Beauty and the Prince

The sun hid behind the clouds casting a soft glare upon the majestic building arising from the ground. The university materialized into view waving its' flags in

greeting of her new possession. The wind hissed. Vines stretched across the bricks surrounding windows filled with dolled faces craning to catch a glimpse of the

young man in the black car. The cracking of shutters blinking against lens snapped the blue eyed passenger out of his trance. The car rolled to a stop in front of St.

Salvatore's Hall. "Sally's" he'd remembered it being called by the student guides who'd allowed a private visit into the housing accommodations. It had been more

of a precaution by his father who was more fond of the richer things in life. William did not worry about those things other than the necessary securities being

instated. This place was freedom. More freedom than he'd had in all his years on Earth. The ultimate irony of being the Prince William Arthur Philip Louis. He'd made

a pact with himself to have the same experience as the other students, to improve his social circle outside of his equally rich and powerful friends, and to

understand the way people operated in the real world. Although, he was keen on prolonging his ascent to the throne, he was well aware that one day it would

happen. He had a duty, nay obligation to learn and improve upon his own leadership qualities that would be a requirement for him throughout the remainder of his

life. Here he would make the transition from boy to man. He was ready. Amazing. It was simply amazing.

A luscious mane of glossy brown hair whipped around the tall woman as she navigated the throngs of women idling in the carpeted hallways. The entire campus

was buzzing with news of the arrival of their infamous classmate. She was tempted to wait with them, but after seeing the ridiculous lengths some of them had

gone through in order to impress the Prince decided to take advantage of the almost deserted canteen. She had another hour until her last Art class of the day

and was planning a run around the grounds afterwords to unwind from the busy day. Normally, her day would include a visit from her boyfriend, Rupert, but even at

the start of term his days were strained from the course load. Lately, it had seemed to be a little more than course work irritating him, but she wasn't ready to

address the issue. She often felt him pulling away. If she was honest with her self she would admit that the chemistry was more of a friendship. Perhaps, they could

salvage what had sparked their interest at some point, but they were both occupied with studies. It was good on the cold nights in Scotland to have him beside

her. She still enjoyed that part. Smiling to herself, Catherine, finished off the sandwich and peaked at her watch not surprised that it had taken almost the full hour

to finish her meal. Grabbing hold of her belongings she proceeded back into the mass of lingerers.

The clopping of heels echoed on the hardwood as the crowd split, as if by magic, to allow passage to the dark suited men guiding the young man. Assured that he

would be allowed space after today, William agreed to the escort by his protection officers to his very first course of the semester. He had been instructed to

complete the assignments of the first two weeks while the university prepared for his arrival. The professor was already beginning the attendance when he walked

into the room. A collective gasp and giggles erupted as eyes stole glances at the blond man choosing a seat in the middle of the auditorium. He reddened in the

cheeks a bit he reached down in his bag for a pencil. Strangely, all the pencils he purchased seemed to have made an escape from his bag during the night. As he

straightened in his chair a stick appeared in his peripheral. Attached to the pencil was a pretty blonde beaming at being the first contact at the school. The

wedding flashed behind her gray eyes. William thanked her quietly, made a note of her attractiveness, and focused on the professor as he called the name of a

Catherine Middleton. Kate, his mind shortening her birth name, was a gorgeous brunette with full red cheeks. The little attention she received from her name had

her cringing bashfully in her chair. Adorable he decided. "Wales," the professor called out purely out of routine. There was no doubt that everyone was aware of

his presence.

Aside from the occasional rumble class went very smoothly. More smooth than Catherine had expected. The atmosphere had become electric when the blond

Adonis had taken his place among his new peers. It was hard to ignore. She, also, had the feeling he had been watching her a little. She noticed him grin when her

name was called for attendance. Spotlight was not her friend and him being in such close proximity had caused just a little more. She was sure a few extra seats

had been filled in the course when it was announced that Princess Diana's son had chosen their cozy university for furthering of his own education. The bell was

close to ringing and out of the side of her eye, Catherine, could see the Prince making his way towards the hallway and into the shield of his guards. A smile graced

her lips as she realized how anxious he was to leave the chorus of sighing, over dressed girls behind. Gathering her books, again, she made her way up the stairs

and out of the doors of the building going back to Sally's. Upon entering the building she glanced at the tan cork-board just inside the door. A picture in the corner

posed underneath the title of "Beautiful Kate." Another blush crept on her cheeks. A whistle drew her attention to a gang of boys resting behind the visitors desk.

Whipping her head around quickly she ran up the stairs attempting to get to her room. She only succeeded in driving her books right into the chest of a moving

wall. Looking up to apologize to her victim she was met with a glistening set of blue eyes. Prince William was moving his lips, but Catherine was oblivious to their

language. He seemed completely unfazed by her surprise attack opting instead for an illuminating smile. Too stunned to say anything she offered a quiet apology

and scampered around the corner to her dorm. The breath stalled in her chest.