A Tale of Ice and Fire // Modern AU (Oliver)

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

To be honest, Yassia knew it was not the worst life she was leading now. It could have come a lot worse for her than helping out in her uncle’s business. Running a boarding school was not the same as running a hotel, but over the last few months, the task had grown on her, and also the students had. There were 150 students here, all of them boarding and staying here throughout the year, apart from the few holidays of course, and boys and girls alike. Those were the some of the highest up in England’s society, sons and daughters of millionaires and the occasional member of nobility – or even royalty. Which brought her back to a minor problem that had been haunting her for weeks now. Ever since she had heard from her uncle that the school was preparing for the visit of one of its ‘sons’, none other than the Duke of *****, she had been feeling like in a bad joke. That was just her luck, right? He came to celebrate the opening of his generous donation, a hall that would be an ordinary gym in summer, but could be transformed into an ice rink as soon as the temperature outside was cold enough to justify a not too great amount of energy used to temperating the hall. It was close to the Christmas holidays and since the weather was promising for such an affair, the ice rink would be inaugurated by the students and everyone of the staff who wanted. The whole school was abuzz with excitement, and even though Yassia felt more anxious herself, she couldn’t keep from smiling when she saw the gleaming faces of the students, practically bouncing in anticipation, dropping by to talk to her.

Momentarily, Yassia even fervently wished for someone to come and keep her thoughts from wandering into one particular direction: The reason why she had mixed feelings about the young Duke’s imminent arrival. Normally, it should have been nothing to her, just another celebrity’s face that may bring cameras and attention with him, from which she, if possible, had to hide and keep her head low. But maybe, just maybe there was something more to this. Yassia still couldn’t quite shake off the inkling that the same man who would arrive here with his entourage at any moment, could be the same person that had run her over with his car, brought her to hospital and then disappeared. She could not be sure, as all she remembered of that incident was a short flicker of a handsome face framed by golden locks before she passed out, and then, several times, a voice. A few weeks before, she had seen a slightly tell-taling bulletin in one of those tabloid shows on TV, and for a moment she had been struck with the though of her savior being that very same young man… but then, it could not be possible, right? It would explain his sudden disappearance, since they had shown the Duke on a journey to the continent where he should have done some beneficial sponsor work, but had rather been spotted in nightclubs and in company of skimpily cladded girls. Which was why Yassia wasn’t be sure if she even WANTED him to be that very same man. Oh well… until she heard his voice and saw his face other than on a blurred picture, she could not be sure anyway.

Then suddenly she was pulled from her thoughts by a buzz of excitement that seemed to just turn louder and louder, and when Yassia stood up and looked out of the window overlooking the courtyard, the large double-winged gate and a bit of the sloped street beyond, she saw the royal entourage sneaking its way towards the Boarding School. They were here already!
In the same minute, she heard a low growl, followed by a curse from the adjoining room, where her uncle’s office was located. “Damn, I’m not ready yet!! I can’t seem to find my tie! And where are my black shoes?!” Yassia suppressed a smile at her grumpy and, as usual, disorganized uncle, and called back: “Shall I help you search?”
”NO!” came the immediate, sharp answer. “Someone needs to greet our high guest! And I better have it be you than this fool Bricks! Go, hurry!”
Yassia was about to protest, but then there wasn’t any objective reason that was any good why she shouldn’t go down and greet the Duke in her uncle’s name. Normally, that would have been the task of Timothy Bricker, deputy rector of the school, but while he could deal well with students, he was an absolute nightmare for social happenings such as this. It had brought him the nickname ‘Bricks’, not just by the students but seemingly by everyone, because he dropped so many.

Biting back an exasperate sigh, Yassia hurried down the several flight of stairs into the courtyard, making her way to the front of the row of students, just in time for the first car of the entourage to pull through the gate. Hiding her trembling hands behind her back, Yassia took a deep, calming breath. She had dealt with high society before, all her life to be precise, she could do this! And maybe she was wrong. She would most likely be wrong; it would not be him!


Tag: Oliver
Timeline: Modern Times, December
Time of Day: Early afternoon

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

"We have arrived, Your Grace."

Oliver, Duke of Richmond, looked up from the Game of Thrones ebook he was reading on his iPad when his assistant called his attention. He leaned closer to the window of the Jaguar XJ ride he was on, and smiled as he saw the all too familiar facade of his beloved alma mater. So many childhood and teenage memories had been created here, and it was one of the many places that the young duke hold dear to his heart. Hence, of course, his generous donation to the school this time. While he had offered money every now and then for the school, Oliver wanted a more lasting legacy. No, not one that would have his name written all over it. (He had vehemently disagreed to have his name inscribed anywhere near the new gymnasium). Oliver just wanted to give something back to the school and the educators who have molded him and have made his younger years spent at school totally memorable. The old gymnasium had seen its share of wear and tear throughout the years. He had spent most of his teenage years playing basketball with his pals there, and Oliver thought it would be a fitting gesture to give it a complete facelift--no, an extreme makeover so to speak.

And now, it was all ready to be inaugurated and opened to the students. Believe it or not, Oliver was probably just as excited as those lot peeking out of their school windows and gathering in the courtyard to try out the new place. Maybe in fact even more. He had only seen the plans of the gymnasium. He wanted to see it all for himself now. Maybe shoot some balls with the younger kids. And perhaps skate for a few rounds later in the skating rink. He had specifically made sure that nothing but top of the line, world class equipment would be bought for the gymnasium.

"Sire, remember, you have two hours here for a quick speech and a brief tour before we move on to your next--"

"Yes, Bauer, I heard it all the first time. I'm not a kid anymore you know," he said handing his iPad to his assistant and putting his gloves on just as his ride stopped.

"Sometimes you still are, you know," his assistant mumbled teasingly.

"I heard that," Oliver remarked with a playful smirk. Bauer was really more like an older brother to him that their relationship was more light and brotherly than anything. He had been taking care of Oliver since he was young boy, and Oliver had declined all other offers for a younger assistant. Well, he did have another one. Technically, he was more like his assistant's assistant.

"I got this, Ben," he told his driver as Bauer only shook his head with a smile. Oliver opened the door himself and stepped out of the car. The young duke was not really the type who wanted to be waited upon or the sort. He'd rather do things on his own if he could. His assistants, servants and bodyguards already have enough on their plate as it is. He pulled the black coat he was wearing tighter as a strong gust of wind howled by, and two of his bodyguards immediately flanked his sides as they made his way, head bowed, towards the group of students crowded around the courtyard. "Tea or chocolate?" he remarked randomly, which didn't surprise his guards at all.

"We reckon they'd offer you tea, Your Grace," one of them replied. The other nodded.

"I say hot chocolate. One day off for each of you, if you win. Otherwise, you play basketball with me later," Oliver countered with a playful smirk.

"You have a wager, sire." As it turns out, it wasn't exactly a random comment as it was a game that he and his bodyguards usually play before entering an event or something similar.

Oliver then scanned the crowd to look for the school rector or maybe even the deputy rector waiting for him, but none of them were there. A worried frown appeared on his face, hoping none of them were down with sickness with the weather being nasty and all these past few days. He noticed not one of them to be familiar...and then his eyes fell upon a young lady standing with the students, and he felt something instantly click inside his head. He remembered exactly who she was. Who could forget that beautiful face? He wondered if she remembered him at all though, the state she was in the last time they had met. Instantly, Oliver felt elated at the sight of her that it didn't even occur to him to wonder why she was in his old alma mater. It didn't matter.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Once again Yassia took a deep breath as the black limousine car – a jaguar by what it looked – came to a stop in front of the waiting assembled crowd. Now they only could wait for the Duke to step out, before any move could be made. Alright, calm down, Yass, you got this… she thought and tried to convince herself firmly. This was just another class in hotel management school, right? They had had such tests in the finals, welcoming an important guest to their hotel and treating him just like he best should be treated. She had always excelled at these kinds of tests, so why should she be nervous now? It was just one more of them, the location not being a hotel, let alone her own, but she WAS welcoming an important guest. That she might know the person was of no consequence to her now, it should not at least. The only thing she needed to remember was staying professional, yet friendly. Professional, yet friendly. She could do that, right?

Then the door of the car opened and the young Duke of Richmond stepped out, guarded against the cold with a long, black coat and gloves, and guared against possibly assaults with two shadows immediately at his side. Bodyguards… Yassia was not so sure what to make of that. She herself had had bodyguards over a few years, but she had always hated the fact. Rather than safe, she had felt trapped between two guys as big as tree trunks. But maybe he needed them?
Next to Yassia, a little girl of thirteen years had given a short gasp at the sight of the guest, and now she lightly tugged at Yassia’s sleeve, whispering: “He is quite remarkably handsome, don’t you agree, Miss Dyfrène?” Biting back a chuckle, Yassia impulsively put an arm around the girl’s shoulder and hugged her close for a second. How sweet was the innocent adoration of children! And Annabelle Morton just had a heart of gold hidden under the shell of a naïve and slightly spoilt millionaire’s daughter. She often missed her mother and have become one of those younger girls seeking comfort with Yassia, and she gladly gave it to them.

“I do agree indeed, Annie!” she said earnestly, not wanting to give the girl the impression her words were not taken at face value. And then, of course little Annie was right. Remarkably handsome… there was probably no better way to put it. The dark coat gave the young man’s golden locks a slightly darker and more sombre tinge, so that he now rather looked like a fallen angel rather than Gabriel incarnate. But then Yassia had lived too long in the world of glamour to not suspect that this was a desired and well-known effect the duke might even capitalize on. It was said after all he had quite a way with women…
Focus! She chided herself angrily, you’re not being very professional right now!
Before any awkward silence or hole in the protocol could occur, Yassia stepped forward and inclined her head. “Welcome to the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Your Grace”, she said warmly. “Or shall I say, welcome back? My uncle, the rector, will be with you shortly, meanwhile he asked me to greet you in his name and once again thank you for the generous donation you made to this school, which will be surely enjoyed for years to come.”

Quickly, Yassia scanned the requirements of protocol in her mind, deciding on what next to point out. “There will be refreshments waiting in the refectory, if you wish, tea and hot chocolate, whatever pleases you.” Risking a a glance back at some of the grinning faces in the crowd, Yassia added, dropping her voice. “Between us, there is a wager held by the majority of the school’s populace, you would not decline a taste of RAA’s traditional selfmade Yule Chocolate, but then, like I said, it is your choice entirely.”
Only then, when her piece was said, the professional mood Yassia had automatically switched on wavered a little, and she found herself faced with her initial problem. Judging from just his looks, it could be him, oh well could it be him! But she would need to hear his voice to be sure… and maybe also catch a closer look at his eyes…

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

And then she stepped forward and addressed him. Like fire from a warm and cozy fireplace, the duke allowed her soft voice to welcome him to his old alma mater. Trying not to get too distracted by her disarming smile, he tried hard to pay attention to what she was saying, although really, he was simply enjoying the dainty way with which her lips moved and he wondered what it would be like to kiss them...as he did that first time they had met. Of course, she was mostly unconscious by then, no thanks to his rather reckless driving. He made a quick mental note to speak to her about it if the time permits.

"...tea and chocolate, whatever pleases you."

He was jolted from his trance when she mentioned refreshments. He had not expected her to offer so soon. And then she spoke of a wager and the school's famous traditional selfmade Yule Chocolate. How could he resist? No hot chocolate in the world could measure up to its delectable richness and warmth.

"It's good to be back," he enthused. He was tempted to address her by her name. Yassia Dyfrène. Yes, he remembered her name. But then, he was afraid to preempt anything now. He didn't know exactly how she felt about him getting her into an accident and then abandoning her in the hospital. As much as he wanted to stay and make sure she was alright, his duties as duke had kept him away. He had his friends make sure she was well taken cared of, however. "As for the donation, I am only giving back what my beloved school had given me in the first place."

Unable to stop himself, he boldly reached a hand out to take her hand in his and brought it to his lips. When he looked up, he gave her a small smile before leaning closer and dropping his own voice as well. "Which side did you bet on?" The wager was not a surprising news actually. Where did Oliver learn the habit of wagers after all if not at RAA? They'd bet on anything from horse racing to World Cup games to who gets the most detention. And the stakes were not exactly low. They were not usually money either. Most of them were favors, some still effective after they left school, like stocks to their family's company or free weekend stays at a world-class hotel overseas. Oliver was rather interested to know which side Yassia put her money on, or if she even put anything at all.

Then he gestured towards the school entrance. "My apologies if I sound rather rude and impatient, but I think we should not subject everybody to any more of this nasty December weather, don't you think?" he said with a smile. He remembered quite well what it was like meeting dignitaries when he was still a student at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School. Some had come to visit at a time just like today. He hated it. He'd rather be warm and cozy inside with some tea or hot chocolate. Oliver wouldn't want the same fate for these students whether they are truly happy to see him or not.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

It felt like walking into a brickwall – well, minus the pain, but the impact was the same. As soon as Duke Oliver of Richmond opened his mouth and spoke, there was no mistaking him, not in a thousand years. He had been indeed the man to run her over with his fancy car, and then… most of that incident was still shrouded in mist, as she had been half-unconscious at best all the time through until she woke up at hospital. She had beem getting in and out of sleep a few times and she had remembered his voice to be there at first, though what he had told her she couldn’t recall. And there was still one factor of it all she never knew to have dreamt or truly experienced. A short moment, just a wisp in time… where she had felt warm, soft and terribly sweet lips on hers. Even to think of it now made it hard not to blush, and most of his initial words when he spoke about his old school were lost to Yassia. She heard them, but she was too occupied to listen.

What did that mean for her now, she wondered. Would he even remember? She had thought to see a spark of recignition in his eyes earlier, and she only now could place it once she was sure herself. But then again, of course he would remember her face, you didn’t run people over everyday. There was nothing else to this of course… and she had been dreaming, delirious by the painkillers when she had thought to feel a kiss. Yes! Energetically, Yassia forced herself back into the present. She still needed to represent her uncle after all and she better completed this task to her best ability.

But then the most unexpected of all happened. In an instant, she felt her hand being taken into his, and instead of an informal handshake or anything she would have expected in the split second it happened, he put her hands to his lips, like she was a lady! It was a mixture of that and the sensation of his warm lips aspirating a kiss on the back of her hand that made her gasp in surprise – along with a great amount of the watching audience! – but she did not retreat her hand. Of course not, that would have been very impolite. Then again, a detached part of her mind thought, if this is how he usually ensnares women, then there’s no question of why he is so effective. That unexpected move really could make the strongest hearts falter!
And then he got even more personal, asking her with a low voice which side she had favoured, maybe to make her think he would follow her her lead for her own sake. But Yassia would not fall for such games, right? And it didn’t matter that she now knew him to be her savior… right?! “I’ve been playing it safe and howled with the pack, Sir!” she said with a little laugh, remembering that after the first mentioning of his title, a simple ‘Sir’ sufficed. “After all…” now she dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper as well, “ever since I’ve come here I disovered RAA’s self-made chocolate to be one of the things I could not possibly resist.” Was that bordering on flirting or was it still just being ‘nice’?`Yassia did not know, all that she knew was that the eyes of the whole school and the Duke’s entourage were on them now… and Yassia only felt self-confident in the spotlight when she knew what she was doing.

So she was glad it was the Duke of Richmond saving the situation from becoming awkward, in asking to lead the congregation inside, because of the weather. Immediately, a subdued cheer rose from young throats and chests and they started to shuffle towards the entrance that would lead them up the broad stairs towards the refectory.
“Of course, you are right, Sir!” Yassia quickly said with a thankful smile and then turned round to the already moving crowd. “Try to uphold at least SOME order, will you, nens I nenes!¹” she called out rather fondly, then turned towards the duke again. “If you please would follow the pack, Sir, and I think there I see my uncle in the distance.” Shouldn’t Yassia feel relieved to have the responsibility of playing hostess lifted from her shoulders in the forseeable future? Then why was she feeling a pang of letdown at her uncle’s sight? Something must be going wrong in her brain today, there was no denying it.

¹: 'boys and girls'

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver had to admit he had felt a bit let down when, upon seeing him, he saw no hint of recognition from Yassia. But as soon as he had spoken, he knew he saw something there click. Had she been trying to recognize him through his voice? It would sound understandable as she was mostly in and out of consciousness the last time. Still, Oliver was rather happy now that he had finally registered in her mind even just a bit, and that she didn't exactly give him the evil eye or anything. Of course, they were in public. She could very well claw his eyes out once they will be left alone. Oliver decided with mirth that he'd risk it nevertheless.

He ignored her gasp as those of the crowd when he pressed a kiss on the back of her hand. Trust people to expect him to follow rules and protocol. Not that Oliver was over and above rules, he just didn't find this one to his liking. Women deserved to be respected and treated well regardless of their status. Noble or not, Oliver believes that they deserved to be kiss in the back of their hands.

“I’ve been playing it safe and howled with the pack, Sir!”

She had been playing it safe indeed. At least, she didn't tell him it was none of his business. Oliver chuckled at the thought. Somehow, he was preparing himself for the worse of her reactions towards him now that she realized clearly who he was. No, not as the Duke of Richmond, but as her assailant or something like that. "I couldn't help but agree with you there," he echoed her sentiments towards the school's self-made chocolate. Then, he boldly decided to make the most out of her kindness and seemingly civil reaction to him. "Very well then, I would be most honored to drink the famous RAA hot chocolate with you." Yes, she didn't not exactly offer that he drink it with her, but Oliver just made it so. For selfish reasons, he admitted. And he even made sure a few of the students heard him so Yassia couldn't just as easily decline. He turned to look at his two bodyguards who had considerably stepped back to give him space. Two large and hulking bodyguards who would make formidable opponents on the court when they play later. He just won their wager when Yassia practically shoved RAA's hot chocolate down his throat. Figuratively speaking, of course. Not that he minded. He actually preferred hot chocolate over tea.

"I'll follow your lead," he told Yassia and made room for the students to pile on ahead. Yes, it was clearly a dilatory tactic on his part as Oliver was keen on spending as much time as he possibly could with Yassia. He had never expected to see her again after the accident. To have her here now, Oliver was going to exploit it for whatever it's worth. Her uncle can wait. He had been constantly communicating with him through emails anyway. "I hope you didn't go through all the trouble of letting the children prepare a dance or a song for me today," he teased, his hand resting on the small of her back as they walked in after the students. He would appreciate a presentation, of course, but then having been there himself once before, he hoped the school had chosen students who actually enjoyed doing it as well. Oliver knew he had to stop comparing his own experiences as a student to what was going on now, but he couldn't help it. He hadn't exactly come to visit like this since he had graduated years ago. Had he known that Yassia would be here, he should have probably come to visit sooner, maybe even oversee the construction of the gym himself. Of course, he was determined to make amends for what he had done to her. "I remember losing a wager once when I was a student. I was forced to join the a play for a visiting foreign dignitary. It was the worst torture possible." He didn't know why he was telling her these story. They just suddenly came pouring out, like a part of him wanted to share himself to her. " Have you experienced something like that?"

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Now that she finally was meeting him face to face, and the shock had died down a bit, Yassia found herself faced with a turmoil of emotions. Shouldn’t she be angry at him, above all? He had run her over, driving too fast on a dangerous and overview-impaired forest street after all – but then she had been darting down a slope towards the same road, coming from above like deer crossing, and so she held at least part of the blame. He had taken care of her to his best ability, getting her to hospital and making sure she was perfectly looked after – and yet had vanished without a word, without a name, without an address. Now that she knew him to be who he was, that made a little more sense, but it still was a poor excuse in Yassia’s eyes. What had he been thinking, if anything at all? That she would just forget? But now, as she had finally the opportunity to confront him with it all, she found she had no idea just what to say should she be given the chance. How should she react? Or would he be the first one to bring it up? Well, she had started out nice, why not continue this line a little further and see what happened? If he had such a bad conscience about it, he would mention it.

His next move might not have been so scandalous as the kiss on her hand, but it was as unexpected. Yassia’s eyes widened for a second, but then they sparkled in poorly contained mirth. Boys! Boys indeed! Give them the little finger and they will take whole hand, or even the arm if they were bold enough. But then, there was a twist in protocol that prevented her from declining, and he probably knew that as well. It was always the call of the higher rank. What they said ought to be followed, if there wasn’t a dead good reason to act otherwise, and of course she had none. Then again, did she even want to decline? As staff, she would have normally have to abstain from this cup of chocolate, as it had been arranged all for him. Now, there was the chance she had secretly hoped for… and more.
“It would be an honor, Sir!” she accepted, adding a genuine, slightly mischievous smile to her words to make them sound more honest and less rehearsed. He probably had to listen to lip service enough in his life. Lowering her voice again, she added: “and you save me an acute assault of jealousy, which can only be fortunate.”

Again, Yassia had to hide a smile as the duke now let the students pass before him. That sly fox! He was playing this game excellently, and she couldn’t help but want to play along to it, even though she realized the tools he was using. He was just disarming this way, and, where was the harm after all? If flirting with her would benefit the school more in the end, who was she to step back from it? The only thing making her slightly uncomfortable was the hand he had placed on the small of her back. It was not displeasing, no, that it was NOT displeasing was what made her so uncomfortable. Even though she was wearing her winter coat, she imagined to feel his hand through it quite warmly, almost flaming against her skin… a dangerous paths for her thoughts to follow…
Hastily, she tried to focus on his words. “Not a song, nor a dance, no”[/color], Yassia assured, chuckling. “But a group has been working on a little choreography on ice they want to present later. They’ve been practicing for months on the municipal ice rink a few miles away, sacrificing their free time. They are psyched to show it, so no worries.”

His question took her slightly off guard, and a shadow crossed her face for a moment as she stared forward, hoping he would miss it. “I know what it is like to be forced to something you don’t want to do, if that is what you mean. And I’m also no stranger to public humiliation. But that is beside the point of course”, she finished, working on a smile, hoping to change the subject.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

For a moment there, he thought he saw hesitation. He could very well feel Yassia trying to calculate her response to his every move. He was hoping she wouldn't put so much effort into formulating a response just because he was a duke. He have had more than enough of people changing their actions and reactions towards him because of his title and not because of who he really is...a person. But of course, it cannot be helped. People know him as the Duke of Richmond and the heartless womanizer, and only a few of them know him as Oliver Leofric Strathmore, the crazy, fun-loving guy who really just want to be treated like an ordinary kid.

He had expected her to accept his offer out of courtesy, of course, but what he didn't expect was the genuine honesty in her voice. That impish little smile that accompanied it just made a mad frantic effect on the emotions inside him. He didn't know exactly what she just did to him, but he liked it. He didn't know what just hit him, but yes, he liked it very much. "The honor is all mine," he replied a tad bit timidly, seemingly out of character for him. She had completely taken him offguard with that smile and Oliver felt like he wasn't ready for it. Like all other women, he had expected her to be all coy and blushing about it, but no. She met him head on, and Oliver found that rather refreshing. He wanted more. "Jealousy? I haven't had a cup of the school's hot chocolate for ages. You may have to hold on tightly to yours or I might snatch it from you," he teased with a chuckle, enjoying this little time they were given. He wondered if they would have this same fun and light conversation had he stayed at the hospital and waited until she had fully waken up. He wondered what might have become of them if that happened.

He heaved an exaggerated sigh of relief when she told him there would be no song or dance numbers, and felt genuinely interested when she told him the students were preparing some presentation for him on ice. Now, that would be fun. "And I am now psyched to see it for myself," he replied as they finally piled into the school building after the students. "I hope this visit isn't such a hassle to you and to everyone. I don't mean to be such a disruption, but I really do appreciate all the effort that all of you are putting in." He knew he ought to save these words for later, to address to the students and to the staff of RAA, but Oliver just felt like he wanted to tell Yassia his feelings personally. Of course, he knew he would have to tell her uncle the same thing--and then maybe ask him a few more questions that are not necessarily related to the gymnasium or the school but about one particularly captivating lady that was helping him run the school.

Expecting an equally candid retelling of a fond childhood memory, Oliver once again was caught offguard by the sheer honesty in her answer. He couldn't help but feel the equal amount of intensity and pain that laced her voice when she spoke, and it made him turn his head to look closely at her. Beneath that genial countenance was a hurting person, and a crazy thing inside him made him want to reach out to her, to want to help her ease whatever it was that was casting that pall over her thoughts, to wipe away that gloom. She spoke of being forced into submission, of public humiliation, things that Oliver knew only too well living his own life. Her own dilemma was nothing as simple as being forced to sing or dance when you don't want to. It was something more. And it only made him ever more curious to know more about her. "I perfectly understand what you mean," he replied. Then a thought occurred to him, and he knew he had to take advantage of the moment. He stopped and turned to Yassia. "Would you be so kind as to spare me a little of your time later after the ceremonies? There is something of import that I needed to speak with you in private." Not soon after Oliver said the words, he felt a flash of light blind him for a split second, and he turned to see more than a dozen photographers, cameramen, and reporters now standing outside. The circus has finally arrived. Oliver gave them a small wave before practically pushing Yassia inside.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

. "The honor is all mine,"
Now that didn’t sound like his usual empty phrases as well, but it was not so much the lack of fake enthusiasm that intrigued Yassia, it was the meekness in which it was said – as if not HE was the superior in this conversation, but she was. But that, of course, was ridiculous, and she ought not to read too much into everything he did or did not do. What was it to her after all? Hmm… maybe the question should better be: what SHOULD it be to her, as it clearly had a greater impact on her than was healthy. Why couldn’t it have been anyone else donation this blasted ice rink to the school? Why did it have to be him, just as she was here? Yassia didn’t much believe in fate, even though she had done a few tarot card readings for fun back when still at the hotel management school. But this, this was simply too much to be coincidence. The question now was: who was the scene writer of this play and what were his intentions?

He seemed to catch himself quickly again though, since his next remark was as lighthearted and slightly silly as you could get. They had strayed far from protocol long since, but Yassia found she enjoyed the banter they had been starting. It had been long since she last had found a willing counterpart for wit-games and she just couldn’t deny herself the fun of giving everything back to him to her best abilities. “You can try, Sir, of course, but I’ve been in fact known to hold tight to what I think is mine!” she teased, winking. “Simple prying won’t do, and you’d have to think up a LOT of good arguments to convince me to let go. So”, she made a dismissive gesture with her hand, “hate to break it to you, but your efforts might be entirely wasted and in the meantime you might have lost YOUR chocolate as well.”

Yassia couldn’t quite keep an amused chuckle down as he showed so much feign relief for not being tortured with the usual ‘greet a duke’ ceremony. “I bet you’re being put through such things a lot!” she commented sympathetically. She had been a celebrity in her own home, but not the representative kind, having to constantly show interest in the meanest of things. No, her way had be clear, even though things had come entirely different in the end, with her father’s untimely death and the shabby intrigue spun by her uncle and cousin. She would have been the puppeteer, not the puppet led into a dance. But oddly enough it was not that that irked her most, it was the shady dishonesty the ploy had been worked with, and the stain that would remain forever on her family’s name.
“Oh no, I for myself should be honestly glad”, she disagreed with him, smiling and shrugging. “It is a welcome distraction from my everyday duties, and I’m sure most of the students think the same. After all, they’re able to miss classes and homework.”

"I perfectly understand what you mean,"
She wasn’t too sure what to think of that. Did he? Did he really? Or was he just trying to appease her. Well, judging from the yellow press, he’d had a good amount of scandals himself, and maybe he wasn’t so unfazed by them as he would like people to believe. Not wanting to push this topic much further, she just gave an uneasy smile and a nod.
His request took her quite off guard, even though she immediately understood what he was getting at. So now they were finally tackling it, their big secret. Yassia couldn’t help but wonder what he would want to say about the matter. Would he explain why he had left without a word? Would he ask for forgiveness? Or would he ask her to please please not tell anything about that to the press? Would he trust her so little? “Sure!” she said after a moment’s hesitation. “We could go into my office or something.” She had wanted to say more, but in this moment the lightning storm of picture-crazy paparazzi befell them, and instinctively, Yassia hunched her shoulders and was all too glad to be pushed inside. “Voltors!” she growled. “Vultures!”

Then Kay Griffiths, headmaster of The Royal Alexandra and Albert School, finally had pushed his way towards them, and took Oliver’s hand. “Your Grace, what a pleasure to see your face again! Welcome back to your old alma mater.” Yassia was always surprised how different her uncle could act with variating groups of people. To his students he was strict, almost inapproachable, as if he just didn’t know how to best deal with them, but when they returned as grown men and women, he knew his manners quite well.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

“You can try, Sir, of course, but I’ve been in fact known to hold tight to what I think is mine!”

He had expected another retaliation from her and he wasn't disappointed. This is most definitely the only time in all his years attending inaugurations and similar events where he was having so much fun with the welcoming party, so to speak. Some would either go silent, while some would talk so much nonsense or with all seriousness that almost often bores Oliver. But never like this. None had been so bold as to banter with him like this.

“...hate to break it to you, but your efforts might be entirely wasted and in the meantime you might have lost YOUR chocolate as well.”

Now, who could resist such a challenge. Certainly not Oliver. "Oh, I have my methods in getting exactly what I want, and right now, my eyes are set on as many hot chocolate as I can get my hands on," he replied with an impish smirk of his own. He had never looked forward with such excitement to a cup of hot chocolate in his life until now. "So consider yourself warned, and may the best man or woman win," he added, his voice turning all serious and business-like. If anyone were to hear only the last bit, they'd think that the duke and the headmaster's niece were in the middle of a rather hostile confrontation where both firmly holding their ground and not wanting to stand down. Oliver was shamelessly amused by the mere thought.

When Yassia told him that he wasn't such an inconvenience to the staff and the school at all, he gave her a smile feeling like a heavy load had been lifted off his back. He'd rather be greeted as simply as possible than cause so many disruptions that would make them wish he hadn't come to visit at all. "That's good to know. I am glad I can be a valid reason for missing classes and homework," he replied with a wink and a wide grin on his face. No, there was no sarcasm there, just pure and simple delight knowing they are looking forward to his visit just as much as he was.

Of course, she would say yes. She practically couldn't say no to a request from a duke, could she? Times like this, Oliver was glad that he had his title handy. He didn't know what he would do if Yassia would avoid being alone with him. He just needed to get the proverbial elephant in the room out of the way. "Thank you," he simply replied as the frenzy of the media outside was already distracting him as much as the foreign word that came out of Yassia' mouth. Yes, he had noticed her speak in a foreign tongue earlier. It sounded like Spanish, but it wasn't. Now, Yassia was becoming more and more intriguing by the minute. "My apologies for that," he said quickly as he saw the headmaster make his way towards them.

"Headmaster, the pleasure is all mine...well more now that I am no longer your student," he teased laughing, as he tightly clasped the older man's hand before giving him a quick hug. It was truly a great pleasure to see his former headmaster still up and about at the prime of his life, manning the school with the same fervor and commitment as he did back in Oliver's time. The headmaster was infamous among his students as a strict disciplinarian, a no-nonsense man that you couldn't easily trick nor deceive. Oliver was quite a regular in the headmaster's office for his many shenanigans. But he was nothing but truly fond of the man now. "You haven't aged a bit, still as dapper as ever."

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

"Oh, I have my methods in getting exactly what I want, and right now, my eyes are set on as many hot chocolate as I can get my hands on,"
Goodness, he was excellent, there was no denying it! Yassia couldn’t help but be impressed at his quick and witty retort, and of course there was still a little hint of flirtation behind it all, or was she imagining the playful emphasize on the words ‘right now’? Clearly, the young duke knew what he wanted and there was no doubt he usually got it as well, whatever it may be. She had been like that once, Yassia realized, and maybe she would be again, once she had been restored as heir and owner to the Dyfrène Holding. She didn’t harbor much hope her setbacks would have changed her much, after all, right now she was only lacking the opportunities to get everything she wanted. She hadn’t lied about her fighting spirit though, it was the reason she was here right now, after all. Regrouping and collecting new forces, that was her plan for now, and it eventually would lead somewhere. All she needed was a good plan to counter Guifré’s and Stephane’s viciousness and lack of scruples.

"So consider yourself warned, and may the best man or woman win,"
Yassia gave a curt nod and mimicked his tone, when she said: “We have a deal, Sir!” Only a twinkling in her eyes betrayed that she was by no means being serious in her aggressive demeanor, even though an outsider might have surely guessed that. It was all part of their game, and Yassia was enjoying every second of it! There was no saying how long it would last, but she would not let that spoil her fun now.

One thing that surprised her about the young duke though was that he seemed by no means haughty. If not for his visit here, she might have bumped into him on the street and not realized at all that he was of noble birth, or used to much luxury. His words seemed genuine enough, and there was real excitement and gratitude in his eyes; he wasn’t just faking these things for courtesy’s sake. He was quite a mystery to Yassia, as she had never quite run across someone as intriguing as him. She’d like to get to know him better, maybe solve a few of those riddles that seemed to surround him like an aura – but maybe she was walking into his web with eyes wide open and would get entangled in another scandal? The reporters outside had reminded her almost brutally of her own vulnerability. Every picture told a tale, and as such every picture was money. Whether the tale it told was right, was of no consequence.
“Didn’t you feel like that when still here?” she asked, genuinely interested, even though she couldn’t refrain from teasing him for too long. “Or were you such a dutiful student.”

Yassia only gave a curt nod and a smile at their set date, since her uncle was within earshot now. She stepped back to allow the headmaster to take over from here, even though she hoped this would not be the end of their conversation. Well… there was the chocolate and then their talk later, right? So, what was she thinking, being all jealous of her uncle now getting his attention?!
Kay Griffiths gave a grumbling snort, a very significant sound for him. It wasn’t much, but it had an unbelievable variation of meanings, and Yassia couldn’t hope to ever decipher them all. Right now he seemed rather amused though.
“You always were good with words, Strathmore!” he said, letting go of all formalities now, as if the duke was still his student. “But I hope you remember they never had much effect on me. I have a mirror in my room, thank you very much. Just so you know, I will keep an eye on you now just as I did a few years back.” And with that he even waggled his index finger.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

And a deal they had indeed. Bauer would be fairly surprised that Oliver got himself into a wager (other than with his guards) before he had even technically set foot into the school building. And once he finds that it was with the beautiful and charming young niece of the headmaster, Bauer would probably just roll his eyes. Oliver can hardly resist getting himself "involved" one way or another with a woman wherever he may be. What Bauer would probably be surprised with is the fact that this lady was not skimpily clad or fawning all over him like his previous exploits had been. Oliver didn't like to work hard to get a lady's attention. Why would he when his status would afford him anything and everything he wanted, even girls. But it seems now that he was exerting every effort possible to get this particular lady's attention. Bauer would be most interested to know why. Oliver may have told him about the unfortunate accident involving a lady, but he had not told Bauer that lady was Yassia herself. His friends and their own assistants had taken cared of things for him when he left Yassia recuperating at the hospital.

�Didn�t you feel like that when still here? Or were you such a dutiful student.�

Oliver only gave Yassia an amused grin at her question. He knew, of course, that she was just teasing him or was even merely being polite. He doubted if she was really interested about his life as a student at RAA. Even though she had accommodated him with as much courtesy as she could muster in behalf of her uncle, Oliver could see that she wasn't really as enthusiastic as other women who had been tasked to meet him. Or was she holding back? Or was she being only polite but was inwardly hating him to the core because of what the media had portrayed him to be, a womanizing, happy-go-lucky royal brat? Somehow, Oliver wanted her to really know him and not be biased by what is on the news. Somehow, it mattered to him that she knew the real him.

Genuine laughter rang through the air as Oliver listened to his former headmaster's remarks about him. He was thoroughly pleased that Sir Kay Griffiths was not treating him like some high and mighty state dignitary, but like a student. Oliver wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Again, somehow it mattered to him that Yassia was watching all this interaction, and Oliver hoped to give her a good impression of himself. "Don't worry, Sir. Rest assured that I have not spiked the hot chocolate with rhum this time. Your niece can attest to that. She had been with me since I arrived," he told him, turning his head and giving a seemingly conspiratory wink at Yassia.

He waited for them to lead him to where they were going next, trying as much as possible to contain his excitement both at tasting the school's traditional hot chocolate and at seeing the finished gymnasium. "Before I forget, your niece was asking what kind of a student I had been. I figured you would be the best person to answer that," he said as he gestured for Yassia to join him and her uncle. No, he wasn't letting her off the hook that easily just because her uncle was finally here. While Oliver liked seeing the headmaster after all these years, he also didn't want to lose sight of Yassia just yet. "Be nice now, Sir," he added obviously teasing. Yes, Oliver was starting to feel very much at home now. This was no stiff social function where he needed to conduct himself seriously. This was his old alma mater, he practically grew up here. He'd rather enjoy this visit and relive the memories and emotions of those fun times he have had as student before.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia was very much aware of all the secret or barely hidden glances she was given from those of the school’s populace who found the current happenings more interesting than the prospect of gathering in the refectory. There would be a ton of nosy questions to evade or answer later, she knew that. Most of those asking would be girls of course, and Yassia would bet the highest stakes that Annie would be on the forefront of it all. That girl had been forming the idee fixe in her head that a girl like Yassia couldn’t possibly stay without a boyfriend for long.She had tried it with the young History teacher Blakely, the caretaker’s son, the local police officer, … the list was actually endless, bless her soul. Yassia couldn’t thank her good fortune enough that until now none of the students had found out anything about the scandal and what ugly things she had been accused of. That might be partly because she hadn’t told anyone what she had been up to before coming here, and because none of the students here would understand Catalan newspapers, but especially a picture could tell more tales than a thousand words, and she was actually living in constant fear the shadow of the scandal would follow her here.

But her uncle’s strict glances ushered the lingering students inside, and soon Yassia felt a little safer. Her uncle might come across as distant and strict, but even in the short time of being here, she had already found access to his inner, softer core and didn’t feel like she was constantly put on the spot when he was around. Maybe it was because he was family, but she could even laugh about his feign strictness and rejection of vanity. He was truly the least vain man she had ever met, and he even hated he had to dress up to keep up the appearance of Headmaster of RAA. At least that was the impression Yassia had been getting, and his lateness because he couldn’t find his tie earlier, only underlined that notion. With amusement and interest, she watched the face-off between Headmaster and former Student and realized it to be the casual and friendly banter it was. Her uncle must have more affection for this young man hidden inside him than he probably knew himself, which made Yassia suddenly look at him through different eyes.
Had he really spiked the hot chocolate with rum once?! Yassia couldn’t help the amused expression that flickered over her face. It seemed like one of those typical boarding school pranks, but one only the most daring and cheeky would pull off.

Sir Kay gave his niece a long glance when she was called to testify for the Duke’s innocence. He didn’t quite know what to make of that statement. He knew the young duke well enough to know Yassia should be wary of him at best. He had been a heartbreaker even when still attending the school, and by the looks of it, matters had only gotten worse. Yassia had been through so much already and she had been fooled by a pretty face and too much trust before, and even though he didn’t know all of what happened,he knew enough to not wanting the duke near her for long… unless she herself was sure she could handle it of course. He would never try to command her in any way. She was his niece, not his daughter.
”I’m not sure if I should trust her testimony that much”, he replied, giving Yassia another sidelong glance. “There’s a rascal hidden inside her as well. Sometimes I have to remind her that she is supposed to be holding UP authority in this school, not undermining it together with the students.” His voice had been gruff and almost angry as usual, but Yassia knew him well enough to not be offended. That was just his way, his humor could often be biting.

Yassia found herself returning that wink spontaneously, even though she inwardly chided herself for it afterwards. What sort of impression was she giving here? That she was practically eating out of his palm? Certainly not! It was a good thing her uncle now seemed very inclined to give an elaborate and true answer to Duke Oliver’s teasing request of being estimated, as they were walking up the large representative staircase towards the large refectory.
”You ask the wrong person to be nice, Strathmore”, Kay Griffiths replied rather curtly. “I will speak the truth and nothing but the blunt honest truth. You were a brilliant mind and still have a smart head on your shoulders, but you let some talents go to waste, because you liked fun more than work. It is proof of just how far you could have come that you still got your ‘summa cum laude’ even though you were found out of bed four times in a row before the final examinations. That is what this man is about, Yassia”, he finished, but his niece could detect the hint of pride behind his harsh words. Many people would have overheard it and felt he had been almost insultingly rude, but Yassua knew that was his way. He always disguised praise with reprimands. Still, Yassia was interested to see how the young man would take these words and so she stayed one step behind as her uncle now entered the already crammed and buzzing refectory, leaning closer to him for a second. "That was blunt, wasn't it?"

---

o.O That was SO long, my sincere apologies, you don't have to mirror that!

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

While Oliver was hoping to get Yassia's support on him not spiking the hot chocolate, he did not expect his former headmaster to give him a rather interesting description of his own niece.A rascal, huh? Oliver thought with undisguised amusement as he took the extra effort to show a rather playfully confused face at Yassia just as her uncle told him about reminding her of her responsibilities. Of course, it didn't escape Oliver the mention of "holding up authority," and took that to mean that her uncle might probably grooming her to take over the administration of the school should the time comes. Interesting. Even though her uncle's words were reprimanding, Oliver could sense the unmistakable endearing tone in his voice. The headmaster dotes on his niece, that was pretty much obvious. Then Yassia gave him a wink in return, and Oliver's lips curved up into a geniune smile of surprise that he tried but failed to rein in. He didn't expect that. "And here I thought I finally found someone to help me win your good graces, Sir. I will seek more reputable company next time I visit," Oliver replied with a teasing twinkle in his eyes, mostly directed at Yassia. If the headmaster's words were true, Oliver, it seemed, has found himself a kindred spirit in Yassia. Yes, he was certainly looking forward to bringing out that hidden rascal in her.

He followed the crowd up the large staircase, which he remembered to lead to the refectory, without losing touch of his ongoing conversation with the headmaster. A play of emotions flashed across his face as Sir Kay gave him and Yassia his own candid account of Oliver as a student. Oliver wasn't sure if he should be flattered or ashamed. Well, right now, he seem to be feeling both at the same time. "You were a brilliant mind and still have a smart head on your shoulders." That was certainly something coming from the headmaster, and yes, it was the exact praise of his life as a student that he wanted Yassia to hear. Perhaps, she puts stock in men with brains. It wouldn't hurt to let her know he was bright enough. "...even though you were found out of bed four times in a row before the final examinations" Perhaps he should be proud that even though he was loitering about the week of the final examinations, he still graduated a 'summa cum laude'? Oliver was rather conflicted about that. And totally speechless. But as he repeated the headmaster's words in his head, he knew he could feel pride in there somewhere. Even though Oliver was infamous for his countless shenanigans, he actually liked studying and always worked hard to ace his exams. Yes, there may be the usual pressure from his parents about excelling and making the royal family proud, but Oliver never did let that singularly fuel him. He graduated top of the class because he worked hard for it, not because his parents wanted him to or because someone paid for it. The headmaster knows that more than anybody else. And Oliver actually found himself smiling shyly at the disguised compliment the older man just gave him.

"That was blunt, wasn't it?"

Yassia's voice brought him back to his senses, and he chuckled at her comment. "I was caught five times, not four," he replied with a grin, trying not to let her proximity affect him. The scent of her sweet perfume filled his nostrils, and Oliver knew instantly that it would take a while for him to forget that scent. Maybe even never. He stepped back to let Yassia step into the refectory first before following. There was so much to what the headmaster said, to both of them, that needed a lot of processing. Dang, the man for making him a little too excited now about his niece than on the new gymnasium. Oliver suddenly felt the urge to grab Yassia's arm and drag her to the nearest room where they could lock themselves in so they could talk--just him and her. But of course, Oliver had only to look at his assistant tapping his watch to know that he didn't exactly have time in his hands right now. "So I thought earlier that I could easily wrestle your hot chocolate from you, but it seems I have underestimated you. I am up against a formidable opponent...you little rascal," he whispered as he leaned in, giving her a knowing smile before leaving her there and following her uncle.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Only later it occurred to Yassia how these words by her uncle could have a certain effect on the young duke, and she wished he had chosen a few other words, maybe something more subtle. What impression was she giving here now? It might be true that she sometimes let her mischievous side get the better of her, and the students of RAA were often the cause and instigators of these moments. Yassia just had a weakness for the students, even though they were very different from the youngsters she had grown up with. Well, maybe not that different, but British high society children were just a little more swanky than those little European ones she knew, let alone Andorran ones. But below that sparkling surface they were young souls who just wanted to have as much fun as they could possibly manage in the time they were given together. Could anyone blame her for siding with them from time to time, cover for their pranks and be the one they turned to when her uncle had been a little too strict?”You’d have to really do a lot better than me to get into that man’s good graces”, Yassia gave back teasingly and divided her glance equally between her uncle and the duke. “He trusts no one, not even himself. Try Her Majesty the Queen next time maybe.”

Her uncle gave an indignant snort. “I doubt Her Majesty has nothing better to do than vouch for one of her vast family. And you better watch your tongue, my dear niece. Do a little more to earn my trust next time, then we can talk about that again.”
Yassia really didn’t want to undermine her uncle’s authority in public, but if they had been alone, she had given something spunky back, and fast. Even though she knew he didn’t quite mean it as such, his words about really not trusting her hurt a little. He could be very unloving and distant at times, and Yassia knew he had his reasons. That she looked like the spitting image of her mother, the woman that had ran off with her lover and future husband without a word, leaving the family guessing and fearing for months, perhaps didn’t quite help with that. But she left it at that and rather concentrated on how her uncle now picked on the duke instead. What she heard was very very interesting indeed and quite impressive as well. He had practically pulled an all-night party or something similar for four days in a row and had still graduated with the highest praise?! Either he was a braniac indeed, or he knew how to work his way around a few things. But then, she couldn’t be so mean as to accuse him of foul play right away. And hadn’t her uncle himself called him a brilliant mind?

Maybe she should have not leant in. She had done it so she could exchange a few low words, but now she had caught herself in his close proximity, and it brought a totally unbidden flashback to the forefront of her mind. Him leaning closely over her, his locks even brushing her face. But what she really remembered, what had caused this flashback, was his distinctive odor. It probably was a very expensive aftershave, but it fit him to a tee. Only inhaling it made her head swim and her hormons doing a flicflac. Musk, no doubt. How unfair, really, of the perfume industry to prey on the basest instincts of menkind?! Someone ought to protest to that soon! His words, his low mumured words didn’t help to keep a clear head in the slightest and she felt a shiver rund down her spine as he called her ‘little rascal’. It might have been a teasing remark only, but in these circumstances and with that tone of voice it was anything but innocent. And he probably knew that very well, prat! Mentally Yassia squared her shoulders and vowed she would NOT give him the satisfaction of giving in to him so easily. Not her! “Of course, Sir”, she whispered back as she brushed past him. “You will find me a very tough nut to crack indeed, that I can promise you!”

Had that been too obvious? Yassia was still pondering over that question when she ascended to the little platform in the refectory, reserved for the school’s staff during meals. One of the younger teachers had given up his place to make room for the Duke of Richmond, who was expected to take the seat of honor at Sir Kay’s right side. Her uncle was already standing at the table and now held up his hand to silence the buzzing crowd of students. “Ladies and Gentlemen, dear students of our very honorable Royal Alexandra and Albert School. The day we have all been waiting and preparing for for so long has arrived it seems. I ask you to give a warm welcome to our alumnus and generous donor, Duke Oliver of Richmond and Lennox etc, etc. For the sake of the schedule I’ll spare us the rest of his titles.” Laughter rippled through the refectory at these words.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

He distinctly heard her whispered confirmation to his teasing earlier on, and Oliver couldn't help but shake his head in amusement at the thought of the lovely young miss who wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to put in the last word. They weren't even halfway into their little game yet, and already the heat was burning intensely. Oliver tried not to pin it so much on the hope that he and Yassia had undeniable chemistry, but he couldn't resist it. Not all women could bravely counter him like that, rise up to his challenge with such boldness and cheekiness. He and Yassia have chemistry. He and Yassia are kindred spirits. And Oliver couldn't have been more eager and kicking to put more of that chemistry to the test.

Following Yassia to the platform, Oliver took the offered seat beside the headmaster, trying to focus this time on the task at hand. The gymnasium, yes. That was what he came here for after all. Still he tried his best to push the nagging thought of the headmaster's niece to the back of his head, but it still fought its way to the front. Oliver took a deep sigh, and concentrated hard. He needed to concentrate, yes. Yassia was becoming such a distraction, albeit a welcome one, that it was taking such an effort to put her out of his mind even for just a second. Heavens! The effect she was having on him was uncannily absurd and yet very much wanted. This is crazy!

When he heard the headmaster introduce him to the students, Oliver gave everyone a nod and a smile, and laughed with them when the old man joked about his other titles. The young duke stood up and shook Sir Kay's hand before turning to address the crowd of young and expectant students. "Thank you, headmaster. Duke of Everything Amazing should cover it all," he replied teasingly. "A pleasant cold day to everyone," he started, unconsciously turning to look at Yassia. For what, he wasn't sure. Perhaps for an encouragement of sorts? When did he ever do that during his speeches exactly? His assistant Bauer didn't miss the gesture, and only pursed his lips. He was already thinking of ways on how to clean up after Oliver should he make a mess out of this one like he did in Cyprus, the last time he was seen photographed with almost-naked women in his arms.

"I could tell you about how important education is to us and our future, but you already know that. I could tell you that school is not school if you don't have crazy fun and a healthy amount of betting going on, but I just got into a wager on my way in, and I know that you already know that." Then someone exclaimed "I won!" followed by laughter, and Oliver acknowledged the young man by saluting him. The betting has become common knowledge around RAA that nobody would be surprised to hear him mention it. After all, he was at the forefront of it during his days. "I could tell you how very dear RAA is to my heart and how it should be to yours, but my visit here is already a testament to that. So...I really don't know why I am still standing here." That elicited laughter from the crowd, and Oliver instantly felt genuinely happy, genuinely at home. "I hope you make the most out of the gymnasium and the skating rink. I would take it back if you don't demolish that building down with your basketball games and crack the ice with your shows and competitions. Use it, enjoy it. It's the least I can give back to the school that has taught me so much and made me the most amazing man the world has ever known today," he said with that impish grin on his face. "So yes, study hard, play harder." And with that Oliver gave a small bow, and took his seat to the applause and a good amount hooting from the students. He knew how speeches sit with the young crowd, he didn't want to bore them to death, so he decided to take the road they travel on and join them there. The students seemed to like it, he hoped the staff did, too. He gave his headmaster a sheepish little grin, and then turned to look at Yassia again, expectant of her initial reaction to his crazy little spiel.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

It was time for the duke’s speech now, and Yassia found her curiosity really piqued as to what he would be saying. She herself had been trained in doing speeches on behalf of the company she hoped to represent one day, and she knew how important it was to come across as genuine as possible and really catch the audience’s interest. He had it easier as he was supposed to be the only one holding a true little speech and not the last in a long row, like on a gala or something, when a dozen people practically rehashed the same things over and over again. Still, knowing him only for the young man he was, she expected something good of him, something the students, if anyone, would like. His beginning was already good, and Yassia, who had attended several rhetoric seminars, ticked off the tools he used, whether knowingly or not, in her mind. He started, quite expertly, with the Captatio Benevolentiae, capturing the audience’s goodwill. A joke was a good thing to start with and he did that by joking about his title. But of course, prat that he was, he couldn’t stay from being a little cocky about it at the same time.

As she watched him intently, she hardly noticed the steaming mug of hot chocolate that was being put in front of her and infront of everyone on the staff table. The students below were already helping themselves. Putting her fingers around her mug, she just caught the young duke looking her way while he spoke. That was quite odd. Was he seeking confirmation with her? But why should he? Why should her approval or disproval mean anything to him? Maybe he was just checking on her hot chocolate, that could be it. So, in the spur of the moment, Yassia gave a quiet nod as if to say: ‘Continue’ while her fingers twitched teasingly towards his mug. ‘I’ll take care of that one in the meantime’. Of course, she would not do it, as it would be the height of rudeness, but she hadn’t forgotten about their wager either and intended to hold her part of the bargain.

But then he carried on speaking, and Yassia found herself mesmerized against her will. It was not just the words he said, perfectly chosen to please the students and the staff alike, using the skilled tool of negation to express exactly what he wanted to say. If she hadn’t known it better, she’s suspect Duke Oliver to be one of those roman or greek orators of old, captivating their audience with their mere voices. It was just the perfect pitch of being juvenile, yet not annoyingly high, and slightly husky at just he perfect places. Yassia found herself wondering what he would sound like, if he ever chose to sing – oh stop it!! She chided herself and deliberately pressed her fingers closer against the hot mug until it hurt, so she could snap out of her craziness. He wasn’t a siren and she wasn’t succumbing to him like that, just because she liked his voice and had dreamt about it several times, before she found out who he was. It was a childish thing to do, and she would. Stop. Now!
What she could acknowledge without any danger though, was that Duke Oliver seemed to enjoy himself a great deal. He really must like this place, if he poured so much of his heart in his speech and everything. And the people liked him. She saw an almost nostalgic and certainly proud light in the eyes of some older teachers, and no students was looking anywhere than up to him. He had them all in his pocket… just like he probably had everything in his pocket.

Then he finished under the applause and shouts of the crowd, and again his gaze wandered to her. Yassia had been joining in the applause wholeheartedly – honor to whom honor is due! – but when she caught his eyes, she was biting her lower lip and shaking her head, her eyes sparkling with barely concealed mirth. Then, when she was sure she had his attention, she mouthed: ‘You’re impossible!’ in his direction. Sir Kay was intercepting this silent conversation and Yassia saw him raising one of his eyebrows, but his face was being kept deadpan. Was he irritated? Amused? Angry? She honestly couldn’t tell. Then he turned his attention to the young duke again, shook his hand and then announced. “Thank you, Sir, for this rather enlightening speech. Let us take a short reprieve and drink the traditional mug of chocolate, then we shall go towards the hall. Those who have preparations to make, make sure to hurry and leave before us!” With that he sat down and took care of his own mug.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

‘You’re impossible!’

That impish little smirk appeared on Oliver's face again when he saw Yassia's reaction. It wasn't so much her words, but the expression on her face--the laughter in her eyes--that sealed the deal for Oliver. She was pleased, Oliver convinced himself, and that was all that mattered. Well, of course, it helped that everybody in the refectory was cheering him on, students and staff alike, but it was really Yassia's reaction that was more important to him. And he was glad that, at least, she herself had joined in the applause and gave him that irresistible smile that he had grown to be exceedingly fond of.

"The pleasure is all mine, Sir Kay. I hope I didn't disappoint," Oliver replied as he shook the old man's hand, and smiled genially at him. At the sight of the steaming mug of hot chocolate before him, Oliver's head immediately darted towards Yassia and the mug in front of her. Of course, he instantly remembered their little wager. He gave Yassia a small wink before he proceeded to take a sip from his mug just as some of the students started piling out of the refectory. Oliver couldn't help but let out a small sigh as he felt the rich and creamy goodness of the drink in his mouth and down his throat. How he truly missed its taste. No matter how he and his cooks tried, no one can ever replicate the delicious taste of the school's very own hot chocolate. There was something about it that makes it unique and sweet-tasting like nothing else, and nobody knew what exactly it was that made it so. Like a greedy little kid, Oliver immediately downed his hot chocolate in a few gulps. Then he turned to one of the servers standing behind him and whispered something in her ear. A brief reaction of disbelief and astonishment flashed across the server's face but then she smiled and gave him a small bow. Oliver watched as the server moved towards Yassia and said. "The Duke wanted more hot chocolate, miss. And he specifically asked for yours." Oliver nonchalantly whistled a happy little tune as if he didn't hear what the server had said.

And since he was indeed quite determined on getting as much hot chocolate as he could before proceeding to the gymnasium, Oliver decided to flag another server to get him another mug. Surely, they wouldn't begrudge him any more of their finest beverage. It's not everyday that Oliver comes to visit after all. Seeing an unoccupied server standing by the way, Oliver raised a hand to get his attention. But it seems, the server had his mind set somewhere else, and Oliver had to turn and wave his hand a tad bit wildly to be noticed. Sure, it was conduct unbecoming of a royal dignitary to be waving about like a chimpanzee, but what does Oliver care. He was back at home in RAA, and he'd act however crazy he wanted to be.

But what Oliver didn't notice though when he did his little stunt was Bricks, the deputy headmaster, who was passing behind him with a full mug of steaming hot chocolate in his hand. Call it accident, call it clumsiness on Oliver's part, but his loud gesturing hand perfectly smacked old Bricks in the face, which in turn caused the man to lose his balance and send the steaming liquid from his mug right onto Oliver. The hot liquid splashed onto Oliver's right shoulder, drenching his shirt as it trickled rather hotly down his back. Oliver yelped both in surprise and in pain when the searing hot chocolate made contact with his skin and was now running down the length of his back. Immediately, Oliver saw Bauer running towards him, as did a few of the staff, but Oliver held his hand up and smiled at them. "I am so sorry, Bric--I mean Sir Bricker, I didn't mean to--" he said as he stood up and turned towards the man. "Are you alright? I hope I didn't hit you too hard," he apologized, sheepishly. Right now, he just didn't want to look at Yassia feeling utterly embarrassed at this spectacle. So much for their wager, and so much for making a good lasting impression on her.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Sir Kay himself still didn’t quite know what to make of everything that had happened since the young duke’s arrival. Maybe he shouldn’t have sent Yassia too the front after all? Strathmore showed a little too much interest in his young niece right now for his taste, and he had followed the duke’s history enough and knew him for too long to not know what a heartbreaker he could be. He didn’t want Yassia to fall prey for that, but then he couldn’t exactly tell her what to do. He would keep out of it as long as he could, and let her make her own decisions. He just hoped it would be the right ones, as she sometimes could be horribly naïve. She had trusted her cousin far too much, and had paid a horrible price for it. Well, maybe in the end that would make her more cautious now? He could truly, only hope so. Still, whatever Sir Kay thought about Duke Oliver and his niece, it didn’t diminish what he felt for the young man in general.”Against my firm expectations, you haven’t”, he replied in his usual offish manner, but his handshake was warm and firm. “Who knows, maybe there’ll be something to make out of you after all, if you try really hard.”

Even though she had been blessed with the invaluable opportunity to drink the RAA chocolate almost every week since the start of November, it was still a neverending wonder to Yassia. It was hands down the best hot chocolate she had ever tasted anywhere, and that was saying something indeed! The recipe was top secret and no flattery and threatening would ever be able to get it out of the main school cook, that was widely known. The students knew to savor it while they could, and so Yassia could only imagine what an effect this must have on Oliver, being able to drink it again after some considerable time had passed. From under lowered eyelids and over the brim of her mug, she watched him down his chocolate in greedy gulps, and the milk froth remaining on his lips made him look like just one of those students down in the crowd, completely adorable in a way. Shaking her head, she pryed her eyes from him, just to be approached by a server, leaning over her with a very confused look.
"The Duke wanted more hot chocolate, miss. And he specifically asked for yours." Immediately, Yassia’s hand tightened around her mug and she had the childish impulse to draw it up to her chest, hugging it close and bawling: ‘minemineminemine!’. What a devil he was! Truly, you shouldn’t let him out of sight for ONCE!

Her eyes darted over to him again, where he sat, playing all the innocent, but knowing he had won. Now he had practically asked her publicly, there was no way she could refuse. That was the problem with honored guests, they just always got their way, for protocol’s sake. Then again, Yassia knew she had promised him a fight, and so he would get one. “Oh, but I already drank from mine!” she protested with a fake regretful sigh. “I’m sure we can’t present the Duke with an already used cup! I think, he’ll like a new one far better!”
Well, that was at least one way to go about it, without giving in at once, and she wondered how well he would take it. Would he be annoyed by her ability to counter him, or would he be impressed… and just why should she care for either?
But whatever direction this little fight for dominion might have taken, for now it was put aside by a rather unfortunate accident that sent the whole High Table burst into activity like a disturbed hornet’s nest. As Yassia had been motinoring the duke, she had exactly seen it coming, but hadn’t even had time to open her mouth to cry a warning, when the duke’s hand collided with Brick’s face and he dropped his mug of chocolate on the young man, sending both crying out in surprise and pain.

Yassia jumped to her feet immediately, as did the rest of the table, but Duke Oliver stopped them in their tracks, apologizing to Mr. Bricker first. The man looked rather embarrassed, being shown in front of the whole school populace again that he deserved his inofficial nickname after all and clearly not able to say a word. But while Oliver seemed more inclined to make light of it all, Yassia’s uncle was the one to think practical. “Sir, you might want a new shirt, don’t you think? We can get you something of the uniform stack. I am sure you would like that, wouldn’t you?” And Yassia, who had seen how steaming hot the chocolate had been and how the duke bravely tried to hide his pain, added: “I’ll show him to it, uncle. It’s my office after all. And I could also give you something for your skin, Sir, should you want it.”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver was already used to the headmaster's usual aloof manner in dealing with most people, especially students, that he only chuckled at his reply. To be honest, Oliver was quite flattered to know that Sir Kay thinks so highly of him that the old man believes there is still so much he could do if he would only just put more effort into it. Truly, no other man knows Oliver better than Sir Kay, except perhaps Bauer. Not even his own parents see any sort of an untapped talent or skill that Oliver had yet to show the world or something. For a moment there, Oliver was at a loss for words. He had received a lot of praise and criticisms about the things he had done, charitable or otherwise, but none had actually given him an uncanny boost of confidence that Sir Kay just did. So he just nodded, gave the man a warm and a tad bit shy smile, as he returned his firm handshake with an equally firm one.

He distinctly heard Yassia coming up with an excuse not to let go of her hot chocolate, and Oliver was quite impressed that she was indeed as serious as he was about their wager. He pitied the server who was practically caught between the crossfire now. And it seemed she can't look Oliver in the eye anymore after Yassia declined his request. The server, however, was saved from replying or doing anything about it when Oliver smacked Bricks right in the face. While the accident had momentarily put a little ceasefire on their ongoing battle for more hot chocolate, Oliver was doing his best not to get sidetracked by it. If any, it would even be a perfect opportunity to take advantage of, with everybody's guard being down and pre-occupied with the raucous the incident had caused, especially Yassia's.

"I am really sorry, Sir," he repeated his apology to Bricks, who already had quite a reputation around school that the incident didn't help but ignite its popularity some more. Oliver felt bad for him, and he wanted to remedy that situation. "It is completely my fault. It seems I have missed the school's famous beverage more than I realized," he added chuckling. Eventually, Bricks waved him off, trying a small smile despite his obvious embarrassment, and Oliver instantly wished there was something he could do for the old man. He looked meaningfully at Bauer standing nearby, who seemed to have easily caught on what Oliver was thinking. Bauer made a note of it.

It took Sir Kay to bring Oliver back to his own predicament, his chocolate-drenched shirt. He had indeed taken quite a good amount of a hot chocolate bath there, and he was starting to feel uncomfortable as the liquid started spreading on the back of his shirt. Before he could reply with his thanks, Yassia had immediately offered to take him, and Oliver was caught between gratitude and amusement. He had not expected her to be in-charge of the uniforms, so it was quite a pleasant surprise. Then she mentioned something for his skin, which did a rather crazy number in his head. What skin? It took Oliver a while to process that she was referring to the possible burning that his skin might have suffered due to the scalding heat of the drink. Oliver had been pre-occupied with apologizing to Bricks that the situation didn't sink in until now. "Yes, please I would love that," he replied with a grateful smile and then turned to Yassia, waiting for her to take the lead. As he did, his eyes spied her unattended mug of hot chocolate. A mischievous twinkle flashed in eyes as he started to reach out towards it.