The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 133

And I grin, and twist the handle, pressing into the room.

Dr. Neumann looks over at me, clearly annoyed. “And what emergency has kept you away today, Cadet Clark?”

“Apologies, sir,” I say, hurrying to my seat. “No emergencies. Just…lost track of time…studying.”

“Your tardiness will make itself known by a reduced grade on your next quiz, Clark” Neumann says, turning back to the board as I sit down. “Don’t let it happen again.”

And I nod, agreeing to the terms, even as I realize that…

Well. If there was another chance to spend the morning with Jackson under an oak tree, holding his hand and sharing secrets?

I’d do it again in a heartbeat, damn the price.

That evening, Jesse and Rafe come into the room late – so late that I’m already bathed, changed into a fresh uniform, and sitting on the couch with my arms crossed, glaring at the door.

“Where have you been!?” I snap the moment the door opens and they come breezing in.

Both boys stop dead in their tracks.

“What?” Jesse says, staring at me, standing stock still. “What’d we do!?”

“You let me sit here all alone!” I shout as Rafe closes the door and I get to my feet, grabbing the note I got at breakfast off the coffee table and waving at them. “And I have plans! Which you almost made me miss!”

“What plans,” Rafe asks, frowning at me as he crosses the room and snatches the note from my hand. I don’t answer, planting my hands on my hips and frowning at him, letting him figure it out for himself.

“Who…who the hell is Daphne?” Rafe murmurs.

“Daphne?” Jesse asks, perking up and coming over.

Rafe raises his eyes to mine, predictably frowning.

“She’s the seamstress, Rafe,” I sigh, snatching the note from his hands. His eyebrows lift with clarity – Jesse and I told him about that, of course. “I want to go! And she asked me to come now, and you forbid me to walk through the castle alone – so let’s go!”

“Is this invitation for one?” Jesse murmurs, grabbing the note from me and peering over it. “Or does she mention…any dukes…”

I just roll my eyes at him and continue glaring at Rafe.

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Ariel,” Rafe says, making me groan at how predictable and stubborn he’s being.

“Rafe, she’s my friend, and I already sent her word that I would –“

“Well, why did you do that when –“

“When I hadn’t asked you first? Rafe,” I sigh, looking down at my shoes, trying to figure out how to phrase this. “We are walking a very fine line here, my brother, between you protecting me and you being my jailer. Can you…can you please go a little easier on me, here? Daphne – I trust her, we trust her. And she’s my friend.”

There’s a long moment of silence, but I look up when Rafe sighs.

“Okay,” he says, running a hand through his hair. “You’re right, Ari – and if you and Jesse trust this girl, then I guess it’s time for me to meet her to.”

“No need,” Jesse says, buttoning the top button on his shirt so that he can look all sharp. “I’ll take Ariel down to Daphne’s room –“

“Oh fat chance of that,” I groan, shoving him away.

“What!?” he laughs, stumbling back a step. “She’s a nice girl! I just want to say hi and –“

“And hit on her relentlessly?”

“Yes,” Jesse says, grinning at me like a fox. “Yes, and hit on her relentlessly. God, please let me go –“

“Jesse!” I snap, smacking him again. “Don’t hit on my friends! It’s my only rule!”

He laughs blatantly in my face and Rafe joins in.