73 Maps

Nora did not know what was happening to her, as something inside her was making slightly uncomfortable, but at the same time, it was giving her the hint of her having unleashed some kind of a hidden power.

She was slightly dazed, yet felt like she had suddenly come across a sun of energy in her own body… but how was it even possible, when the last thing she remembered was her struggling to keep her eyes open and seeing Ryan rushing to save her? 

And with this realisation, she asked, seeing Robin standing in front of her. 

"Robin… where is Ryan?" 

"Oh, don't tell me sweetheart, that you also think he was there to save the Damsel in distress that was you?"

Louis jumped into the conversation with a sassy remark before Robin could have opened his mouth.

While struggling to sit up and straighten her back, she was about to counter Louis's words, when she felt two protective arms wrapping her shoulders within them, carefully yet strongly. Robin made her sit straight as he began to speak;

"Listen! I don't know how you always end up getting into the troubles which I hadn't even assumed that they could exist, till date.

But here is something I am going to tell you."

Saying this, he turned towards Valerie and snapped his fingers thrice, and after her eyes widened in understanding, she left the room, saying;

"I got it Alpha, I will be sending the map with someone within seconds.

Princess Nora, I wish you a healthy recovery… and don't worry, my lips are sealed completely."

And just like she had promised, the map was present in front of them within no time.

Robin gestured for Nora to lean over as he spread out the first map on the empty portion of the couch, while Myron and Louis had decided that Nora's facial expressions were going to be their source of entertainment. 

"So open your eyes and take a good look at this, that is in front of you. It is a comprehensive map of the entire school premises, and I will be referring to specific portions of this map from now on. 

And before I go further mark this in your mind or tell me if you want a tattoo on your hand, because from today onwards you are not allowed to take a step further from the places I am going to show you. 

Here, this is our main school building, as you must be familiar with by now. Most of your communal classes will be taking place here, but pay attention to never step foot near this small pool here. 

This is filled with the Holy Water, and I'm sure you will find yourself at the bottom of it as soon as you come within a five meter radius- so be careful!

Now this is the training area within the Forbidden Forest, where you had found yourself trapped on the second day of school itself! 

But fret not, we will be holding our training sessions here in the mornings and evenings, per usual, as it is closer to your palace."

At the mention of that training from Hell that she had endured just that morning, Nora's face took on a pale hue, even though words refused to come out of her throat. Robin conveniently ignored the questioning look in her eyes that seemed to ask, "You'll be putting me through that, again?" and continued. 

"This field behind the school premises, however, is the main Arena where all Alpha fights and competitions will be taking place. Once we step foot here, we both are nothing to each other except fellow competitors. 

That's why, you are not allowed to enter this area except in the supervision of any teacher, or without Myron and Valerie accompanying you as your assistants.

Assistants! Not your brother or sister or friend- you are not allowed to use any such informal terms over there. 

And if you see me, we can greet each other formally and perhaps even talk, but only from a distance! Don't become your usual excited self and jump all over me, or anyone else; understood?"

With a small nod from Nora, Robin continued as he unfurled another set of maps.

"Now listen carefully! These buildings in blue are the boys' dorms, and the red buildings in front of them are the girls' dorms. And get it through your head that no matter how much blue dye you douse yourself in, you should never step foot into another blue building again!!"

As Nora's cheeks got slightly red from the recollection of that day, Robin himself got somewhat embarrassed and sped up the explanation.

"These are the three Alpha palaces, where you are not allowed to enter without explicit permission. 

This Southern Palace with the Christmas tree in its spire is Louis' palace, where we currently are, and you can, of course, come and go as you please. 

This one at the Eastern end is your own palace, where you can enter, exit, live, dance, eat… as per your convenience.

And as for the Northern Palace, I am sure you know why you shouldn't even look in that direction, because it belongs to-"

Before he could say anything further, Nora herself shuddered as she mumbled and cut him off in the middle;

"Demon." 

Eyeing her with confusion, Robin asked for clarification, "Um… did I hear something? You said David, right?"

Shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly, Nora shook her head as she responded, "No. I said- Demon."

"Uh, yeah. Do you have any other questions or confusion?

Robin asked, folding the maps and keeping them aside, when they all heard the growl emanating from Nora's stomach, as it was already the end of the day and moon light had started to shower its blessings everywhere.

"I think she can think about them on her way back, when we go and drop her to her palace. But why don't we eat something first?"

Louis initiated the conversation as everyone noticed the lines of embarrassment on Nora's face.

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David's POV:

I know that Nora is allergic to the Alpha pudding, and I was the only one to have seen her with that allergy. Because if anybody else had seen her in that state, then this might have become the breaking news for today.

But everything was quiet and no such gossip was cooking anywhere.

Then how come Ryan also knew about this…? Are he and Nora so close that she herself might have mentioned it to him? 

Great…! Because if it is so, then the Princess really doesn't know what she has gotten herself into.

'Anyways! Why should I care, because if there is anything I have for this girl, then that is hate… pure hate.'

After all, she had made such things possible, which even the most bitter reality of my life was not able to do: making Robin stand in front of me for a fight.

'And remember this, Nora Rovery, I might consider forgiving my enemies for once in extreme cases, but you have done something that is unforgivable.'

I have always wanted to bring your truth in front of everyone from day one! But then, I thought of giving you some leverage, thinking that you would perhaps enjoy your school days… but after today! 

I guess, this is the only thing that you deserve.

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