Chapter 5
Sophia
Cool air drifts off the spot where the moat comes inside the castle.
Or maybe it's not the moat, but it is some kind of indoor pool with a surface that's dancing with the lights of the party.
It looks quite inviting, and the pinching in my head from the heat of the dance floor and the sparkling wine I've been drinking makes me want to sit in it, even though I know that's a terrible idea when I've been drinking.
"Ouch," I mumble as I step forward and manage to stub my toe, reminding me that my shoes aren't that comfortable.
This is why I wear flats with my ball gowns.
If no one can see my feet, no one cares that I'm not wearing heels.
But parties like this aren't formal dances and my knee-length dress looks best with a pair of killer heels.
Sadly, they also feel killer. I spot a nice-looking ornamental rock that's about the right size for me to perch on and pull off my shoes.
"Ah." There's nothing like the relief of letting feet be free after being jammed into shows like these.
Well, maybe removing a bra. I can't wait to do that too, but even if I've had a bit too much to drink, I know that this isn't the right place to be pulling it off.
That's a fast way to end up with my photo splashed on the front of every newspaper in the demon realm with a headline about how I like to party without support.
My mother would kill me.
"Are you okay?" a voice says.
I jump, dropping one of my shoes. A loud splash sounds from beside me, but I can't focus on that, because the demon from before is standing in front of me. The lights illuminate the purple hue of his skin, and the two horns sticking out through his wavy black hair.
But it's the word mate bouncing through my mind that's really got my attention.
"I'm fine," I respond. "But I don't think my shoe is."
The demon chuckles. "Do you want me to fish it out for you?"
I think about telling him no, but I don't want to have to go in there and get it for myself. Especially not with the amount I've been drinking. I may not be able to think straight, but that doesn't make me a complete idiot.
"So long as you're not going to fall in or anything." The last thing I want is for him to fall in and end up in trouble. Then I'll definitely end up in the water, and probably ruin my other shoe in the process too.
He steps closer to the pool, letting more of the light fall on him. I don't recognise him, other than from seeing him before, but that doesn't mean anything. We've barely been at the academy for more than a week, I can't remember all of my classmates yet.
He smiles at me, a genuine one that is unlike the smiles I normally get. I like it. More than I probably should.
"I'm Lucas," he says.
The idea of giving him the wrong name flits through my mind, but I push it aside. It's just asking for trouble as soon as someone comes out and uses my real name. I haven't been there before myself, but my sister made that mistake when she was younger and told me all about it.
"Sophia," I respond.
"Are you new here?"
"To the side of the mysterious pool in a castle's secret room? I suppose I am."
He snorts. "I think it's attached to the moat."
"See, I told you I'm new to it," I tease.
"Stealing your shoe isn't a very good introduction between the two of you," he says.
"Maybe the pool was saying that it didn't like my choice," I respond. "Do these shoes not go with this dress?" I lift the other shoe and hold it to my dress.
His gaze slips to where I'm holding it, and I realise that he's getting a good eyeful of my breasts. Hopefully, he likes the view.
I clear my throat and his gaze flicks straight back to my face.
"Maybe if you hadn't spooked me, I wouldn't have dropped my shoe in the pool," I murmur, not really intending to make it sound like I'm blaming him, but it comes out that way anyway.
"Ah, I see how this is going to go." He crosses his arms.
"Do you?" I raise an eyebrow, secretly enjoying the exchange.
Either he has no idea I'm a Princess, or he doesn't care.
Both of those possibilities are refreshing.
Then again, this is the whole point of me attending Rosewood without using my title or having a bodyguard following me around.
It's a chance to be normal and to form normal bonds with people.
If this could be considered normal.
"You're going to blame me for your shoe landing in the pool and then I'm going to end up with a huge bill to fix it," he says.
"I only know your first name. Sending you a bill seems difficult. Besides, there's no point. It's been in there too long to be saved anyway." I wave my tail towards the pool, already lamenting the loss of a gorgeous shoe.
"That's your problem? Not sending someone you don't know a bill for something you know isn't really their fault?" he demands.
"Wait? What? I didn't say I was going to do that. Didn't I say I wasn't going to do that?" How had we gone from light and breezy to so serious so suddenly? But there's no doubting the tone shift, or the slight panic within me as I consider what it might mean.
"You actually implied that it wasn't worth your time," he says.
"I'm sorry," I blurt out. "I didn't mean for it to come across like that. I was just joking, and I've had a bit to drink, and..."
"I'm sorry too," he says.
I frown. "What for? It's not your fault my shoe is in the water."
"You said that it was," he points out.
I curse myself inwardly. Has anyone ever managed to mess up a first meeting with a potential mate like this before? "I..."
"I'm sorry," he says.
"Wait, why are you apologising?" Have I really lost the thread of this conversation? I know I've had a bit to drink, but it shouldn't be affecting me this badly.
"I should have realised you were joking. But I've not had the best day."
"At the party, or in general?" I gesture for him to sit next to me on the rock.
"Are you sure it's best if we sit so close to the pool?" he asks, eyeing me as if I'm about to fall in after my shoe.
I consider for a moment. The cool air feels as if it's sobered me up a bit, but it's better not to take any chances. "Good point," I acknowledge. "Did you have anywhere in mind?"
"Don't you need to get back to the party?"
I shake my head. "This is the party." I gesture around, my second shoe waving around my hand wildly.
"I hate to break it to you, but people are starting to leave already."
"There are the two of us here. That can be a party." I pause, considering what that sounds like. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that we would..."
To my surprise, he lets out a loud laugh. "You have nothing to worry about. I wouldn't give in to your advances while you're drunk."
"But you would when I'm sober?" Now there's an interesting thought, especially if he's feeling the potential mate bond too.
He shrugs. "I don't know you."
"Even more reason to talk to me then." I hope off the rock, being careful not to let myself teeter over.
I use my tail in an attempt to steady myself and wonder if I should get my wings out for further help.
"If you like me enough when I've had a bit to drink, then maybe you'll get to know me when I'm sober too.
" Why am I trying this hard? If he's rejecting me, then I should back off and let it stand.
He sighs.
"We could go for coffee tomorrow, if you want?" I suggest, unsure where the words are coming from. I'm not normally this forward with guys. Mostly because there's always a small voice in my ear telling me that they're only after the tiara and everything that comes along with it.
I should learn to trust people more. And this is the place to do it. No one's asked me much about my status since I got here. Probably because most of the other students are noble or royal themselves. At some point, it becomes arbitrary to compare titles and status when everyone is high up.
"It's the least I can do for ruining your shoe," he says.
I try not to let my surprise show on my face. "I'm sorry, but if that's why you're going to say yes, then I'm going to have to rescind my offer," I say in my best diplomatic voice. "I don't force people into doing things they don't want because they think they owe me."
I don't wait for him to reply and turn around to head back to the room with the dance floor.
I don't particularly want to go there, but I also don't want him to see how much he's upset me.
I don't know why it's affecting me so much.
I only just met him and I'm tipsy, so not making the best first impression.
But something about the situation is making me on edge.
I take a deep breath and centre myself, refusing to cry over anyone. Especially not someone I just met.
The party inside is winding down, with people starting to relax on the comfy chairs instead of dancing and playing drinking games. I like it this way, it's got a more intimate vibe.
"Sophia," Lottie calls, waving me over to where she's sitting with Archie, Philippe and a witch from my potions class who is wearing a green and gold dress with a gorgeous matching headscarf. I think her name is Nadiya.
I drop down into the seat next to the moth fairy who is fast becoming my best friend.
"Where's your other shoe?" Archie asks, pulling his tail out of the way before I accidentally sit on it.
"In the pool." I shrug.
"I thought they were a present from Aunt Amara?"
I grimace. "They were."
Lottie gives him a curious look. "You know your sister's shoes?"
"They aren't just shoes. They're art," Archie counters.
"You don't have to convince me," Lottie responds. "They are, and I'm horrified she's let one go swimming."
"I didn't let it happen. I was startled."
"By?"
My cheeks heat as embarrassment over the situation floods through me. I can't admit that I was spooked by someone I think is my mate, and then made a complete fool of myself afterwards.
"I don't know. A stray cat, maybe?" I shrug as if it's not important, then fake a big yawn.
"A stray cat? In the castle?" Archie gives me a look that makes it seem like he doesn't believe me.
"Some people have familiars," Marnie says. "Maybe one got free."
"Maybe," I say. "The drinks have made me sleepy. Anyone ready to head back?" I ask.
"I am. I need to do some reading before classes tomorrow," Nadiya responds, her accent offering a pleasant tone to her voice.
"Me too, I'm dreading it," I admit. "I might join you if I'm not too hungover. If that's okay?"
"Of course."
"I'm done too," Philippe says, rubbing one of the horns on top of his head and looking as if he'd rather be somewhere else.
"I wouldn't mind staying longer if Archie wants to," Lottie says, shooting my brother a look I've seen before.
But I don't get upset about it. There's no need to. I like Charlotte, and I know my brother isn't the kind of person to string a girl along just because he feels like it. He's not just a real Prince, he's a fairy tale one too.
Without the weird attraction to Princesses who might be dead.
"I'm up for staying," Archie says, giving her some of the same kinds of looks.
Seems like I might be right about that.
"All right, so I'm heading off," I say as I get to my feet. "And hoping none of the faculty catch me walking around with one shoe."
Nadiya laughs. "Are you going to be okay getting back to the dorms without shoes on?"
"I'll be fine," I promise. "It's not as if it's the first time I've gone home without them."
"Just don't tell our parents that," Archie puts in.
I glare at my brother. "If you joke about that again, I'll set you on fire and you'll be so embarrassed you won't be able to flirt with Lottie."
He crosses his tail over his heart. "Demon's honour."
"That's not a thing."
"I knew it!" Lottie turns to him with a triumphant expression on her face.
I shake my head and turn to leave, but not without giving one more glance towards where the pool lies, as if expecting to see a certain demon waiting there still.
I pull my attention away. It's not going to do me any good to dwell on the interaction, so I should forget it, and hope that it doesn't become common knowledge.