Chapter 128

Chapter 128
"You are pretty good in academics so we are going to be learning the palace rules."
I rolled my eyes. I already know that. Is there anything I do not know about the rule in the palace? The Demon King made me learn all of that.
She seemed to have read my thoughts, because she smiled. "You might be thinking it's the rule of the palace you came from." She shook her head. "I mean the rule of the palace here in Voidspire."
I furrowed my brows. There is a palace here? I have never heard of that.
"If you want to be at the top, you must learn the rules."
Miss Miranda wasn't smiling now, and her aura felt different, perhaps darker; you would hardly believe it belonged to the once-cheerful woman.
I began to wonder what the rules could be about, and whether it would be worse than the ones she gave me.
She began to call out the rules and I had to write them down. There were ten rules in total. She said them only once, after which she asked to see what I had written.
I was only able to get seven correctly, two halfway because they were too long but missed one completely because I was trying to write one of the long ones.
"Did you notice what I did while you were writing?" She asked me, dropping my paper on the table.
I shook my head. I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I did not notice anything else around me.
"Rule number one," she began. "No matter what you are doing, always be aware of your surroundings. It doesn't matter how smart you are, people will always plan against you. Always remember that."
I nodded. I guess that is the real rule.
"That would be all for today," she said and I nodded. I carried my books and stood up to leave. "Rule number two!" She yelled, and I stopped in my tracks. "Always wait for instructions."
I knew she was talking about me trying to leave without her telling me to.
"I am sorry," I mumbled.
"Rule number three," she said again. "You just don't apologise, you take action."
I sat down and then took a deep breath. I no longer understand what the real rules are.
Is it the ones in paper or the ones she said?
I couldn't ask questions either, just in case I provoked her instead.
She stared at her watch and then nodded. "It's almost time for lunch. You can leave now. See you in the lunchroom."
"Thank you ma'am," I mumbled and then made for the door. I had to stop when I realised I might not know the way back to my room. I turned. "I don't think I know the..."
"There is a map in one of your books. It will lead you back."
I nodded. "Thank you ma."
I opened the door and left the office. I was so happy to finally get some freedom. With the help of the map, I found my way to my room. I met Kath on the way.
"I was about to come pick you up," she said. "How did you find your way?"
"I used the map," I answered.
"Oh yes, the map. I forgot I left one in one of your books, just in case Miss Miranda stops me from coming."
I smiled. "Thank you, Kath. It really helped."
We got to the room and I had to quickly take a shower and then get dressed before heading to the lunchroom with Kath.
"Are you ready for today?" Kath asked me when we got to the door.
"Ready for what? What's happening today?"
"Miss Miranda and the rest of the officials would be on the lookout from today," Kath answered. "A new head will be chosen in a few days."
I nodded. I will try my best.
Kath left and I walked into the hall. I could see Tiffany, Audrey, and Pearl. I waved at them as I hastened my steps to meet them. They waved back too.
"Where have you been?" Tiffany asked, the moment I sat down. "Don't tell me you have fallen in..."
"She can't do that," Audrey cut her short.
"Oh yes, she can't," Tiffany chuckled. "Were you with him? I guess you were. You..."
"Can you stop talking, Tiffan?" Audrey said. "You are so loud."
Tiffany frowned. "I am not loud. I am just asking questions."
I smiled. "Well, you were."
"Was I, Pearl?" Tiffany asked. Pearl nodded and she scoffed. "You all are bullying me."
We all laughed and then began to talk about other random things. Nyra walked in a few minutes later and everywhere went almost silent. It was the sudden silence that made me stop talking. Audrey, Tiffany, and Pearl were silent too.
"Look who is here?" Tiffany nudged me. "She is so proud."
I stared at Nyra who was walking majestically to her seat. She had four other girls, aside from her maid walking with her.
"It seems she has new followers now," Audrey said and I nodded.
Who wouldn't want to follow her?
"She is heading this way!" Pearl said.
"Did you have any issues with her?" Audrey asked me.
I shook my head. "Of course not. I haven't even seen her today."
"I smell trouble," Tiffany said.
I shrugged. "Well, let's see what..."
"Hey! Miss Karen!" Nyra almost yelled. She was standing in front of me and tapping on my table.
I raised my brows. Why is she tapping on my table?
"How can I help you?" I asked.
She folded her arms. "You won't answer my greetings?"
"Please say what you are here for," I mumbled. I faked a smile and waved slightly. "Hi... Can you say what you want now?"
"I heard you weren't in the hostel yesterday and you just got back today. Where did you go?"
Some girls began to murmur but I ignored them.
"What does that have to do with you?" I asked, folding my arms too.
She frowned but quickly concealed it and then smiled instead; i could tell it was a fake one. "I was just looking out for you." She bent down slightly and then whispered. "You did not stay out with the Demon King, did you?"
"And what if I do?" I whispered back. "Are you in pain?"
She hit the table and then pointed at me. "Who the hell do you think you are to speak to me like that?!"
I rolled my eyes. If I had not acted cowardly in front of the Demon King, she would never have been chosen as the Queen in training.
"You..."
I noticed Miss Miranda and two other women had walked in, so I kept shut. Nyra got angry that I was quiet and then began to rant.
I looked away and pretended she wasn't talking to me.
"Who is standing over there?" One of the women asked and that made Nyra stop talking.
Nyra turned, looking scared, though she tried to hide it.
"Why are you standing?" The woman asked.
"J-just speaking to a friend," Nyra answered, pointing at me.