Ch. 401..405: The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 401-405

Chapter 0401

 

"They're beautiful," Rosie whispers, her voice reverent as she sorts through the pages of Daphne's designs.

"I can make you one too," Daphne says, peeling her eyes from Jesse and leaning forward to smile at the girl before her, just on the cusp of her teenage years.

Rosie squeaks with pleasure and hope, her hands flying up to clasp against her chest. "Really!?"

"Yes, of course!" Daphne replies, laughing.

"What about me!?" Bella gasps, not wanting to be left out.

"You too, Bella," Daphne replies, laughing a little and focusing on the younger girl at her side. Bella grins up at her, well pleased.

"But not Seraphina," Rose murmurs, looking back down at the drawings. "She'll just get cake all over it."

"It's true, isn't it, Fifs," Jesse says quite seriously, looking down at the baby of the family, who is at most four. The baby grins up at her favorite sibling. "I don't know why we dress you at all, considering your fabric-to-food ratio."

Seraphina giggles, and smacks Jesse lazily on the chest, turning her head away towards the TV where Rose's dance game is still running. "So, your mom's asleep?" Daphne asks quietly, a little dismayed.

"Yeah, but don't worry," Jesse says, reaching out around Seraphina and deftly scooping the designs back into the portfolio before deftly closing it. Rosie immediately runs back to her game, starting it over, and Bella leans against Daphne's side, nuzzling close. "I can give it to her. With as little chocolate sauce on it as possible."

"But not none?" Daphne asks, a grin starting.

"Never none," Jesse replies, shaking his head and laughing lightly as he lifts his eyes to meet Daphne's. "Not in this house."

The two take a moment, staring at each other and smiling, before Daphne sighs and looks around. "Man, it's really nice here. So...cozy and busy. I almost wish I'd stayed here, instead of the palace."

"You've only been here for five minutes. It's very charming for five minutes. And then someone bites you." He gives Chase another playful kick, sending the boy toppling over and laughing again.

Daphne laughs, turning her eyes back to Jesse. "No one's going to bite me here. I've promised them dresses."

"Don't be too sure of that," Jesse murmurs, resting his head back against the couch, his eyes dropping a little to Daphne's neck.

And Daphne, despite herself, drops her gaze to the floor, a faint blush marking her cheeks.

"Do you know," Jesse says after a long quiet moment, his voice shifting now to speak out to all the children, demanding their attention. "I bet that Aunt Ella didn't even feed Daphne before she left this morning."

The children all gasp dramatically as one, pretending to be scandalized, immediately in on the game.

"Bad auntie!" Chase declares.

"Inhospitable!” Caleb calls from the chair, showing off his vocabulary as he drops his phone and gives up the ruse of being too cool to play.

"Oh Daphne, you poor thing," Rose murmurs, pressing a sincere hand to her heart.

Daphne bursts into laugher, looking around at all of them in shock, not getting it yet.

“We have to fix this," Jesse says, nodding sagely and holding up one hand in the air. All the children go tense, and Daphne looks around at all of them, fascinated and baffled. "Best to-go breakfast gets...ten minutes later to bedtime tonight!"

The children gasp, delighted at the prize.

"In three...!" Jesse calls, holding up three fingers and starting to count them down. "Two...!"

But he never gets to one, because Chase shrieks and leaps for the kitchen and then the rest of them are off after him, shouting, calling him a cheater, pushing and shoving each other aside to get through the kitchen door first.

Daphne bursts with laugher as she spins to watch them go, truly delighted. Jesse, beside her, laughs too.

"Bribery," he sighs, and she turns back to him. "The only efficient way to get them to leave you the hell alone for a second."

"Oh, come on, Jess," Daphne says on a sigh, leaning her head against the edge of the couch and gazing at him, just a bit. "It's very clear that you don't want to be away from them, not for a single minute."

"I wouldn't be so sure," he murmurs, studying her face quietly. "Maybe just for one minute alone with our honored early-morning guest."

Jesse lifts a hand then in the space between them. But then hesitates and quickly lowers it, tucking it tight beneath his leg like he wants to keep it from escaping. Daphne lifts her own hand, brushing the loose strand of hair out of her face, tucking it back behind her ear.

"Home today?" he asks quietly. "To see mom?"

"Mmhmm," she replies, giving a smile. "I'm excited. It will be good to see her."

"I'm sorry," Jesse murmurs, frowning a touch, "that it looks like we stole you away for most of your winter break, now that we all have to go back to the Academy early."

"I wouldn't give up a minute of it," Daphne replies, grinning, meaning it. "It's been wonderful."

"I'm tempted to beg you to stay, you know," Jesse murmurs. He slowly looses a long breath. "Even if it's unfair to your mother...I'd keep you, if I could."

 

Chapter 0402

"Don't beg," Daphne murmurs, taking a deep breath and staring at him, unblinking.

"You're not in charge, Daphne," he whispers. "I'll beg if I want to."

"Not proper, for a Duke to beg."

He smirks. "Depends on what he's begging for. And whether it's worth falling to his knees."

She laughs a little. "Surely, one more day with me isn't worth such disgrace."

"Don't undersell yourself, Daph. You're worth a great deal more trouble than that."

Silence reigns between them as the pair just stare at each other for what feels like a long, long time.

But god, what a silence. Daphne feels that if she had her sewing sheers in her hand she could cut the silence up into bits and sew it into an elaborate cloak, sell it for millions. But she wouldn't - she'd keep it whole and just wrap herself in it when she's alone. In the stillness, the peace.

It's all ruined, of course, a moment later when the kitchen door bursts open. Daphne nearly jumps out of her skin as another blush rises to her cheeks. God, when did she start blushing so much for no reason?

"Unfair, Chase!" Bella calls out, chasing her older brother, her voice thick with tears. "Jesse, he stole all the syrup!"

"It's my syrup!" Chase bites back over his shoulder, rushing into the room with a sopping wet paper bag in his hands. "Mom bought it for me -"

"Ooookay," Jesse says, instantly getting to his knees when he sees the impending disaster before him, grabbing the roll of paper towels at his side - which Daphne suspects he always keeps by his side in this house - and reaching for the dripping bag. Chase gives it to him and Jesse instantly begins to wrap it up.

"Daphne didn't even get to see it," Chase moans, his shoulders slumping as his breakfast offering disappears into layers and layers of absorbent white paper.

"But I can smell it," Daphne says, her eyebrows going up as she nods, not lying at all as the thick scent of maple fills the room. "And it is...a valiant effort. Thank you so much, Chase."

The little boy beams at her, well mollified.

At Jesse's bidding, the other four children ring around, holding out their offerings, which range from the very practical - Caleb's croissant and after- dinner mint - to the daringly creative - Bella's banana-flavored yogurt with a lollypop instead of a spoon.

But Daphne's heart tightens when she sees the last one, held out in Seraphina's tiny hands.

Just a very small, shallow desert dish, wrapped in a cloth napkin and filled with red and white jellybeans.

“Well, they're all delicious options," Daphne says, beaming around at all of the kids, “but this one, I think, will keep me full all day." Softly, she closes her hands around Seraphina's breakfast, accepting it, and the little girl gives a squeal of delight before throwing herself into Jesse's arms.

He laughs, catching his sister and giving her a big hug. "Well done, Fifs," he murmurs, giving her a kiss. "Ten more minutes before lights out, you lucky thing."

The other kids moan good-heartedly about the loss, taking their makeshift breakfasts with them as they go back to whatever they were doing before Daphne came in.

"That was so cute," Daphne sighs, grinning at Jesse even as she glances to the door, knowing that she has to go. "But, um," she looks down at the bowl and the cloth napkin in her hand. “I guess I can just...put the jelly beans in my pocket?" She moves to spill them out in her hand.

"No no," Jesse says, reaching out a hand to stop her. Daphne looks up at him in shock. "That's your bowl now. Your napkin too."

"What!?"

Jesse bursts into a grin. “It's part of the breakfast. Just take it, Daph, it's fine."

“Jesse,” she laughs, shaking her head. “I can't just take your

bowl."

"Oh no, you have to," he says quite seriously, his eyebrows going up. "You'll break her heart if you don't." He nods down at Seraphina, who likewise nods seriously, like it's a very real possibility.

"Break ma heart," Sera murmurs.

Daphne can't resist that - no one could. So she just smiles and ties the napkin in a knot, holding the whole package in her fist as she gets to her feet. "You'll make sure your mom gets that?" she asks, nodding towards the portfolio.

"I promise," Jesse says, standing with her, taking Seraphina with him, balanced on his hip. The little girl rests her head on her favorite brother's chest, perfectly content, gazing happily at Daphne as she does.

"You're the best," Daphne says with a sigh, glancing around the room at all the kids. "I wish I could stay - but I'll see you in a few days anyway."

Jesse nods happily to her and then walks her to the door. He frowns, though, when he pulls it open for her and sees the cab waiting there. "Rafe didn't send you in a car?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Rafe didn't know I left," Daphne says, looking up at Jesse and giving a casual shrug.

Chapter 0403

"What, you snuck out? Didn't...tell him?" Jesse asks, his frown deepening in his confusion.

"What did you want me to do," Daphne asks, giving him a genuine grin, "go knocking on bedroom doors and wake everyone up just to tell them I'm leaving? It is very early, Jesse, even if you keep psychotic child hours."

"No, definitely don't want you...knocking on doors..." Jesse murmurs, studying her for a moment as he processes the subtle information about closed doors and sleeping arrangements in the Palace last night. Then he works hard to fight a pleased smirk and turns his face away, lifting his chin towards the cab and starting over towards it. Daphne follows, suppressing her own grin.

As Daphne pulls the back door open and settles her breakfast inside a small pocket in her bag, Jesse knocks on the cabby's window and has a quick exchange with the driver. Then he comes around, still holding Seraphina up against his chest, and leans down to give Daphne a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Safe journey, Daphne," Jesse murmurs, standing straight and giving her a sad little smile, like he really does wish she could stay.

"Happy Midwinter, Jess," she replies, beaming up at him.

"Byebye," Seraphina whispers, giving a little wave, and Daphne laughs, leaning forward to give the little girl a kiss on the cheek before she hops into the cab and Jesse closes the door shut after her. Daphne looks backwards as the cab pulls away, a little too pleased to see that Jesse and the little girl still stand in the driveway, watching her go.

Then her eyes glaze over and Daphne loses herself in thought for the next twenty minutes. Deep thoughts - about...possibilities, and her life, and her future. And what it is that she really, really wants. When the taxi comes to a stop and the cabby clears his throat, Daphne blinks back to herself and is shocked to realize that they're already at the station.

"Oh," Daphne says, straightening up, embarrassed. "Sorry, sir. How much do I owe you?" She reaches for her bag, knowing her wallet is inside. “Nothing, miss,” the cabby says, his voice very, very happy. "The young Duke paid for your journey - tipped me so heartily that I don't even have to work the rest of the day, or tomorrow. Can just...spend the holiday with my kids."

Daphne's mouth hangs open for a second as she stares at the cabby, shocked, but he just grins at her and she presses her jaw shut, blushing again. "Well, then I hope you enjoy it!" Daphne says, truly meaning it as she reaches for the door handle and starts to press it open and step outside. "You too, miss! A happy holiday to you as well!"

Daphne shakes her head a little as the cab pulls away, pulling her bag up onto her shoulder and sighing, thinking of the mystery of a too-generous, too-caring boy who wants everyone to believe the opposite of him.

And with that thought heavy on her mind, Daphne turns towards the train station and starts on her journey home.

Mom bans all war talk for thirty-six hours.

"In honor of the gods!" she says at breakfast, staring around at us all like we're blasphemous heathens. But every single one of us - Jackson alone perhaps excepted - just smirks at her, because we know her real reasons. Mom loves the holidays and won't let anything spoil her good time. Not even the impending threat of war and destruction.

The morning passes cheerfully, as midwinter eve always does - with a big breakfast, and then decorating the living room with fresh pine boughs brought in from the forest, and stacking the wood high in the hearth. We can't have our own traditional bonfire, after all – not inside, at least – but fire is a very traditional part of the holiday, and I intend to keep it burning for all twenty-four hours of midwinter. It's tradition, and it's been my job since I was a little kid.

Still, as the hours slip past and the sun starts to sink towards the horizon, I bite my lip, glancing surreptitiously at the clock.

"Just go," Jackson says, kneeling next to me at the fireplace, handing me little sprays of pine that I'm tucking between the logs so that the fire will smell all balsamy and fresh.

“What?” I ask, spinning to stare at him with wide eyes.

"You think I use this Alpha hearing for nothing?" Jackson says, smirking at me and gesturing towards his ear. "I know Luca asked you to take a few hours with him this afternoon. It's fine, Ariel, no one will care - just...go get ready and take the time you need."

 

Chapter 0404

I gasp a little, pretending to be more scandalized than I am at his evesdropping. But then my shoulders slump and I glance over to where my parents are sitting, mom finishing up wrapping some of the presents that we'll open tomorrow.

"Luca kind of got in trouble with my dad yesterday," I whisper, anxious.

"So, what, you don't think your dad's going to let you go?" Jackson asks, likewise looking over at my parents, frowning like he kind of doubts it.

"No," I say with a sigh, slumping back on my butt and resting my weight back on my hands. "I just...wish we had peace."

"It'll work out," Jackson murmurs, reaching out to tuck a sprig of pine behind my ear. But I don't miss that his wrist, just too casually, brushes against my neck as he drops his hand.

gasp, smacking at his arm. "Jackson!" I growl. "Did you just scent mark me!? Again!?"

"Whatttt?" he asks, playing dumb. "No!"

"You liar," I hiss, but I can't help laughing as I lean forward towards him.

Jackson growls too and grabs me, pulling me into his lap. I laugh, curling up with him there and smiling up at him. "You don't mind if I go? Leave you here all alone with my family, on a holiday of all things?"

"Nah, I'll be fine," he says, glancing around the room at where my family happily prepares for the party tonight. "I'll...find Juniper. She'll protect me." I grin, loving the idea. “I'll be home in time for dinner,” I say, sitting up straighter and pressing a kiss to his jaw.

"If you're not, I'm eating your food," Jackson murmurs, helping me stand up from his lap by pressing me upwards with a hand placed a little too conveniently right on my ass.

"Don't," I snap, glaring at him and pointing a finger down at him even as I back away towards the hallway to my room. "Because none of the cooks will be here tomorrow, and we'll just be on leftovers and whatever the hell mom can whip up, which is usually just cheese and crackers. And chocolate."

“Hey!” mom calls from across the room, frowning over at me, insulted. “I can also boil pasta and put butter on it!"

But I just grin at my mom, mischievous, and dart down the hall towards my room. Because I have a date with my mate, who has been very absent, and with whom I need to have a very serious chat.

When I come out of my room a short bit later, wrapped up for the winter weather with a scarf wound around my neck and a pair of fluffy earmuffs perched on top of that, I'm surprised to see Rafe waiting outside my room, leaning against my wall with his arms crossed.

"You look cozy," he says, giving me a grin as he takes in my winter wear, which is already making me a little over-warm. Mom keeps our private apartments pretty hot in the winter, always citing her years of freezing in an orphanage as an excuse.

"What?" I ask instantly, my voice filled with dread as I look up and down the hall. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong!" he says too innocently, uncrossing his arms and spreading his hands out, giving me a false smile.

"Rafe Meatball Sinclar," I growl, stepping close and glaring up at him. "You'd better tell me."

His smile falls instantly. "That's not my middle name -"

"Tell me!" I snap, giving him a smack on the arm.

"Fine," he huffs, looking over towards the living room. "Luca's here but...dad won't let him in. It's super awkward. He made him...wait in the hall." "What!?" I gasp, horrified and mortified at once. "Why not!?"

"Says Luca owes him something," Rafe murmurs, shrugging. "And he can't come in until he gets it."

"Oh my god," I groan, running both hands down my face, worrying about my mate standing alone and embarrassed in the hall.

"I just thought you'd want to know," Rafe says with a sigh, looking at me like he's worried for me.

"Thanks, Meatball," I murmur, reaching out and giving his forearm a brief squeeze. "You're the best."

Rafe rolls his eyes at me but follows as I dash down the hall and into the living room, where everyone - except my dad - waits awkwardly for the scene to unfold.

I scowl around at my gossipy family, whose ears are all perked up to hear every word of what happens next.

 

Chapter 0405

Dad, of course, just sits with his arms crossed, waiting for me. Everyone continues to sit quietly, idly working on making decorations or wrapping gifts, pretending they're not listening as intently as they are.

I scowl at all of them - even Jackson, who is pretending to be very interested in the perfectly-stacked logs for the fire. Gossip vultures, each and every one. But they all pretend not to notice.

"Ariel," Dad says, drawing my attention to him. He nods towards the door to the apartment. "Your young man is waiting for you."

“Dad,” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. "Can you just...be cool?"

"I am always very cool, Ariel," dad murmurs, smirking and raising an eyebrow at me. "Right, Ella?"

"Not involved, Dominic!" mom calls, her voice light and sing-song.

Dad's smirk deepens and returns his eyes to me. "He'll be welcome in this home again when he fulfills his end of the bargain."

"What bargain!?" I burst out - hating the fact that my dad has some kind of bargain with my mate that I don't know about.

"Ask him," dad says, giving a lazy shrug as I narrow my eyes at him, thinking that he's enjoying this a little too much.

"I love you, but you're the worst," I sigh, storming for the door. I take a moment on my way to pass close to Jackson, to let my hand brush through his hair, to send a long pulse of joy and happiness and assurance down our bond. He sends it right back, which settles me a great deal.

"Home for dinner!" dad calls after me, laughing a little.

"Yeah, yeah!" I call back, pulling open the door and stepping through it in a huff.

My eyes instantly land on Luca, standing against the wall across the hall from me, leaning against it with his head down.

"I'm so sorry," I murmur, pushing the door shut behind me and rushing over to him, placing both of my hands on his hips and peering up into his face. Luca lifts his head and gives me a sad smile. "Nothing less than I deserve," he says, shrugging and raising a hand to my face. He takes a moment to look at me seriously, his eyes so sad that my little wolf sits down hard on her haunches and lifts her nose in a mournful, sharp howl. "I am so sorry for how I behaved yesterday, Ariel."

"Luca, it's -"

"No, please, don't forgive me so easily," he replies, shaking his head. "Storming around the palace like that, shouting for you, trapping you into deals by threatening to leave you - it was...fucking horrible, Ariel. I regret it, every instant of it.”

I forgive him, instantly - just like that. The sadness and regret in his face is enough to convince me that he really does understand the full picture what was wrong, and why I'm upset, and why I need him to never act like that ever again. But, well. We still need to talk it through, don't we?

"Come on," I say, tugging on his hip and turning towards the steps that will lead us down to the front of the palace. "Let's get out of here - go somewhere cozy, where we can chat."

Luca surprises me by turning the other way, though. "No, this way," he murmurs, gesturing down the hall. "To the...elevator down to the garages? Which is...very cool, by the way."

I grin at him, nodding and turning towards it. "Why?" I ask, curious. "You could have just...pulled up out front."

"Wanted to avoid the paparazzi," he says with a sigh, looking down evenly into my eyes with his pretty brown ones, even as he slips an arm around my shoulder and pulls me close as we walk. "I learned my lesson on that point too. Today is...just for me and you, yeah? Not the press."

My smile deepens as I nod, loving that idea.

Down in the garage, Luca surprises me by leading me to a very simple brown car. When I raise my eyebrow at it - because I know from the tabloids that Luca actually is the owner of at least one very fancy, very flashy sportscar - he sighs and says he borrowed it from his cousin.