“I would like to apologise, Percy, if you felt my questioning inappropriate. You are the first student from the outskirt communities I have ever encountered at Sanguis or any other Academy. Your way of life is fascinating. The history behind communities like yours is as old as the Borealis Kingdom. It must be quite the shock to find yourself here and a member of House Borealis, the personal servant of her Royal Highness no less. I am very interested to know your perspective on our political structure and ways of life. I hope you don’t mind if I call on you frequently for your views as the class progresses,” he told me. As polite as he was, he wasn’t really asking for my consent.
“I do mind,” I answered. “I’m not here to satisfy your curiosity.” I didn’t want to have that much attention placed on me. It wasn’t fair.
“That is not how I meant for you to feel,” he replied, standing up from his desk. “A different perspective is novel around here. I want you to feel free to share your thoughts and differences. It would be useful for my research, and I’m certain we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement. You do want to pass my class, yes?”
“I’m not here for your research either,” I told him. “Are you saying you’ll fail me if I don’t answer your asinine questions?” I was angry that he thought he could force me to do anything.
“Asinine. That’s a big word. I’m surprised; I didn’t think your level of education would allow for such vocabulary,” he said mockingly. I bit my cheek to stop myself from cursing him out; I didn’t think the Princess would be happy if I did.
“I’d prefer if you didn’t single me out for questioning. You want to know how we live and what we think? All you need to do is go to an ‘outskirt’ community - we don’t call ourselves that - and speak to people. I’m not the spokesperson for my home. No one person is.”
He looked at me for a few silent moments, and I could tell he didn’t like that I was arguing with him. The squint to his eyes seemed almost predatory.
“Yes. I understand,” he said after appearing to think of his response. “My intrigue has caused me to behave in an ungentlemanly manner. Enjoy the rest of your day,” he said tightly, dismissing me.
Edward almost fell into the room when I opened the door, having been pressed against it trying to eavesdrop. Harris sniggered behind him, and I realised that I was shaking slightly.
6. Stolen Kisses
Persephone Flores
“What did he want?” Ana asked as we began to walk towards the café for lunch.
“To know if he could question me more. He thinks I’ll have different opinions or something. I told him no, and he suggested he’d fail me and that I was stupid.” I answered.
“Unacceptable!” Edward hissed. I knew the Princess would learn of what had happened.
“Always stand your ground with people like that. He gives me the creeps,” Harris added.
“Percy is more than capable of taking care of herself,” Ana told them and looped her arm with mine. Leaning into me, she continued in a whisper, “I think I could probably give him a heart attack if you want?”
“Ana!” I said, shocked. “I didn’t know you were prone to violence,” I told her, feigning horror. Her touch calmed me as we walked. She giggled and smacked my arm.
“For my friend and fellow witch, I’d become as malevolent as they fear me to be,” she said and then cackled dramatically. It was entirely unexpected and theatrically loud. Her head tilted back, and her free hand rose high in a claw.
We were laughing almost hysterically while Edward and Harris looked at us worriedly.
“Should we be concerned?” Edward asked, turning to Harris.
“That the witches have turned against us? It’s always a possibility,” Harris answered.
“Stop it you two. I can’t,” Ana cried, nearly doubling over.
“Leave my friend alone, or I’ll drown you in flowers,” I told them.
“Flowers?” Harris asked.
“Roses with thorns,” I added threateningly. Ana gripped my arm, wiping at her tears of laughter.
“Poison Ivy would be better,” she said.
“You’re right. This is why we’re friends,” I agreed.
“We’re sorry,” Edward said, holding his hands up and grinning.
“Ana, you’d poison ivy me?” Harris pouted.
“Not me. Percy would. I’d stop your heart,” she said, regaining her composure.