Prince Antoine Chevalier from Aristen- fourth in line for the throne and as presumptuous as all royals tend to be. He had been in the same year as Ms. Knight. Alexander remembered how he and the crown prince tended to crowd around her. He assumed it had to do with the fact that they lost to her at the academy. He had watched as they had lost to her intellect at every turn.
Alexander had never cared for Chevalier. They had interacted on many occasions both inside and outside the academy. International relations were always a tricky subject and the meetings and affairs to promote unity seemed never ending. Seeing as his family was the 2nd most powerful family in the country, or the most powerful depending on who you asked, he was required to attend those dull affairs.
Alexander always carried himself with grace. He never engaged in any activities that could appear unsightly to the public eye, such as flirting or excessive drinking. Etiquette and refinery were second nature to him and he disdained nobles that acted without grace. Prince Antoine was one such noble.
On many occasions, Alexander had watched from afar as Chevalier made one blunder or another. He would call nobles by the wrong title, carelessly spill his drink, and on one occasion he tripped and allowed his dance partner to fall to the ground. A most egregious crime in Alexander's book.
The events to promote unity never ceased, but after graduating from the Academy, Alexander stopped attending. He found himself wrapped up in starting his casino.
Alexander had pushed Chevalier from his mind until the blundering buffoon had gotten dead drunk and caused a ruckus in the middle of his casino. Because he was royalty from another country, none of Alexander's staff felt equipped to handle it. They had called him out of his office to see if he could settle the matter.
He planned to settle the matter amicably, but the drunkard's monologue stopped him in his steps.
"That dumb bitch," Chevalier slobbered, "She always thought she was smarter than me, and maybe she was, but she was nothing! A commoner. She honestly believed we'd get married! the dumb cunt."
Chevalier chugged his wine, a drip slipping down his throat stringing his shirt, "It was the best revenge that day, that day. You know what I did? I told her what she was to her face. A used slut who would never get married. She'd end up alone, an old hag, dreaming about me. There was no way a royal could marry a commoner, her blood is so dirty can you imagine - "
Slam. Alexander didn't know when he moved or what he had done until it was over. He slammed that braggarts head against the card table. He heard a crunch and he knew he had probably broken his nose.
"An old hag you say? Dreaming of you? Don't make me laugh. You're the fourth son of a king. Do you know how long you'll live? I doubt you'll live longer than your brother's succession. Even if you do live longer than that you'll be granted a sad little title like "Baron" and fade away. She on the other hand, will earn a title greater than yours in a couple years. Men will be vying for her hand, the genius loved by the king is something many will covet."
He slammed his head into the card table again.
"You-- You can't do this to me! This will cause an international incident."
"I doubt it. Once I wrap you up and send the bill citing what you owe to the casino to your father, I doubt we'll hear much about it."
"You wouldn't!"
"Oh but I would. Guards! Seize him. Benjamin, bring me the books. I need to get the bill ready."
The beating that followed in the interrogation room had been somewhat satisfying, but something still felt off.
He sipped his drink staring into the fire. He was shocked. What had Edwina Knight seen in that buffoon? And where had she found the time amidst her studies. Shame on her for treating the Academy like a matchmaker's game.
The broach came to his mind. It was made of silver and was finely crafted. He had wondered where she had gotten the money. Now he knew, it was a gift, from that bastard. And she had worn it with a smile on her face.
And why was he so angry? He'd never been angry about anything. Disgust was a common emotion he felt. He also felt weary most of the time. Never angry. That was a passionate emotion. He liked to remain clear headed.
And why was she always in the back of his mind. He was always hearing news about her. He remembered all of the events she was a part of in school. Remembered all the gossip about her post graduation as well. It was like information just stuck in his mind. He always assumed it was because of his good memory. But maybe, it was something else. Could he be interested in her? Ms. Knight?
He closed his eyes and imagined it. He imagined having a conversation with her, holding her hand, making her blush, kissing her… He leaped out of his chair, shocked. He'd never thought this hard about any woman before. But Ms. Knight, she was driving him crazy and he had never even had a conversation with the girl.
"Benjamin!" he called.
"Yes, sir."
"Bring me another drink, and all the information we have on Edwina Knight."