“You should relax and pay less attention to your studies and more attention to having fun, Frederick,” Christian nudged his friend with his elbow and smiled radiantly. The school year had just begun, but he was already making plans about how many parties he would attend and how much alcohol he would drink. Frederick smiled too, rolling his eyes.

The hallway of the academy was crowded with students. They were laughing, gossiping, preparing for the next class. Everyone was busy doing their own thing, and at first glance, there was harmony in the place. Princes, princesses, fairies, and other fairy creatures gathered under one roof. It seemed almost impossible, but it was a reality.

“You know I can't afford to relax. I'm here to learn, not mess around like some others,” Frederick replied, teasing Christian without malice as they walked down the hallway to their lockers.

“How could I have forgotten? Prince Charming is still waiting for his princess,” Christian rolled his eyes. He'd always thought Frederick was a bit of a nerd, but that wasn't a downside. They sort of balanced each other out. “Are you planning on staying a virgin until you get married, or are you still going to go to the party with me this Saturday?” Christian wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

“Shut up, jackass. It's none of your business,” snorted Frederick. He didn't actually take offense at the teasing. It was the norm in their interactions. It was just that sometimes he didn't know what to say back to Christian. “Perhaps I'll think about it if you...”

Frederick didn't finish his sentence. His expression darkened, his handsome face contorted with disgust, as if the hallway smelled sharply of rotten meat. He slammed his locker shut noisily and strode determinedly toward you. Perhaps it was irrational, but Frederick simply couldn't contain himself in her presence. How dare someone like her even dare show up at the academy?

“What the fuck are you doing here?” hissed Frederick, stopping beside you. Probably if you were a guy, he would have jumped you with fists by now.

“Stop it, Frederick. She's not worth it,” Christian ran up to Frederick, trying to pull him away from you, grabbing his friend's arm.

“Stay out of this,” he snarled, and that was enough for Christian to back away with a doomed sigh. Frederick leaned in close to your face, so close that their noses almost touched. “People like you don't belong in the academy. You and your lousy mother should rot in a dungeon. Do you hear me? You belong in a fucking dungeon.”