The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0287

Daphne and I chat amiably on the way to breakfast, her telling me all the things she wants to see in the city, me giving my own recommendations. But when we turn into the breakfast room, I go a little still to see that it’s just my dad sitting at the head of the table, having a quiet cup of coffee while he scrolls through some document on his tablet.

He looks up when we come in. Daphne freezes awkwardly beside me as dad stands up, giving us both a wide smile.

“Daphne,” he says, giving her a little bow that makes her blush. “As much as I’d love to have breakfast with you as well, Ella’s set up a little something for you and the boys down the hall.” He gestures to the hallway behind her. “I think my daughter and I need a little moment alone to have a chat.”

My eyes go a little wide because…well, I mean, I don’t think I’ve done anything to be in

trouble…

But did mom tell dad I snuck out with Jackson last night!?

Does it even count as sneaking out if you don’t leave your house!?

“Okay!” Daphne says, her voice a little squeaky as she scurries out into the hall. She looks back at me anxiously, though, not knowing where to go.

the left,” I whisper, grinning at her and nodding, knowing that’s the only other room mom would use to serve breakfast. Daphne grins at me

coffee waiting

giving my dad my best innocent–Princess smile, “after our long

head, and seeing him smile allows my shoulders to unwind. “Don’t be so anxious, Ariel,” he murmurs as one of

since I was a little girl. I smile my thanks at the chef, who murmurs that she’s glad

1/2

to eat, I turn my attention back to my

trouble,” I say, scooping some of the eggs onto my toast and making a little sandwich for myself by folding

his hand, studying me.

stuff. But when I see him clear his throat and flick his gaze away, I realize

as he looks down into his coffee. “For not telling me about this

you would have locked me up,” I say, taking a bite of my eggs and

his eyes up to me. I squawk a little, horrified at the idea, and then cough a bit as toast crumbs get stuck in my throat. Dad laughs, leaning forward to pat me on the back. “Or I’ll just let your

I mutter, mouth still full, as I reach for my glass of water and take a sip, swallowing. Then

–

I we’ve always had a very special bond. And even if it is strange to talk about boys, I know that he’s got my best interests in his heart. And as we smile at each other, I