A Prince Who Won’t Be King

The dining room was huge. Rows of tables and chairs, for different party sizes, were arranged across the room.

The whole place smelled like a mix of different food aromas. It was oddly pleasant.

After getting their food, the two girls sat down at a table near the corner of the room.

“I know it's not that big of a deal, but it was the first time I used Magica,” she said with her mouth full.

“I truly understand you, Miss Charlotte.”

“Also, thank you for supporting me.”

“Don’t mention it. Besides, I’m glad that crazy girl didn’t get her way. I mean, what’s wrong with her?”

Charlotte went silent. A memory of Alysia’s melancholic expression flashed in her mind. Knowing everything that happened, she felt a slight pressure in her chest.

“She must have her reasons.”

“Again? Why do you justify her?”

“I don’t know. I kinda understand her.”

Zoe waited until the food in her mouth was gone.

“Understand her? There's nothing to understand. Whatever her problem is, she shouldn’t be assaulting other students.”

For a while, they stopped the conversation to focus on their food. Charlotte’s dish was filled with different types of meat and bread, and yet she left it empty.

Suddenly, the quiet place quickly looked like a loud market. A crowd of about 10 students entered the room. They surrounded someone.

All the commotion made it almost impossible for the girls to focus on what they were doing.

The crowd made enough room to reveal the person in the middle. Charlotte recognized him. It was the one talking with Alysia that morning. His golden hair was even brighter.

“Who is that?”

“The second prince. I believe his name is Arthur”

“Second?”

“Yes, his brother, the first prince, is next to become king.”

“He seems really popular.”

“Actually, it’s less than it seems.”

“What do you mean?”

“Some people follow, but others don’t even respect him.”

“Why?”

“Because he will never be king.”

The so-called prince managed to slip away from the loud crowd and get his food. He looked around the room for a place to sit. Without any hesitation, he started walking towards them.

“Don’t look back, but he is coming.”

“What?”

“Good afternoon, Misses. Mind if I join?” said a soft voice behind Zoe.

“Please, go right ahead.”

She didn’t dare to turn around.

“I really appreciate it.”

Nobody knew what to say. The girls simply exchanged confused glances. He didn’t speak a word until he was done with his food.

“So, you’re the young lady with the cursed arm.”

“Eh?” Charlotte unconsciously tried to hide her arm.

“Please excuse me, I didn’t mean to be rude. I was just curious.”

“Oh, it’s alright. I guess that’s me.”

He scanned her arm from top to bottom.

“Fascinating, I’ve never seen something like that.”

“And for your information, it’s not cursed. Today I was able to use Magica and sprout a flower.”

“I remember. It was indeed a beautiful flower, but can we consider that Magica?

That comment annoyed Zoe a bit, but she managed to keep her composure.

“Again, I apologize. I didn’t come here to make enemies. Actually, quite the contrary.”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard so much about you, Miss Charlotte. I was expecting to make friends with you, well, both of you.”

His manners were even more sophisticated than Zoe’s.

“A friend? But everyone knows about my arm, and you’re a prince.”

“Don’t worry about that.” He gave a warm smile. “I’d rather people like you, instead of those sycophants.”

“Kinda harsh that a prince expresses it like that about his people.” Zoe interrupted.

“See, I like people that confront me.”

Those words sounded genuine. In fact, the prince acted completely differently from how she would have expected.

“My name is George Arthur Claire. It’s a pleasure.”

“The pleasure is ours,” said Zoe.

She introduced herself with impeccable manners.

Charlotte tried to imitate their manners during her introduction. 

“So, I believe we’re already friends.”

“Sure! I never thought I'd be friends with a prince,” she said with a big smile.

“Please, call me Arthur.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

“Please, I’m serious. I don’t like formalities.”

“Neither do I.”

This caught Arthur off guard, and he couldn’t help but let out a genuine chuckle.

“You’re funny, Miss Charlotte. I'm looking forward to fighting by your side.”

“Yes…wait. Fight?”

“Yes, haven’t you heard about the tournament?”

“What tournament?”

“Every three years there’s a tournament between some academies all around the kingdom.”

“I thought it was optional.” Zoe joined the conversation.

“It was until this year.”

“I also heard they're doing it early.”

“It’s true. This kingdom is desperate to see the outcome.”

“Why?”

“Seems that the winners become the chosen ones.”

Hearing the word chosen, Charlotte looked more intrigued.

“And what does it mean being the chosen ones?”

“It means they are the most capable of defeating the Buried Tree.”

“What? But we’re students. Why send kids to fight that thing?”

“Nobody knows. Seems like a desperate strategy.”

Charlotte's eyes sparkled. That was the opportunity she had been waiting for her whole life. She could finally prove to the world how special she is.

“We need to win!”

“What’s with you, Miss Charlotte?”

“I love the enthusiasm. But first of all, we need a full party.”

“We’re already a group of three.”

“That’s true, but we need three more, and if possible from different Magica classes.”

Charlotte tried to think of someone, but she was distracted by a voice behind her.

“Psst…Psst. Charlotte.”

“What happened, Bastion?” She lowered her voice.

“You’ll need a mage, right?”

“I guess, why?”

“It’s the perfect time to approach Alysia!”

“What? After everything she has done to me?”

“But you said you understood her.”

She hesitated for a second.

“I do, but she doesn’t like me.”

“That’s not true. You just need to talk with her.”

“Why does it have to be me?”

“Because I can’t,” his voice cracked. “Please, she needs someone. She isn’t a bad person.”

Again, a sharp pressure tightened in her chest. She could forget Alysia and move on with her life, but an ache formed in her heart.

“Fine, I’ll try it.”

“Thank you, Charlotte.”

Bastion noticed that his request had distracted her. She had a distant look in her eyes and was ignoring her partners.

“Hey Charlotte, forget about that now. We have a bigger problem.”

“What problem?”

“That idiot prince is still here! First he approached Alysia, and now I bet he's trying to pick up you and Zoe. He is a menace. You need to kick him out of the party!”

“Would you calm down? I’m not doing that!” A smile returned to her face.

Her partners were looking at her. She realized she wasn’t whispering anymore.

“Who are you talking to, Miss Charlotte?”

“No one, why do you ask?”

She tried to clear her throat and change the subject.

“Anyways, I h-have someone in mind,” she said.

“Really? Who is it?” Zoe raised an eyebrow.

“A-Alysia.”

After hearing that name, Zoe frowned.

“What?”

“Miss Alysia Lens? I know her. I believe she was ranked 3. She could be a great option.”

Zoe slammed both hands on the table, shaking every dish and glass.

“There’s no way we will allow that girl in our group.”

“Or maybe not.”

“Please, Zoe, trust me.”

“Why are you so obsessed with her!”

“I think she needs help.”

“Help? She is not your problem!”

“I know, and I know that she hates me, but I need to try.”

“Even if she tries to attack you again?”

Charlotte didn’t answer.

“Fine, if that's what you want. But if she dares to lay a hand on you, I’ll take care of her.”

“Thank you, Zoe.”

“You’re truly kind, Miss Charlotte.” Arthur interrupted. “I’m glad to be part of this party.”

A chill ran down her spine. She wasn’t sure how to approach Alysia, or even what to say to her. Still, she had decided to solve this conflict once and for all.