The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"Mom," I say, catching her arm and stopping her before she heads to the door. "Are you...are you mad at me?" My voice breaks a little on my question, my eyes smarting with tears as I look at her, worried. "Oh, baby," she murmurs, shock and concern suddenly on her face. "Why would you think that?"

"Because," I say, heaving a little shrug. "We - we lied to you for months. And I did something really dangerous. And I almost died, and showed up all bloody with two mates - and it must be so weird -"

Mom laughs a little, taking my face between her hands and shaking her head at me. "Oh, sweetheart," she murmurs, and then she nods. "If I'm being honest, I could have done without the blood and the near- death. But I'm not mad at you - sweetie, I'm proud of you."

My mouth twists in sudden surprise, and my eyes fill with unexpected tears. "You're - you're what?"

"Baby," she wraps me in a hug as she speaks, "you are doing something difficult that nobody has done before. And it's kind of kicking your ass!" I laugh, tears slipping down my cheeks as I nod and hug her back.

"Yeah," I reply, my voice shaking. "It kind of is."

at you," she says, pulling back and beaming into my face. "Look at you, baby! You're kicking its ass too! You are finding your way, doing something you're passionate about, and you're succeeding. Ariel, my love," her own eyes fill with tears now, "I'm so proud of you. I'd scream it from the rooftops for everyone to hear if it wouldn't get you instantly kicked

then we take a few moments to wipe my tears away before we head off to breakfast. Before we go, I tuck the little notes left on my bed into the back pocket of my Cadet uniform and prepare to go negotiate with my dad,

thought it would, right from the start. It's a short, unfrilled affair - just the four of us gathered around for coffee, and some toast and fruit, at a little folding table in

- that after I fell asleep she probably spent every minute rushing around from room to room, healing all the cadets who were injured in the Examination. I see the signs of it now

just smile, and don't call her out - because even though mom is full of jokes and would just brush it off, I know that she has the biggest heart of anyone

for the thousandth time -

basket of toast, which I grab perhaps too eagerly, loading up my plate with a serving size that is more

my mouth as I speak with my

smirks at me, and I give him a little glare before I chew and swallow, focusing