Mikaela

“Meow, Mika!”

I open my eyes, startled. “What? What’s wrong? What happened?” I sit up in bed and stare at Moon standing on my stomach, looking at me intently.

“You’re late for the academy. You’re so, so late, meow,” she informs, prompting me to glance outside the window.

“Oh, dung!” I immediately place her on the floor and jump out of bed in a hurry when I see that the sun is already high in the sky. “I’m so, so late. I can’t afford to miss my test!”

I wash my face in the water bowl and slip into a pair of Gabe’s old black breeches, a purple tunic, and my black boots. Then, after grabbing my books, I head to the kitchen to fix breakfast for my cats. To my relief, my parents are already off to the herb shop, and the house is empty.

“Where is Sun?” I ask Moon while mixing small bits of meat with chopped vegetables and water.

“I don’t know. He left when Gabe left.” She elegantly struts toward me and sits on my foot, looking up at me. “Do you think you’ll arrive at the academy on time?”

I shiver at the thought of arriving there late, as their rules are stringent and they impose severe punishments for those who can’t follow them.

“I’m going to try because I can’t miss my test, even though I’m sure I’ll fail,” I mumble, dropping the food into my cats’ bowls and kissing Moon on the head. “Bye. Thank you for waking me up.”

“Aren’t you going to have breakfast?” she asks, visibly concerned.

“No, I’m not. There’s not enough time for that. Bye.” I smile lovingly at her before bursting through the front door and running toward the academy.

* * *

On a Wednesday morning, the streets are bustling with street vendors, ladies and gentlemen strolling around to enjoy the sun, and parents taking their children to learning places. Unfortunately, my academy is uphill, almost on the other side of the capital.

When I run past the massive cathedral dedicated to the White Dragon in the center of the commoners’ market, I glance up at the giant bell just as it rings out for the terce prayer, which means the history test is starting.

“Oh, please, White Dragon, grant me your blessing and help me get to the academy faster,” I mutter, praying for a miracle.

I stop for a brief moment to regain my breath, and squint against the hot sun. I could always take the shortcut through the alley, even though I hate it with all my guts.

The shortcut would save me some time from my usual path to the academy, but I’m dreading taking it because it’s in the noble part of the kingdom. In fact, I would have to run past the Royal Academy.

The Royal Academy is every student’s dream. However, only high-ranking nobles are eligible to attend, whereas the lower ones are forced to go to the Wreigh Academy with the rest of us commoners.

“For White Dragon’s sake. I don’t have enough time to hesitate.” I dart toward the shortcut, running like I have never run before.

Soon enough, the whole world around me shifts into something straight out of my fairytale books. The humble, dirty district transforms into one glittering with gold and iron. The streets are spotless, with noble district guards everywhere. The nobles are fancy and elegant; the shops sell expensive clothes, rare foods, and gleaming weapons. Even the magical carriages rolling down the roads probably cost more than the entire commoners’ part of the kingdom combined.

I run so fast and desperately that I end up rushing past some well-dressed people, making them glare at me in complete shock.

“Oh, my. What rude behavior, young lady.” I hear an old woman scolding me.

“What is a commoner doing here?” another man in expensive attire complains as I nearly knock him over.

“I’m sorry ,” I manage to yell between my running and sharp intakes of breath.

I’m about to turn around the corner that leads to the Royal Academy, bustling with well-groomed students, who stare at me with shock and indignation as they’re being dropped off by their extravagant carriages. Still, I don’t have time to care about their rude opinions and swear words, so I keep running, trying to avoid looking at anyone’s faces and ignoring everything around me.

Suddenly, I collide with someone and fall to the ground, landing hard on my behind and hands, the force of the collision sending us both sprawling in opposite directions. As a result, my books scatter everywhere, and a sharp pain shoots through my body.

“Ouch,” I cry, quickly glancing at my hands covered in bleeding bruises. “For White Dragon’s sake!”

In the blink of an eye, a commotion forms around me and the person I knocked into. Even so, I don’t even bother to look at them, as I’m sure they’re just a spoiled noble student.

People gasp and stop in their tracks, staring at me with sorrow and pity etched on their faces. Some shake their heads in disapproval, while others laugh and mock me. Most, however, seem frightened, which is particularly odd.

“Your Highness, are you all right?” I hear someone ask the person I ran into.

“Who are you, and what brings you here, filthy commoner?” A rude voice catches my attention.

I look up to see royal knights surrounding me, armed with swords.

“Who sent you?” they bark.

I stare at them, confused and amazed, as they’re all massive and intimidating with their stern faces and fancy armor, the latter carrying the kingdom’s crest—a majestic golden falcon with two swords crossed behind it.

“What is happening?” I mumble, still disoriented.

“Why are you trying to murder His Highness?” one of them demands, causing me to frown while trying to grasp the situation.

“What?” I repeat, unable to comprehend anything.

I feel so puzzled that I can’t think straight—all I can see in front of me is my failed test, my dad hitting me, and myself locked up in my chamber without food and water again.

“If you do not explain yourself now, I shall cut off your head,” the royal knight nearest to me threatens, pointing the tip of their sword at my neck.

Snapping back to reality, I realize they’re really ready to end my life.

“What are you talking about? Whom am I trying to murder?” I ask, exasperated.

“Let me deal with the girl.” A chilling voice cuts through the air as an old, skinny man approaches me.

Still sitting on the ground, I look up, a cold shiver running down my spine when I meet his icy green eyes. He seems oddly familiar, but I can’t place him.

“Look, My Lord. I have no idea what is going on right now. I’m so sorry for knocking into you or whomever I did, but I’m really late for my test, and I need to get going before my dad kills me.” I try to stand up, but the old man stomps his foot onto my chest, pinning me to the ground.

“Silence. You shall not speak another word. You are hereby placed under arrest for the attempted murder of royalty,” the old man announces, pressing his black boot against my chest, making me wince in pain.

“That is enough, Grant.” An authoritative voice comes from behind him, and the people around me start kneeling, lowering their heads, and staring at the ground.

What’s going on? Who are these people?

“Of course, Your Highness.” The old man bows his head and steps aside, revealing the actual person I knocked into .

Though his face seems familiar at first, recognition dawns on me as I recall the stunning portrait I have seen in the newspapers from time to time. Of all the nobles in our kingdom, the one I collided with happens to be the most prestigious and prominent—none other than Theodore Wreigh, the kingdom’s crown prince.

Oh, great. I nearly killed one of the most powerful men in our kingdom.

I look up, and there he is, standing in front of me, gazing at me with his penetrating and mysterious blue eyes. I can’t help but take a moment to realize how ridiculously handsome the prince truly is. I mean, I was aware of his attractiveness, but I had no idea he was this breathtaking. His tall, elegant figure is complemented by his toned body. His face is so beautiful that I find myself gaping at his mouth, his smooth, too-perfect nose, and his cheeks, which are a little flushed from the rush of impact. His light brown tousled hair has a couple of strands falling over his too-damn-beautiful penetrating blue eyes, giving him a boyishly attractive look.

I must confess that I now understand why girls from the kingdom are so eager to marry him. Not only is he the crown prince and future king of the kingdom, but he is also attractive and charming. In fact, he is the most beautiful man I have ever seen in my nineteen years of life.

I can smell his delicious cologne from where I’m lying, and my eyes roam down his heavenly form. He is wearing a deep blue doublet, black leather breeches, a matching deep blue cloak, and black leather boots. He looks like he stepped out of a portrait, and there is no denying that the White Dragon has been incredibly generous in granting him such impressive features.

“Stand up, Miss,” the crown prince commands, causing everyone around us to gasp and flinch.

I’m astonished myself because the crown prince is well-known for not speaking to commoners and for being incredibly rude to anyone outside his circle of friends and family.

Is the crown prince talking to me, or am I hearing voices again?

I keep staring into his eyes. He isn’t smiling, but he doesn’t seem to be angry at me either. However, his chin has a tiny bruise and is bleeding weakly, prompting the old man to rush to him.

“Your Highness, you are wounded and must receive medical care immediately,” he tells the crown prince before turning to face me with deadly eyes. “You shall face the consequences for this.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into him. I was just trying to take a shortcut to my academy. Please,” I beg the old man, avoiding the crown prince’s intense gaze.

“Knights, drag her to the king,” the old man orders.

I start trembling with fear and desperation. I don’t care if they throw me to the crocodiles, but I don’t want to be tortured to death. If they wish to punish me, they should just kill me already. What do the knights carry their swords for, for White Dragon’s sake?

“No.” The crown prince raises his hand, causing the knights to halt, sheathe their swords, and bow their heads. “That shall not be necessary,” he adds, his voice cold, before offering me his right hand.

I frown in response, unable to believe that the crown prince is really offering me help to stand up.

I choose to ignore his hand and tentatively begin to rise on my own, though I’m afraid that one wrong move might cost me my life. After all, I’m surrounded by an incredible number of heavily armed knights, am I not?

The crown prince tilts his head to the side, his indifferent expression shifting to one of curiosity. He watches me intently, and for a brief moment, I catch a glimpse of amusement in his stunning eyes.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to bump into you. I swear on White Dragon that I didn’t intend to do it.” I apologize, dropping to one knee in front of him, lowering my head, and staring at the ground.

“I am Crown Prince Theodore Wreigh. May I inquire your name?” he asks, holding my chin with his long fingers and gently tilting my head up to meet his gaze.

I hear loud gasps and murmurs running wildly among the people watching us. Even the knights seem bewildered, tensing at the crown prince’s touch on my face.

I timidly look at him, immediately engulfed by his piercing blue eyes. “I am Mikaela Jinks, Your Highness,” I say, trying to control my nervousness.

“And why, may I ask, were you running about like a madwoman?” he insists, curiosity evident in his expression.

The academy. The history test. Curses.

“Oh, my White Dragon. I still need to get to the Wreigh Academy because I’m late for my test. I’m very, very late, ” I exclaim, suddenly jumping to my feet. “I’m sorry for running into you, and I’m sorry for hurting your face, but I really have to go. Bye!” I dart toward the street again, not giving him a chance to stop me.

I end up bumping into a couple of noble students, and, ignoring their protests, I run straight ahead.

“I cannot believe the crown prince spoke to her.” One noble girl points at me, giving me a jealous and disdainful look.

“He even touched her face. Ugh, she is so lucky,” another girl says, evident disgust lacing her voice.

I roll my eyes and focus on the task at hand, and soon, but not soon enough, I leave the noble district behind and enter a familiar street. I can see my academy straight ahead, and I make a substantial effort to run faster, finally stopping in front of the open iron gates. I quickly head inside, walking fast through the halls.

“Oh, no. I forgot to collect my books from the ground when I knocked into the crown prince.” I slap my forehead, feeling annoyed and mad at myself. Regardless, I keep hurrying, pushing aside my concern for my books and focusing on the test.

“Please, I can’t be too late. I can’t be too late,” I mutter, but the emptiness in the halls tells me otherwise, causing me to fear the worst.

I finally arrive at my class and stop in front of the closed door, taking a deep breath and gathering my courage. However, as soon as I knock and Instructor Tuben opens the door, I see my hopes die right before me, her angry eyes indicating that I’m very late and that I’m certainly going to be punished for my lack of responsibility.

First, I knocked into the crown prince and almost ended up in a dungeon. Then, I lost all my books, and there is no way I can get enough coins to buy new ones. Now I’m late for my test, and my instructor is probably going to kill me. Even if she doesn’t, my dad surely will.

Great. What else is going to happen today?

“You are late, Mikaela,” Instructor Tuben says with a calculated voice, narrowing her hazel eyes at me.

I know I’m late. If I hadn’t run into that insufferable crown prince, I would have gotten here earlier. Ugh. I wish I could just run back to the Royal Academy and slap him for making me even later. Now that would be great.

“Therefore, you aren’t allowed to take the history test today, and you are required at the headmaster’s office now.” The instructor gives me a mocking smile. “Don’t feel sad, girl. You were going to fail the test anyway. It’s better if we cut straight to the chase, isn’t it?” She lets out a horrifying, sarcastic laugh before closing the door in my face.

“So much for trying to appreciate my miserable life.” I sigh in defeat and drag myself toward the headmaster’s office.