Taming the Rogue King

Ira and Bella

Ira and Bella

“Where is Ira?” A shrill voice screeched through the silent corridors of the expansive library.

“Ssssh!” The librarian shushed. Her angry eyes covered with a thick pair of glasses glared at the loud visitor.

“Really? Isn’t the library supposed to be closed now? It is way past 7 pm!” The same voice huffed, making Ira sigh in exasperation.

Ira looked up from the interesting book that she was reading and checked her wristwatch. Bugger! 7.20 pm! No wonder she is here! I missed my evening shopping expedition again! Bels is going to Kill me! She groaned as she heard Bella’s argument with Mrs Watson who was now lecturing Bella on maintaining the sanctity of the library.

Before Bella lost it with the old librarian, Ira decided to intervene.

“Sorry Mrs Watson, it's my fault. I forgot I was supposed to tutor Bella today. She is just angry that I did not help her with science.” Ira smirked at the lie that she had come up with. “I totally lost track of time.”

“Oh! That’s alright darling! I didn’t want to disturb you. You were reading so peacefully." She looked at Bella, "sorry, Bella, I didn’t know you wanted Ira to be with you for studies! Next time, both of you are welcome to study here.”

“Oh no, Mrs Watson. We wouldn’t want to keep you from going back home. The library is supposed to close at 7 and I have already delayed you!” Ira said quickly. She looked up at Bella. Her best friend had grown almost a foot taller than her in the last couple of weeks. Just as Ira expected, Bella looked as if she was ready to kill Ira.

“You’re alright! I don’t mind waiting in the library for longer.” The librarian smiled.

“Really old woman? Won’t you want us to be silent in your sacred library? Weren’t you just lecturing me on how I need to maintain the sanctity of this dark and depressing space?” Bella responded with a frown.

Mrs Watson shrugged and did not bother to reply, making Bella scowl.

Ira wasted no time and swiftly picked up her belongings and sprinted out with Bella at her heels.

“Sorry, Bels! I totally forgot.” Ira mumbled once they were in their room at the girls' hostel.

“That’s alright. Have your tea. I managed to sneak in some food. I am going to shower and call it a day.” Bella headed off to the bathroom.

Ira sighed. Bella was angry, and she would need to give time for her to cool down. She picked up the plate Bella had got for her from the canteen and started eating the cold but delicious soupy noodles.

The kitchen staff at the Royal Academy were very talented in dishing out delicacies from different cuisines. It was a school for rich, mysterious beings. With the kind of students the Royal Academy had, it was imperative to have good food. She knew about werewolf kids studying here. Bella was one of them. These unstable beings would have ripped the heads of the chefs if they were served substandard food.

She continued to slurp the noodles, constantly thinking how lucky she was that Bella was her friend. She was a popular and beautiful werewolf with heightened senses while Ira was just a short, plain human!

Bella hadn’t come across her wolf yet, so her senses hadn’t reached their full potential. She was actually a rogue whose allegiance was to the new King of the Rogues. Their Rogue King had helped her cover her tracks well. He and her brother had used a ton of money and connections to hide her identity.

Bella would stand up to people who would try to tease Ira for her ethnicity. She was a formidable person, and it seemed she had taken it on herself to protect Ira. For the past few years, she was Ira’s only friend, and Ira was totally content with Bella as her BFF.

Now that they were graduating from high school, Ira and Bella had decided to stay in touch. They made elaborate plans to continue their education at the University of Melbourne together so that they could remain close.

Bella was good with numbers and logic. She wanted to pursue law, while Ira was good in humanities and wanted to continue studying history and literature.

Ira was still eating when Bella walked into their room, fresh as a daisy. Her still damp, pixie cut hair stuck close to her scalp at odd angles and she looked ready to hit the sack in her comfy black T- shirt with ace attorney graphics.

Now that Bella had washed the evening off, Ira knew she would be in a better mood.

“Still angry?” Ira raised her eyebrows and asked.

“Yes!” Bella pouted. “You did not show up! We were going to go shopping! I don’t have anything to wear for my brother’s engagement!”

“So….rry!” Ira pleaded. “I lost track of time, reading.” She shrugged. “How about I help you put something together? And you can have any of my clothes.”

“Really?” Bella perked up.

“Yup!”

“Even that insanely beautiful bracelet that your sexy cousin has given you?”

“Yes, that too.” Ira laughed. “Are you planning to wear only the bracelet for the evening? You will surely scandalise the rogues attending your brother’s party.”

Bella hit Ira with a pillow. “Shut up, b***h! I have a satin dress that I can pair with your bracelet and your mega tower stilettos. Anyways, I won’t fit in any of your dresses!” Although Ira had a much smaller frame than Bella, surprisingly, their feet were the same size.

“Done. You can have them.”

Bella jumped and hugged her.

“Stop strangulating me, Bels. I love you too.” Ira laughed and hugged her back.

*****

The next day, they got ready for their graduation. Handing over the set that James had given her on her 18th birthday, Ira hugged her best friend.

Bella hugged her back. "You don't have to give this to me, darl. I will ask Ben to stop over at Adelaide." Bella said, handing Ira the bag containing her jewellery box and the shoes.

"No! I insist. I won't be able to attend the engagement although Ben did invite me and insisted I should come. I would like to be present there, through you." Ira smiled, trying to use her weird logic and convince Bella.

Today, when everyone was leaving the Academy for good, they had forgotten all about their differences. Ira was apprehensive about her future. What if she was no good at Uni? What if she was all ugly and awkward there, just like she was at her school?

Bella and Ira walked towards the grounds where everyone from their batch had gathered along with their families.

Ira awkwardly smiled at them as they waved at her. She couldn't stand the crowd. She wanted to run away from them and lose herself in her books instead.

*****