Chapter 1: Reluctant Friendships
I race down the corridor of the university founded by my parents fifteen years ago, my arms overflowing with books and supplies. Being late would undoubtedly earn me a lecture from my mother about appearances. As I turn a sharp corner, I collide with someone, sending my belongings scattering across the floor.
“I’m sorry!” I stammer, scrambling to gather my scattered items. I glance up to find a pair of mischievous tangerine eyes watching me.
“It’s alright. I heard you coming; I just didn’t expect the corner to be taken at such a high speed.” He grins, and my cheeks burn with embarrassment.
“Uh, yeah. Sorry, I’m late for my first class. Trying not to make a terrible first impression,” I murmur, shoving the last of my supplies into my bag unceremoniously.
“What’s the class?” he inquires, peering curiously at my watch.
“Earth History 101,” I reply, double-checking my schedule to confirm.
“Lucky for us, we’re heading the same way. I believe it’s back that way,” he points towards the direction I’d come from. I sigh, frustrated at my mistake.
We walk together to the classroom, and I slide into a seat at the back. He follows suit, sitting next to me. The room falls into an awkward silence, all eyes on us—or more precisely, on him.
“Just in time for introductions. Please try not to be late; it will cost you a letter grade. What’s your name?” the professor asks, looking at him.
“I am Reuben, son of the saviors of Amazulu,” he declares. The professor’s eyes widen, and he clears his throat. My mouth pops open in shock. He just grins at me.
“And your name, miss?”
Oh no! This will set off a landmine. I was hoping to blend in. That’s now impossible.
“I am Iris, daughter of Leos and Miriam,” I say, feeling my face heat up as the professor gapes openly.
Reuben chuckles beside me, his kaleidoscope eyes twinkling with amusement.
“The founders of this institution and the legendary warrior of old?” the professor stammers.
This was not the discreet entrance I had envisioned. Instead of blending in, I was marked from the start. Growing up in the shadow of formidable parents—my mother, a renowned scientist and my father, a feared warrior of old—had always set me apart. They loved me deeply and nurtured my academic passions, yet their legacy made normalcy a challenge at every turn.
As the class finally ends, I feel a temporary wave of relief. But as Reuben had predicted, anonymity was not an option here.
“We should stick together,” Reuben suggests, his voice low as he catches up with me in the hallway. His hand gently grabbing my arm to keep up with my haste to flee the scene.
“I prefer solitude,” I reply, my pace quickening.
He laughs, a rich, deep sound that echoes slightly in the hall. “Once the word gets out—and it will—that won’t be easy. We’re both from renowned families. We won’t be influenced by each other, and we can trust there are no hidden agendas. It makes sense to watch each other’s backs.”
Reluctantly, I nod. “Alright, it’s logical.”
We shake hands, sealing our pact. By lunchtime, just as Reuben predicted, we’re the center of everyone’s attention. My attempt to maintain a low profile was futile; perhaps together, we could navigate this unwanted fame.
