NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 18 – Flirting
Head held high, Elana stepped into the lecture hall. Murmurs washed over her as her arrival became known.
Most everyone knew of what had transpired yesterday. Many had guesses of what it would mean. And their restless behaviour quickly gave away Moira’s position in the hall as people kept glancing her way.
Finding her target, Elana gracefully began walking towards Moira, who was sitting alone at a desk, looking bored. Those were good news. The Prince wasn’t taking most classes, which meant fewer interactions with the annoyance.
Moira noticed Elana’s arrival as well. She met the Lady’s eyes, not flinching away. Although she did blush slightly.
Perhaps in shame for how she had acted yesterday? Elana knew it was unlikely Moira regretted her choices. Maybe it was because of how magnificent Elana looked? That sounded improbable as well, but a girl could dream.
“Moira, what a pleasure.” Elana’s voice carried to the furthest corners of the hall as everyone else quieted down in anticipation. “I see a seat next to you is free.” She walked next to the table. “I am taking it before someone else can.” She then sat down.
“Elana. I see your arrogance has not vaned any.” Moira turned slightly to face Elana. “Not that I expected it to.” She leaned against the table, put an elbow on it, and then placed her head in her palm. “You look…”
“Magnificent?” Elana enjoyed watching the black hair cascading down the sides of Moira’s face. The way her rival had tilted her head was very cute. “Beautiful?”
“Not as angry as I expected.” Moira bluntly interrupted. Her eyes studied Elana’s, searching for something.
“Oh, you would be wrong.” Elana leaned closer and turned in her seat as well, making sure her knees brushed against Moira’s thighs. “I am outraged. In fact, livid. Especially since you were the one who made that choice.” She referred to the way Moira had acted and relied on the Prince’s help when she didn’t need one. “But my fiance was at fault, too. No denying it. I wonder how I should deal with him…”
Moira glanced down where Elana’s knees were now pressed against her legs. She didn’t pull back, instead leaning into the touch. “Oh, how unfortunate. But I truly felt weak at the moment. It was… Rather… Unfortunate… I am…” She looked almost sick.
What was happening? Elana studied her rival's expression of struggle. Was Moira trying to apologise? No, that was impossible, but maybe? Elana wouldn’t forgive - probably. She did suddenly feel very magnanimous. And a bit smug.
Which likely had shown on Elana’s face, making Moira harden her expression. “I am a lucky woman to have had someone to help.”
The sudden attack blindsided Elana. Especially because one of Moira’s hands had dropped and touched her knee. Moira’s index finger gently pressed against her leg. What was this woman’s game?
While surprised, Elana quickly recovered. This was once again an unexpected move. But after yesterday's disaster, she had prepared herself for the unforeseen.
It was regretful, but Elana chose to swat away Moira’s finger. “Now, now. Everything has to have a price. And as it stands, you owe me. After all, you had such a fulfilling time with my fiance.”
The mockery in Elana’s voice didn’t go unnoticed by Moira, who silently scoffed at hearing the ‘fulfilling’ part. “The prince is a ‘gentleman’.”
All those times they had exchanged barbs paid off. Elana translated the last part as ‘ the prince is a flaccid, shy pervert without spine’.
‘Then why did you go with him?’ Elana wanted to ask, but she didn’t. It wasn’t her style. There were better things to do. “So, do you admit you owe me something?” She leaned closer, letting her scent wash over Moira.
It worked. Moira took a deep breath, and her face brightened. But then she retreated. “The lady is so distant and cold!” She smirked. “What can this lowly maiden have worth taking?”
She was teasing her! Elana was sure of it. Moira had teased her!
Despite the elation Elana felt, she also inwardly cursed while turning off the chill she had constantly radiated all this time. Somehow, she had completely forgotten about it.
This had made Elana lose the momentum she had been building up. Despite her preparations, she had still messed up.
Nevertheless, Elana still was leading in this confrontation. If she-
“Take a seat, everyone.” A calm, level bariton resounded loudly over the quiet hall. “It is time we resume studies. Today, we will talk about-”
Startled by the sudden arrival of the lector, the students quickly left the circle they had made around Elana and Moira. The man in front of the crow calmly began talking about the newest pact between two neighbouring kingdoms and how it could impact their trade agreements - it was all politics and numbers.
To Elana’s displeasure, Moira quickly began paying attention to the lesson. She understood why. It was useful.
Despite how Elana acted, she did plan on taking a leading position in the Kingdom. The future was still undecided, but being a queen did sound nice. And she knew Moira was aiming for the same.
Hmm… Elana had to wonder. How would the world react to two queens and no king? She was curious. Just how many people would she have to slaughter before everyone fell in line? Elana doubted Moira would mind a bit of killing.
Realising she was fantasising about married life with Moira, Elana jumped. This wasn’t like her. Before starting to pay attention to the lecture, she pinched Moira’s thigh as punishment for making her act this way.
It was Moira’s turn to jump in fright, her glorious breasts jiggling along. “What?” She mouthed, then noticed how distracted Elana was and smirked. She coughed in her hand, sending another wave of trembling through her body.
Elana narrowed her eyes. This was a problem. She really needed to figure out how to not let her eyes wander.
But for now, there was information to absorb. Elana would not let Moira surpass her in knowledge.
