The Academy

Elisha's breath hitched as she realized exactly who had caught her.

Prince Adrien of Aurelis.

The Crown Prince himself.

A sharp murmur rippled through the surrounding nobles, their hushed voices carrying thinly veiled amusement and intrigue. Elisha felt her face burn as she stiffened in his hold, her mind scrambling for an appropriate reaction. This was beyond embarrassing.

Adrien, however, looked entirely unbothered. His sharp brown eyes studied her with mild curiosity, though there was the faintest hint of amusement dancing at the corner of his lips. His black hair was neatly swept back, accentuating his strong, chiseled features. The regal embroidery of his deep crimson coat glistened under the chandeliers, a quiet reminder of the authority he carried with him.

"Are you alright?" he asked, voice smooth yet commanding.

Elisha swallowed hard and quickly pushed herself upright, stepping out of his hold. She was intensely aware of the many eyes on her, some entertained, others scrutinizing. Her pride screamed at her to brush off the moment like it was nothing, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her.

"Yes—yes, Your Highness. My apologies, I—" She hesitated, realizing she had no real excuse for her graceless fall. "I suppose I lost my footing."

Prince Adrien tilted his head slightly. "Is that so? I'd have assumed you had an enemy plotting against you, considering how dramatic that fall was."

Elisha felt her soul nearly leave her body. Was he teasing her? She struggled to keep her expression composed as she forced out a small, polite laugh. "Well, let's hope my enemies don't resort to such underhanded tactics as tampering with my dance shoes."

His lips twitched, as if suppressing a smirk. "Indeed."

Luna, who had been standing frozen in horror, suddenly stepped forward, grabbing Elisha's arm. "Your Highness, how fortunate that you were here to save my dear friend! Such gallant timing."

Elisha sent her a look, both grateful for the assist and wishing the floor would just swallow her whole already.

Adrien's gaze shifted to Luna, his expression unreadable. "Lady Valenford. I see you continue to make lively entrances at gatherings."

Luna grinned, unbothered. "Someone has to keep things interesting, Your Highness."

The prince let out a quiet hum before turning back to Elisha. "If you are unharmed, then I will take my leave. But do try to keep your balance next time, Lady Elisha."

And just like that, he turned and walked away, leaving Elisha standing there, mortified and yet relieved beyond belief.

The moment he was out of earshot, Luna let out a squeal, shaking Elisha by the shoulders. "Elisha, what just happened?! The prince himself caught you! This is like something out of those terrible romance books."

Elisha groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Please, don't remind me." Elisha had read enough books of these kinds, in her past life. Especially novels. It always ends in those cliche moments that make her wanna barf.

Luna sighed dreamily. "But what luck! You've caught the Crown Prince's attention, even if it was through sheer disaster."

Elisha didn't even want to think about what rumors were about to spread after this. "Can we talk about literally anything else?"

Luna giggled but obliged, steering her toward the refreshment table. "Fine, fine. But this is going down in history as one of your best moments."

As the night continued, Elisha managed to recover from her mortification, blending into polite conversations and political maneuverings. This was kinda nice... Elisha thought to herself. Maybe the royals weren't so bad after all. At least compared to the stories that is. However, the lingering glances from nobles who had witnessed the incident refused to let her forget it entirely.

Eventually, as the banquet began to wind down, Elisha and Luna retreated to a quieter corner of the hall, sipping on their drinks while watching the remaining guests socialize.

Just as Elisha was beginning to relax, a familiar voice called her name.

"Elisha."

She turned to see her eldest brother, Alexander, approaching with his usual air of authority. Unlike Leonard's sharp-witted sarcasm, Alexander was more reserved, and calculated as always. His tall stature and steely gaze made him an intimidating figure, and yet, he carried himself with a composure that demanded respect.

"What is it, my dear brother," Elisha mused, setting down her glass, of red liquid. But rest assured; it wasn't alcohol. Not because Elisha was responsible for not drinking but rather, because she still was too young. "I assume this isn't just a friendly visit?"

Alexander's expression remained unreadable as he gestured for her to step aside with him. Curious—and mildly wary—she complied, Luna watching on with interest but refraining from intruding.

Once they were a fair distance away, Alexander folded his arms. "You'll be entering the Royal Academy soon."

Elisha blinked. "...What?"

"The arrangements have been made. Father agreed it would be beneficial for you. You'll be fifteen soon, and it's expected that noble heirs and heiresses of your standing receive proper education at the Academy."

Elisha took a moment to process this information. Why tell her now of all times? Was this a test?

The Royal Academy—where the children of high-ranking nobles, military leaders, and even royalty were trained in politics, combat, and diplomacy. Yeah, Elisha didn't know all about it, but it still was big news around the capital. A place where the future rulers and power players of the kingdom were molded.

Alexander sighed, roughing up his hair. "So do your best to behave. And... Reframe yourself from doing anything ridiculous."

Elisha blushed at first but it quickly faded as the realization hit her. A flurry of emotions crashed over her—excitement, apprehension, and, most notably, the weight of yet another obstacle she needed to prepare for.

Alexander studied her reaction before continuing, "I suggest you use what little time you have left to prepare yourself. The Academy is not forgiving to those who fall behind."

Elisha let out a slow breath, steeling herself. "I see. And when exactly do I leave?"

"In two months."

That wasn't much time at all.

Alexander seemed satisfied with her lack of protest, though his next words carried a quiet warning. "This is an opportunity. Do not waste it. Not many people get this type of chance." Although, at the end of his sentence, he seemed to hesitate before finishing it. 

She met his gaze, curiosity flickering to life within her. "Don't worry. I will give our family a good reputation there."

With a nod, Alexander turned and walked away, leaving Elisha standing in the grand hall. Luna, who had been waiting at a polite distance, practically sprinted over once Alexander was gone. "What did he say? You look like you're about to declare war."

Elisha exhaled, rubbing her temple. "I'm going to the Royal Academy."

Luna's eyes widened before she broke into an excited grin. "Oh, this is amazing! Elisha, do you know what this means?"

"That I'll be buried in even more noble politics, than I'd liked?" Elisha deadpanned.

Luna swatted her arm. "No, silly! This means you'll be training alongside the elite—including the prince! And all the other high-ranking heirs! This is your chance to truly establish yourself."

Elisha mulled over Luna's words, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her gown. This wasn't just another step in her journey—this was a battlefield in its own right.

With a swift clasp of hands, Luna smirked. "I guess that makes two of us!"

Elisha muttered to herself in confusion... "You don't mean to say?"

...