Page 1 of Royally Taught
ChapterOne
Anastasia
“Stasi,” Erin whispers. “You have to speak with him. If you don’t, you’re going to flunk this class.”
The nerves in my stomach bubble, and I feel nauseous. God. I hate this. But Erin’s right, I need to do something, otherwise I’m going to fail. That’s something that can’t happen. No way. No how. I can already see the smirk that my father would have, ready to tell me he told me so.
“After class, I’ll speak with him,” I whisper back, knowing that this is the only opportunity that I’ll have.
Growing up I was taught that women in our family should be polite and do as instructed. I wasn’t allowed to have friends, wasn’t able to go to a regular school, hell, I’m lucky I even had an education. I’m not an ordinary eighteen-year-old, much to my displeasure.
I’m the daughter of King Edward Brynn of Delcia. A sovereign in Europe. It’s home to fifteen thousand people, all of whom adore my parents.
Being royalty isn’t something that I would have chosen for myself. In fact, I’m pathologically shy, I hate being around people I don’t know, and I withdraw into myself whenever I’m in a crowd of people. Something that hasn’t gone down well with my parents. They both believe that I should be happy and welcoming to everyone. I understand their point, being the princess of Delcia, I should be smiling and happy, talking to everyone, but the fear that grips me in a chokehold isn’t easy to get rid of, and it takes me a long time to recover from meeting so many people.
I’d love to hide and stay out of the spotlight, but it’s my birthright, I have to be present, and when I’m called upon, I have to be smiling and happy. The family is to present a united front. I have to do exactly as they want. It’s why I was so surprised when my father agreed for me to come here—to Brightmore University, California. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I have a feeling that my brother, Richard, was the one to change his mind.
Richard and I are closer than most siblings. We understand each other, and he knows how hard I find our life, he’s always there to support me. Being accepted into Brightmore University and having father allow me to come was the happiest day of my life, it was also the saddest, because as much as I complain about my life, I also love it. I love my family, and I love my country, I haven’t found the place I belong within both.
The one thing that I love about being here in California is that no one knows who I am. I’m like any other student, not a princess. I don’t have paparazzi taking pictures wherever I go. Delica royal family isn’t as well-known as some of the other families in the world. It’s so good to be able to walk around without having to worry about pictures being taken of me.
“Stasi,” Erin says once the lecture is finished. “I’ll meet you at lunch?”
I nod and give her a smile. “I’ll see you there.” I get to my feet and start to pack up my things slower than usual as I wait for everyone to leave.
“Professor Peterson?” I say, trying my hardest to hide the tremble in my hands and voice. He’s currently putting his laptop into his bag. “Do you have a moment?”
The man looks up at me as I grow closer to him. I’ve always had a thing for him. He’s so damn handsome. So so gorgeous. But now that I’m up close to him, I see how gorgeous he is. My breath hitches, and the air feels closer, heated by the fire that runs through my veins.
I cannot tear my gaze away from his gaze. Electricity runs through the air between us, like a current that’s ready to short-circuit at a moment’s notice.
His dark shaggy hair falls over his eye as he shakes his head. He’s wearing a dark green sweater, black suit jacket, and black Khaki pants. He’s a lot more stylish than the other professors on campus. “Of course, Ms Brynn, is everything okay?”
I stand in front of him, my hands in front of, me and I’m resisting the urge to bite my nails, something I do a lot when I’m nervous. “Um, as you know, I’m struggling with your class.”
His gaze is assessing as he watches me. “I have noticed, but it’s not as bad as it could be. With some extra work, you could catch up in no time.”
My heart beats like crazy, I’m surprised that he can’t hear it himself. “Yes, sir,” I reply and watch as his lips purse. God, why, oh why is he so damn handsome? “But I’m wondering if you knew anyone who could tutor me?”
Why do I feel so ashamed to ask that?
He takes a step back and crosses his arms over his chest as he watches me. “May I ask why you took this class?”
“I’m interested in history, sir, there’s something about learning about the world and the people who lived before us. Knowing their hardships and their sacrifices,” I shrug as I trail off. God, I sound like a nerd, something I have tried to hide, but obviously not well enough.
He gives me a sharp nod. “I have your email address, Ms. Brynn, I’ll let you know by the end of the week if the tutor is available.”
I beam at him as relief washes through me. “Oh, thank you, sir, I truly appreciate it.”
“You have the thirst for knowledge, Ms. Brynn, but you do not have the retention to keep it.”
“I know that, sir, I’m trying,” I assure him. “I’m doing my very best.”
“Very well,” he says tersely. “I’ll let you know by the end of the week. I have another class…”
I blink and shake my head. I’ve been dismissed. “Oh,” I breath. “I’m so sorry, please forgive me.” I take a step back and smile at him. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”
I feel his intense gaze on me as I walk toward the exit. My stomach filled with anxiety as to why he’s watching me. But even so, I can’t help but add a little prep in my step and sway as I walk away from him.
