The Eighth Prince E-Book

Karola Löwenstein

• Herausgeber: MP Verlag
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Serie: Venturi Academy
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 353

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

You will marry one of the seven princes. And you will be the next queen. It's the duty you owe your family. Neah never asked for the crown, but as the king's daughter, her fate has already been sealed. Sent to the prestigious Venturi Academy, she isn't there to study magic like the other students—she's there to choose a husband. Seven princes compete for her hand, each desperate to prove himself worthy of the throne. Every smile, every whispered promise is part of the game. And Neah knows she must play her role, no matter how heavy the weight of destiny feels. But then there's the eighth prince—the one she's been forbidden to even speak to. Dangerous, untouchable, and off-limits. The one who tempts her to defy her father, her duty, and the crown itself. Choosing him could cost her everything. Not choosing him might break her heart.

Leseprobe

The Eighth Prince (Venturi Academy - 1)

Karola Lowenstein

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 1

"Do you think you'll get out of this?" Marno strokes his translucent wings and looks out of the window of the limousine as we head down the steep coast. The road meanders close to the depths. The waves crash against the coast below.

"Never." I shake my head. "My father was clear. He's serious and he's not going to change his mind." "What's wrong with you, Neah?" I see disbelief in Marno's amber eyes as he turns back to me. "Why are you so calm? You're not usually this composed."

I shrug my shoulders. "There's no point getting upset about it because I can't change it," I reply. "Besides, I never really believed that my father would let me study in California. My disappointment is limited. It was a miracle that he agreed to the boarding school in London. I am grateful for what I got. A few carefree years in which I was able to have fun, far away from thedusty family monarchy. It wasn't just me who had fun. If you've forgotten how you spent your free time in London, I'll be happy to remind you."

"Not necessary." Marno shakes his head.

But I can clearly see how he pauses for a moment and remembers a few highlights from the last few years. A smile twitches around his lips. I don't even want to know what he's been up to.

So, I look ahead, where the road winds up and down the mountain slopes in endless hairpin curves.

"I take a practical view," I say after a while. "This whole thing is just a formality.

Nobody expects me to perform miracles at Venturi Academy. I'll get my degree just like that and the whole thing with the seven princes is just about my father getting someone he can groom as his successor. He doesn't want me as queen. I'm just a means to an end. He wants a prince he can boss around."

"Ordering around?" Marno frowns and runs his fingers through his long, silverywhite hair, which is so typical of the elves. "Do you think that's all?"

"Please." Now I'm getting a little louder. "The monarchy of the magicians has long since ceased to have any meaning. What does a king do other than open exhibitions and make a few meaningful speeches? The king once had power, but that was 120 years ago, and it's good that those days are over. I'm sure you still remember them." I give Marno a serious look.

He presses his lips together. Then he takes a noisy breath. "You bet I remember. After all, I was there when they beheaded the last ruler."

I nod. Marno may look like he's eighteen years old, just like me, but elves age more slowly. My bodyguard can look back on 163 years of life and can always tell me the latest story first-hand.

"Then you know that the king's powers have changed since then, and you also know that this marriage means nothing. As soon as my father has what he wants, I will get on with my life. Just like my grandmother did."

"The fun-loving Margaret, who was rarely seen at court." A smile flits across Marno's face. "I understand what you're up to. We still have a chance of seeing the Californian sun in the foreseeable future. I hate the cold." He looks out the window again into the gray autumn day.

But Marno can't quite accept my plan. I can see his thoughts twitching around his forehead.

"What's going on?" I ask.

"There are so many inconsistencies."

"Do you mean my father?"

Marno nods. "Why has he changed his mind so suddenly? No one has been interested in you taking over the throne until now." Marno's gaze is fixed on the roaring sea, which stretches gray into the distance and merges with the clouds.

"It must have something to do with Frey." I smooth my coat and admit to myself that my father's spontaneity has surprised me too. Instead of sitting on a plane to Los Angeles, I'm on my way to the northernmost part of Europe, where the Venturi Academy is hidden between lonely peaks.

"With your cousin?" Marno looks at me with clear skepticism. "He would have been the perfect king for the magicians, good, hardworking, docile. Your uncle has been preparing him for this role for ten years. He knows all the protocols. He can move around the court. I even had the feeling that he likes doing all this. So why should he have fallen out of favor?"

"Maybe he made a mistake," I speculate. "My father didn't tell me and you can be sure I asked."

"Frey doesn't make mistakes. He's not the type." Marno sighs and looks at me scrutinizingly. "I'll find out what happened."

"Good luck," I reply mockingly. I understand that Marno wants to find out why we're here now, but answering that question won't change anything. I know my father too well for that. Once he's made a decision, he doesn't go back on it. "It's wiser if I give him what he wants and then I go my own way again. What do you think? Which of the seven princes should I choose? Is it too obvious if I make a decision after the first week?"

A smile twitches around Marno's lips. His face is unrealistically beautiful. His features are chiseled. Once again, he reminds me of a statue. If I didn't know that he was only interested in men, I would have fallen in love with him long ago.

"A difficult question." He tilts his head thoughtfully as the limousine drives into a tunnel and it gets dark around us. "You could decide based on looks."

"Too easy." I lean back in the soft seat. "Maybe I'll take the one I think my father will be happiest with."

"You can be a bit more selfish, just in case you actually have to put up with him.

You should like him and get along with him."

"You're right." I nod thoughtfully. "My father won't live forever and I can't have a despot for a husband. I need someone who will give me my freedom."

"So, you need to take a closer look at the candidates." I can hear the anticipation in Marno's voice as the limousine slows down.

As my bodyguard, he is almost always by my side. He will also experience this part of my life first-hand and I couldn't have a better advisor than him. Marno is loyalty personified, absolutely honest and he has excellent taste.

All of a sudden, the tunnel opens up on the right-hand side and a hidden branch becomes visible. The Stuart family's security system works perfectly. We turn off and the wall closes behind us. The limousine glides silently through the jet-black tunnel. Then it gets light and we drive on along a wide road. There is no one on the road except us.

I take off the heavy gold chain I'm wearing. It immediately crackles, as if an electric current is being discharged. I check my reflection in the window. The inconspicuous, slender girl with the horn-rimmed glasses and the overbite has become an elegant young woman with long, dark brown curls. What these shapeshifters achieve is truly impressive. But from here on, I no longer need my disguise. We have left the human world.

"Then let's plan on a month," I say and stow the shapeshifter in my bag. "I don't think we'll get out of here any quicker than that." I look ahead, where I can soon see the huge building complexes that I recognize from pictures I have seen. I've never been here myself.

We pass through a large gate, which closes behind us, and soon afterwards the limousine stops in front of the magnificent Art Nouveau building, on which my family's name is emblazoned large and clearly visible.

The door swings open and the principal's gloved hand reaches out towards me.

"Welcome to Venturi Academy, Ms. Venturi. It's a pleasure to have you here."

Chapter 2

I take a deep breath, give Marno one last conspiratorial look, then force a beaming smile onto my lips. With my father's words ringing in my head that a princess must always take care of her appearance and represent her family with every step, every gesture and every smile, I reach for the principal's hand and get out.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Mortimer." I smile warmly at the broad-shouldered principal with his full, slightly graying hair. "It's an honor for me to be here." The words leave my mouth automatically. Despite my many years at a normal boarding school, I still master my role as a princess quite well.

"May I invite you in." Mr. Mortimer lets go of my hand and indicates a bow. "We have prepared a small reception to welcome you. It was important to your father that we give you a warm welcome."

Ouch! That was clearly a side slap. I suppress the impulse to raise my eyebrows in surprise. My father has left nothing to chance. Mr. Mortimer has received very specific instructions for my stay at the Academy and the principal doesn't like it when the king interferes in his affairs.

"I'd love to," I reply sweetly and follow Mr. Mortimer past the line of staff into the Academy's main building.

It doesn't take long before I feel Marno's presence behind me. The soft rustling sound of the wind catching in his wings has been with me for as long as I can remember.

I look up at the building and have to admit that the many scrolls and flower tendrils that adorn the façade are really beautiful.

Then I enter the building and my gaze is immediately distracted by the students standing in the large entrance hall. Actually, there are seven students; seven male students. They look at me expectantly, and this time I don't manage to hide my surprise. I only see their eyes and can barely make out their faces.

Mr. Mortimer clears his throat. "Your father asked me to work hard to help you get to know the seven princes. He wanted me to help you make a good decision. I thought it would be helpful if we got started quickly." He leans down further towards me and his voice drops to a whisper. "You don't have to worry about graduating, Ms. Venturi. Your family founded the Academy. We can award honorary degrees, too." He winks at me conspiratorially.

I don't know why, but I'm disappointed in him. I knew that everything would be like this, but it hurts that he doesn't even trust me to seriously tackle my studies.

Doesn't he even want to try to make something of me? The look on his face answers the question immediately. Mr. Mortimer wants to get rid of me as quickly as possible.

"Thank you for your commitment," I squeeze out and turn away from the waiting princes. I'm not going to make it that easy for the principal. "But I'm tired from the trip and would like to postpone getting to know you until later, if you don't mind."

Mr. Mortimer's face literally freezes. "Of course," he replies coldly. "As the princess wishes."

"Would you please show me to my room." I smile at him and I know I look really innocent with my heart-shaped face framed by long, dark curls, full lips and big eyes.

It works. The rejection melts away and he seems to realize that he was a little too hasty.

"Maybe the timing wasn't right," he says with a nod, suddenly looking quite contrite.

I almost feel sorry for him.

"It's okay," I reply. "It's difficult for all of us. I didn't even know I was coming here this morning. I'm sorry if my father is inconveniencing you."

"Oh, that's right." Mr. Mortimer nods thoughtfully. Then he waves to one of the princes. "Connor, come in, please."

A slim, smartly dressed man with dark blond, tangled hair breaks away from the group and comes over to us. He looks dutiful. "Ms. Venturi would like to freshen up first. Please take her to her accommodation.

And we'll postpone getting to know each other until the evening. Do you agree to that?" He looks at me questioningly.

"With pleasure. Thank you for your understanding." I'm really glad that the principal is giving me time to collect myself first.

Mr. Mortimer nods at me again and then walks over to the waiting princes.

Presumably to inform them of the changed situation.

"I'm Connor Howard." My new companion extends his hand to me. He has an open, friendly face.

"Neah Isabella Theodora Venturi." I return his handshake, while I can't help but notice the disapproving looks some of the remaining princes give Connor.

"I know." Connor grins. "Come on, we have to go this way." He points to a side exit.

"Are the others upset with you now?"

"Clive and Thomas for sure," Connor says as we start to move. "They're absolutely sure that one of them will win your heart."

"Conquer my heart?" I swallow as my heart slips into my pants. Damn! Have the princes already made bets on who will win the race?

"That's why you're here, isn't it?" Connor holds the door open for me and we step out onto the wide path that runs in a huge circle past the Academy buildings. "You want you to pick one of us and that person will be the next king."

"Yes," I admit with a sigh. That's the hard truth.

We walk along the street for awhile and I look at the buildings we pass. Each one bears the name of one of the seven great noble families and behind each name is one of the seven faculties where you can study. But I had never planned to do this and Mr. Mortimer has no intention of changing my mind.

I take a deep breath and concentrate on the important things. I'm alone with Connor, one of the seven princes. I have to make the most of this opportunity. He knows his way around here and he knows the others too. He also comes across as not only conscientious, but also very open and direct. So I have to be careful with Clive and Thomas.

They seem a little too convinced of themselves and their qualities if they think they've already won the game. "Is there anyone who would make a particularly good king?"

Connor stops and looks at me thoughtfully. "That's really hard to answer."

"I know," I reply.

Connor starts moving again and turns left. While the lecture buildings stand in a semicircle on the outer edge of the grounds, in the middle is a park-like area in which countless houses stand between trees, generously laid out flowerbeds, watercourses and lakes. Some are small, some large, some old and some modern.

"Are you looking for a good husband or a good king?" Connor finally asks, after thinking about my question for a while.

A smile flits across my lips. Connor really hasn't fallen on his head.

"Probably both," I reply with a grin.

"Then choose me." Connor stops in front of a pretty two-story building, its dark red color glowing among the colorful autumn leaves. There are rose trellises on the sides, with roses climbing up to the second floor. I stare at the last white roses in bloom for a moment.

Then I turn back to Connor.

He looks me firmly in the eye. "I will always be honest with you and fulfill my duty to serve the mages."

"Wow!" I look at Connor in amazement. He really knows how to sell himself.

"This is all happening pretty fast right now."

"Take as much time as you need." Connor grins and points to the house. "We're here. Here's your house. You can use it on your own. Normally several students share it. Your sister used to live here, by the way."

"Noir used to live here?" I look around at the little house and am immediately struck by memories of a time long gone. I haven't seen my sister for years and I'm glad about that.

"Yes, she has. She's a legend." Connor's words resonate with enthusiasm.

"Yes, she is," I reply coolly. "She's just perfect. I'll see you tonight. Thanks for bringing me here." With those words, I turn away from Connor and walk towards my new home.

"I'll pick you up tonight," Connor calls after me.

'All right,' I mumble.

It doesn't take long and Marno follows me with almost silent steps.

When the door slams shut behind us, I breathe a sigh of relief.

"He was really cute." Marno looks out of the window as Connor walks away from the house. "A bit over-correct, but maybe he'll get over it."

"He thinks my sister is great." I make a contemptuous sound.

"Everyone thinks your sister is great. She not only passed the theoretical training at the Venturi Academy with top marks, she also passed the practical training." Marno turns away from the window. "Not many people manage that. Besides, she's going to take over your family's company. She's a gifted magical architect, a credit to the faculty headed by Mr. Mortimer and a clever businesswoman to boot."

'I know how great she is,' I reply contritely. "She can do anything and she's beautiful too. She's also happily married, has a cute baby, two great kids and manages her job with ease, whereas I want to go back to bed at lunchtime on a busy day. Do you know what it's like to be constantly compared to her? You can only lose. Even Mortimer realizes that. He doesn't even try to make anything of me." I look around the living room and the open kitchen. Everything is open and bright. It's really nice here.

"Why should he? Everyone knows you don't have any basic training," says Marno in a conciliatory tone. "You lack years of practice. Be glad no one's forcing you to.

You never wanted to learn magic."

"Yes, because magic comes from pain and suffering," I reply more sharply than necessary. "Why should I torture myself if it doesn't benefit me?"

"I know how it works," Marno replies with a bitter tone in his voice. "I'm very familiar with it."

I look at Marno for a moment. Yes, he really knows all aspects of magic. Even if he doesn't have the strength that a mage can muster, he still has enough magic to do a lot. Especially when it comes to fighting, the long-forbidden art that can no longer be taught or used. Only the last elves are still allowed to use it to defend the royal family.

I have never seen Marno fight myself. But I know stories from distant times and from battles long past. Marno is said to have raged like a flame among his enemies. "It's okay." I wave it off. "Besides the dutiful Connor and his rivals Clive and Thomas, there are four other princes who could be interesting. Let's concentrate on them tonight. The sooner I make a decision, the sooner I can get out of here."

Chapter 3

As evening falls, there is a quiet knock on the door. In the meantime, I have put my manageable luggage in the cupboards of my new room and slept for an hour. I no longer feel as thin-skinned as I did this afternoon, but am once again completely focused on my mission.

For dinner, I opted for an ankle-length, wine-red dress with long sleeves but a daring neckline. Let's see which of the princes I can impress with my appearance.

Connor definitely is. When I open the door, he opens his eyes wide.

"Good evening," I greet him in a gentle voice.

He swallows, then finally turns his gaze away from my cleavage and towards my face. "Good evening, Neah, you look stunning." His voice sounds an octave higher. "Thank you very much. How nice of you." Out of the corner of my eye, I see Marno roll his eyes. He is against this dress because, in his opinion, it draws attention to the wrong qualities tonight. I, on the other hand, see it as a suitable distraction.

"Do you mind?" Connor offers me his arm. He has manners, I'll give him that.

"I'd love to." I step out of the house and catch up with him. Then we stroll off.

"Isn't your bodyguard coming with you?" Connor looks around questioningly.

"No, I'm safe here on the premises." But Marno will not remain idle. While I enjoy myself at dinner, or get bored if necessary, he will take a closer look at the Academy grounds. We must now expect an attack on me at any time. As long as I was unimportant to the succession, it was relatively unlikely that anyone would take an interest in me. But that has now changed.

Connor nods, as if he realizes that too. "Did you get some rest?" He switches to a casual chatty tone, which makes me actually relax.

"Yes, I did. It's nice here." That's no lie, because it really is. It may be dark by now, but the heavy smell of damp leaves is still in the air and reminds me of the impressive play of colors in the trees. "What are you studying, Connor?" I look at him with interest.

He immediately takes a stance, as if a warning father or professor were standing behind him. "I'm studying travel engineering. The Howard family is the largest tour operator in all price segments."

"Right." I dully remind myself that while what Connor is studying sounds boring, it's not at all. Because the trips his family sells to blameless people are magically enhanced. Just enough so that no one notices, but enough to allow them to travel faster, more comfortably and more easily than any of their competitors. And for a secretive and very wealthy clientele, Howard Travel offers the fancy service of traveling from one place in the world to another in the blink of an eye.

"You must have come here with Howard Travel too?" Connor smiles at me confidently.

"No, I traveled here the old-fashioned way, by plane and then by car." My father wanted me to travel to the Academy quickly, but I needed a little time to digest the news.

"Ah!" Connor looks irritated and I can understand it. Mages in my circles don't usually travel by human transportation.

I take the opportunity to change the subject. "Would it bother your father if you didn't take over the business and became king instead?"

Connor swallows as we walk through the park at night, past brightly lit houses. "My father would be proud of me. Besides, my uncle could take over. Howard Travel can manage without me." He hesitates briefly and I can almost see from the expression on his face that he is not quite as conscientious as he pretends to be, at least in this matter. He still has to come to terms with the fact that his professional plans have been thrown overboard so quickly.

I suddenly realize that the seven princes had no more choice than I did when my father decreed that I could bestow one of them with the honour of becoming the next king. Even though none of them will probably admit it, not all of them will have been happy about it. Perhaps one of them even has a girlfriend and completely different plans for his life. The thought makes me realize once again that I really have to think carefully about who I choose.

"What do you do in your free time?" I ask as we stroll towards the main house.

Connor tells me about his passion for chess and I really enjoy listening to him. He's a nice guy, good-looking and has manners too. I find myself thinking that I could lead a pleasant life alongside him. He would never be particularly crazy or outlandish, but he would be reliable and respectful. I'm sure he would understand that I don't want to spend my life between old walls and dusty conventions. But would he also be prepared to accept that I would lead a life without him, far away from the dusty monarchy of the magical world?

When Connor holds the door open for me, I look at him seriously and thoughtfully. Is it too early to confront him with my plans and find out what he thinks?

"I'll take over from here." A tall, red-haired man suddenly approaches me and offers me his arm with a gallant gesture and a broad smile on his lips.

Connor is still busy closing the door behind me and I hear him muttering "Clive" in annoyance.

So this is one of those princes who are so sure of themselves that they think they've already reached their goal. I scrutinize him as I offer him my hand in an agonizingly slow motion. He's a real sonny boy.

He is strong and well built. You can tell at first glance that he is a sportsman. There is a mischievous and enterprising expression in his pale green eyes. The smile on his lips is infectious. He looks like someone who joins in every bit of fun and who always has an idea to banish boredom.

"My name is Clive Cavendish." He indicates a bow. "It's an honor to meet you."

"I'm happy too." I catch up with him and let him lead me into the entrance hall.

Behind us, I hear the quick steps of Connor, who has no intention of leaving us alone for even a second.

"You really are breathtakingly beautiful. That bright blue in your eyes reminds me of the sky over the sea." Clive immediately steps on the gas. "I love the sea."

"Um, thanks." I let my gaze slide down his body. He's wearing an elegant, dark blue suit. From the tie to the shoes, every detail is perfectly coordinated. The man clearly has good taste. "You look good too."

He grins with satisfaction. "Have you already decided which department you're going to study?" He looks at me expectantly as we cross the entrance hall.

"No, not yet," I reply truthfully. "What are you studying, if you don't mind me asking?"

"You can ask me anything you want." His smile even makes his eyes sparkle and I have to admit that so much good humor is contagious.

"We'll start with your field of study first," I reply with a grin.

"Fashion," he says without further ado. "The Cavendish family produces and sells fashion. Whether cheap or exclusive. You can find our labels all over the world."

"Impressive." I nod thoughtfully.

"It really is, and I'm not saying that because my name is on all the garments. What the design department and the production department come up with deserves respect."

"And you're supposed to be the manager, aren't you?" I look at him scrutinizingly.

But he doesn't seem concerned. Instead, he waves it off. "Don't worry, my brother Thomas has been assigned this task."

Interesting. So Thomas and Clive are brothers.

"There he is already." Clive takes a step forward and I struggle to keep my balance in my long dress. But Clive's body gives me so much support that I only wobble for a tiny moment.

We turn into a high corridor and a petite man with wild, red curls that reach his shoulders is waiting next to a wide-open, double-leaf door. They may have the same hair color, but otherwise you wouldn't know they were brothers.

"Clive." The disapproving tone in Thomas' voice is unmistakable.

Aha! Fraternal rivalry. This could be very entertaining. For both of them, it's a choice between the boss's chair and the throne and it would probably not be entirely unfair if they could divide both between them.

"Princess Neah." Thomas turns to me and bows. "It's an honor to finally meet you."

"We can stay on a first-name basis," I say a little formally and let go of Clive's arm.

Then I hold out my hand to Thomas. "Nice to meet you."

Thomas straightens up, grabs my hand with a serious expression and blows a kiss on the back of my hand. Then he lifts his gaze and looks me straight in the eye. "A song was sung to your beauty, but no note can do justice to your charm.

The echo resounded in my soul.

And now I will follow you into the last battle."

I look at Thomas in amazement for a moment. "A poem?" I murmur. "Or is it a prophecy?"

"Just a poem to pay homage to your beauty." Thomas smiles gently at me. "But my words are not enough to even begin to describe your beauty.

"Now don't show off like that again, you recreational poet." Clive sounds less than enthusiastic about his brother's outpourings.

"That would never occur to me. Here you are, my dear." Thomas steps aside and indicates a bow.

I haven't even entered the room where the meal will be served and I'm already confused by the attention I'm getting. It's not that no one has been interested in me before, but seven men at the same time, that's new.

And I haven't even met them all yet. But the three princes I've met so far have put in so much effort that I get dizzy when I think about the evening.

I should know what I'm getting myself into. But in all the years I've stayed away from the mages' celebrations and gatherings, I've almost forgotten how important the monarchy is to the mages. But now I realize again how much they value the royal family and how coveted the place by my side is. The thought that I have to make a good decision suddenly weighs heavier on me than ever.

As I am very much in favor of tackling problems instead of putting them on the back burner, I enter the room with a big stride. I am dazzled for a moment.

Candles are lit everywhere. The long table is set with golden crockery.

Everything sparkles and glitters. Four men are standing next to Mr. Mortimer, looking at me expectantly.

I take a deep breath and let my gaze wander over the princes. They all look good, that much I can tell at first glance.

"Ms. Venturi." Mr. Mortimer approaches me with a fatherly smile. "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you very much."

I can't say any more, because Mr. Mortimer claps his hands and a young man with a tray full of champagne glasses steps out of the background. With his soft, dark brown hair, he almost blends in with the shadows.

As he approaches me, I have the presence of mind to grab one of the glasses. My gaze briefly touches his face. His dark blue eyes scrutinize me with undisguised curiosity. His gaze distracts me for a moment, but a clearing of Mr. Mortimer's throat ends the moment.

The waiter turns away from me and goes to Mr. Mortimer and then to the princes to hand out the champagne glasses.

Maybe Marno is right and I shouldn't have chosen the dress with the plunging neckline. Mage society is an old-fashioned bunch that likes button-up blouses, brocade vests and pocket watches. Everything that has been out of fashion for over a hundred years is worn by the magicians. Low-cut dresses are definitely not one of them. Moral standards also largely date back to this time.

"Let's drink to this special evening." Mr. Mortimer raises his glass. "It is a special honor for all of us that Princess Neah is at Venturi Academy, and an even greater honor that one of the princes training here will be the future king. My pride in these fantastic men is hard to describe."

I hear a sound from the darkness.

I could be wrong, but it sounds like a contemptuous snort.

I would have loved to join in. He is proud of the future king, but he has nothing left for me but a few polite phrases. My understanding of Mr. Mortimer begins to fade.

"I'm sure you'll be happy to introduce me to the gentlemen." I step up to Mr.

Mortimer and look at him questioningly.

"Yes, of course, I'd love to." Mr. Mortimer nods curtly. "You've already met Connor, Clive and Thomas. And this wonderful gentleman here is Phillip Stanley." He points directly to his right, where a comfortably built man with a short, full beard is standing. "The name Stanley may mean something to you. His family is known for their presence in retail, catering and event hospitality."

"Yes, of course." I nod graciously and smile the mysterious smile that has always been on my sister's lips. I've heard the name Stanley before. But it doesn't mean anything to me anymore. Having spent seven years outside of magical society has left a considerable gap in my knowledge, and not everything comes back as quickly as my prejudices. I hold out my hand to Phillip. "I'm pleased to meet you."

At first glance, Phillip looked like one of those nervous guys who immediately break out in uncontrollable sweats at the sight of a woman. But to my surprise, his eyes are not glued to my cleavage, nor is his hand sticky and damp when he greets me. He looks confident and I like that.

"It's an honor," he says in a pleasantly low voice. "I hope the Cavendish brothers weren't too pushy?" He gives me a conspiratorial wink.

"I don't think they've shown what they can do yet," I reply with a grin.

"I'm sure they'll catch up soon. I prefer a little more class. It's not good to assault a woman like that. A decision as serious as the one you have to make should be made calmly."

"That's true." I sigh. At least Phillip has understood that there's more at stake than a few young men's egos. He makes a very intelligent and serene impression, and I like the way he's at ease.

"If you like, we can have a glass of wine together when we get the chance and get to know each other better without everyone staring at us." Phillip runs his fingers through his short, black hair and then looks at me calmly. He is completely at ease and not a bit nervous. In a catastrophe, he would definitely be calm and able to make sensible decisions.

That's not entirely unimportant when you're king. The story of my greatgrandfather, who lost his nerve during a fire at the seat of government in Marseille and almost threw himself out of the window, still circulates among magicians today.

"And this wonderful man is William Egerton," Mr. Mortimer interrupts my thoughts.

I look at him and look at the narrow-shouldered, slim man to his left. "I am pleased to meet you." I step away from Phillip and towards William as I gaze intently at the prince of the Egerton family. His eyes are a pale gray, and with his blond curls and glasses, he looks much younger than he probably is. His gaze flits restlessly back and forth between my eyes and my neckline. William seems to lack all the selfconfidence that Phillip can effortlessly muster. He looks so nervous that I immediately feel sorry for him.

"The pleasure is all mine," William murmurs as his gaze finally lingers on my eyes.

Then he offers me his hand. "I like playing golf."

"Um, yeah, great sport." I shake his hand, which is so wet I want to wipe my palm on my dress after he lets go of me. The boy is a bundle of nerves. Has he never had a girlfriend? Has he ever even been close to a woman? I'm pretty sure he has no experience of that.

"William's family mines natural resources," says the man standing next to William.

"He really is a good choice."

I look at him scrutinizingly. He has slicked-back brown hair, a sharply cut nose and wears a damn expensive watch on his wrist.

"And you are?" My gaze bores into his green eyes, but he remains calm, which I chalk up as a plus.

"Ferdinand Beaufort." He indicates a bow.

"He is the top student in his year," announces Mr. Mortimer.

"Congratulations." I nod at him. I like the confident look on his face and the fact that he has stood up for his hyper-nervous friend.

"Thank you." His smile is warm and I can see in his eyes that he is just dying to tell me stories in which he is the hero. There is something proud about him that fascinates me too.

"Then all that's missing is Andrew Stuart." Mr. Mortimer steps past Ferdinand and William to the table where a young man in uniform is standing. It takes me a moment to recognize the old uniform of the armed forces from the last century.

This is how the men at my ancestor's side once went into battle against the tyrant.

"The uniform suits you." I step towards him and offer him my hand.

He has long, brown hair, which he wears traditionally tied in a plait, and bows to me with a deadly serious expression on his face. "Princess Neah, it is an honor to meet you. My family is always loyal to yours."

"Thank you very much. My father will be pleased to know that after all this time there is still such cohesion among the seven noble families."

"Cohesion has never been stronger." Andrew's expression becomes even more serious. "I would go to my death for my friends."

"What wonderful words." Mr. Mortimer seems visibly moved, while I have to swallow to prevent my jaw from dropping at his pathetic voice.

Go to your death? Oh my goodness. Those days are long gone and that's a good thing.

"Now that everyone has introduced themselves, we can go to the table." Mr.

Mortimer snaps his fingers and I'm glad that I can put some distance between me and Andrew for the time being.

After we have all taken our seats at the table, the waiter serves the starter. It's a salad with prawns.

There is a moment of awkward silence as I watch the waiter at work. His movements are fluid, but what he does here is not his job. I've seen enough staff at work in my father's house to realize that he doesn't often serve food.

"Are there any words of wisdom your father has given you?" It's Clive's voice that snaps me out of my contemplations.

I turn away from the waiter with the dark blue eyes and look at Clive. He sits directly opposite me and smiles so brightly that the corners of my mouth twitch immediately.

"My father...," I say thoughtfully, stretching the words out to give myself time to make up a polite lie. My father has told me in short words that I must marry one of the seven princes and get a degree from Venturi Academy. When I objected that I didn't want to marry or study there, he reminded me that it was my duty to my family to do just that, and that he would be happy to make the choice for me and simply have Principal Mortimer mail me the diploma if I didn't go willingly.

"Well, my father was very clear about that," I finally continue. "He considers each of the seven princes suitable to take over the office of king at some point. But he leaves the choice entirely up to me. He has confidence in my decision."

"How nice," says Thomas with a thoughtful nod. "He has recognized your wisdom perfectly."

"Yes, that's probably exactly how it is." I try to remain serious while I tell the lie.

My father still resents me for not taking the path that my brother and sister took.

I hear another contemptuous snort from the darkness and this time I'm sure I haven't misheard.

For a moment I look past Clive to the pillars, where I assume the waiter has withdrawn.

But since nobody seems to have noticed anything except me, I devote myself to the food. Mr. Mortimer talks about the academic excellence of his pupils and I slowly but surely begin to suspect that either I am surrounded by prodigies who have no flaws, or that Mr. Mortimer is exaggerating the qualities of the princes.

As the dishes are cleared away, I take a closer look at the waiter. He keeps a straight face as he collects the plates. His face is smooth, his expression focused. He looks good. I only notice that now. His skin is pale and the contrast with his dark eyes and dark hair draws my gaze to him.

Is he a student? Or maybe even a possible assassin? My father warned me that I have to be more careful now. There are enemies of the monarchy out there.

They are old supporters of the decapitated king, whose ideas have survived to this day and are kept alive by a small minority with an obsession that is frightening.

These magicians call themselves the Gambinos and they are always causing trouble and trying to throw sand into the gears of the magical world.

The last assassination attempt took place fifteen years ago and the target was my brother Nox. I take a deep breath to banish thoughts of him. It wasn't the assassination attempt that cost him his life. His death ten years ago was for a completely different reason.

I try to bring my thoughts back to the present. If the waiter were an assassin, Mr. Mortimer wouldn't be sitting here so relaxed. I'm sure he's done a thorough check on the staff.

"So," I say and look around. "What can I expect at Venturi Academy in the near future?" I look around and finally get stuck on Mr. Mortimer's face.

He frowns and then smiles superficially. "I'll leave that entirely to the young princes," he replies, nodding at Connor.

Connor immediately takes the floor. He always seems to be the first person Mr. Mortimer addresses when it comes to carrying out his instructions. It's like a rehearsed choreography that I notice more and more precisely.

"We'd like to show you our faculties one by one," says Connor. "I'll start tomorrow and then Phillip will take over the day after tomorrow and so on. That way you can get to know everything bit by bit, including us." He gives me a friendly smile.

'I understand,' I say, stretching. I'm about to say that sounds good when Mr. Mortimer interrupts me.

"And after a week, you'll decide who the future king will be." Mr. Mortimer nods contentedly at me.

I look at him for a moment, dumbfounded. It's bad enough that my father tells me what to do. That Mr. Mortimer now wants to order me around in the same way makes me sick.