Felicity's POV.
Mia was not done. I could feel it. The smile she wore earlier was not one of defeat. It was a calculation. The quiet type. The dangerous type. If she were planning revenge, it would not be loud. It would be smart. Manipulative. Explosive in a way no one would expect. And that made her even more dangerous. But I am ready to face Mia's strike and take her down.
As Chris and I finished breakfast, we headed to my dorm so I could pick out a dress.
"Which dress should I wear? Remember, my favourite colour is purple," I asked.
"Go with the purple gown with yellow sunflowers, the yellow belt, and the sunflower crown. I remember the day we first met. I was mesmerised," he replied immediately.
I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Okay. Good choice." Then I disappeared into the bathroom to shower.
While the water ran, my mind wandered. Matriculation. A fresh start. A new semester. A prince trying to win my heart. And somewhere on campus, Mia is planning her next move. When I came out wrapped in a towel, I stared at the purple dress with the yellow sunflowers and matching belt. It was soft. Bright. Hopeful. After a quick shower, I slipped into the dress and fastened the belt. I grabbed my bag, tied my hair in a ponytail, and stepped out, ready for the day.
Chris blinked when he saw me. For a moment, he said nothing. He just stood there, staring like he had forgotten how words worked.
"What?" I asked, suddenly feeling shy under his gaze.
He let out a slow breath. "You look…" He paused, shaking his head slightly. "You look beautiful, Felicity."
My heart skipped.
"It's just a dress," I said quietly.
"No," he replied, stepping closer. "It's you. The dress is lucky it gets to be worn by you."
I tried not to smile too hard, but I failed. "That was smooth."
"I'm trying," he admitted softly. "That dress should be illegal." He looked at me again. "Okay. Let's go before I forget we're heading to school. Now it's easier to get a cab."
Just like that, my heart raced again. I laughed, and we left for school. There is something sacred about returning to a place after everything it has seen. Your highs. Your heartbreaks. Your transformations. When our cab pulled into campus, something shifted inside me. The stone buildings stood tall as always. Students hurried around with robes and bags. The air felt alive. I felt that rush.
Not from the crisp English air or the old buildings, but from the feeling of becoming someone new. Last semester, I was just a girl trying to survive freshman year. I did not know my father was a duke. I did not know my fake boyfriend was actually a prince. I did not know my so-called cousin Mia would turn into a full-time villain. The girl who arrived here last semester had no idea what was coming.
But this semester? I was ready. But here I was still standing and still strong. Lip gloss is shining. Hair neatly styled. Head held high. Beside me was the guy who had turned my life upside down with one smile and a crown. Christopher, His Royal Hotness Blake. He walked next to me in a fitted navy jacket that made me forget my own name. Calm. Cool. Confidence. Completely royal. Right beside him.
As we stepped onto the walkway in front of the lecture hall, I heard a high-pitched squeal.
"FEEEEEEELICITYYYYY!"
I did not need a psychic to know who that was. I turned instantly.
"PENELOPE!" I squealed back as she rushed toward me and practically tackled me, wrapping her arms around my waist and hugging me tightly like she was trying to fuse us into one person.
"Oh my gosh, I missed you so freaking much!" she gasped. "Look at you! Your skin's glowing, your waist is snatched! Girl, what kind of miracle water did they give you in Scotland?!"
I hugged her tight. "I missed you more than I missed pancakes during the hospital food era."
Christopher cleared his throat dramatically beside us. "Wow. So I'm just... chopped royal liver now? Invisible? I'm standing right here."
Penelope glanced over her shoulder in mock surprise. "Oh wow, is that The Exiled Prince? I thought you disappeared with the Scottish fog. The missing prince returns."
"Very funny," he replied.
We both turned to him and said in unison, "Whatever."
He blinked. "Not one, but two 'whatevers'? Cold. I'll just go marry a duchess then."
"Do that and I won't talk to you for a month," I said sweetly. I smiled and patted his cheek. "Don't worry. You are still useful."
He gasped. "Useful?"
Penelope smirked. "Still spicy. I like her. She has not changed. I love it."
"I'm emotional," I said.
"I'm petty," Penelope added proudly.
Chris raised both hands in surrender. "Okay. Noted."
Then Mia walked past us in a white fur jacket, sunglasses on like she was arriving for a photoshoot, and of course, an attitude. She looked like a Bond girl who did not get the part.
Penelope leaned closer to me. "Wow. The third wheel just keeps rolling, huh? She looks angry."
"She always does. She's more like a flat tyre," I muttered. "Who needs a mechanic?"
We both laughed.
The week went by quickly. The campus was busy. Matriculation had arrived, and Oxford felt alive. Robes were pressed. Shoes polished. Some students looked nervous. Others pretended they were not. The sky was bright and blue, like it was helping the day shine. Oxford looked like a movie set. And for once, I felt like I truly belonged there. We walked toward the ceremonial hall. The campus looked beautiful. Students wore their robes proudly. Cameras flashed everywhere.
I stepped inside the hall, my sub fusc moving gently as I walked, my curls bouncing with each step. For a moment, I felt nervous. Then I saw Christopher waiting for me in his black suit under his robe. His hair was neatly styled. He looked calm and confident. He smiled at me. That smile made everything feel quiet and steady again, like I was the only girl in the world. My heart fluttered. We walked inside together. People stared. Some whispered. Some giggled. I ignored them. Showing up with a literal prince has a way of doing that.
Penelope leaned from behind, grinning. "Is it hot in here or is it just you staring?"
I tried to glare at her, but my heart skipped a beat. "Shut up," I whispered, holding back a laugh.
The Chancellor gave a long speech about legacy, honour, and excellence, blah blah. I tried to focus. It was the usual inspiring stuff, but it felt different when you're tired and sleep-deprived and only had a granola bar for breakfast. I glanced to the side. Christopher was already looking at me. He leaned in toward me.
He leaned in toward me. My heart skipped a beat.
"You look like a queen. I love you," he whispered, his voice soft and warm.
I could barely speak. "Are you trying to impress me?" My cheeks heated up.
"Yes. Always. So... have you decided? The Winter Ball? Royal entrance or not?"
I smirked. "I'm still thinking."
He leaned closer and sighed dramatically. "You enjoy this too much. I could build you a throne if that gets me a yes."
"Tempting, but I prefer thrones that come with pancakes. I'm saying..." I trailed off, watching the hope flicker in his eyes. "Maybe."
He groaned. "You're evil."
"Thank you."
His eyes held mine, and for a moment, everything around us faded from view. It was just him and me. Just then I noticed Mia sitting two rows away, staring at us like we were stealing her spotlight. Her glare could have set the room on fire. I smiled sweetly at her. Then I leaned closer to Chris and whispered, "Go ahead. Hold my hand. She might faint."
He laughed softly and gently laced his fingers with mine. Boom. Mia looked furious. She practically exploded.
I leaned in closer. "She's plotting your assassination right now."
"Worth it," he said.
Today was matriculation, but something told me this day would not be simple. Not with Mia. Not with a prince. Not during The Week of Hearts. And I had a feeling the mischief was only just beginning.
>>>>>>>>>>
Christopher's POV.
Look, I have attended royal dinners, galas, and formal events my entire life. I have even survived tense diplomatic meetings where everyone wears medals and smiles politely while arguing. But nothing prepared me for walking into matriculation beside Felicity Paddington. Today was my first real step in winning her heart. But I had started something too.
Step one. Show up for her. Check.
She walked in like she was born for it. Confident, elegant and bright. Her sub fusc flowed behind her. Her curls bounced with every step. Her heels clicked with a quiet attitude. She was not just beautiful. She was fire. A little chaos. And I hoped one day she would be mine. Her perfume smelled soft and warm. Vanilla with something bold underneath. Like roses that bloom when they want to. It stayed in my thoughts even after she walked away.
When she took my hand and smiled? I forgot about everything else for a second. I noticed people looking at her. I did not blame them. Some guys could not stop staring. Girls were whispering. One guy even tripped over his own shoelaces trying to check her out.
"Careful," I muttered quietly. "My girlfriend's stunning. Fatal, actually."
Okay, maybe not officially my girlfriend. Yet. But in my heart, she was already mine. The Chancellor spoke about legacy, honour, and excellence. I tried to listen, but all I could think about was the way Felicity's fingers fit perfectly between mine. When the Chancellor finally ended the speech, students poured outside for photos. Screaming, laughing, taking selfies. I had one goal. Get Felicity to myself.
Come on, Your Smartness," I said, taking her hand and gently pulling her toward the courtyard.
She laughed. "That's the best you've got?"
"You prefer My Royal Brilliance instead?"
She rolled her eyes. "Cringe. But acceptable."
We posed for pictures together, her in front and my hand resting on her waist.
She looked up at me. "You are very bold today."
"I am determined," I said.
She turned slightly and smiled. "Trying to convince everyone we're a couple?"
"I am trying to convince you," I replied.
She smirked. "Smooth."
Then Mia appeared, as if summoned by drama. Mia tried to interrupt, but Felicity handled her calmly. No anger. No fear. Just confidence. That impressed me more than anything.
"Well, well. The prince and the peasant," she said coldly. "How original."
Felicity did not flinch. "Hi, Mia. Your villain origin story is showing."
"You think you've won?" Mia snapped.
"Oh sweetie," Felicity said calmly. "I don't think. I know. I do not compete. I choose."
Penelope suddenly appeared beside us. "I officially support this relationship."
Joshua popped up behind her. "Same here. I'm the awkward sidekick," Joshua added, blinking through his glasses.
"You're both weird," Felicity said, laughing.
Penelope turned to Mia. "Hi! I heard there's a documentary on jealousy. Want me to submit your name?"
Mia's jaw tightened. "You people are disgusting."
"No," I said, slipping my arm around Felicity. "We are just dazzling, actually."
And with that, Mia walked away without another word. Then Felicity's phone rang. It was her dad. Her face softened as she stepped aside to answer, smiling as she spoke. I watched her from a distance, laughing softly, eyes shining, strong, brave, funny, and a brilliant girl who turned my world upside down and changed everything for me. At that moment, I realised something clearly. This was not just a game anymore. Not fake dating. Not a fake boyfriend. Not for royal image. Not convenient. I was choosing her. Fully. Not because of crowns. Not because of whispers. But because whatever this was between us, it was becoming real. No matter what Mia planned, no matter what my father expected, I was all in. For Felicity. For us. Even if it meant turning my royal world upside down. Because I was ready for whatever came next.