chapter ten

The Great Hall was alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation, the air thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and a variety of delicacies fit for nobles. Long rows of tables stretched across the vast space, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, their flickering lights illuminating the grand dining area. 

As Selene stepped inside, the weight of countless eyes fell upon her. 

"She's really here?"

"I thought she'd never show her face again."

"Does she still think the Crown Prince belongs to her?"

The whispers weren't loud, but they didn't need to be. Selene could feel them, pressing against her like a second skin, their words clinging to her like old ghosts. She kept her posture straight, her expression calm, but deep inside, a familiar sense of shame curled in her stomach. 

She refused to let it show. 

Her eyes swept across the hall, searching for an empty seat. Just as she was about to step forward, her gaze landed on a table near the center of the room. 

Crown Prince Keith Everhart sat there, effortlessly composed, his black hair catching the warm glow of the chandeliers. And beside him, laughing softly at something he said, was Lady Evangeline Ravenshire. 

Selene froze. 

They looked... comfortable together. Like they belonged in each other's space. The way Evangeline leaned toward him, the way Keith's lips quirked into a small smile, it was painfully natural. 

Selene quickly turned away. 

There was no point staring at something that was never hers to begin with. 

She barely had time to compose herself before she heard a familiar voice call out. 

"Selene! Over here!" 

She looked up to see Eric Vasari waving her over. He was seated with a group of nobles, his expression unreadable, but she knew him well enough to sense the protective edge in his voice. His sharp gaze flickered briefly toward the Crown Prince's table before returning to her. 

Selene hesitated for a split second before walking toward him. Arabella followed beside her, glancing curiously at the people at Eric's table. 

As they approached, Eric stood, ever the gentleman. "Everyone, this is my sister, Selene Vasari, and this must be?

"Lady Arabella Whitmore."' my roommate and friend

Arabella, always poised, offered a graceful nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." 

Eric gestured toward his companions. "And these are my friends: Lady Astrid Fairchild, daughter of Marquis Fairchild, Lady Camille Hawthorne, daughter of Viscount Hawthorne, Lord Dorian Albrecht son of the wealthy merchant, Sir Lucian Fenwick, a knight-in-training from a noble family serving the crown, Lord Cedric Greystone, son of Duke Greystone and a member of the Student Council."

Selene offered a polite smile. "It's nice to meet you." 

The response was subtle but clear. A few polite nods, a couple of forced smiles, but the wariness in their eyes remained. 

She knew why. 

They were waiting for her to cause trouble, to bring unnecessary drama to their table. They remembered her past, the reckless girl who once made a fool of herself over the Crown Prince. 

Selene refused to let that bother her. 

Still, she decided to be considerate. "Would it be alright if we sat here?" 

A brief silence followed. Then Cedric, ever composed, nodded. "Of course." 

The others followed his lead, though their acceptance felt more out of politeness than genuine approval. 

Selene and Arabella went to get their food, the tension lingering in the air like an unspoken warning. When they returned, they took their seats, making sure to thank everyone again. 

Eric, sensing the discomfort, immediately pulled Selene into a conversation, steering the mood away from the awkwardness. 

Selene observed the people at the table as she ate. 

Lady Astrid Fairchild was sharp-witted and bold, constantly teasing Eric. "You act like she's fragile, Eric. We're not going to bite her." 

Eric shot her an unamused look. "You bite in a different way, Astrid." 

Lady Camille Hawthorne was quiet and reserved but had a kind air about her. She didn't speak often, but when she did, her words were thoughtful. 

Lord Dorian Albrecht was the one keeping the table lively. With a playful smirk, he leaned toward Sir Lucian Fenwick, who had been silent for most of the meal. "Lucian, if you stay any quieter, people might think you've taken a vow of silence." 

Lucian shot him a dry look. "Maybe I should." 

Selene smiled slightly at their dynamic. 

But the one who caught her attention the most was Lord Cedric Greystone. Intelligent and composed, he observed everything with a calculating gaze. When she glanced at him, she found him already watching her, his expression unreadable. 

"You're on the student council?" she asked, remembering something Eric had mentioned earlier. 

Cedric inclined his head. "I am." 

Selene hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I've been thinking of joining." 

That seemed to surprise him. "Why?" 

She took a deep breath. "Because I want to prove I've changed." 

At that, the table grew a little quieter. 

She continued, her voice steady. "I know my reputation. I know what people say about me. And honestly? They're not wrong. I was selfish, reckless, and I hurt people. But I don't want to be that person anymore. I don't want to keep hiding in shame. If I can do something meaningful, if I can actually contribute to something good... then maybe I can move forward." 

There was a beat of silence. 

Then Cedric nodded. "Interesting. If you're serious about it, I'd recommend speaking to the student council president. They don't take just anyone, but if you're determined, it might be worth a try." 

Selene gave a small smile. "Thanks. I'll think about it." 

By the time lunch ended, the mood at the table had softened. 

Eric's friends were still cautious, but they weren't as distant. The conversation flowed more easily, and though no one outright voiced it, the hostility had lessened. 

As everyone stood to leave, Eric turned to her. "I'll see you later in Equestrian Studies?" 

Selene nodded, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. 

For the first time in forever, it felt like she wasn't just the girl who had chased after a prince.