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

mini conversations, pretending to give us time to discuss this amongst ourselves while they

face, shaking his head at me a little bit. "It's so important to you, I know

away. "We're - we're both going back to school! We're both finishing

shoulders slumping. "Ariel, I have to put Marigold before my own wants right now - I have to stay here

ask, my eyes going wide in my

just stares

over, perfectly casual, as if we're talking about sports or the weather. "Where would you even propose to put a third

I snarl, glaring hard at him, not in

of his drink. "Touche.

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. Technically, enrolled

the young men can focus on their

a rule that enrolled students had to be male, but

me. "Exceptions were made for you, Ariel. But

it ends!" I shout, livid