The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"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.

"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 you..." 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.

"So," dad 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 we get that boy out of that school."

"Okay," I say suddenly, giving a terse nod. "Okay, I accept it."

dad says, nodding seriously and looking down at his fruit and fighting his smile. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ

at Rafe and mom, who are both beaming at me with excitement, but then I can't help it

warmth and joy runs through me when my dad wraps his big arms

filled with a thousand emotions I couldn't even begin to name. "I always knew you were tough,

have him as my dad, and my mom as my mom, and my brother as my brother.

says, setting me on my feet and gesturing towards the table. "Then eat up, because your marksmanship final is

gasp, my eyes going wide.

corner. "Part of the joy of Examination is the second surprise - that immediately after it, your finals begin. Hope you studied,

Rafe to see that his face

says, his eyes meeting mine.

fast as I can. Rafe matches my pace as I slurp down my coffee and stuff