Elise's heart skipped a beat as she noticed the Crown Prince's gaze fixed on her. She tried to look away, but it was too late. He was already making his way over to her seat, causing everyone in the classroom to stare in shock and confusion.
"Is he really coming over here?" one student whispered to another.
"What could he want from her?" another student asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Elise felt her heart racing as the Crown Prince reached her desk. She tried to keep her face neutral, but her nerves were getting the best of her.
As he stood in front of her desk, Elise's heart raced with anxiety. What could he possibly want with her? The Crown Prince's cold expression revealed nothing, making it impossible for her to guess his intentions.
"I need to speak to you," the Crown Prince said, his voice calm and controlled.
Elise felt a lump form in her throat. She didn't know what to say, so she simply nodded her head, indicating her willingness to comply.
"Did she steal the Crown Prince's lunch or something?"
"Maybe he's in love with her!"
"Ha! That'll be the day."
"Did you hear about the Crown Prince's latest hobby? Maybe he's recruiting her for it."
"No, what's his latest hobby?"
"Stamp collecting."
"Stamp collecting? Really? That's so... boring."
"Well, maybe he needs someone to share his boring hobby with."
As the Crown Prince and Elise made their way out of the classroom, the other students couldn't help but stare in shock and amazement. They had never seen the Crown Prince act so strangely before.
__ __ __
As they made their way out of the classroom, the Crown Prince remained silent, his face still unreadable. Elise tried to calm her racing heart and focus on the present moment, but it was difficult. She couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.
She tried to keep her composure, but her nerves were getting the best of her.
"Stay calm, Elise," she whispered to herself. "Don't panic. Everything will be fine."
But her heart was pounding so loudly in her chest that she could hardly hear her own thoughts.
"What if he's here to punish me for slapping him that day? What if he's going to tell my father about it?"
Elise's hands shook as she gripped the edge of her skirt, desperately trying to calm herself down. "No, no, no," she muttered under her breath. "This can't be happening. Please, let it be something simple."
Finally, they reached a quiet, isolated spot in the hallway, and the Crown Prince turned to face her. His eyes were intense, and Elise felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Take off your necklace," he said abruptly.
Elise's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as the Crown Prince asked her to take off her necklace.
"You want me to take off my necklace? I thought you..." she asked incredulously.
The Crown Prince's expression was stoic and serious.
"I understand your misunderstanding. But next time, don't be so quick to judge."
Elise rolled her eyes, muttering to herself, "You should've finished your sentence before." She began to unclasp the necklace, struggling to do so with her shaking hands.
As she handed the necklace over to the Crown Prince, she couldn't help but make a joke. "You know, I hope you're not planning on running away with my necklace. It's not even real gold."
The Crown Prince took the necklace from Elise's outstretched hand and examined it closely, his eyes fixed on the small charm.
"Where did you get this?" he asked, his voice stern.
Elise's heart raced as she tried to think of a response. "It was a gift from a friend," she said finally, hoping it would satisfy his curiosity.
"What's your friend's name?" the Crown Prince pressed.
Elise felt a lump form in her throat. She had no idea what to say. "I... I don't remember," she stuttered. "We met when we were children, and he gave it to me as he was leaving town. I never saw him again."
The Crown Prince's expression softened slightly, but he still looked skeptical. "You don't remember your friend's name?" he repeated.
Elise shook her head, feeling embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I wish I could be of more help."
The Crown Prince handed the necklace back to her and turned to leave.
"Very well," he said over his shoulder. "Thank you for your time, Miss Elise."
Elise was dumbfounded. "Wait, that's it?"