- Before their lessons the next morning, the girls have to help Knut, the academy handyman, with all the basic chores and cooking.
- By the end of the week, the girls are all super excited to go home and see their families—Miri can't wait to see Marda and Peder.
- During their lesson though, Miri starts to help Gerti and gets them both in trouble—then, instead of submitting herself to Tutor Olana's punishment, she talks back and challenges her.
- Because of this, Tutor Olana says that there will be no noon meal and that none of the girls will get to go home the following day.
- All of the girls—especially Katar, one of the older girls who really wants to be princess—are angry at Miri and turn their backs on her.
- Because some of the girls doubt that a princess will really be chosen from their group, Tutor Olana shows them a beautiful gown and says that the girl who finishes as head of the academy will get to wear it when she meets the prince.
- He will still get to choose his bride, but the academy princess will meet him first and have the first dance with him.
- Miri is determined to do well and show Tutor Olana that highlander girls aren't stupid. She wants to be academy princess.