BEHIND THE CROWN
972 Words
The bells of Eldoria Royal University rang through the crisp morning air, announcing the start of another beautiful day.
Golden sunlight poured over the ancient stone buildings, while students crossed the campus carrying books beneath their arms. The gardens were alive with blooming flowers, birds sang from the towering oak trees, and laughter echoed along the pathways.
Professor Alistair Hawthorne stood before the class, writing the final notes of the day's lecture across the blackboard.
"...And remember," he said with a warm smile, turning to face the students, "history isn't merely about remembering the past. It's about understanding the choices that shape the future."
His words were met with thoughtful silence.
Then the bell rang.
"That will be all for today."
Students began gathering their books.
Aurora stretched dramatically.
"I think Professor Hawthorne secretly enjoys making us read an entire library."
The class laughed.
Professor Hawthorne folded his arms with a grin.
"If reading a library makes you wiser, Miss Aurora, then I believe it's worth the effort."
Aurora placed a hand over her heart.
"You wound me, Professor."
More laughter filled the room.
Even Octavia couldn't hide her smile.
Professor Hawthorne shook his head, amused.
"I expect all three of you to have finished the assignment before our next lecture."
"We will," Octavia answered politely.
"I'll try," Aurora corrected.
Professor Hawthorne chuckled.
"I'll accept 'try'... as long as it becomes 'done.'"
"Deal."
The three girls left the lecture hall together.
Outside, the afternoon breeze carried the sweet scent of roses across the university grounds.
Students gathered beneath the trees, discussing lessons while others hurried towards the library.
"I don't know about you two," Aurora said, "but I desperately need something sweet after surviving today's lectures."
Octavia laughed.
"You say that after every lecture."
"Because every lecture deserves a reward."
Arina smiled quietly.
"I'll leave you two to debate desserts."
Aurora frowned.
"You're leaving already?"
"I have something to do."
Octavia nodded.
"We'll see you tomorrow."
"You will."
Arina smiled warmly before walking away.
Neither of her friends questioned where she was going.
---
As the afternoon faded into evening...
The Royal Palace stood proudly above Eldoria.
Its magnificent white marble walls glowed beneath the setting sun, while crystal fountains sparkled within perfectly kept gardens.
Elegant towers stretched toward the heavens, their golden flags dancing in the gentle breeze.
Everyone in Eldoria admired the palace.
Few had ever stepped inside.
Within its grand halls, servants quietly prepared one of the royal chambers.
Fresh flowers were placed beside the windows.
Silk curtains were opened to welcome the evening air.
A silver tea service rested neatly upon an elegant table.
One young maid carefully smoothed the embroidered blankets.
"I've missed her laughter."
Another maid smiled.
"So has Her Majesty."
The large doors opened softly.
Arina stepped inside.
The maids immediately bowed.
"Welcome home, Princess Arina."
A gentle smile spread across her face.
"Thank you."
"It's wonderful to have you back, Your Highness."
"I've only been gone for three days," Arina replied with a laugh.
"To us," an older maid answered kindly, "it felt much longer."
Before another word could be spoken...
The doors opened once again.
"Arina."
Queen Mirabel crossed the room with graceful elegance.
Without hesitation, she embraced her daughter tightly.
"My precious girl."
Arina smiled into the hug.
"I missed you too, Mother."
Queen Mirabel pulled back just enough to look at her.
"You disappeared to the university and left your poor mother counting every single day."
"I wasn't that far away."
"Three days."
Arina laughed.
"I promise I'll visit more often."
"You always say that."
"I mean it this time."
A deep voice suddenly interrupted them.
"Your mother has heard that promise many times."
Both women turned.
King Alexza Nightfall stood in the doorway.
His commanding presence filled the room, yet his warm smile softened every step he took.
Arina hurried over.
"Father."
He embraced her proudly.
"It is good to have you home."
"It's good to be back."
The King studied her for a moment.
"You seem... happier."
"I am."
"I've made wonderful friends."
"They don't know I'm a princess."
Queen Mirabel sighed dramatically.
"And that is exactly the problem."
Arina smiled.
"No, Mother."
"That's exactly why they're real."
"They laugh with me."
"They argue with me."
"They treat me like everyone else."
"They don't bow every time I enter a room."
King Alexza chuckled softly.
"You've always wanted an ordinary life."
"Just while I'm at the university."
Queen Mirabel shook her head affectionately.
"You are impossible."
"So I've been told."
The room filled with gentle laughter.
---
Elsewhere inside the palace...
A pair of polished black shoes echoed softly against the marble floor.
The young prince walked alone through one of the palace's long corridors before stepping onto a wide balcony overlooking the kingdom.
The evening breeze stirred his dark hair.
Below, Eldoria shimmered beneath thousands of glowing lanterns.
From here, the university could be seen in the distance.
His gaze rested there for a long while.
Without meaning to...
He remembered a young woman whose bright smile had lingered in his thoughts ever since he had first noticed her.
The way she laughed with her friends.
The kindness in her eyes.
The warmth she carried wherever she went.
He found himself smiling.
A palace guard approached quietly.
"Your Highness."
The prince looked over.
"The council is waiting."
"I'll be there shortly."
The guard bowed respectfully before leaving.
The prince remained where he was for another moment.
For reasons he couldn't explain...
He hoped fate would allow their paths to cross.
Not as a prince and a commoner...
But simply as two strangers.
Far below, the lights of Eldoria twinkled beneath the night sky.
Somewhere in that beautiful city...
Octavia was laughing with Aurora, completely unaware that someone within the palace had begun looking forward to each new day...
- Writer
