Royal Academy Diaries II

Champion ⚜ Ch. 2

That afternoon she went to the village with some of her friends, planning to do a bit of shopping before having dinner with Aldrick.

She met up with them at the Vanera bridge. "Yasmina, Subira."

They each hugged before Yasmina gestured to two people standing behind them. "Laora, meet Dimitri and Luisa. They'll be our escorts."

Laora smiled as they each kissed her hand. She couldn't help but stare for a moment at the deep blue eyes of the second. "I've never seen eyes your colour before. Luisa, was it?"

She straightened and nodded. "Yes. Haven't you? They're just plain blue."

She shook her head as they started walking. "Not at all. They're cerulean, almost a navy. It's intriguing, really."

As they came up to a crosswalk, Subira raised a brow at the rather attractive crossing guard. "Thank you for keeping us safe, officer," she smiled.

He tipped his hat and Laora tried not to laugh. "Oh you are the worst flirt, you know that?"

She just grinned. "And I have no shame."

They went to the first store on Main Street, a trinket shop that was always yielding up little treasures. Fairy lights were strewn across the ceiling, creating a soft glow.

Laora started searching, and after a while reached the end of the aisle. As she looked around it, she saw Yasmina flirting with the shop boy. She grinned and rolled her eyes.

Luisa came up beside her and saw the exchange happening. "You know, I was under the impression that this was more of a date," she whispered.

She sighed. "I'm afraid they'd do this even if it were officially a date. They're incorrigible."

"Hm. And what about you?" she asked.

"I have a boyfriend - Prince Aldrick of Sweden. We... take breaks every now and again, but I like him."

Luisa raised a brow. "Right. So I can't imagine your idea of fun is watching these two flirt with everyone. What else do you fill your time with?"

She asked for it. "Horses. I compete in showing and dressage. Between my five horses I've won almost thirty events."

The young noblewoman raised a brow. "Really? Why aren't you at the Knights Academy then? They have an excellent equestrian program. I actually considered it myself."

Now she had her full interest. "Really? I wanted the experience of the Royal Academy. What made up your mind?"

"I wanted the same thing. I can do jumping on the side."

Laora smiled. "Are you keeping your horse at the stables here?"

She nodded. "Yes. Perhaps you'd show me yours sometime?"

"Gladly." She grinned and said teasingly, "Be warned though, I won't stop talking when we do."

Luisa laughed. "I wouldn't blame you with that many wins. You know what you're doing."

Outside the clock chimed five, and Laora looked back. "Oh, it's time for me to go; Aldrick's waiting. I'll met you all later. Bye!"

She turned to leave, and didn't notice the rather disappointed look on the girl's face.