"But really, it's fine," Zalu insisted, her tone earnest. "Here at the Academy, our titles don't really matter. Just call me Zalu."
Before Anya could bring herself to agree, her gaze flickered towards Elara. Elara stood silently, her emerald eyes fixed on Anya with an unreadable expression. That unwavering, emotionless stare was enough to reignite Anya's blush, the crimson creeping up her neck until her face was once again a vibrant red. She instinctively tried to shield herself behind the stack of books she held.
Zalu, noticing Anya's discomfort and the reason behind it, turned to Elara with a slightly apologetic smile. "Don't worry," she told Anya, gesturing towards Elara. "That's just how Elara is. She doesn't mean anything by it."
Anya, still flustered, finally managed a response, her tone still formal but now including Zalu's given name. "Alright… Miss Dla- I mean Zalu. And… good afternoon to you too, Miss A'Royale."
Elara offered a curt nod in acknowledgment, her gaze then shifting back to Zalu. "We should head to Professor Eldrin's class," she stated, her voice calm and matter-of-fact.
Zalu, slightly flustered by the lingering awkwardness, took Elara's hand. "Right, yes! We should. Bye, Anya!" she called out, pulling Elara along with her towards their next class.
Anya stood there for a moment, watching their retreating figures disappear down the hallway. A wave of disappointment washed over her. I wish I could hang out with them… A painful throb resonated in her chest. But I know that I don't even deserve to be close to them. A sad smile touched her lips. Miss A'Royale was looking at me though. So cool! The thought brought a fresh wave of heat to her cheeks. Clutching her recovered books tightly to her chest, Anya turned and hurried towards the library, a hopeful smile now gracing her flushed face.
...Zalu, slightly flustered by the lingering awkwardness with Anya, kept a respectful distance as they continued towards Advanced Spellcraft.
They rounded a corner in the hallway, the usual student bustle picking up again, when their path was suddenly blocked by a figure standing directly in front of Elara. He was a boy with striking features – brown skin contrasted sharply with beautiful, almost luminous blond hair, and his eyes held a captivating maroon hue, like the heart of the setting sun. Elara looked up at him, her emerald eyes meeting his in a silent, intense gaze. He looked down at her, a palpable tension thickening the air between them. As their eyes locked, the surrounding hallway seemed to fall into a hush, all other sounds fading away as every student nearby noticed the silent confrontation.
Then, with a subtle movement, Elara lowered her gaze and executed a graceful curtsy, her head bowing in a clear display of respect dictated by their social standing. Zalu, understanding the shift in the atmosphere, mirrored Elara's gesture, bowing her head while her eyes flickered nervously towards Elara from their lowered position.
"I greet the little sun of the Dorian Empire, Crown Prince Ullian Rurich De Goracis," Elara said, her voice clear and formal, "may prosperity and health follow you wherever you go." Zalu remained silent, her head bowed, acutely aware of the sudden shift in the hallway's atmosphere.
A visible ripple of shock and fear spread through the observing students. One by one, they began to bow their heads in deference to the unexpected presence of royalty. Ullian, however, kept his gaze fixed on Elara. A smirk slowly spread across his lips as he finally spoke, his voice smooth and laced with a forbidden intimacy. "You know between us there's no need for formalities, right, Lunari?" He reached out, his fingers lightly stroking Elara's cheek.
A collective gasp rippled through the bowed students. Second names held immense significance, believed to be tied to an individual's destiny. To be addressed by one's second name was a deeply personal act, a privilege traditionally reserved for a spouse, immediate family, or a betrothed. For the Crown Prince to use "Lunari" so casually in a public setting was a shocking display of familiarity.
Elara's jaw tightened imperceptibly. Her fists clenched beneath the folds of her robes as she straightened, her curtsy now gone, her posture rigid. "Obviously, Rurich," she replied, her own smirk mirroring his, though with a sharper edge, "but one must maintain appearances, even if the sentiment is… lacking." It was a clear, pointed remark, one that Zalu, still bowing, instinctively understood was meant to be overheard. The other students remained bowed, not daring to rise without the Crown Prince's permission. Only Elara held the audacity to address him by his given name. To even know and utter his second name, "Rurich" – a name carrying the weight of his destiny – was a similar intimacy.
"You may rise and proceed with whatever you were doing," Ullian said with a regal wave of his hand, his maroon eyes still locked on Elara. The students slowly began to straighten, a nervous energy replacing the earlier stillness.
"Why are you here, Rurich?" Elara asked, her voice now carrying a clear note of annoyance. Zalu, finally daring to lift her head slightly, noticed the palpable tension radiating from Elara.
"I simply wished to see you," Ullian replied, his smile widening, a hint of something predatory in his eyes. "Am I not allowed to seek out such… radiant company?" He made a move to touch Elara's face again, but this time, she reacted instantly, her hand flashing out to slap his away with a sharp crack that echoed in the hallway.
"DON'T TOUCH ME WITH THOSE FILTHY HANDS, YOU—" Elara began, her voice rising dangerously, before she visibly forced herself to regain control. "It was… nice seeing you, your highness," she said, her voice now cold and neutral, her emerald eyes locked on his. "I trust you have a pleasant day. I have a class to attend. Goodbye."
Without waiting for a response, Elara turned sharply and began to walk away, her pace quick and determined. Zalu, sensing Elara's need to escape the uncomfortable situation, subtly extended her hand, hovering near Elara's arm as if offering silent support, but careful not to touch her directly without permission. She then followed closely behind Elara.
Ullian stood there, a look of stunned surprise on his face, watching them retreat. He then laughed as if he had seen something amusing.