I watched Isolde’s face flush from red to a sickly pale. I assumed she would not.
Then why should I have to? And be grateful for it?
Just then, Princess Aurelia arrived, fashionably late. Isolde and Seraphina finally quieted down.
During our midday rest, Aurelia pulled me along to wander through the palace.
When we returned, we saw Seraphina and Isolde waiting. Seeing me, Isolde no longer looked angry. She
gave me a smile.
A malicious, dangerous smile.
Seraphina tugged at her sleeve, playing the peacemaker.
I glanced at the book on my desk and returned Isolde’s smile. She was baffled by my expression and shot
me a fierce glare.
Glare all you want. Soon, you won’t have anyone to glare at..
When the tutor entered, Isolde suddenly slapped her forehead and cried out, “Oh dear, I’ve forgotten my philosophy book!”
With that, she rushed over and snatched the book from my desk. “Let me borrow yours. You won’t mind, will you?”
She bumped into me, and I stumbled, letting myself fall to the ground.
Our tutor was a stern, old–fashioned woman who couldn’t stand such horseplay. “Isolde! What is the meani- ng of this?” she chided.
But Isolde, without even looking at the book, presented it to the tutor. With an air of smug triumph, she ann ounced loudly, “Tutor, look! Look at the sort of book Lady Elara is reading!”
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Chapter 2
All eyes turned to the book, then back to Isolde in confusion.
