Chapter 16 - Breaking The Rule

Instead of sitting on his assigned seat, Prince Edmund walked toward the head table where the headmistress and other high-ranking faculty members were seated. He regally stood in front and looked straight at the headmistress without blinking an eye.

Ms. Williams was busy speaking with the guidance counselor, Ms. Shannon H., about the new students when she saw someone approaching in the corner of her eyes. She stopped for a moment and acknowledged Prince Edmund.

"Good evening, your highness! Is there something I can do for you?" Looking at him curiously as to why he would want to speak with her before dinner was served. She guessed that it had something to do with the three girls that walked in with him. He had never done that in the past, to be associated with any of the students.

Still with a confident look plastered on his face, "I would like to request to be seated at the same table as Ava, Pearl, and Akira. Is that possible?" His voice was crisp and clear, loud enough to be heard by everyone in the dining hall.

Everyone stopped and gazed at the directions of the head table.

Ms. Williams smiled secretly, "Your highness, you know the rules about the seating arrangements. I don't need to remind you, do I?" However, deep inside her, she knew she would give in no matter what Prince Edmund asked. This is because they are one of the biggest supporters of the Royal Academy.

"I know the rules. However, that is why I'm asking if it's possible if I requested it. So, can I or not?" He said it with a clenched jaw while staring straight at Ms. Williams.

Ms. Williams felt an increase in her heart rate. This was the first time since Prince Edmund entered the academy that he had made a request, and with that tone of voice? There was nothing she could do but give in. She didn't want to make an even bigger scene, knowing she wouldn't win.

"Very well, then! You may do as you wish, but this will be the only time. From now on, you are in charge of making the three girls feel comfortable and enjoy their studies here at the Royal Academy. Can you do that?" She said sternly. She still needed to show the other children that she was still the authority, and she's only letting him have his way because his family was helping the Academy.

Prince Edmund made a slight bow, thanked the headmistress for her kindness, and happily walked towards where the girls were seated. All eyes followed him while he walked with his back straight and head up high.

When he reached the table where the girls were seated, he stopped for a moment. He was trying to figure out which side he should sit on. Akira's on Ava's left, while Pearl's on the right. It's between Akira or Pearl, but he would rather sit next to Ava. He was in a dilemma.

The three girls looked up to see what he was doing. When they saw him just standing there in deep thought, Akira had to ask.

"Your highness, is there something wrong? We heard that the headmistress allowed you to sit with us. That's wonderful! Why aren't you sitting yet?" She swiftly made way and moved closer to Ava to let him sit next to her. Her pearly white teeth showed brightly while her eyes were twinkling while she spoke.

Prince Edmund looked at the girl on the other side, and the contour of his face soured. There's no way in hell that he would sit next to her. So, instead, he said, "why don't you move a little to this side." He put his two hands on Akira's shoulder and pushed her towards the left, and squeezed-in in the middle between Akira and Ava.

"Now we're all set!" He said with a grin on his handsome young face while he put both of his arms on both girls' shoulders.

Ava was quick to remove his arms on her shoulder. She then turned her head and gave him a glare while her brows almost collided with each other.

"Who gave you the permission to lay your hands on me? Do that again, and you will be sorry for the rest of your life." She then got up and switched seats with Pearl.

Pearl cried out silently. "No!!!" While looking at Ava with her puppy eyes. "Cousin, I don't want to sit next to him." She whispered pleadingly.

"Please, let's switch seats. If my father finds out, I will be in trouble." Pearl pleaded; tears were threatening to escape while she was holding on to Ava's arms.

Ava looked at Prince Edmund and then at Pearl; she shook her head, disgusted. She also didn't want to sit next to him. Her father is as strict as President Grant. However, she was much sturdier than her second cousin. She could kick Prince Edmund's behind if need be. So she decided to switch back to make Pearl feel at ease.

However, she pointed at Prince Edmund with her fist, letting him know to behave or else.

Prince Edmund knew when to behave. "I apologize if I offended you in any way. It was just a mere friendly gesture. I will not do it again without your permission." He said politely, it showed on his face that he was sincere, and Ava felt terrible.

"Noted and accepted. Don't ever do it again, as I said, and you will never get my permission to put your arms on my shoulder, ever! Got that!" Ava said sternly to Prince Edmund.

Akira was stunned and unable to utter a word. She was just listening and watching the whole time. She was about to butt in and say something, but dinner was served, and they had to behave.

Everyone ate in silence. Once the dinner was over, Ava quickly got up and said goodbye, leaving without waiting for Pearl or Akira.

She wanted to get back to the safety of her room and call her father. But, she still needed to get a better internet connection, no matter what. It was hard to play games on cell phones, and she wanted to chat with her big brother.. It's been long overdue.