2 They Call Her Boots (2/2)

Isabelle Valois blinked slowly and scoffed. She shook her head at Ash.

”And you presume to mock me on the first snow of the season? What compels you to be so bold, Little Boots?”

Boots had been the nickname bestowed on Ash during her first few days at the Academy. She had joined the Academy at the beginning of summer and while all the students had been wearing espadrilles and light sneakers with their summer uniforms, Ash, who had no other shoes, had gone to her first day of school wearing long socks and heavy working boots.

A long-haired boy standing across from her at morning assembly had pointed at her shoes, and he had whispered about them loud enough for all the underclassmen in the back to hear him.

”Boots!” he said, eyes wide with glee.

Even before the homeroom teacher could introduce her as ”Ash Parker” to the rest of the first period class that morning, everyone in her year already knew her as ”Boots.”

While Ash had since retired the working boots she had been named after in favor of school-issued leather shoes, the name had stuck. Ash didn't mind the nickname. On most days she kept it close to her chest, wearing it like a badge of honor.

”Forgive me, My Comtesse! I meant to say 'My Lady' for I am ever at your service!” Ash said, bowing lower and bending her knees so they nearly touched the ground.

”You stupid commoner! Come here.”

Ash sighed and looked up at Isabelle. Isabelle's eyes had narrowed into angry little slits. The Comtesse tapped her expensive boots on the floor and flipped her honey brown hair over her shoulder.

”Well, hurry up!”

Ash straightened her back and smoothed down her school-issued overcoat. Isabelle had already crossed her arms in front of her chest. Ash began to walk toward the stairwell where the Comtesse was standing. Isabelle raised her chin imperiously and over her long patrician nose, she looked down at Ash.

Ash felt tired. It was too early in the morning for all of this.