The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0227

“There’s one last trial before you’re fully enrolled,” dad says slowly, peeling his orange in one long strip. “And that is your academic finals. If you pass those, then I won’t fight you on returning to the Academy.”

I gasp, thrilled, leaning forward to thank my dad with all of my heart.

–

you

“But!” dad says, holding up a finger. “I won’t have it a secret anymore. not from the officials, and not from your professors. At least, those you work with. If you pass your finals, we will have a word with each of your professors. And if they refuse to work with …” he shrugs, meeting my eyes. “I’m not going to force them, Ariel. And you shouldn’t seek to either. It is…too dangerous a world, to not be working with people who are betting against you.”

I bite my lip, considering it quickly, my mind sweeping over the Captain, and Neumann, and Alvez. The last of the three, obviously rather indecently, if I’m being honest – does not have a problem with working with a young woman. But the other two…

–

“And,” dad continues, focusing on the fruit, “the boy who shot you – Wright? He has not yet gone through his tribunal for attempted murder –”

My eyes go wide as I consider that…well, yeah. That Wright broke the rules when he shot me in the stomach.

continues, flicking his eyes to me. “I want you taking no risks, Ariel. Your tests, and the room. Those are the only places I want you until

”

suddenly, giving a terse nod. “Okay, I accept

seriously and looking down

second to look around at Rafe and mom, who are both beaming at me with excitement, but then I can’t help

you, daddy,” I whisper, and a rush of warmth and joy runs through me when my

he says, pulling back to smile at my face, his own filled with a thousand emotions I couldn’t even begin to name. “I always knew you were tough, that you’d do big things. We’re…we’re very proud. You

grinning at him feeling so, so incredibly lucky to have him as

my mom as my mom, and my brother as my brother.

my feet and gesturing towards the table. “Then eat up, because your

I gasp, my eyes going wide.

corner. “Part of the joy of

after it, your finals

–

over at Rafe to see that his

his eyes meeting

have

throw myself back into my seat and begin eating as fast as I can. Rafe matches my pace as I slurp down my