Someone FINALLY Gets Put in their Place

Emma had never grasped the concept of love, thinking of it as more of an obstacle than something she ever dreamed of feeling. Living in the palace walls had erased any hope of it a long time ago, but this was a new chance.

Monsieur Gabriel looked at the pairs, grading each one of his students, writing each of their scores on what seemed like a scroll of paper, before clapping his hands in the air.

The music stopped. And every pair, except Courtney - who hadn't been asked by anyone, which was no shock, and Winnie - who had stayed behind to accompany her friend, made their way to where Monsieur Gabriel stood.

"I see this class of free-style waltzing have proved you all to be quite the dancers. For this class, some of you excelled better than others, while some, didn't make an effort to try," he said, staring at Winnie and Courtney as he said the last part.

"I suggest you practice. At the end of the ZALE semester, you'll be tasked to create your own waltz routine with your partner. I've done you all a huge favour and chose your partners for you. It's a given that your partners today played a part in my choosing," Monsieur Gabriel announced as he took out a scroll.

"Emma Grey and James Carrington, Lily Carmichael and Connor Jones, Winnie Bernadette and Felix Bernard, Courtney Walton and Richard Caron-

Courtney was livid at who she was paired with.

Unbeknownst to Emma and Lily, Richard was of royal status as well, only catch was, he was an illegitimate child to the prince and princess of yet another kingdom. To Courtney, anyone with lower status was not worth her time, which played a huge part at her next actions.

Courtney was livid. Her fists were clenched so tightly, her fake acrylic nails scratched her palms,

"You're pairing me with a commoner like HIM? How dare you! This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous! I'm telling my daddy!" She yelled at the top of her lungs.

"I am the heir to the throne of Denasia! I am NOT going to waltz with some random royal! I demand you to change my partners immediately!" She continued, her voice echoing through the ballroom.

The students, gathered in clusters, watched the scene unravel. Everyone knew what was about to happen, but they kept quiet, not wanting to get into any trouble themselves.

But who was most pitiful in this situation was Richard himself. Being the illegitimate child in a kingdom that heavily prohibited it. He had been born out of wedlock, and had been the bearer of all his parents' wrong doings since day one.

Everyone gave him pitiful looks, some even glares. He hunched his back, trying to hide himself from the other students from ZALE.

He was lucky he was even sent here in the first place. His parents, his father and step-mother, had sent him here as a way to get rid of him for the next few months. Not once was he ever appreciated or praised. He was only known as 'the illegitimate one', or 'the exception'. Since his mother had died while giving birth, he had also been the cause of her death. His two current guardians couldn't care less about him, only seeing him as a burden.

Monsieur Gabriel adjusted his thick spectacles.

"Ms Walton. If you have any problems with our pairings, you should discuss it with Dean Fleur. You'll have time to talk to her, especially since your attitude's earned yourself an appointment with her. Students, you can be off now. Change into more...casual clothing for your other classes. Ms Walton, Dean Fleur will be waiting for you in her office. She will be informed of this matter, and your parents will be too," he explained.

Courtney's eyes widened. It took her a second to regain her senses, as she narrowed her eyes.

As she stormed her way out the ballroom, she gave Emma one last glare.

"James should've been MY partner. She will pay," Courtney muttered under her breath. Winnie was right behind her, being the loyal servant she was. Lady-in-waitings were not supposed to be a royal's servant, but more of an assistant to help with duties, or an emotional supportive friend. Courtney had not taken the memo, instead treating Winnie as her personal maid that was brought to ZALE with her.

The students attending the dance class watched Courtney, before returning to their businesses and making their way out of the ballroom, making a mad rush towards the exit once the bell rang.

James had returned to his usual, arrogant self. He strode out the ballroom, wanting to clean up before his next set of classes.

He had made his way out of the classroom, wondering why he had done such things before with Emma.

Emma tried her best to suppress her happiness. She was on cloud nine, but tried to hide it. Weirdly enough, she enjoyed their time waltzing together. James was right, he was a good dancer. But leave it to Emma to not give him the satisfaction of saying he was right.

Lily, on the other hand, was satisfied. Class was finally over, and she didn't have to dance with her partner anymore.

In all fairness, he was a charming guy, his age category same as both Emma and Lily. He had black hair, caramel brown eyes and tan skin. He had asked Lily to dance with him, and she had a great time, despite him stepping on her feet here and there.

He was the son of a wealthy businessman, despite not being the stereotypical spoilt brat with no sense of appreciation.

Lily had sensed some chemistry between Emma and James, even when they had first met. She had never expected for one to ask the other to dance though. It was completely unexpected, but she liked the element of surprise.

James had never meant Emma any harm when tripping her, but being a prince of Amaris, his parents were never there for him. Like Adam, he wanted to be loved. His tripping Emma was just a way for him to get the attention he wanted. Too bad all things came with a cost.