Victoria, 8 years old
"Checkmate," Thurston said gleefully, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smirk.
Victoria let out an exasperated breath, glaring at the chessboard as if it had wronged her personally. With a flick of her fingers, she knocked one of her own fallen pieces over.
"I loathe this game," she muttered.
"You only say that because you always lose," Thurston said smugly.
Victoria narrowed her eyes at him. "That is entirely beside the point." She turned her attention to Mrs. Celine, who sat on the couch, reading as if she had not a care in the world. "Can we do something else now?"
Mrs. Celine barely looked up. "I brought you new books. Shall I fetch them?"
"I meant something fun."
"Reading is fun," Mrs. Celine said, turning a page.
"No, it is not."
"You may have all the fun you wish later. Right now, it is time for your lessons."
Victoria groaned, throwing her head back. "I am so bored."
"We can keep playing," Thurston said, still grinning. "Chess is fun."
Victoria shot him a sharp look. "You only say that because you always win. I daresay you would not enjoy it so much if Cassia were your opponent."
Thurston shrugged. "That is hardly my fault. If you made more of an effort, you might actually win someday."
Victoria huffed and slumped into her chair, stretching her stocking-clad legs onto the table. "Chess is dull. Everything is dull. This whole day is dreadfully boring."
"Victoria, take your feet off the table," Mrs. Celine said firmly. "That is not proper behavior in the presence of a gentleman."
Victoria looked around the room dramatically. "A gentleman? I see no gentleman here." She arched a brow, her tone thick with sarcasm.
Thurston scoffed, picked up a chess piece, and tossed it toward her.
He missed.
But in her haste to dodge, Victoria lost her balance. The chair wobbled, then tilted completely. With a surprised gasp, she tumbled to the floor with a thud.
"Victoria!"
Mrs. Celine's book fell to the floor as she leapt up, her face etched with worry. Thurston had already scrambled out of his chair and was by her side.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice soft.
"Vic?"
Victoria winced, pressing a hand to her arm. "I am fine," she bit out, though annoyance burned in her chest.
Thurston's smirk had vanished. "I—I am sorry," he said, shifting uncomfortably.
Mrs. Celine folded her arms. "You should be. Look at what you have done." Then, turning back to Victoria, her expression softened. "I shall fetch the physician. Do not move from that spot."
Victoria gave a small nod, watching as Mrs. Celine hurried out of the room. Once the door clicked shut, she shifted, extending a hand toward Thurston.
He blinked. "Do you need something?"
"Help me up."
"But Mrs. Celine said—"
"My back aches, and I do not wish to sit on the floor any longer."
Thurston hesitated, then finally sighed and offered his hand. The moment his fingers curled around hers, Victoria yanked him forward.
With a yelp, he lost his balance and collapsed beside her, landing with an indignant grunt.
Victoria stood, grinning. "Now we are even."
Thurston groaned. "That was not funny."
"It was funny."
"You are impossible."
"I know."
He rubbed his elbow. "I think I sprained my ankle."
Victoria rolled her eyes. "Do not be such a baby."
"I am serious," he huffed. "I do not think I can move."
Victoria hesitated, guilt creeping into her expression. "Truly?"
"Truly."
She sighed and knelt beside him. "Where does it hurt?"
"My ankle."
She hesitated. "I did not mean to hurt you."
"It is quite alright," he said, a small smirk playing at his lips. "I did start it, after all."
"Here they are!"
The library doors swung open. Mrs. Celine strode in, followed by the palace physician and Sir Cedric.
The physician frowned. "I thought you said the princess was injured."
Mrs. Celine halted abruptly at the sight before her, brows knitting together. "She was—"She looked between them, unimpressed. "What exactly is going on here?"
Mrs. Celine's gaze sharpened as it landed on Thurston. "And what happened to you?"
"I fell," he said simply.
Sir Cedric sighed heavily. "We do not have time for this". He walked over to where Thurston was."Can you walk?"
Thurston hesitated, then nodded. "I believe so."
"Good enough." Sir Cedric's voice was clipped. "His Majesty has summoned you both to the council chamber at once."