boarding arrangements
1421 Words
I walk over to Jeffrey once we were all released from the suffocating ceremony and the endless droning on speeches.
My neck was so stiff, if I tried to pop it I'd probably end up dead on the floor.
At least then I wouldn't have to deal with this upcoming school year.
"Are you ready to retire my crown prince?"
"Yes, thank you."
I stop when we get to the end of our pew.
"Well, actually. That local boy who went up on stage a little after me. What do you know about him?"
Jeffrey furrows his brows.
"The local? I do know a background check was done on him and his family. No prior infringements or charges were found."
Those are the boring details. He must not know much. I mean, why would he? The boy looks harmless.
"Does he live on campus?"
"No, he does not."
"And why is that?"
He deserves the same treatment that we all get if he's going to school here.
"I do not know your crown prince. I can look further into it."
I shake my head a small no.
"That's not necessary."
"Of course, your crown prince."
We walked outside, Jeffrey stepping to either of my sides if we passed a person. Yes, because that scrawny little redheaded girl was going to murder me.
I bat him away when he grabs my arm, pulling me away from a girl that tried to approach us.
"Hello—oh, are you busy, Prince Nicoli?"
"Sorry about him. He is not socially trained. No, I'm not just heading outside. What may I help you with?
"Nothing really. I just—"
"Nothing? Well then, I'm rather tired. Do you mind if we find time to talk later."
I didn't want to speak with another person. I don't even want to hold a conversation with Jeffrey right now.
Someone actually coming up to me was unexpected; most were too scared to talk to me.
Exiting out the now propped-open church doors, I breathe in deep. Basking in the outside air. She follows us, still trying to talk.
"I'm Olivia, previous years class president, and I'm currently running for the current president position."
"Is that so?"
I shake her hand when she extends hers to me.
Her intent gaze felt like she was trying to hold me in place with her eyes. Finally giving in I hold still as she explains the need for her bother.
"Yes. I just wanted to welcome you to our school. And also tell you to let me know if you have any questions, Princess Nicoli. I'd be more than happy to help!"
"Is that it?I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Olivia and Nicoli. Works just fine as we are classmates now. You may speak casually."
"Nicoli, okay. I hope I can count upon your vote!"
I laugh stiffly, not voicing what wanted to come out. I knew I wouldn't be allowed to vote. Anything that could be viewed as political I had to stay far from.
"You can go now; I won't hold you hostage any longer."
I turn to walk away when I see that familiar head of dark curls.
He was speaking with the headmistress; his body language screamed anger. Curiosity filled me as I stopped walking.
"Crown prince—"
"I want to speak to the headmistress before retirement."
He nods not questioning my request, allowing me to walk over.
The words becoming clearer the closer I got to them.
"It is a personal matter. We cannot have the public bus approaching the school anymore. Walking or bike riding is your only option."
I hear the headmistress bite out at Alex.
"How am I supposed to come to school if I cannot physically make it to the school?!"
He asks exasperated.
Once I get a couple feet away, they both notice. The headmistress fixing her hair and smoothing her skirt out.
"Crown prince, how may I help you?"
I hear Alex sigh, annoyed by my interruption.
"I was going to discuss personal matters. Sorry to interrupt your conversation."
Alex kicks his foot. Crossing his arms in attitude.
"No, you're not interrupting at all. Why don't we head inside so we can talk? Alex You'll just have to figure out your own transportation."
"I commute from midtown to here on a bike, or at least I did until some hooligan broke my bike. Public buses are not allowed entrance on the property anymore, and they refuse to stop illegally to let me off outside the gates. What is there to figure out?"
"A hooligan, you say. Now how did that happen? Was there a struggle?"
She laughs at my interest in the subject that has nothing to do with me. Absolutely nothing.
I could feel the grin cross my face as I remember our interaction earlier.
"It's none of your concern, Crown Prince. Don't worry your head. Like I said, let's go inside, Alex; we can speak further about this matter later on."
I shake my head.
"No, no, headmistress. If I'm the sole reason he can't get an education, my heart will feel heavy. There must be a room he could stay in on campus. Or a car he could be given?"
"A car? Oh, crown prince, that is not within our budget to gift a whole car to a student."
"Okay, then a room."
Alex chimes in.
"I'll figure it out. No need to worry that pretty head of yours, crown prince."
He obviously disliked how I was helping. Uncrossing his arms when he says crown prince. The way he spoke it was like it had an underlying meaning. As if my title was a. Bad thing. Truly it was. But most people view it as the best thing I could have ever been given in the world.
I narrow my eyes slightly.
"I have a name. And it is not crown prince. Try again."
Challenged Alex goes to retort with a sly remark only to have the headmistress speak over him.
"Yes, Prince Nicoli, we can handle it. Besides, there are no dorm rooms with an open bed currently.
My mouth speaks before my mind could process fully what I was saying.
"What about the rooms next to mine? There is an open one on the left and right."
The headmistress looked appalled by my words. Jeffrey finally stepping in.
Concerned by the fact I just gave up my privacy to a boy I don't know. A simple boy at that.
"Crown prince, I cannot allow—"
"He's had a thorough background check done to be able to attend school here; there is no security risk. It's not like I'm allowing him to stay in my personal room."
He tries to object again, but I give him a pointed look stopping his words.
"I don't want it."
Alex spits out. His deep brown eyes locking with mine. I look away breaking the eye contact.
"No, but you need it. Now accept my generosity while I'm being kind."
I warn putting my hands in my pockets. He needs to admit he's lost this battle and back down.
"We can buy him a new bike. Or he can borrow one of the schools."
Headmistress forces her way back into the conversation.
Can't she tell how unwanted she is. Her ignorance was rather annoying. She served her purpose on getting me into the conversation. So she can go now.
"No need. We've settled it, besides I just didn't feel fully safe knowing someone could easily go on and off campus like that. Isn't my safety a top priority?"
She nods quickly. Jeffrey looks Alex up and down, his words feeling like an attack at the boy.
"Yes, your safety is the most important objective, Crown Prince."
I clap my hands together.
"Alright then, we've agreed. He may room next to me for the school year."
"No, we haven't agreed upon anything."
The stubborn boy still tries to object.
"Are you telling me no?"
I ask, feigning innocence.
"Ye-"
"NO. He isn't. We will arrange his occupancy of one of the rooms. He deeply thanks you for your kindness."
The headmistress held her hand up in front of Alex to stop him from speaking further. I watch him roll his eyes.
"Well Alex, I thank you for your gratitude."
Finding his unfiltered reaction amusing I wink at Alex, the anger evident on his face.
Jeffrey stammering as he follows like a puppy dog as I leave.
"B-but crown prince."
- Writer
