Page 106 of Spearcrest Prince

“Ending the engagement because you like this girl is about as foolish as ending the engagement for not liking her.” Father’s eyes fixed on mine, making it impossible for me to look away. “Understand, Séverin, that neither your mother nor I wish to compromise your happiness for the sake of this alliance. However, neither are we willing to ruin a mutually beneficial arrangement based on the whims and emotions of young people. So what we ask of you is this: finish the school year, and remain engaged for what’s left of it. Whatever is happening between you and Anaïs, sort it out. Resolve it. Not like a hormonal, impetuous teenager, but like the adult you are now. Then, in the summer, if you still wish to break the engagement, approach us about it again. Not with half-explanations and vague statements of emotions but with clear facts, arguments and reasons. Your mother and I will consider your request and discuss it with the Nishiharas. If you make a compelling enough case, then you may break the engagement.”

There was nothing to argue with, and I returned to my room in a pensive mood. In the morning, my father shook my hand, and my mother hugged me and kissed my cheek. They both wished me luck with my assignments and exams.

But the entire journey back, in the limo and the plane and on the way to Spearcrest, my heart was heavy as a rock in my chest.

Iarriveintheafternoon and immediately sort out the letters. My father will definitely be checking to make sure I did, and I don’t want to get into any more trouble this year. When I’m done, I return to the sixth form boys’ building to unpack my things. As for my apology letter to Anaïs, I tear it into pieces and throw it away. I won’t need it. What I want to say to Anaïs can only be said out loud, in person—no matter how terrifying the prospect is.

There was talk in the group chat of a welcome back party: drinks to celebrate the end of my exclusion. But now I’m here, I’m not in the mood to celebrate. I’m in the mood to see one person and one person only, but I’m going to have to gather my courage before approaching her.

Slumping back onto my bed, I open my phone and pull up my text chain with Anaïs.

Her face in the tiny circle is the photograph I took on the way to Scotland, the time I curled my arm around her neck and kissed her cheek.

I love looking at her face in that photo. Her slight expression of surprise, her pretty mouth rounded in a little silent gasp, her wide, dark eyes. There’s the merest hint of a blush on her face, and seeing my lips pressed against her cheek makes me feel jealous of my past self.

But then I guess I’m jealous of every version of me that ever got to touch her, kiss her, pleasure her.

There’s a knock on my door, and for a wild second, I imagine it’s her. Dropping my phone, I roll off my bed and yank the door open. Dark eyes and a bleak expression greet me.

“Hey,” Iakov says. “Smoke?”

He offers me his pack of cigarettes. One is already dangling between his lips.

I grimace at him. “Don’t smoke in my room, man.”

“Fine.” He shrugs and jerks his thumb in the direction of the fire exit door. “Come out, then.”

He turns without waiting for me to agree. I follow him down the corridor and through the fire exit door. It leads to the back of the building, where ivy covers the wall and where a narrow alley leads through a copse of trees and to the library.

Iakov stops outside the door, standing in the pool of light cast by a Victorian lamppost. He places his cigarette between his lips and hands me one. I shake my head.

“I’m alright, thanks.”

“You quit?”

“It’s a disgusting habit.”

Iakov grins like a wolf. “So’s love.”

I tilt my head and watch as he lights his cigarette, the sudden bright glow lighting his face in a sinister flash.

“You’re a romantic now, Kav?”

He shrugs and takes a deep drag. “I have eyes.”

“And what is it you think your eyes are seeing since you’re so smart all of a sudden?”

“I knew you liked that girl the moment I saw you two at that club in London,” Iakov says.

I roll my eyes. “Joke’s on you. That was my first time meeting her.”

“Yeah.”

I glare at him, crossing my arms. “So you not only believe in love but love at first sight now?”

“You liked the girl then, and you like her now.” Iakov flicks ashes into the growing darkness of dusk. “Even a fool could see it.”

“So—what are you saying? I can’t see it, so I’m worse than a fool?”

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