Four Hearts

Chapter 13

Allegra

She quietly takes her quiz as she tries to ignore Sophia's fingers tapping on the desk. It wasn't hard. Sophia was just required to give written assessments every three weeks. So that means Allegra has to be sitting here, thirty minutes after all classes were supposed to have ended so she can be tested on the types of facial features. It was torture. It may be easy, but it's tortuous none the less.

Allegra could tell that she was stalling to finish, even if it was somewhat accidental. Today was the day she had to leave for Milena's party. Why she was invited in the first place was beyond her. Part of her couldn't wait to get some time away from this prison. Still, she had no interest going to another Bellerose party where they did nothing but talk about politics, business, or meaningless gossip. She used to be dragged to them regularly by her father, after all Fredrick Bellerose bought almost every piece of clothing in the mansion from her father's company, making them close business partners. However, he was so concerned with his image. He couldn't possibly lose the biggest investor in his company. That's why he stopped bringing her. She's nothing but the embarrassment of the family after all. Allegra breaks out of her thoughts at the sound of her pencil snapping in half. Sophia sighs.

"I'll go get you another one," her teacher says.

"No, it's fine. I just finished anyway."

Allegra uses the broken pencil to circle her last few answers before handing in her paper. She grabs her things and heads out the door as fast as she can to avoid being questioned by Sophia. She holds onto her bag's strap and walks swiftly down the hallway. Allegra can feel her face heating up as she continues to make her way to the front of the school where the others are waiting for her. You know better than to think of that. You have a plan. You're gonna get everything you want soon enough. You just have to wait. You've bee patient so far. A little longer isn't gonna hurt.

Zain, Milena, and Cedric are sitting on the steps outside of the school by the luggage the school staff made them gather the night before. Zain is going through something on his notepad, occasionally showing Milena and Cedric what's on the screen. Cedric is writing in a small, leather journal and Milena is staring out toward the road impatiently. All three of them had changed out of their uniforms. Allegra didn't even bother dressing in her uniform today. Her teacher didn't bat an eye either. She couldn't believe how nice it felt to have her own clothes on again. She pulls her leather jacket closer to her as she walks to her acquaintances. Allegra sits next to Milena without saying a word.

Zain is the first to notice her arrival. His eyes light up, and he almost drops his sword that's sitting in his lap. Does he really need to carry that thing everywhere? I highly doubt that he's gonna need it where we're going.

"You made it!" Zain exclaims, grabbing the attention of the other two.

"Yeah, sorry. I had a last minute quiz."

"I was showing Milena my pictures from yesterday."

"Pictures?"

Milena leans in and whispers to Allegra, "He takes pictures of all the things he sees."

Zain nods his head in agreement before showing Allegra a photo he took of some of the food in the lunch line the day before. She gives him an empty thumb up which is enough to keep the kid happy. The sound of a carriage fills the air, causing Zain to jump. Allegra couldn't stop herself from giggling at his face full of terror. Zain's expression changes to one of joy when the carriage comes into view. He shoots out of his seat and points with glee.

"Look, look!" he says.

"Finally," Milena huffs. "I was starting to think they'd forgotten."

"Isn't it your party?" Cedric asks.