Page 33 of The Prince from a Cruel Summer
Willow squints at me, and after a long pause, she finally clasps my hand. “It’s decided. I’m taking you under my wing, Beth Snow.”
“Why?”
Her smile widens. “I think you’ve got something special. Plus, my father can be such a small-minded pain in the ass. I’m sorry to say he petitioned for you to be excluded from the school the second you exited the maze.”
A flare of anger frosts my chest. If the Summer King despises the thought of me attending his fancy, elite school, I wonder how he'd react knowing his own precious son broke the rules to get me in—and seems determined to seduce me. Hells, Aidan probably wants me because he’s consciously—or unconsciously—driven to defy his father’s authority.
Willow squeezes my upper arm. “If I can help you shine, and it drives him up the wall, that’s a bonus.”
I can’t help but chuckle, Willow’s admission confirming my hunch that the Summer heirs like to rebel. “Sounds like you’ve got a plan.”
“More like a mission,” Willow says with a wink. “You havea lotto catch up on.”
Her enthusiasm is infectious, and despite the whirlwind of emotions the day has brought, a spark of excitement ignites in my ribcage. Maybe Willow can become a true friend, and having a clever, good-natured princess as an ally is not as dangerous as falling for her devil of a brother.
Dearest Stalker,
I got your charming—scratch that, overconfident—note. But in spite of your ego, I will concentrate on my studies.
Best.
Beth
Songbird,
How was your first day? In the spirit of honoring your wishes, I feel obligated to warn you about Evelyn’s love for pop quizzes. And Idris’ obsession for footnotes.
You’re welcome.
Wonder Boy
My first day went well enough, but I’m onto you, Stalker. I’ve researched the spell you use to alter your handwriting and decided to try it on for size. Do you like my new hand? And last but not least, are you really trying to buy my affections with random pointers on the teachers?
-S
If it’s the way to your heart, why not? Most importantly: is it working?
-WB
Keep it up, and we’ll see.
-S
Chapter 11
Swimming Lessons
SONGBIRD
As the moon reaches its peak, Willow shifts restlessly in her chair, tapping an absentminded rhythm on the pages of her book. "I can't believe we've spent the entire day in here.” She tosses a longing glance out the window. "Don’t you think we could use a change of scenery?"
I look up from my notes, grateful for the quiet sanctuary of the bibliotheca. "I like it here,” I say, leaning back in my chair and running a hand through my long black waves. “I can’t believe the first week is already over.”
I’ve been caught in a whirlwind of ruthless lessons and unsettling surprises, playing catch-up.
Willow chuckles softly. “Tell me about it. But you did better than you think. You’ve got more magic than most of them combined. You just need to get used to the politics and ridiculous traditions.”
I sigh, frustration creeping in. “That’s the problem. The others know who’s who and what’s what in a way that just can’t be learned from a book.”
