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Chapter Text

It takes a few days for a person to blow up when they cause a ruckus at parties or at events. It would also take a few more days before the media finds out their name, and before the netizens find out where they live and what school they go to, or where they work. 

It takes a known public figure at least 10 minutes before videos and pictures of them causing trouble spread throughout all social media platforms. 

Unfortunately for Daniela, she’s a princess. 

“Rebel Princess Daniela Avanzini at it AGAIN.”

The headlines were everywhere. 

“Princess Daniela, caught sneaking out of a club at 3 AM.”

Her name flashed across screens, plastered on news websites, shared by random people. 

“Princess Daniela lashes out at paparazzi—chaos ensues.”

On each scroll, her name would be there. Every article would be about her. Her name was already trending on every social media platform. The same video of her lashing out at a paparazzi would appear no matter how many times anyone refreshes Twitter and Instagram. 

TikTok was having a field day with the videos and pictures. Some—Princess Daniela’s loyal fans—have already started making edits of it. 

Comments came non-stop. Some adore her; youths are calling her a diva, praising her chaotic courage, calling her fearless, and overall idolizing her. 

Others were furious—mocking her, demanding accountability, absolutely stunned and ashamed by her actions. 

But Princess Daniela, the main star. The main act of the “show,” the one who had caused the sudden uproar, is scrolling through the chaos from the corner of her lavish bedroom, not caring about any hate comments she comes across. 

She couldn’t even be bothered to change out of her clothes; she was still wearing her party clothes from last night. 

Her room was slightly messy. Her blankets were halfway on the floor, her enormous pillows were everywhere, some of her makeup was carelessly thrown on her bed and drawers, and some were haphazardly lying on her vanity. 

It would have been compared to a pigsty if it weren’t for the expensive and lavish furniture in her room, adorned by the prettiest, most eye-catching, dark colored silks and velvets. 

Last night was actually a blur in Daniela’s mind. 

She does remember going out with some of her friends and sneaking out with the help of her trusted maid. She didn’t think it would create that much of a buzz. Besides, the public seeing her partying with influencers and celebrities late at night was no longer new to them. 

But maybe attacking and starting a fight with a paparazzo was something the public had not expected. 

Sure, she has had similar moments before where she argues with paparazzi, and she’d tell them off bravely. But not this. 

She had lashed out at him, and Daniela couldn’t even remember the reason why she did. He must’ve said something that earned him a slap to the face and a splash of beer on his camera. 

Which were all caught on camera by other club-goers. 

Why couldn’t the people in the club ask what happened first? Daniela knew she would never act out like that unless she was provoked. 

Unfortunately, if that were to be questioned, Daniela wouldn’t even have anything to say to save herself. She forgot what happened due to the alcohol in her system. If she tried to defend herself, the paparazzo might have already made a story that would be against her. 

She huffs as she scrolls one last time on her phone before rolling over, letting herself rest. 

She’ll take the fall for this one… like she always has. 

She doesn’t even get to lie there for more than a few more seconds when she hears a knock on her door. Daniela blinks before sighing, “Who is it?” 

“It’s me, princess.” Daniela heard her personal maid’s voice, slightly muffled through the door. 

She instantly sat up, eyes slightly wide from relief and happiness. “Darcey!” she called out, voice slightly high-pitched from excitement. “Come in!” 

The door gently swung open, and the sight of Darcey in her uniform with a gentle smile on her lips made Daniela smile widely. “Good morning, princess. Apologies for the intrusion.” 

“Oh, Darcey, you have no idea how happy I am to see you! I was a bit on edge thinking that it would be mama or papa.” 

Darcey gently closed the door behind her, nodding towards Daniela before slowly picking up the mess that was all over her floor. “Princess, you know they will not barge into your room like that.”

Daniela hums before slowly nodding. Of course. The king and queen couldn’t be bothered to actually check up on their only daughter on their own. 

It’s always the guards or the maids. Daniela bites her lip at the thought, brows furrowing before turning to look back up at Darcey. 

“You’re right,” she watches silently as Darcey starts cleaning her room in her own slow and peaceful pace. “You don’t have to clean up my room, you know?” 

Darcey let out a breathy laugh. “Princess, this is my job. I have always done this for you.” 

“And I always tell you not to do it. I can clean my own room now!” Darcey only laughed, shaking her head slightly as if Daniela had said something ridiculous. 

Darcey had always been Daniela’s personal maid. She was this sweet and gentle old lady who had served the house Avanzini the longest. She practically raised Daniela. She acted as Daniela’s mother more than the queen herself since she was always the one who would accompany Daniela to anything. 

The queen is too busy… and so is the king. 

The only time they actually paid attention to the princess was whenever she got in trouble. And even talking to her would be through the guards or the maids. 

“Princess, you should start getting ready.” Daniela didn’t even notice Darcey getting her a fresh set of clothes from her walk-in closet. 

The princess blinked, looking confused. “What for?” 

Darcey gently placed Daniela’s clothes on the bed. She even fixed Daniela’s sheets and blanket before turning and picking up the pillows that had fallen on the floor. Darcey looks at Daniela straight in the eyes, looking serious but still having that gentle look on her face. “Her Majesty requests your presence in the throne room.” 

There it was. 

She was finally being called into the throne room by her parents. Daniela felt her stomach drop. This wasn’t the first time she had been called this way. 

The king and queen had requested her presence in the throne room more than Daniela could even count by hand. Of course, that is because of Daniela. Her constant rebellion always causes trouble and stirs up drama. 

Despite that, she takes her sweet time getting ready. She already knows what this was about anyway. 

She knows the media is still going crazy with what happened and what she did. It doesn’t take a genius to know that her parents have already caught wind of everything. 

Darcey walked her towards the throne room when she was done getting ready. The palace halls were quiet, and the silence only reminded her of her impending doom. 

Each step felt as if her confidence was slowly melting off. She turns to look at Darcey for support, but it seems as if Darcey is worried about her as well. 

Darcey was the one who helped her sneak out… and maybe a few other maids helped out, too. If the king and queen found out, they might just kick the maids out. 

That’s not what Daniela wants. 

The heavy doors to the throne room swing open, the cavernous hall echoing with her every step. Darcey stayed outside as she closed the double door with a heavy boom. Daniela turned her head slowly to look back at the doors. The guards crossed their spears as if trapping her inside the room, showing she can’t just storm off like she usually does. 

Suddenly, Daniela felt the weight of the consequences of her actions like a huge boulder crushing her. 

Guards line the halls, halberds gleaming. Their presence is suffocating, and Daniela feels like she’s walking into a trial. 

Her parents, the king and queen, sit on their thrones, cold and imposing. They don’t rise to greet her—they simply watch as she approaches. Daniela bows stiffly, but her jaw clenches, already defensive. 

The queen doesn’t even acknowledge her at first—she just stares, expression unreadable. The king sits tall, eyes sharp, lips set in a way as if saying I expected better from you. 

When Daniela looks up, her father’s gaze pins her down. His disappointment weighs heavier than any anger. 

Before they speak, the pause hangs heavy. The guards’ presence makes it clear that this is not a family spat. This is something way more serious. 

The queen finally speaks, her tone clipped but steady. “We have tolerated your antics long enough, Daniela.” 

The king leans forward slightly, voice louder and commanding. “You are our heir. Do you even understand what that means? Every reckless choice you make reflects on the crown. On me. On your mother. On this entire kingdom.” 

Daniela feels that her confidence has been stripped down by the way they are looking at her as if she doesn’t deserve to be their heir. 

“You have embarrassed this kingdom one scandal too many.” He huffs, narrowing his eyes at her. “Your irresponsibility is endangering our alliances. Do you have any idea what the world is saying about you?” 

Daniela swallows, jaw clenching tighter as she stands still, keeping her head up high. She shows no signs of lowering her pride, shows no signs of regret, and shows no signs of guilt. But deep down, it sizzles within her. The anger, the frustration. The words she so badly wants to spit out remain in her throat. 

She holds back. 

Of course, she knows what the world is saying about her. For years and years, she has known, and she has learned not to care. How can we not show that it affected her? 

Each insult and comment felt like a sphere coming for her in all directions. 

And what can Daniela do to protect herself? Nothing. Not when her parents are doing the exact same thing. 

“It was a mistake.” She finally managed to croak out, though she doesn’t sound as confident now. 

The queen’s eyes mirrored the king’s, narrowing as she stared at the princess. “A mistake?” she says it as if she were holding back a laugh. “Daniela, you are a princess. There is no room for mistakes. You should be disciplined, graceful, flawless—perfect.” 

Daniela still keeps her head high, but her gaze falls to the floor. She hates the words that come out of her mother’s mouth. 

The person she was describing was not Daniela. She was far from any of those. 

“I am not any of those things, Mother. Maybe I don’t want to be your perfect little puppet princess. Maybe I want to live my own life.” Daniela’s voice rises only slightly as if she were testing how far she can go without the throne room bursting into an echo of insults. 

The queen’s eyes narrowed further, sharp as daggers. “Enough. We’ve been patient for far too long,” she sighs, heavy with disappointment. “I expected better from my heir—We expected better from our only heir. We keep saying that you will be better, and yet, each time you prove us wrong. You squander everything with… antics, scandals, rebellions.” 

She lets the words hang in the room like judgment. 

“I…” Daniela’s voice broke, but she recovered quickly, standing her ground. “I never asked for this crown.” 

The king smiles coldly, almost pitying—to Daniela, it felt like he was mocking her. “And yet, it will be yours. But here we are, graced by an heir who cannot carry herself as a princess…” He sighs as if he didn’t know what else to do. 

Daniela’s voice cracked as she spoke up. “And I never asked for anything else. I do not want the crown—I do not want the throne—”

“Enough. Enough, I said!” The queen cuts her off; she rises slightly from her seat. Her voice dripped with restrained fury. “You will not disgrace this kingdom further.” 

Daniela’s fists clench, but she remains unbothered. She didn’t want to show them that they were getting to her. “What do you mean by that?” 

The king sat up straight, coldly calm as if he was about to declare something. An announcement that will only fill Daniela with nothing but dread. “You will leave this palace at once.” 

Daniela shifts in her spot, blinking. Did she hear it right? 

The queen glances over to the king for a moment before speaking. “We are sending you to the Royal Academy.” 

“You’re sending me away?” Daniela finally explodes, her voice echoing all throughout the throne room. “Like—Like a child to be scolded?!” She took one step forward, the sound booming as if something had fallen on the floor. 

“No. Like an heir who must be taught discipline. Did you think we would always let you get off the hook? Daniela, we are done cleaning up all your messes.” Her father raised his hand, gesturing towards her as if she were the mess that he was speaking of. “You think just because you are a princess, everyone will bow down and serve you? Forget about every little chaotic stunt you have caused?” He laughed sarcastically. 

“You act as if I had gotten someone else killed!” Daniela spat, eyes wide and filled with rage. “Most of the things I have done are not even that bad!” 

Her father looks at her, unfazed and uninterested. It was obvious that whatever Daniela says, they will not listen to. Even if she tells them what she truly feels, even if she says it in the calmest way possible, they will never listen. 

And Daniela knew even if she made a scene right then and there, nothing would ever change their minds. 

“You will remain there until you’ve become better. Until you have proven yourself fit for the throne.” The king blatantly ignored her words and continued on. 

Daniela huffs, “You can’t do this to me—” 

“We can. And we will. We have already decided, and we will not change our minds, Daniela.” Her mother cuts her off once again, her eyes still narrowed, her look sharp and cold. She turns towards the guards to the side. “Guards, see to it that her chambers are prepared for departure. At dawn, she leaves.” 

She turns and looks back at Daniela. “This conversation is over. Escort her out.” 

The words hit Daniela like a blow to the chest. She staggers, her eyes are stinging, and she blinks back tears of fury. Without another word, she bows stiffly, though her voice trembles as she forces it out. 

“...Yes, Your Majesties.” She emphasizes the words, dragging them out of her mouth as if they left a trail of fire along her tongue. 

She looks up just to shoot both of her parents one last glare. A glare that says it all. I don’t want the throne. I don’t wish to wear the crown.

She spins on her heel, storming out of the throne room. The doors slam shut behind her, leaving only the cold echo of her footsteps fading in the hall. 

The queen sighs as she deflates on her seat while the king remains stiff and cold, not lowering his pride one bit. 

—

When Daniela gets back to her room, she slams the heavy doors shut behind her with a loud thud. Her chest is heavy, her face is hot, and all she wants to do in that moment is scream and cry and tear everything apart. 

She kicks her heels off and tries to calm herself down by pacing around her room like a caged lion. 

But she couldn’t. Her parents’ voices ring in her head, their words echoing mockingly. They made her feel as if she was useless—that all she could ever do was make mistakes and that she could never do anything to be enough.

The image of her mother’s sharp gaze and her father’s cold demeanor is what she sees as she closes her eyes for a moment. It only made her feel worse. 

Her hands tremble as she reaches for the vase on her table—she was ready to hurl it—but she freezes, staring at the spotless shine of her room. 

The memory of Darcey cleaning it earlier flashes in her mind. 

Daniela grits her teeth as she grips the vase tighter, then slams it back down onto the table, her shoulders shaking. 

She let out a shaky breath as she took a step back before pressing both her hands to her face, and finally—finally—let herself break. She groans against her palm loudly as she feels tears streaming down her face onto her hands. 

In her mind, she chants over and over. 

I hate them… I hate them! 

She choked out a sob, feeling her knees buckle before finally letting herself sink onto the edge of her bed. When she was finally on the floor, she started sobbing into her hands. 

Her hands run up to her hair, clutching at her strands and inhaling sharply before sobbing. 

Daniela has had similar moments. 

It’s always about her ways, about how she acts in public, who she hangs out with, and befriends. It was always a problem. At least in her parents’ eyes. 

She wasn’t always like this. 

She used to always stick to the rules, never bothering or disrespecting anyone. She was perfect. At least that’s what Daniela thought. 

She thought she was already perfect. Already fit to be a princess. She was kind enough, she smiled enough, she talked enough, and she respected everyone. Bowed when she needed to, danced with boys her age at banquets, and greeted all the older royal people at parties that the king and queen hosted. 

At a young age, she knew she had to act a certain way because she was a princess. And Daniela thought she was doing just fine.

But a few mistakes here and there only resulted in a scolding session each time. Even when it wasn’t even her fault—even when it was just an accident. 

The king and queen were too uptight, too strict behind closed doors—too obsessed with the kingdom’s image. Daniela understood that, she really did, but a few small mistakes wouldn’t instantly tarnish the kingdom nor the family name. 

Especially when Daniela was just a kid. No one would villainize her. She was still learning, for crying out loud! 

Apparently, the king and queen didn’t care if she was just a kid. They didn’t care if she was just learning and adjusting. It didn’t take long before Daniela got fed up with it. 

She didn’t like it when they kept telling her what to do. They were always controlling the way she acted and behaved. It was tiring and draining for Daniela to pretend to be something she isn’t. 

So, she gave up. 

If she wasn’t enough to be a princess, then so be it. 

She started breaking the rules more often, getting into fights, sneaking around, partying—you name it. Every move she made caused drama and stirred up issues that the public would instantly write about. 

It was amusing for Daniela to watch her parents scramble and panic just to save face. The first few times she got in trouble and caused a buzz on the internet, her parents apologized for it publicly. 

Daniela didn’t. She stayed silent because she didn’t care. 

Everything she did didn’t feel wrong to her. Instead, it made her feel free. Like she can finally be who she is without being tied down by the expectations that her parents had for her. She tried to live up to it multiple times, but each time, her parents only made it clear how unworthy she was. 

She knew that she could never be who they wanted her to be. 

And now they’re taking away her freedom by sending her to an academy just to be molded into some perfect princess that was worthy enough for the throne? 

There was a knock at the door, and Daniela huffed before coughing. “If it’s not Darcey, then leave me alone!” 

The door slowly creaked open. Darcey peeks in with a folded shawl in her hands. She immediately sees Daniela’s trembling shoulders and rushes over without hesitation. 

Darcey kneels in front of the princess, gently draping the shawl around her shoulders for comfort. “Oh, princess… I heard what the king and queen said… the guards were talking about it.”

She strokes Daniela’s hair the way she used to when the princess was small. “It’s alright, let it out. Don’t keep it all in.” 

Daniela hiccupped. “They’re sending me away, Darcey. Like I’m some child they can’t stand to look at!” Her voice broke at the end, and she covered her face with her hands as more tears fell from her eyes. 

Darcey sighs, her gaze soft, but her eyes are filled with sadness. She felt bad for the princess. She knew exactly why the princess was acting this way; of course, she did. She watched Daniela grow—she had always been the one guiding Daniela. 

She even tried to talk Daniela out of it, but Daniela was too determined to get her freedom the messy way, and Darcey didn’t have the heart to stop her. Not when she understood what Daniela felt. 

And even if she wanted to make the king and queen understand, who would even listen to a maid? Not the king and queen. 

“They just don’t understand you, princess. They don’t see what I see.” Darcey held Daniela’s wrists, pulling them off the girl’s face gently. Darcey’s gaze softened once she saw the younger girl’s face. Tear-stricken cheeks and puffy red eyes, it almost reminded her of when Daniela was younger. 

She wipes the princess’s tears away with her thumbs before cupping her face with her hands that felt like home to Daniela. “You are fire, Daniela. Fire frightens those who only know coldness.” Her voice was soothing and brought comfort. 

Daniela’s lips quivered as she looked at Darcey with such a pitiful expression. “I don’t belong there, Darcey. If I truly am fire, they will snuff me out.” 

At that moment, she wasn’t the chaotic, powerful Princess Daniela who would start a fight and cause problems for the king and queen. She was just Princess Daniela. Scared of being seen as unworthy and undeserving. 

“Nonsense!” Darcey frowns as if she were offended by Daniela’s words. “If the king and queen failed to do it over and over, I doubt anyone will ever be able to do it. Not even other nobles can.” 

That made Daniela smile just a tiny bit. She lets out a shaky laugh as she sniffles, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands, pulling away from the older woman. 

“Trust me, princess. You will be fine. You’re stronger than you think. And you will not be alone. I will go with you—at least for the journey.” 

Daniela swallows, finally calm. “...But you’ll leave after, won’t you?”  

Darcey’s smile is soft but bittersweet. She nods. “Yes, princess. I cannot stay. But,” She fixes Daniela’s hair, her curls falling on the side of her face, then she takes Daniela’s hands and presses them close to her heart. “You carry me here, always.” 

Daniela’s tears spill over again, but her sobs are now quiet. Inside her, it no longer felt like a storm. There is only peace, warmth, but also a sting in her heart. 

Darcey pulls her close and hugs her tight. Daniela breathes in the comfort of the only person who has ever felt like a mother to her. 

“...Thank you, Darcey. For everything.” She mumbles against Darcey’s shoulder. 

“Always.”

—

Daniela was exhausted. The whole day had been draining despite her not doing much. 

That “talk” with her parents in the throne room had sucked the life out of her, and the thought of having to move away without knowing how long she’d be gone gives her such a dreadful feeling. 

Darcey had instructed the other maids to help prepare and pack all of Daniela’s belongings. Everything was all set for her, but Daniela wasn’t prepared yet. She had tried to get her mind off of it the whole day. 

But the huge suitcases and her closet being half empty are just so hard to avoid. They were sticking out like a sore thumb, begging her to notice them. 

It wasn’t just about leaving her home. It was just a telling sign that her parents will never think she’s enough. That she’s nothing right now unless she tries her best to be perfect. 

She’s not. She will never be perfect. 

Despite knowing and accepting, it still hurts her. 

Because deep down, she wishes she were. Enough, fit for the role, and perfect. 

The moonlight spills into Daniela’s room. Her eyes are still slightly puffy and red from crying so much earlier, but she sits at her desk with an open laptop. She couldn’t sleep, not really. 

She was drained and tired but somehow, restless. 

She wondered how she’d survive in the academy. Without her friends and all… 

Her laptop flashed images all over the screen. The “Royal Academy of Jasminum.” 

The grand ivy-wrapped gates, golden lecture halls, students in crisp uniforms. All smiling. All proper. Everything Daniela isn’t. 

She scrolls through, eyes squinting. “Royal academy of nightmares…” she mutters bitterly to herself. 

She clicks the history page and reads a few words. “Founded over a century ago by the House of Laforteza…” Daniela scoffs, leaning back in her chair. She kept on scrolling, and a few familiar faces popped up. The king, the queen, and the older generation that once ruled the house of Laforteza and their kingdom. 

Daniela knew who they were. Events and banquets weren’t really uncommon—especially when most kingdoms are connected with each other. Daniela often sees them back when she was younger. 

She scrolls further and sees her. 

Princess perfect herself. 

“Princess Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza. The king and queen’s only daughter. Top of her class… renowned for her grace, discipline, and poise… a model princess.” Daniela stares at the photo attached. 

An image of Princess Sophia in her pristine uniform, chin high, her smile flawless, her posture perfect. She looked so untouchable. So put together. The type of Princess who doesn’t make a mistake and has always been perfect the moment she opened her eyes. 

She takes criticism and hate and turns them into something positive. She outshines the sun and makes people bow down to her with just one gentle look. She doesn’t need to raise her voice to be heard, doesn’t need to cause a scene to prove a point. 

When she’s around, everyone just stops and looks. They listen and they accept. 

The complete opposite of Daniela. 

Her lips twist into a half-scowl, half-sigh. “Of course. Of course, you’d be there. Of course they’d send me here… because you’re there.” 

She leans forward, zooming in on Sophia’s picture. Sophia’s eyes—serious, calm—stare back through the screen. 

Daniela grits her teeth. “The most perfect of all.” 

She slams her laptop shut. The sound echoed in her quiet room. Daniela sits there, tense and trembling, hugging her knees to her chest. 

For years and years, Princess Sophia’s name has never truly left Daniela’s mind. Not when everyone compares her to Sophia. 

Not when her own parents always mentioned her, always praising her as if she were their daughter instead. “Why can’t you be like Princess Sophia? Always prim and proper, always has her head up high. Noble. That’s a real princess.” 

It enrages Daniela more than anything. 

Her fire is still there, but beneath it simmers something she won’t ever admit. Not yet—not ever. 

Because there is nothing more terrifying than jealousy, but that nervous, reluctant curiosity about the girl who embodies everything she’s been told she isn’t. That feeling of being envious. 

Despite the fire that burns and burns within Daniela, there is a longing to be something she can’t be. 

—

Sophia is perfect. 

That is what anyone expects from a princess. 

She rose at dawn every morning without fail, her posture straight as she moved through her lessons in diplomacy, history, economics, and fencing. 

She never missed a curtsy, never stumbled in etiquette drills, never raised her voice in frustration. In public, her every smile was measured—warm, polished, yet distant enough to keep the people’s awe intact.

She says the right things even when the question thrown at her doesn’t make much sense. She is careful, graceful, and elegant. She knows how to balance everything and always behaves at her best. 

She’s always perfect in all ways. 

No one has ever even seen her react negatively. 

She was the ideal daughter of the House Laforteza. The perfect heiress. The model princess. 

Her peers at the Royal Academy whispered about her as if she were not flesh and bone but a legend. As if she were nothing but a myth told by the nobles to get the princesses to chase after such high standards that her image had set. 

She is the calm, the peace, the untouchable crown jewel, the standard no one else could ever meet. 

And Sophia upheld it. She always upheld it. 

Because she believed that to falter, even once, meant cracks in the porcelain mask that she had carefully set upon herself. 

A mask she had worn so long that sometimes she wondered if the real Sophia—loud, reckless, impulsive—had ever truly existed at all. 

But in the quiet hours, when she shed her gowns for a simple white shirt and let her hair tumble loose, she could feel the storm. 

It thundered beneath her ribs. It ached in her veins when her fencing blade clashed too hard against her opponent’s. It begged to be free whenever she looked at the stars and imagined what it would feel like to run, truly run, without duty chasing her heels. 

No one knew about the storm. No one saw it. None. She feared others seeing it. 

The storm isn’t supposed to be seen. Only she could feel it. Her desire to be free, to speak up and say what she truly wanted to say. To not be afraid of ruining her own image as a princess. 

Of course, being perfect does not immediately mean you have everyone’s respect. Not everyone will look at her and admire her. You cannot please anyone, and Sophia knows that all too well. 

She cannot escape the criticisms, the really cruel and evil things people would hurl her way, despite her perfect image. 

And that alone scares Sophia. She may act as if words can never hurt her, but it does. It gets to her—it keeps her up at night. Words swim in her head, drowning her in thoughts of the worst possible outcomes of what will happen if she ever makes a mistake in front of everyone. 

She will be ruined. 

The kingdom, the family name, her image—their whole reputation. 

She can go and throw everything away for freedom only if she weren’t so scared of the consequences. 

So, she’d rather cage herself even when it isn’t needed. Even when she longed to be elsewhere, even when she desired to be nothing but free. 

The royal study is sunlit, walls lined with books, paintings of ancestors. The faint scent of hot tea fills the air. Sophia sits at a polished oak desk, posture perfect, pen in hand, as she finishes notes for a fencing strategy draft. She wore casual clothes, hair loose, a sign that she’s at home. 

Despite the look, she still carried that polished demeanor. 

Then, there is a knock at the door. Slowly, it is pulled open by a butler. 

The king and queen of House Laforteza step inside. They aren’t imposing—they’re warm, elegant, carrying themselves with ease. Sophia had already looked up from her notes, a gentle smile on her lips. 

The queen—her mother—smiles at her softly. “Sophia, dearest, may we have a word?” 

Sophia sets her pen down immediately, she rises and bows her head slightly and respectfully, but still with that gentle smile stretched across her lips. “Of course, Mama, Papa.” 

The king gestures for her to sit again as they settle into the lounge of chairs near the fireplace. The atmosphere is relaxed, more gentle, and warm. More like a family chat than any royal business. 

The butler pours each of them some tea as the king settles into his seat. “We’ve had a request from the king and queen of the House Avanzini.”

Sophia blinks, listening intently. Her hands are folded neatly on her lap. 

Her father turns and glances up at the queen as if wordlessly asking her to be the one to tell Sophia. 

The queen takes a breath, choosing her words kindly. “Their daughter… Princess Daniela will be enrolling at the Royal Academy this Semester. They’ve asked that you serve as her personal guide during her stay.” 

The name lingers in Sophia’s head. Princess Daniela.

There is a slight pause before Sophia nods politely. “I know of her.” 

The king raises a brow with curiosity. “From one of the banquets, perhaps?” 

For a moment, Sophia’s gaze turns distant before nodding once again. “Yes. There was a banquet a few years ago. I must have been fifteen, perhaps sixteen. She was there with her parents.”

The memory flickers in her mind. Sophia was young, and Daniela was younger and reckless. It was quite… a sight for the older girl. Very chaotic. It stuck to Sophia more than she even noticed. 

“She had… a presence.” She mumbles the words as if she were only telling them to herself. That’s all she said, despite wanting to say more. Untamed. Like the whole room was hers, even if everyone disapproved.

Her parents exchanged a glance. 

“She’d made quite the name for herself since then.” Her mother chimed in, pulling Sophia out of her thoughts. 

“Her spirit has become… well, troublesome. I’m sure you’ve heard.” Her father says, voice lowering, suddenly becoming serious. 

Sophia knew that. Every other week, the sole heiress of the House Avanzini would be everywhere. Her name would be talked about week after week as if she were the only important event in the world. 

“They believe you—” He gestures towards Sophia, “can help guide her. They trust you to be a steady hand.” 

Sophia straightens in her seat. Calm and resolute. “If that is their wish, I will do it.” 

She says it with no hesitation, as if accepting a challenge. But when her parents leave, Sophia lingers by the window, looking out at the sprawling palace gardens, her expression unreadable. 

They trust her despite not knowing her fully. Just because of her perfect image, they expect Sophia to temper Daniela’s recklessness with her discipline. Now, how was Sophia supposed to do that? 

Even she was still struggling with keeping her image clean. 

How could she mold a princess—who was as destructive as lightning—to be perfect like her? 

Princess Sophia—the storm in chains—was expected to tame a wildfire? 

How ridiculous. 

—

The palace courtyard gleamed under the fluorescent lights, too bright for this late at night. A black car waited at the bottom of the steps, polished so well it reflected Daniela’s pale face back at her.

It was cold, and Daniela shivered. The car’s trunk had already been loaded by the guards. All she had to do was walk forward. 

Just get in. Just go. 

But she hesitated. Walking up to the car felt like a walk of shame, getting in felt like she had given up whatever she had in life. Like she’s letting them take her away, cage her up like they’ve always wanted. 

Darcey touched her shoulder, pressing the same shawl she wrapped around Daniela the day before into her hands. “For the cold nights,” she said softly. 

Daniela stared at it, clutching the fabric as her throat tightened. “You’re not coming with me?” she asks, frowning in confusion. 

Darcey shook her head, her smile tender but sad. “No. The king and queen strictly told me not to.” 

The princess’s throat tightened even more; she felt as if she could no longer breathe, but she took a sharp inhale. She felt as if her parents were working against her. Why would they forbid Darcey from coming with her? It’s not like Darcey would stay with her at the academy. 

Although if it were allowed, Daniela would take her, just so she could have someone who reminded her of home. 

“But I’ll be here when you come back. And you, my princess, will survive that academy.” 

Daniela wanted to scream, wanted to break something, and maybe break down again. But, instead, she whispered. “I don’t want to be alone.”

Darcey’s gaze softens even more if that was even possible. The way Daniela said those words made her feel sadder. Despite Daniela’s troublesome behavior, she was just a girl. “Oh, princess, you’ve never been small. And you’ve never been silent. Everyone wanted to snuff your fire out. But listen to me—” Her voice lowered, firm and sure, “Maybe there is someone out there who won’t.” 

The princess blinked, unsure of what Darcey meant. 

“Someone who will not snuff your fire out, but tame it, shape it, and let it spread with patterns. Someone who will let you burn what deserves to be burned,” 

Daniela’s breath hitched. Darcey’s words felt like each one was punching her soul, slapping her, and tugging at her heart. She couldn’t quite understand what she meant, but before she could ask Darcey, a guard cleared his throat. 

“Princess Daniela,” He swung the door open, and dark leather seats waited inside. 

Daniela clung to Darcey for one last hug, inhaling her familiar scent of rosewater and linen, then climbed into the car. 

The door shut with a heavy thud, cutting her off from everything she knew. 

Through the tinted glass, she saw Darcey raise a hand in farewell as the car rolled out of the gates. 

When they’re finally far away, Daniela feels the heavy and cold feeling of being alone. Of having no one by her side to keep her from crumbling down. 

Her parents couldn’t even be bothered to see her one last time. 

And that just made her feel even worse. 

She was already leaving; she couldn’t turn back now. She tries and gets some sleep, knowing the ride to the academy would take hours. 

—

Hours later, the car pulled up to the long, winding drive of the Royal Academy of Jasminum.

Daniela leaned her head against the window, watching the academy come closer. It was already huge, and she hadn’t even been inside yet. Her chest was tight, her fists clenched around the shawl Darcey had given her. 

This was her new prison—as if her kingdom wasn’t one already. 

And yet, Darcey’s words echoed in her mind. Maybe there is someone.

The car stopped in front of the Royal Academy’s main building, an elegant blend of marble tradition and modern glass towers. 

Daniela stepped out, the weight of her shawl still clutched in her hands as if it gave her the strength to function. In a way, it did. 

Waiting at the top of the grand staircase was a tall, stern woman dressed in sleek black heels and a fitted blazer—Headmistress Madeline Laforteza. 

“Princess Daniela Avanzini,” she greeted, her voice crisp yet welcoming. “I am honored to receive you into our academy. I am Madeline, the headmistress of this academy.” 

The woman gave off that rich vibe. Elegant and proper but strict. Not the kind that would give off warmth, and when she smiles, it isn’t gentle—it’s just to be polite. Exactly the ones that Daniela would instantly hate. 

Daniela dipped her head in a stiff nod, jaw tight. Honored. Sure. 

The headmistress wasted no time, sweeping her through the halls as she explained rules, schedules, and expectations. Daniela trailed after her, trying not to gape at the towering shelves of the Library, the huge banquet halls, the now slightly modernized rooms and studios, and the vast courtyard with its fountain glittering under the sun. 

On some buildings, there was ivy crawling up their walls, banners of royal crests fluttering in the breeze. 

There were already some students, much like Daniela, who were moving in. She could feel all of them staring, murmuring, and whispering. 

Daniela had already expected this. 

That’s right. It’s Princess Daniela, lay your eyes on me. She’d cockily think in her head as she trailed behind the headmistress, her heels clicking against the cobblestones. 

They’ve reached a separate building, which wasn’t as huge as the others, but it still towered over everything. “The dormitories are separated. All the princesses stay here while the princes,” she gestures towards the other side of the whole campus, where a similar-looking building stood tall. “Stay over there.” 

Daniela nodded. With the little knowledge she had about the academy, she was only sure that the academy used to give different course offerings for women and men. Just a few years ago, they had changed that, breaking the stereotypes for both princes and princesses. 

At least that’s one good thing about the academy that Daniela liked. 

“We believed in structured independence here—students are responsible for themselves, but each floor has a leader to maintain order.” Before Daniela could respond, the doors swung open. 

And there she was. 

Princess Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza.

Perfect posture, perfect smile, perfect everything. Her golden sash was immaculate, not a hair out of place. Where Daniela carried the storm and a crackle of a fire, Sophia radiated calm—untouchable, poised, the kind of princess everyone wanted their daughters to emulate. 

Of course. Of course, she was here already. 

She steps forward, her dark hair cascading over her shoulder, her expression calm and assured, as if she had been expecting Daniela all along. 

She bowed slightly. “Welcome, Princess Daniela.” 

Daniela blinked, then narrowed her eyes. “Of course. The perfect princess herself.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm, but Sophia only smiled wider. 

The headmistress either didn’t notice or didn’t care. She gestured toward Sophia. “This is our head student. I trust you’re already acquainted.” 

Daniela gave a half-smile. “Oh, we’ve… crossed paths.” 

Sophia inclined her head with practiced grace. “Indeed.” 

That calm, polite voice grated against Daniela’s ears. She had met Sophia at enough international events to know the girl was basically a saint in a tiara. That, and she literally searched up the academy last night. 

Princess Sophia, always gracious, always composed. Always the one, Daniela’s parents shoved in her face as the example she should follow. 

Daniela swears she has heard her parents say Sophia’s name more than she has heard them say they love her. 

The headmistress continued. “Princess Sophia will be escorting you to your dormitory. She’s been assigned as your official guide for the semester.” 

Daniela’s smirk immediately faltered. “My what?”

Sophia’s smile didn’t waver. “Your guide. Think of me as… your mentor.” She says it in a friendly, genuine way. But something about it felt like mocking and teasing to Daniela. 

Daniela’s jaw clenched. “Or my babysitter,” she said through gritted teeth. 

“If that’s how you choose to see it,” Sophia said serenely. 

That tone—gentle, genuine, as if she wasn’t even trying to be condescending—made Daniela want to scream. 

“You will shadow her, learn from her, and if you have any concerns… she is to be your first point of contact.” The headmistress added as if putting more salt to the wound. 

Daniela’s stomach twisted. She forced a polite smile that looked more like a grimace. “Lucky me…” 

The headmistress turns to Sophia. “Sophia, please show her to her dorm.” 

“Of course, Aunt Madeline,” Sophia replied smoothly, lowering her head just a little. 

Aunt? Of course, she would be a close family member.

As the headmistress departed, Sophia gestured for Daniela to follow. “This way, princess.” 

Daniela rolled her eyes when Sophia turned around, but she followed, dragging her feet just to be difficult. 

The walk to Daniela’s dorm was painfully silent, save for the echo of their heels. When they climbed up another set of stairs, Sophia finally stopped in front of a sleek wooden door. “This will be your room,” Sophia said, her voice warm. 

Sophia takes a step back, leaning against another door right across Daniela’s as she watches the said girl open her own door. 

“Oh, and—” Daniela slowly turns her head, narrowing her eyes at Sophia, waiting for her to continue talking. 

“This is mine.” 

Daniela froze. “You… you’re joking.” 

“Not at all.” 

“I—My room is across from yours?!” 

Sophia slightly cringes at the way Daniela’s voice rose just a bit. “Yes,” she says smoothly, unlocking it. “That way, if you need assistance—or try to sneak out—it will be much easier for me to… intervene. In fact, I’m also the floor leader here. So I suppose you’ll be seeing quite a lot of me.” 

Daniela whirled on her; she felt her blood boiling. Her first night at this academy, and already she wanted to scream. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” 

Sophia’s calm expression didn’t flicker. “Rules are rules, Princess Daniela.”

Daniela narrowed her eyes further. “I bet you love this. Finally getting to keep the rebel princess in line.” 

For the first time, Sophia tilted her head, studying her. Then, in the same soft, infuriatingly genuine voice, she replied, “On the contrary. I imagine keeping you in line will be impossible. But I’ll enjoy watching you try to cause… something.” 

Daniela opened her mouth, then shut it, heat rising to her chest. She couldn’t tell if she was furious—or something far more dangerous. 

Sophia simply smiled that perfect, unshakeable smile. Her eyes were gleaming with something unreadable. “Don’t worry, princess. I’ll take very good care of you,” then she turns on her heel, leaving Daniela seething in the doorway. 

Daniela entered her room and slammed the door shut before pressing her forehead against the wood, her breathing coming fast. 

This is hell.

She huffs as she steps away from the door. “Well, at least she’s not my roommate,” she mumbles to herself. At least that was that. 

She turns and looks around the room. It was spacious. There were already a few furniture inside, shelves, closets, and drawers. It was obvious that someone had already settled in that dorm. 

The other side of the room looked lived in with books on the shelves, neat, neutral colored bed sheets. There were a few shoes and hills lined up on the side of the closet. The desk had papers and a small collection of figurines standing together. 

Daniela almost snorted at the sight. 

She had no idea who she was going to room with, but judging from the other girl’s belongings, she must be a fun person to be around… she hoped. 

Then she turned to her side of the room, and her suitcases were yet to be opened. It only reminded her of how much she didn’t want to be there. Because the sight only made her remember how she felt sick to her stomach while the maids were packing up her clothes in her room. 

But she was already there now. 

She can’t keep denying it. 

Then she’s reminded of Princess Sophia, and now she’s pissed off all over again. She starts unpacking while she’s annoyed and irritated. She yanked open drawers and dumped clothes in without even bothering to fold them. She muttered under her breath the whole time. 

“Welcome, Princess Daniela,” She mimicked Sophia’s voice mockingly. “I’ll take care of you. Ugh. Who does she think she is? Floor leader. Guide. Perfect princess. Bleh.”

A sharp knock at her door made her pause. 

Her heart jumped—was it Sophia again? 

Scowling, she stomped to the door and yanked it open. 

It wasn’t Sophia. 

Daniela froze and blinked a couple of times as if she wasn’t sure if she was seeing correctly because right in front of her, leaning against the door frame with that confident and familiar smile, was Princess Lara Rajagopalan.

“Lara?!” 

Princess Lara’s smile grew wider, “Look who finally ran out of luck—” 

Daniela immediately pulled her into a tight hug that nearly knocked the air out of Lara. 

Lara smelled faintly of jasmine and ink, the kind of scent Daniela hadn’t realized she missed until now. “Oh my god, you’re here! You’re here!! Holy shit!” 

Lara laughed, pulling back to look at Daniela. “Language, princess. This is your first day here, and you’re already throwing around curse words like it’s no big deal?”

Daniela’s face cracked into the widest grin she’d had in weeks, maybe even months. “Wait, wait—hold on. You’re—This is the academy you were sent to?! This is where you disappeared to?!” Her eyes were wide as saucers; she still couldn’t believe that Lara was in front of her. 

The younger princess giggled, nodding. “You forgot already? My parents sent me here a year ago.” 

“Right—oh my god, right! I knew that! I just—ugh, I forgot!” She smacked her forehead and then laughed, pulling Lara back into a bone-crushing hug. 

For the first time since she was dragged into this nightmare, Daniela felt relieved and happy. 

Princess Lara Rajagopalan was and still is Princess Daniela’s best friend. Their families were connected, close friends. In every party and banquet, the house Avanzini went, and the house Rajagopalan went too. 

They were destined to be friends the moment Lara covered for her when she had accidentally flipped the dessert table over at one of the banquets. It was a long story, and Daniela doesn’t even remember how she flipped it over—it just did! 

They had been attached to the hip since then. Princess Lara was a bit of a wild child as well. Breaking the rules, cursing during a press conference with her parents. Her older sister often would cover for her, but ever since Princess Daniela came into the picture, she became more reckless. 

The King and Queen Rajagopalan weren’t as strict, no. They weren’t like Daniela’s parents. They were understanding… but sure, Lara can’t escape without getting scolded whenever she caused a ruckus. 

And just a year ago, Lara was sent to the Royal Academy of Jasminum. Not because she was forced to—Lara absolutely loved the academy. She wanted to be a proper heiress, someone who would be a great ruler. 

Her parents would always tell her that it didn’t matter because Lara was already perfect the way she is, but it was Lara who wanted to climb up the top, wanted to be on the same level as Princess Sophia. 

And now she was there, living her best life, learning the ways of a proper princess and a future queen—that is only if her older sister steps down, which is absolutely not happening, and Lara knew that. Despite it, she still wanted to learn. 

“You have no idea how much I missed you,” Daniela said, voice muffled against Lara’s shoulder, her voice wobbling just a bit. 

Lara chuckles, “And I missed you, too,” she replied softly, squeezing her tighter. “I can’t believe we’re in the same place again.” 

They didn’t waste time and immediately hung out in Daniela’s room. They had a lot to talk about and catch up on. Daniela was quick to tell her stories of what happened, the issues about her for the past year, and the latest that caused her parents’ patience to snap. 

“So, what’s your impression of the academy so far?” Lara asks while folding Daniela’s clothes. She had taken pity on the older girl after seeing the drawer that Daniela had used to stuff her clothes in. 

Daniela had refused her help at first, but Lara insisted. Saying something along the lines of “This is not princess-like,” just to piss the older girl off. 

Daniela hums before leaning back against her arm, blowing a few of her curls out of her face as she furrows her brows just a tiny bit. “Uh, well—I’m not really—I don’t know. I know you like this academy.” 

The younger girl laughs, stacking the clothes neatly just beside her. “Oh, I love this academy, but that doesn’t mean you have to love it, too. I know you were forced to go here, articles of you getting banished are everywhere, y’know?” 

“Yikes. The internet knows already?” 

Lara scoffs before laughing, “The internet always knows already, Dani. Especially when it’s about the rebel princess.” 

It was kind of sad, but at the same time, Daniela is used to that kind of setup. She does something, and in less than a second, everyone knows already. Maybe that’s just how life is when you’re a princess. 

A princess who causes chaos, too. 

“Well, anyway—I guess the academy isn’t that bad… with you here, I think I’ll be doing okay.” Daniela shrugged. She can’t really form a proper judgement of the academy yet. She just arrived two hours ago, nothing else has happened yet… except for the fact that Princess Perfect is her guide and rooms across from hers. 

“You meet anyone yet?” 

It was as if Daniela had been waiting for Lara to ask that exact question. She fell back on her bed, groaning loudly. “Oh, I have. And it just so happens to be the most annoying princess to have ever graced this world.” 

Lara glanced up at her for a few seconds, her lips stretching into a huge, amused smile. “I think I know who it is.” 

“Of course, you do! My parents have always loved to bring her name up in everything. You know that, you were there once!” 

The younger princess nods, folding more of Daniela’s clothes in her lap. “Yes. Yes, I do.” 

“Princess perfect, always looking so untouchable, so polite! So elegant. She’s such a goody two-shoes!” Daniela rambled on, her brows furrowing more by the second. 

Suddenly, Daniela sat up, startling Lara a bit. “Did you know that she’s my guide?? For my whole stay here??” 

Lara was only able to blink as a response before Daniela rambled on again. “And oh my god, I have only interacted with her for less than 10 minutes and she’s already getting on my nerves! She acts like an angel! She acts so innocent, always smiling and all! It’s infuriating!!” 

Lara involuntarily laughs. “Oh, yeah. She does that. That’s her thing. Be rude to her and she’d act like she has no clue.” 

Daniela falls back on her bed again, groaning louder than the first one. “Perfect, my ass. She’s perfectly annoying!” 

Lara finds it amusing, but she has known for a long time that Princess Daniela can’t stand Princess Sophia. 

She didn’t always feel that way towards her, of course. Her hatred and annoyance probably happened, subtly, because of the number of times Daniela’s parents compared her to Sophia. 

Even the media does. 

Everywhere they go, Daniela is always compared to Sophia. No matter how small Daniela’s mistake is. 

Sophia’s name will always be brought up. 

So, Lara understood, but then again, she thinks it’s unfair for Sophia. The poor princess did nothing wrong. It wasn’t her fault that everyone used her as the example for “perfection.” 

Besides, Lara’s almost sure that Sophia isn’t all that… perfect. She just can’t prove it… or maybe she can, someday. 

“Well, I hope you’re ready for tomorrow.” 

Daniela huffs, “Why? What’s tomorrow?” 

“Each year, there is a welcoming ceremony for all the new students, but don’t worry. I’ll be there with you.” 

The older princess could only huff once more in annoyance. 

“Oh, and be sure to wear your uniform correctly. They’re very strict about that.” Lara pats Daniela’s knee as she stands up. 

Daniela closes her eyes. “This really is hell…” 

—

The great hall was massive. 

Daniela is convinced every room in this place is always polished every morning without fail because of how reflective the marble floors are. 

It’s not like it was any different from her palace; it was just insane seeing how perfect everything was in that academy. 

The morning sun spilled through the massive windows of the great hall as new students filled the long rows of seats. Whispers and nervous laughter echo faintly under the vaulted ceiling. 

The chandeliers shine against the sunlight, hanging unmoving above all of them. 

Daniela sat slouched on her chair, tugging at the stiff collar of her white button-up. “Ugh, this is absolutely hideous and uncomfortable,” she muttered under her breath. 

She glared at her own reflection on the marbled floor. The vest was already hot enough over her long sleeves; the blazer was absolutely overkill. 

The plaid skirt felt too prim, too tight, too everything.

Lara had complimented her earlier before they were ushered inside. “You look lovely.” She had whispered, but Daniela didn’t feel lovely at all! 

Daniela felt like a bird stuffed in a cage. Or a cat given a collar for the first time. 

She tapped her foot impatiently as the Headmistress spoke, her voice smooth and practiced. 

Welcome to the Royal Academy of Jasminum… traditions of excellence… shaping the leaders of tomorrow… blah blah blah. 

Daniela yawned. Loudly. 

“Dani,” Lara whispered sharply from beside her, tapping her leg with a gentle finger. 

“What? She’s been talking forever!” Daniela slumped further into her chair. 

Her neck was starting to itch because of the collar. What the hell is this even made out of?

Daniela looked around as if trying to look for something interesting to stare at until the welcoming ceremony was over. 

Her eyes landed on a few people. 

The first one was another princess that Daniela knew of because she could also be considered as another “Princess Perfect.”

There she stood beside Princess Sophia, Princess Meret Manon Sarpong Bannerman. 

She was more like a celebrity, like an actress, or a really pretty girl you’d see on the internet. That was her vibe. 

But she was just like Sophia. That’s what Daniela thinks. Prim and proper, perfect, perfect, perfect. Again and again. 

They were all just the same. 

“Huh, didn’t know Princess Perfect’s best friend is here, too.” Daniela crossed her arms, keeping her eyes on Manon. 

Lara raised an eyebrow at her, “Oh, Manon? She’s my roommate.” 

“She’s your what—“ 

“…and now, Princess Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza will be explaining the rules and expectations here at Jasminum.” 

Daniela immediately sat up, her jaw tightening. 

Sophia glided to the podium, her blazer fitting her perfectly. Her posture is regal without even trying. 

Even in this suffocating uniform, she looked untouchable. Perfect hair, perfect smile—she was literally glowing. 

How the hell was Sophia wearing the same exact uniform as Daniela, but Sophia looked more natural in it?? 

Daniela wanted to vomit. 

“Good morning, everyone,” Sophia began, her voice calm, measured, smooth as silk. “On behalf of the student council, I will be helping Princess Meret Manon Sarpong Bannerman, the student council president, by welcoming you all to Jasminum.” 

Everyone gave a round of applause as Manon walked and stood beside Sophia, flashing everyone a blinding smile. 

“We’re delighted to have each of you here, ready to begin your journey as future leaders, rulers, and representatives of your kingdoms.” Manon looked at all of them, eyes soft and voice sweet. 

Daniela made a face. 

Sophia’s gaze swept across the crowd—steady, warm, and confident. She didn’t even need to read from a card. 

She didn’t stutter or stumble on her words. She spoke as though she’d been born to stand there. 

“And now,” Sophia continued, “We will review some of the rules we expect every student to follow, in order to maintain the dignity and reputation of the academy.” 

Daniela groaned audibly. “Here we go.” 

Lara stifled a laugh beside her. 

Sophia, as though she’d heard, paused ever so slightly before her smile sharpened just a fraction. Then she went on. “The rules are simple, starting with rule number one: punctuality is a reflection of discipline. Classes begin at seven o’clock sharp. Tardiness will not be tolerated.” 

Daniela threw her head back. “Seven?! What kind of monster—“ 

A few students turned to look at her, and Lara had to elbow her to keep her quiet. 

Daniela’s hand crept up to her neck, gently scratching her skin. It was starting to get itchier. 

“Rule number two: uniforms must be worn correctly at all times.” 

Daniela’s brows twitch. “Oh, of course you’d say that.” She was practically snarling at this point. 

Across the hall, Sophia’s eyes flickered briefly toward her. The faintest glimmer of amusement—almost smug, even—sparked in her gaze.

“...Uniforms,” Sophia said smoothly, letting her eyes wander now, as though Daniela hadn’t just burst a vein in the middle of the ceremony because of her. “Are a reflection of pride in one’s role. We all wear the same to remind us that we are equals here—each of us should aspire to look as presentable as possible.”

“It’s itchy, not pride, you demon in a skirt,” Daniela muttered, scratching at her neck. “Good god, is this fabric made to give me an allergic reaction or what??”  

Lara had to pinch her arm as a warning. 

Daniela huffs. She thinks what Sophia said is ironic, given that Sophia literally had a sash on. Sure, they all wear the same uniforms, sure, that can mean that they’re all equal, but the sash just makes her look superior to everyone. 

Sophia’s smile widened by the tiniest fraction. “And for those of us who find the uniforms uncomfortable…” She paused deliberately, gaze sweeping the room, lingering for half a second on Daniela. “...I assure you, it is not the clothes that chafe. It is discipline.” 

The crowd chuckled politely. Daniela’s jaw almost dropped to the floor. 

“Did she just—” Daniela hissed, and Lara turned to her, her lips tugging upward. 

“Yes,” Lara whispered, trying not to laugh. “Yes, she did.” 

Daniela cleared her throat, leaning forward. Her fists gripped her knees as Sophia continued serenely and smoothly to the next rule. Her voice is steady, her smile annoyingly radiant. 

“Rule number three,” Sophia went on, utterly unfazed, “students must refrain from disruptive behavior during assemblies.” 

Daniela nearly shot out of her seat. “This is targeted, Lara.”

Lara smothered her laughter with her hand, whispering, “She’s not even looking at you anymore.” 

But Daniela swore she could still feel those eyes. 

As the welcoming ceremony went on, Daniela tried to keep her mouth shut. It was even harder for her to keep quiet when Princess Manon stepped in, introducing the many extracurricular activities students can take alongside the student council.

Daniela would try her best not to scoff. She’d even look at Lara, and she’d see her smiling wider as if she were proud of Manon. 

Daniela frowned. Lara said they were roommates. They must be close.

It didn’t take long before the ceremony ended. 

The crowd poured out of the great hall, shoes clicking against polished marble, chatter echoing through the vaulted ceilings. Daniela tried to escape through the swarm unnoticed; she wanted to leave quickly. 

That place was already suffocating her with how perfect the students are. Not to mention, Daniela really stood out among the princesses with her uniform collar ruffled up. 

The headmistress told them that there was a buffet at the dining hall, but Daniela decided to skip it. She wasn’t even that hungry. 

But of course, fate had other plans. 

Sophia slipped right into step beside her, hands folded neatly behind her, posture as perfect as ever. It just made Daniela’s “imperfection” more noticeable with her slightly slouching and all. 

“You think you’re clever, don’t you?” Daniela hissed under her breath. 

Sophia blinked innocently, turning her head just slightly toward her. “Pardon?”

Daniela glared at her. “That little dig during your speech or whatever. Something about uniforms and discipline. You looked at me.” 

“I was addressing everyone,” Sophia said smoothly, her tone maddeningly calm. She almost looked proud. “If you chose to take it personally…” 

Daniela scoffed, leaning closer so no one else would hear. “You meant for me to take it personally.” 

Sophia’s lips curved into the faintest smile, almost hidden, almost… smug. “You seem to think the world revolves around you, Princess Daniela Andrea Avanzini.” 

Daniela stopped walking for half a beat, flustered, before catching up to Sophia again. “And you seem to think you’re smarter than everyone else.”

Sophia finally glanced at her, eyes steady, calm, infuriatingly self-assured. “I do not think I am smarter than everyone else, my love. I am just smart.” 

“You—” 

But before Daniela could even explode, she realized students around them were whispering, heads turning, glances darting between the two princesses walking side by side as though they were magnets locked in place. 

She didn’t really care if she made a scene… she just didn’t want people to talk about her while also talking about Princess Sophia. Their names do not belong in the same sentence, after all. 

Lara caught up from behind them. “Do you two even realize how close you’re standing right now?” she muttered with a grin. A grin that Daniela is very much familiar with. 

It caused her to jolt a step away, cheeks hot, while Sophia politely nodded towards Lara with a gentle smile, acknowledging her presence, and then she kept walking. 

She didn’t know that she had just declared war in the form of a smile. 

Daniela had practically dragged Lara with her. “Did you see how she acted just then? Walking and talking all smug like she’s the Queen of the Universe—”

To say Lara was amused is an understatement. She was beyond that. She enjoyed seeing Princess Sophia get on her best friend’s nerves without even trying. She could just stand there, flash everyone a smile, and Daniela would literally burst into flames. 

“Dani, she was just telling us the rules—”

“No, Lara, she looked at me! Right in the eyes when she said discipline and order. Like she thinks she can control me? Ugh, she’s so—she’s so—” Daniela flailed her hands, lost for words, “—perfect! And I hate it!”

Lara laughed, shaking her head as they crossed the courtyard. There were no longer students in their way. “She looks at everyone. I mean, Manon also looked at me. That doesn’t immediately mean she was talking about me… and you sound obsessed.” 

“I’m not obsessed!” Daniela snapped, pushing open the dormitory door so hard it banged against the wall. She was lucky that almost all the students were elsewhere. 

She stormed up the stairs with Lara following close behind. It didn’t take long before she got to her floor, opening her door, ready to throw herself onto the bed dramatically, when she freezes. 

There was someone already there. A girl sprawled across the opposite bed, uniform slightly disheveled, she wasn’t even wearing her blazer, just her long sleeves and vest… with a pair of pants under her skirt…? 

Daniela was utterly confused. 

The girl looked up, a bright, easy smile spreading across her face. “Hey? Hi? You’re Princess Daniela, right? I’m your roommate.” 

Daniela blinked, thrown completely off guard. “...I’m sorry, you are?” 

From behind her, Lara’s laughter filled the room as she bowed her head politely towards the girl. “Princess Megan Meiyok Skiendiel.”

Megan pushed herself up to sit cross-legged on her bed, returning the polite bow, “Princess Lara.” 

Daniela turned to Lara, eyes wide. “Why are you saying her name like I’m supposed to know her?”

Lara shrugged, fighting back a grin, “Because everyone knows Princess Megan.” 

Megan tilted her head playfully. “Not everyone, apparently. Don’t worry, Princess Dani. You’ll catch up.” 

Daniela blinked, eyebrow twitching. The girl was already picking up her nickname as if she had known her for years. 

She scowled, flopping face-first onto her bed with a groan. “I don’t have patience for this.” 

Megan just grinned, tugging at the waistband of her pants under the skirt. “Cool, because I don’t have patience either—for these uniforms. Total scam.”

Daniela peeked up from her pillow, disbelief written all over her face. “... Are you even allowed to do that? With the pants and all?” 

Megan winked. “Nope.” 

Lara was practically doubled over with laughter by now, while Daniela groaned into her pillow again. 

Who was this girl anyway? And why does Lara seem close to her? Is she one of those perfect princesses like Sophia and Manon? Daniela doubts that one… the pants under the skirt say a lot. 

Lara walked over and sat on Megan’s bed. “You weren’t at the ceremony. Skipping again, Princess Megan?” 

Megan huffed out a laugh, smiling widely. “When have I not, princess? Ever since I studied here, I have skipped more events than parties downtown.” 

Hearing those words made Daniela turn her head towards them. 

Parties downtown?? Since when do these perfect little princesses even party downtown??

“Oh, I know.” Lara playfully rolls her eyes, “I still wonder how Sophia hasn’t reported you yet.” 

Daniela blinks at the mention of Sophia’s name, and Lara’s eyes flicker towards her for just a second. It was as if Daniela kept getting new information every other minute without her even asking. 

Megan scoffs, waving her hand dismissively. “Sophia can’t do that to me… because I haven’t been caught. Not once!” She says it so smugly and so confidently. 

Daniela scrunches up her nose. There was no way Megan hadn’t gotten caught yet? She must have been sneaking out, right? 

“AND she loves me.” Megan playfully pointed at Lara before turning and winking at Daniela. “That’s how you survive this academy, Princess Chaos.” 

Daniela rolls her eyes, and Lara laughs. “Well, unfortunately for Princess Daniela, she didn’t grow up with Princess Sophia. She doesn’t get that privilege.” 

“I’d rather die than get that privilege.” Daniela rolls over, back facing the two princesses from across her. Everything clicked in Daniela’s head then. Megan… is a known Princess because of Sophia. 

Or maybe Megan is just a really peculiar princess, and she just so happens to be Princess Sophia’s somewhat childhood friend. 

Megan blinks, eyes flickering towards Lara, wordlessly asking her what was going on. 

“Princess Chaos, as you say, is not that fond of Princess Sophia.” Lara gestures towards Daniela. 

“I hate her.” Daniela hisses, fumbling with her uniform’s collar, groaning as she takes her blazer off, and practically throwing it on the floor. Lara rolls her eyes, sighing as she picks up her best friend’s blazer, folding it and setting it on her lap as she sits back down. 

Megan tilted her head, watching Daniela grumble under her breath. “So…” she started slowly, drawing out the word, “you have the hots for Princess Sophia, then?” 

Daniela whipped around so fast Lara swore she heard her neck crack. “I BEG YOUR PARDON??” The years of proper English and perfect grammar had suddenly jumped out of their dormant state within Daniela. She actually couldn’t believe what she heard. 

Lara, choking on laughter, tried and failed to keep a straight face. 

Megan grinned, unbothered, “You hate her, you like her—psshh, same thing. Classic romance setup.” 

“Are you sure you’re actually a princess? How come a princess says such… vulgar words!” Daniela stared at her, scandalized. 

Lara finally burst out laughing, tossing her hair over her shoulder, almost smacking Megan on the face with it. “Oh please, Dani, now you’re acting like you’re some proper princess?” 

Daniela was quick to gasp in betrayal. “Lara!” 

But Megan’s eyes were already sparkling with amusement. “Right, you’re one to talk, miss rebel princess. The number of articles written about you every day can counter all my schemes!” She goes and props her chin on her palm, “So what’s the trope here? Enemies to lovers, huh? How cute.” 

Daniela was so ready to throw a pillow at her. They weren’t even close! How can Megan have such confidence? If she knew Daniela because of the articles, she should be scared and intimidated. 

But she wasn’t. 

That’s probably because she was more chaotic than Daniela… probably. 

Megan winked at Daniela once more—Daniela’s almost sure that’s Megan’s most favorite thing to do in the world. “Don’t worry, Princess Chaos. You are definitely Sophia’s type.” 

Daniela froze before frowning. 

And right then, Daniela immediately thinks that being in that academy is going to drain the life out of her. 

—

Daniela is convinced that the academy is cursed. 

Or… she’s cursed. 

Because it was only the first day, and Princess Sophia, the oh, so holy, Princess Sophia, is everywhere. 

Every class she had—diplomatic history, economics, etiquette, even ballroom dance—she would be there. 

Sophia would always be there. Sitting perfectly straight, notes aligned, uniform pristine, while Daniela was fighting for her life, trying not to scratch at her neck every three seconds because of the uniform’s collar. 

The worst part? Every time Daniela slouched into a seat at the back, Sophia would glance over just enough to see her. Daniela swore it was on purpose, as if Sophia meant to look at her just so she could warn her with her eyes. 

By mid-morning, she was ready to explode. 

“Okay, but why all my classes?” she hissed to Lara as they strolled across the courtyard between lectures. The perfect weather wasn’t enough to calm Daniela down. 

“Because, darling,” Lara replied, tossing her hair over her shoulder, “they probably put all the heirs together. Makes sense, don’t you think? You’ll be grateful one day when you need to know how to negotiate with some old duke who only speaks in metaphors.” 

Daniela cringed at the thought. 

“And also, isn’t she your guide? It’s only normal for her to be everywhere you go.” Lara added as if reminding Daniela. 

She had a point, but Daniela just groaned. “That’s Sophia talk. Don’t start sounding like her.” 

Lara slightly shook her head while laughing, looping her arm through Daniela’s. “We’re being trained to be perfect heirs and heiresses here; we’re all bound to sound like Sophia sooner or later.” 

“Not me.” Daniela deadpans. 

“Relax. At least you have me. And trust me—this place would be way more unbearable without a little… sparkle.” 

For the first time all day, Daniela smiled. Because Lara was right. 

At least there’s someone like Lara there. Someone she knew and trusted. 

But of course, she still missed being at home. She missed being free; she missed sleeping in her bed. She missed Darcey. 

She missed being able to do what she wanted to do at any given moment. 

Waking up early in the morning to catch breakfast was already a challenge for her, and it was only the start of classes. She wonders if she’ll ever be able to survive this place. 

Second day of classes wasn’t that bad… except for the fact that Sophia’s still following her around. 

Daniela storms into the dining hall, tray clattering. She sits as far from Sophia as possible—yet when she glances up, there’s Sophia two tables over, perfectly seated, sipping tea, eyes flicking over to her like she was cataloguing every move. 

The sounds of utensils gently scraping against plates filled the dining hall along with soft and faint clicks of princesses’ heels against the marbled floor. 

“At this point, she’s stalking me,” Daniela muttered to Lara. 

“I can hear you, princess,” Sophia said without missing a beat, raising her teacup gracefully in greeting. 

Daniela choked on the first bite, and Lara had to slap her back to keep her alive. 

“Better finish your food first before you talk shit about people.” Lara jokingly says in a singsong way before taking a bite of her own food. 

Daniela swallows, narrowing her eyes at Sophia, who looks at her with a gentle smile. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she says through gritted teeth before stabbing her food with a fork. 

—

On the third day, Daniela thought it would be a good idea to walk around the academy. Maybe she’d enjoy looking around. Maybe she’d get a little bit of joy out of the little things she sees around the palace-like academy. 

She ends up in the Library, and she walks through each aisle, mesmerized by the many books on each shelf. Sure, they had books back at the palace, too, but the Library in the academy had more books that Daniela is sure she hasn’t seen before. 

As she passed by, there was a book that immediately caught her attention. A book about all the existing royal families. 

She knew there were books about all the royal families… she just didn’t think she’d be interested in one. 

She was already in the Lafortezas’ academy. She might as well read about their bloodline, right? 

Daniela pulled the book out of its spot, staring at it before walking and looking for a place to sit. 

But of course, someone had to ruin her day. 

She immediately spots Princess Sophia at one of the tables, quietly reading a book that Daniela isn’t even familiar with. 

Come on. She’s also here??

She wonders if this was a pure coincidence or if Sophia is just an expert at tracking Daniela down. Maybe it really was a pure coincidence. 

But judging from the many times Sophia had appeared almost everywhere Daniela went, she was sure that this was no longer coincidental. 

Daniela slams the book down on the table. Sophia didn’t even flinch, as if she was used to having books slammed down on the table in front of her. 

The loud sound made the other students turn their heads at them. The librarian whipped her head so fast she almost got whiplash from it. 

“Why are you everywhere I go?” Daniela hissed, glaring down at Sophia. 

Princess Sophia blinked, unbothered. “Coincidence. Or maybe fate.” Her voice was low so that the librarian wouldn’t scold them both. 

“You’ve been following me around since classes started. Coincidence is pure bullshit, and you know it.” Daniela leaned down; her brows were so close to colliding with one another. 

Sophia hums, smiling up at her. “Language, princess.” 

Daniela leaned back, huffing. She couldn’t believe what was actually happening. It was either that Sophia was just good at pretending or it was just a pure coincidence. 

But no—Daniela was sure. 

Everything about Sophia is perfect. Even her plans would be perfect as well. 

“You’re absolutely insufferable. Has anyone told you that?” 

Sophia looks down at her book, flipping a page slowly and calmly. “And you’re loud at libraries. It’d be nice if you didn’t slam books on tables next time. Wouldn’t want to get scolded by the librarian now, wouldn’t we?” 

Daniela scoffs. This little shit. 

But Daniela doesn’t respond anymore. She rolls her eyes before storming off, leaving the book on Sophia’s table. 

—

Fourth day of classes wasn’t any better. 

Daniela was already dreading the day to start. She didn’t even get up on time to eat breakfast, even when Megan shook her awake. 

Even when Lara had passed by to accompany her to the dining hall. 

Daniela remained in bed and only got up when she really had to. If she could skip, she would! But she doubts Princess Perfect from across her room would let her do that. 

It was as if the universe wanted to rub it in Daniela’s face how bad of luck she had. Princess Perfect, herself, sits right behind her in etiquette class. 

And of course, Sophia would excel in that class. Of course. 

Daniela couldn’t keep her mouth shut at all. She passes little snarky comments under her breath whenever Sophia answers something flawlessly. 

“Of course, the perfect princess knows every damn answer.” 

Sophia leaned forward without Daniela noticing. “You know you should really learn how to properly whisper. I could hear your voice loud and clear over here.” 

Daniela whipped her head around, glaring at Sophia. “Excuse me??” 

The professor cleared his throat. “Princess Daniela, please face front.” 

Daniela could only scoff before slowly turning back. Sophia was smiling sweetly as if she just didn’t piss Daniela off for the nth time that week. She gently tapped her pen against her notes behind Daniela, and it only ticked the girl off even more. 

For lunch, Daniela sits at the dining hall, stabbing at her food like it’s her mortal enemy. She has yet to see Lara, and the worst part? Sophia sits down directly across from her. 

“There are so many empty seats in this hall,” Daniela grumbles, stabbing a piece of meat on her plate. She looks up straight at Sophia, “Why are you sitting in front of me? You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” 

She was basically clutching her fork so tight that she might as well bend it. 

Sophia calmly cuts her food, separating everything so gracefully at her own pace. “I like the view here.” 

Daniela blinks, heat rising to her chest—out of anger or something else—she’s not sure, but she will admit, it caught her off guard. “... What?” 

Sophia looks up at her, then turns towards the huge windows, smiling faintly. “The roses are blooming.” 

Daniela nearly chokes on nothing, but she saves face, clearing her throat and sitting up straight as if someone had told her to. 

At the end of that day, they ended up walking next to each other without meaning to. Their last class for the day had just ended, and Daniela was nothing but drained. 

But, for some reason, she still had energy to throw words at Sophia. 

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you enjoyed torturing me.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought that you enjoyed my company,” Sophia says with a smile and a shrug that only made Daniela’s brows twitch. 

Princess Sophia turns her head slightly towards her, flashing her that perfect smile. “You haven’t run away yet.” 

The groan that came out of Daniela’s lips was immediate. She doesn’t even respond anymore; she just stomps away, leaving Sophia there, smiling as if she had done nothing wrong. 

—

For weeks, it had been like that. 

Daniela couldn’t even do anything about it. Not when Lara also kept her in line. She doesn’t complain about that. 

It was just Sophia. 

Daniela really can’t stand her. Even if she tried and forced herself to befriend the girl, she just couldn’t do it. 

She had never liked Sophia at all anyway. 

Even before she was sent there. 

And it didn’t help that she was everywhere Daniela went. 

Classes, the dining hall, the Library, even the courtyard! Princess Sophia’s always just right there. Calm, polished, and always smiling. 

It was probably rage bait at this point because Daniela keeps snapping. 

If anyone had asked Lara if she had a favorite line from the things that Daniela says, she’d provide them with a top 3. 

The first one being “Do you not have a life outside of stalking me?” 

The second, “If you’re trying to keep me in line, maybe stop hovering like a mother hen.” 

And “Your smile is creepy. Stop smiling at me like that.” takes the third spot. 

It was amusing for Lara. Sure, she had always seen Daniela get mad and angry before but no one has ever made Daniela this pissed off more than Princess Sophia. 

It also didn’t help that Sophia would always answer Daniela. Her answers were always mild and infuriatingly so. 

She’d always say “It’s my job to guide you.” Or something else like “I’m only doing what I was asked to do.” 

Whenever Daniela would hear such words from Sophia, she would always want to explode right in front of her. 

Princess Sophia had become her shadow. 

Her perfect little shadow. 

The classroom smelled faintly of chalk and polished wood. The sun was up high, like any other day. It seems that the weather is always perfect in that academy. 

Daniela slouched in her seat near the middle row, tapping her pen against the desk with restless irritation. 

She had gone weeks trying to keep herself calm. Trying to stick to the rules because Princess Perfect is always looming over her. 

Like right now. 

Behind her, Sophia settled gracefully into the desk, her presence so composed it was almost infuriating. Well, to Daniela, it is.

Sophia didn’t even look like she was trying—always so perfect all the damn time, acting as if she wasn’t Daniela’s unwanted shadow. 

To her right, Megan dropped into her seat, grinning like they were about to gossip instead of sit through an hour-long lecture. 

She looked more presentable now. Unlike when she was at her and Daniela’s shared dorm room. It was almost insane how she could go from looking chaotic with pants under her skirt to looking almost as perfect as Sophia in proper uniform. 

“Sooo…” Megan leaned toward Sophia, lowering her voice but not nearly enough, “Just a very random question, Princess Sophia, be honest—do you think Princess Daniela is cute?” 

And in a snap of a finger, Daniela was already looking at them. Her glare could have cut glass. 

Sophia, already expecting the reaction, lifted a hand in an easy, dismissive wave. With the smallest tilt of her chin, she wordlessly told Daniela, “Eyes front.”

Daniela rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle it didn’t get stuck, muttering a sharp little scoff before facing forward again. 

Behind her, Megan smirked. “Touchy,” she whispered. 

Sophia allowed the barest curve of a smile to tug at her lips, calm as ever, though her gaze lingered on the back of Daniela’s head longer than necessary. 

Daniela knows Megan is just goofing around, and she knows that it has something to do with what they talked about when they first met at the dorm. 

Something about her having the hots for Princess Sophia. 

Eugh.

“Didn’t think she’d actually do what you tell her?” Megan laughed, amused. 

Sophia only blinked, her calmness unwavering. 

Megan then tilted her head, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well? You didn’t answer. Do you think she’s cute?” 

The older princess rested her chin against her hand, her expression unreadable. She was finally humoring Megan. “I think,” she said slowly, voice low enough that it carried but not too loud, “that people make it far too easy to draw attention to themselves.” 

Daniela stiffened in her seat, hands curling into fists beneath her desk. 

She heard that. She heard that loud and clear! 

Megan snorted. “That is absolutely not an answer.” 

Sophia smiled at her, a small, serene curve of her lips. “It was not meant to be an answer.” 

Daniela huffed, whipping her gaze stubbornly to the front of the classroom, but her ears burned red. 

—

The halls were still buzzing between classes when Daniela spun on her heel, stopping so abruptly that Sophia nearly bumped into her. 

“You—!” Daniela hissed, her eyes flashing. “That thing you said in class—what was that supposed to mean? Hm? Too easy to draw attention to myself? Care to explain, princess?”

Apparently, Daniela still has yet to let it go. Sophia’s words were practically carved inside her head, and it sizzled and burned. 

She couldn’t shrug it off. 

Sophia didn’t even flinch. She regarded Daniela with a maddeningly serene gaze, like she was a puzzle she had all the time in the world to solve. 

And it did kind of feel like that, too. 

“Princess, you are thinking about it too much,” Sophia said softly, stepping closer. 

Daniela opened her mouth to snap back—but froze when Sophia’s hands rose. With deliberate gentleness, Sophia tugged Daniela’s crooked collar into place, fingers brushing warm against her throat. 

She pulls at Daniela’s blazer, letting it wrap around Daniela securely before tightening her necktie just a bit. 

“There,” Sophia murmured, her smile sweet but her eyes knowing. “Much better, don’t you think, Princess?” 

And then—just like that—she stepped past Daniela, walking down the hall as if nothing had happened, the picture of calm grace. 

Daniela was left rooted to the spot, flushed to the tips of her ears, fists trembling at her sides. 

“I—she—ugh!!” She sputtered to herself before tugging at her necktie and loosening it. “Stupid, perfect little—“ she grumbles to herself as she fumbles with her collar next. 

She could almost still feel the way Sophia’s fingers grazed her throat. It was such a calm and gentle touch—it was almost ghost-like. 

But Daniela scratched at her neck, finally storming after her, even more irritated that Sophia hadn’t even looked back or waited. 

She’s supposed to be my guide! And yet, she’s leaving me behind!

—

That little moment in the hallway didn’t go unnoticed by students. 

When Sophia fixed Daniela’s uniform, the hallway didn’t just go quiet—it shifted.

Students slowed down to watch them interact. They lingered by the noticeboards; some shuffled their books as they stole glances. 

Because everyone knew of Princess Sophia Laforteza—perfect, untouchable, composed. And everyone knew of Princess Daniela Avanzini—the scandalous rebel who’d been sent here in disgrace. But never, not once, had the two ever been seen in the same frame. 

Their names would always be heard and seen all around; they’re always compared to one another. Where Princess Sophia gets praised and Princess Daniela gets dragged through hell and back. 

Whispers crackled through the corridor like wildfire when that moment in the hallway happened. 

“Did you see that?”

“Why would Princess Sophia be fixing her uniform?”

“Do they… know each other?” 

“They must know each other! There are only a few who dare to interact with the rebel princess.”

“Their duo is a bit… unique, given that they are complete opposites, don’t you think so?” 

Within hours, rumors spread through the academy like wildfire. Students whispered in the Library, scribbled theories in group chats, and even pinned handwritten notes in the community board under the heading “SOPHIA + DANIELA: WHAT’S THE DEAL??”

Of course, an academy filled with royals is still an academy like no other. Women and men will whisper and gossip. Being royalty does not make anyone immune to such things. 

Princesses gossiped and gossiped. Threw around theories as if the whole academy would burst into flames if they weren’t able to find out what Princess Daniela’s connection is with Princess Sophia. 

“They’re cousins, obviously—both too high ranking not to be connected… just complete opposites!”

“Princess Sophia is secretly tutoring Princess Daniela because she’s failing her princess lessons. Are we surprised at all?”

“Their kingdoms are negotiating some big alliance—that’s why Princess Sophia is acting like her shadow. She has been following Princess Daniela for quite a while now.” 

“They hate each other’s guts but are being forced to pretend to get along.” 

But one princess, the boldest of the bold, whispered, “What if they’re… dating?”

That theory was quickly shot down. 

“Oh, please,” a smug princess scoffed in the dining hall. “Everyone knows Princess Sophia is dating Prince Leon.”

“Yeah, duh. They’re basically perfect together—what, have you not read the tabloids?”

It took a few days before it reached Daniela. 

They didn’t have classes, and it was the only time Daniela could actually rest and breathe without having to follow any rules. 

Megan snorts as she scrolls through her phone on her side of the room. “Some people think you and Sophia are in a secret romance.” 

Daniela didn’t expect those words to come out of her roommate’s mouth. She bolted upright. “What?!”

Megan stood up, still laughing, before tossing her phone towards Daniela like she didn’t care if the older girl didn’t catch it. 

Luckily, Daniela did—barely—but she did. She held it tight and stared at the screen. There was a long discussion online, a blog maybe, Daniela wasn’t familiar with the site, but she read it. 

People are trying to solve the “mystery” between Princess Sophia and Princess Daniela. There wasn’t even any mystery at all! Sophia is just Daniela’s guide… but no one knew that. Daniela forgot that no one knew other than Lara, Megan, and the headmistress. 

She scrolls and sees a comment about Sophia and some random prince named Leon. 

“Now, who the fuck is Prince Leon?” 

Megan was already wheezing at this point. “You don’t know him? He’s, like… Mr. Perfect Royal Boy. Every kingdom’s golden son or whatever,” she says with a shrug. 

“Why are they saying that Princess Perfect is with him?” Daniela’s brows were furrowed, nose scrunched up just a tiny bit as she scrolled further.

“Oh, you know, rumors. They’re always together… not now, of course, because Sophia’s been hovering around you lately.”

“And that gives them the right to assume that I’m dating Princess Perfect now?!”

Megan huffs out a laugh, sitting back down on her bed, “Well, they aren’t assuming. They hate the idea! They love Prince Leon more than you.” 

Daniela looks up at Megan with narrowed eyes. “Wow, thanks.” 

“The pleasure is mine.” Megan sarcastically replies, nodding. “Also, if you’re wondering if they really are dating, ask Sophia. She’s your guide, isn’t she?’ 

“I’m not wondering.” Daniela hissed before tossing Megan’s phone back at her. 

—

The academy’s east wing buzzed with activity as clubs and extracurriculars held open doors for the new semester. Banners stretched across corridors, students in uniforms showed off their skills, and fliers piled up like leaves after a storm. 

Daniela didn’t want to be there. 

In fact, she didn’t want to take any extracurricular activities. She could barely breathe in this place—she wants nothing but to leave. 

But she didn’t have much of a choice. She’s stuck there, and she has no way out. Lara and Megan had told her beforehand that extracurricular activities were required; one student can take up to three. 

If Daniela were to choose, she’d choose none. 

But here she was, trailing a step behind Princess Lara and Princess Manon. Her arms were crossed, and her expression was set in eternal boredom. 

“Don’t sulk, Dani,” Lara teased, turning around to loop her arm through hers, pulling her to walk faster. “You’re supposed to explore. This is fun.” 

“Fun?” Daniela echoed, flat. “So far, it looks like torture to me. This is just more things to put in my schedule, and I could barely keep up with classes!”

They passed by the music room first. Lara peeked inside, smiling when a group of students gathered around a grand piano. Daniela rolled her eyes, but she kept her mouth shut because she knew this was Lara’s extracurricular activity. 

Manon caught the eye-roll but didn’t comment. Instead, she said gently, “There’s also the art guild, theater, debate… fencing, of course.” 

The three peeked into the fencing hall just as a pair of masked students clashed blades. Daniela’s eye twitched. Gleaming foils, crisp footwork, instructors pacing like hawks—it all reeked of control, precision, perfection. 

“I’m not a part of this, but Sophia trains me for fun sometimes.” Lara comments, watching the fencing match. 

They don’t see Sophia anywhere, but Daniela’s stomach twisted all the same. “Absolutely not.” 

Lara and Manon exchanged amused looks, but neither pressed. They kept walking until the sharp tang of hay and leather reached them. The trio stepped out into the academy ranch where horses paced in gleaming paddocks, their breath fogging in the early air. 

Daniela stopped short. For the first time that day, her eyes lit up. 

She had no idea they had this. 

“Oh,” she breathed, moving closer to the white railings. “Now this… this I can stomach.” 

Her eyes wandered around. There were horses walking and eating, and a few students were riding around. The sight absolutely warmed Daniela’s chest as memories of her riding a Horse as a kid flashed in her head. 

Memories of Darcey and a few butlers and maids watching her and guiding her, helping her, and teaching her how to properly ride a horse. 

The many times she fell off and the many times she ruined her dress just so she could see the horses up close. 

Now this place… this place can be her comfort zone. 

A tall girl was brushing down a chestnut mare, humming under her breath. She glanced over at the newcomers, breaking into a bright but shy grin. 

“Princess Yoonchae,” Manon called out, smiling widely at her as Lara waved. 

The girl walked over to them, bowing as she got closer. “Greetings and welcome,” she turns to Daniela, her smile widening just a bit. “You are Princess Daniela, correct? I am Princess Yoonchae from the house of Jeung. It is such a pleasure to meet you,” she bows again. 

Daniela blinked. The girl’s energy was so disarming, so warm—it was almost alien. But Daniela can’t help but think… she sure is proper.

Daniela has seen her before, at the welcome ceremony. But the girl was so quiet, she almost missed her. 

Before Daniela could answer, another voice chimed in. “Yep, that’s Yoonchae, our little speed demon.” 

Daniela turned to see Megan sprawled casually on a hay bale. She had no blazer on, and instead of a skirt, she wore pants. Well, at least she wasn’t wearing the pants under the skirt combo anymore. 

She lifted a lazy hand in greeting, “Princess Megan Skiendiel. I ride here too. Archery’s my main, but, y’know—horses are fun. Less pressure.” 

Yoonchae snorts as Manon shakes her head, resting her forehead on her hand. Lara could only roll her eyes, but was still smiling fondly. 

Daniela raised a brow. “You’re my roommate.” She deadpans. 

Megan grinned. “Correct. And since I like you already, let me give you the rundown.” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “Horses don’t judge. Horses don’t care if you’re a rebel princess. They’ll just throw you if you’re being stupid. Character-building, yeah?” 

“How impressive,” Manon whispered under her breath, crossing her arms. Lara couldn’t keep it in anymore—she huffed out a laugh before leaning in and resting her cheek against Manon’s shoulder. 

Daniela snorted against her will. Just barely. But it was there. “Lucky for you, I’m already interested. I’ll take this one,” she muttered, eyes fixed on the paddocks. 

Lara clapped her hands, delighted. Manon gave her a small, approving nod. 

“Good choice, Princess Chaos,” Megan said with a proud look on her face. 

And of course, with Megan around, she’d come up with the most insane suggestions. 

Like letting Daniela have her first riding lesson right then and there. She didn’t even care if the student council president was there. Megan was using her privilege as Manon and Sophia’s friend. 

“This is already a disaster…” Manon whispered, sighing as she watched Yoonchae and Megan walk Daniela to a horse. 

“You can’t really say no to Megan, can you? Especially Yoonchae.” Lara pokes her arm, chuckling. 

Manon hummed, eyes narrowing a bit. “And I’m afraid they know that and are using it against me.” 

Daniela swung herself into the saddle with surprising ease, ignoring Megan’s half-hearted warning about balance. The horse shifted under her, snorting, but Daniela sat steady, her back straight, her grip instinctive. 

She wasn’t even wearing the proper clothes for it. 

Yoonchae tilted her head, wide-eyed. “Uh… wow. First time?” 

Daniela smirked faintly, tugging on the reins. “Not my first. We had stables back home. They just never let me right as much as I wanted.” 

“Figures,” Megan muttered, shifting her weight on one leg, resting her hands on her waist. “You do look like you were born for it. All smug and dangerous up there.” 

Daniela ignored her and nudged the horse into a trot. The rhythm came to her naturally, muscle memory she’d longed to use again. Her curls whipped behind her as the trot grew into a smooth canter, the wind picking up in her ears. 

She felt that overwhelming feeling blooming in her chest. The good kind. The kind that tugged at the corners of her mouth, giving her the sudden urge to shout and laugh. She felt as if she had been let out of her cage. 

She felt so free. 

When she finally slowed to a stop and dismounted, Yoonchae clapped for her enthusiastically, genuinely impressed. “That was amazing! You made it look easy.” 

Megan whistled. “Okay, color me impressed! Guess Princess Chaos has a skill set.” 

Daniela smirked but pretended to brush hay from her skirt. Her cheeks were faintly pink from the rush, but she wasn’t about to admit how alive she felt just now. 

Down the path, the fencing team was just leaving the hall after practice. They all had their white uniforms, foils tucked neatly in hand, helmets under arms. They marched in neat rows until one of them slowed. 

Princess Sophia. 

She had pulled off her mask, hair damp at the temples, a light sheen of sweat on her brow. Her hand still clutched at her blade, but her gaze wasn’t on her teammates. 

It was fixed on the ranch. 

On Daniela. 

She watched as the known rebel princess dismounted a horse, cheeks flushed, eyes bright. Sophia had never seen her look that way before. 

Beside her, Prince Leon slowed too, following her gaze. He arched a brow. “Watching the rebel princess again, Princess Sophia?” his voice was smooth, but it was obvious he was teasing her. 

Sophia hummed, her expression unreadable. “No. I’m just… spectating. I am her guide, after all.” 

Leon’s grin was infuriatingly knowing. “Whatever you say, Princess.” 

Sophia didn’t answer. Her hand tightened subtly around her foil. And then, with the faintest exhale, she followed the team as they continued down the path, disappearing before anyone at the ranch noticed they were there. 

—

Daniela trudged up the stairs of the dormitory, hair still smelling faintly of hay and horse, heels clicking against the polished floor. She was half-exhausted, half-buzzing from riding again after so long. 

She stopped in front of her door—only to realize the door across from hers opened at the same time. 

Princess Sophia stepped out of the shadows of her room, hair still damp from a post-practice shower, fencing jacket folded neatly over one arm. She looked entirely too calm, as if she hadn’t just spent hours sparring. 

Their eyes met across the narrow hall. 

Sophia tilted her head, offering the smallest of smiles. “You handle a horse well.” 

Daniela blinked. “...Excuse me?”

“You looked good out there,” Sophia continued, her tone maddeningly casual. “Confident. Natural.” She lifted her hand briefly, as if in a polite half-wave. “Goodnight, Princess.” 

And with that, Sophia turned on her heel, walking down the hall and down the stairs. Her fading footsteps were the only thing that Daniela could hear. 

Daniela stood there, stunned as she stared down the hall. Her heart gave a violent thud. 

“How the hell did she even–?” She muttered under her breath. 

The smell of horse and grass still clung to her uniform, her curls a little messier and untamed than usual. She whipped he head back to her own door, cheeks warming. 

Was Sophia there? Did she watch her?

—

Daniela was sure Sophia was there at the ranch. She wouldn’t have randomly complimented Daniela if she wasn’t. 

She really can’t go a day without Sophia watching her. 

It was irritating. 

She was already everywhere Daniela went, and now she’s watching her at the ranch, too? Daniela was tired of it. 

Finally, during their walk to diplomatic law, Daniela spun around in the middle of the path. “Can you, like, give me some space to breathe? You’re always following me everywhere.”

Sophia blinked, serene as ever. “Well, it’s not as if I’m keeping you prisoner in my grasp. I’m simply keeping an eye on you.” 

Daniela narrowed her eyes. “You sound like I’m always planning something troublesome.” 

“That is not what I said.” 

“Yes, it is. You just used different words.” 

Sophia’s lips curved, the faintest ghost of a smile. “Wouldn’t want you getting expelled the first few weeks, would we?”

Daniela froze, thinking for a second before responding. “...That’s possible?” 

“Of course. Break enough rules, and you’re gone.” 

And that was the exact moment Princess Daniela Avanzini got her most brilliant, most terrible idea yet. 

If she had known sooner, she would’ve broken every rule there was… maybe she’d do the most absurd things to the point that there would be new rules implemented solely because of her. 

And the thought of that had excited her. 

Suddenly, the cogs in Daniela’s head started to turn. Insane stunts filling her mind, the corners of her lips tugging upwards. 

She already had something in mind to do. 

The next morning, students sat in neat rows inside the lecture hall. Their backs straight, notebooks open, pens poised. 

All except one. 

Princess Daniela slouched at her desk, chin in hand, phone hidden low in her lap under the desk. They weren’t supposed to have their phones during class, but that was exactly her plan. To smuggle her phone and start livestreaming. 

Her livestream chat was buzzing—20k viewers, all egging her on as she whispered dramatically about how boring etiquette lectures were. 

“Look at this—” she angled the camera toward the lecturer droning on about proper bowing angles. “This is my suffering. Send condolences. Send bail money.” 

Her viewers spammed crying emojis and chaos comments. Daniela smirked, almost laughing. 

Then she swung the camera around to catch the sea of serious faces around her. “See? No one’s alive. This is a funeral. They buried me here with math and forks.” 

A few stifled giggles came from nearby students who realized what she was doing. The whispering started, the ripple of distraction spreading like wildfire. 

And then suddenly, Daniela felt a presence behind her. 

She froze. Slowly, she tilted her phone up, and there was Princess Sophia. 

She was standing over her, composed as ever, arms folded lightly. Her expression was calm, but her eyes said absolutely not. 

“Princess Daniela,” Sophia murmured, voice pitched so only Daniela could hear. “Hand it over.” 

“Hand what over?” Daniela turned towards Sophia, playing dumb. 

Sophia’s hand extended, palm up, patient as a nun waiting for confession. “The phone.” 

Daniela scowled, her livestream chat going absolutely feral in all caps. 

“IS THAT PRINCESS SOPHIA???”

“NOT YOU GETTING CAUGHT LIVE LMAO”

“WE LOVE A DISCIPLINARY QUEEN”

“OH PRINCESS DANIELA YOU ARE SO COOKED”

“Unbelieavable,” Daniela muttered, reluctantly slapping the phone in Sophia’s hand. 

Sophia clicked the screen off with one smooth motion and slipped it into her blazer’s pocket. “Your audience will have to survive without you.” 

She then leaned down, so close that Daniela could smell Sophia’s perfume. Her voice was soft, even kind. “Try to pay attention, Princess. You might learn something from this boring lecture.” 

And with that, Sophia straightened and glided back to her seat like nothing had happened. 

The entire class buzzed with whispers now. Daniela slumped in her chair, cheeks burning, glaring at the back of Sophia’s head. 

Her livestream chat had died the second Sophia confiscated the phone. 

But deep down, she was happy because her plan was working. 

—

The dorm floor was quiet that evening; most princesses were either at study sessions or curled up in their rooms. Daniela had kicked off her shoes when there was a knock at her door. 

She yanked it open and—of course—Sophia stood in front of her. Perfect posture, composed smile as always. Daniela’s confiscated phone was in her hand. 

Daniela sneered, leaning lazily on the doorframe. “Well, well, if it isn’t the Fun Police. Come to arrest me again?” 

Sophia completely ignored the jab, holding the phone out. “I’m returning what’s yours. Though if you livestream your boredom again, I will have no choice but to inform the headmistress.” 

That’s what I want you to do!! Daniela thought before snatching her phone, but she kept the door open. “Oh, come on, admit it—you loved the attention. Half the class was finally awake thanks to me.” 

Sophia’s lips curved, just slightly. “Is that what you think? That causing chaos is… charming?” 

Daniela shrugged, cocky. “I wouldn’t say charming. More like… unforgettable.” 

For a split second, Sophia’s composure cracked—just the faintest glimmer of amusement in her eyes. Daniela caught it and grinned like she’d just scored a point. 

“Oh my god,” Daniela gasped dramatically, pointing. “So you do find other things amusing, huh, Princess Perfect?” 

Sophia immediately recovered, smooth as ever. “Careful, Princess Daniela. You might almost sound like you actually enjoy my company.”

Daniela’s smugness faltered, her face warming out of annoyance. She clicked her tongue and turned away. “In your dreams, Princess.” 

But when she shut the door, leaning against it with her phone clutched tight, she couldn’t help it—she was smiling too. 

One rule broken. A few more to go!

—

The day had barely started, and Daniela was already testing the limits. 

Today is going to be the day she breaks another rule. 

Her blazer was nowhere to be found. Her vest was abandoned. The white button-down looked like it had been crumpled into a ball and stomped on, the tie hanging so loose around her neck it may as well not have been there at all. 

She even wanted to wear mismatched socks, but she didn’t. 

She walked into the hall with Lara, who immediately stifled a laugh behind her hand. “Daniela—oh my god—you look like you crawled out of bed and lost a war with the laundry machine.” 

“Perfect,” Daniela smirked. “That’s exactly the look I was going for.” 

Megan was already leaning against the wall with her usual unbothered grin. Yoonchae stood beside her, giving Daniela a once-over. 

“Oh, I get it now.” Megan confidently said. “You’re doing this on purpose, huh?” 

Daniela arched a brow, cocky. “Obviously. Can’t get expelled without breaking a few rules, right?” 

“You are very intriguing, Princess,” Yoonchae mumbled, her head slightly tilted to the side, before her lips stretched into a small, amused smile. “I am amused.” 

Daniela takes that as a compliment, laughing. 

But before she could say a word, Sophia appeared alongside Manon. Daniela’s little performance instantly hit a snag. 

They strode down the corridor in their pristine uniform. They almost looked as if they were glowing and sparkling, their blazers looked ironed to perfection, neck ties straight, postures immaculate as always. 

They were talking in low voices until they both looked up at Daniela. 

Sophia stopped right in front of Daniela. 

Manon blinked, looking so confused. “Princess—” 

Before Manon could even continue her sentence, Sophia was already shrugging out of her own blazer and draping it firmly over Daniela’s shoulders. 

“Wear it,” Sophia said simply. 

“I do not need it—” 

“Wear it.” Sophia repeated, slightly stern this time. 

Daniela wasn’t even able to protest. Sophia’s hand moved to straighten her loose collar—and that’s when her fingers brushed the red marks scattered across Daniela’s neck. 

Sophia’s eyes softened immediately, her perfect composure shifting into something sharper, more concerned. Something Daniela had never seen before. 

She ran her fingertips gently along Daniela’s skin, frowning. It sent shivers down Daniela’s spine, but she didn’t dare speak. 

“Are you allergic to something, Princess?”

Daniela swatted her hand away, scowling. “Your uniforms are too tight on my neck.” 

In all honesty, Daniela isn’t sure why her neck was starting to itch and have rashes. Maybe she was just not used to wearing collared clothes, but she had been itching ever since she wore her uniform. 

Sophia’s gaze lingered—steady, unamused. It looked as if she didn’t believe it for a second, but she had no proof that Daniela was lying. It was obvious that Daniela had been scratching at her neck. 

The older princess turned to look at Manon, “You can go on ahead, Manon. I will catch up.” Her eyes then flickered towards the other girls. “Take them with you.” 

Without another word, she took Daniela by the arm, ignoring the way the girl sputtered indignantly, and guided her down the hall. 

“Well, you all heard her,” Manon says with a sigh, crossing her arms and smiling helplessly. “Let’s keep it going, ladies.” 

“They could be partners.” Yoonchae mumbles, and Megan throws her arm around her, pulling her as they walk. “Exactly, Princess. Exactly.” 

“Looks like you’re in charge while she’s momentarily occupied.” Lara playfully says, passing by Manon and throwing her a wink. 

The older girl could only huff before trailing behind. 

—

“Where are you taking me?” Daniela snapped. 

Sophia didn’t answer until they entered a quiet study room tucked in the east wing. The place smelled of polished wood and vintage paper, the walls lined with shelves of books. 

A large desk sat in the center, a map was tacked neatly on the walls, and right above the desk hung a framed photograph—Princess Sophia with her family, regal and untouchable. 

Sophia finally let go of her hand as the door shut. “Take off your uniform.” 

Daniela’s jaw dropped, and her eyes went wide, taking a step away from Sophia. “Pardon?” 

Sophia blinked, realizing, then quickly corrected herself. “Ah—apologies. I meant… I’ll give you a fresh pair. Different fabric.” She crossed the room and pulled open a drawer, revealing neatly folded uniforms. She lifted one with practiced grace. 

“This used to be mine. An older version—the fabric is softer. Perhaps that’s what’s causing your rash.” She set it on the desk, then smoothed it out. “Change into this. I’ll wait outside.” 

Before Daniela could snark back, Sophia was already heading for the door. 

Daniela stared after her, flustered, then looked down at the uniform. 

She hesitated as her eyes wandered all over it, fingers brushing the fabric—softer, worn-in, almost comforting. With a reluctant sigh, she peeled out of her crumpled shirt and tugged the new one on. 

There was no use. Sophia already saw her; she can’t even escape this situation. 

The moment it slipped over her shoulders, she froze. 

It smelled like her. 

Not perfume, not flowers—not even the sharp, clean starch of Sophia’s blazer. Just… Sophia. 

Warm, faintly sweet, threaded with something undeniably her.

Daniela doesn’t even know why she knows it’s Sophia’s scent. Her mind just registered it as “Sophia.”

Daniela’s chest tightened, her bravado crumbling for a split second. She tugged at the sleeves, trying to shake the sensation off, but the more she moved, the more Sophia’s scent enveloped her. 

She closed her eyes, sighing as if that would help her not inhale the scent.

When she finally stepped out of the study room, Sophia was waiting, arms crossed, gaze already sweeping over her. 

The princess stopped and stared at Daniela longer than she needed to before she smiled faintly. “Much better.” 

Daniela turned her head away quickly, biting her tongue before something reckless slipped out. She hated it. 

She hated how comfortable it actually felt. How the collar no longer made her neck itch. How the scent from the uniform itself made her feel relaxed, but made her feel irritated at the same time. 

She hated how much she didn’t actually hate it. 

—

Daniela strutted back into the main hall with her usual swagger, tugging lazily at the blazer Sophia had practically thrown on her. 

She hadn’t even wanted to wear it. She could have easily taken it off the moment Sophia left, but the damn thing was comfortable—and worse, it still smelled faintly like Sophia. 

“Faintly,” as if it wasn’t infiltrating her senses. 

Lara was waiting for her outside class, ready to tease. But instead of laughing, Lara’s mouth fell open. “...Daniela. Where did you get that?” 

Daniela blinked before looking down at her uniform. “What? This?” 

Before Lara could answer, another pair of girls walking past slowed down, their eyes zeroing in on the crest stitched over Daniela’s blazer pocket. One nudged the other, whispering urgently. 

Heads turned, murmurs rose. Daniela was confused, but she and Lara heard the others. 

“That’s not the standard crest.”

“Wait, that’s a bit familiar. Isn’t that—?”

“It is. That’s the Laforteza emblem.” 

“But only Princess Sophia has one, right? She and her older brother—”

Daniela looked down, finally noticing the subtle but unmistakable embroidery—sleek gold thread curling around the Jasminum seal, marked with a symbol only the Laforteza line carried. 

Her stomach dropped. 

Of course, Sophia would have a personalized set. Of course, everyone here would recognize it. 

Across the hall, Megan raised her brows with an amused smirk. “Damn. Wearing her clothes already?” 

Her comment made a few more heads turn. 

Daniela nearly choked. “What—NO. It’s just—she—she gave it to me, okay?!” 

That only made the whispers louder as if they had just found more evidence to solve a crime. 

“Princess Sophia gave it to her?” 

“But Princess Sophia never lends her things.” 

“I am telling all of you, they’re dating—” 

“They are not!” One of the students sounded as if they were seconds from crashing out. 

Lara stepped in quickly, trying to shield Daniela from the curious stares. “Alright, that’s enough gawking. Haven’t you people seen a blazer before?” 

The students all suddenly shut their mouths, turning away before slowly stepping backwards. 

But the damage was done. By the time Daniela slumped into her seat, the air was buzzing with speculation. 

And just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse…

Princess Sophia entered the lecture hall. Calm. Impeccable as always. Not a wrinkle in sight. 

Behind her, Manon followed, standing tall. They almost emit the same energy and vibe. 

Sophia’s eyes swept the room, lingering on Daniela just long enough to make her pulse quicken. Then she looked away as if they had not talked earlier, taking her seat without a word. 

Manon sat beside her; both their postures were perfect. They match each other. 

The whispers sharpened, a current of mischief cutting through the rows. 

“The crest matches.” 

“I told you guys! They’re close!” 

“That’s not what you said—” 

Daniela buried her face in her hand. 

Perfect. Just perfect. 

Her grand plan to get expelled had somehow turned into half the academy thinking she was secretly involved with her guide. 

Why did it even have to be Sophia, anyway? 

Daniela was fine with Princess Manon as her guide despite not liking her either. But she can stand her better.

Now, everyone not only thinks she’s secretly involved with Sophia—but a few are already thinking more insane things. 

Like… them being in love and possibly dating. 

Daniela shuddered at the thought. 

God. I would love to get expelled soon.