Page 17 of Falling Princess

“Shh!”

“I know he’s yourfriend, but that doesn’t make him mine. He and I are in an inherently adversarial relationship. His job is to babysit me. If he fails, he loses his scholarship. I, however, do not wish to be constantly surveilled. One of us is bound to be displeased. Almost certainly, me.”

By now, I had circled seventeen classes in sparkly purple ink. Obviously, I cannot register for them all even if I weren’t limited by Lorcan’s extracurriculars schedule. I wonder if he’s even literate. Viciously, I drew a double line around an advanced biology course I’m not certain even I could successfully complete.

I lifted my gaze just enough to peek through the seats to where he sat, alone. A book was balanced on his knee. I recognized the binding, because I had it out from the castle library last week. I noticed a faint red tinge at the tips of his ears, as though he overheard me complaining to Raina and was embarrassed by it. He shifted, and I glimpse his chosen reading material. It’s the sameHistory of ScotlandI read before our departure.

Fair enough. There’s no reason to be upset with him for studying up on the country we’ll be living in for the next ten months. Another restless shift in his seat revealed a second book concealed beneath the first.

The title, embossed in gold, is,A Compendium of Auralian Amphibians.

An unfamiliar emotion flared within my chest.

Why is he reading my frog book? Where did he get it? I know I returned it to the library—

It doesn’t matter. At least I don’t have to worry about my cursed knight being illiterate. Whether or not he is a complete ignoramus remains to be seen. I do not have high hopes.

CHAPTERSIX

“Ithink you have it on backward?” Raina said tentatively. “Again?”

“How is that possible?” I exhaled in a frustrated half-growl. “Who invented flat-packed furniture, anyway? I don’t understand how we’re supposed to make sense of instructions that don’t have any words?”

I have (partially) assembled 500-year-old machines without a manual. I cannotbelievehow difficult it’s been to put together a few simple bookshelves. After an hour of effort, I am no farther along than when I began.

“Let me get Lorcan. He’ll be able to figure it out.”

My friend pushed up from her knees.

Oh, no. I want nothing to do with my assigned protector. I do, however, want these shelves done so I can set up my study properly. “If you think he can help...”

Raina headed for the boys’ side of the dormitory before I could finish my sentence. Wonderful. The space is, indeed, small. It is shabbier than I expected, too, although the large windows and steam heating system are nice.

The worst part about this arrangement is that it keeps the five of us separated from the other students. We are our own little bubble, free to converse in our native language without stumbling over the unfamiliar accent. I speak English well, as does Raina, but the local burr sounds entirely different to my untrained ears. Fortunately for us, there are many other students from all over the world speaking accented English…

But it’s been impossible to meet them.

Since our arrival in Scotland, I have completed one trip to IKEA with Cata, attended our first week of classes, and sat through organizing meetings for the swim and archery teams. I’m constantly trailed by Lorcan, often by Raina, and occasionally Kenton or Bashir will tag along, too.

Forget meeting new people. Never mind, making new friends. I can’t get away from the few I already have.

I can’t even get relief from Lorcan’s watchful eyes unless I stay in my room, which is a far less comfortable prospect than it was back home. Hence, my claiming of the empty sixth bedroom for my study space. I don’t care if it was presumptuous of me. I need it for my peace of mind.

I glanced down at myself.

Leggings, white T-shirt, which had been topped with a loose-fitting green sweater until I overheated with the effort of trying to assemble shoddy, cheap furniture, and removed it. My chest and thighs are covered in bits of cardboard. My braid is coming undone with stray strands sticking to my cheeks and neck. Not that it matters what I look like—

“If you have any ideas on how to put this shelf together, we’d be so grateful,” Raina said in an ingratiating tone that set my teeth on edge. “There are two more to assemble after this, and we’ve been at it since lunch.”

Lorcan’s blue eyes bored into mine for a long second. I felt my expression pinch with irritation. I can’t help it. I’m already frustrated, and adding him to the situation improves nothing.

“I need a break.”

I turned on my heel and crossed the short distance to my room, closing it firmly behind me. I leaned against it and breathed.

That was rude. A small part of me is ashamed. The rest of me is too depressed to care. This isn’t the university experience I hoped for. I knew it wouldn’t be, but still.

My father made sure to clip my wings before I could attempt to fly.

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