The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0923

Ella shifts her hand, stroking her palm down Jackson's cheek, loving him a great deal. "It's all going to be okay, Jackson," she whispers.

Jackson's face crumples at these words, his eyes pressing shut, his mouth trembling like he can't believe that that's true – like it's not possible that anything will be all right again.

"One step at a time," Ella says, calm and patient, taking control of the situation and looking around at all of the boys, who are all so clearly freaked out. "First of which is... Marigold?" she pitches her voice higher here, authority coming into it.

Marigold, surprised to hear her name on this strange woman's lips, quiets slightly and turns towards her, her eyes wide.

"You're very scared, Marigold," Ella murmurs, shifting her hand again to stroke over the little girl's hair. "And probably tired and confused. I understand. But you're hurting my ears. Do you think you could be a little quieter?"

To Jackson's surprise the little girl calms, still crying, hiccupping softly in his arms as she leans her head against his chest and just stares at the queen.

"See, that's already better," Ella coos, continuing to stroke the little girl's hair. "I bet you were getting tired of shouting, too."

Marigold just continues to stare, quieting further, still frightened but not screaming her head off anymore in shock and terror.

Jackson looks with surprise between the little girl and the queen like he can't believe how easily she accomplished that - like it may very well have been magic.

"I know you like your daddy, Marigold," Ella says quietly, smiling at the little girl and leaning close like it's a secret. "But his arms are getting tired. Do you think you'd like to come to me?" she opens her arms up for a hug and gives the girl the most beautiful, friendly smile.

then returns her gaze to

laugh, reaching for

right into Ella's arms, curling up in her lap and resting her head on Ella's breast as the

down at the little girl like she already loves her a great deal. "You don't have to worry about

look around the room, starting with

Ella and Marigold, baffled at the incredible change

like babies a

sighing with happiness and

to rock the little

son. "You were

think I

at Rafe,

"we have a great

all to help me. You'll all

of these big men like they're toddlers, but considering the shock and fear on their faces....well, it feels apt, doesn't it? Eagerly,

you to go to your house and get a couple of

toys, blankets

nice. And don't forget underwear, okay? Socks and shoes too soft, comfortable