16

"Good. That's good," Dominique says as you head into the hotel.

Your suite is nowhere near the size of your rooms in Archambault, but is comfortable enough. Its arched windows echo its high ceiling; rustic exposed beams contrast against the green-and-gold wallpaper. Your trunk sits beside the bed; Asher puts down their small case on the couch.

"I'll be sleeping here," they say cheerfully.

Asher nods. "I'm sure it will be," they say. "It's better than plenty of places I've slept."

They busy themself with the cushions. Once the room is sorted out to their satisfaction, they excuse themself. You change into fresh clothes for your day: not evening wear, since it's only late morning, but a decently smart outfit for a day event. You opt for something:

You alight upon a smooth, silky blouse and skirt combination, with light stockings. The height of fashion.

Upon consideration, you pull on a light jacket; when you and Asher head outside, you're grateful for your foresight. The wind blowing across Lake Linzona is chillier than the air at Archambault. Asher has changed, too, and is wearing their usual outdoor clothing: plain charcoal-colored pants, white polo shirt and a jacket.

Next

You and Asher head for one of the hotel function rooms, a cozy, low-ceilinged hall with a roaring fire in a vast hearth. A round mahogany table has pride of place in the center; Clemence waves you to be seated, and Asher takes a seat next to you.

Also sitting at the table are Gabi and the rest of the Student Council clustered around Clemence, along with Hyacinthe van Clare and Estell Trevelyan from Gallatin. Dominique is nowhere to be seen, and Clemence looks tense. "Ah! Prince Irad Motahhari," they say as you approach. "I wondered if Dominique was with you? But, obviously not."

Gabi stands up very straight. "I did send a note with the hotel staff to make sure he got up in time."

On cue, Dominique races up to the group with his tie askew and his hair rumpled. "Hello! Hello," he says.

"I really think it's better to move along," you say.

Dominique straightens his blazer. "Absolutely right!" he says. "I couldn't have said it better myself…"

Clemence cuts him off. "Best that we proceed," they say, and they launch into their explanation.

Next

"The Winter Ball is one of the most important social occasions of the year," Clemence says, "and this winter is no exception. It's the Council's job to make sure it's a success, and in order to do so, you will be making decisions and securing vendors, demonstrating your leadership skills."

"But why," Dominique says, pointing at the Gallatin students, "are they here?"

"Mr. Blanchard requested that they attend to assist," Clemence says. "Mr. Trevelyan is here as part of his duties as Head Prefect…"

Trevelyan clasps his hands, looking as though butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.

"…and I'm not sure why Mx. Van Clare is here," Clemence says, "if I'm perfectly honest…"

Hyacinthe looks perfectly doe-eyed as they lower their long lashes. "I thought I could help Estell," they murmur, and Trevelyan snorts.

"More like you wanted some alone time with the prince," he says. "I thought you'd arranged going to the theater until you heard he was coming out here."

For the first time, Hyacinthe's air of careful composure cracks. "That's not it in the slightest," they hiss to him. "And since when do you care about event planning?"

Trevelyan scowls at you. "What is it?"

Clemence sighs. "Please, everyone, settle down," they say.

Trevelyan subsides and mutters grumpily with his companions. Clemence does not go so far as to chide you, but they give you a quick reproachful look.

"Now," Clemence says, "part of the approach for this year's Student Council is to give you students more power. The teachers aren't going to just tell you what to do. So I'm going to leave you alone with your itinerary, and you can make your choices along the way. Good luck!"

They hand you a sheaf of papers, smile beneficently at the group, and stroll out. Dominique cranes to look at the list excitedly. "Let's get going!" you say.

Next

The first point of order is settling on the Winter Ball's theme. The hot air balloon ride will be the focal point of the end, of course, but the atmosphere is all-important.

"I think," Gabi says before anyone else can speak, "that a traditional mountain and snow theme would be best."

Dominique protests that last year's theme was exactly that, and that it will be boring to repeat it. "There's more to Hearthlight than that. What about something ghostly, to represent what we're chasing away with the lights?"

Trevelyan leans forward on his elbows. "Or like the Fools' Night," he says. "I read about it in an old book. Everything's topsy-turvy for the night—we'd get the teachers to dress as staff and serve us food and such."

Hyacinthe raises their hand shyly. "I really like the idea of a rustic, countryside sort of thing," they say. "Could that work?"

They all start talking. One thing is certain: they will not come to an agreement without your input, and since you're the only prince around here, your vote will have the most weight. You choose:

You cut through the chatter. "I've made my decision," you say, and the table falls quiet straightaway. "It's going to be Dominique's idea—ghosts and fear."

Dominique beams at you. "I've always wanted a Hearthlight party like that," he says, but Gabi doesn't look so sure. They're drumming their fingers on the shiny tabletop. Maybe they wouldn't dare to contradict you directly, but the Council will be easier to corral if you can convince them that this is the right path.

"I expect everyone to fall in line," you say, sweeping your gaze across the gathered students. "Yes?"

Gabi and Dominique exchange a look, and after a heartbeat they both nod. The rest of the Student Council murmurs in agreement, and both Hyacinthe and Trevelyan look impressed.

"So," you say, consulting your paperwork, "next we're going to the Hearthlight market to work out our catering. Let's get ready!"

You lead the students out; they chatter excitedly as they go, and Asher sticks at your side.

Next