The School for Good and Evil: Another Story

4~The Prince in Pink

Up in Rose's room he found a package and an envelope upon his bed. Curious, he instantly opened it once he had thrown his shoes off to the side of the room.

Dear Rose,

I apologize for not being able to change your schedule but I have arranged for you to be tutored by Professor Espada in swordplay in the evenings, if you so desire to participate. I remind you that it is most proper for you to be using the boy's restrooms, even if they are a tad far away from your room. We would change your room, but it seems that has already been sorted out. I encourage you to do your best in princess courses and have taken it upon myself to have your uniform replace (in the brown parcel).

Prof. Clarissa Dovey

Dean of Good

Rose ripped the parcel opened and grinned what tumbled out: a pair of boots, a pale pink shirt, brown breeches, it was a princes outfit. But in pink.

Rose grinned as he tossed away the pinafore he had been wearing (swan marking himself on his chest) and put on the new outfit (swan returning to cloth). He gazed at himself in the mirror across the room. He looked great. The pink brought out his eyes. He felt great. He wouldn't have to worry about 'flashing'.

Rose could not contain his excitement over the new clothing. He ran out of his room and bolted down the stairs and out of the castle into the clearing where lunch had started. Everyone turned to look at Rose who had burst out of the sparkling castle like an angel. Posture perfect. Hair glistening. Countenance glowing. And everyone stared at the boy who still wore pink, but was now dressed as a prince.

There was a mutter from Mia, "So much for our lessons in walking in heels."

Besides her, all the girls were gaping at this golden prince, Nevers and Evers alike. Many of the princes bristled feeling threatened with new competition with this boy who only this morning had been wearing a sort dress.

Lily came over and grinned, "You look great, Rose. Here for lunch?"

Rose nodded and the two of them went to a fairy who handed Rose a basket with a delicate sandwich, a couple of snowmen noses, and a succulent peach.

When the two sat down with Mia and Julie, Lily asked, "Where did you get that, Rose? The outfit, where did it come from?"

"It's my new uniform! Professor Dovey left it in my room." Rose was still grinning.

"Are you going to take prince classes now?" Mia asked.

Rose's grin wavered, "No, I still have to take princess classes. But I'll be taking swordplay sessions after classes in the evening, though."

"I'm so happy for you! See, what did I tell you? Everything will be fine."

"I'm still in pink."

Julie blushed, "You look great in pink." The other girls laughed.

"Well, hurry up, Rose. Good Deeds will be starting soon." Mia looked slightly cross with her arms folded and a slight scowl on her face. Much like when Rose had first met her.

Rose took Mia's advice and gnawed on the carrots until there was nothing left and the four headed into the castle to Professor Dovey's classroom. The four sat down together as the rest of the one-hundred-sixteen Evers found their seats. Mia and Rose ended on the sides of Julie and Lily, who were in the middle.

Professor Dovey stood up at the front once everyone was seated. "Good afternoon, class. Here we speak of the best good deeds Good has offered. Everything from a princess kissing a frog to a prince rescuing a princess from a tower is what makes us good. Helping animals. Helping people. Helping plants. It is what the good do while the Evil seek to destroy these things. It is what sets us apart.