EVLY
"Good morning, my wonderful royals! I hope each of you is well aware of the exciting week ahead and is eagerly preparing for it," Viscountess Casey announced during our morning assembly, a rare occurrence after some time.
"Yes! We're off to Gordiee!" a student shouted from the back, setting off a chorus of enthusiastic agreement among the rest of the students.
I've never been particularly fond of Crowns Academy's excursion trips. Perhaps that's because we consistently visited places I had already been to numerous times. However, this time felt different; a hint of excitement lingered within me.
Gordiee, situated in the heart of Athras, stands as the oldest city in the entire realm. Mshell, I assumed, must be quite acquainted with Gordiee. Just then, I scanned the crowd to spot Mshell nearby. Our gazes met, and he offered a smile. I returned the gesture, though the exchange suddenly felt a touch awkward.
Things had taken an odd turn since Mshell's unexpected confession and my somewhat uncertain response. I grappled with finding the right words to provide him with a response that would satisfy both him and me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed, but the shift from his tearful encounter with Hayley to his newfound interest in me felt peculiar. Then again, my mind drifted back to the enchanting evening I shared with Albertus during the ball. Back at school, I was having strange dreams involving Mshell. So I was in no position to judge.
"Yes, indeed, we are embarking on a journey to Gordiee this time. As all of you know, Gordiee rests at the heart of Athras, where the Emperor resides. The royal majesties will be our gracious hosts, so you must conduct yourselves with the utmost decorum, treating all around you as you would our castle servants," the Viscountess explained with authority.
The announcement was met with exuberant cheers before we were released from the assembly.
"Have you ever noticed how we seem to dedicate more time to extracurricular activities here at Crowns than to our actual studies?" Jane mused as we made our way to our respective classes.
"Oh great, here comes the intellectual discourse," Hayley chimed in with her signature teasing tone. Jane shot her a glare that could curdle milk.
"I have to admit that Hayley's point holds some validity this time. We are in the 21st century, after all, and the world continues to evolve. Often, the knowledge we acquire through these extracurricular pursuits proves more valuable and enduring than the content of our standard curriculum," I interjected, not entirely defending Hayley, but offering a more balanced perspective. And so, the campus chatter buzzed on, blending tradition and progress into our daily lives.
"Oh, Evly! You talk as if I'm ever wrong," Hayley exclaimed.
"I know you, Hayley, and that's how I know the significant difference between what you were referring to and what Evly was," Jane remarked. Hayley was about to respond when Carlo smoothly interrupted.
"Hey, princesses! How are you all doing on this lovely morning?" he greeted, a charming smile gracing his face.
"Hi Carlo! I didn't even see you coming," Hayley replied, her grin stretching from ear to ear as if she'd won a prize. Carlo returned her smile with equal warmth.
"I'm not exactly a princess," Jane stated, striding ahead. It might have appeared awkward, but given that it was Jane, it wasn't unusual. Her mannerisms were often misconstrued as snobbishness, though that wasn't the case.
As she headed towards our class, Carlo turned to her and quipped, "Really? I would have never guessed; you exude more royal vibes than any of your friends."
I must admit, that was remarkably smooth. I could hear Hayley's subdued laughter, yet Jane wasn't about to let him bask in that coolness.
"Well, I'm not," she retorted before turning to continue walking.
"Whatever you say, your highness," Carlo responded with a playful bow, his tone completely devoid of sarcasm.
Jane simply brushed off his remark and left. I exchanged a smile with Carlo before following Jane. Since Hayley and Carlo were in the same class, they went together.
After our morning classes, it was lunchtime. Normally, Kaniz would bring my lunch to the library since it was usually empty, but today, I decided to venture to the cafeteria.
"Your Highness, what would you like for lunch?" Kaniz inquired as she met me in the classroom.
"Don't worry about it, darling. I'll be heading to the cafeteria myself."
So, I made my way to the cafeteria. Contrary to my expectations, it wasn't as noisy as I had imagined. Many of the royals avoided the cafeteria, leaving me curious about where they dined instead.
I found a seat at one of the tables and was approached by a cafeteria worker who asked for my order. Just as I was about to reply, a voice from behind me chimed in.
"Whatever you do, steer clear of the mushroom soup!"
It was Mshell. He said that and comfortably settled into the seat beside me, almost as if he belonged there.
"You should go for the Corri bean sauce and the brash salad," he suggested, his grin wide as if he were amused by his advice.
"Okay, I'll give that a try," I responded, feeling a bit awkward.
"Trust me, you won't be disappointed," he assured me.
"Fine, but only if you're joining me," I added.
He nodded, and we both placed our orders. I must admit, the meal was quite delectable. After eating, we lingered and chatted for a few more minutes. Sometimes, the topics of our conversation seemed to materialize out of thin air. I can't deny that there's a certain comfort in his presence.
MSHELL
It was a day before the D-day of the much-anticipated Gordiee trip, and the excitement among all the students was palpable. Even Evly, who had messaged me expressing her eagerness, was looking forward to it. She had even designated me as her guide for the trip. Things had taken an awkward turn between us ever since I confessed my feelings. I couldn't blame her for not giving me a definitive response; I had been muddled in my emotions for quite some time. My days at Crowns were numbered as graduation loomed on the horizon, and I was acutely aware of that.
My affection for Evly was undeniable. Finally, I had allowed myself to admit it. For the longest time, I had been inexplicably drawn to Hayley, captivated by her boldness. Yet, it felt different with Evly. Our connection ran deeper; our conversations were substantial and meaningful. I often caught myself lost in prolonged gazes and daydreams about her. I know it sounds clichéd, but those were my genuine sentiments. If only I could articulate my emotions accurately.
Evly's beauty was striking, a perfect complement to her radiant dark skin. Her brown eyes sparkled brightly with each smile, and her cascade of curly ginger hair was the crowning glory. Her graceful figure only added to her allure. But beyond her physical appeal, she was a person of remarkable qualities. We shared a multitude of interests, forging a genuine bond.
As I sat lost in thought, I contemplated the possibility of facing complete rejection from someone I held in such high regard. The responsibility for our current state rested solely on my shoulders. I couldn't help but ponder Evly's feelings. Did she view me only as a friend, or was there a chance she saw me in a different light? The uncertainty was almost unbearable.
"Daydreaming again, boy?" Jerry strolled in. My suite buzzed with activity as everyone prepared for the Gordiee trip.
"Did I think out loud?" I replied to Jerry, wondering if my musings had escaped my lips. But, as I realized, Jerry was just very perceptive.
"No, you didn't. Your actions say it all," Jerry chuckled, settling beside me. He had wrapped up his preparations for the trip.
"You sulking because you got rejected?" Jerry's tone was elusive—was he sincerely asking or injecting a touch of sarcasm? I had confided in him about my confession to Evly, and he had suggested that I was more in the "friend zone" than outright banished.
For someone who always had a bevvy of girls around him, Jerry seemed clueless about matters of the heart. I doubted he had ever been in a position where he needed to confess his feelings to a girl.
"At least I wasn't friend-zoned," I retorted, mimicking his style while attempting to console myself.
Jerry chuckled and retreated into his room.
At that moment, a text from Evly lit up my phone: "I'm so excited for tomorrow. Sleep well, MY GUIDE. Tomorrow is a busy day for you."
I read her message like any regular person would, but my overactive imagination wove in illusions that weren't there. I snapped back to reality and promptly replied to her text. Lately, she'd been texting me more frequently, yet in person, she kept her distance, offering only fleeting smiles and sidelong glances. I truly had no inkling of her thoughts—what was she truly contemplating? I wished she could just engage me in conversation. A part of me sensed she might be stalling, possibly building up to a rejection after all. I began to doubt whether I was even her type.
Throughout this internal struggle, I'd been preoccupied with my own emotions. But what about Evly's feelings? I needed insight into her emotional landscape, regardless of the outcome. Whatever it might be, I'd have to find a way to accept it.
EVLY
"Finally, it's Gordiee day!" Jane exclaimed as she woke up. Her enthusiasm was shared by all of us, and no one objected to her outburst. We were all filled with excitement.
Exactly five hours after our awakening, we found ourselves at the Crowns air station, where students were already lining up to board the plane. Crown had its airport, and it might make you wonder if we were frequent travellers.
In approximately 30 minutes, all the students were comfortably settled on the plane. As I stepped in, I was surprised to see Mshell already seated, and to my astonishment, I found my assigned seat next to him. Crown Airlines had designed their planes for comfort, with a configuration of 30 seats in total, arranged in pairs per row. For this trip, we were utilizing four Crown Airlines planes.
"Well, look whom we have here – my favourite guide," I greeted Mshell with a broad smile as I took my seat beside him. His face, once tense, had relaxed into a smile.
"More like your only guide," he replied with a playful tone. Our conversation flowed smoothly throughout the flight, despite an underlying tension.
An hour later, our plane touched down at Athras. As we disembarked, a royal entourage welcomed us with an air of majesty. With Mshell by my side, I couldn't help but notice the extra attention I received, but it didn't bother me much.
"Is it just me, or are these gazes fixated on me?" I mused, not expecting an answer. The student population at Crowns was relatively small; there were limits to how many royals a country could have, and not all of them attended Crowns. Nevertheless, compared to other royal schools, Crowns boasted a substantial enrollment.
"You'll get used to it," Mshell replied with a smirk, his demeanour casual.
Had my decision to choose him as my guide been a mistake? Just then, he gently took my hand, and we moved forward. A golden limousine pulled up, and Mshell opened the door for me.
"Allow me, Your Highness. Let me be your guide," Mshell said with a sincere expression. As the other students entered limousines of various colours, I could hear whispers and bickering. They had noticed his gesture.
I wished I could turn around and announce, "He's my guide, nothing more." But that might have fueled unnecessary speculation. After all, we were all on a school excursion, and Mshell was simply fulfilling his role this was his city.
Though I did glance around for Hayley and Jane, I couldn't spot them. They must have been on the other planes, I thought. Returning my attention to the present, I stepped into the limousine, with Mshell joining me.
Oddly, the chauffeur was a woman. While I was accustomed to such gestures as a princess, this one felt different. Was it because Mshell was the emperor's son, and this was his realm?
"Nanina, please take us to the Gordiee," Mshell instructed the chauffeur.
"Of course, Your Majesty. And would the young princess care for some refreshments? I have my latest Vanilla Cake and Ice-cream combo," she asked, her voice exuding warmth and gentleness.
"Did you say Vanilla?" I couldn't contain my excitement. "Vanilla was my favourite, and I firmly believed you couldn't go wrong with it," I said. My enthusiasm prompted a chuckle from Mshell, who had a captivating smile.
"Nanina here is truly versatile," Mshell remarked.
Suddenly, a small tray-like object glided toward us. It stopped by my side and transformed into a tiny robot holding a tray, which it handed to me.
"Here you go, Princess Vanilla," the robot chimed. I burst into laughter – it was a charming little thing. How had it managed to assemble all this in under three minutes?
This had to have been planned, I thought. But was it all because I had chosen him as my guide?
"Oh my, what a delightful little creation! Thank you so much," I responded, accepting the tray. On it was a delectable cake and ice cream combo. The first bite was a revelation – the best thing I'd ever tasted. The vanilla flavour was exquisite. I couldn't help but express my delight, and Nanina seemed genuinely pleased that I enjoyed it.
During our journey, we made stops at various eateries and shops. Mshell shared his favorite places and things with me. We took numerous pictures, and the experience felt like a mini vacation. Athras Central was even more enchanting than my dad had described, and with Mshell as my guide, it felt like the perfect fit. Just 20 minutes into exploring Athras Central I already found myself imagining a life here, as if it could be my forever home.
A few minutes later, we found ourselves standing in front of Gordiee. The place was already buzzing with other students who had arrived earlier. My eyes quickly located Jane and Marshal among the crowd. With a sense of excitement, I walked up to them, Mshell following my lead.
"Jane, Marshal! You won't believe how amazing this city is!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my enthusiasm.
"I get it, it's stunning! And let's not even start on the charm of this place," Jane responded, matching my excitement.
Mshell and Mello exchanged a curious look, clearly not entirely sure what to make of our energy.
"Guess who's decided to be everyone's knight in shining armour?" Hayley's voice echoed from above.
All of us raised our gaze to see Hayley perched beside a statue that resembled a knight.
"Oh my goodness, Hayley De 'Ville, you never fail to surprise us," Jane said, shaking her head, and we burst into laughter.
Amid the laughter, I couldn't help but notice that Carlo was nowhere in sight. I glanced around, searching for him, but he was conspicuously absent. If I'm honest, it has been a while since I last saw them together. I couldn't help but wonder if their relationship had hit a dead end, though I wouldn't have been shocked by the news.
After our friends dispersed, leaving Mshell and me in our little bubble, Gordiee seemed to come alive. Royal students occupied every corner, capturing the essence of the place through their cameras, videos, and vlogs.
As the noise around us quieted, I couldn't help but express my awe. "Gordiee is something else. Look at the atmosphere, the ancient ruins, the entire setting. It's almost impossible to believe that this place has such deep historical roots."
Mshell nodded in agreement, his eyes taking in the surroundings.
"You're right. I've been visiting this place since I was a child, yet it never ceases to amaze me. This is living history. See that statue up there?" he pointed, drawing my gaze.
"That's the Knight of Bermling," referring to the same knightly figure that Hayley had playfully posed beside earlier.
"Seriously?" I inquired, intrigued by the name Bermling but not familiar with its story.
As we stood by the statue, he began to recount a captivating narrative, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
"Have you ever heard of Sir Bermling?" he asked, his voice carrying a storyteller's charm. "His story is truly something else. He started as an orphan, seeking refuge in the palace stables. Both his parents worked in the castle, but after their passing, he was left all alone. Can you believe it? He even had to resort to eating the horses' feed just to survive."
I listened, drawn into the tale he was weaving, and imagined the hardships Bermling faced.
"But then, something incredible happened. One day, a young prince was on the brink of falling from his balcony. Despite his hunger and hardships, Bermling dashed forward with unwavering courage. He managed to save the prince from the edge."
I looked at the statue before us, almost seeing it come to life in my mind as he described the scene.
"That one act of bravery turned him into a hero," he continued his admiration for Bermling evident in his words. "And here's the most intriguing part – the young prince he saved? He's my great-great-great-grandfather."
A sense of pride and a personal connection shone through as he revealed this surprising detail. The statue stood tall and proud, a symbol of the incredible story he had just shared with me. At that moment, I felt a deeper bond with him as I marvelled at the tale and the heritage it connected him to.
Mshell's enthusiasm was infectious as he recounted the tale. It was hard not to be captivated by his vivid storytelling. And as I listened, I couldn't help but notice his features—had he always been this handsome? A loose curl of his raven-black hair brushed against his forehead, his lips held an inviting allure, and his deep black eyes were both intense and inviting. A faint blush tinged his otherwise composed cheeks as he spoke.
With a newfound awareness, I acknowledged that Mshell was undeniably attractive—something I had secretly believed for quite some time.
"You know what's mind-blowing?" he asked, locking his gaze with mine.
"What?" I replied, feeling an odd mix of nervousness and excitement.
"This whole story—it's utterly unbelievable," he responded, his eyes conveying something more profound.
"Absolutely," I concurred, feeling a deep connection forming between us. With Mshell, every interaction felt effortless and genuine, a rarity I had never experienced before.
"Vanilla, you seem a bit off. Everything all right?" he inquired, his tone laced with genuine concern.
"Hold on, did you just refer to me as Vanilla?". I blushed, attempting to conceal my embarrassment.
"Yeah, it just felt right, and it suits you. Hope you don't mind," he said with a hint of a smile.
I couldn't deny that the nickname had a certain charm, especially when it came from him. But my mind was far from settled—I liked him, and I was pretty sure I had managed to complicate things.
Before my racing thoughts could hold me back, I leapt and kissed him.
It was a bold move, and as our lips met, I felt a mix of exhilaration and uncertainty.
It seemed that, at that moment, I had completely let go of inhibitions and allowed my heart to take the lead.
I must have completely lost my mind.