Paige.

The next day, Aicko decided to order a special breakfast with Belgian waffles, fluffy pancakes, and more from the dorm service as my welcome breakfast. She's so sweet. Then she helped me get into the uniform and we both walked towards school.

It's my first day, I forgot the feeling of being a transferee, Aiden said that I should wait for him so that we could walk together, but I told him that I needed to get close with other people as well.

"You can join me and my friends," Aicko said as we approached the doors."

I smiled. "Thanks."

The school looked even more amazing inside, there were grand staircases, elevators, huge halls, many floors and rooms and if I had a chance to change one thing, I wouldn't change anything."

"Amazing isn't it?" Aicko chuckled, "That's always the feeling when you step inside the first time, and I feel that way every single day since I came here."

"I never thought a school could be this beautiful,"

"Well now you do."

Other students walked around wearing the same uniform, The men had the same vest and necktie, only they had dark pants.

I could also see the difference in ethnicities. I've never been in a place with this much diversity, it was cool. 

The atmosphere around was also different, Everyone held their head high and walked with power and poise, confidence screamed in every stride.

Maybe the longer I stay here, I could hopefully get that disposition as well.

Through my peripheral vision I could tell that they were all eyeing me, others were whispering, of course I'd always eye a new student back in my school, now I am the new student.

The Dean gave me my class schedule yesterday so I'd know where to go.

I followed Aicko through the large hallways.

"Aicko!" someone called.

We both turned to the Brunette, Aiden and I met yesterday.

Aicko smiled. "Eloise!" she bowed her jead and I followed

So they knew each other.

Aicko turned to me, "This is-"

"Paige, we've met already," Eloise said using her ever reserved voice.

Just then a commotion started at the other side of the hall.

"Oh Mon dieu," Eloise exclaimed something which sounded French. "They're here." She walked swiftly towards the commotion, at the same time maintaining her poise.

How could she sound excited without raising her voice?

Aicko and I followed.

I faced Aicko "Who's here?"

"You'll see, Aicko held my arm and made me join her as we walked hurriedly towards the crowd.

The crowd of students gathered upon the entrance of the main doors of the school. The faces of the girls changed from reserved to excited just like Eloise, but they kept their poise, they must be Princesses.

I tiptoed to see what they were waiting for.

Just then three Men entered the doors and walked right through the hallway, that made me realize why the girls were so excited. They were incredibly handsome, my jaw dropped and my eyes glued onto them. I recognized one of them, he was the tan skinned Egyptian Prince I met yesterday.

"Who are they?" I turned to Aicko, she looked mesmerized at the sight of them.

"The three kings of Eres Academy," Eloise answered for me.

"If this school was a caste system, well they're on top." Aicko whispered. She pointed to the first boy on the right, he was tall and tanned with a gold nameplate on his vest, he had a sharp nose, thick arched eyebrows and charming smile, he smiled to the girls that greeted him unlike the other two.

"That's Ram, Ramesses, the beloved prince of Egypt. His father's the Egyptian Pharaoh and his Mother's a former princess of England. Which makes him easily one of the most powerful heirs at campus." She explained. "His twin is the heir to the throne, so he'll probably be the most carefree royal you'd see. Unlike the other two, he's the friendliest but don't let his smile and charms fool you." Aicko shook her head, "That Prince is a playboy."

I nodded even if I already knew some of his details from Aiden.

"That's Kile Astley, Prince of the States," Eloise then pointed to the second guy. Of course I knew his name, he's known all over the kingdom, but I had no idea of what he looked like. The American royal family has kept the royal children's faces hidden and a mystery to the public ever since the rebel uprising 8 years ago. The last photos and images the country has seen of the royal family's children were when they were young. But now I could see him quite clearly.

He had mysterious sky blue eyes, brownish blonde hair that was styled in a prince like form which suited him so well, he was tall and lean, he even had a perfect jawline. Angelically handsome would be the term I'd describe him as. Who knew our prince actually looked this good. I should tell Mom and my friends. I then noticed that he wore a gold nameplate. The royal status I suppose.

He ran his fingers through his hair, which made the girls sigh as he continued his pace.

"Yeah he may seem like a character from some fairytale novel but don't be fooled," I turned to Aicko as she spoke. "That guy's cold as ice and serious as heck, well he's heir to the throne of this country so he somehow has a reason to be." Aicko added. "Plus he's already engaged to the princess of Rome so he's also off limits."

"Uhm ok." I nodded. Now that's something our country's newspapers don't know.

My eyes suddenly went to the guy in the middle, He was toweringly tall and lean, like the other two. He had broad shoulders. Beneath his school uniform cardigan, his strong biceps were evident, my eyes went down and noticed the veins on his arms, soon enough I noticed his nameplate on the left of his chest. Silver.

Their trio approached closer to where we were standing and only then did I get to fully make up his face. He had dark hair that was tousled, thick arched brows and beneath were were a pair of dazzling green eyes. His face seemed unreal, from his sharp nose and jawline, it almost seemed as if he was sculpted by some very talented sculptor. He was beautiful. Devilishly beautiful. But unlike the other two, there was a look that I could see beneath his emotionless and confident stance. The look of mischief.

All three of them looked so handsome as they strode through the hall with such confidence that made all eyes drawn to them.

"Who's the guy in the middle?" I wondered.

Aicko and Eloise turned to who I was pertaining to. Their eyes suddenly widened and a look of worry plastered on their faces.

"That's Blake, Blake Carlisle, heir to Carlisle group of companies and enterprise." She sighed. "There maybe a lot of billionaire heirs at this school but his family's the richest of us all. The Carlisles, they're old money rich, they're the big deal and he knows it."

I turned to his green eyes, and in them I saw fire and serious confidence. I then eyed his silver nameplate once again. I smelled arrogance from where I was standing. Oh how high people must think of themselves just because of their statuses.

"Hey don't stare," Aicko warned me making me look away from him. Before I knew it, she pulled me away from the crowd and near a bunch of lockers keeping us a distance away from the 3 kings.  Eloise slowly followed.

"Why are we hiding?" I asked confusedly, 

"Listen," She said in a serious tone. "As much as you're concerned, do not look him in the eye and never go close to him, for today at least."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Just trust me," She said.

Is there something I don't know?

My eyes continued to follow him as he and the two princes walked past us. Rich kids. 

Eloise shook her head. "Word of advice, don't fall for him, he ain't the knight in shining armor of this school, he's a sack full of trouble."

"Yeah right," I chuckled.

"Hey, we're serious Paige," Aicko said in a serious tone. "Just stick by my side today and don't cross paths with him."

I frowned, "What is he some type of disease or are commoners such as me not allowed to be seen by him?" I laughed.

Suddenly the first period bell rang.

"Hope she makes it through the day," Eloise spoke before leaving.

There's something everyone's not telling me. 

______________________

Classes started although I still haven't seen Aiden, or Ned.

Coincidentally, Aicko, Eloise and I have the same first period.

The teacher, Ms. Flores welcomed me and introduced me to everyone then allowed me to take a seat. One thing I've noticed was how everyone gave me pitiful glances and stares wherever I went. 

"Is that the new girl?"

"God, I feel sorry for her already."

"Do you think she's gonna make it?"

Wow, is it such a pity to them that I'm a commoner? Well sucks for them I'm pretty contented with who I am thank you very much. 

I happily took my seat, completely ignoring all the whispers. 

I had a table of my own right next to a red haired girl, and Eloise. The seats were filled with comfy cushion and the tables look firmly polished.

The class went well, we tackled Geography and I got to recite as much as the other students. Afterwards, then came break time.

Aicko led me to the cafeteria, Eloise tailed us from behind, it was huge, chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the tables spread throughout everywhere, the windows were glass so we got the view of the green landscaped garden and the pond outside, there's also many food stalls, the food looked like the one's I'd see in five star hotels.

"I'll go to taco station, Aicko pointed to the station across the cafeteria. "You should pick anything you like, just let them scan your nameplate."

I nodded.

I found a station where they served salads, I joined the line.

Just then the person in front of me caught my eye. She was olive skinned, her long brown hair was tied in a half ponytail, she was tall, probably 5'9 ft. plus the heels she was wearing made her look taller, she was slim, and when she turned side view I could see her stormy gray eyes. She looked like a goddess

Suddenly someone called.

"Bellona!" Another girl about an inch shorter than her called.

She then approached our line and whispered something on Bellona's ear.

Bellona's expression changed instantly, from intimidating to more intimidating. "Are you certain?" her voice had a European accent to it that made her sound so classy and sophisticated.

The other girl nodded then the next thing I knew is that they both left the Cafeteria hurriedly.

I ordered some potato salad, with some steak and some juice then I had my nameplate scanned.
I found myself a table, since Aicko was nowhere to be found, and I spotted Eloise in another table with another group of girls.

there are many other students each minding their own businesses with their own groups of friends.

I pulled out my phone to text Aiden.

To: Ugly

Where are you?

From: Ugly

I'm still at class, wait for me.

To: Ugly

Hurry up!

From: Ugly

Alright! Stay where you are, don't go exploring without Aicko.

I rolled my eyes and kept my phone. He should stop treating me like a child for heaven's sake.  I started eating my salad, then Aicko sat beside me having her plate of pasta and tacos on the side.

We both talked a bit while we ate.

When I finished I stood up to return my tray when I spotted Ned.

"Ned!" I called.

He faced me and I noticed he was shaking.

I frowned. "What's the matter?"

"Don't talk to me," he rudely said and went straight to a stall without a line and ordered some food, I couldn't see what he got.

"You can sit with us if you want." I offered.

He frowned looking irritated as ever but still kept on shaking.

"Could you just mind your own business!" he raised his voice but only we heard it.

"I know somethings wrong, you're shaking." I crossed my arms and pointed to his shaking body.

He closed his eyes and exhaled. "Just leave me alone." He then left the cafeteria with the tray in his hands. I don't know if that's even allowed.

I wanted to just go back to the table and wait for Aiden but my instinct told me to follow Ned. I followed my instinct.

I silently walked through the hall ways that he passed, although I don't see him anymore.

Just then I heard another commotion at the end of this hallway, students crowded again and I recognized the olive skinned girl, Bellona amongst the crowd.

I walked towards them to see what was happening, are the 3 kings walking around again?

As I got closer my assumptions were correct, till I heard Ned's voice.

"Please don't!" Ned's voice filled the hall.

I squeezed myself through the other students to see what happened

Ned was kneeling on the ground, holding his food tray and tears streamed down his eyes, while in front of him stood the dark haired and green eyed guy from a while ago, Blake was that his name?

What going on?!

Behind him stood the Egyptian prince, just having his arms crossed looking bored, the prince of the States was also there, he leaned on the wall on the side and scrolled through his phone looking bored as well.

I got shocked when Blake walked closer to Ned and started rubbing his black designer shoes on Ned's vest. "Haven't I told you that I wanted the finest pasta the cafeteria has to offer? Why do you come here bringing me this piece of junk?!"

He then grabbed the food tray out of Ned's hands and forcefully throws it to the other side of the hall, making the other students take cover.

What the hell does he think he's doing?!

Just then Aicko appeared behind me, "What are you doing here?!- Oh shit, it's happening he's found a target,"

"Who's found a target?"

"Blake."

"What do you mean?" My eyebrows furrowed, "Why is he doing this?!"

Aicko gave me the isn't it obvious look. "He's a bully, he finds new targets every time new students come."

How could he do this to Ned?! He's such a monster, no wonder Ned was shaking a while ago.

"Maybe I should call you puppy since you're just as stupid," Blake laughed then reached for a juice bottle which lay on the floor, he opened it's cap and poured it on top of Ned.

Shit! I looked around, "Why isn't anyone stopping him?!" I turned to Aicko, she looked worried too.

"Because no one, including his friends, can stand up to Blake."

I turned to Blake's friends, Aicko was right, they were the closest to him. but didn't move a muscle. Such a shame to call themselves royals.

Is this how the people here are?!

Ned looked frightened and tired. What did he do to deserve this?!

Blake then grabbed Ned by the collar of his polo. "Do you have anything to say puppy?"

Ned's crying echoed through the halls, and I spotted Eloise and her friends join the commotion, more people gathered up to see what's happening.

"Stop it!" I shouted without even thinking.

Everyone turned to me, even Blake's friends.

Blake raised his eyebrow, "what did you say?"

If he can make everyone fear him, well not me.

I held my chin up high and stepped closer to him, not minding Aicko's hand on my arm trying to pull me back.

"I said, Stop it." I made my voice clearer so that not only he but everyone could hear it.

Everyone started murmuring, I didn't miss Aicko's anxious look.

"Who on earth do you think you are? Blake chuckled, "To stand up to me."

"A human being like everyone else, including him," I pointed to Ned. "Unlike you, you're a monster."

Blake was taken aback by this.

I heard everyone's murmurs louden.

"What if I don't want to stop?" Blake said with an angrier tone.

I scoffed, "Then you're immature,"

His faced became even more serious, He walked closer to me, but I didn't move a muscle.

"I can't stop, because I've already chosen him to be my target and there's nothing anyone else can do about it, including you."

Before I could say something Blake walked back to Ned and reached for a the food box, that fell on the floor, he opened it and raised it onto Ned's head but paused.

"This is what happens when someone interrupts my play time with my puppy." He raised the food box and let a few of the pasta fall on Ned's uniform.

I couldn't hold myself.

"Then choose another target!" I almost shouted.

Blake turned his eyes on me, he placed the food box down and crossed his arms. "What are you proposing? You know I only target on the new students don't you?"

Then it hit me, I knew what he was talking about, I now wanted to run back home to Massachusetts even though it's impossible, I turned to Aicko and she gave me an anxious look and shook her head. Kile the prince of the States. locked his eyes on me, waiting for what I was gonna do, Ram on the other hand gave me a worried look and shook his head gesturing me not to do it.

"Paige, stop, let's just go." Aicko started pulling my arm. But I didn't budge. 

I then turned to Ned who was all soaked and shaking as tears streamed down his eyes.  Everyone was looking at me.  I knew what to do.

I turned to Blake. "I'm proposing for you to make me your target."

Everyone gasped and exchanged murmurs. A smile formed on  the side of Blake's lips.

He turned to Ned, "Take him."

I rushed towards Ned and helped him stand up, other boys came and took him.

I saw the pitied looks the other students gave me, I caught Eloise's reaction, she was emotionless but I the saw intense worry she had for me. My heart raced fast. What did I just do?

"Hey! new girl" Blake called.

I turned to him seeing him look so amused

"I've got my eyes on you."

_______________________________________

:)