The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 943

“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…

“But we have to go back to the Academy!” I blurt out, staring wide-eyed at Jackson.

Jackson stares back at me and my family goes dead quiet for a second 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 to listen with rapt attention.

Jackson is quiet for a moment 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 little bit. “It’s so important to you, I know that – and you should finish, it’s just another year –“

“Jackson!” I gasp, smacking his hand away. “We’re – we’re both going back to school! We’re both finishing Alpha Academy!”

He hesitates for a moment, his shoulders slumping. “Ariel, I have to put Marigold before my own wants right now – I have to stay here –“

“When I say it ends!” I shout, livid suddenly.

“Ariel,” my father says, his voice a low warning, scolding me like I’m a child.

But that just stokes my fire a bit more. “After everything that happened these past few months,” I growl, my own voice dropping low as I glare hard at my father. “After everything that I and Jackson did for this nation – this? This is what is causing a stumbling block to his happiness!? To our happiness!? That you just don’t let kids in the castle!?”

“I –“ my father begins, leaning forward, but I don’t let him get far, rising to my feet to glare around the room.

“This man is a hero in this war,” I snap, pointing at Jackson. “This man saved me and killed your enemy with his teeth in his neck! And this is how you show your gratitude!?” I sneer at my father, and at Roger, knowing that they’re the ones who wrote the rules.