"I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream"

---------------

After nearly an hour of socializing Adelaide and Cordelia had picked up the final members of their party. Another one of Adelaide's ladies in waiting being one. Aurora Emrys was a headstrong girl, a member of an ancient french house she was practically raised with the Carmichaels and Fawleys. Her older brother was close with the twins' own, both being young powerful lords.

Princess Elizabeth of Spain had also joined them. Although she hadn't grown up with the other three they were still close having seen each other on many diplomatic trips to either country.

Aurora was a tall pale girl with long wavy dark hair that almost seemed reddish, her high cheekbones just added to her aristocratic features. The most curious thing about her though was her deep brown eyes, if one paid close enough attention they would be able to see the wild mischief that they danced with.

On the other hand, Elizabeth was on the shorter side, about 5'3, with white-blond hair and a tanned complexion. The small girl just seemed to ooze kindness and almost everyone relaxed in her presence. Her sparkling blue eyes just enhanced that. She was fourth in line for the throne with 1 older sister and 2 older brothers.

"So Adelaide has your father also been pushing you towards marriage? like I would settle down!" Aurora's hands flew carelessly into the air as she looked to her princess.

"Not necessarily, he seems more concerned with Alastair at this point, did you know he's been courting an Italian woman?" at this shock was evident on the other girls' faces. The Italians had quite a rocky relationship with the Scottish and Spaniards, "at least shes noble, imagine the scandal if she wasn't!"

"True, but I'm sure she's a very nice lady, maybe she could help an alliance?" Elizabeth smiled at the teens, hope in her eyes like always.

"I suppose but I am still curious about your talk of marriage Aurora? Do you have a betrothal?" Adelaide was curious after all arranged marriages were a common custom, no matter how much some may hate it.

"Not quite, but there are talks of an understanding" at this the other girls perked up, as this must have been a new development for Aurora normally would send a frantic letter as soon as the news was announced.

"This was recent Aurora?" Cordelia spoke up voicing Adelaide's thoughts.

"Yes, father only told me last week, I figured I would see all of you before a letter did,"

"And who is this lad might I ask?" Elizabeth was on the verge of bouncing on her feet, ecstatic for her friend.

"About that, ummm," Aurora looked around nervously and coughed, "he might be umm-"

"Oh just spit it out! How bad could it be?" Adelaide was growing impatient, wanting to hear the news.

"Elijah Carmichael," Aurora's voice barely a whisper.

"Who?" Cordelia inquired

"Elijah Carmichael! Your brother, Cordelia!" a silent shocked washed over the two princesses and noblewoman.

"H-how did I not know of this?" Cordelia seemed the most shocked out of all of them, which was to be understood.

"It is still not for certain, and I'm sure Elijah was not keen to tell. He's always harbored a hatred for me,"

"That's not true!" Elizabeth butted in in hopes to cheer up her friend.

"He does, and I know it, but at least he's not English," as if Aurora had summoned them Adelaide caught sight of English and German guards walking in through the doors,

"I believe you spoke too soon Aurora. It seems the English nobles have arrived," at this, the group turned just as all the guards but 2 dispersed.

"Arent personal guards only for royalty? The only English royalty besides the king is prince Kol, why would he come here? I was aware he wasn't attending to prepare for the throne?" Adelaide was thrown off, not prepared for this change. Cordelia seemed confused as well

Elizabeth and Aurora exchanged a glance before Aurora spoke,

"Have you not heard? His father wanted him to come and he was sent at the last minute. No one knows why," before she could continue James and Elijah joined them also having seen the guards.

"Ahhh James, it seems your sworn enemy is back" Elijah smirked, clearly amused with the unfolding events. James punched his shoulder, also smirking.

"Will you ever let that go!" James said, sharing in Aurora's earlier exasperated hand movements.

Adelaide knew that the English were their main enemies but couldn't pass up the chance. After all, as James had said, the school was known for making new alliances.

"Well, we wouldn't want to be impolite, would we? let's go say hello" before anyone could protest Adelaide set off toward the other royal. Her own guards following behind.

As Adelaide approached it began clear that this was in fact, Kol Montague. Even if the last time they saw each other was when James first came to Blackthorne 10 years ago there was no mistaking that wavy dark hair and ice-cold blue eyes.

Adelaide's guards seemed wary of who they were approaching but continued with her nonetheless.

"Prince Kol, it's been a while. I hope you are well?" Adelaide's sweet voice cut across Kol's conversation with what she assumed was one of his advisors. He turned - curious of who it could be. Recognizing the flag the guards wore and her unmistakable green eyes a cruel smile spread across his features.

"Hello princess, and indeed it has, and I am doing quite well. I trust the same goes for you?" he took her hand and kissed it delicately, eyes never leaving hers. Adelaide observed him more carefully.

He had grown taller and was no longer the lanky shy boy she knew, having filled into his height. High cheekbones and a sharp jaw just added to the aristocratic look. He donned a silver waistcoat and black trousers, along with a black and green overcoat and a longsleeved white undershirt.

He presented a calm exterior, one she observed was well-practiced and recognizable as she often wore the same one. Yet behind that mask was confusion and coldness.

Kol was also observing her warily, unsure of why she approached him. He noticed her long layered silver dress with gold designs weaved in. her long brown - almost black - hair was put up in an elegant half-bun. She too had grown taller and at 5'6 was about 7 inches shorter than him.

He too noticed the mask she wore and also saw behind it to her calculating stare and similarily coldness.

"I was not aware you were attending this year," Adelaide inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"As was I, I guess things change"

"I guess they do," before either could continue James appeared beside Adelaide and stepped in front of her, clearly not happy with her talking to his 'sworn enemy'.

"Montague," James sneered, his eyes narrowed, the obvious hate coming from his voice.

"Fawley," replied Kol, the same tone evident, a taunting smirk the only giveaway of his emotions, "I see your father finally let the precious princess come. how sad she didn't before, she seems to be more suitable company than your other gaggle of friends."

"If you ever come near her, I will not hesitate to harm you. Peaceful ground be damned." James' voice low, visibly seething while Kol only smirked, knowing he got to James.

"I see. Pardon James, he can be quite caught up in old grudges, I however would be interested in turning over a new leaf. You seem to be quite the intelligent conversationalist and this school is known for its ability for new alliances" Adelaide dismissed her brother's anger and took the chance presented before her.

"W-wh-what! Adelaide no! If you-" James began to protest before being cut off by the other prince,

"It would be my pleasure, does tea in the library in two days' time work?"

"I will see you then, goodbye, for now, Prince Kol," Adelaide let a sweet innocent smile grace her features before turning to leave.

"Goodbye to you too silver tongue," surprise flashed through Adelaide at the use of his childhood nickname for her but shut it down as glass was clinked and the famed headmaster began to speak.

decided to add to this as it seemed a bit short, I hope yall enjoy it!

sorry for no meme I am at my cabin the mountains with really bad service and pics won't upload