CHAPTER 9 A SOUR DATE

The lunch bell rang, signaling the start of the midday break, and Laura and her entourage of loyal followers sauntered towards the school cafeteria, exuding an air of confidence and importance. As they entered the cafeteria, the other students parted, making way for the princess and her court. Laura gracefully swept into the room, her skirt billowing around her, her gaze alighting on the various tables filled with chattering students. "Let's find a table," she announced, her voice carrying easily above the din of conversation. "Certainly, Princess Laura," one of her followers, a girl named Adeline, said as she fell into step behind Laura, her tone both deferential and eager to please. "How about that table over there, by the window? It seems to be free." "Very well," Laura responded, gliding towards the empty table with her retinue in tow. As she sat down, she adjusted the hem of her skirt, her gaze sweeping the room once more. As Laura scanned the room, her keen eyes fell on ever