The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 64

I’m absolutely buzzing with energy as Jackson and I emerge through the castle door and out into the sunshine. I keep stealing glances up at him, which he either doesn’t notice or pretends not to, his defined features set in their usual harsh lines. I, however, cannot keep the smile from my face.

We walk in silence for a little bit, me struggling to keep up with Jackson’s long stride. I laugh, after a moment, when he starts to outstrip me.

“What?” he asks, glancing down and a little backwards towards me. “What’s funny?”

“Would you slow down a little?” I ask, grinning up at him. “You’ve got longer legs than I do.”

He does slow then, allowing me to catch up as he glances down at his legs as if needing to see them for proof of their length. He frowns at me as we continue along the path. “Aren’t you used to it, though? Your cousins are as big as me they must walk as fast as I do.”

–

I turn my head to the side, considering this. “I guess they…walk slower when they’re with me,” I say, folding my hands behind my back as I contemplate it. Because I’ve never, ever had to ask them to slow down, even though Jackson is right. A little rush of warmth runs. through me as I realize that they must do it naturally, always using a pace that I can keep up with when they’re around me. They’ve probably been doing it since we were kids.

Rafe and Jesse they really are the best.

–

Jackson just nods, continuing to walk forward.

“So,” I say, breaking our companionable silence. “Where do you want to go do some magic

stuff?”

“Oh, I don’t care,” he says, waving a dismissive hand. “Wherever you want.”

“Really?” I ask, looking up at him again staring freely, if I’m admitting it to myself. “Then…why did you want to come outside?”

He just shrugs. “I guess I just like it out here,” he says quietly. “Not used to being all cooped up indoors all the time.”

Chapter 64

at him. “What, were you raised in the woods, then?

He holds my gaze for a long moment – so long that butterflies develop in my stomach and I have to look away.

you want to go sit under that tree over there?” I ask, pointing towards a big black oak tree a short distance away, going stunningly orange

ground next to me. Jackson hesitates for a second and then

not very Princess–y, is it? But

hold my hand out

playing at my lips. “What do you want to try

broad palm warm against my small one. A shiver passes through me as the pulse radiates out from us, fluttering the leaves of

“You don’t care?”

looking down at

I can practice magic?” I ask, a little baffled. “Don’t you want to try anything yourself?”

up the hands between us, apparently at

own head now. And then I

ask.

chin towards me, seeing the question in my

don’t you want to tell anyone what you

serious than he was before. “Because it’s not anyone’s business

side. “Even if it can be…useful? To the nation, or whatever? I mean, isn’t that why

why you’re here?”

second, really wondering if I am. But then… “Well,” I say, looking

quietly, listening.

to the royal family, right? We’re all incredibly privileged, of course, but I hope that we use our privileges to help people as much as we can. I am here at the Academy for me, but I do hope that in the end what I do and learn here really can help our

know he understands. But otherwise, Jackson

not the same for you?” I ask, really wanting to know.

“If I’m being honest, I care more about helping my

him out.

“Smaller group,” Jackson

eyes going a bit distant

community within the nation, if that