Thea slowly closed the door behind her, pleased to see the Dean was too busy arguing with someone on the other end of the phone to notice she had snuck in and replaced the key.

She slowly let out her breath she had been holding in and pushed off the door. 'I've never been this scared since that one time Mia and I snuck into Mom's room to play dress up with her expensive outfits when she was away.' She thought to herself, collecting herself and walked down the hallway as if nothing had happened.

‘I should probably use my personal laptop to get more information about the scholarship winners before I hand it over to Raquelle. I also need to get into the boys' dorm, but for that, I'll need help . . . Maybe I can get Prince Kayne to help. He does owe me a favor after I helped him at the debutante ball four years ago. I knew waiting for an opportunity to cash in the favor would eventually work in my favor.’

‘I don't want to get Darius caught up in my scheme, it's clear he isn't fond of Dree and I am acting like her, in the sense I'm getting my hands dirty and destroying some lives. It may be wrong, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, and getting rid of the scholarship winners is what I gotta do.’

‘Although, I should be extremely careful. I don't want to use my mom too much because even though she's Regent and a teacher, she would get into some trouble for using the academy's commodities for personal use, and I wouldn't want to cause her any trouble.’ 

‘I do have to keep Dree in check, though, especially since I don't trust her not to be more presumptuous in getting rid of the scholarship winners. The number of times she's gotten into trouble over it, you'd think she'd learn, but of course not, she never does. I need to talk with her again, heart to heart, get her to pinky swear she won't do anything against them.’ She thought to herself as she crossed one arm over her chest, then rested her other elbow on top of it and tapped her cheek.

"Thea? Thea Messing! Oh, thank goodness, I've been looking all over for you!" The relieved voice came from a tall young woman, a couple years older than Thea with dark black hair pulled back neatly in a low ponytail, curtain bangs touching the corner of her honey brown eyes and a small beauty mark under her left eye.

“Hmm?” Thea turned her attention towards the young woman and immediately recognized her, her eyes growing wide. "Oh, Tai? Tai Nikaido? What are you doing? I thought you were off on vacation?" She greeted, approaching with her arms crossed.

"I was on holiday, but I happened to cut it short. With you becoming Crown Princess at the end of the year, I shouldn't dilly dally and spend my time doing frivolous things." Tai explained, tapping her fingers on a heavy binder with a clipboard on top. "After all, my mom would not be pleased to hear how it has been spending my time."

Thea listened attentively, nodding her head along. "I suppose it is a good thing, Mrs. Nikaido doesn't have social media because you've been posting like a chronically online teenager." She teased, a cheeky smile growing on her lips.

Tai rolled her eyes while shaking her head lightly. "I can't help it. The beauty of the Golden Sands Resort in Plageavilly is indescribable. The sunsets are to die for, oh, what I'd give to see them every dusk." She sighed dreamily, resting her hand on her cheek.

Thea nodded her head along as she listened to her. "In speaking of Plageavilly, I hear that next year, their eldest princess will be attending this academy. I don't think she'll enjoy Senoia winters, considering her kingdom is hot and sunny almost all year around, but it only lasts for three months, four if it's a bad winter."

Tai shuddered at the memory of the winters of Senoia. They were not her forte in the slightest. "I'm still not used to Senoia winters, and I've lived here all my life. I may be one of those people who can't tolerate the cold weather. You know very well anything below 70° degrees, I got to wear a sweater."

"Don't remind me," Thea giggled softly at the memory of herself in a shirt dress while Tai was in a sweater and pants. "Oh, Tai, have you gotten permission from Headmistress Devona to be here during academy hours?" 

Tai nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. "Oh, yes, I have just come from her office. She's quite intimidating, if I may say, I felt like I was a Chihuahua looking up at a big Great Dane." She shuddered at the memory , following beside Thea. 

Thea snorted, bewilderment grew on her face as she shook her head. “Headmistress Devona? Intimidating? Yeah, right, no more than a fly. She's harmless. Yes, she's stern, and sometimes she's a little, oh what's the word . . . bit like a . . . a drill sergeant.” She snapped her fingers when the word came to her. “Yes, but she means well. She has an academy to run, has to make sure the rules are followed, everyone gets along, and everyone is getting good grades.”

Tai followed beside Thea, adjusting her binder. "Doesn't the Headmaster also help? Don't they both run the academy together?" She inquired, turning her head to the side and giving Thea her undivided attention.

Thea chuckled softly at Tai's question. "Well, yes, Headmaster Alexander helps, but there's only so much he can do." She explained, stopping and crossing her arms. "Headmistress Devona has been training for it her whole life and took it upon herself in her late 20s to begin to run a whole school after her grandfather passed away.”

Tai's eyes widened, and her interest piqued the more she learned about the academy. "Her late 20s, you say?" She repeated, tilting her head a little. “But, wouldn't that go towards her father rather than her at such a young age?”

Thea smiled, shaking her head slightly. “Her mother, actually, but neither of them wanted to deal with an academy. Wasn't their forte, as what my mother said, can't blame them, though, it is a lot of work.” She explained, tapping her finger against her chin as she thought of the rest.

"That is a lot of work,” Tai agreed, admiring Headmistress Devona for being able to handle all that at such a young age, which would be what she would be doing as well. “I will be taking over my mother's position as Executive Officer, and that will be a lot of work. I will be aiding you like my mom has been with your mom and your uncle and aunt before they passed." Her tone grew solemn near the ladder of her words.

Thea crossed her arms over her chest and quickly glanced at Tai. "That isn't until next year." She passively added, waving the girl beside her off with her hand. "Until then, you can be sort of my shadow, my assistant, that is more the term."

Tai paused, mulling over Thea's words, considering her proposal. "A shadow, an assistant…" She repeated, mulling it over in her mind. After a moment of thought, she nodded. "I like that idea. I am supposed Headmistress Devona allowed this,"

Thea reached her hand out and placed it on Tai's shoulder. "Headmistress Devona allowed Naegeumwi-in-training Suchan Lim to shadow Prince Hyeseong Jang of Seorabeol." She interjected and quickly added a follow-up explanation. "Under the orders of his mother, of course."

Tai was surprised by this revelation, feeling her eyebrows raise and her mouth slightly fall agape. "Huh…" She said, dumbfounded, her eyes growing wide. "Hyeseong Jang? As in 'Crown Prince' Hyeseong Jang?" She repeated, confirming if she was hearing correctly. "Oh, isn't he the one that everyone says looks like an idol? Have girls been throwing themselves at him?"

Thea snickered lightly at Tai's question, shaking her head. "Oh no, Tai, we're more dignified than that. Besides, dating and courting is forbidden while here, but what gets done afterward is completely fine." She confirmed, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

Tai nodded her head in understanding, realizing where Thea was going with her comment. "Dating and courting forbidden, but after graduation, it's fair game?" She repeated, a subtle grin on her features. "I am beginning to believe my knowledge of this facility is beyond my comprehension."

The corners of Thea's lips curled into a playful smirk, her arms crossing over her chest. "You're not the only one." She said in a teasing manner, her eyes sparkling with humor. "We have a reputation to maintain, and we must ensure the image of this academy remains pristine." 

Tai couldn't help but chuckle at Thea's response, finding humor in her reply. "Indeed, the image of the academy must remain flawless." she replied with a teasing tone, unable to help herself. "Although, I can't help but wonder how that is achieved without any kind of romantic relationships. Sounds like a recipe for emotional disaster.”

Thea raised an eyebrow at Tai's words, feigning offense at her comment. "You wound me," she said, placing a hand over her heart dramatically. "Are you questioning the effectiveness of our no-dating policy? We don't need romantic relationships to thrive, thank you very much.”

Tai rolled her eyes, her teasing grin persisting. "Oh, don't give me that, Thea," she retorted, her tone playful. "It's not that I doubt the effectiveness, it's just... well, romance is a significant part of human experiences. How do you maintain an air of perfection without the 'spice' of romance?”

Thea dramatically placed her hand on her chin in a theatrical manner, her smirk growing as she considered Tai's argument. "Ah, a very valid question, Tai," she responded, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I am sure some do such secretly, as risky as it is, it can't be completely avoided. Although, the risk outweighs all else. One could get expelled for it, we are here to learn and make connections, not to find love, this isn't a dating platform.”

Tai chuckled softly at Thea's response, unable to help but find humor in her sarcastic tone. "I suppose you have a point there," she conceded with a slight nod. "Expulsion is a significant risk, and finding love can wait until after graduation." A playful smrirk grew on her lips. "But you can't deny the allure and excitement that comes with forbidden romances.”

Thea raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing into a devious smile. "Forbidden romances, you say?" She repeated, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Are you suggesting that we should be indulging in some taboo antics?" She asked, her tone playful with a hint of curiosity. "That could be quite intriguing, but personally, if you got caught, it'd bring shame to our reputation, our families, it wouldn't end well.”

Tai playfully rolled her eyes, feigning an expression of innocence. "Oh, come on, Thea," she said, her voice filled with playful reproach. "You can't seriously expect me to believe that you've never once had any thoughts or feelings like that." She pressed on, her tone light and teasing. "You can not tell me there isn't someone you don't fancy? Wasn't his name Darius? Oh yes, Darius Roe?”

Thea was caught off guard by Tai's question, her expression shifting from playful to a light shade of pink. "Darius..." she muttered, her voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "What makes you bring him up now?" She asked, attempting to deflect the conversation, her heart fluttering nervously.

"Oh, come on, Thea," Tai replied, giggling slightly. She could see straight through Thea's attempt to dodge the question. "I know you have a thing for Darius. It's so obvious to everyone around you," she teased, the corners of her mouth curving upwards in a sly grin. "I mean, it's no secret your mother and his mother haven't spoken about an arranged courtship. Don't deny it.”

Thea couldn't help but flush an even deeper shade of pink, her embarrassment growing with every word from Tai. "How did you-" she started, stuttering, before taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "Maybe I do, but he isn't interested in me like that. He only sees me as a friend, nothing more.”

Tai chuckled at Thea's reaction, her grin growing wider at the sight of her being flustered. She tilted her head to the side, feigning a sympathetic expression. "You know, it's not healthy to pine after someone who doesn't return your feelings." She teased, but her face softened slightly. "You deserve someone who sees how amazing you are.”

Thea let out a small sigh, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "I suppose you're right," she admitted, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's just... there's something about him that draws me in. His charm, intelligence, the way he carries himself - it's impossible not to be drawn to him." Despite her words, she shook her head. "But you're right, he doesn't see me romantically, and I need to move on instead of living in a fantasy world that one day he'll see me like that,”

Tai nodded her head in understanding, a look of empathetic understanding on her face. "I get it," she said softly, placing a comforting hand on Thea's shoulder. "It's tough when you have feelings for someone who doesn't return them, but it's smart to recognize when it's time to let go and focus on other things. You're an exceptional young woman, Thea. You deserve someone who appreciates all that you are.”

Thea let out a soft sigh, a grateful expression on her features. "Thank you, Tai," she said sincerely, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Your words mean a lot. It's just... it's hard to ignore the way my heart reacts whenever he's around. I can't help but notice those little things about him that make me wonder what if..”

Tai gave Thea's shoulder a gentle squeeze, a comforting gesture. "I understand that feeling all too well," she said with a hint of understanding. "Those 'what ifs' can be a trap, a rabbit hole that's hard to get out of. We've all experienced it, and it's tough to shut those feelings out. Especially considering you two have known each other since you were babies,”

Thea huffed, her expression taking on a slight pout. "Exactly, we've known each other for so long," she admitted, a hint of bittersweetness in her voice. "It's like a piece of me is already intertwined with his, in a way." She crossed her arms, a small frown on her face. "It's like there's an invisible thread connecting us, a bond that I can't quite shake.”

"I get it," Tai agreed, a sympathetic expression on her face. "That sense of familiarity and connection can be powerful. It almost feels almost fated, in a way. But sometimes," she added, a serious tone creeping into her voice, "sometimes the best thing is to let go of those what ifs and focus on what's truly meaningful. It's not an easy thing to do, but it's a necessary step in moving on and finding that special someone who really sees and appreciates all of you.”

Thea bit her lip, her expression pensive. "You're right," she admitted, her tone tinged with resignation. "I know I need to let go of those what ifs," she sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "It's just..." She trailed off, letting out a soft, defeated chuckle. "It's easier said than done, you know?”

"I know, Thea." Tai said gently, her hand still on her shoulder. "It's not easy to let go of something that once felt so real. Those what ifs can be like a comfort that we cling to, even if we know they won't play out the way we wish. It's tough, but it's a part of the healing process. Time really does help ease the pain and make letting go a little easier.”

Thea met Tai's eyes for a brief moment, and sincerity sparkled in them before she turned her attention down to the marble floor. "Thanks, Tai, you are my voice of reason. As much as I love Mia and how she does give me good, straightforward, and no-nonsense advice, it's nice to have someone who is more emotionally empathetic in understanding me on that level.”

Tai smiled warmly, touched by Thea's remark. "Aw, you're too sweet," she said, her voice soft and heartfelt. "That means a lot coming from you, honestly." She gently pinched Thea's cheek, a playful glint in her eyes. "I'm glad I can be that person for you. That's one reason why I'm here, after all.”

Thea couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as Tai pinched her cheek. "Don't get all mushy on me now," she teased, gently batting away Tai's hand. "Your mother would give you the belt for that,”

"Oh, shush," Tai playfully retorted, dodging Thea's attempt to swat away her hand. "You're right, though. She is all about keeping emotions out of doing your duty and your job in order to keep a clear, unbiased mind.”

Thea snickered, unable to hold back her laughter at Tai's response. "Yeah, you're absolutely right about that," she agreed, a teasing grin on her lips. "You know, I think that is where my mom is because of the epitome of discipline and professionalism from your mother, or maybe Headmistress Devona, because it wasn't her parents they passed when she was young and I wouldn't say my late uncle was either of those.”

Tai chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her expression as she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the Headmistress seems like someone who's quite disciplined and professional considering she runs this academy." She let out a sigh, her expression growing more thoughtful. "And regarding your late uncle..." she began, her voice growing a bit softer. "I'm sure he had flaws, just like the rest of us, but he was considered the best king in all of Senoia's history,”

Thea nodded in agreement, a hint of genuine respect in her eyes. "That's true. He is remembered as one of the greatest kings in history," she acknowledged, a contemplative expression on her face. "Though it's always intriguing to wonder about the human side of him, you know? The private moments, the things he may have done that weren't perfect.”

Tai nodded thoughtfully, a hint of curiosity in her expression. "Yeah, that's a very interesting point you bring up," she replied. "It's easy to idolize and glorify historical figures, but the reality is that every one of them, no matter how great, had their flaws. It's a part of being human,”

"What's part of being human?" Mia's emotionless voice spoke up, drawing attention from both Thea and Tai. She looked over at Tai with her normal blank expression eating on some chocolate-covered biscuit sticks. "Oh Tai, what brings you here?”

Tai let out a soft chuckle, looking over at Mia with a friendly grin. "Oh, hello, Mia," she greeted, approaching her with her usual cheerful demeanor. "I will be shadowing Thea for the rest of the year in preparation to become the Executive Officer, and besides school work, Thea has other events to attend after classes and on the weekends I've been instructed to prepare her for."

Mia's expression remained neutral as she listened to Tai's explanation, her blank eyes staring at both of them. "I see," she replied, her voice monotone. "Well, that will be nice to have you around, we're will you be staying? In the dorm with us or?”

Tai shook her head in response to Mia's question, her expression a little sheepish. "Ah, no, not in your dorm. Headmistress Devona said I can stay in one of the empty dorm rooms in the teacher's annex,”

Mia simply nodded in acknowledgment, her expression unchanging. "I see," she replied, munching slowly on the stick cookies. "That makes sense," she added, her tone neutral.

Tai glanced between Mia and Thea before switching her binder to her other arm. "Well, in speaking, I should go gather my luggage from the car waiting outside and being it to my new room after picking up the key from the Dean." She said, beginning to take a few steps away from the two girls. "I shall see you two later at dinner. It will give me ample time to organize everything and get settled in.”

Mia nodded in understanding, her blank eyes staring after Tai. "Alright," she said indifferently, taking another bite of the stick cookies.

Thea chuckled slightly at the exchange, shaking her head in amusement. "Have fun carrying your luggage to the teacher's annex," she teased, grinning at Tai before turning to Mia. "Now, I must go find Prince Kayne and speak with him, care to accompany Mia?”

Mia let out a quiet huff, her expression unchanged. "No thanks," she said bluntly, her tone emotionless. "I have other things to attend to, and I'd rather not get in the middle of your scheming to get rid of the scholarship winners.”

“Suit yourself,” Thea commented indifferently, brushing past Mia and walking to the boys' dorm, figuring that was where Kayne would be considering if he wasn't there, he was flirting with girls.

〰❦〰❦〰❦〰❦〰❦〰❦〰

A/N: 
I'm so sorry this is so late. I've been busy and am finally getting back in the swing of writing, so bare with me. I also have been doing a little revamping to the world and characters, which isn't that big of deal as of yet.

I also am going to redo the character designs, I am unhappy with them, and I have a new style i want to try out, and that also goes for a new shading and coloring style, so. We'll see how that goes.

Chapter Talk:
New character alert! Tai was actually an oc from one of the many rps on this site (wattpad), and I wanted to use her in this story. I figured she'd play a very important role later in the story, and you'll definitely be seeing more of her. 

Thanks for reading!