The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 713

I lean hard against Jackson, half awake.

We’re given the rest of the day to rest with plans to ship us back to school that night. Most of my fellow Cadets and friends sleep in the tents provided for us, but I’m unable to find rest. Instead I just sit in a weird little waking coma of grief, staring into space a lot, thinking about Tony, considering how terribly unfair this world is. Hating this stupid, ridiculous war.

Hating Atalaxia most of all.

Ben comes back and we all stay close, but Jackson stays by my side like a burr. Luca too, but not in the same way Jackson does – Jacks, he tries to hide it by dampening our bond, but he’s so, so worried about me, even as I assure him again and again that I’m fine – or, at least, that I will be. He believes me – I know that he does – but still, there’s not a moment when he’s not touching me, bringing me water and snacks, predicting my needs even before I can think to want something.

Dad and Roger get on a video call with mom and Cora at some point and glance my way, talking low about bringing me back to the city for a day or two to rest and process this –

But I end that idea immediately, insisting that I’m going back to school with the rest.

“Ari,” Dad sighs, turning to me. “We’re not pulling you out – you could just rest, let your mom take care of you for a day.”

“Why aren’t you offering this to anyone else!?” I snap, casting out a hand towards all of my friends and family still in the tent with us but encompassing all the other Cadets in their tents too. “We all lost Tony, but I’m the only one you’re offering a luxury suite in the capital. Is it because I’m a girl? Because if so –“

“We’re offering it,” Roger interrupts, crossing his arms and glaring at me a little. “Because you may need it, Ariel. Don’t accuse us of things that you know aren’t true.”

I sigh, and hang my head, and Jackson quietly strokes my back.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur, shaking my head and looking at the floor. “But I want to go back to school. I want…I want to work.”

“I understand,” dad says, and I look up to see him giving me a serious nod.