CHAPTER 16

THE CALM

He was watching from the shadows, despite not receiving any orders to. Officer Templeton needed to know what had happened that day. What had become of the delinquent and his boss’s daughter? This was something he couldn’t just sit and wait around for. He decided to stake out the school to follow Reighley afterward. To his surprise, he noticed Reighley walk out of the school building immediately after the bell rang. He decided to discreetly follow the boy. While vowing to keep a close eye on him. He assumed that Reighley would look defeated, and he was right. The young boy had his head down when he exited. Templeton was slightly worried that the boy would turn to violence to get his way like he did in middle school. However, he was fully prepared for such an outcome and even somewhat expected it. Throughout his years of experience serving on the police force, he learned several things about criminals. They showed their true nature when backed into a corner.

“Now where are you running off to?” He whispered to himself. Officer Templeton was in his civilian vehicle following at a discreet distance. He brought along his binoculars so he could continue to spy on Reighley. He figured a patrol vehicle would stick out far too much. Reighley pulled his cell phone out. It appeared he had gotten a notification of sorts. He looked at his phone and immediately stopped in his tracks. After a long pause, Reighley remained frozen from what he had seen. Templeton could see slight anguish in his eyes.

“Why the long face, kid?” Templeton asked himself. He knew exactly why the boy would be in low spirits. Jim made his move to separate the two. This was it. The moment Templeton had been waiting for since Reighley had taken his first steps on the school grounds. “You should have listened to me when I warned you back then. This is what happens when you play games with the best on the force.”

Eventually, Reighley ended up on Yufuku (裕福 - Wealthy) Street. Known to house the top one percent of earners in San Fran Kyoto. He began to wonder if the boy was here to burglarize the homes of the rich. However, he soon watched as Reighley began to walk up to a trash pile on the curb. Templeton began to wonder if things were so bad at home that he needed to dig through trash. Then Reighley pulled out a Gamestation 5 from the rubble. Seeing this caused Templeton’s jaw to drop. He had been trying to obtain one for the past year but had no luck due to scalpers on the internet, and yet somehow Reighley was lucky enough to stumble upon one on the side of the road. Templeton seethed in jealousy over the luck of this brat. He decided he would just have to confiscate it from the kid since it didn’t belong to him. He obviously didn’t have permission to just take it. Templeton began to pull forward a bit before he saw a vehicle leave the property Reighley was at. When the vehicle pulled up to Reighley, Templeton rolled down his passenger window in order to overhear the conversation going on. He couldn’t catch much but did hear the words, “You can keep the Gamestation,” come from the vehicle.

“You’re kidding, just how lucky is this kid?” Templeton questioned. “First he got the attention of one of the richest girls in the world, but then just happened to find a Gamestation 5 for free? Lucky rat. Karma is coming for you kid. Karma is coming…” Once the vehicle drove away, Templeton recognized the household. It was one of the Pendragon’s family homes. Specifically, one that was used to house Guinevere Pendragon. He knew of this place as he was assigned several times in the past to escort Prismarine and Freya here. However, the building looked different since then. It was like everything had been redesigned to be in perfect shape in every way.

After a while, the boy proceeded on to his next destination. Templeton followed Reighley to Motherboards, the gaming café. A place he knew fairly well as he had been a part of a few calls that involved disreputable men who hit on women there. He was a white knight in their community, and his popularity with the ladies there was fairly well-received. During one of those escorts, however, there was only one woman he had set his eyes on who truly captivated him. It was none other than the queen of the café. He didn’t know her name, instead only the name the girls called her. Ch@mberM@de. Queen of Motherboards. There was something about her that Templeton couldn’t help but be drawn to. It was as if she emitted a radiance that enlightened everyone and everything around her. He couldn’t help but want that in his own life. It was like she offered peace to his aching soul. Regardless, he hadn’t built up the courage to speak with her, and with the inclusion of the rule that men cannot hit on women inside, he felt that he would be the one who would be escorted out.

Templeton parked his vehicle shortly after Reighley arrived and watched the young boy enter into the establishment. He watched the boy be greeted by several mothers inside.

“Tch… you lose Freya and immediately hit on some moms huh? Disgusting.” Templeton grunted. His eyes widened as he watched Reighley head straight for Ch@mberM@de. “Hah! He thinks he has a chance with the queen of the castle! What a joke-” Templeton ate his own words as the woman greeted him with a bow and the two proceeded towards the exit. “What… is happening?” He said while he watched Reighley enter a vehicle with Ch@mberM@ade. He was at a loss for words. “This kid is blessed by the gods!” He shouted. He watched in both jealousy and awe as the two left the establishment leaving the parking lot.

Templeton followed the two in his vehicle and began rambling to himself about the absurdity of it all.

“There’s no way the kid has that much game. All he did was walk in, and walk out with a bride! Are you telling me if I would have waltzed right in, I could have had a wife by now!?” He said with jealousy.

Meanwhile, inside Elise’s vehicle, Reighley was sitting in the passenger seat with a lot on his mind. He couldn’t help but think back on how Freya acted in class. He knew she had been pushed to a breaking point. He figured now was the perfect time for answers.

“So how long have you been working for the Young family?” Reighley asked.

“For the past eighteen years,” she replied.

“So you’ve been there in the house since Freya was a child, right?” Reighley questioned.

“Yes. Why the sudden questions?” Elise asked intrigued.

“Well… I wanted to ask about Freya’s relationship with her father,” he explained.

“I see. Well, to put it bluntly, there is no relationship as of right now. Master Jim hasn’t spent time with Freya since she was a little girl. They two would have a meal together now and then but that is as far as it goes.”

“I see, so that explains it. So what about her birthday party? Will he spend the day with her during that?” Reighley asked.

“I’m afraid not. If I remember correctly he only planned to stop by for an hour or two. The master is an incredibly busy man. He works fourteen to sixteen hours a day with no breaks, or time off.” Elise answered.

“Sounds like a pretty miserable way to live,” Reighley said with contempt. “You would think, with how much money he is making he could just hire people to reduce his workload so he could at least spend a day with his family.”

“Being a businessman is not that simple. There is a lot of time, resources, dedication, and energy spent in doing that sort of job.” Elise explained.

“Sure, but what is the point of having all that money, success, and power, if you can’t even spend time with your family?” Reighley asked. Elise didn’t have an answer. She felt like she didn’t have the right to say whether or not Reighley was right since she never pursued a family life. She knew she threw her best years away as a potential wife. She felt that she was still fairly attractive for her age, but she knew she had nothing on the younger more fertile woman around her. Deep down, part of her knew that it was too late for her to start a family with her current lifestyle. She had focused so much on her career and the wealth that came along with it that by the time she realized what she had done, it was too late. She put her financial future in front of a future with a family. This was the reason she went to Motherboards. It was an escapist fantasy for her. Seeing the mothers come in and out of the place with their children allowed her to imagine a life where she too could be in their shoes.

“Reighley. Success is not fulfillment.” Elise said, looking over at him. Reighley looked at the woman driving him and immediately felt a sort of sadness cast over him. For a brief moment, he could see her aura and with it, Elise disappeared. It was no longer the bright magenta crown he had seen prior, instead, it was a dimly lit, isolated wedding band, completely in solitude. He could feel a fear emanating from it. It was the fear of ending up alone.

“I agree. That’s why I need your help. I want to speak with Freya’s father before her birthday party. I need to let him know to be there for her.” Reighley answered.

“I see.” Elise smiled. She was unsure of Reighley up until now, but she is sure Freya is in good hands. “Very well. I will help you. However, we will need some help. I suggest we inform Herald as well. He thinks highly of you. You’ll have to convince him for this to work.”

“All right, I’ll do it! Thank you, Elise.” He replied. Elise paused and looked at the grateful young man’s smile and couldn’t help but be slightly envious of Freya.

“Lady Freya is a lucky girl,” Elise claimed.

“What do you mean?” Reighley asked.

“Not all of us are lucky enough to have someone care as deeply as you do for her,” Elise responded. Reighley didn’t know what to say, instead, he awkwardly blushed in embarrassment as the two drove in a somber silence.

Regret began to settle in Elise’s heart. She had to accept the consequences of her life choices.

“Just what life did I give up to become who I am?” Elise thought to herself. Results were important to her and yet she couldn’t get the results she wanted. “There were plenty of men who were suitable husbands that I completely ignored. Was it because of my income? Did I become so independent that I refused to rely on a man, or were my standards just too high? Whatever the reason, it’s far too late now. I cannot have children of my own now. There is no changing the past…” While thinking, she looked in her rearview mirror and noticed a vehicle. She realized it had been following them for some time now.

“It seems we are being followed,” Elise said.

“What? By who?” Reighley asked, fighting his impulse to turn around and look.

“I’m not sure. I can’t tell who it is because of the tinted windows.” Elise said. “Well, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Besides, we’re here.” The two pulled into a large parking lot full of minivans and other suburban vehicles. They arrived at a dance studio named Yoshi’s Studios. From the entrance, plenty of dance moms could be seen entering and exiting with their children. The place was entirely festered with people of all sorts. Some in suits and dresses, others in costumes and tutus. Although in different clothing Reighley could tell by the demeanor of these people that they were in the upper class. He had been around enough rich people to spot one. It was like an aroma of importance aired off of them, or at least that was the impression he got.

“Let me guess. Freya’s family owns this place as well?”

“That is correct. The Young family owns a sort of monopoly. However, most of these companies were bought simply because of Freya. Whenever she showed interest in something, her father would buy a business that could help her to the fullest. Even if Freya’s interest died in a week or two.” Elise explained.

“Not surprising,” Reighley said. “Hmm… So Jim spoils her to make up for not being around. Money is nice and all, but nothing can replace a father being there for their kid,” He thought. He knew that all too well. It broke his heart as he watched Isabelle grow up without a dad in her life. He knew that every birthday his dad was absent from would chip away at her soul. He didn’t want Freya to keep hurting like that. These thoughts only strengthened his conviction. “A father that’s there but isn’t around is still a deadbeat dad.”

Once they parked their vehicle, Elise pointed out which vehicle was tailing them. Given their options, they decided to enter the studio. Once inside Elise spoke with the receptionist about rental clothing Reighley could wear. When the woman asked for payment she showed an emblem and instantaneously the mannerism of the woman at the desk changed completely. She treated Elise as if she ran the place and began bossing other employees around to fulfill Elise’s request. After a short wait, Reighley was handed a suit to change into. He went into the men’s changing room to get dressed. He had never worn a suit before and was struggling to look presentable.

“How do I even get this thing on?” Reighley said, struggling to tie a tie around his neck. He was embarrassed to admit it but, this was the nicest thing he had ever worn besides his school uniform, and it didn’t even belong to him. “Come on Reighley, remember why you are here. You have to learn how to dance for Freya.” He convinced himself. Eventually, he gave up on the tie. “I don’t have the time or the luxury to learn how to put this thing on… I’ll have to ask Elise for help.” Suddenly, before he could exit, a man who was exiting a changing room noticed Reighley struggling and got his attention.

“Excuse me, would you like some help?” The stranger asked.

“Uh, yes that would be very helpful,” Reighley replied. He looked at the man and his aura was a normal yellow color, just like his mother's. “I guess not everyone here is that bad.” He thought. The man helped Reighley tie his red necktie around his collar and straightened everything out for him.

“Nice! You look sharp, kid.” The stranger said.

“Thank you,” Reighley said with a bow. He looked at his outfit in the mirror while avoiding eye contact with himself and attempted to bolster his confidence. He looked like he belonged at Gilford High or to some prestigious elite family.

“No problem kid. Take care!” The stranger said waving goodbye. Reighley couldn’t help but feel like he recognized the face of this man, but couldn’t pinpoint it.

Reighley then began to wonder to himself. “Does money really make a person more standoffish? I’m starting to think that isn’t the case. It’s like money only reveals someone's character. If they were bad from the start then getting rich wouldn’t have changed anything. Then again, it’s not like rich people can't change even if they are unbearable to be around. Freya is the perfect example of that. I mean, I like her enough to learn how to dance.”

Afterward, Reighley stepped out of the changing room and Elise was there waiting for him. “You clean up nicely young man. Come now, we mustn't waste time.” Elise said.

“Right!” He replied. The two entered the studio and Reighley looked at his surroundings. The studio was packed. The walls were covered with mirrors so one could see oneself dancing. The studio also had a balcony up a staircase. It led to a V.I.P. studio for those better off financially. When he entered many people stopped what they were doing and looked directly at him. He was overdressed.

“What’s everyone's deal?” He whispered to Elise.

“They are just admiring the fact you were able to rent a suit like the one you're in,” Elise answered.

“Huh, why?” Reighley questioned. Elise leaned over and whispered into Reighley’s ear. “WHAT! 2,000,000 yen!? (USD 15,096.)” He frantically whispered. “What’s the big idea? This outfit is worth more than all of the money Freya has given me.”

“The boyfriend of Freya Young must appear to have status, otherwise you’ll bring shame to the Young Family,” Elise explained.

“I’m not her actual boyfriend you know?” Reighley explained.

“Hmm, is that so? Then why are you learning to dance? You wouldn’t do something like that for someone who meant nothing to you.” Elise interrogated. Reighley had no answer. She was right. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass Freya. He just wanted to make her happy. He wouldn’t do that for just anyone.

“Stop teasing me and just teach me how to dance okay?” Reighley replied embarrassed. Elise couldn’t help but smile. She found his devotion to be somewhat adorable. The two made their way toward the center of the floor, and with all eyes on them, the two began practicing.

“There he is… I almost didn’t recognize him in that outfit. Not to mention he has his grubby hands all over my queen. That boy is pure evil! Swooning such a pure and innocent heart such as hers! Is Freya not enough to satisfy his carnal desires.” Templeton thought to himself while spinning next to a mirror. He had entered the studio and asked if he could rent a costume. He was wearing a masquerade mask. He thought it was perfect. “How did he afford that outfit anyway!? That is a Featherwork original suit. There is no way he could afford something like that.” Suddenly two girls dressed up in similar outfits as Templeton appeared in front of him.

“Um, excuse me, sir! Your pirouette is flawless. Could you show us how you’re spinning like that?” One of the girls asked.

“Oh, haha. Of course!” He replied. “Dang it all! I’m too good at this.” He thought. He began teaching the two girls how to pirouette. This made him unable to see everything going on between Reighley and Ch@mberM@de.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Standing over in the corner of the studio, completely lost in thought was Matilda Key. She had her half-black and half-white hair put up in a ponytail. She was a dancer at heart. She had only recently been coming to Yoshi’s Studios to practice after school. It had been over a year since she came here regularly.

“I don’t get it…” She said, dismayed. In her hand was an infinite pass to freely practice at the studio. It showed up in her shoe locker a week prior. With it was an apology note.

(I’m sorry. Freya.)

"Why would she give me this? Is she trying to trick me? I wouldn’t put it past her.” She said to herself. She thought back to a recent conversation she had with Ash Fjord.

(“What!? You were invited to her party?” Matilda asked.)

(“Yeah. She invited me the other day. Reighley was with her. She seemed different.” Ash said.)

(“She is going to pull something.” Matilda claimed. “I wouldn’t go if I were you.”)

(“I’m not so sure… It felt like she was trying to make amends with me,” Ash replied.)

(“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Feel free to call me after you get publicly embarrassed at the party. Matilda said.”)

(“Oh gee, thanks for the kindness.” Ash replied sarcastically.”)

Her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of someone tripping and falling near the entrance of the studio. When she looked over at who had fallen, she was surprised to see it was Reighley Summers. He looked like he was freaking out over getting his suit dirty. When she recognized the brand her eyes widened as it wasn’t cheap. She found him very attractive and became somewhat envious that Freya managed to find someone like him.

“Just looking at him gets my blood boiling… That’s probably why he sticks around her all the time. Look at all the benefits he gets from just being her boyfriend.” Matilda thought. “But… I’m no better am I? I did the same thing over a year ago. I was using her to get in for free. Even now, I showed up here without even accepting her apology.” Deciding she had enough, Matilda decided she would head out for the day. When she walked past Reighley, she watched as he tripped and fell over his own two feet.

“He’s really bad. In a cute and enduring way.” She thought, letting out a slight giggle. Matilda recognized the woman Reighley was dancing with as Elise. Although it had been a while since she had seen her, she couldn’t forget the face of the Young family’s headmaid. “He must be getting dancing lessons for the party.”

“Matilda?” Reighley questioned, spotting her while on the ground.

“Ah! Oh, hi Reighley. I didn’t see you there… Haha.” She laughed awkwardly. Reighley stood up and walked over to her.

“I didn’t know you danced.” He said.

“I didn’t know you couldn’t dance.” She said, with a laugh.

“Ouch. Yeah, who knew using your feet could be so difficult.” He replied. He looked at her familiar gray aura. It appeared like a cloak around her. She was shrouded in mystery. It was like she didn’t want to be noticed.

“Say. Are you sure you don’t want to date me instead of Freya?” Matilda asked. Reighley was caught off guard by this sudden question but attempted to play it off.

“I’m flattered but, I’ll have to pass,” Reighley answered. Something was off. He felt like she wasn’t being honest with him. It was as if she was trying to get some sort of confirmation out of him.

“I thought so…” She replied. “Well. I should be going. My dad is waiting for me.” She looked over towards the exit and standing there was the man who tied Reighley’s necktie.

“Matilda!” Reighley said before she left. She stopped and turned towards him completely silent. He felt bad. “It doesn’t have anything to do with you, I just-”

“I know.” She said, interrupting him and then walking away. Once his daughter arrived at his side, the man who Matilda said was her father looked over at Reighley and waved him goodbye. While the two were walking out of the building, Matilda’s father spoke to her.

“Do you know that boy?” He asked.

“Yeah, but I wish I didn’t.” She answered. She saw how earnest Reighley was. She had seen how hard he was trying for Freya’s sake and couldn’t help but be upset. Not out of jealousy, but because she knew that she herself was the one at fault. She knew from the start that Reighley would say no to her; however, some part of her had hoped he would have said yes. To prove to herself that Freya wasn’t worth all that effort.

“So that’s why I thought I recognized him…” Reighley said, continuing his practice. He realized he had seen him pick up Matilda after school several times in the past.

Templeton had finally finished teaching the two masquerade girls how to perfectly pirouette. With his teachings, they had masterfully replicated his style. He was quite proud of that accomplishment and with that now being finished, he could finally keep a close eye on Reighley again. He noticed the interaction with the girl who walked by Reighley and watched as he turned her down. He found it unusual. It made no sense that the boy who was getting every girl he wanted would turn down someone's advances. It seemed, unlike the player Templeton knew Reighley was.

“Just what game are you playing kid?” he thought to himself. “Don’t tell me… You know I am watching you!?” Templeton began to spin again, sweating profusely while watching Reighley learn how to dance. “Foxtrot, huh?” He growled with his eyes locked on the two. “Wait, no that footwork is all wrong! Your tempo is off too! How could someone be so awful?” It was infuriating for him to watch Reighley have no rhythm and eventually, Reighley tripped and fell again. He stopped, took a deep breath and stood back up once more.

"Perhaps we should stop for today?" Elise asked.

"No. Not yet... I can do this... besides, I want to make her birthday a memorable one." Reighley said determined to press on. He couldn’t figure out why he kept slipping and falling.

“I have to give him props… The kid has tenacity.” Elise thought.

Officer Templeton was pushed to his limit. He couldn’t bear to watch the boy fail any longer. Instinctively his body moved on its own. Before he knew it, Templeton was standing in front of Reighley.

“Laissez-moi vous aider,” Templeton said with a French accent. He reached out his hand helping Reighley up.

“Um… Excuse me?” Reighley was extremely confused by the words said. It sounded French but he wasn’t sure.

“He offered to help you,” Elise explained.

“Oh, thank you! Wait, you speak French?” Reighley questioned.

“Yes and four other languages.” She answered.

“Uh… Oui oui! Let me show you how it is done.” Templeton said. He offered Elise his hand. Elise hesitated for a moment but took it. The two began to dance in sync with each other as Reighley watched their example. While doing so Reighley noticed someone watching from the balcony upstairs and things made a lot more sense.

“Oh my, you are quite the dancer, Officer Templeton...” Elise whispered out of earshot.

“Uh… that is not me.” He replied. “How does she know who I am!?” Templeton began to blush. “I guess I’m just that unforgettable.” He thought, proud of his accomplishments. The truth was simple. Elise never lost sight of who was tailing Reighley and her when they entered the building. She could see right through his facade.

For Templeton It was odd. She felt so familiar to him. Like she was someone he knew for a long time. However, he couldn’t figure out why he felt that way. After the demonstration, Reighley was able to block out all the distractions and get the basics of the dance down.

“Okay, I think I got it,” Reighley said with a sigh of relief.

“That was one out of five dances you must learn before the party,” Elise replied.

“Five?” He gulped.

“Yes, not to mention the foxtrot is the easiest one to learn,” Elise explained.

“I have my work cut out for me, huh?” Reighley sighed, but the thought of Freya smiling while the two danced together gave him the energy to push on. The two practiced with Templeton critiquing from the side. Eventually, Reighley finished practicing several other dances to add to his arsenal and it was time to leave. Reighley stopped and looked at the masked man. Glancing into his eyes caused Reighley to feel a sense of deja vu. Using Insight he saw an envious green aura glowing around the masked person. It completely threw him off. It didn’t make a lot of sense for Reighley to get offered help from someone of that particular personality type but nonetheless, he was grateful.

“Thank you for your help,” Reighley said.

“Je t’en prie. (You’re welcome.)” Templeton said quickly and awkwardly leaving the studio unsure what to say. On his way out Templeton began to question whether or not Reighley was truly committed to the role of swooning the women around him, or was just hardworking and diligent. Either way, Templeton was disappointed by the fruits of his labor. He had hoped to see a broken young man desperately clinging to any semblance of hope. Instead, he watched someone try their best for someone else’s sake. Something he could get behind given his profession. Returning his costume he left and returned to report his findings to Jim Young, still wondering how the queen of motherboards recognized him immediately.

The studio had an upper floor that had a private dance room for those who were V.I.P.s. From the room, one could look down below through a glass panel at those who were too poor to experience the luxurious lifestyle one could enjoy at the top. Guinevere was doing just that.

(Moments before Reighley and Elise entered the studio.)

“Um… Madam Guinevere?”

“Yes, Donald?” Guinevere answered. She was sitting in a chair looking out towards the dance floor.

“What is the purpose of coming here?” Donald asked.

“Again, I don’t pay you to ask questions, but I suppose I’ll feed your curiosity.” Guinevere scoffed. “We came here for Tea. It is simply sublime.”

“Tea?” Donald doubted.

“Yes, and not because I need to refresh myself on how to dance because I was invited to Freya’s party.” Guinevere was completely and utterly lying. The Tea was acceptable at best, but the truth was that she hadn’t been to many dances due to her parents secluding her at home throughout her life. She refused to be outdone by Freya, so she decided to observe dances done by others to refresh her memory.

“Ah! That makes sense.” Donald replied. “I need to improve my Tea-making skills for Madam Guinevere.” He thought. Reading his thoughts with Reverie, Guinevere reminded herself why she kept Donald around.

“Truly an exceptional servant.” She thought. “Perhaps I’ll speak with my father and make him give Donald a raise.” Guinevere began scanning the dancefloor below. She adored that those below her were admiring her beauty and elegance. It was only natural that she would steal the gaze of everyone. She was stunning. While basking in admiration and envy, she noticed everyone’s eyes, who were once looking up at her, switched to a young man entering the studio.

“The audacity! I can’t believe he followed me here. He has quite the nerve to steal my spotlight. She said, angrily. Guinevere watched as Reighley and a woman she didn’t recognize began to practice the simplest of dances. She could only chuckle at how uncoordinated he was.

“Go on, fall! Embarrass yourself in front of all the women here.” Guinevere maliciously thought. Suddenly Reighley tripped over his own two feet and fell over. It was everything she wanted and then some. “HAH! Serves you right for calling me Karen!” She boasted. “Now, what are you thinking?” She used her pair of opera binoculars and looked over Reighley’s thoughts that were floating above his head.

“Ugh! I have to get this right.” Reighley thought frustrated.

“Why aren’t you embarrassed!? You just fell in front of everyone. I would die if that happened to me.” Guinevere thought to herself.

Soon a young teenager walked past Reighley and the two conversed for a brief moment. Reighley’s thoughts were the only thing Guinevere cared about knowing.

“Man… I feel bad about rejecting her like that, but I’m not going to lie or cheat on Freya.” He thought.

“Hmm…” Guinevere was conflicted. She wanted misfortune to fall upon Reighley, but couldn’t help but feel a slight attraction towards him after he turned the girl down. She knew that if she was the one who asked then it would have been a different story.

For two whole hours, Guinevere kept hoping Reighley would fall and incidentally, he did. Time after time, Reighley would trip over his own two feet. Guinevere watched from a distance as Reighley tried to figure out how to get his footing.

“It doesn’t make any sense he’s fallen over forty times… Just give up and go home already!” Guinevere stood up from her chair and used Reverie, to read Reighley’s thoughts once again.

“I can’t give up! I have to make Freya’s birthday a perfect one.” He thought. Something clicked in Guinevere’s head. It was such a beautiful form of devotion she had never seen before. Her parents, nor any of her servants ever displayed such loyalty. She wanted that. She needed it all for herself. That level of dedication was only worthy of her. The fact that Freya is the one who had something that special infuriated her. She needed to steal away Freya’s man. That was the way she would gain the upper hand over her. Guinevere watched as a strange man in a mask offered to help Reighley learn. To her surprise, Reighley noticed Guinevere up above. He looked at her and the sense of distress on his face vanished. Like he had an epiphany.

“Hah… I guess that makes sense.” He thought, giving Guinevere a fake smile.

“What makes sense!?” This struck a nerve in Guinevere. From that point onward Reighley no longer tripped during his practice. It was as if the ice under his feet broke loose.

“Donald. Find out everything you can about Ray!” She commanded.

“Yes, Madam.” He answered. As Reighley and Elise left the building, Guinevere vowed to make Reighley hers, or at the very least terminate his and Freya’s relationship.

As Reighley and Elise left, the two headed towards Herald who was currently teaching Ulysses how to dance at Gilford High School’s gymnasium. Freya was sitting on a metal chair with her legs and arms crossed. She called Herald in because she insisted that her slow dance must remain unclaimed for “reasons”.

“Very good, Ulysses,” Herald commented as the two had finished their practice. Ulysses got the hang of dancing fairly quickly. He was taught from a young age to dance, specifically for the rare occasion he and his family went to formal events. This lesson unearthed the muscle memory that was stored deep within him.

“I’m impressed… For someone so bashful you've got the moves. What made you so worried?” Freya asked.

“It’s not the dancing part I’m worried about… I’m afraid that things are going to move too quickly.” Ulysses explained. “Like, what if Lily only liked what she initially saw? Then what? What happens if we dance, and she figures out I’m not all that I am talked up to be?”

“I believe you’re overthinking it,” Freya suggested. “I haven’t known you for that long, but I think you are sleeping on your potential.”

“I am going to agree with Lady Freya on this one, sir Ulysses. When Freya informed me you wished to become more manly, I was very confused by that statement. One simply does not become more manly. You must prove to yourself your own worth. That’s what being a man is. Even if you don’t feel up to the task, you must rise to the occasion anyway. That is how you win as a man; by not losing to yourself.”

Ulysses and Freya stopped in their tracks and stared at Herald. They were shocked he said something so profound.

“Yo Freya, why is your butler dropping ultimate truth bombs on me,” Ulysses said.

“Herald was never one to beat around the bush…” She answered.

“Ulysses, can I give you some advice?” Herald asked.

“Yes, sensei,” Ulysses said as he placed both his palms together and politely bowed.

“From personal experience, I once asked my late wife Molly what caused her to be attracted to me in the first place. She told me what she saw in me. She didn’t tell me that I was perfect but instead said I was the best possible version of myself. That was the type of man she was looking for.” Herald lectured. “I am well aware you are aiming towards winning Lily’s heart. As someone who has watched Lily grow from a young age, I know very well that she is an incredibly hard-working young woman, who would give up anything for the ones she loves. Any man would be lucky to have her attention, let alone her interest. If what Freya’s told me about you is true, then perhaps Lily sees the potential in you as well. All you can do is strive to be the best version of yourself.”

“My potential, huh?” Ulysses muttered to himself. “That is a lot of pressure considering I can’t even quit smoking…” He thought.

“Ulysses, might I suggest that the next time you feel like not doing something, either because it’s too hard, or scary, just do it anyway,” Herald advised.

“All right… I’ll try. Thank you, Herald, and you too Freya. I don’t think I completely understand what to do next but I’ll give it my best shot.”

Ulysses waved off the two and headed home towards the subway system, leaving both Herald and Freya behind. Freya and Herald worked their way towards the school entrance.

“Lady Freya, might I ask, what is going on with your attire?” Herald asked with judgeful eyes.

“It’s because Jim moved me to a new class, separating me from both Reighley and Destiny. He even used Lily to do so.” She explained, obviously still upset from just thinking about the events that occurred.

“Jim, huh?” Herald questioned. “I see you’re serious then…”

“Do I have your support?” Freya questioned, with puppy dog eyes. This was the same face she would use to convince Herald to let her go on all her crazy extreme sports stunts. This time around things were no different. He couldn’t say no to her. It would be like saying no to his daughter if he had one.

“You always have and always will, Lady Freya,” Herald said with a smile. Freya was ecstatic. She hugged Herald, catching him off guard. She had never hugged him before. She knew Herald would always have her back no matter what. It was something she wished her father would have done.

“Thank you. Really, I mean it.” Freya said with genuine gratitude.

“You’re welcome.” Herald hugged back. Suddenly Freya received a text. She let go of Herald and checked her messages.

Reighley: (“Thanks.”)

“Is he serious? I basically confessed my LOVE to him with my ‘I miss you’ text, and all he says is ‘Thanks!’” She thought. Freya went from ecstatic to flustered in mere seconds. It was very embarrassing for her to send that text. “Ugh!” Freya grunted. “What am I going to do with him?”

Reighley: (“How are you doing?”)

“Aww… he’s checking up on me. Okay, I’m less mad now.” Freya thought.

Freya: (“I’m doing okay. I think I have a rough week ahead of me.”)

Reighley: (“Yeah. Me too. By the way, sorry I dipped out on you today. I had somewhere I needed to be. With midterms, everything is so hectic.”)

Freya: (“It’s okay. You’ll just have to make it up to me at my party.”)

Reighley: (“Great… No pressure or anything.”)

Freya: (“I’m kidding. Besides, what matters the most is that you’re there.”)

Suddenly Freya had a confused look on her face as a black limousine pulled up in front of her. “Elise? What is she doing here?”

Freya asked Herald. Herald seemed to be reading a text message the entire time Freya was texting Reighley. He was quite slow at using his smartphone but got the gist of the text. The plan was simple. Elise was going to take Freya out for a bit, while Herald picked up Reighley at a nearby gas station so the two could discuss.

“I have some things to attend to so Elise is going to be taking you,” Herald answered.

“Oh. I see. Well alright, I suppose. Take care of yourself, Herald.” Freya commanded.

“Of course, Lady Freya.”

Freya entered Elise's vehicle and the two left the school grounds.