Flunked (Fairy Tale Reform School, #1)(30)

“Today is a very important day for our school,” Flora adds. “We want the princesses to recognize FTRS’s positive impact on the kingdom of Enchantasia.”

Kayla snorts. “She means she’s desperate for them to throw us a royal ball. Ick! The idea of curtsying to royals makes me want to cough up my breakfast.”

I didn’t realize Kayla was a royal hater like me. Makes me realize how little the two of us have really talked since I got here almost two weeks ago.

A group of girls wearing hot pink Royal Ladies-in-Waiting sashes pushes past us. Groan. I saw these girls in our dorm common room last night, and they couldn’t stop bragging about how they were the royal school escorts for the day. As if I’d ever want that job.

“Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” I joke. “You shouldn’t have gotten up so early to help prepare the royal feast, Kayla.”

Jax gives her a look. “You did? Why’d you volunteer if you hate the royals so much?”

“Extra-credit and I’m not tired. I’m fine,” Kayla snaps. “Can we just stop talking about this?”

She doesn’t look fine. Kayla’s eyes have black rings under them, and her short, blond hair is unusually unkempt. She didn’t even put on her pressed uniform. Well, if she wanted to talk about whatever is bothering her, I assume she would. I think that’s what roommates do—not that we’ve done that, other than the night when she told me about her family.

I notice Flora touching the marble statue of a king in the foyer and smiling up at it. I like that one much better than the gargoyles that have disappeared from the halls. If students noticed, they haven’t said anything. “Who is that statue of?” I ask the group.

“King Jerrod,” Ollie tells me. “Enchantasia’s first royal. Rumor has it he went from a thief to king overnight. We think he’s somewhat of an idol for Flora. She kept that statue in her private home until this week.”

“Headmistress Flora,” Mira announces breathlessly. “The princesses have just passed through the school gates.”

“Places, everyone!” Flora says, and the school orchestra begins to play.

“This is so ridiculous,” Kayla says. She’s obviously one of the few who feel that way, because within moments there is a collective gasp from the entire hall as the doors open and we see the princesses standing there in the flesh.

“Presenting Enchantasia’s royal court,” Miri announces in a regal voice I’ve never heard her use before. “Princess Ella, Princess Rose, Princess Snow, and Princess Rapunzel.”

There’s no denying that each one is prettier than the next. The dewy skin, the glossy hair—perfect little packages of beauty. But instead of being envious (like the fairy next to me silently shooting death rays at them) or emotional (like Maxine, who is holding a handpainted sign that says “Snow, You Melt My Heart”) or lovesick (like Ollie, who is holding a Rapunzel poster), all I can think about is how much work must go into being one of them. And all that arm-waving and smiling. It must be exhausting.

But my classmates drink it up. They’re chanting, screaming, applauding, and practically throwing themselves at the princesses as they walk down the carpet laid out in their honor. Usually the only time we get a glimpse of royalty is when they’re riding by in a carriage waving a white-gloved hand to the adoring masses. Today I can see Cinderella’s royal blue gown up close. Her beaded skirt is so poufy you could hide half my bedroom furniture under it.

I watch as Ella reaches her former stepmonster. For a moment, the excitement seems to die down as we all wonder how the two will handle their first face-to-face since the big shoe dilemma. Headmistress Flora demurely curtsies. Then Ella curtsies back.

“Whoa.” Jax whistles. “I didn’t see that one coming.”

“Maybe they’ve put all the bad blood behind them,” Maxine suggests, hovering near the edge of our group. “Maybe Ella has forgiven Flora. I mean, she did agree to come today, right?”

Kayla makes a face. “Who cares what the real reason is? We should be focusing on Ella’s gown. She could have fed my whole village with what it cost to make that dress.” She sighs. “I’ve had enough. I’d rather go to stargazing class than listen to all this fawning.” She gives me a look as a boy next to us faints at the sight of Rapunzel. “And you know how much I hate stargazing.”

“Do you want me to walk you down there?” Kayla’s acting so weird, and I can’t tell if it’s me or her. Ever since I heard Madame Cleo make that spooky prediction in detention, I’ve been on edge. Jax says I’m worrying for nothing. (“The Sea Siren doesn’t remember her name half the time. You think she’s going to be right about a villain uprising?”)

“No, I’m fine. You have scroll works in the totally opposite direction.” Kayla manages a smile. “I’ll see you afterward in gym.”

“Wait up. I’m walking your way.” Jax links arms with Kayla. “Ollie and I may even sneak into stargazing to avoid wand work.”

“I’m thinking of doing a sleight-of-hand trick to conjure up a hall pass,” Ollie tells me gleefully.

I wish I could do that trick. The last place I want to go later today is gym to kiss up to the royals. When it’s time, I practically have to drag myself to the gym locker room to get changed. On my way there, I get stuck behind a bunch of gossiping Royal Ladies-in-Waiting.