The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0799 I bury my scowl at the prospect of meeting my enemy and nod to Gabriel, letting my face break into a pretty smile like I'm excited about it. Gabriel stares at me for a moment, I think surprised, and then breaks into a dark laugh, shaking his head as he leads me away. "You can drop the front around me, Ariel," he murmurs, wrapping my arm tight in his so that I walk close at his side. "Though it is good around everyone else. Yes, let the court believe you docile and sweet."

"There is no front, highness," I say, quite light, smiling and nodding to those around us who take a moment to nod to me. "I'm very pleased to be here. You've saved me from the tyranny of my home land." He huffs a laugh and glances down at me again. "Lies. I know you for the patriot you are, Ariel."

"Patriot I might be," I say, raising my eyes to his. "But it doesn't mean I can't believe that some things are done better here in Atalaxia. We could benefit from your influence, especially in terms of our social structure and family lives."

Gabriel studies my face, I think honestly considering whether or not I mean that. And inwardly I shout my thanks to Faiza, because every inch of it was a wretched lie.

There's no time to talk on it further, though, as we arrive at the throne.

"Behave yourself," Gabriel snaps, his voice a harsh whisper, his arm tightening harshly on mine. "If you do anything to embarrass yourself, Juniper will pay."

I take a deep breath and nod, letting him know that I consent. For Juniper and Jesse - just in case he does have them - but also for myself. Because this plays into my plans as well.

I focus on the man in front of me, taking in the richly-adorned King, an old man - much older than my father - who sits straight in his throne. He frowns, suspicious and disapproving, as his eyes sweep over my form. And even though I don't dare look at anything else, I don't miss - in the corner of my vision - that a photographer steps forward and begins taking pictures.

this all go

familial relationship

crowned young man I last saw in my own

can smell it on him, sense it. Even if I cannot see his wolf in the same way that I

realize as I focus my eyes

he, too, is

loosens his grip on my arm, continuing to hand me forward so that I step to

voice low. "May I present to you

King says nothing, still frowning at me, waiting for me to

I act, my Princess training coming in quite handy now as I step forward,

highness," I say, my voice low and reverent. "Thank you for

is all at

insistence, Princess," the King

offering one hand to me.

with the rest of the dogs we captured from your nation, but my sentimental nephew is convinced he can train you up into