The Palace Getaway

After handling all their other matters, making sure there was no trace of any evidence that would allow the princes to know they had left for ZALE, a week had already passed by quickly, and it was already the day where Lily and Emma were to go to ZALE.

Since ZALE was located on the outskirts of Zenovia, it took a few hours at the least to drive there, so they had to leave at the break of dawn.

The limousine that would be taking them to ZALE was already waiting for them, and their belongings and baggage had already been placed in its trunk.

The last thing they had to do was say goodbye. Both Lily's parents and Chloe were greeting the girls goodbye at one of the private parking lots of the palace. Chloe, no longer a maid, had much free time to herself, and if the rules didn't state a strict 'No Guests' rule, she would've followed.

Lily's parents, Mr and Mrs Carmichael had a shift in a few hours, so they didn't have time to send their only child off to ZALE.

"I'm going to miss you so much, honey. Make sure to follow the rules and take care of yourself," Chloe reminded.

Emma nodded, tears gathering in her eyes.

They wouldn't be seeing each other in a span of a few months. They'd surely miss each other.

Lily wrapped an arm around Emma's shoulder.

"Don't worry Ms Grey, I'll take care of her. That's what best friends are for, after all," she said.

Lily's own parents rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace, having not spoken anything until now.

"Oh, I can't believe my precious baby girl is going away to finishing school. What am I going to do without you?" Mrs Carmichael asked as she pulled away from the hug and caressed her daughter's cheek.

Mr Carmichael took his daughter's hands in his.

"I know you'll do just fine. But as your father, just know that I couldn't be more proud of you and what you've done. I know you'll do well and succeed, and when you return, we'll be right here to celebrate with you," he stated kindly.

He stopped afterwards, realizing a mistake.

"I know both of you will do well. I've seen you both grow up, and you'll do just fine with whatever the academy throws at you," he said, emphasising on the word 'both'.

Emma smiled. She had never met her father, so Mr Carmichael was as close to a second fatherly figure as she could get. She remembered the days of her childhood when her mother was too busy to take care of her, leaving her in the care of Mr and Mrs Carmichael, that being how she met Lily.

The private chauffeur interrupted the moment, reminding everyone, "I'm sorry my lady, but ZALE opening hours start soon, and we'd be late if we go any later than now."

Emma pouted, but rules were rules. They didn't want to be known as the two girls that were late for opening hours.

Lily nodded, sighing in defeat.

The two girls waved to their parents before entering the limousine.

Lily's parents and Chloe exchanged a glance as the two girls entered the limousine, heading back inside the palace after it had left.

Meanwhile, the two girls were admiring their surroundings. They had never been in a private limousine. A private mini-bar was located on one side of the limousine, and a bucket with ice and all kinds of champagne was located on the other. Drawers embedded into the sides of the car contained all types of refreshments and nosh.

A light meal later, and the two girls were laughing, clinking their glasses of Prosecco champagne.

"Cheers!" Emma exclaimed as their glasses clinked once again, and they both took generous sips of champagne. Never once in their life had they been treated to such luxury. But this was a first to come within many more.

"Hey, Em. What if we set some goals? Similar to a bucket list, if you will, but for ZALE instead," Lily suggested.

"That's a great idea," Emma admitted.

"So, I'll begin. My goals are to make some new friends, be one of the class' top students, and maybe get a boyfriend along the way," she said, winking while saying the last part.

"What about you Emma? Any goals? Perhaps you need a male friend that can meet along the way that can assist you with school?" She joked.

At that, Emma fought back the urge to blush.

"I guess I'd like to top the class in terms of academic studies, make some new friends, and be more social around others," she said as she shrugged.

"Maybe, you could pick up a boy there as well, who knows, the boys in ZALE are either rich, or from royalty. You never know," Lily reminded Emma.

"Lil, we're here to study, not meet other boys," Emma said, sniggering.

Lily pouted.

"You have a point," she admitted, her back now hunched.

Emma looked down, she was currently wearing a plain t-shirt, a belt and jeans that accentuated her waist. Not stylish compared to what ZALE students usually wore.

She looked at Lily, who was no different, only wearing the exact same thing she did.

"Hey Lil, do you think it's better we change into more...stylish clothing? We wouldn't want to be known as the two non-stylish students as our first impression, right?" She asked.

Lily nodded, her smile returning.

"You're right. Thank God we brought extra outfits. I'll take the light blue midi dress and you take the other outfit" she said as she pulled a small backpack from below her. She handed one bundle to Emma and winked, to Emma's confusion, keeping the other bundle for herself.

"You could change first. I don't mind waiting, Lil," Emma told Lily, who had already made it halfway to the limousine's private restroom.

"I'll be right back," Lily said as she stepped in the restroom to make a quick change of outfit.

A few minutes later, she stepped out, now wearing her new outfit.

"How do I look?" She asked, turning around with a hand planted on her hip.

"You look ravishing, Lil. You'll be one of the most stylish in ZALE for sure," Emma said as she headed towards the restroom.

When she had entered the restroom, she immediately unwrapped the bundle.

"Oh," she managed to say, finally realizing why Lily seemed so keen on giving her that package, and winking at her.