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Chapter Twelve

I spent a few days growing accustomed to the academy campus. As I became more familiar I learned just how many places there were where someone could be hidden and beaten without alerting others.

The school boasted of having the best minds but when you shoved a bunch of big-headed wealthy teens in one place problems couldn't help but to arise.

"Are you ignoring me?"

Drusilla was a prime example. I'd thought she'd learned her place, but she must have gotten the go ahead from my sister as she'd made it her mission to incite me to violence.

Even now, as I leaned against the wall and watched the birds on the tree across from the window flitter here and there she tried to ruin my peace.

"I shouldn't expect any form of civility from a bastard princess. It's not like you received the proper training that befits a royal."

"Is that right." I drew my gaze from the tree to her smug expression.

Her milky skin was flushed from her feeling of power. The three who'd followed her also appeared to be getting off from being able to bully one of royal blood.

It wasn't really all that surprising that they delighted at the idea of putting me down. They couldn't even begin to compare to my sister. Emilia was too perfect to suffer the disdain and hatred of these low-brow nobles.

I hummed as I fully faced her. "Drusilla, I've enjoyed our little budding friendship."

"What did you say?"

"But, even friendships such as ours should be slowly and tenderly grown."

Sneering she looked at me with disdain, "It must be true what they say."

"And what do they say?" I asked this while noticing a tall young man who appeared to be hiding something scurry along the hallway.

"That your mad, and that's why the emperor wouldn't dream of giving you the throne," she laughed along with her sycophants.

"That's where you're wrong. My father doesn't care how mad his children are, he only wants the child who brings results to sit on the throne. The next time I write him a letter, I'll let him know that the Heptad family is very much invested in who he'll be giving his throne to despite there already being a crown prince, my brother Cainon."

Their expressions immediately became uncomfortable even as Drusilla looked to be searching for a rebuttal. I didn't give her the time, walking around them and heading after my prey.

The scream of frustration she released was like music to my ears.

In my former life she'd reveled in her title of "Dame of Social Scene." Being friends with Emilia, the fifth princess had opened doors for her and had forced many to excuse her rude and bullying ways.

Even I'd suffered at her hands when she'd found it amusing to pour her wine on my newly bought gown.

Choking on her laughter she'd covered her mouth. "Sorry, I thought the wine would help you with your skin. I've heard it could perform wonders for those less fortunate in the looks department."

Still, she wasn't important to the bigger picture.

Walking past a few other students I kept my eyes on the tall young man who'd already taken a turn into a deserted corridor. The sun from outside was covered by the branches of the tall oaks that nearly hid this side of the building from the outside.

The smell of dust was thicker here than in the main hallway.

If Dalton were here he'd probably be trying to drag me back to where the rest of the student body was taking a break, but I was different. I was adventurous even to my own detriment.

Most of the doors to the abandoned classrooms were closed except for the last one. Slowing down I crept towards it and keeping my back to the wall, I leaned over to hear what was happening in the room.

A low hiss of pain followed by a curse welcomed my ears.

"Dammit, I swear I'll make those fuckers pay." Another curse shortly followed this rage filled promise.

Seeing as there wasn't anything going on that I could gleefully tease Scarlette with, I decided to continue with my plan.

Walking around the opened door, I spotted a young man sitting on the floor with his back against a sheet covered couch. His black hair was a mess around his hair, his pained golden eyes stared down at his stomach that was covered in bruises. Sweat coated his neck, as he seemed to be struggling to smear healing crème on his wounds that were varied and ugly.

"Do you want some help with that?"

Flinching, he jerked his head up and stared at me in surprise. The end of his shirt that had been clenched between his teeth fell down. "Who—what are you doing here?"

Entering the room, I purposely closed the door behind me.

"You know it's very rude to answer my question with another one," I said walking over to him and stopping an arm's length away I looked down at him. "Let's stay focused here dear, you're injured do you need help?"

Regaining his composure he quickly pulled his shirt down and attempted to stand. "No, I don't need anything. Get out."

"Interesting," I didn't let him stand and lifting my foot I stomped on his shoulder.

Letting out a cry of pain he landed back on his ass.

"Ouch! What the fuck, that hurt!" He shouted glaring at me like he wanted to break my neck.

Removing my foot, I knelt down and snatched up the bottle of medicine he'd dropped and read the ingredients on the back. "The cheap stuff, you're a commoner aren't' you?"

He glared at me from under his messy bangs like a disgruntled cat. "What's it to you? Are you like those bastards thinking I shouldn't be here?"

"What does it matter what I think, I'm no one," I pulled another bottle from my pocket and tossed his cheap away. The sound of it smashing into what sounded like a window made me smile. "I've little to no control over the diseased masses who will all probably peak in popularity in school."

Confusion took over his expression, he didn't even notice I'd lifted his shirt.

Using my teeth to pull the cork out of the bottle I upended it over his stomach. The liquid was a tad bit cold, so it didn't take me by surprise when he cried out and tried to pull shirt form my hands.

"Nope," With a hard yank I enjoyed the shredding sound.

Covering himself, he stared at me in horrified shock. "What's wrong with you?"

I laughed and haughtily placed my hands on my waist. "No one, I already told you, but I guess there is a little more to me. My name is Zorya, the least favored seventh princess of Emperor annoyingly won't die, and I have an offer for you."

"An offer?"

"Yes, an offer," I confirmed with a bold nod. At least I thought it was bold, a lot of heroines in the books Scarlette kept taking from me did it.

"Heh," he scoffed and soon he was laughing while covering his face. "I must be the only person dealing with such shitty luck. As if being bullied wasn't enough."

He dropped his hand and sneered up at me, "I'm sorry, princess but I don't have any interest in helping any royals with anything."

"That's a surprise."

Seeming insulted he shifted, he was now sitting with his legs crossed at the ankle. "How is it surprise?"

I pointed at the bottle rolling on the floor between us. "That cost 2 thousand gold pieces, and I just poured it all over your stomach."

He stiffened and slowly looked down at his now healed stomach. His beautiful abs flashing angrily in the little sunlight that filled the room blemish free. "2 thousand gold pieces?"

"Mhmm, and let me say Mr. Sena Humphries I know you don't have anywhere near that amount of money swimming around you. So, let's see it as an investment."

Sena's golden eyes narrowed as he finally looked at me again. "An investment?"

"Yes, you see my sister keeps walking around with Zilo like he's the best fashion piece. Tall, ice blonde and deadly with a sword. It's almost like hot young sword wielders are the latest most wanted accessory, a handsome wanna be knight."

Lowering myself, I reached out and placed a finger under his chin and lifted his face. "I was pleased to hear that there was a student who not only outpaced Zilo, but was also rumored to be just as handsome. I knew I needed to get my hand on that shiny bauble before someone else did."

Sena jerked his chin away and glared at me. "You sound just like every other bastard noble whose approached me. What make you think I—," I pointed at the bottle once more and he choked up.

"I'm not asking too much; you'll just follow me around and incite rage in people who want to see me alone and depressed. Ah, and I'll promise to sponsor you."

"That's all?"

I stared at him, "I could take care of those bullies of yours if you want. Do you?"

He shook his head in amusement. "Fine, little princess you get rid of my bullies, and I'll be your little lap dog."

I tilted my head and stood once more, "Okay, but I just have to warn you of something."

"And what is that?"

"I'm a bit mad,"

I turned around and headed to the door. I didn't wait for his response.

I've been bored lately.

Sena's bullies would be my first bout of fun here.

They would survive to only wish for death...or maybe, the wouldn't. Who knew.

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