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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.

Chapter Text

By the next morning, the academy halls were practically vibrating.

Everyone acted like bees, flying around and buzzing about. The dining hall was not any better. If anything, the whispers and murmurs were worse there.

It wasn't because of the food, no.

It was due to Princess Sophia and Princess Daniela.

Princess Daniela had walked in wearing a blazer with the Laforteza emblem stitched proudly on it. It was bound to become the talk of the whole Academy. It was inevitable.

Having different reputations also didn't help their case.

"Did you hear? Princess Daniela was spotted in Princess Sophia's crest blazer!"

"It's true—I saw it with my own eyes!"

"Do you think it's true? They're together?"

Daniela stomped her way inside the dining hall, face twisted into a scowl. It was too early for this, and yet here she was, trying her best not to listen and trying to block out all the other students' voices, though the whispers seemed to follow her.

"Oh, she's not wearing it anymore?"

"Duh, she must've put it in the laundry."

She tried to focus on getting food and sitting down quickly, but as she threw herself into an empty seat, Princess Megan smoothly occupied the seat beside her, her lips curled up into a smirk.

"You're trending," Megan whispered, leaning across the desk as she put her tray down, tapping the end of her spoon against the table playfully. "Princess Sophia's 'mystery' girlfriend—scandal of the season." She nearly laughed herself sick.

Daniela bit down on her fork a bit too hard, whipping her head towards Megan. "I am not her girlfriend!" she hissed.

A few of the students heard and they turned to look. Daniela wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

"Well, tell that to the others who think you're going to get married at the end of the year." Megan playfully pointed her fork at her.

Just then, Princess Lara sat down on the other seat beside Daniela. "Good morning, we're full of energy today, aren't we?"

Princess Manon followed beside her, taking the other seat beside Lara. Daniela could only glare at the older girl, judging her silently. Why is she here? She should be sitting with her perfect little best friend, and they can be perfect at another table together.

She scoffs, stabbing at her food as Manon greeted her and Megan.

Lara elbows her gently, "She just greeted you."

"Do you want me to do a curtsy?" Daniela huffs, and Lara scoffs, "At least try…"

"Okay. Good morning, Princess or whatever." Daniela immediately went back to stabbing at her food as Megan and Lara made eye contact behind her.

"It's fine, Lara. Let her be." Manon gently placed a hand on Lara's arm, "She's clearly not having the best day."

It was no secret that Daniela isn't fond of Manon… but it's not as bad as her hatred towards Sophia, of course. Something about the two girls being perfectly … perfect just gets under Daniela's skin.

She just knows it wouldn't take long before the media starts comparing her with Princess Manon as well.

But as Daniela's eyes wander the dining hall, her eyes land on Princess Sophia, sitting just a few tables away from theirs.

She sits beside Princess Yoonchae and a few other princes and princesses. She moves as if she isn't allowed to make a sound—like she's supposed to be feather-like. So gracious as if she could never move aggressively.

How can she just sit there like that? Like the whole room isn't talking about her—like she doesn't care?

Daniela bit her lip as she stabbed at her food one last time, eyes still on Sophia.

She wonders about her connection with Princess Yoonchae. Daniela knows that the girl is younger, and she has seen her with Sophia and Manon at times when Megan's not around.

Could it be that Princess Yoonchae is also getting trained to be a perfect princess? So she could be a proper heiress just like Daniela?

But the younger girl seems to have always been polite… not the type who was only forced to act that way.

Daniela's thoughts circle back to Sophia. She could already feel her irritation growing as she stared. Something about Sophia being so perfect and flawless really irks Daniela.

Or when she acts unbothered, as she does right now.

You'll break next time and report me next time. You're bound to break.

—

It didn't take long before Daniela devised another plan to break the rules. This time, it wasn't too disruptive.

She has just one goal in mind: to make Princess Sophia notice her and, hopefully, have Sophia report her to the headmistress.

It was an easy plan. Something quiet but deadly… but not really.

The idea didn't come to her until a few days later, when she and Lara were talking about food they missed back in their respective palaces. Lara said she missed all the Indian food they were served at home and told Daniela about wanting something spicy, as they rarely get spicy food in the dining hall.

"The princes and princesses here can't handle spice, huh?" Daniela asked, folding her hands behind her back as she and Lara walked down the hall to their next class.

"I suppose? They have all the condiments at the dining hall, but the hot sauce isn't that spicy in my opinion." Lara responds with a shrug.

Then Daniela immediately thought of something, going quiet as they continued walking. Only the clacking of their heels was heard.

When Lara turns to her, she narrows her eyes. "You're planning something, aren't you?"

Daniela's lips instantly stretched into a mischievous grin, further confirming Lara's suspicion. "Just a little something to get me kicked out."

"I would love to help you, but I'd much rather stay here."

"I know, I wouldn't want you to get kicked out anyway."

And so Daniela follows through with what she had in mind.

The clinking of cutlery echoed throughout the dining hall. Students lined up for food, polished trays in hand. There is a massive crystal punch bowl glittering in the center of a long buffet table.

Daniela sat at her table, chin propped on her hand, eyes sparkling mischievously as she watched her masterpiece unfold.

She hadn't even told Lara about her plan—not even Megan knows what she did. They just know that she did something.

Across the room, Sophia and Yoonchae were in line together, both with their plates already filled. Sophia, as ever, was graceful and composed. Yoonchae, slightly giddy and smiling, was excited for lunch.

The younger Princess grabbed a cup, turning her head towards Sophia. "Do you want a drink?" she asked.

Sophia smiled at her, "Why not?" she murmured, accepting one too.

Yoonchae was the first one to take a sip, and Sophia followed. The moment the red liquid touched their lips, Sophia involuntarily coughed, nearly dropping her glass before hacking into her napkin.

Yoonchae grimaced, swallowing delicately, but her eyes watered a bit. "…Oh… this is… it tastes like… the sauce in tteokbokki…" She clears her throat.

Around the hall, a chorus of coughs and surprised yelps began. One boy fanned his tongue dramatically. "Why is it spicy?!”

Daniela bit her knuckle to stop herself from laughing too loudly, her shoulders shaking with glee. Her stupid plan was working.

Sophia recovered from her coughing fit, immediately sweeping the room with sharp eyes, tracking the ripple of reactions. It didn't take her more than two seconds to spot Daniela half-bent over in silent hysterics.

Her gaze softened, sighing. "Of course," she muttered under her breath.

Before anyone else could start panicking or calling for staff, Sophia smoothly reached over, grabbed the hot sauce bottle Daniela had oh-so-helpfully "forgotten" to hide, and stepped forward.

She took her fork and tapped it against her glass, commanding instant silence. Even the ones coughing covered their mouths with their hands so as not to make any noise.

"Everyone," Sophia's calm voice carried effortlessly across the hall despite her throat burning from the hot sauce-spiked punch. "I apologize for interrupting your lunch, but I seem to have made a small mistake."

Dozens of eyes blinked at her, confused. What could Princess Sophia be talking about?

"I spilled hot sauce into the punch while reaching for it. It's entirely my fault." She gave a graceful little bow of her head. "Please, I'd suggest everyone get water instead while I request the chefs to prepare a new batch."

A few chuckles and polite laughter rippled through the crowd. Someone even called out, "All good, Princess Sophia!"

Sophia smiled gently, dismissing the incident as if it were nothing more than a clumsy accident. The tension instantly diffused.

"But… you didn't spill the sauce…" Yoonchae had whispered once Sophia turned and walked back to her side.

The older Princess nodded, smiling. "Yes, but it is resolved now, isn't it?"

Yoonchae blinked. She couldn't quite understand why Sophia lied to everyone and covered for whoever actually poured hot sauce in the punch.

It only made her wonder. Is this what I have to do to have the same perfect image as Princess Sophia?

"It is to keep the peace, Princess." It was as if Sophia had read Yoonchae's mind. She gently pats Yoonchae's head, a small gesture of assurance. "You don't have to copy my every move. It is just a choice, Yoonchae. You do not have to take the blame to be perfect."

The younger Princess looks at her with curious eyes, but she doesn't ask any further.

Daniela sat at her table fuming, having watched what Sophia did. Her fists clenched under the table. She huffs as she looks around the room before her eyes land on Sophia.

Once again, Princess Perfect had ruined her brilliant plan.

"Plan didn't work?" Lara's voice beside her pulled her out of her thoughts. There was a hint of playfulness there, and Daniela scoffs.

"I can still save this plan." She mumbles, crossing her arms.

Lara smiles, amused. "Yeah? How?"

"Who knows? Maybe this is her last straw." Daniela said confidently.

Just then, she sees Sophia walking over to her. She didn't look mad or pissed at all. She looked calm, as if nothing had happened.

Daniela was already preparing herself, thinking of something to say. Maybe a snarky comment? Something annoying that can tick Sophia off… but then again, what annoying comment can even tick the Princess off??

Before Daniela knew it, Sophia was already standing beside her. Lara watched curiously as Daniela looked up, smirking.

But Sophia said nothing. She simply set down a glass of water in front of Daniela with the kind of grace that made even the simplest action feel deliberate and thoughtful.

"In case you poured yourself some of the punch earlier," Sophia said, her voice low, almost gentle.

Daniela froze. Her lips parted, ready to retort, but the warmth in Sophia's tone snagged her words in her throat.

Sophia lingered only long enough to let her eyes flicker unknowingly over Daniela's face before offering the smallest smile—sweet, infuriatingly so.

She offered Lara a polite bow before she moved on, carrying herself with the same maddening calm, as if she hadn't just exposed Daniela's entire plan without a single accusation.

Daniela's fists clenched even tighter, if that was even possible. She wanted to throw the water back at Sophia. She wanted to scream.

Instead, she just sat there, staring at the glass, her cheeks hot for reasons she refused to admit.

"This is so… infuriating," she muttered to herself, but the madness and rage aren't there. Her voice is softer.

Lara stifled a laugh beside her. "You really can't win against her."

Daniela can't even think of anything to say. She just slumps over the table, huffing.

—

Manon finds Sophia walking around the halls after that little moment in the dining hall. Her brows were furrowed, and her shoulders were slouched. She looked nothing like the perfect Princess everyone saw her as.

"Sophia," Manon called out. Immediately, Sophia stood straight, and her frown disappeared as if it had never been there in the first place.

She turns and sees Manon. She relaxes just a bit, her lips stretching into a small smile. "Oh, it's just you," she mumbles, sounding relieved before walking over to her.

"Where were you? And what was that earlier?"

Sophia blinked as she stood in front of Manon. "Oh, well, it's just a little… mishap."

"Mishap?" Manon raised an eyebrow at her. "You know I can read you well. Clearly, it has something to do with that… rebellious Princess." Manon's tone did not convey malice or hatred; she just sounded cautious as if she was picking the right words to use.

"You talk about her as if she is someone who can not be named." Sophia let out a breathy chuckle, tilting her head to the side. "I doubt she would care if she heard you talking about her, Manon."

Manon's expression twisted, her brows furrowed, and her nose scrunched up just a bit. Even her mood soured slightly.

Ever since the Princess from the house Avanzini showed up, Sophia had been more strict, not with everyone, but with herself. It was hard not to notice—especially for Manon, who had literally grown up alongside Sophia.

She notices the slight changes even if others don't.

Sophia has also been more active, always fencing and regularly visiting the archery training grounds. That only meant one thing: Sophia is stressed.

She may not show it, and some may not see right through her, but Manon does.

"Is that girl giving you a hard time? Tell me right away, and I'll help with keeping her in line—" Sophia raises a hand in front of Manon; it was not harsh, but it stopped Manon from talking.

"You do not have to. I'm doing just fine. Besides, I am her guide; this is my job alone."

Manon huffs. "Princess, that girl is far too chaotic for you to handle. As the Academy's student council president, it is also my duty to take care of everyone, and that includes you."

Sophia offers her a smile, a fond one. A smile that says thank you, but you don't have to.

And Sophia would always give her that smile when she didn't want Manon to get herself involved. "I know, and you are doing amazing, but this, this is mine and mine alone. I can handle a few mishaps here and there."

Manon wanted to protest, but she couldn't. She knows that Sophia is hard-headed; if she decides on something, there is no way anyone can persuade her to change her mind. Sophia tries to lighten Manon's mood by gently bumping her shoulder against Manon's, laughing. "Besides, we have Princess Lara on our side, don't we? Or should I say, your side?"

Manon blinked before scoffing, rolling her eyes playfully at Sophia. "I will be ignoring that last part, but yes—I guess you have a point."

"And maybe Megan, too. They seem to have gotten closer, don't you think so?" Sophia had started walking now, her hands folded neatly behind her, walking with her head up high.

Manon followed, walking beside her. "Aside from that, she has no one else to turn to."

"She has you." Sophia's eyes flicker toward her best friend for just a split second. Manon huffs, frowning once again. "No. She hates me."

"Oh, please. Princess Daniela hates everyone in this Academy."

"Not as much as she hates you," Manon replies almost instantly. "Which is quite weird to me. How could anyone hate you? Especially now that you're her guide… How weird."

Sophia gently pats her on the shoulder, grinning. "It's no big deal. She must just be troubled."

Manon hummed as they continued walking. It was something she always thought of. She doesn't understand why Daniela hates them so much—why does she hate Sophia so much? They had done nothing to her; they barely interacted.

She can go and ask Lara, but Manon feels like Lara might just ignore the question and not tell her the real reason. Maybe it was something personal.

But she keeps something in mind. She has to be a little more patient with Daniela, given that she is Lara's best friend, and for some reason, Sophia is very fond of Daniela.

Megan even likes her, and Manon knows that sooner or later, Yoonchae would be fond of Daniela too.

And it's not like Manon hated her either; Daniela just has a very diverse personality that she couldn't quite read from the get-go. For now, she trusts Sophia's judgment.

—

Daniela stormed into her dorm room, her blazer tossed onto her bed as if it had wronged her personally.

Lara perched herself on the edge of Megan's desk, flipping through a small book she had borrowed from the Library prior.

Megan had skipped lunch and was sprawled across her bed, tossing grapes in the air and catching them with her mouth—a few grapes fell on the floor, Lara had to physically stop herself from leaning down to pick them all up.

Daniela pointed an accusing finger at them both. "She just smiled at me. Who does that???"

Megan blinked, unaware of what had happened earlier at the dining hall. "Who?'

"Princess Sophia," Lara responded calmly, flipping a page. Megan then frowned, her eyes flickering towards Daniela. "Is that a bad thing? Why is it a bad thing?"

"She smiled." Daniela paced the length of the room like a trapped cat. "Like she knew! Like she caught me and still—ugh! And she gave me water, like I needed her to save me, like she was—"

"—sweet?" Lara offered, hiding her laugh behind her book.

Daniela whipped around. "No! Like she was mocking me!"

"Alright, Princess Chaos, I'm out of the loop here—can we normalize giving context first? I would appreciate that a lot." Megan flashes Daniela a lopsided smile, looking as if she were begging for more information.

Lara took it upon herself to speak up for the girl who was too busy frowning and mumbling to herself. "Smart Princess Daniela over here decided it would be a great idea to spike the punch in the dining hall—"

"With liquor?!" Megan cut her off, dramatically gasping with wide eyes.

"With hot sauce." Lara continued, flipping another page.

"Oh, how'd you get away with that?" Megan tilted her head to the side, confused. "I mean—I have gotten away with a lot of things, but doing that? At the dining hall? Sophia would have caught you by now!"

"That's the point! I wanted to get caught! But she—ugh! She infuriates me! She took the blame when everyone started coughing! Then she walked over and gave me water like she didn't know it was me, but the look in her eyes said otherwise!" It looked as if Daniela was seconds away from exploding; her face was red, and she was flailing her hands around.

Megan snorts, "Oh, so that's why you said she smiled at you. Classic Sophia." She leans back, looking amused now that she has caught up with what happened. "She let you get away with it, huh?"

"She probably figured out what you were trying to do." Lara shrugs, closing her book. "Which only means it'll be harder for you to get kicked out, now."

Daniela groaned, finally flopping down on her bed.

"At this point, you may as well give up." Megan teased, pointing at Daniela with her finger, wiggling it, mocking her.

"No way! I can still come up with something…" Daniela's voice drops to a whisper at the last part before grabbing a pillow and screaming into it while Megan and Lara cackled.

Should she give up? She hasn't even done anything extreme yet… she can still come up with something that will surely get her kicked out, right? There's no way Princess Sophia will be able to keep up with her schemes if she keeps breaking the rules!

Daniela pressed her face further into the pillow, trying to rack her brain for something else. Something more troublesome.

"We have class in a few minutes, by the way, better fix your uniform." Lara reminded her, walking past both her and Megan with her book tucked under her arm.

"You mean Sophia's old uniform?" Megan teasingly raised an eyebrow. Daniela didn't even have to look up; she just groaned against her pillow again.

Megan snapped her fingers, "I'm taking that as a yes."

—

Daniela's revenge plan? Just anything she could think of at the moment. She just needed to cause a commotion; it doesn't need to be big. Just something that would be enough to get her in trouble.

Halfway through etiquette class, she tilted her head back, arms crossed, and snored loud enough to rattle the chandeliers—if that was even possible. A few students had turned to her and giggled behind their hands.

A few had glared and looked at her judgmentally—some, wide-eyed at the audacity.

The professor turned and looked at her pointedly, unimpressed. "Princess Daniela." He sounded calm, but the look on his face was anything but. "That is—"

Before he could finish, Sophia, who was sitting directly behind her, leaned forward. Her fingertip brushed Daniela's arm with the softest poke. "Princess," she whispered, tone like warm honey.

Sounding as if she didn't want to disturb Daniela.

Daniela cracked one eye open and snickered. This was perfect.

At that point, it was apparent that she had done it on purpose. There was no guilt evident on her face. She didn't even look apologetic.

But before the professor could kick her out of class, Sophia rose smoothly from her chair, her voice calm and apologetic.

"Apologies, sir. We stayed up all night studying. Princess Daniela must be very tired." She offered a polite smile. "I will make sure it does not happen again." She bows her head just slightly.

The entire class looked shocked. We?

It worked—The professor looked like he had deflated; he still looked irritated, but less. It was as if his anger melted, predictably. Who wouldn't when it's Princess Sophia apologizing in such a polite manner?

"Very well, Princess Sophia. Carry on." He said with a sigh before turning back around, continuing the lesson.

And just like that, Daniela's outstanding performance was reduced to another rumor about the two of them staying up late together.

Daniela sat frozen, her cheeks burning as whispers spread across the classroom. Sophia just sat back down, composed as ever, her expression unreadable. She looked like she wasn't hearing any of the students whispering and murmuring about them—almost like they didn't exist.

Daniela turns to her, hissing under her breath. "You. Are. Ruining. My. Life." She emphasized each word slowly as if she were writing all the periods with a pen.

Sophia's lips quivered just slightly, the faintest smile. "I had just saved you from getting in trouble. You're welcome."

If saving Daniela meant adding fuel to the fire of dating rumors surrounding them, then, sure, she did in fact save Daniela.

"How is it that every time I do something, you're quick to swoop in?" Daniela pulled Sophia aside, pinching at Sophia's sleeves, whispering as if she were telling Sophia the world's biggest secret.

Sophia blinks, standing tall. "Is that not my job, Princess? I am your guide," she tilted her head to the side, and a few strands of her bangs fell in front of her eyes. She looked pretty then, and Daniela's jaw clenched. How could someone still look perfect with their hair falling in front of their face??

It was annoying Daniela so much.

"I know that, but really? Can't you just—like—" Daniela stops, huffing as she makes eye contact with Sophia again.

Princess Sophia was staring at her with such soft eyes that Daniela almost forgot what words meant. Daniela turns away, scoffing, letting her hands fall to her side.

Despite looking away, she could still feel Sophia's eyes on her.

Sophia stayed there, eyes locked on Daniela. She blinks, her brows furrowing slightly as if she were trying to read Daniela like she was trying to understand her without needing words.

At the tip of her tongue, there was a question forming, but before Sophia could even ask, the students started to crowd the hall. Their whispers were a constant hum that only grew louder in Sophia's ears when Daniela's name came up.

"Are they really together?" one Princess whispered, clutching her books like a lifeline.

"They are! Didn't you hear Princess Sophia earlier? They stayed up all night studying." The way she said the word had quotation marks wrapped all over it.

Daniela's brows twitch. What the hell did that mean?

"But—Princess Sophia? With her? Princess Daniela is chaos in human form!" Another princess hissed. "She literally live-streamed in class the other day!"

Another rolled her eyes. "Please. Opposites attract. Besides, Princess Daniela may be reckless, but hey, she's pretty. I'm sure Princess Sophia isn't blind."

The group dissolved into giggles as Daniela narrowed her eyes at that specific crowd of princesses. What were they trying to imply? Is Daniela only pretty and nothing else?

Daniela was about to mutter something under her breath when her eyes suddenly flickered towards Sophia. The older Princess looked at the same group of girls; her eyes no longer looked soft—it still was, but the look in them was different.

Her demeanor had changed as well; her posture was still perfect, but now her shoulders were a bit tense.

Then, Sophia turns to her, eyes softening once again before she smoothly slips her hand behind Daniela. She gently rested a hand on the small of her back, pushing her forward. Daniela couldn't even process what was happening. Sophia had just pulled her to walk, but this was different.

"Let's go," Sophia whispered softly.

Silence followed when they walked past the crowd. Sophia had her books in one hand and the other resting comfortably on Daniela's back—the very picture of grace, but with Daniela sticking out like a sore thumb beside her.

Students bowed slightly as they passed, but whispers still leaked through, and it was louder now.

"Princess—"

"Just keep walking." Sophia immediately cut her off as they kept walking.

Daniela could hear all their words clearly.

"If this isn't enough proof, I don't know what is."

"This is confirmation. Look at Princess Sophia!"

"Yes, but what about Prince Leon—"

"Oh, fuck Prince Leon!"

Daniela's brows furrowed at their words. What is up with them and their obsession with this Leon dude?

Daniela heard Sophia let out a breath that almost sounded like a soft laugh. She turns and looks at her. There's a small smile playing on her lips. She looks as if she were enjoying the moment.

Like she had done this on purpose.

Oh, so she can laugh at stupid things, too.

Daniela could still feel Sophia's hand on her back even when they had already passed by, even when the crowd was no longer near them.

However, something about it made Daniela want to remain silent for once. Something about the warmth that Sophia brought—the warmth of her palm against Daniela's back: she could feel it through the thick blazer.

Daniela couldn't quite understand why she wanted to savor the moment.

No words were said, and they walked as if they had always walked beside each other.

—

The Princess Blog Update

[Royal Academy of Jasminum | Dorm Gossip Thread #874]

Anonymous: Princess Daniela was also wearing Princess Sophia's blazer today. Y'know, the one with the Laforteza crest? And they were walking down the halls together!!

Reply: I CALLED IT! I kept saying that they were together, but no one was listening! And that blazer? Custom! She's basically announcing that Princess Daniela is hers!

Reply: Y'all are forgetting PRINCE LEON. Princess Sophia's dating him, remember?! She's just babysitting Princess Daniela.

Reply: Babysitting?? She covered for her in etiquette class! She gave her water after the incident with the hot sauce punch! AND they walked together! Where was Prince Leon?? NOWHERE.

Reply: That's not babysitting… that's tender.

Reply: And Prince Leon's been quiet lately. If he really is Princess Sophia's partner, then he's a bad partner.

Reply: Okay, so the real question: #TeamLeon or #TeamDaniela?

The thread exploded with hundreds of replies overnight. Not when everyone in the Academy is talking about it.

Naturally, it reached everyone. All the princesses have seen and read the thread.

And of all the princesses who would be very interested in it, it was Princess Lara who was invested the most. She came across it while scrolling through the site.

"Manon," she sing-songed, tilting her screen towards her roommate. "Have you seen this? They're calling it the 'Laforteza Love Triangle,'" she giggled.

Manon, hunched over her notes, didn't look up. "Mm."

"They have hashtags now. Hashtags." Lara laughed, scrolling through the thread again. "There's even a new one that says '#PrayForSophia.'"

Finally, Manon glanced over, unimpressed. "This blog has too much free time."

"Too much free time, but they're not wrong!" Lara grinned wickedly. "Look, Sophia hasn't denied anything. Leon's missing in action! And Daniela—well, she wore the blazer," she shrugs before turning to scroll through her phone again.

"She didn't wear it willingly," Manon muttered, flipping a page.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, princess."

Lara blinked before squinting her eyes at her. She was trying to read the room—trying to see if Manon was upset about something, or if she was simply uninterested in what was going on.

But that would be impossible. Princess Sophia is her best friend—she would be interested out of concern.

"Do you hate Daniela, too?" Lara asks suddenly, and Manon visibly freezes in her seat. Lara stared at her until Manon finally moved, turning her head slowly towards Lara with calculated movements.

"It is not like that. I'm not fond of her, simply because she is causing stress upon Princess Sophia." Manon calmly said, leaning back on her chair. "Besides, she is chaotic. I don't mean to be rude, I know she is your best friend."

Lara nods, smiling at the older girl and wordlessly assuring her that she knows what Manon meant.

"I get it. Daniela can be… a handful."

"Yes, and what is it that you said about her planning all of this so she could get expelled?" Manon tapped her pen against her desk slowly, eyes narrowing just a bit.

Lara let out a breathy laugh before smiling widely at Manon, "She wants to leave this place, that's all."

"If I were Princess Sophia, I would let her go."

"But you are not."

Manon nods, "I am not."

Then silence came after. Lara isn't sure about what Manon thinks about everything. She's quiet about matters like this most of the time, and Lara's not surprised. She's the student council president, and she only discusses these things with the council and Sophia.

She wonders if she's only saying her filtered thoughts because she respects Lara or because she didn't want to create unnecessary drama.

"You know, you can tell me what your real thoughts are about Dani. It's not as if I'm hiding the fact that she dislikes you. You can go on and tell me that you feel the same towards her."

Manon blinks, staring at her notes for a few seconds before turning and looking at Lara straight in the eyes. Her perfect posture disappears, and she almost melts against her chair. Her demeanor changed, and she looked more casual than perfect.

The exact image that Lara is privileged to see. Unfiltered and natural. Something that doesn't scream "responsibility" but more of comfort and familiarity.

She smiles, her whole expression softening. "I don't hate your best friend, Lara." Her voice is soft, low, and gentle. Like she was trying to lull Lara to sleep, and it warms the younger girl's heart entirely. "And whatever prejudice she has against me—against Sophia, I don't feel the same way towards her."

It felt as if Lara was being enveloped in a warm hug, given the gentle tone of Manon's voice. And she felt herself unconsciously relax under the older girl's gaze.

"She can set this place ablaze, and I wouldn't bat an eye. But Sophia," Manon stops for a moment before sighing, "Sophia would watch the flames spread and would take the blame once the damage is done."

Her words were simple and straightforward, but the meaning was heavy. Lara frowned, not fully understanding what her roommate meant. "You—what does that mean?"

"It just meant that Sophia's… determined to keep the academy's image intact," Manon whispered the last few parts before flashing Lara a gentle smile. A smile that says That's all you're getting from me.

Lara wasn't sure if Manon's response meant something more. In her head, Manon was lying about something; she just couldn't point out which part she lied about. It sounded straightforward, but to Lara, it sounded vague.

Like Manon knew more but refused to say more, or she couldn't say more. Maybe she's not allowed to.

"You know something, don't you?" Lara couldn't stop herself from asking. She was curious. Manon just can't say things like that out of nowhere and expect Lara not to ask questions.

Manon chuckles, turning her attention back to her notes. "I don't," she says in a flat tone. Her response was quick—like she wanted to end the conversation quickly.

Lara leaned in, eyes squinting. "You do… You're saying very cryptic things, you know?"

"Am I? I just said what I know, and that's all I know." She says this with a small smile, as if teasing Lara. "Please, no more questions."

Lara raised an eyebrow at her. In her eyes, Manon was starting to act suspiciously. But she doesn't press.

Instead, she smirks, leaning back and letting herself fall on her pillows. Her phone was still open, and the blog was still on the screen. "I just have one more question."

Manon's eyes flicker up to her for just a split second. "Make it quick."

"If Sophia's determined to keep the academy's image intact, wouldn't that mean that you'd do the same?"

It was a playful question, but it immediately caught Manon's attention. Her eyes narrowed for just a second before she looked at Lara, smiling. "I'd rather watch."

Lara hums, looking satisfied with Manon's answer despite being taken aback for a second. "You're different from Sophia after all."

Manon copies Lara's humming, still smiling. "Of course."

"You coming to my fencing training this week?"

"Of course," Manon repeats, her smile growing just a tiny bit. Lara smiles as well, finally letting the conversation end.

She knew what Manon meant when she said I'd rather watch. And she didn't have to ask Manon what it meant for her to understand that it had something to do with her.

With Lara.

—

The fencing hall smelled faintly of polished wood and chalk. Blades clashed in crisp, rhythmic bursts, echoing against the high ceiling.

Daniela trailed after Lara with a sulky expression, arms folded. "Remind me again," she muttered, "why I had to come here?"

"Because you love me," Lara said sweetly, adjusting her bag strap. "And because Manon's busy with council president duties."

Daniela raised a brow. "Hah. That's a blessing."

The night before, Lara had been relentless in asking Daniela to accompany her to her fencing training with Sophia. She knew Daniela would decline immediately, and she really didn't need company—she just wanted to mess with Daniela just a tiny bit.

But of course, Daniela had a soft spot for her best friend, even if she had told Lara 'no' many times, she still went with her.

In Daniela's head, at least she didn't have to interact with Sophia. What can go wrong if she'd just be watching on the side, right?

But when they arrived at the hall, Daniela froze. Princess Manon Bannerman—perfectly composed, hands folded on her lap—was already seated, eyes calmly following the sparring match on the floor.

Daniela narrowed her eyes. "I thought Miss Student Council President wouldn't be here?" Her voice dripped with venom, like she was seconds away from starting an argument with Manon.

Lara's eyes sparkled at the sight of her roommate. Her lips stretched into a wide smile before running up to her and hugging her. Manon was barely able to turn her head towards them when Lara pulled her close, caging her in her arms. "I thought you wouldn't make it!!"

Manon chuckled against Lara's chest, wrapping her arms around her, returning the hug. "The meeting ended earlier than expected." Lara pulled away, smiling down at her.

Manon turns her head, her smile soft and unfazed as she makes eye contact with Daniela. "Which is why I am here, Princess."

Daniela huffed, dropping into the chair right beside her with all the grace of a sulking cat.

Lara disappeared into the locker room to change into her fencing whites, leaving the two girls behind for just a while.

On the floor, two fencers crossed blades in a sharp exchange. Daniela watched, unimpressed. She crossed her arms as she sat slouched in her seat. She did her very best trying to bring the negative energy into the room.

"You know, you can at least pretend that you're enjoying it here," Manon spoke beside her, leaning toward her slightly. Daniela blinked, her frown deepening.

"I can pretend… but that wouldn't be fun. I want everyone to know that I do not want to be here." She mumbled under her breath, and Manon couldn't help but chuckle at that. Daniela was one ridiculous Princess, alright.

Manon leaned away and continued to watch the fencers.

Daniela, despite looking like she wanted to leave, had her eyes locked on one fencer. Their movements were just smooth.

Smooth and elegant. It wasn't perfect, no. It was almost messy, but it fit. Calculated but rough, it was explosive in a way—each time they lunged forward, it was as if there was too much force.

All Daniela could think about was Wow.

The match ended, and the fencer that Daniela was watching had walked off to the side.

"Who's that?" Daniela asks, and Manon immediately turns her head towards her. "Oh, that? That's—"

The fencer removed their helmet. Princess Sophia Laforteza's face emerged, slightly flushed, eyes bright.

Daniela blinked. Oh.

Manon saw Daniela's reaction. It looked as if Daniela had seen something she didn't know she would like. "Well… there you go—it's Princess Sophia."

Sophia was good. Too good. Her movements had been precise, fluid—almost beautiful. Daniela clamped down on the thought instantly, crossing her legs and muttering under her breath.

"Her stance is sloppy," Daniela grumbled. "And she lifts her elbow too high." Her words were the exact opposite of what her expression was saying earlier. Manon couldn't help but smile. She was amused.

She knew Daniela was lying through her teeth.

Manon tilted her head. "Do you fence, princess?"

Daniela smirked, as if gaining confidence from that question alone. "I've taken enough lessons."

"Enough," Manon said mildly, "to think you can comment on her stance and the way she moves?" Her tone was challenging. She wanted to see what Daniela would say or do.

Daniela nodded, looking proud. "Of course."

Manon hummed, placing her fingers against her chin. "You think you can beat Princess Sophia in a match?"

Daniela flicked her hair back. "Certainly," she replied almost immediately with so much confidence.

"I see." Manon's tone was polite, but her eyes glinted like she'd just tucked away a valuable piece of information.

Soon, Lara stepped onto the floor in her gear, and Sophia welcomed her with a smile. It didn't take long before their match started.

It was intense yet playful, evident in the way they moved. Sophia's movements were refined, Lara's were fierce and quick. This is the first time Daniela had seen Lara fence.

She turned and saw how Manon's eyes almost sparkled in awe. The corners of her lips tugged upward.

Daniela is impressed with Lara, but with Sophia? Not so much. She was muttering comments about Sophia here and there, and with every exchange, her muttering got louder.

When it ended, Sophia removed her helmet again, smiling warmly as she praised Lara as they walked closer to where Manon and Daniela sat.

Sophia's gaze drifted toward Daniela, and Daniela straightened in her seat, smirking.

"Not bad," she drawled. "Though I've seen better footwork from a drunk horse."

When Manon heard that, her eyes widened, her head snapping towards Daniela and Sophia. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Lara only looked amused. At this point, she was used to this.

Sophia chuckled, utterly unfazed. "Ah, but horses have their own grace, Princess. Shall I take that as a compliment?"

Daniela scowled. "Don't twist my words."

"Oh, but twisting words is a skill." Sophia's tone was gentle, her smile serene. She still had that maddening elegance to her. How she always looked unfazed.

That did it. Daniela rose to her feet, chin lifted high. "I can beat you in a match."

A hush fell over the hall. Sophia tilted her head, eyes twinkling like she'd just been handed a gift. "How interesting," she murmured. "Would you like to have a go right now?"

Daniela scoffed. "And beat you in front of everyone? Sure."

Sophia smiled before turning her head towards the attendants, nodding as if they already knew what she needed without even having to say a word.

The attendants scrambled to fetch Daniela a set of gear and some escorted her to the locker rooms so she could change.

"You guys are really going to have a match? In the middle of training?" Lara asked, taking Daniela's seat.

"I mean, what could go wrong? She appears to be skilled at fencing. I'd like to give her a chance to show me." Sophia said, all smiling and polite. She had her hands behind her back, standing tall, looking happy and excited.

Despite the sweat on her forehead and on her neck, she still looked presentable. Still looked perfect. Manon looked at her with a hint of concern in her eyes. "I'm not saying that Princess Daniela is dangerous, but are you sure about this, Princess? The girl hates your guts. What if she goes too far?"

Lara snorts, waving her hand in front of Manon dismissively. "Darling, Daniela may be an untamed storm, a forming tsunami, or a growing fire, but trust me, she can never hurt a fly."

Sophia turns to Manon, still smiling widely. "But she does bark. That will not hurt me, will it?"

From afar, they see Daniela exiting the locker room clad in complete fencing gear. Sophia felt as if her heart had leaped up to her throat. She didn't say a word as she walked away from both Lara and Manon.

Sophia stood beside Prince Leon, who was standing on the other side, a playful smirk on his lips. "Well, well, look who's putting up a show."

Sophia rolls her eyes playfully at him, scoffing before smiling. "It's not a show. It's a match."

"With the girl who is rumored to be your new partner? Should I be jealous, Princess?" He jokes as he hands Sophia her blade.

"Oh, shut up, Leon." She takes it and immediately walks away.

Within seconds, she stood opposite Daniela on the floor, blade in hand. A ripple of excitement went through the small audience that had formed over the last few minutes. Lara had stood up from her seat, bouncing on her toes while Manon stayed seated, watching with sharp eyes, but she still looked intrigued.

And Daniela—oh, Daniela looked furious.

She adjusted the helmet over her face with sharp, irritated movements. The protective uniform felt heavy on her shoulders, as if it were daring her to fail.

Sophia, on the other hand, looked effortlessly poised. Helmet tucked under her arm, she turned her head slightly toward Daniela. "Ready?" she asked softly.

Daniela clicked her tongue. "I was born ready."

Sophia smiled, slipping her helmet on.

The match began.

Daniela lunged first, blade flashing in a blur of silver. It was instinctive—sharp, aggressive, a challenge more than a technique. In Sophia's head, it was such a Daniela thing to do.

Sophia parried easily, her movements graceful but sure, each motion fluid like water.

The sound of clashing blades echoed across the hall. Each time their blades clash or when one of them gets too close to the other, the crowd gasps and cheers.

When they both stepped away for just a second, Daniela attacked again, faster this time, each strike sharper, angrier. She wanted to win. She wanted to see Sophia's calm mask crack.

But Princess Sophia—damn her—she was composed as ever, her every movement refined, elegant. She moved like she was dancing, not dueling, and that calm smile in her voice when she said, "Good form, Princess," made Daniela's blood boil.

"Don't patronize me," Daniela snapped, driving forward again.

Their blades locked. For a brief moment, their faces were inches apart, helmets touching; their breaths were quick and heavy.

Sophia's voice was low and steady. "Then don't hold back."

Daniela broke away, swinging her blade hard, trying to throw Sophia off balance or at least trying to get her blade to touch Sophia. The impact nearly worked—Sophia stumbled back one step before recovering, a soft laugh escaping her.

Daniela hated how it sounded. Soft. Beautiful. Infuriating.

She attacked again. And again. And again.

Each strike was filled with frustration, a tangle of emotion she couldn't name. She wanted Sophia to feel it—to stop being so perfectly untouchable.

But Sophia met every strike with maddening precision. Her blade moved like an extension of her thoughts—parry, riposte, dodge, step back, return. It wasn't aggression—it was control.

And that control made Daniela reckless.

Daniela thought she could win with just anger and fury. But Sophia didn't duel with such emotions—or so she thinks.

Each time Sophia lunged at her, Daniela would feel uneasy. Like her body was warning her, telling her to dodge, to back away, to leap backward. Because each time Sophia attacked, it felt as if a whole tornado was coming Daniela's way.

Daniela is aggressive and relentless with attacking. All fiery and like a brewing storm.

But Sophia—Sophia's was scarier. It was as if she were dueling with tamed anger. It was calculated and planned.

With a frustrated yell, she lunged one last time—straight at Sophia's chest. But Sophia twisted her wrist, deflecting the blade in one elegant motion, stepping in close until Daniela could feel the heat of her through their uniforms.

And then the tip of Sophia's foil tapped softly against Daniela's chest, exactly where her heart was located.

"Point," the referee called.

Daniela froze, breath shallow, her pulse pounding beneath where Sophia's blade had landed.

Sophia slowly lowered her foil, pulling off her helmet. Her hair stuck slightly to her temples, and a small smile touched her lips.

"You fight with passion," she said softly. "But passion without balance…" she tilted her head, her eyes meeting Daniela's through the mesh of her helmet. "…leaves you unguarded, princess."

Daniela swallowed hard, the words hitting deeper than they should have.

Manon's voice broke the silence from the sidelines, clapping. "Well fought, both of you."

Lara clapped enthusiastically. "That was amazing!"

Daniela, cheeks burning beneath her mask, ripped it off and hissed. "I slipped."

Sophia's smile only widened, but there was no mockery in it. Only that infuriating warmth again. "Of course, Princess."

And as she turned to leave, she leaned in just enough for Daniela to hear, voice barely above a whisper. "You did look beautiful in focus, though."

Daniela blinked, stunned, long after Sophia had walked off the strip.

—

The fencing match might have ended, but the aftermath was louder than the clash of blades itself.

As soon as Sophia stepped off the strip, the audience of princes and princesses erupted in whispers.

"Princess Daniela just challenged Princess Sophia and lost!!"

"She lasted longer than I thought she would, to be honest."

"But—wait—did you see how close they got??"

"Princess Sophia was smiling at her again. That's not just politeness, right?"

Phones were already out. Posts were already being drafted.

The Princess Blog—the infamous student-run gossip site of the Royal Academy—was alive again within minutes after their match.

[Royal Academy of Jasminum | Dorm Gossip Thread #875]

NEW THREAD: Fencing Match of the Century?!

Princess Sophia Laforteza vs. Princess Daniela Avanzini—and Prince Leon watching from the side.

The comment section flooded immediately.

Reply: I was THERE. Princess Daniela challenged her out of nowhere!

Reply: Princess Daniela lost miserably… but she looked good doing it ngl

Reply: No, because why was Princess Sophia SMILING LIKE THAT??? I would have fainted if I were Princess Daniela

Reply: That wasn't a smile. That was a flirt.

Reply: What if she was smiling because Prince Leon was watching tho?? He was there on the side!

Reply: OH SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT PRINCE LEON. THIS IS ABOUT PRINCESS DANIELA AND PRINCESS SOPHIA!!

Of course, the crowd had seen Sophia and Leon's small interaction. Even if it was just Leon teasing Sophia and handing her the blade, everyone is quick to speculate what it meant.

Reply: Did you see that smile she gave Prince Leon??

Reply: They look good together omggg

Reply: I'm fairly sure Leon and Sophia are an item.

Reply: But what about the blazer?? Is she dating Princess Daniela and Prince Leon??

Reply: Don't start… this Academy's about to combust

It took a few days for it to reach the princesses. Lara was the first one to see, scrolling through the posts on her phone, trying not to laugh too hard.

"Dani," she said in between chuckles, "You're trending again."

At that point, Daniela is still fuming from her loss. She shot Lara a look. "For what?"

"Apparently, for flirting with Princess Sophia while Prince Leon watched."

Daniela almost choked on nothing as she whipped her head towards Lara. "What?! When did I do that?!"

Lara was wheezing now. "The princess blog says there's a love triangle going on.“

"Princess blog?? I—People in this Academy are all delusional! Do they not have a life??" Daniela groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Princes and princesses surround me and yet they're no better than any paparazzi…"

Meanwhile, somewhere around the Academy, Princess Sophia is helping the council out with Princess Megan. She looked unbothered and composed, smiling faintly, even as Megan showed her the blog post.

"Are you not going to deny it?" Megan asked, amused.

Sophia shrugged slightly. "These things are not something a princess should be talking about."

Megan pulled her hand back, staring at Sophia with questioning eyes. "Clearing up rumors does not break your perfect image, princess." She playfully says, smirking.

"I am not talking about my perfect image." Sophia walked a few steps forward, checking papers by the table. Megan was quick to follow her, gliding beside her as if she were on a mission to get the truth out of Sophia.

"But that's what you're concerned about, right?" The younger girl leans against the table, waiting for Sophia's response.

Still, Sophia kept a smile on her face as she sifted through the papers. "If I speak up, will they finally stop partnering me with people around the Academy? I doubt it."

"Oh, but getting partnered with such a chaotic heiress would only cause problems, don't you think? With Prince Leon, it would appear magical—can't say the same for Princess Daniela, though."

Sophia frowns before huffing out a laugh. "Let them talk."

"But why??"

"If I speak up… it would ruin the fun." She flashes Megan the widest grin she could muster. And Megan was a bit taken aback. It had been so long since she saw Sophia grin so mischievously.

But Megan laughs loudly, leaning away and tilting her head back. Amused by Sophia's response.

Sophia's silence was how the rumors doubled.

—

The Royal Academy had been buzzing for days. It was as if bees had come and swarmed the place.

Every hallway, courtyard, and study hall carried the same whispers. Especially now that Prince Leon and Princess Sophia are walking together.

Across the east courtyard, Princess Sophia and Prince Leon strolled side by side, sunlight catching on their polished badges and perfect posture. They looked like they had walked straight out of a painting.

Princess Yoonchae was also there, but, of course, none of the students showed interest.

Sophia was holding a small notebook, talking animatedly. "Mother says both families want something private this year. Somewhere secluded."

Leon sighed, exasperated. "And your idea of secluded is…?"

"A private island, of course," Sophia answered with a small, satisfied smile.

Leon groaned, his hands folded behind his back. "Of course. Meanwhile, my father suggested Baguio, because apparently, pine trees are romantic."

Yoonchae, walking just behind them with her hands full of papers, chimed cheerfully. "I think pine trees are cute!"

Both Sophia and Leon turned, smiling at Yoonchae. "Have you seen one up close, princess?" Leon asks, taking the stack from Yoonchae's hands.

"I believe I have not," she smiled sheepishly before mumbling a soft 'thank you' as Leon carried the papers for her.

"I guess that's where we will be going for the vacation. I'm sure the king and queen would let you travel to the Philippines." Sophia nods towards the younger girl before pulling her to walk between her and Leon on the pathway.

Their conversation drifted from vacations to duties to upcoming events in the Academy. They all exchanged laughter, the sound soft and familiar—three people who had known each other all their lives.

Across the courtyard, Daniela walked with the others, holding a drink as if it personally offended her.

Her eyes landed on the trio ahead, and her expression soured immediately.

"Eugh," she muttered under her breath, loud enough for the others to hear. "It's the academy's perfect couple."

Megan raised a brow, turning to look. "You mean Sophia and Leon? I think they're cute."

Daniela nearly choked. "Cute?! They're nauseating to look at."

Lara snorted, walking slightly ahead of them with Manon beside her. Daniela doesn't even know why Manon was there. "Princess, they're literally just walking."

"That's the problem!" Daniela snapped, glaring in their direction. "They walk like they own the place!"

Manon looked amused. She always looked amused whenever Daniela would open her mouth to say something about her best friend. "Well, they kind of do."

Daniela turned sharply, glaring at her. "Of course you'd side with them. You're one of them." She said the word like an insult—like it was meant to disrespect the older girl, but Manon only blinked, unbothered.

"I'm on the side of reality, Princess." Manon ever so calmly said.

Megan grinned, walking over to Lara just to nudge her. "You know what I think? I think someone's jealous—"

Daniela's head whipped around so fast it could've snapped. "Jealous?! Of that?! Please. I'd rather set my own shoes on fire."

Lara sighed, long-suffering. "You sure love to say that you want to set things on fire."

Daniela huffed. "And I meant it."

They all watched as Sophia tried to take half of the papers from Leon, only for the boy to step away, refusing to let her carry any. He laughed as Sophia gave him a pointed look, jokingly. The entire exchange was painfully mundane—yet to Daniela, it looked infuriatingly domestic.

If she could, she'd pull Yoonchae away from the two.

Daniela grumbled under her breath, "Perfect smiles, perfect postures, perfect lives. Makes me sick."

Megan hummed, far too amused. "You sure it's not just one of them making you sick?"

Daniela blinked, turning slowly toward her. "Now what are you trying to say?"

Megan's grin widened. "You know… the one with the smile that reaches her eyes?"

Daniela's brow twitched, and her hand gripped the cup tighter. "I will throw this drink at you."

Lara and Manon were both snickering as Megan leaned closer, whispering, "It's okay, Princess Chaos. Everyone's got a weakness."

Daniela rolled her eyes and stormed ahead, muttering to herself. "My weakness is being surrounded by idiots born in crowns.”

Behind her, the princesses tried—and failed—to contain their laughter.

And from across the courtyard, Sophia glanced up, just for a moment, her gaze flicking toward Daniela's retreating figure. She heard them laughing faintly from a distance, way before, but only now did she look.

Leon followed her line of sight and instantly smirked. "Still spectating, are we?"

Sophia didn't answer. She only smiled faintly, eyes soft, before turning back toward the path ahead.

—

With everything that had happened, Daniela was mad. The false dating rumors, her fencing match with Princess Sophia, Prince Leon, and his charming aura. He didn't even do anything; Princess Daniela just found him irritating.

And surprisingly, more irritating than Princess Sophia. Daniela didn't know why; something about him just pissed her off.

What better way to blow off steam than by breaking another rule?

The Royal Academy dorms were quiet—eerily so. The curfew bell had rung an hour ago, the lights were all out, and the moonlight stretched long silver lines across the marble floor.

Most students were fast asleep at this hour.

Except, of course, for Princess Daniela Avanzini, who was pacing her room with a look of pure, stubborn determination. She looked as if her brain was working overtime with how focused she looked at the moment.

Her hair was tied messily into a bun, she was wearing a cloak far too dark for someone so dramatic, and she was currently trying to shove a pair of jeweled slippers into her small handbag.

From her bed, Princess Megan was propped up on her elbows, blinking at her like she was watching a slow-motion disaster.

"Are you sure you want to sneak out?" Megan asked, voice low but dripping with amusement. She knows she has to at least warn Daniela, despite knowing that the girl won't ever listen to her.

Daniela didn't even look up at her. "Yes."

Megan raised a brow. "Sneak out. At midnight."

"Yes."

"Okay…" Megan said slowly, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "Where will you even go?"

Daniela finally stops rummaging through her things and turns to look at Megan. "I don't know? Across town?"

Megan tried to hold in a laugh. "Across town?"

Daniela slowly nodded her head, "Where do you even sneak off to when you do it?"

Megan smirked, leaning back a bit, "Pffft. Yeah, across town. Totally."

The older girl narrowed her eyes. She felt as if Megan was just making fun of her—but she has always been like that anyway. "Then that's where I'll go."

"Of course." Megan sat up, straightening her posture. "Well, good luck trying to get away from Princess Sophia."

Daniela was quick to wave her hand dismissively. "As if it's hard?"

The younger girl was clearly enjoying this too much. Daniela really would go far and beyond just to get kicked out. Does Daniela really hate this Academy that much??

"Mmm. I've had multiple tea parties with Princess Sophia growing up, Dani. Trust me—if it's tea time, it's tea time. I couldn't escape. You won't either."

Daniela rolled her eyes. "You're just being dramatic."

Megan smiled sweetly, shrugging as if she had given up trying to talk Daniela out of it. She didn't even try. "And you're about to get caught."

Daniela huffed and threw her cloak over her shoulders. "You'll see. I'll be back before sunrise."

"Sure," Megan said, crawling back into bed. "Or you'll be back before you even step foot outside, but take care, I guess. Make sure you don't trip over the royal patrol."

The door had already closed before Megan could even finish her sentence. She couldn't do much, really. Daniela's a stubborn princess, and Megan's just enjoying all of her shenanigans. She was the first one ever to defy the Academy's rules and get caught while doing it—it was truly a spectacle. Megan would be lying if she said she wanted it all to end.

Despite Daniela wanting to get out of the room fast, she had carefully closed the ornate door behind her. The corridor was dimly lit—only one light was on, and it was almost creepy. Her slippers made no sound as she crept toward the main staircase.

She was doing her best to tiptoe around while also trying to move fast. She thought she was doing great until a calm voice spoke from the shadows.

"Going somewhere, Princess?"

Daniela froze.

There, leaning against the banister like she had all the time in the world, was Princess Sophia—perfectly composed, her robe hugging her whole frame, flashing her phone's flashlight in her hand.

Daniela hissed, blinking a couple of times as Sophia's light flashed her. "Were you waiting for me??"

Sophia tilted her head slightly, still flashing Daniela with her phone. "No. I just had a feeling someone would think breaking curfew was a good idea."

That couldn't be true… could it? Daniela crossed her arms, swatting Sophia's phone away. "You make it sound like I'm plotting treason."

"You're sneaking out past curfew."

"It's not sneaking, it's… independent decision making."

Sophia raised an unimpressed brow, finally giving mercy to Daniela, lowering her phone. "At midnight?"

Daniela scowled. "Maybe I wanted fresh air, are we not allowed to have that here too?"

"In full cloak and heeled slippers?"

Daniela huffed, crossing her arms. "I don't need your commentary."

Sophia sighed softly. She found this ridiculous. Sure, she had expected Daniela to actually sneak out one of these days… she just didn't think Daniela would play dumb when she got caught.

"Come on. Back to your room, before you get caught by any of the patrolling guards."

When Sophia was reaching for her arm, Daniela immediately took a step back. "You can't make me," she hissed.

Sophia was a bit taken aback; her lips twitched, dangerously close to a smirk. "Try me, Princess."

The two stared each other down, neither willing to move. In Daniela's mind, she was already trying to come up with an escape plan. Maybe she could push past the Princess and run down the stairs? But she can't do that—she'd make too much noise.

Sophia stared at her with so much patience that she showed no irritation whatsoever.

Then a door creaked from down the hall, and both instinctively hushed—Daniela's glare softening into reluctant panic, Sophia's expression calm but firm.

"Fine," Daniela whispered through gritted teeth. "I'm going."

Sophia looked pleased, smiling at her as if she had won. She stepped aside gracefully, gesturing for Daniela to walk ahead. "After you."

Daniela brushed past her, rolling her eyes and muttering something that sounded suspiciously like "tyrant," to which Sophia merely replied, "I heard that."

They walked back down the corridor in silence, the only sound being Daniela's faintly annoyed footsteps, as if she wanted to stomp her way back but couldn't.

When they reached her door, Sophia gave a small, polite nod. "Goodnight, Princess."

Daniela turned, cheeks slightly flushed from embarrassment and annoyance alike. "You're insufferable."

Sophia's smile was gentle. It fueled Daniela's irritation. "And I can ground you if I want."

Daniela opened her door, clearly ready to slam it, only for Megan's voice to drift from inside, drowsy and smug. "Told you. Tea time is tea time, and bedtime is bedtime."

Daniela glared over her shoulder at Sophia, who was fighting a laugh.

"Oh, fuck off," Daniela muttered, slamming the door shut.

Sophia's quiet laughter echoed down the corridor as she turned and disappeared into her own room, directly across from Daniela's.

"And here I thought you'd be able to get past her." Megan propped up on her elbow, grinning at Daniela.

Daniela glared at her before huffing, throwing her handbag on her bed. Sneaking around back in her palace was so easy for her. Why couldn't she do it now? Besides, she wanted to get caught anyway… the problem is just Princess Sophia.

Each time Sophia catches her, she lets her get away with it with just a simple warning. An empty threat. It's as if she's only telling Daniela lies.

"How did you even get away with this? Did you even really sneak out at all??" Daniela grumbled, sitting on the floor beside her bed.

Megan had her face buried in her pillows as she responded, "I just never got caught."

"How? And do you really go across town?"

"Of course," Megan shifts in her bed, burying her face deeper. "There's a really famous place downtown—well, there's a lot, but I only ever go to the same one. There's always a party at night."

Daniela furrows her brows, "So, like a club?"

The younger girl hums, pulling the blanket up to her head as if it's her wordlessly telling Daniela that she doesn't want to talk anymore. "Bar, club, whatever."

Daniela reaches out and pulls on the girl's blanket, huffing as Megan whines. "How do you even get across town??"

Megan scoffs, pulling her blanket back. "I have a few friends downtown, they drive up here and take me—Dani, I'm going to sleep." She covers herself up with the blanket, leaving Daniela sitting on the floor with a frown.

So she has friends downtown, and she didn't even bother to tell me that part?? I wasn't going to get near town just by walking at all!

But Princess Daniela Avanzini had never been one to accept defeat.

Especially not when it came in the form of a smirking, perfect, impossibly composed Princess Sophia Laforteza.

So naturally, Daniela thinks of another plan. Her head turned towards the window, and she immediately knew what she was going to do.

After being escorted back to her room like a misbehaving child, she doesn't even last more than a few minutes in there, and she's already about to sneak out again.

Daniela stands by the window—arms crossed, glaring at the moonlight as if it were personally mocking her.

Megan can't really help her now; she was already fast asleep within seconds, soft snores echoing in the quiet.

"Tea time is tea time, bedtime is bedtime, my ass—ugh," Daniela muttered under her breath.

She doesn't take her handbag with her anymore, as her eyes narrow at the window latch. "We'll see about that."

And because she was Princess Daniela Avanzini, heir to the House of Avanzini, chaos incarnate wrapped in royal silk—she climbed out the window with the grace of someone who was once a burglar in their past life.

All that tree climbing and wall climbing she did back at home just to sneak out and sneak in really paid off.

Her feet hit the cold stone tiles soundlessly. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of jasmine and dew. She smirked to herself. Ha. Easy.

She crept past the courtyard, dodged two patrolling guards who were shining their flashlights everywhere, and slipped through a hedge-lined path she didn't quite recognize.

She was confused at first; she thought she was lost, but she couldn't stop walking, or else she might get caught by a nearby patrolling guard. The farther she went, the quieter everything became.

Until she emerged into a garden she had never seen before.

It was secluded, tucked behind ivy-covered walls. The flowers growing around it were foreign—glowing faintly under the moonlight, colors blending into soft pinks, reds, and whites.

Daniela blinked, feeling as if her mind had played tricks on her because she didn't recognize the place at all. Was it even part of the Academy at all? Or had she wandered off into a private area that the Academy doesn't own?

At the heart of it stood a gazebo covered in vines, its pillars entwined with roses and lilacs. Fireflies drifted lazily around it, turning the whole scene into something out of a dream.

Daniela blinked, momentarily forgetting she was supposed to be sneaking around. "What in the world…" she whispered, stepping a bit closer.

But then she heard footsteps, heavy ones, unmistakably from the patrolling guards.

Her head snapped up. The sound of heavy boots stomping on the ground echoed through the hedges.

She turned to bolt, but before she could take a step, someone's hand caught her wrist, pulling her sharply against the wall of bushes.

She opened her mouth to scream, only for a soft hand to cover it. She squirmed, and she started to thrash around when she was shushed by whoever it was that had pulled her.

"Shh," a voice murmured near her ear, low and steady.

Daniela froze, her eyes adjusted to the dim light—recognizing the calm face, the gentle poise.

Princess Sophia Laforteza.

Of course.

Wait… what?!

Daniela's muffled noise of outrage came out as an indignant "mmph!"

Sophia's eyes flickered to hers, calm and unreadable even as the glow of fireflies caught in her lashes. "Quiet, princess," she whispered, her tone even but firm. "They'll catch us if we make noise."

Daniela's pulse spiked, not just from fear but from how close Sophia was—her hand pressed lightly over Daniela's mouth, her other arm resting protectively around her waist to keep her still.

The guards passed by slowly, their flashlights casting a bright light through the vines.

Sophia's breathing was steady. Daniela's wasn't.

When the guards' footsteps finally faded, Sophia dropped her hand, though her arm still rested around Daniela's back. Gentle, but it felt like she was the sole reason Daniela was still standing.

Daniela immediately hissed, "What the hell?? Were you following me??"

Sophia's tone remained calm as always. "I told you to get back to your room, princess."

Daniela glared up at her. "Do you just… wait around for me to misbehave?"

Sophia's lips curved faintly. "It's not exactly hard to predict—but no, this is pure coincidence."

"Coincidence??" Daniela scoffed, trying to push herself away from Sophia. "What does that even mean??"

The older girl tilted her head. "You are predictable, that is what I'm saying."

Before Daniela could fire back, the sound of heavy footsteps cut through the silence, but it was closer this time.

Sophia was quick to react, pulling Daniela against her, pressing them both deeper into the shadow of the vines. Daniela gasped softly as Sophia's arms wrapped fully around her, holding her still, keeping her in that spot—her heartbeat thudding clearly through her chest.

The guard's flashlight passed just inches away from them.

Daniela could feel Sophia's breath near her ear—warm, measured, and impossibly steady like she wasn't even nervous at all.

Her own heart was going wild.

For a fleeting second, she forgot that she was doing this to break the rules; hell, she even forgot about the rules! She forgot the curfew, the ridiculous rumors, and the fact that she had snuck out of spite. All she could hear was Sophia's heartbeat, all she could feel was the safety and certainty in her arms.

It felt new. She had never felt this before with anyone else.

Suddenly, all she could hear was Sophia's steady heartbeat, and for a moment, Daniela wanted to stay there and not move at all.

When the guards finally turned the corner, Sophia slowly pulled back. Her gaze was steady, her voice soft, as if she were comforting Daniela with just a look.

"Let's get you back inside," she said.

Daniela blinked, momentarily speechless.

Sophia reached for her hand without thinking—fingers brushing lightly against Daniela's, then holding firmly as she guided her back toward the dorms.

Daniela didn't protest this time. Not because she didn't want to, but because she couldn't think of something to say.

The fireflies followed them as they walked, the night air still and gentle around them.

And somewhere between the garden and the marble steps, Daniela realized she could still feel Sophia's heartbeat against her skin.

—

The memory of Princess Sophia catching her two times in a row in one single night had lingered in Daniela's mind more than it should have.

It replayed in her head like a tape, rewinding over and over. She couldn't stop herself from thinking about it either. Something about their interaction… Daniela couldn't quite pinpoint what it made her feel, but it was something.

Something that she had never felt before.

It wasn't the feeling of disgust or resentment. It wasn't anything negative; it just made her stomach churn and twist. Made her throat tighten each time she remembered it.

The sound of Princess Sophia's heartbeat would play in her ears like a song she had listened to and gotten stuck in her head.

The familiarity, the comfort, the moment that Sophia gave her when she held her close. The same comfort that only Darcey made her feel. As if she were safe and nothing else could ever make her feel otherwise.

She tries her best to shrug it off, shake the thoughts off, and go on with her day, but she can't. To the point that it had spoiled her mood already so early in the morning.

It didn't help that breakfast in the Royal Dining Hall of Jasminum Academy was never quiet. It was so full of life. As if all the students woke up with a good mood without needing coffee.

That morning, it was louder than usual, much to Princess Daniela's dismay.

Students weren't even discussing normal morning topics—they were talking about the rumors surrounding Princess Sophia and Princess Daniela.

The hum of gossip traveled faster than steam off the teapots. Whispers bounced from one table to another.

"I heard Princess Daniela is the reason why Prince Leon hasn't been talking to Princess Sophia as much!"

"But weren't they just spotted walking together with Princess Yoonchae a few days ago?"

"Yes, but ever since then, they have been a bit distant."

"What if… what if Princess Daniela stole Princess Sophia from him??"

Daniela sat two tables away from the commotion, stirring her oatmeal in silence. Her spoon clinked against porcelain. It didn't even look appetizing. Lara sat beside her, trying to look unbothered as she continued to eat in silence.

She could feel the anger brewing within Daniela despite not looking at her.

Princess Manon, who was sitting across from Lara, sighed quietly. "Ignore them, Princess. They'll tire themselves out eventually."

But Daniela wasn't listening. She would have been thankful, but really, all Manon did was just give Daniela an idea.

It wasn't the gossip that got to her—it was the way they laughed. What was funny about that? Why was she being painted like a homewrecker? She doesn't even care that much, but it was weird that they were talking about Princess Sophia as if she were some cheater.

Daniela may not like Sophia, but she found their words weird. This is not something people should be saying about someone they idolize.

She was already in a bad mood. This was just gasoline to the fire.

The final straw came when one of the girls at the next table said—loudly—"I give it another week before Princess Sophia realizes that Princess Daniela doesn't belong here at all. She was banished from her own kingdom. What makes them think that she can stay here, of all places?"

That did it.

Daniela smiled. A dangerous, sweet smile.

"Manon," she called out suddenly, sounding sweet as she set her spoon down. "Tell me, princess. How many food fights have you witnessed here?"

Manon blinked. "None, Princess."

Daniela hummed. "Let's change that."

Before Manon and Lara could even question what she meant, Daniela picked up a spoonful of oatmeal—thick, heavy, and perfectly aimed—and launched it across the hall.

It landed smack on the forehead of the princess who had insulted her.

A collective gasp rippled through the dining hall. They all slowly turned to Daniela, who smiled at all of them. "Oops, my hands slipped."

"H-HOW DARE YOU??" The girl shrieked, looking so disgusted and offended.

Daniela's smile widened, "It was an accident, princess. Forgive my clumsiness."

"YOU—YOU ABSOLUTE DISGRACE! Wherever you are, chaos happens! You bring such bad luck! Everyone is right about you! You are nothing but unworthy of the crown—" Immediately, another spoonful of food landed on the girl. It landed directly on the back of her head, causing her head to fall forward a bit because of the impact.

Another collective gasp is heard as Daniela herself flinches, not expecting anyone to copy her.

"BOO! Boring!" All heads turn, and they see Princess Megan sitting at a table a few feet away, sitting with Princess Yoonchae, who looks embarrassed. Megan held her spoon as she cupped one of her hands around her mouth. "I'll give you something interesting to talk about! Your mom was a whore, and you're nothing but a good-for-nothing bastard!"

Everyone was scandalized, but Lara broke into a fit of laughter. Manon had her mouth open, absolutely baffled, while Yoonchae covered her face beside Megan, trying her best to hide from the crowd. After that moment, chaos followed.

The girl screamed. Someone threw a bread roll in retaliation. Lara ducked, laughing uncontrollably. Manon tried and failed to keep her composure as pudding flew across the room.

Within seconds, plates, fruit, and toast were airborne.

Daniela stood on her chair, triumphant, a queen amid chaos. "Long live the rebellion!" she shouted, looking so proud of what she had just started.

At that point, Manon had walked over to Lara, shielding her with her blazer before escorting her to the nearest door. As they walked, Manon had signaled all the other student council members who were inside the dining hall.

A few of them had rushed out while ducking as food continued to fly across the hall. Megan's laughter could be heard amidst the screams and squeals from other students.

Princess Yoonchae had stood up from her spot beside Megan and had safely walked her way towards the door, leaning against it with her arms crossed, looking concerned but at the same time hesitantly amused.

Daniela threw a tray across the room, and Lara laughed even louder.

Manon took a spoon and began hitting a glass cup with it. It was loud enough to catch everyone's attention. "ENOUGH," she huffs out.

Everyone was looking directly at her, and Daniela smirked. "If Princess Sophia comes in and she catches all of you, it will not be a good day for everyone—"

As if on cue, the doors open, and a voice is heard.

"Princess Daniela."

The entire room fell silent.

Princess Sophia Laforteza stood at the doorway. Behind her, the student council members stood tall, looking like bodyguards.

Sophia stood with the same perfect posture. Her expression was composed. Her tone was calm, yet it cut through the chaos like a blade.

Everyone froze.

Daniela lowered her spoon slowly. Sophia's eyes met hers, and for a fleeting second, Daniela swore she saw something that wasn't anger at all—something closer to quiet understanding.

Sophia's eyes then wandered across the hall, looking at each and every one before she spoke, her voice gentle. "Come with me, Princess."

No yelling. No threats. Just calm, quiet finality.

She nods towards the student council members before walking out of the dining hall. Daniela hesitated but still ended up following her out, and the hall erupted into whispers the moment they left.

Sophia led her back to the same study room as before—the one with the map, the shelves, the framed Laforteza family portrait.

The door closed behind them with a soft click. No shouting. No harsh reprimand. Only the faint sound of Sophia sighing quietly.

Daniela crossed her arms, trying to look defiant even though her heartbeat was racing. The silence stretched long enough for Daniela to grow restless. Her smugness from the dining hall was gone, but her pride was still sharp. "Well? Aren't you going to tell me I've embarrassed the academy? Or that I'm a disgrace to the crown or whatever?"

Sophia turned to face her slowly. Her gaze was steady—too steady, the kind that didn't cut but rather peeled away all the armor Daniela had built around herself.

"What? Are you just going to stare at me and then report me to the Headmistress? Go on, do it."

"Should I?"

Daniela hesitated. "That's what you do with students who cause trouble, isn't it? I'm a student who keeps breaking the rules."

Sophia took a slow breath, turning her gaze to the floor as she leaned back against the table. "I wasn't going to do or say any of those," she said softly. "You seem to think that's what you deserve."

Daniela frowned, thrown off. "What's that supposed to mean?" She raised an eyebrow at the older girl.

Sophia straightened, stepping closer—not imposing, but careful, deliberate, like she was afraid Daniela might break if she moved too fast. "It means," Sophia said, voice low, "that you keep acting like you're daring someone to scold you. As if you want to be reported."

The younger girl's breath hitched. She forced a smirk to hide the unease rising in her chest. "Maybe I do. Maybe I'm just trying to get kicked out so I can go home."

Sophia tilted her head slightly, studying her. "You think home will be better than here?"

Daniela's mouth opened, then closed again. For a moment, she looked like a child caught in the act. She looked away. "At least there, no one expects me to be perfect. There is only disappointment."

The room was silent for a while except for the faint ticking of the clock. Daniela lets herself fall on the chair across Sophia, slouching. She refused to look up at Sophia now.

There were faint splatters of soup on her sleeve, evidence of the "incident" in the dining hall.

Sophia exhaled slowly. "You could have been hurt. You could have been punished right away. You're lucky the guards weren't called immediately."

"Yeah, well, that would've been fun," Daniela muttered, looking anywhere but at Sophia.

Sophia blinked; something like amusement flickered across her eyes before it softened again into concern. "Princess Daniela…" Her voice was almost a whisper now. "You don't have to keep doing this. You don't have to keep proving yourself through chaos."

Daniela scoffed. "Proving myself? Please. This place just wants to turn me into someone I'm not."

That made Sophia pause. Her gaze turned thoughtful, her words slow. "Is that what you think this academy is for?"

Daniela finally looked up, defiant. "Isn't it? To fix me? To make me perfect? To mold me into some flawless little heiress? Finally, something the king and queen can be proud of?"

For a long moment, Sophia didn't answer. She just looked at her—really looked at her, as if she could see the sharp edges hiding behind all the bravado.

And then Sophia smiled, so faintly it felt like a secret meant only for Daniela. Her voice was low, almost reverent. "You already are," she said. "What is there to change?"

Daniela's throat went dry. Something behind her ribs squeezed painfully tight. No one had ever said that to her.

Sophia's eyes held hers, steady and warm. "You don't have to be perfect, Daniela," she added, almost like a promise. "I'm not asking you to be."

Daniela didn't know what to say—because suddenly the air in the room felt too still, too close, and the quiet between them wasn't just silence anymore. It was something else.

Something she didn't have a name for.

"Sit for a while. You don't need to rush back."

Daniela hesitated, but when Sophia walked past her to pour a glass of water, her body followed almost on instinct. She never left her seat.

Sophia handed her the glass, fingers brushing hers briefly. "Drink," she said quietly. "You look like you haven't eaten properly since the food fight began."

Daniela let out a weak laugh. "Maybe because I started it."

Sophia's lips twitched. "I noticed."

The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable—it was… tender, almost fragile. Sophia leaned against the desk once again, arms crossed, studying Daniela with that same calm warmth.

"Next time," she said after a long pause, "if you feel like fighting, maybe try fencing again instead of throwing food."

"That is not as fun."

"Perhaps. But less messy." Sophia noticed the way Daniela's shoulders had slumped ever so slightly. She stepped closer, closing the distance between them until she could see the faint smudge of icing still on Daniela's cheek.

Without thinking, she reached out and brushed it away with her thumb. "There," she murmured. "You missed a spot."

Daniela froze in her spot. Sophia's hand lingered for half a second too long before she seemed to realize what she was doing and stepped back. Her cheeks pinked faintly, but her composure didn't falter.

"You really don't make things easy for yourself, do you?" She asked softly.

Daniela tried to laugh, but it came out more like a nervous exhale. "You're really not going to report me?"

Sophia shook her head. "No. But if you must start another rebellion… at least invite me next time."

Daniela's lips twitched, just a little. "You wouldn't survive one."

Sophia smiled faintly. "Try me." Her gentle words hung like decorations before them. Daniela didn't know what to say or how to respond.

So she stared at Sophia—at her quiet patience, her unshakable calm, her eyes that seemed to hold an entire world of warmth—and for once, she didn't feel like running.

"Let's get you cleaned up, Princess." Daniela followed without argument.

And this was the second time she had felt like she didn't need to argue back. Which was weird… because all her life, all she wanted to do was speak up and be heard among the many voices that boomed—drowning her voice.

But now, she felt as if she didn't need to.

Because Sophia talked as if she wasn't drowning Daniela's voice. 

Chapter Text

Princess Daniela found herself walking alongside Princess Sophia. They weren't saying much, but they were close enough that their shoulders brushed against each other every few steps.

Even if none of them were talking, Daniela could still feel the warmth of Sophia's words lingering in her chest. You already are; what is there to change?

It shouldn't have made her feel so… strange. But that was what she felt. Strange.

Daniela didn't even notice that they were already at the dorms. They reached the corridor where their dorm rooms were—Sophia's room on the left, Daniela's just across from it. For a moment, Daniela lingered at her door, fingers brushing the doorknob, then glanced at Sophia.

Sophia looked as calm as ever. She always looked like that. It was never different, but there was something soft in her eyes, something gentle that made Daniela's pulse jump a little too fast.

Before Daniela could even speak, Sophia had pulled out a handkerchief from her blazer's pocket. A brown, neatly folded handkerchief. Daniela could've sworn that it must have been ironed as well.

The princess took one step forward, wordlessly holding the handkerchief towards Daniela.

She stared at it, unsure if she'd take it or refuse. It really wasn't something she needed; she had a few of her own. Something Darcey had insisted on packing for Daniela. But the longer she stared at it, the more it became obvious that Sophia was not going to let her not take it.

"If it has the Laforteza emblem on it, I'm not taking it." Daniela mumbles, and Sophia's lips stretch into an amused smile.

"It does not."

Daniela huffs before taking it from Sophia's hand. "You're really strange," she said quietly.

Sophia tilted her head, but her smile remained. "Strange?"

Daniela nodded, the corners of her mouth twitching despite herself. "Yeah. Strange." And with that, she turned and slipped into her room, shutting the door before Sophia could see the tiny, confused smile threatening to appear.

Outside, Sophia stood for a moment, still smiling to herself.

"Strange," she murmured under her breath. "I suppose I'll take that as a compliment."

Inside, Daniela hadn't used the handkerchief. Instead, she gently set it down on her desk before taking off her blazer. It had food stains on it, and some parts were wet. It was kind of disgusting.

Daniela doesn't regret starting a food fight, but she does think that she didn't think it through properly. If there were food stains on her uniform, she wouldn't even want to imagine what her hair looks like.

A few minutes later, Daniela barely had enough time to change into a fresh pair of uniform when a soft knock came at her door.

She frowned. Breakfast was over, and by this hour, all students would already be in their first-period classes.

She walked over and opened the door just slightly. A middle-aged butler bowed respectfully in front of her door. "Good morning, Princess Daniela. My apologies for disturbing you."

Daniela blinked. "Who—what—why are you here? There are butlers in this academy??"

The butler wheeled in a silver tray—a breakfast platter that looked far too elegant for the academy dining hall. Fresh fruits, warm bread, and a cup of tea steaming softly. And beside it, neatly folded, was a new set of uniforms—made of finer fabric, the stitching delicate, the inside lined with soft silk.

Daniela stared. "What is this?"

The butler hesitated for a moment but caved in just a second. "These were sent by House Laforteza, Your Highness. Lady Sophia requested that you be given a proper meal and a custom-tailored set of uniforms. She was…" he cleared his throat, "concerned that your current attire might be uncomfortable."

Daniela blinked up at him, completely caught off guard. "She—I'm sorry, what? But why would she—"

The butler offered a tiny smile. "Lady Sophia insisted. And please, forgive me for mentioning it—she specifically asked for the fabrics that would not irritate your skin."

Daniela stared at the uniforms; her brain was working overtime to process all the information she had just heard from the butler. Her eyes caught the subtle embroidery of the Laforteza crest on the inside lining—so faint it could only be seen if one looked closely.

At least this one won't catch anyone's attention…

"She wanted it to remain discreet," the butler added, lowering his voice. "And… please, Princess Daniela, do keep this a secret. Lady Sophia did not wish for any acknowledgment."

Daniela didn't say anything back. She just stood there frozen as he bowed and left.

When the door finally clicked shut, she let out a slow breath, staring at the folded uniform and the still-steaming tea.

Now, Daniela is left with her thoughts. She had so many questions in her head, but all she could ever think of was why?

Why was Princess Sophia doing all of this? Why was she putting in so much effort for a Princess like Daniela? Wouldn't her life be easier if she had just reported Daniela the first time she broke the rules?

Even the way she acts towards Daniela was different. She has always been the type to be calm and patient; she is perfect, after all. But Princess Sophia—God—her patience towards Daniela is admirable. The way she talked, so gentle and caring.

As if Princess Daniela isn't actively trying to stir up problems for the academy. As if Princess Daniela isn't doing anything wrong.

Something about it made Daniela's heart swell.

"…She really is strange…" she muttered again—but this time, her voice was soft, almost fond.

—

The atmosphere inside the council chamber was tense.

Golden light from the chandeliers glimmered across the long oak table, where the academy's most prominent princes and princesses sat in deliberation. Their pristine postures did little to hide the unease that hung in the air.

Despite the warm lighting in the room, everyone's expressions and demeanor were anything but warm. They were serious and cold-looking. They all obviously anticipated this meeting—they didn't even wait until the next day for it to take place.

It was already late, an hour before lights out, and yet here they were, gathered in the student council room, each of them looking like the spitting image of their parents, the kings and queens of their palaces.

At the head of the table sat Princess Manon, composed as always, her hands folded neatly on her lap. Beside her was Princess Sophia, her expression calm but unreadable.

The two looked like the very image of heiresses who cannot be spoken against. Heiresses that cannot be denied.

"Let's discuss the matter of the dining hall incident," Manon began, her tone formal. "From the reports, several students were involved—most notably Princess Daniela Avanzini and Princess Megan Skiendiel."

A few council members exchanged glances, one of them speaking up. "Food thrown across the entire hall, plates broken, cutlery scattered… it was chaos. If this were any other academy, they'd be expelled on the spot."

Another voice added, "Princess Daniela has a history of insubordination. It's not her first offense, either. Perhaps it's time to consider whether she truly belongs here."

Princess Sophia remained silent, her eyes steady on the table. Only when the words "expulsion" left someone's lips did she lift her head, jaw tightening.

"I don't agree with that," she said softly, almost too quickly.

The room went still as they all turned to her.

Manon's eyes flickered toward her best friend, faster than anyone in that room did. "You disagree with the disciplinary recommendation?"

"I do," Sophia replied. "Expelling her will not resolve anything. Princess Daniela's behavior may be unruly, but punishment without understanding only fuels resentment."

One of the other council members frowned, confused as to what Princess Sophia wanted. "Then what do you propose we do, Princess Sophia? Allow her to keep misbehaving? She humiliated the academy and disrespected the staff. She fought with an innocent student on top of that!"

Sophia took a slow breath, but her eyes looked sharp as she turned to the council member. "I will take responsibility."

There was a brief, startled silence before someone whispered in disbelief, "You?"

"Yes," she said firmly, looking very confident with her decision. "Princess Daniela is under my guidance. If she misbehaved, it was because I failed to guide her properly. That makes it my fault."

Everyone exchanged looks, whispers rising.

"Your—Your fault?" another princess repeated incredulously. "But you're the Head Girl! You've never once broken a rule!"

Sophia's expression softened, smiling faintly. "There's always a first for everything."

Manon's brows furrowed, concern flickering through her calm expression. Her fingers fiddled with her blazer's sleeve. "Sophia," she said carefully, almost whispering it. "You can't take the fall for her. You've done nothing wrong."

Sophia slowly turns her head towards Manon, "I disagree." Her tone was gentle but unwavering. "As her guide, I should have been there. I should have prevented it. If punishment must be given, then let it be mine."

The room erupted in murmurs. Everyone was in disbelief. Why was Princess Sophia acting this way?

Manon tapped the table a couple of times, silencing them as if they were in a court hearing, her gaze locked on Sophia. "If we accept that… what punishment do you suggest?"

Sophia remained silent for a second, and she hesitated for a heartbeat before speaking up. "Two weeks' suspension from extracurricular. Meaning, no fencing practice for me. And a temporary withdrawal from leading student assemblies."

The room grew heavy again. That was a serious penalty—for anyone else, unthinkable.

Manon studied her for a long moment. "…Are you certain about this? You don't have to—"

Sophia met her eyes, calm as ever. "Yes."

Manon was quick to shut her mouth before sighing softly, clearly torn between friendship and duty. "Very well," she said finally. "The motion is accepted."

Despite not actually wanting to agree to Sophia, Manon knew better not to argue with her best friend. After all, the very image of a perfect princess is also the very image of someone so stubborn that they will never back down at all.

Manon turned to the others. "As for the other participants: Princess Megan Skiendiel defended Princess Daniela—she will be excused. The student who provoked the argument will be dealt with separately. I would like to speak with them first."

Sophia inclined her head. "Thank you, Princess."

As the council meeting adjourned, murmurs of disbelief filled the air. Whispers about how the Head Girl had taken the blame for Princess Daniela, the embodiment of Chaos herself.

But of course, Sophia didn't seem bothered. It wasn't surprising at all, given that she has the confidence of a very skilled con artist. Very certain of their actions, never hesitating, as if they had already planned everything in her head.

Because she probably has. All she needs is the audacity and confidence to pull it off. She merely smiled faintly, a smile that held both warmth and quiet resolve.

The kind of smile that shows how easily she gets everyone to follow and listen.

The members had slowly left the room, their steps loud and heavy as if they were wordlessly protesting and showing their slight frustration about the meeting.

It didn't take long before the council room had emptied, leaving behind the faint scent of paper and candle wax. Only Princess Manon and Princess Sophia remained—the heavy doors closed behind the last of the murmuring council members.

Everything is calm now, the perfect contrast to the meeting earlier. The atmosphere no longer held that tension and coldness in the air. The room no longer had heirs and heiresses trying to agree on something despite the overflowing pride each and every one of them had.

Manon stood by the long window, arms crossed, the silver insignia of her sash catching the moonlight. She sighs as she stares up at the moon. "Princess," she began flatly, "Are you out of your mind?"

Sophia, who was still seated, looked up at her with that serene, unruffled smile that had gotten her out of trouble countless times before. "Not that I'm aware of."

Manon exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. Sophia tends to act all innocent, as if she hadn't just done something stupid. As if she didn't make a questionable decision. "Sophia, you just volunteered to take the fall for Princess Daniela. You—" Manon groans, feeling frustrated. "You're the Head Girl, Princess! You have never once broken a rule, you're literally the one who writes the handbook others have to follow!"

"That is an exaggeration. I don't write the handbook," Sophia said gently as if she was reminding Manon of something important.

"You might as well," Manon shot back. "And now you're taking her punishment? Sophia, this is not—this is not how things are done."

Sophia had her hands folded in her lap. She knows what Manon is talking about. She understands why Manon is frustrated with her. In her head, she knows Manon is right—this is not how things are done. Any student misbehaving should be held accountable and face the consequences of their actions.

Of course, Sophia knew all of that. She practically has every rule memorized. She has everything in the student handbook carved in the spaces of her mind. She didn't need to be told twice.

So… why exactly was she doing this?

Sophia's gaze softened. "I know," she let out a quiet sigh. A sigh that went unnoticed by Manon. "But it is how I've chosen to do them."

"But you have never done something like this before."

"Indeed."

Manon looked at her for a long moment, then let out a quiet laugh—one that sounded more like disbelief than something out of humor. "You are impossible," she muttered, pacing. "Do you realize what this looks like? People will notice you're not fencing. They'll start asking questions, Sophia."

Sophia nodded quickly. "That's why I'd like this to remain private," Sophia replied. Her tone was calm but firm. "No one needs to know. Especially Princess Daniela."

Manon turned back to her, incredulous. Her brows were about to collide with how hard she was frowning. "So she gets to throw food in the dining hall and you get to take the fall for it?"

There was only silence as Manon's words echoed throughout the room. Sophia didn't answer.

And it only frustrated Manon even more. "Unbelievable," she ran a hand through her hair, her tone quieter now. She sounded exasperated but still fond, like she couldn't really raise her voice at Sophia out of anger. "Sometimes I forget how far your sense of compassion goes."

Sophia tilted her head slightly. She wasn't showing any kind of expression, but somehow, that little movement from her felt like she was showing Manon how amused she was. "You say that as if it's a flaw."

"It is when it makes you foolish," Manon replied softly.

Soon, silence took over both of them. It was the kind that only existed between two people who'd known each other long enough to read every unspoken word.

And they both basked in it. Because somewhere between their distance and the silence in the room, there is an unspoken understanding of what they both stand for. And they judge each other for it… But they are both foolish anyway.

Finally, Manon's voice breaks through the silence. "You're not doing this because it's your duty, are you?"

Sophia's eyes flickered, just once. "What else would it be?"

Manon smiled faintly, though there was something knowing in her eyes. Something sharper than her usual politeness. "Oh, I can think of a few reasons. But I suppose we're both too well-trained to say them out loud."

Sophia looked away, the faintest hint of color blushing her cheeks. "You think too much, Manon."

"And you feel too much," Manon said gently. The princess stood across from her, smoothing her skirt, every movement graceful and deliberate. Despite looking so calm and collected, Manon can see right through her.

She does things with her hands to keep herself from panicking or showing too much, and that's exactly what Sophia was doing.

"Please," Sophia said after a moment, "let the matter stay between us. The last thing I want is an uproar."

"The only uproar you're going to get is something that you've decided upon."

Sophia's eyes narrow at her. She didn't look serious; it was more humorous than anything. Her brows furrowed just for a second, almost like they had just twitched into place before going back to normal.

Manon sighed, finally giving in. "You really are something, Princess."

Sophia finally smiled, regaining that soft and gentle presence, but it was slightly different. It was almost secretive, like a lantern flickering behind glass. "I've been told." She doesn't even wait for Manon to respond; she immediately leaves.

Her steps were light and composed, but as Manon watched her go, that knowing half-smile lingered on her lips.

"Not your duty," she murmured to herself. "Your heart."

Now, the room filled once more with silence following Sophia's departure. It was somewhat heavy, as if words exchanged between the two of them hung in the air. Like it was left there so that if anyone else were to enter, they'd hear it in the silence.

Heavy but not empty.

Manon stood there for a while, staring at the door that had just closed behind her best friend. The air around her still carried Sophia's calm, the kind that made even guilt sound like grace.

Manon sighed and leaned against the edge of the table, fingers tracing the grooves in the polished wood. She doesn't even know how many times she has sighed over the span of a few minutes.

The academy is starting to shake due to Princess Daniela's presence and reckless ways, and her best friend—God, the head girl, the perfect princess herself —is doing nothing but tolerate the girl.

"You really haven't changed at all…" she murmured to no one.

She was not angry, nor disappointed. She could never be. Sophia may be perfect, but she's still a person with such foolish ways and beliefs. If anyone were to hear what Sophia would do for certain things, they would have been second-guessing whether she was the same perfect princess that everyone seemed to always praise.

Manon's eyes wandered toward the window, to the moonlight spilling across the floor like a quiet confession.

She always knew Sophia would choose to bear the weight of the world with a steady smile. She'd always take the blame, hold the storm, and somehow make it look effortless. As if the storm itself does not stir her.

That was her kind of love. The selfless kind, the kind that burned quietly instead of blazing.

And Manon…

Manon laughed softly, the sound brittle.

She was nothing like that.

If love ever asked her to stay, she'd run. If duty demanded sacrifice, she'd choose the one she loved over the crown, the title, the empire itself.

Sophia's love built kingdoms. Manon's love would burn them.

And yet, both of them were fools. Manon is not innocent, and Sophia knows it.

Manon tilted her head back, closing her eyes. You're a fool, Sophia Laforteza, she'd think. But they both know they can never escape such powerful things.

Because, despite Sophia's way of dealing with the matter—letting herself take the fall and letting Daniela walk free from consequences—Manon knew she would've done far worse if it were for someone else.

Manon knew she would have done far worse than take a punishment in her stead.

In fact, she would have abandoned the world entirely.

The thought made her smile—soft and aching, the kind that hurt just enough to feel real. Manon pushed off from the table, her gaze settling once more on the door where Sophia had gone.

There are two kinds of fools that have graced that very academy. Both are such smart princesses who have a reputation to uphold. Manon isn't one to talk.

But Sophia's reputation was hers to protect, and Manon's reputation was hers to destroy.

She straightened her sash and walked out, her footsteps echoing faintly down the empty hall. Two different kinds of loyalty, two different kinds of love, crossing paths under the same moonlight.

—

Daniela doesn't really visit the garden that often. It was filled with princesses having tea with the princes, talking in that insufferable and proper way of speaking. She couldn't stand hearing them talk and giggle, sounding so expensive and posh as if they were the nicest people on earth when in reality, they were no better than the people outside that academy.

The ones who'd overanalyze everything. The ones that would be too nosy, always in the nobles' business. The ones that throw around words as if they didn't hurt—those kinds of people. These princesses and princes were no better than them.

So when Lara had pulled her out to the garden to have tea with her in the afternoon, Daniela wasn't too thrilled. Despite the perfect weather, with the wind cooling the place in contrast to the sun's glare, Daniela would rather stay in her room.

The air smelled faintly of freshly cut leaves, chamomile, and roses. It was warm and sweet like a sigh. It was relaxing, if only there weren't other people around.

Daniela sat back in her chair, chin resting on her palm as she watched the steam curl up from her untouched cup of tea.

Across from her, Princess Lara stirred hers quietly, the silver spoon clinking gently against the porcelain cup. "You've been awfully quiet today," she said, her tone light. Careful as always.

Daniela blinked, turning her gaze away to stare at whatever her eyes landed on. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."

"Around what?" Lara set the spoon down, blowing lightly at the cup.

"How I didn't get punished.”

"Would you rather have been?" Lara asked with a small, teasing smile.

Daniela rolled her eyes, crossing her legs as she adjusted in her seat. "I'm just saying it doesn't make sense. Did you not hear what happened to that princess that Megan called a good-for-nothing bastard?"

Lara looked up from her tea for just a second before shaking her head slowly. "No. What happened to her?"

"She was reported, Lara." Daniela huffed, leaning forward. "No one has seen her ever since she was called in by the student council members. I find that weird!" Her brows were furrowed now, trying to make sense of the information she had.

Lara doesn't seem to be shocked at all, though. She sips her tea calmly as if she had heard the most common news ever. "Well, I heard she has been running her mouth since last year. She talks about everyone and spreads rumors like it's a disease."

Daniela's chin dropped back to her palm in an instant, sighing against it. That can be true… but then again, that wouldn't make sense either. If she has been spreading rumors and running her mouth since last year, Daniela doubts that it's a major offense.

She's fairly certain her actions were far worse than that. And yet…

Maybe Princess Sophia wasn't joking when she said she wasn't going to report Daniela?

"Maybe the council decided to be merciful. You are a new student after all." Lara added. She set the cup down, her eyes meeting Daniela's with a calm that could melt through ice. "Or maybe someone spoke for you."

Daniela frowned. "Who would do that?" Princess Sophia? She doubts… but at the same time—

Lara only smiled and reached over to pour more tea into Daniela's cup despite her not drinking it. "Does it matter?" She stops before it overflows.

Daniela let out a soft scoff, "I mean—it's—ugh forget it." She doesn't push the question further. The quiet between them was comfortable despite Daniela's questions hanging in the air. But the silence hummed softly, carried by birdsong and the rustle of trimmed hedges in the breeze.

Well, it wasn't really dead silent. They could faintly hear the laughter from the other gazebos. The clinking of teacups on coasters and the sound of spoons somehow made it more comfortable.

For a moment, Daniela forgot about the academy, the whispers, and Princess Sophia's infuriatingly calm smile. Except the last part is engraved in her head, so it doesn't really go away.

But here, with Princess Lara, she could just be.

Lara tilted her head, studying her. "You look less angry today."

"Don't say things like that," Daniela muttered, but the corner of her mouth twitched—betraying the faintest smile.

The younger princess across her laughed quietly, elegant as ever, and took a slow sip of tea. "Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad. I don't like seeing you so tense."

"I'm not tense… I just—" Daniela flailed one of her hands in the air, she shook her head just a tiny bit as if she were communicating with those movements. "I just really thought I'd finally be out of here after that stunt I pulled at the dining hall. You could say I was expecting to be called in by the headmistress."

Lara held her teacup close to her lips as she looked up at Daniela. It truly was entertaining to watch her best friend try and fail to get reported and kicked out. It would have been very easy, especially when Princess Sophia is Daniela's personal guide.

But somehow, Daniela is still there, walking freely around the campus—walking as if she just hadn't done something to tarnish the academy's name and reputation.

"You sure are lucky." Lara sips on her tea once more.

Daniela turned her gaze away, toward the line of white tulips behind Lara. "Not quite for me. I'll consider myself lucky once I get kicked out of here."

"Won't you miss me?" Lara jokingly asks, flashing puppy eyes like a little kid asking for sweets.

Daniela's eyes flicker toward her for just a second before scoffing softly. She shakes her head, but she doesn't answer. She didn't need to because Lara already knows the answer.

Lara leaned forward after a moment, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. "By the way," she said casually, eyes flicking down, "is that a new uniform?"

Daniela blinked, caught off guard. "Hm?"

"The fabric looks different," Lara said, tilting her head slightly as she points at Daniela's uniform. "And that crest—" she paused, narrowing her eyes, but she didn't continue her sentence.

But the small sparkle in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Daniela.

It was as if Lara finally understood what it meant, but she didn't tell Daniela right away. Instead, a sly smile made its way to her lips. "Hmm, I have never seen quite like it before… but somehow, it looks familiar."

Daniela glanced down quickly, her fingers brushing over the Laforteza emblem stitched subtly into the blazer. Her heart gave a small, startled kick. She'd almost forgotten about it.

Well, Lara's eyes are sharp, alright.

"Oh," she said, forcing a light shrug. She wanted to show Lara that she didn't care and that she was uninterested—or maybe that she just had no clue at all, despite knowing full well that Princess Sophia had requested the house's personal butler to give her food and a custom-made uniform just for her. "They must've changed it. Maybe I got a new version."

Lara raised an elegant brow. She looked smug. "Really? I'm pretty sure they haven't issued anything new for years." Her smirk grew wider then.

Daniela picked up the teacup and sipped really loudly, pretending not to hear. "Well, maybe they made an exception for me."

Lara studied her for a moment longer. Her curiosity was clear in her eyes. But then, she smiled, that soft, knowing smile that always made Daniela feel seen.

And maybe just a little nervous.

"Of course they did," Lara said lightly, picking up her teacup again. "You do have a way of causing exceptions, don't you?"

"I'll take that as a compliment." Daniela's lips quirked faintly despite her rolling her eyes.

Lara chuckled, then looked at the trimmed hedges swaying in the breeze. "You know, there's an archery exhibition this weekend," she said after a beat. "Manon will be there, and so will Megan. You should come with me."

Daniela was quick to let out a groan. "Archery? Sounds boring."

"You find everything boring." Lara jabbed, which earned a huff from the other girl. "But I promise you, it won't be!" Lara assured, her tone patient and coaxing. "It's been a while since we've gone out together. And besides, Megan will be there, I told you. You're close now, right?"

Daniela paused mid-sip, lowering her cup. "…I tolerate her."

She doesn't want to admit that besides Lara, Megan is someone she enjoys spending her days with. There isn't a dull moment with her around.

Lara smiled knowingly. "Good enough. Then it's settled."

Daniela sighed dramatically, leaning back in her chair, practically burying herself further into the seat. "Why do I let you talk me into these things?"

"Because you know I'm always right," Lara said confidently.

Daniela couldn't even argue because most of the time, Lara is right. So she doesn't answer.

She sat there, quiet and still, with the sunlight glinting in her hair and her teacup cooling in her hand. The garden had never felt so peaceful.

Unconsciously, her fingers brushed the crest on her blazer, the fabric soft beneath her touch.

Still, the thoughts of not getting reported after causing such a ruckus in the dining hall float in her head. There was just no way that she got away with that so easily…

—

The archery grounds were more picturesque than Daniela expected. All the polished wood targets, silver-tipped arrows, and princesses standing in elegant formation under the afternoon sun.

It was quiet there except for the sound of arrows slicing through the air and thudding against targets. Daniela stood a few paces away from the shooting line, arms folded, half-bored, half-annoyed that Lara had convinced her to come.

Everyone there was obviously skilled; still, Daniela was unimpressed.

She was uninterested and not really there for archery. She was there because Lara asked. And when Megan heard, she promised she'd make it less dull.

Daniela's still waiting for Megan to make it "less dull."

Her eyes swept across the field until they caught on a familiar figure. Princess Sophia Laforteza.

Of course, she was there.

Not in fencing whites this time, not in the pristine uniform that usually drew every eye in the room. No—she was dressed down, if one could even call it that. A silk blouse tucked neatly into tailored trousers, soft boots that looked custom-made, her hair loose, draping across her shoulders.

Princess Sophia looked every inch the royal poster girl.

Daniela's eyebrows twitched at the sight of her. Why is she even here?

Sophia stood near Manon, who was mid-training, posture sharp as ever. The two of them spoke quietly, and Sophia had the faintest smile playing at her lips as she observed the session.

Shouldn't she be at fencing right now? Why is she walking around like she has nothing to do?

She couldn't hear them, but she could see the way Manon's lips curved in rare amusement and the way Sophia smiled—not wide, but that calm, easy smile that always seemed to make the air shift.

Daniela frowned. Show-off.

Her gaze flicked from Sophia to Manon, judging them both in silence. Overachievers, both of them.

When practice ended, the sound of arrows clattering to the side broke the quiet rhythm of the rounds. Lara was quick to walk towards Manon, holding a small bottle of water, her usual poise softened into something warm. She handed it to Manon gently, saying something that made the princess laugh.

And Daniela caught the way Manon's shoulders relaxed, just slightly.

Megan appeared beside Daniela, fresh from her own practice, hair tied up and bow still in hand. She followed Daniela's gaze and smirked.

"Oh, how sweet of Lara," she said, taking a long drink from her own bottle.

Daniela didn't look away; she didn't even act like she heard Megan. "Indeed," she said barely above a whisper.

"They look cute together, don't you think so?" Megan asked, her smirk turning into a wide smile.

Daniela's eyes narrowed. "Uh-huh. If I didn't know better, I'd think they liked each other."

Megan raised an eyebrow. "You think they don't?"

Daniela only nodded, and Megan blinked. "Why do you think so?"

"Because," Daniela huffed, shifting her weight. "I'm almost certain that Manon's, like, hopelessly in love with Sophia, but Sophia's dating that Leon guy, right?"

Megan immediately lowered her water bottle and stared at Daniela with wide eyes. She looked as if she had just heard the most ridiculous thing to have ever left Daniela's mouth. And maybe it was the most ridiculous thing Megan had ever heard, despite hearing insane rumors around campus.

"You sure do have a wild imagination, princess," she laughed, amused.

"Well, I'm right, aren't I?"

Megan stifled a laugh with her hand, leaning her elbow on the fence. "Why do you think Manon's in love with Sophia?"

Daniela frowned before gesturing vaguely toward the field. "She was at Sophia's fencing practice, now Sophia's here, watching her. And they're always together, it's obvious."

Megan hummed thoughtfully. "And you think Sophia's dating Leon?"

Daniela only nodded, and Megan laughed again. "What do you think about Lara and Manon, then?"

Daniela frowned deeper, a little thrown off. She turns and looks at Megan directly in the eyes. "What?"

"Go on," Megan said lightly with an easy smile as she tilted her head towards the others. "Look at them."

Without another word, Daniela did.

Manon was speaking softly to Lara now, her usual precision replaced with an almost hesitant gentleness. And for a fleeting second—in the way Manon looked at her, the way her gaze lingered like a secret she'd never say aloud—Daniela saw it.

Something tender. Something real.

But Daniela remained still. She did see it. The affection… it was hard not to. All she could let out was a soft and low "hm."

Megan smiled, sensing that Daniela finally saw what she meant before taking another sip of her water.

Daniela continued to watch as Lara brushed something from Manon's shoulder, and the older princess froze, the tiniest fraction of a pause, but enough to make Daniela blink.

"That can't be good for Lara." She finally spoke, eyes still on the two princesses from afar. Megan was quick to turn to her, brows furrowing slightly.

"What do you mean?"

"You know—" Daniela paused, shrugging. "Princesses like Manon are too tied to the crown to even choose anyone else."

Megan blinked rapidly as if making sense of Daniela's words. "You mean… they're not the type to actually date?"

Daniela hummed, nodding. "In a way? If they were told to choose between love and duty, they'd choose the latter with no hesitation. Princesses like them would rather follow what they're told than follow what they want." She leaned against the fence, looking dead serious.

Megan huffed out a laugh, tilting her head and crossing her arms. "You sound like an expert. Have you been with someone like that before?"

"You'll never catch me with anyone like that."

Megan was about to respond when her eyes locked on something from afar. Daniela blinked, looking curious before turning around and following Megan's line of sight.

There, she saw a familiar tall figure approach the other side of the grounds. Prince Leon, walking with his usual confidence. Just like Sophia, he wasn't wearing his fencing whites or his uniform.

He was dressed casually, with his polo collar undone in that annoying way that made everyone swoon.

He approached Sophia, saying something to her that Daniela couldn't hear. But she saw Sophia laugh—the soft, polite kind of laugh that made her eyes light up.

Then, Leon extended a hand, and Sophia accepted it without hesitation, walking beside him as they left the archery grounds together.

Daniela's jaw clenched instantly.

She clicked her tongue quietly, eyes following them until they disappeared from sight.

Skipping fencing to go on a date together? How shameless. She thought, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms tightly.

It shouldn't have bothered her—it didn't bother her—but the faint, inexplicable heat creeping into her chest said otherwise. She doesn't even know what it meant.

"Something wrong, princess?" Megan asked. She had this smirk on her lips now, immediately sensing that something had shifted in Daniela's mood.

Daniela looked away sharply. "Nothing."

The younger princess's eyes landed on the path that Sophia and Leon had taken. "Mm. Sure."

"Shut up," Daniela muttered, turning her attention back to the targets as if the whole world suddenly depended on archery scores.

"You sure you don't like Princess Sophia at all?"

Daniela's response came too fast, too defensive. "I'm sure. I hate her guts."

But her eyes would wander over to the empty path from time to time, even after Sophia had left.

—

Sophia walked side by side with Leon through the shaded courtyard; their footsteps against the stone floor were the only thing they both could hear.

The air was calm—too calm for the tension quietly simmering beneath Prince Leon's furrowed brow.

After taking a few more steps, he finally broke the silence. "Manon told me what happened," he said, glancing sideways at Sophia.

The Princess didn't even react. She didn't look surprised at all. Her hands were loosely clasped behind her back, her posture impeccable even during a simple stroll—even when there aren't many people around. "Did she?"

"She said you bravely took the blame for the dining hall chaos." Leon exhaled, exasperation softening into worry. "You do realize that was not your fault, right? And being the perfect princess doesn't require you to cover for others?"

A quiet laugh left Sophia's mouth before a faint smile made its way to her lips, but it was barely there. "Perhaps not. But responsibility rarely cares about fault."

"That's not—" Leon stopped himself, huffing before running a hand through his hair. "Acting like a hero again… Sophia, you can't keep doing this. Taking the fall for people who don't even know you're doing it."

"That's the point, Leon," Sophia spoke up, almost snapping. Almost. "They don't need to know," she said calmly this time.

Leon frowned, looking ahead at the garden path stretching before them. "You're too good for your own sake."

Sophia tilted her head toward him, a glint of dry humor in her tone. "And you're too dramatic for yours."

He shot her a look. A warning look—but her soft laugh disarmed him like it always did.

Still, his expression didn't ease completely. "If your brother hears about this…" he began, his voice lowering. "You know Basil will drop everything and come storming through the academy gates just to drag you back home."

Sophia chuckled lightly, the kind that tried to mask sincerity with poise. "That will only happen if he hears it. And I trust that he won't."

"You trust that Manon won't let it slip?" Leon looked at her with an arched brow.

Sophia hummed, chin up and eyes focused upfront. "I trust her to know better." Then she turns to Leon, eyes narrowing. "And I trust you not to tell him."

Leon sighed deeply, the corners of his mouth twitching. He could go and argue with Sophia, but really, he'll end up losing against her no matter what anyway. "You make it sound like keeping quiet about your self-sacrifice is part of my royal duty."

"Perhaps it is," Sophia said with a small, knowing smile, waving him off.

They reached the edge of the courtyard, where the sunlight cut across their profiles, gilding her features in gold. She looked untouchable for a moment, but then Leon saw it—the exhaustion behind her serenity.

His lips formed a line, pushing his lips together as his brows furrowed. Sophia may not say it, she may not complain, and would continue walking around with that sparkling, perfect aura, but he can sense and see it.

She needs a break. But how can he help when Sophia deprives herself of it?

He slowed his steps, voice softer now. "You must care about her for you to do something this stupid."

Sophia blinked once, a bit taken aback by her best friend's words. "About whom?"

Leon didn't answer right away. He didn't need to.

Sophia met his gaze, her expression once again unreadable—too practiced, too composed. Then she opened her mouth to speak before closing it quickly. She knew what he meant now.

"It's my duty as her guide," she said finally.

Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course it is."

And though he didn't push further, the look in his eyes said everything: He knew.

Sophia doesn't need to say anything else because he'd know immediately. "You know… You're starting to sound more and more like him." Leon's voice softened after a long pause.

Sophia turned her head slightly, the faintest trace of amusement curving her lips. "Like who?"

"Your brother," Leon said, hands tucked into his pockets. "Selfless. Stubborn. Heartbreakingly noble. The king and queen would be surprised to have raised almost the same person twice," he added with a hint of teasing in his voice.

For a moment, the air between them grew still.

A breeze drifted through the trees, scattering faint petals across the path. Sophia's quiet laughter broke the silence. It wasn't mocking; it was wistful.

"Well," she said with a light shrug, "I suppose it runs in the family."

Of course, Sophia would turn it into a joke. Of course, she'd laugh it off and pretend like it wasn't affecting her dearly.

Leon let out a sigh that was half a chuckle, but somehow it sounded as if there was pity there. "It's kind of ironic. It's the very thing that Basil didn't want you to become."

Leon's words made Sophia stop in her tracks. As if his words physically blocked her path. She let out a sigh as she looked up at the sky. "He always did say that," she murmured. "That I shouldn't end up like him."

Leon studied her expression. There was something faraway in her eyes—the kind of quiet resolve that never shouted but carried every weight in every breath.

"Can you believe it? He thinks he failed," Sophia continued softly. "Just because he couldn't stop me from acting the same way. He didn't want me to turn out this way because he thinks that giving too much of yourself is the greatest mistake. But I don't even see it that way."

Leon crossed his arms, frowning slightly. "You'd call it a strength?"

"I'd call it love," she replied simply.

Leon fell silent for a moment. Sophia never really shared her thoughts about her older brother often. She didn't live in his shadow; she shined beside him—in her head, talking about him would only cause comparisons.

It was already hard building up the perfect image. Competing with her older brother wouldn't be beneficial to her.

And it wasn't like she was completely following his steps and copying his every move. Prince Basil was in line for the throne, and Princess Sophia was the backup.

While he works his way to the top, Sophia takes over the academy.

Leon was unsure whether to scold or admire Sophia for it.

Sophia smiled faintly, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve as if to shake off the heaviness of her words and thoughts. "Don't look at me like that, Leon. You make it sound like I'm about to throw myself into a fire."

He huffed, shaking his head. "Well, you're about to, aren't you? You'd probably smile while doing it, too."

That made her laugh again. It sounded soft and melodic, fading into the quiet hum of the evening.

Leon watched her for a moment longer, the sunlight catching in her hair. "Basil would be proud," he said finally. "And furious."

"Well, that sounds about right."

They stood there for a while. There was just silence, but on Leon's side, it was silence filled with unspoken worry.

—

The only time Daniela gets to enjoy her time at the academy is when she's at the ranch. That familiar scent of hay and leather always made her feel like she was back at home, walking around the ranch and spending time with horses.

Horses nickered softly as the stablehands prepared the tracks for the day's lessons. When Daniela arrived, Megan was already there, chatting with the instructors and other students.

Daniela adjusted the cuffs of her riding gloves as she made her way toward the others, but the movement by the gates caught her eye.

Her expression soured immediately at the sight.

"What the hell are they doing here?" she muttered as she stopped just beside Megan.

Megan turned, following her gaze. There, walking across the paddock with regal ease, were Princess Sophia and Prince Leon, both impeccably dressed despite the dust at the ranch. Yoonchae was quick to run up to them, smiling and greeting them.

"I don't know," Megan replied, squinting. Even she was clueless as to why they were there. She wasn't really updated on what Sophia is up to these days. "Maybe they're just passing by?"

Daniela snorted. "Passing by a ranch? What's next, Her Highness showing up to shovel hay for fun?"

Megan's lips stretched into an amused smile, bumping her shoulder with Daniela's. "That would be a sight! But who knows what they're up to? They've been walking around, visiting different training grounds and extracurricular activities for days."

"They're treating the academy like it's a carnival. Do they think the academy is a good dating spot??" Daniela rolled her eyes and was just about to turn away when Megan decided that it would be a good idea to wave them over with such enthusiasm.

"Your Highness! Over here!" Even the others looked at her with curiosity.

Daniela's jaw nearly dropped. "Megan, no—"

But it was too late. Princess Sophia and Prince Leon were already looking at them, smiling.

Megan was quick to walk up to them, pulling Daniela along. What was Megan's plan anyway? Drag Daniela along and cause a war? Maybe.

Daniela grumbled under her breath when she couldn't pull away. Megan was stronger than she looked.

When they reached the trio, Prince Leon smiled warmly, ever the golden royal. It made Daniela want to vomit.

"Ah, I don't think we've met properly," he said, offering a slight bow. "I am Prince Leon of—"

"Oh, I know," Daniela cut in, arching a brow. "Golden boy," she spat, tone dripping with sass.

Megan nearly choked on air as Yoonchae stifled a laugh behind her hand.

Prince Leon, however, only seemed amused. Although he did look a bit surprised. "Oh, you really do live up to your name and the rumors," he said with a teasing grin. "How exciting," he turned and looked at Sophia, dead in the eyes. "Princess, you didn't tell me that she was cute?"

Sophia's sharp look was immediate—a silent warning that could've frozen air itself. Even her posture straightened as if she were ready to get in between them.

But before she could say anything, Daniela shot back, "Oh, so you flirt with every girl you meet then? Or am I just lucky enough to witness your famed charm firsthand?" She sounded sarcastic, like she wanted to piss him off.

Leon's grin widened. "Only when provoked."

Sophia immediately took a step forward, exhaling in quiet exasperation. "Enough, Leon." Then she turned to Daniela, her voice gentler but firm. "Princess, do not give him the time of day. He is only trying to tease you—"

"Oh, how noble," Daniela interrupted, her tone sharp. "Protecting me again, are you? How very Sophia of you."

Sophia blinked. She doesn't even know what that means. "Only because you seem determined to make an enemy out of everyone," she replied evenly. "Including your own sense of reason."

What the fuck does that even mean?

Daniela's eyes narrowed. "Oh, here we go—I just love when Princess Perfect tries to knock some sense into my head. Oh, you are soo perfect and nice!"

Sophia's expression remained calm—infuriatingly calm. "You seem to think that I'm only around to scold you."

Daniela huffed. "Isn't that your job?"

Each reply that Sophia gives just causes Daniela to become snarkier and snarkier. Yoonchae and Megan exchanged a worried look before they turned their heads towards Leon.

He looked unbothered—he looked entertained, even. But when he noticed the other two princesses looking at him, practically begging him to step in with their eyes, he sighed.

Leon stepped forward, not enough to get in between them but just enough to catch both their attentions. "Perhaps you two would like to turn this argument into a race?" he asked, smirking.

The two princesses both turned to him. Sophia shot him a warning look, eyes squinted, and all but he didn't pay her mind. "All this arguing hurts the ears! Settle it with horses and finish lines." When he turns to look at Sophia, he winks as if he were saying an inside joke.

Then he turns to look at Daniela, "Perhaps you'd like a chance to prove yourself?"

The princess blinked. "What?"

Leon gestured toward the horses grazing near the track. "A race," he said as if Daniela didn't hear him say it earlier. "Princess Sophia has bested you once before—perhaps you want to get payback? Consider it an opportunity you cannot miss."

Before Daniela could even process and respond, Sophia chimed in. "I guess it would not hurt."

Daniela's smirk returned, quick and sharp. "And what's in it for you, princess?"

Sophia hums, "If I win," her eyes gleam just a bit. "You'll stop causing trouble and listen to what I have to say. Fair?"

Daniela crossed her arms, feeling confident. "If I win, you leave me alone and stop interfering with anything I do."

Sophia nodded once. "Fair."

Megan looked unsure about this deal between the two girls, and judging from the look on Yoonchae's face, she felt the same way.

"This is a terrible idea…" Yoonchae mumbled under her breath.

"It is… should we stop them or…?" Megan's eyes wandered over to Leon, who looked too proud of what he had just started. "God, Leon, you shouldn't have said anything!" Megan hissed.

"Well, they look excited, don't they?" He gestured towards the two girls, and Yoonchae squinted her eyes, pushing her lips together in silent worry.

It was already too late for them to stop the two princesses anyway. They were already mounting their horses, and the tension in the air was electric.

And it was already too late when Leon realized what he had just started. Princess Megan and Princess Yoonchae exchanged wary glances, backing away toward the fence.

The once-peaceful ranch was now loud, filled with students gossiping and murmuring about another match between Princess Sophia and Princess Daniela. Leon wasn't even sure how the students caught wind of what was happening.

Gossip really does fly around fast in the academy.

As both Daniela's and Sophia's horses stood beside each other, they exchanged glances. Daniela looked determined to win, eyes squinted and filled with fiery rage. Sophia still remained calm, which only made Daniela angrier.

The moment the flag dropped, the two horses surged forward, kicking up clouds of dust.

Daniela laughed—wild, reckless, alive—as she leaned into her horse, pushing it faster. She was leading. Of course, she was. This whole ranch is her kingdom—or so she says.

This is where she excels!

Sophia followed close behind; she looked effortlessly good even as her hair whipped in the wind. Even as she tried her best not to close her eyes, despite the wind blowing dust into them.

The crowd of students cheered, though everyone could see this wasn't a friendly race. Just like their fencing match—nothing about this was friendly at all.

Daniela glanced sideways at Sophia, that familiar spark of rivalry—and something else—burning in her chest.

She noticed that Sophia was gaining speed; she was catching up to her quickly. Daniela veered closer, just slightly, enough for their horses to nearly brush.

"Trying to keep up, Your Highness?" She shouted over the wind mockingly.

Sophia's calm smile didn't waver. "Try not to fall behind," and with that, Sophia had surpassed Daniela.

This, of course, was something Daniela would not allow to happen. Sophia will not be winning against her this time.

Daniela pushed faster, too fast—the horses' strides heavy and uneven now. When Daniela finally caught up, her horse began to edge dangerously close, and Sophia reacted instantly, pulling her reins back to avoid a collision.

But her mare reared suddenly with a startled cry.

There was a sharp gasp from the crowd, and before anyone could react, Sophia was thrown off balance, hitting the ground hard with a thud.

"Princess!" Yoonchae screamed, rushing forward.

Daniela was seconds away from the finish line, but she froze, breath caught in her throat. She pulled on her reins, forcing her horse to a stumbling stop.

She was already dismounting before she even realized it. She didn't know why she stopped—why she got off her horse and scrambled to run back. She was almost there! She was about to win!

But the world blurred—the dust, the shouts, Megan's voice calling for the medic—all Daniela could see was Sophia sitting up slowly, wincing as she held her wrist.

Leon was beside her in an instant, his tone steady but strained. "Sophia, don't move too quickly."

Daniela knelt beside them, her voice cracking. "I didn't—I didn't mean to—"

Sophia looked up at her, pale but still composed. She looked hurt; it was obvious from the way her face twisted slightly into a pained expression.

"I know." She said softly.

Daniela wasn't sure what irritated her more. The fact that she had caused Sophia to fall off her horse, or the way Sophia didn't even look upset with her.

Without another word, they had pulled Sophia up to stand slowly before guiding her out of the ranch.

—

Princess Sophia sat at the edge of the bed, carefully unfolding her long sleeves with her left hand. Her right wrist was wrapped neatly in bandages, the skin beneath faintly bruised.

Her fingers and palms were dark with dust and mud. A spot somewhere underneath the dust hurt, and Sophia thinks that she may have scraped her skin when she fell, but she refused to tell the medics.

Prince Leon stood nearby, arms crossed, while Princess Yoonchae busied herself with pouring water into a glass.

The air smelled of medicine and alcohol; the whole place had a clean, cool scent. And something about it felt soothing for Sophia.

"You sure you're fine?" Leon asked for what felt like the tenth time. Sophia couldn't blame him; she'd do the same thing if one of them got hurt.

She smiled faintly. "I've been fine since you asked the first nine times."

Yoonchae frowned, gently placing the pitcher down on the table. "You shouldn't move your hand too much, Princess."

Sophia turned toward her with a softer smile, despite the sting on her hands. "I'll be careful, I promise."

Then there was a knock at the door. Yoonchae was the first to look up. Leon followed her gaze—and when the door opened just slightly, Princess Daniela peeked through the gap, standing hesitantly behind the door.

Her hair was still wind-tossed from the race, her curls going wild as she clutched her gloves in her hands, her usual confidence replaced with visible unease —maybe even shame.

Leon's expression flickered with mild surprise before he glanced at Sophia. The princess's calm eyes met his before giving him a small nod. "Could you give us a moment?"

Yoonchae hesitated. It wasn't as if she were afraid of what would happen to Sophia if left alone with Daniela. She was just worried that they might argue.

But Leon placed a hand on her shoulder; it was enough to assure her that the two princesses would not argue and that they would be fine. "Come, Princess," he said gently. "Let's give them privacy."

When Leon passed by Daniela, he gave her a small, knowing smile before finally leaving with Yoonchae.

Once the door shut, the room fell into silence.

Daniela stood there by the door for a moment, uncertain, her pride visibly at war with the guilt twisting in her chest.

It's not like she really meant for Sophia to fall off. That was not her intention at all… yet, she still felt that heavy feeling on her shoulder, engulfing her and refusing to let her think of anything else.

It was guilt and self-blame for what had happened.

Finally, she spoke—the words rough, hesitant, like she didn't know how to be genuine with it.

"I came to—" She stopped and then took a breath. "I came to apologize."

Sophia turned slightly, "You don't have to." Her voice came out even, calm as ever. She acted and sounded as if she had just fallen off a horse and injured her wrist.

Daniela blinked, confused by Sophia's answer. "What?"

"I know you didn't mean for it to happen," Sophia replied immediately, as she slowly put on her blazer.

Daniela frowned, stepping closer. "Still… I—I feel as if it's my fault. That I'm to blame. I shouldn't have veered too close. I wasn't looking."

Daniela let out a quiet sigh as her eyes landed on Sophia's wrist, all bandaged up. Her eyes lingered long enough to see the dust and mud on Sophia's hands. Even the small scrapes and cuts, she noticed.

Sophia glanced down, noticing the way Daniela's eyes lingered on her bandaged wrist. She tugged at her blazer sleeve, hiding it from view.

Like she didn't want Daniela to worry further.

"You don't have to think too much about it," she said softly. "It's a mere injury. It'll heal."

Daniela's brows furrowed. "I know, but… everyone saw what happened. Everyone's worried."

Daniela's eyes flickered up to hers. Her eyes were saying something more—I'm worried.

"They shouldn't be." Sophia held her gaze, her tone almost teasing. "I didn't die."

Daniela froze, still staring at her. She was at a loss for words. Sophia's lips curved slightly. "It was a joke. You can laugh."

Daniela blinked before scoffing, crossing her arms. "Your sense of humor is not funny."

That earned her a real laugh—quiet, but light and genuine. Sophia's shoulders relaxed, and for a fleeting moment, the air between them felt almost warm.

And Daniela felt as though she could drop everything and just be herself. Like she didn't need to break the rules because she wasn't desperately trying to get kicked out or get away. She didn't want to let the moment go.

For some reason, she wanted the moment to last long.

Because, somehow, being in this room with just Sophia laughing and looking so relaxed around Daniela—as if she trusted her—made her feel something that was better than the feeling of being home.

Then Sophia smiled. That same bright, graceful smile that somehow made Daniela feel even worse.

Her eyes wandered to Daniela's neck. The rash that was previously visible is no longer apparent. It didn't take long for Sophia to realize that Daniela had been wearing the uniforms that she had given her.

"You wore it," Sophia mumbled, eyes flickering up to Daniela's. "The uniforms."

It took Daniela a second before she understood what Sophia meant. "I had no choice."

Then Sophia smiled, huffing. "You've won," she said simply. "Congratulations."

"What?"

"I'll give you your peace, as promised." Sophia straightened, smoothing her blazer with her good hand. "You won't have to deal with me anymore."

And before Daniela could say another word—before she could figure out why her chest felt tight—Sophia stepped past her and out the door, the soft click of her heels echoing down the empty corridor.

Daniela stood there alone, staring after her.

The smell of antiseptic still hung in the air. Her fingers clenched around her gloves, the guilt in her stomach twisting tighter and tighter.

She wasn't even able to tell Sophia that she didn't even get to cross the finish line. She didn't win.

But Sophia said she did. She had won.

Sophia admitted defeat. Daniela should be happy because, finally, she won against Sophia.

So why did it feel like she had lost something instead?

—

The ranch was finally quiet when Daniela found herself in the stables. She sat on an overturned bucket, elbows on her knees, staring at the dirt floor. The horses shuffled softly in their stalls, and the sounds of their tails flicking filled the air.

It wasn't such an ideal place to brood, but this was the only place Daniela knew where she could be alone without anyone bothering her.

And maybe the only place the gossip doesn't follow.

Daniela was still clutching onto her gloves, the same ones she had clutched back in the infirmary. She hadn't spoken since she left; she kept all her thoughts in her head.

"Hey. Thought I'd find you here."

She didn't have to look up to know that it was Megan.

The princess leaned against the stable post, arms crossed, hair loose from training. Her bangs stuck to her forehead; she had wiped the sweat off her chin with the back of her hand.

Her voice was light, but her gaze was sharp. "You're sulking," she said.

"I'm not sulking." Daniela replied, her voice slightly muffled as she mumbled the words.

"You're sitting alone in a stable after everyone else had gone back to their dorms," Megan pointed out. "That's textbook sulking."

Daniela rolled her eyes. "Maybe I just like hanging around in stables… and horses."

Megan smiled a little and walked over, sitting beside her. "Sure, Princess. You just love sitting in silence with nothing but horses."

Daniela didn't respond. She just kept her gaze fixed on the dirt, jaw tight.

After a moment, Megan spoke again—this time, more gently. "I heard you went to the infirmary. Yoonchae told me."

Daniela shifted slightly. "How fast do rumors spread here?"

"Fast enough." Megan shrugged. "And that's not even a rumor, Dani. You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Hmm." Megan leaned back on her hands. "So you're fine, but you look like you've been chewing on guilt for the last two hours."

Daniela sighed, finally lifting her head. She picked the words in her mind… she didn't know how to start talking or how to open up about what she was currently feeling. She was guilty, that's for sure.

"I didn't mean for her to fall."

"I know," Megan said quietly, almost assuring. "Everyone knows."

"That's not true. Everyone's probably blaming me—but that's not the point. She could've been seriously hurt."

"But she wasn't."

"Megan, do you not understand?!" Daniela snapped, frustration spilling out before she could stop it. She cleared her throat and sighed, mumbling a soft "sorry" before sighing once more.

Megan didn't seem offended or surprised. She expected Daniela to be frustrated. Instead, she waited for Daniela to say more.

"She could've—she—" Her voice faltered, and she looked away, fingers curling around her gloves. How come she's the known Princess of Chaos, the Princess of bad luck, the Princess of ruining everything… and yet the guilt she feels when she puts someone in danger is immense?

Megan didn't say anything, just watched her. Daniela's tone softened a little after a long pause.

"She didn't even… get mad."

"Who?"

"Who do you think?" Daniela muttered. "Princess Sophia."

Megan raised an eyebrow. "Oh."

Daniela exhaled, shaking her head. "She just—she smiled. She told me it was fine. Like it was nothing. Like, I didn't just almost get her trampled. She—she even joked about it."

"And you hate that."

Daniela frowned. "No." She hesitated. "Yes. I don't know," she was uncertain… does she hate it?

Megan's smile grew small, knowing. "You'd rather she yelled at you."

"I—" Daniela started, then stopped. "…Yeah."

"She doesn't do that," Megan chuckled, looking up at the roof of the stable. "She's far too kind for her own good."

Daniela stared at the horses across the aisle. How could someone like that exist? Someone who doesn't even get mad? "It's infuriating."

"You mean it's different?"

Daniela went quiet again. Was it?

Megan leaned closer, bumping her shoulder lightly. "She makes you think, huh?"

Daniela's lips pressed into a line. No, she makes me angry. She infuriates me. She makes me—

"She makes me feel weird."

Megan grinned, teasing. "Weird, like you want to duel her again? Or weird like… You don't know whether to strangle her or thank her?"

It could be all of those. Daniela sighed. "Both. Maybe."

They sat there for a while, the sounds of the stables filling the silence—the soft snort of a horse, the rustle of straw.

Daniela lets her thoughts float in her head. The same ones that have filled her head ever since the incident at the dining hall.

When Daniela first came here, she had only one thought in mind: To leave. Now, she has more questions than reasons to get away.

And it was all because of Sophia.

After a long pause, Megan spoke again, quieter this time. "You know… she's the kind of person who'll break her own bones if it means protecting someone else. You can't fight someone like that, Dani. Not really."

Megan remembered the times when Sophia had covered for her and a few other students. It wasn't true that she had never been caught.

She had always been caught. Sophia just decided that she hadn't seen Megan sneaking out every time.

Megan picked at her sleeves, slowly taking off the leaves that had punctured through the fabric. She'd feel guilty every time she got caught by Sophia in the dorm halls.

"So what do I do then?"

Megan shrugged, standing up and dusting her skirt. "Maybe stop fighting her."

Daniela looked up, confused. "And do what instead? I know, as long as she's around, I won't be able to leave."

Megan had already walked towards the stable door, ready to leave, when she stopped and looked over her shoulder. "I don't know, Dani. Maybe figure out why you care so much."

And with that, she left Daniela there—sitting under the dim light, the words echoing in her head.

Figure out why she cared so much? What did that mean? Care so much about what? About who?

The horses shifted again, and Daniela let out a shaky breath, staring down at her gloves.

Was Megan talking about Sophia? Daniela is pretty sure she doesn't care about her—except that the guilt sitting at the pit of her stomach was saying otherwise.

Okay, well, maybe I do care… a little. Only because she almost got severely hurt.

But when she thought of it a little more… if she hated Sophia so much, why would there be that tiny bit of care in her system and a huge amount of guilt mixed in it?

She hated that Sophia smiled at her like that. She hated that she never got mad. She hated that Sophia didn't hate her back. And most of all—she hated that, somehow, it mattered.

Why did it matter? Why was she so mad about it?

Why does she care so much?

—

Sophia coughed against her fist, adjusting in her seat as she had trouble writing on her paper. It was already lights out, and yet Sophia sat on her desk, the faint sound of a pen scratching against parchment filling the air.

Her shoulders were relaxed, but her expression was thoughtful, the lamplight tracing gold across her features. Her left hand rested carefully atop the table as her right hand—still bandaged—moved shakily.

The faint breeze from the window lifted the sheer curtains, carrying in the scent of wet grass from the gardens below. The few scrapes and cuts on her hand still stung, and yet she still tried to write.

Across the room, Princess Yoonchae peeked over from her bed. "You're still writing?" she asked softly.

Sophia looked up, smiling faintly. "Habit, I suppose. My brother used to tell me the mind only quiets when you empty it onto paper."

Yoonchae hummed, sitting up. Her eyes wandered over to Sophia's hand, all bandaged up and unsteadily moving across the paper. Yoonchae could only think about how difficult and painful it is for Sophia to write. "You shouldn't be moving your arm, you know? You said you'd be careful."

The corners of Sophia's lips quirked up, smiling as she kept writing. "I know, but I'm almost done, Princess."

Yoonchae stared for just a beat longer before opening her mouth to ask the question that had formed in her head for the last few seconds. "You're thinking about her, aren't you?"

It was as if Yoonchae had pushed a button, and immediately, Sophia's hand stopped moving. "Her?"

"Princess Daniela," Yoonchae said, blunt and knowing.

Sophia bit her tongue, her grip tightening on the pen, but then she felt a sharp pain in her wrist. "What… what makes you think that?"

"I noticed that you sigh whenever you write her name," Yoonchae said matter-of-factly. "You don't do that with anyone else."

Sophia laughed softly, finally setting the pen down. "So you saw what I was writing? You're far too observant for your age."

"I share a room with you," Yoonchae pointed out. "You think I don't notice when you space out?"

Sophia leaned back, her gaze drifting toward the window. "I wasn't spacing out. I was… collecting my thoughts. I was just thinking."

"About her," Yoonchae pressed gently, leaning forward.

Sophia smiled a little, unable to help it. She was amused by how Yoonchae was trying to interrogate her. "Perhaps."

There was a moment of quiet. The kind that felt almost too fragile to touch. The kind that felt like there were words hanging in the air.

Yoonchae tilted her head. "Do you like her?"

Sophia's lips parted in surprise. Of all the questions that she thought Yoonchae was going to ask her, that question was not one of them.

Sophia chuckled under her breath. "You shouldn't be asking questions like that, princess."

"But you didn't say no."

Sophia turned to her, looking very amused. "You are very bold tonight."

"I'm only saying what I see," Yoonchae murmured. "When you talk to her, your voice gets softer. Even when you're frustrated, you never sound angry. You never even tell her off."

Sophia's smile faltered a little—not out of denial, but because of the truth in Yoonchae's words. Yoonchae describes it as if Daniela were someone who makes Sophia weak.

"It's… she just… reminds me of something I once was." She smiles up at Yoonchae; it looks bittersweet, like she is reminiscing about something she can never bring back. "Before I learned to smile through every sharp edge."

"You think she's sharp?" Yoonchae asks with a frown.

"She is fire," Sophia said quietly, eyes distant. "Untamed, reckless, and far too bright for her own good. You know how scary it is to be that while also being a princess?" Sophia chuckles, and Yoonchae stares, only listening.

"But she's also… lonely. The kind of loneliness you can't fix with company." She looked down at her bandaged wrist, brushing her thumb over the linen. "When she looked at me after the fall, I saw fear. Not for herself, but for me. That was the first time I realized she wasn't angry anymore."

"Angry? About what?"

"About… everything?" Sophia let out a breathy laugh. "She seems to be angry about everything, no?"

Yoonchae looked at Sophia with a confused expression, but she laughed, shaking her head. "I guess she does." Then Yoonchae looked down at her hands before asking again. "And that made you happy? That she wasn't angry anymore?"

Sophia thinks about it. Did seeing Daniela that way make her happy? Did it give her some sense of relief? Sophia is unsure. All she ever wanted to do the moment Daniela arrived was to help her.

But the sight of Daniela's expression earlier, and her eyes that were filled with fear, made Sophia feel more. As if it showed her that, despite Daniela being the epitome of rage and fire, somewhere within her, there is something as shakeable as fear and as peaceful as her apology in the infirmary.

And that made Sophia think.

Maybe she can still be herself alongside being perfect.

Sophia let out a breath that might've been a laugh, might've been a sigh. "It made me human."

Then silence again. Her answer felt random and out of place. But Yoonchae understood. Of course, she understood.

After a while, Yoonchae spoke softly. "Do you ever wish you could stop caring so much? About the academy? About the kingdom?"

Sophia's smile returned, faint but real. "Every day."

Finally, Sophia closed her notebook shut. Letting her wrist rest. "But if I stopped caring, I wouldn't be me."

Yoonchae lay back down, pulling he blanket over her. "And she wouldn't be her."

Sophia paused at the window, looking out at the quiet academy grounds below. The very academy she grew up seeing and practically grew up in. "No," she whispered to herself, almost tenderly. "She wouldn't."

Because if Sophia wasn't perfect, Daniela wouldn't be herself.

She turned off the lamp, the dorm bathed now only in moonlight.