Page 34 of The Prince from a Cruel Summer
I’ve studied the names, the family trees, the geography of the seven realms and memorized the different political systems of the old world and the new, but my peers know much more. They know who slept with who growing up, who holds grudges, and who to talk to when you want something handled discreetly. What to serve for dinner to insult a guest and get a rise out of them. What gift to bring when you visit a royal you need a favor from.
“It’s the unwritten stuff that trips me up.”
Willow raises an eyebrow. “You can’t expect to simplyinhalethe knowledge that comes with a royal childhood in the span of one week.”
“We’re still months away, but I’m already nervous about the examinations. And I heard we might get a pop quiz soon.”
“Evelyn does love a good pop quiz.” Willow waves a dismissive hand, either too aloof to worry or, if I’m reading her right, determined to pry me out of my box of anxiety. “You’re more studious than the rest of us combined. You’ll be fine.”
Her confidence gives me a small boost. “Thanks, Will. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Probably end up a pariah,” she replies with humor. “But alas, you’re stuck with me.” The legs of her chair scratch loudly against the wood as she climbs to her feet. “Now, let’s take a break and raid the kitchens for a midnight snack. We deserve it after the week we’ve had.”
Our fast friendship makes the daunting road ahead feel a little less intimidating, and I follow her to the kitchens, where the Summer sprites are more than happy to indulge their princess’ sweet tooth.
The kitchens are empty, the silence broken only by the soft sounds of our chewing. An array of fresh fruit and pastries lies spread across the long wooden table, their vibrant colors contrasting against the rustic wood. Willow and I sit side by side, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re not alone.
“Do you feel that?” I glance around the room, a peculiar sensation hovering in my stomach.
Willow’s brows furrow. “Feel what?”
“Like... we’re being watched.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, an elusive and yet powerful bite of power rippling across the room.
Just as I’m about to say more, Ezra appears behind us, his presence sudden and unexpected. “What’s this? A couple of mice stealing breakfast?”
I jump, nearly spilling my tea cup. “By Thanatos, why would you sneak up on us like that?”
Willow smiles at Ezra as though the two of them share a secret she’s not yet inclined to divulge. “Ezra loves to catch a girl off guard.”
The Prince of Light leans against the table, wearing a fitted dark shirt that highlights his athletic build, his platinum blonde hair shining in the dark. He tosses an apple in the air and catches it again. “Are you two lovely ladies doing anything tomorrow?”
I chew on a piece of fruit, trying to mask my unease.
Willow leans forward, linking her fingers over the table in a Machiavellian manner. “No. What’s going on?”
“A bunch of us are going to hang out in the labyrinth before they tear it down completely.” His blue eyes dance. “You two should definitely come. And bring along your gorgeous roommate, too, if you want.”
“I’m in!” Willow says.
I force a smile, though my heart isn’t in it. “Sounds fun.”
Ezra raises an eyebrow, noticing my hesitation. “But?”
“No buts. I’ll think about it.”
He nods, still grinning in a predatory manner that has all the alarm bells ringing in my mind. “Good.” With that, he tosses the apple again before walking out.
Willow watches him go, a smirk playing on her lips. “Ezra might be intimidating outright, but he’s a big softie.”
“That’sveryhard to believe.”
Will wiggles her brows up and down. “He likes you. I can tell.”
The rumors going around the academy about Ezra Lightbringer make Aidan sound like a timid gentleman. “Well, I have Zeke, so…”
“It’s me, girl. I know you and Zeke have some kind of arrangement. And I’m not suggesting you and Ezra should sneak behind his back, but do give him a chance at becoming friends. He’s going to surprise you.”
I doubt that. I doubt that very much.
