insist on attacking.

Sometimes, it's not even a country that attacks but a small terrorist group.

I just don't understand why everyone can't just get along.

If everyone could just agree on everything, then there wouldn't be any wars. Sadly, you can never please everyone.

Once the lesson was over, I check my phone.

12:00 PM

Mr. Neekis had left the garden once he finished teaching, leaving me with the Prince.

It was awkward.

I didn't know what to say and the awkward atmosphere prevented me from getting up and leaving.

"Erza." The Prince calls.

"Yes?"

"Can I ask a favor of you?"

"Of course, Your Highness."

I answer him without looking at him. I can't bring myself to look at his face, so I stare at my hands.

"Well, I think it would be best to explain my situation first." He began, "You see, there is a party coming up for Princes and Princesses from around the world. There are even a few celebrities that have been invited. In short, it's a party for what you would call 'the upper class'."

I nod, signaling for him to continue.

"At these parties, it's customary for every person invited to bring a date. I've contacted all the Princesses I could think of, but they all already had dates. I guess I procrastinated."

I had this bad feeling in my gut. I somewhat knew where this was going. But I didn't want to believe it.

No, no, maybe I'm over thinking things. I just need to calm down.

I felt someone looking at me so I turned to see Prince Jellal looking at me. He cleared his throat before he spoke,

"My favor is . . would you do me the honor of being my date to the upcoming party, Erza?"