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I take my books and head out, taking a shortcut through the tech wing rather than passing by the great hall.
I like to avoid it, because the royals—as everyone calls them, though some are merely nobles—like to sit on the great staircase leading up to the first floor, claiming it like a throne. They leave an alley for people to walk up as needed, so the school doesn’t say anything.
The school rarely ever says anything against them, anyway.
I don’t want to see which pretty girl is sitting on my fiancé’s lap, sucking his tongue, today of all days.
The science wing has its own staircase, much smaller and seldom used, firstly because the students of the royal academy love to be seen, but also because it’s technically a service staircase, reserved for the staff. In the middle of the lunch period, there’s little to no chance of seeing anyone, which is perfect.
I’m on the second floor when I hear a giggle, followed by a deep, guttural moan. Oh, boy.
I should mention that the staircase is a common make-out spot. I’ve seen plenty of couples kissing and feeling each other up here over the last few months. It’s nothing new, so I keep going.
I only understand my mistake when I finally reach the ground floor.
The couple in question aren’t merely kissing. That explains the enthusiastic soundtrack. Sophia, the redheaded bitch who has pushed, kicked, and insulted me more times than I can count, is on her knees, head bobbing up and down the shaft of the boy who I didn’t think could hurt me any more than he already had.
I was wrong.
He choseher, of all people. Not only someone who had caused physical, and psychological scars, but someone my age. The excuse I told myself—that I was just too young for him to think of me as more than a little annoying kid right now—evaporates. It was never about my age. It was about me.
His hand’s firmly clasping her copper hair, moving her head, his face contorted in a beautiful mask of pleasure and cruelty.
Then Less glances up, hearing my arrival, and to my stunned horror, he smiles.
Like he’s happy I’m seeing this.
His cold gray eyes and his smile make his meaning quite clear.
Look how worthless you are. I can replace you with anyone. I can give what’s yours to the worst person I can find. You mean nothing.
I don’t know how I manage it, but I smile back. “Hi, Less.”
Call me Less. There are too many Alessandros in the country. Besides, Less is more.
That’s what he said once, at an interview. I remember the audience chuckling, charmed by their golden prince.
Now I’m starting to see that Less is exactly what he is. Less than what I deserve.
I walk to the exit, unhurriedly, like nothing bothers me.
I’ve just closed the door behind me when I hear the voice.
“Why do you put up with it?”
I would have thought I was asking myself the question, if the voice weren’t so masculine.
I blink, finding a guy leaning back on the door. Guarding it, in case some staff member tries to come up, no doubt. Though there’s a cigarette in his hand so he’d likely be in as much trouble as Less and Sophia if he gets caught.
Or no trouble at all. He’s another royal—also a senior, I think. Definitely a little older than me.
I know the dark-haired guy staring at me, head tilted, like he can’t quite make sense of what he sees. Not by name—he never bothered to introduce himself to me—but I know he’s one of the Noble brothers. They’re even higher than Less on the peerage.
“Hm?”
“Alessandro,” the Noble boy spills out. “Why do you put up with the way he ignores you? You know it’ll never improve, right? He’s always going to be this cold and indifferent. He’ll have his whores, and he’ll fuck you to put an heir in you, then lock you in a tower and throw away the key.”
I flush, the memories from my favorite day ever rushing to the surface.
