“Come to get those tips about the academy?” I joke, but my laugh sounds hollow... maybe I can fake it, like I don’t feel the bond. Maybe he’ll question it too.
His stormy blue eyes flash up at me, angry. Still, he says nothing.
“Not in the mood for jokes… Noted.” I swallow. “How did you find me?”
“I followed the tug of the tether, obviously.” He says.
Well, I guess the idea of faking it is out the window.
“Do you think others are coming?” I ask, picking at my nails.
“Others? Why would I tell anyone else?” He asks. “This is a disaster. No one knows. No one’s coming.”
I sigh out loud. He doesn’t realize it’s an exhale of relief. He’s in the dark about my multiple bonds…. interesting.
I let the silence play out while I think. If he has told no one yet, maybe he doesn’t plan on it. It’s clear he doesn’t want this bond just as much as I do. We both know it wouldn’t end well with our different factions. We were both just smart enough, and emotionally damaged enough, that we could fake it through the ceremony. Maybe we can still fake it... and continue to act like it never happened.
The thought alone sends a stab through my chest. My bond doesn’t like that idea, but it might be the only choice to stay in the academy.
We continue to sit in the silence for a while, listening as other students pass the door, chatting. It’s strange; I should feel uncomfortable, but my anxiety is easing. Just his proximity is settling something in me.
“Your trial...” he says, finally breaking the silence, “…you’re sinless.” It’s an accusation, not a question. He continues staring off like he’s overworking his brain, trying to figure out how the universe could pair someone like me with someone like him.
“That’s correct… by the way, thanks for telling your little girlfriend. It’s been great. Could I not have had one day to settle in?” I say. “Your judge of character is clearly as good as your father’s.” I dig.
It’s a low blow, but my bond is thrashing at the thought of him with either of those girls, and I can’t control the natural response that’s ingrained in me.
“Don’t fucking speak about matters you know nothing about, Wrath!” He says. “And you’d be wise to not say a word about my family. I didn’t say shit about your trial. I don’t talk about my father’s business or the Council’s. And I especially don’t take part in petty school gossip.”
Scoffing, I roll my eyes.
Unbelievable, he’s trying to deny spreading the word about my status.
“I don’t have time for relationships,” he says, looking me in the eyes and clenching his teeth. The dark, angry blue waves are still roaring.
“I’m fated to take my father’s place,” he says, emphasizing the word ‘fated.’ “I’m fated to continue my family's legacy. I don’t have time to be fated for a mate as complicated as…” he waves his hand up and down towards me.
After a deep breath, he sits back against the wall. “Look… I know this sucks. I know it… hurts… physically. I can feel it too. It affects me too. But we can’t complete this bond, we can’t tell anyone, we can’t let this cont- “
“I agree,” I say, catching him off guard.
“You agree?” He raises his brow.
“Yes, Your Highness… I’m sure it’s hard to get through that arrogant brain of yours, but I have no interest in completing our bond. I may not be a future council leader, but I have enough on my plate as it is.”
He really does not know how much is on my current plate.
“Well…” he continues, still skeptical, “That’s great then, I guess. So, we’ll just ignore it then... act like nothing ever happened. Tell NO ONE. Not even your little breakfast friends.”
I’m annoyed at his arrogance and the way he is talking about my new friends, who are totally badass and exceptional, but I need him to agree… so I swallow my sass.
“Yes, that’s what we should do.” I agree.
Maybe I can make this work. Maybe all my bonds will feel this way, and we can continue like this never happened. My bond continues to slice through my chest like a toddler having a meltdown, but I’m trying to keep us alive here.
“Good.” He says, still staring at me.
“Good.” I quip back.
