The Queen's Crown

Chapter 1

I didn't know if I was frowning or not. But I'm pretty sure it wasn't anything like a smile.

My footsteps were loud as I walked on the marble floor of my ancient school that was once a castle. My hair is probably disheveled from running here.

Each step I was making towards the headmistress' office felt like stripping myself of my reputation. The early bird students stared at me, obviously surprised with my display of 'poor' etiquette. If not because of the sudden news I received at dawn, I wouldn't be ruining my image as a role model of Knight's Academy.

"The 2nd prince is entering the school?" I marched in the wide office, a huge room that occupied the center of the building with floor-to-ceiling windows. It gave view to the prosperous Ron City and the pine forest beside it. Papers spread on her mahogany desk. Our picture on her table was covered with stacks of books.

I Didn't knock. Didn't curtsy. Didn't greet. So it was no surprise when the headmistress furrowed her brows at me.

"I can't believe you barged in my office. I told you not to drop your etiquette even in private." She said.

I could have countered what she said. No one was looking anyway. But I didn't came here for etiquette sermons. So I turned my back and did what a lady should do. After I perfectly executed my 'right' manners, she spoke.

"What is wrong with it?" Her perfectly braided brown hair reflected the rising sun behind her. The sun's rays gradually gave light in the room.

"He is a prince." I tried to be gentle. But I doubt she found it gentle.

"Hmm... I noticed." She leisurely took a sip of her tea. As if the matter at hand was casual. Which is not!

"Headmistress!"

I was dumbfounded. I know she makes unreasonable decisions sometimes. But as this school's president, I at least had to know something. Besides, this matter is something that I should have known first. "He---,"

A soft clank of the teacup interrupted me. "Tell me, Ally, did you memorize our school's entrance qualifications?"

I didn't know what she was getting at. I simply answered "Yes" even though it was a lie. Honestly, I'm not a nerd that I should even memorize a rule book.

"There is no rule here stating that a prince is not allowed to enter as student."

"But he is a prince. This is a warrior's school." Anything could happen to him here and the school will surely take the blame. Even if he was only the 2nd prince, he was still a royal. Also, I don't think I can stomach seeing him every day.

Remembering what he did to me, I can't help but feel sick.

"He won the battle at Liang border last year. I think that's enough proof that he is one of us."

Yes. A young hero of his own kingdom. "Then he's overqualified to be here." I countered, a smile plastered on my face.

She gave me a frown in return. "The council have agreed. I also see nothing wro---,"

"He can't be here!" My voice rose in frustration. Suddenly, I felt cold. The usual bright room lost its sunshine. Or was it just my bitterness arising once again, dimming my vision even in this sunny morning.

Headmistress Ran narrowed her eyes on me, "Oh I see now why you're suddenly anxious...."

Realizing the face I had given her, I looked away. I didn't want her to bring out something that I desperately didn't want to hear. I'd forgotten all about it for years. But she did anyway.