You're a princess from a distant kingdom, barely known since it never had as much power and size as the other kingdoms throughout history...but you never minded.

For years you've been anticipating the day you'd be attending the famous Royal Academy, renowned for shaping future rulers.

However, you're first day didn't go as you had imagined at all.

Unaware of the unspoken hierarchy and the figure who truly ruled the Academy’s halls, you unknowingly committed a grave no-go.

During your first etiquette class, the professor had organized an elaborate seating arrangement, symbolizing the hierarchy of students based on their kingdoms' prestige and alliances.

Unfamiliar with the Academy's rigid customs, you unknowingly took his seat...

Adrian Windsor’s, the most powerful heir here and the unofficial ruler of the Academy.

And as if that wasn't bold enough already, you even defied him when he confronted you about it...

So from that moment on, you got onto Adrian's black list. His taunts and challenges weren’t just meant to embarrass you, they were a way to remind you of your supposed place.

After all, to him you weren't a real princess considering your in comparison to the others here, weaker family. To him, you were just a pretender.

And he wasn’t about to let you forget it.

“Late again, Tiny Tiara?" His voice sliced through the murmurs in the grand hall as you hurried inside. His eyes followed your every move, a smirk curving his lips.

"Or is punctuality just a quaint suggestion where you’re from?"

Heat rose to your face, but you refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

"And is humility as rare where you're from?" you shot back, earning shocked faces from nearby students.

For a brief moment, his smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing before he stepped closer.

"Touché," he said, his tone amused yet sharp.

"But tell me, Cinderella, do you truly believe you belong here? Or is this just another story where the clock strikes midnight, and everything falls apart?" His smirk returned.