Mutual embarrassment.

The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter. But to princess , it's liveliness was noticeably subdued by the absence of Kael. Her title cast an invisible barrier, one that left most students hesitant to approach her directly. She sat in her usual seat, her auburn hair draped over her shoulders as she gazed out the frost-covered window, lost in thought. Her absentmindedness only emphasized the empty chair of kael next to her—Kael's chair.

The class had started to whisper about his absence. Some speculated he was unwell, while others spread rumors that he had simply fled after his last scuffle. The boys who had caused Kael trouble, however, seemed less affected by it.

Unlike the rest of the class, they weren't afraid of anyone even a princess. Though her title cast an invisible barrier, one that left most students hesitant to approach her.

Their leader, Alden flanked by his usual group of followers, confidently walked to the princess over again. 

"Your Highness," Alden called with a grin that was both polite and smug. "It must feel awfully lonely sitting here by yourself. Kael, your... friend, seems to have abandoned his duties to you."

The princess turned to him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "He's unwell," she said curtly. Her tone held no room for further prying, but Alden wasn't easily discouraged.

"Unwell?" Alden said with feigned concern. "How unfortunate. Perhaps it's a good thing he's not here. He always struck me as... unreliable." he laughed.

The other boys chuckled, eager to back up their leader. One of them leaned forward, adding, "We could keep you company instead, Princess. If you want."

They laughed again.

The princess didn't respond, her gaze hardening as her fingers tapped lightly on the desk. The group took her silence as an invitation to continue.

Alden pulled out a chair and sat beside her. "We just want what's best for you," he said smoothly. "You don't have to rely on someone like Kael. As I said he's nothing but trouble."

Though she remained silent, her clenched fists betrayed her frustration. Alden smirked, thinking he was winning her over.

"Why don't you let us walk you home after class?" Alden suggested. "It's far too cold to be walking alone, especially for someone as important as you."

Another boy added eagerly, "And we could introduce you to a few of our friends. Loyal servants, your highness."

Their laughter grated against her ears, but before she could speak, the quieter boy, who had introduced her to Lira earlier, stepped forward. His name was Edrick, and though he was part of Alden's group, he seemed far less arrogant or pretending to be.

"I think you're overstepping," Edrick said, his voice firm but calm. "The princess can choose her own company. You don't need to speak ill of someone who isn't here to defend himself."

Alden shot Edrick a sharp look, but Edrick ignored him and turned to the princess. "I'm sorry for their behavior, Your Highness," he said with a respectful bow. "If there's anything you need, I'm sure Lira and I would be happy to assist you."

The princess gave him a small, appreciative nod but said nothing. Her mind was still on Kael, and the more the boys talked, the more she longed for his presence. As lessons continue, Alden returned to his seat, though he made sure to flash a grin in the princess's direction before he left.

The princess sat with silence through the lecture. As the final bell rang, the she gathered her belongings, her delicate movements graceful yet brisk. The air outside was still cold, and the chatter of students echoed in the halls as they prepared to leave. Edrick lingered by the door with Lira, waiting for the princess to approach.

When she did, Edrick mustered the courage to step forward. "Your Highness," he began with a polite bow, "Lira and I were wondering if we could escort you home. The streets can be unforgiving in this weather."

Lira nodded eagerly, her hands clasped in front of her. "It would be an honor to accompany you, Your Highness. We wouldn't want you walking alone."

The princess paused, her expression softening as she regarded the two. A faint smile tugged at her lips, one that held a hint of amusement. "I appreciate your concern," she said warmly. "But do you truly think I would walk home alone?"

Edrick blinked, taken aback. "Well, no, but—"

Before he could finish, a distant sound interrupted him—the distinct clatter of hooves against cobblestone, growing louder by the second. A beautifully intricate carriage rolled into view just beyond the school gates, its golden accents gleaming even in the muted gray of the cloudy afternoon. The royal crest adorned its sides, and a pair of armored guards flanked it, their imposing presence ensuring the princess's safety.

The princess turned to Edrick and Lira, her smile now fully formed, playful and knowing. "You see," she said lightly, gesturing toward the carriage, "My escort is already here."

Edrick stared, his mouth slightly agape. The grandeur of the scene, so effortlessly regal, left him momentarily speechless. Lira, meanwhile, looked equally stunned but managed to stammer, "Of course, Your Highness. We didn't mean to overstep."

The princess chuckled softly, her laughter as delicate as the frost clinging to the windows. "Not at all. It's kind of you both to think of me. But I assure you, I'm well looked after."

She descended the steps of the school with her usual poise, the hem of her cloak sweeping behind her. The guards immediately moved to assist her, opening the carriage door with reluctance and care. Before stepping inside, she glanced back at Edrick and Lira.

"Thank you again," she said with a nod. "And have a safe journey home."

As the carriage began to roll away, Edrick remained rooted to the spot, watching until it disappeared around the corner. Lira nudged him gently, a teasing smile on her face. "Looks like we were a bit too ambitious," she said, her tone lighthearted.

Edrick sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I suppose I underestimated what it means to be a princess."

They both shared a laugh, though Edrick couldn't shake the lingering embarrassment of his earlier offer. "Well," he said finally, "at least we tried."

With that, they turned and began their own walk home, the faint sound of the carriage wheels still echoing in Edrick's mind.