The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 73

The rest of the day passes lazily and well. Ben and Luca come back to the room with us, and we light a cozy fire. Ben stretches out in front of the hearth with his head buried in a pillow, and even though I insist that he go sleep in my little nook for a bit he protests that he’s fine. So I settle for spreading my pretty green blanket over him to keep him cozy.

Ben murmurs his thanks, and the rest of us get to work.

Well, the unhungover amongst us get to work, Rafe and Jesse settling into their chairs with books. Luca just lays his long body out on the couch, his open textbook resting on his chest, his eyes closed as he breathes peacefully.

“Budge over, couch hog.” I say, smacking at Luca’s foot.

“No,” he murmurs.

I laugh, hitting him harder, and he sighs as he cracks one eye at me, his dimples deepening as he pulls his legs up to make just enough room for me, groaning like it’s the hardest thing he’s ever done. I laugh harder as I sit down in my spot.

“How did you ever become a championship boxer,” Jesse murmurs, one eye on Luca, “when you’re such a baby?”

“Sheer talent,” Luca mutters. “Also, meaner friends you guys are really letting me go soft.”

–

“Don’t blame us for not being your jailers and your coaches,” Rafe murmurs, his eyes still on his work, “we have to do enough of that with Ari –”

“Hey!” I protest, glaring at him. He raises his eyes to me, quirking an eyebrow, and I just scowl. Because he’s…right.

As soon as I get settled on the couch Luca stretches out his legs again, draping them over my lap this time. I protest, but he ignores me, so eventually I just prop my chemistry book up on his shins and get to work.

Because honestly, I don’t mind it – I like the nearness of him, the casual touch. Joy thrums through me and I know that it’s half mine, half his. Because even though he’s sick as a dog.

there’s clearly no place either of us would be than on this couch together, casually touching. just…living our lives together.

I can’t keep the smile off of my face the whole time I study.

When Jesse gets up a few hours later to stretch and take a break, he frowns at Luca anew. “Seriously, Luc,” he says, clasping his hands above his head and bending back and forth to stretch out his arms. “I’m not trying to pry, but are you keeping in shape? Especially with this prize fight coming up over winter break –”

“What?” I ask, shocked.

“Prize fight,” Jesse says, shifting his eyes to me. “You didn’t read about it before we left?”

distracted before we left,” I say, my voice dripping with understatement, and Jesse grins, remembering how frantic I was before planning my wedding. Plus I stayed completely away from news

upon me getting accepted to the Academy as a cadet,” Luca says, opening his eyes and pushing himself up a little so that he can

Jesse says, looking at me with a little worry now. “I thought you. knew about it, Ari.”

ask, looking around at

now and nods. I shift my eyes to Ben, who doesn’t sit up but shoots

what is it?” I ask, suddenly anxious.

a…champion thing,” Luca replies with a shrug, “I’m representing Moon Valley, as both the highest–ranking boxer and, now, a

–

“Wait, stop

a hand, a little frantic now. “Why are you representing Moon Valley? Who who are you fighting?”

the Atalaxian champion, Ari,” he says softly. “He’s coming over as part of a delegation. It’s part cultural connection, part display of military prowess,

shout, appalled. Because this this is a way bigger deal than they were

“I’m happy to

–

forward and staring at him, “the

I’m going to win,” he says with a confident shrug, a little smug but also a little offended that I’m doubting

torn by my allegiance and my faith in him and half knowing that his confidence…is not going to be enough to pull him through.

of us. “Do you all seriously doubt me?” he says, his

about when it

a sigh. And I scowl, shutting my mouth because… well, because again, they’re probably right. But still! My mate, in

lifting his head to look at Luca now, “Jesse’s not wrong. been

work out every day! You’re there, you know!”

You haven’t

you aren’t doing boxing workouts. Your uncle is going to be appalled

looking down at the floor, realizing that Rafe’s

THE

what want. I mean,

from the sidelines,” Ben murmurs from

frowning around at us.

sitting back

you

alcohol, though,” Rafe murmurs, his own attention back on his book now. “It’s only going to make

laughs, promising that he will, but I’m still frowning at him when he turns his attention back to me.