The early morning light spills through the tall windows of Issabelle and Olivia's dorm room in soft, golden hues. Issabelle stands in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of her neatly pressed Royal Institute uniform. She frowns, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. Beside her, Olivia is fixing her own appearance, though with a more relaxed demeanor, stealing amused glances at Issabelle.
"Honestly, Issabelle, you'll wear out that mirror if you keep staring at it," Olivia teases, tossing her long hair back with a casual flick.
Issabelle grins, smoothing her collar one last time before giving up. "Can't help it. First impressions matter, you know. And with the amount of new students around this semester, it's hard to tell who's worth impressing and who isn't."
Olivia rolls her eyes, giving Issabelle a playful nudge. "Speaking of which," she says, lowering her voice as though discussing a great secret, "have you noticed Jacob?"
Issabelle blushes slightly, caught off guard by the question. "Jacob?" she echoes, trying to sound casual. "I mean, he's…different. Quiet, I guess. Not exactly what you'd expect."
Olivia nods thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Exactly. I thought he was just like any other reserved student at first, but lately, I feel there's something…unique about him. Like he's carrying some kind of mystery."
Issabelle laughs softly, though her gaze drifts back to her reflection, suddenly thoughtful. "It's strange, isn't it? He hardly talks about himself, yet… I don't know, I feel drawn to him. Maybe it's just because he's quiet."
Olivia grins knowingly. "Or maybe it's because he doesn't play by the usual rules around here. I mean, look at everyone else; they're all eager to impress or show off. But Jacob? He just…exists, without trying to stand out. It's refreshing."
They share a brief, knowing glance. It's clear that, despite Jacob's mysterious and reserved nature, both girls have developed a certain soft spot for him. Their connection to him has grown steadily over the past few weeks, and though neither of them knows much about his past, they feel an undeniable bond. It's not something they would openly admit, but the understanding lingers in the unspoken words between them.
---
### Jacob's Internal Struggles
Meanwhile, across campus in his quiet dorm room, Jacob stands by the window, gazing out at the manicured gardens and towering buildings of the Royal Institute. The sun casts a warm glow over the grounds, but Jacob feels an unshakable weight pressing down on him, a burden he has grown all too accustomed to bearing.
He knows he's different. He's not here simply to receive an education; he's here under strict terms outlined by his grandfather's will—a document that binds him to secrecy about his true identity. The family has left him this one chance to experience a life outside of the royal spotlight, to live as any other student would. In exchange, he must hide his royal lineage and navigate the challenges of being an anonymous student. Until he graduates, he is forbidden from revealing his heritage. It's a rule that, though necessary, has left him feeling isolated.
He often finds himself watching the other students, wondering what it would be like to have friendships without the weight of secrecy. Yet, his mind drifts back to his family: his strict, duty-bound father; his kind but distant mother; and the looming legacy of his grandfather, who had devoted his life to the Stuart family name. Jacob knows the expectations placed upon him, yet he longs for the freedom to be himself.
For now, though, he knows he must keep his true identity hidden. Any revelation of his royal bloodline could jeopardize his chances of a normal life, even if only temporarily. He takes a deep breath, reminding himself of his purpose here and the promise he made to his family. The day awaits, and he steels himself for whatever challenges may come.
---
### The Cafeteria Incident
By lunchtime, the cafeteria buzzes with the usual energy of students gathering to eat and socialize. Jacob moves through the crowd, his gaze fixed ahead as he searches for an empty table. His quiet demeanor helps him go unnoticed most of the time, allowing him to slip in and out of places without attracting too much attention.
Today, however, is different.
Across the room, Albert—a popular student known for his arrogance and family's high rank in the Stuart military—spots Jacob and narrows his eyes. Albert sees Jacob as an easy target, someone who doesn't belong in his elite social circle, and he's more than eager to assert his superiority.
Flanked by two of his friends, Albert saunters over to Jacob's table, his gaze filled with a smug satisfaction. "Well, well, if it isn't our little outsider," he sneers, loud enough for nearby students to hear. "Do you really think you belong here, Jacob?"
Jacob remains silent, refusing to meet Albert's gaze. He keeps his head down, focusing on his meal, hoping to avoid a confrontation.
Albert, annoyed by Jacob's lack of reaction, sneers. "Too good to talk to us, huh?" He reaches out and shoves Jacob's tray, sending food spilling across the table.
"Did I say you could sit here, peasant?" Albert taunts, a mocking grin spreading across his face.
Jacob clenches his fists under the table, fighting back the urge to retaliate. He knows better than to draw attention to himself, especially with the risk of his true identity being exposed. Instead, he stands up, choosing to walk away rather than engage with Albert's taunts.
Issabelle and Olivia, seated a few tables away, watch the scene unfold with growing anger and concern. They exchange a look, wordlessly agreeing that they cannot stand by and do nothing.
Without hesitation, Issabelle grabs Olivia's arm. "Come on," she says urgently. "Let's find Mr. Sam."
The two girls weave through the crowded cafeteria and dash down the hallway, their footsteps echoing as they head toward the gymnasium. They find Sam, the P.T. teacher, organizing equipment for the next class.
"Mr. Sam!" Issabelle calls out breathlessly. "You have to come to the cafeteria. Albert and his friends are bullying Jacob!"
Sam, a middle-aged man with a strong sense of justice, immediately sets down the equipment and follows the girls back to the cafeteria, his expression darkening with each step.
---
### Standing Up to Albert
Sam's arrival in the cafeteria causes a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. His authoritative presence commands respect, and even the loudest conversations fall silent as he approaches Albert and his friends, who are still laughing about the incident.
"Albert," Sam says, his voice calm but firm, "I don't tolerate bullying at this institute. Apologize to Jacob—now."
Albert scoffs, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, come on, Sam. He's just a reserved student. Who cares?"
Sam's expression hardens, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I don't care who your family is, Albert. Bullying is unacceptable, regardless of your status. Apologize to Jacob, or this goes straight to the headmaster."
There's a tense silence as Albert's smug expression falters. He glances around, realizing that everyone in the cafeteria is watching, waiting to see what he'll do. Reluctantly, he mutters a barely audible apology, though his tone drips with insincerity.
Satisfied but not finished, Sam turns to Albert's friends. "And as for the rest of you—you'll be serving detention for your part in this."
Albert's friends groan in protest but know better than to argue. They gather their things and leave the cafeteria, visibly disgruntled.
---
### A Moment of Gratitude
As the crowd begins to disperse, Jacob stands off to the side, a mixture of relief and residual humiliation etched on his face. Issabelle and Olivia approach him, their expressions filled with genuine concern.
"Are you alright, Jacob?" Issabelle asks softly, her voice full of empathy.
Jacob manages a small smile, grateful for their support. "I'm fine," he replies, his voice steady despite the lingering sting of the incident. "Thank you for stepping in. I'm not sure what I would've done without you."
Olivia gives him a warm smile, her eyes filled with kindness. "You're our friend, Jacob. We won't let anyone treat you like that."
For the first time since arriving at the institute, Jacob feels a genuine sense of belonging. He realizes that, despite his need to keep his true identity hidden, he isn't entirely alone.
---
### A Night of Reflection
That evening, Jacob sits by the window in his dorm room, gazing out at the campus as darkness settles over the grounds. The events of the day replay in his mind—the confrontation with Albert, Sam's intervention, and the kindness shown by Issabelle and Olivia. He feels a mix of gratitude and unease, knowing that he's at a crossroads.
"Why do they care about me?" he wonders aloud, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm just another reserved student to them."
But deep down, Jacob knows that Issabelle and Olivia's friendship has become important to him. The connection they share feels genuine, something he hasn't experienced in a long time. Yet, the weight of his hidden identity presses down on him, a constant reminder of the family obligations he can't escape. He knows that if they ever discover the truth—that he is not just Jacob, the quiet student, but a hidden prince bound by duty—it could change everything.
Bound by his family's will,