Chapter Text
Macy twisted and clawed against her corset, but the decision was made. According to tradition (which her father was starting), today was the day for the royals to greet the upcoming knights.
And she was not an upcoming knight.
She couldn’t stop her lower lip from trembling as she looked at the knights receiving their first real weapons to own, however much more it made her look like a helpless princess.
Aaron not so discreetly waved at her, puffing out his cheeks to make her laugh. Lance overenthusiastically bowed and Axl mouthed something about meeting for training later.
The princess hid her giggles. Layer after layer of stress peeled back like stifling makeup. By the time Macy’s best friend- and the only one above her in class- came to greet the king, her eyes were dry and she wore a relaxed smile.
To her trained eye, Clay was horribly nervous, keeping posture and taking very small steps as he approached her parents. The queen handed one of the last swords to the king, whose arms were getting tired.
“Rise, sir Morrington, junior knight!” he called heartily anyway. Clay’s eyes were wide as he accepted the sheath in both hands.
Macy peeked past her mother’s shoulder and shot him a big grin and thumbs-up.
He held her gaze for a long moment in line, seeming to still be in shock.
Her smile fell from her face as he bowed. Rather than join her as close as the ribbon barrier allowed like Aaron, Lance, and Axl, he stepped back. Holding tightly to the sword, he solemnly watched the rest of the undergraduates receive their pomp and circumstance.
Macy watched him incredulously. Weren’t they going to be knights together?
A sting shot up her ribs from the wire in her corset, answering for her.