The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0943

"No, Ariel," Jackson says, laughing a little and putting a hand on my knee. "What do you think in like, a larger sense. Do you...want to live here?"

I sit up straight in a bit of surprise. "I...do live here," I say quietly, not getting it. "This is my home."

"I mean permanently," Jackson says, turning more completely to me now with a small frown. “Like, is this where you want to be to raise Marigold? Here, where you grew up. Is that best?"

I just stare at him, realizing finally -

Stupidly -

What everyone else has probably put together.

That...that we have to live somewhere. Somewhere steady, and solid, where Marigold can go to school and have a schedule and a routine. Where she can participate in activities with other children and make friends.

But...

the Academy!" I blurt

before turning politely away and starting little mini conversations, pretending to give us time to discuss this amongst ourselves while they very clearly - at least to me - continue

before smiling softly, raising a hand to my cheek. "You go back to school, Ariel," he says, cupping my face, shaking his head at me a

gasp, smacking his hand away. "We're - we're

for a moment, his shoulders slumping. "Ariel, I have to put Marigold before my own wants right now - I have

ask, my eyes going wide in my

stares at

our room is crowded enough," Jesse says, wandering over, perfectly casual, as if we're talking about

I snarl, glaring hard at him, not in the mood for

his drink. "Touche. Problem solved. I'm in on

goes quiet as dad shakes his head, sorrow warring with firm reality on his face. "It's clearly stated in the school's rules that enrolled students are not allowed to bring family and loved ones.

young

father, just as firm and starting to get mad. "It's also a

"Exceptions were made for you, Ariel. But if we begin to throw

it ends!" I