Castleside Academy

Chapter One: Lexi

“Princess,” I say with a laugh. “Princess Lexina Marie Angelina Coralline Talon.”

            The brown-haired boy bows to me slowly and returns back to a straight-back position. “You’re finding joy in saying your whole name, aren’t you Princess Lexina?”

            I curtsy, pinching my light blue dress with my fingers. “I am because I never say it.”

            “Prince Luther Charles Willard the third,” he says, now chuckling himself.”

            “Looks like we all have interesting names,” I say.

            “As we do. But you’ve known me since kindergarten!”

            I smile brightly. “Quite true.”

            “Now, children,” calls Lady Willard, Luther’s aunt. “Remember who you are bowing to. This person will be your partner for tomorrow’s exercise. Gather your things and wait to be on your way.”

            Luther takes my hand politely like the other boys do to the girls. “You know, I never thought that we would end up being partners,” he says as he escorts me to the shelves near the door where we store or belongings.

            This is Etiquette Class. I must speak properly or I’ll be scolded. “Nor I,” I say, trying not to laugh. “But it is certainly a pleasure.”

            “As for me. Here,” he says as he hands me my schoolbag. “All set.”

            “Thank you,” I say sincerely.

            It’s like a drill in this class. Luther holds my hand to his lips, but he whispers so his aunt doesn’t hear. “See you later.”

            I grin as the bell rings throughout the stone school. He turns and leaves, only looking back at me to wave. My two best friends Maya and Henrietta walk with me out of the Etiquette Class chamber. “Oh, Lexi,” says Maya in a dazed tone. “Prince Luther is so perfect for you.”

            “Guys, he’s just my partner for this Etiquette course. That’s all. Sure, we’re really good friends, sit at lunch together, and such, but he’s just another guy friend.”

            “Oh, please,” Henrietta laughs. “You guys have been flirting with each other ever since kindergarten. You two are always saying the cutest things to each other and you don’t even realize it!”

            “Come on, girls,” I sigh, shaking my head, “we better go get ready for the assembly in the Great Hall.”

            Henrietta groans, “It’s like we’re at my grandmother’s palace back in Cameron.”

            “Why doesn’t she give the throne to your dad?” I ask. “Your grandfather passed years ago.”

            Henrietta shrugs. “No clue. She’s crazy, you know. My dad was thinking about doing it secretly. Let her think that she’s queen until she’s dead herself, but my mom thought that was a little mean.”

           

 We change into casual clothes. I wear my jeans, a long-sleeved shirt to fit my figure, and black boots with a little buckle on the outsides. And you thought this was medieval times.

            We walk together from our dorm room on the fifth floor down to the Great Hall. On the way down the stairs, we meet up with Luther, Jared, and Tanner—his roommates. The funny thing is, Jared is Maya’s partner and Tanner is Henrietta’s. And the truth is… we all have things for each other. Yes, I’ve been in love with Luther for as long as I can remember, but I hate it when people bring it up.