The moment Monica realized that every student in the crowded cafeteria was now staring at her at their table a hot flush of embarrassment and anger washed over her.
She was the princess of the Empire a figure of grace and authority. And she was now the center of a petty public squabble a childish argument.
She took a deep steadying breath trying to regain her composure her calm. She looked at Eric. Her expression was now a mask of cold imperious disdain.
"You can have this table," she said her voice dripping with a forced icy calm.
With that she picked up her plate and turned to Alina.
"We will find another table," she stated. It was a clear non-negotiable command. She began to walk away expecting Alina to follow her without question.
But Alina seeing the futility of their search quickly grabbed Monica's arm.
"But Monica," she said her voice a low urgent whisper "there are no other tables in the cafeteria. It's completely full."
