Page 20 of Royally Rivalled

She answered, not looking away. “Fourth.”

Three more students pushed through, laughing about something. No one stopped to introduce themselves.

“How many students are there down here?” I asked.

“About fourteen,” Etta answered. “Pack ‘em in like sardines. I like it, though. I prefer the basement. Better to not have light.”

What a strange girl!

My phone buzzed.

Amara

Got a table.

Amara and I were meeting for lunch.

Me

Just dropping my stuff. Be right there.

I dropped my bag and took only my pocketbook with me. Walking across the courtyard and into the big doors that led to the next hall, I found Amara. Addison College, home of business programs, appeared glamorous compared to ours. Around me, students laughed and waved at their friends. It was a new school year and a new term. Everything was in full swing.

I remember my first day on campus in Neandia feeling very different. I focused solely on striding across campus, followed by a security detail. Today, I was free. Able to walk on my own, I held head held high. I sat at the table, relieved.

“So, how did it go?” Amara asked.

“You’ll never guess who my co-teacher is,” I said.

“Jeremy?”

“God, I wish! I laughed. “No. The Dickish Duke! He treated me like I was an idiot. Makes me angry.”

“Oh, darling, don’t be. Fuck him.”

“Hedidapologise for calling me insufferable.”

“As he should!”

“And my office? It’s 14 students!”

“Not luxury accommodations?”

I took a deep breath before I dove into a rant about how ridiculous it was. If I went on a rant, I’d be an entitled princess. People like Parker Westfallwantedme to do that. I took the high road. I may be in a basement with bunches of first-year students, but I wouldn’t ingratiate myself if I went off like a diva. I accepted the assistantship because I wanted to benormaland have a job. I could busy my ass and fit in, right? Complaining did me no favours.

“It’s fine. A bonding experience.”

Amara smiled. “You’re cute. Any fit boys?”

I shrugged. “No clue. Didn’t look. Ugh… I just… looking at him glare at me and judge me?—”

“The Duke?”

I nodded. “He fully underestimated me!”

“Let’s ignore him! Let’s talk about the boys—fit boys.”

“Yes, I suppose,” I said.

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