Lucy
To say I didn't understand Pat these days would be an understatement. I was totally confused by her moods. I was beginning to reconsider whether to remain friends with her or not. Sometimes she appeared pompous, sometimes humble. Sometimes she seemed angry at me, other times she barely even looked my way.
Do princesses behave this way? Maybe growing up in an environment where everyone bows to them makes them feel self-entitled.
"You know, I don't understand Pat. I can't seem to place her—what kind of person is she really? And above all, she's secretive. Ever since she met Kenneth, she's changed." I told Nelly.
"Mmhh, girl, be careful with that one. I've never stopped feeling uneasy about her from day one. I don't know what it is, but something about her screams trouble. I don't have anything against her, but I just think she's dangerous. Who transfers to a faraway school only two months after the semester starts?" Nelly said firmly.
Her words weren't entirely wrong, but maybe we were overthinking it. "I don't know, Nel. Maybe we're just making a mountain out of a molehill?" I shrugged.
"Don't say I didn't warn you when she snatches your man. What if that's her mission here? Why the sudden change after meeting Ken? Stop being naïve for once, Luce." My hot-headed friend was already planting doubts in my head.
Just as we were speaking, there was a knock at the door. I went to open it—and there she was.
"Oh hi, Pat. It's you?" I greeted her.
"Hi, Lucy, yes it's me. Can I come in?" she asked, and I stepped aside to let her in.
"Speak of the devil and the devil appears," Nel whispered. I was certain that if I heard her, Pat did too. Heat crept up my neck. I hated tension.
Pat glanced at Nelly and said coolly, "Hi, Nel."
"Hi to you too," Nelly replied, making it very clear she wasn't impressed. She didn't even try to hide it.
I sighed in exasperation.
"Look, I know I haven't been myself lately. That's because I've been going through deep emotional issues I'm not ready to divulge right now. I know I've been a pain in the ass, and I'm sorry about that," Pat said, still standing. Her face carried remorse, but there was a stiffness about her expression, like apologizing went against her very nature. Maybe being a royal made swallowing pride almost impossible.
"It's okay, Pat. We understand," I said with a nod.
"I just came to say that. I'll be on my way." She turned to leave.
"Byeeee," Nelly said nonchalantly, not even bothering to look at her.
I couldn't help but marvel at where this girl got her courage. I wished I had some of it.
---
Patricia
I walked up to Lucy's room, hoping to find Kenneth there. Lately, it felt like he was avoiding me. I hardly saw him, and the fact that I didn't know his friends' rooms drove me insane. He was rarely in his office, rarely in his room. And the little time I did catch sight of him, he was always wrapped around that little slut.
As I neared her door, I heard them talking about me. My suspicions confirmed—Lucy and her loud-mouthed roommate were gossiping.
"That stenchy girl sure spews filth about me," I thought bitterly as Nelly's sharp voice carried through.
Mmhh, girl, I would say be careful with that one… I never stopped having this uneasiness about her from day one… trouble…
I clenched my fists.
"I don't know, Nel, maybe we're just making a mountain out of a molehill?" the naïve Lucy responded, and I smiled to myself.
Poor Lucy. If only you knew… It won't be a mountain but an avalanche waiting for you.
"Don't say I didn't warn you when she snatches—" Nelly's voice rang again.
Is she some prophet? Damn right, girl, I thought, jaw tightening. I wanted to storm in and smash her smug little face, but I forced myself to wait. I needed to know Lucy's thoughts. And Nelly—well, she had a good eye, I'd give her that. Too bad her friend was hopelessly blind.
If only I could persuade Kenneth, rid him of that weak little human, and show him the strength of a true lioness. I knew Lucy could hear her friend's warnings, but she wasn't capable of fighting me. Very soon, she'd have to go through me to even breathe near my man.
But instead of finding Kenneth in her room, my mouth betrayed me, spewing apologies to Lucy. I hated myself for it. I knew Jacy had taken over again—her soft-hearted influence oozing through me. I couldn't fathom how a lioness like her could suck up to those twits. My royal pride burned.
And then, as I stepped out, I saw him.
Kenneth.
His eyes snapped up, and his face hardened. His frown could slice steel.
"What are you doing here?" he growled, voice vibrating with fury.
I lowered my gaze out of respect. I would do anything to win him, even swallow humiliation. "I came to apologize to Lucy and—"
My words were cut off by a deep rumble from his chest.
"If you dare talk to Lucy about your mate bond nonsense, I won't spare you. I don't care if you're a princess. Do I make myself clear?" His voice was a thunderclap.
"Oh, so you're afraid of her knowing the truth?" I snapped back, pushing my luck.
I swore, if he hadn't been restraining himself, he would have shifted right there and torn me apart. His hazel eyes blazed dark with rage.
"What truth?"
The voice came from behind us.
We all turned. Lucy.
I smirked. Well, I guess it's time to face the music.
"Babe, it's nothing worth telling. You don't have to worry about it. Let's go inside and leave insignificant people out," Kenneth said, shooting me a death glare. If looks could kill, I'd already be a corpse.
Lucy folded her arms, eyes narrowing. "It doesn't look like nothing. What's going on, Pat?" She turned directly to me.
I knew this was my moment. The perfect chance to plant the seed of doubt.
"Your boyfriend here will tell you everything, since he never hides anything from you," I said, my voice dripping with venom. "Especially about insignificant people."
And with that, I walked away.