Page 4 of Spearcrest Knight

It’s only an illusion, but a lovely illusion. The illusion of belonging.

“How about you, Sophe?” Araminta asks.

I shrug. “Same as usual. Went to visit Mum’s family in Yorkshire. Saw some old castles. Read books. Researched universities. Nothing quite as exciting as Audrey’s scandalous affair.”

“I’m sure there’ll be plenty of opportunity for scandal this year,” Araminta says, waggling her eyebrows. “The Young Kings are running out of time on their bet to shag every girl in the year group before final exams.”

I prop myself up on my elbows, my good mood suddenly evaporated. “God! I forgot they said that!”

“At the end of Year 11, remember?” Araminta cackles. “Such a power move.”

“Such a dick move, more like,” Audrey says, shaking her head. “You couldn’t pay me to go near one of them. I’m done dating little boys.”

“They’re not so little anymore,” I mutter. I used to be taller than most boys in my year, now the Young Kings are all taller and bigger than me.

“Alright, between us girls," Araminta says, whispering loudly, "if you had to have sex with one of the Young Kings, who would it be?” She doesn't wait before continuing. “I’ll go first. Luca. He’s the biggest arsehole of them all, but that’s because I reckon he’s the most insecure. He wouldn’t want anybody to spread the rumour he’s shit in bed, so I think he would make an extra effort to make me come.”

I choke on my own breath.

“Araminta!” I stare at her in horror.

Audrey is laughing so hard she’s making my head bounce on her lap. “You really came prepared with that analysis, Minty," she says. "I can tell you’ve given this some thought.”

“Well, I’d rather be prepared,” Araminta says with a shrug. “Besides, it’s our last year at Spearcrest, and my last year in the UK. I can’t waste it.”

She has a point. I nod reluctantly, even though sex with Luca sounds like the most disgusting thing I can imagine.

“I mean we’re all going to fuck some arseholes at some point in our lives,” Araminta adds. “I might as well get mine out of the way. Set myself up for success.”

This time, even I have to laugh.

“Audrey,” Araminta continues, “who would you pick?”

Audrey thinks carefully, tapping her manicured fingers against her lips, and ends up answering, “Sev Montcroix.”

We all groan.

“He’s so… pretentious and moody,” Araminta winces. “So… I don’t know, full of himself.”

I nod. “Not to mention a total fuckboy.”

“The word you’re looking for isFrench!” Audrey exclaims. “That’s what you guys are trying to say. That’s what the problem is. He’s soFrench.”

“Yeah,tooFrench,” Araminta says, “besides, I heard a rumour he’s engaged now.”

“Engaged?” I cover my mouth. “Imagine being the poor girl who’s going to have to put up with his pissy attitude and fuckboy behaviour for the rest of her life.”

The bell rings, drowning out the girls’ giggles. I reluctantly leave the comfort of Araminta’s lap, grabbing my bag as I get to my feet.

Araminta grabs my wrist.

“Not so fast, Sophe! You owe us an answer.”

“I would tell you,” I say, “but I genuinely have to go!”

“Liar!” Araminta exclaims, pointing an accusing finger at me. “You just don't want to tell us.”

I pull a letter from my backpack and brandish it in her face.

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