Page 38 of Faerie Marked

“Well, since we are all here,finally, perhaps we can begin with an introduction,” he stated.

Throughout the course of the lesson, I learned the man—Professor Hoarfrost—had a very strict hold on his classroom. There were certain things he would and would not tolerate without exception. The students around me lost points for breathing too hard, for raising their hand to answer a question and getting it wrong, and once for losing their pen on the floor and having to retrieve it.

Beneath his scrutiny my mouth went dry and would stay dry for the rest of the class.

Hoarfrost tapped a finger against the blackboard behind him and a map of the area burst into life, white lines appearing from the endless black until a clear picture formed. “Can anyone tell me what year this academy was established in the mortal realm as a separate yet equal entity to Faerie?” he asked.

I raised my hand when his attention fell on me. I knew the answer to this one; the year was clearly posted on the website. Thank goodness.

Then the pretty blond raised her hand and Hoarfrost nodded his head, ignoring me completely. “Yes, Persephone Glaski?”

Her correct answer earned her an extra fifty points. Fifty points and praise for nothing other than repeating common knowledge available to anyone who could read.

“Very good.” His smile warmed by a bit. A second rap on the board had the picture changing. “And who can tell me when we received our charter to pay for our scholarship students?”

All of us, right? Weren’t we all scholarship students?

Again, my blond bunkmate raised her hand, higher than the rest of us who knew the answer, and again Hoarfrost picked her to answer.

My stomach soured. He was clearly playing favorites. I had no doubt about it. But I had to keep my mouth shut if I wanted to stay here, safe and far away from Kendrick.

The thought certainly brought my attention back to the situation at hand.

When Persephone Glaski turned around to proudly smirk at me for her third round of extra points, I said nothing, mentally zipping my mouth shut. I kept my face blank.

Persephone was nothing but another pawn, no one I needed to worry myself over. I intended to win. Yes, I’d win.

These were the opening salvos of the battle that would either make or break me.

14

Michael Thornwood, the Crown Prince of Faerie, waited for me outside the cafeteria at three on the dot, and I wasn’t sure if I should smile at him or drop into a curtsey.

Oh God, what had I gotten myself into now?

Sunlight shone on the golden strands of his hair, hanging below his ears. His green eyes fixed on mine immediately with a singular focus twisting my stomach into warm knots. Any more time with him and I’d start to crush—if I hadn’t stepped into crush territory already. Which wasn’t a good idea. In fact, it was a verybadidea.

“Hey there, Tavi.” He raised a hand in greeting. “You’re early.”

Early? “No, apparently I’m late, since you’re already here,” I teased. “Homeroom went well for you?”

Did the rest of our professors know why the prince was here?

He shrugged, unconcerned and amazingly put-together in his dark blue jeans and red v-neck t-shirt. “My orientation ended early and I had a little time to spare. I guess it went well. It was boring.”

I didn’t know what to say to him, honestly. I hadn’t exactly been sure back when he was regular old Mike, but now? Talking to a prince, for cryin’ out loud?

“Let’s go get your suitcase,” he said. “It’s a nice day outside and I’m sure we could both use a walk and fresh air.”

“It’s not much. I can get it myself if you point me in the direction of the car.” We fell into step beside each other. Maybe I should have stayed a step behind him. Were people looking at us?

Oh,definitely.

I struggled not to wrap my arms around my chest against their attention. I really needed to shower.

“Nonsense, I’m happy to help,” Mike said with a chuckle and a twist of his lips. “And I’m not giving you the keys to my car. I’ve seen what you do to your vehicles. Can’t risk you steeringmypoor girl into a ditch.”

I couldn’t help but laugh in return. “It wasn’t my fault! I bought the worst car on the lot for this trip. I was in a hurry to get here.” Then I shut my mouth. I didn’t need to give too much away. But he didn’t press me about Big Dan, and I was grateful.

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