INSIDE THE ROYAL PALACE STUDY HALL
THREE DAYS LATER
ZAVIER
I learned many things since becoming royalty.
Politics were exhausting, wedding planning was warfare.
Royal tutors were demons wearing formal clothing and somehow the most terrifying thing in the palace was still Riko holding a pencil with confidence.
"I UNDERSTAND NOTHING." Riko announced proudly.
"That has never stopped you before." Ben replied without looking up from his notes.
"I LEARN THROUGH INSTINCT."Riko said.
"You fail through instinct." Leo corrected.
"I ACCEPT EDUCATIONAL VIOLENCE."Riko said.
The study hall looked like organized suffering. Books everywhere. Tutors moving between tables like hunters tracking weak prey. Michael sitting beside me in royal guard uniform while Serena stood behind him with the terrifying focus of a woman supervising military operations.
"You skipped two pages." Serena said calmly.
"HOW DO YOU KEEP APPEARING?"Michael nearly jumped.
"I was always here."She said.
