Does It Look Good?
“Lea. You’ll be attending the academy with the Third Prince. You already know that, right?”
“Yes. His Highness told me.”
“Don’t do anything to disgrace yourself. And Liliet will be going too, so keep an eye on her.”
“Yes, Father.”
I had to bite back the urge to snap, What?
Why the hell was she going to the academy?
Last year, when I’d asked if she wanted to go, she’d sneered that she had no interest in rubbing elbows with those lowly commoners.
There was only one reason for this.
Kane was going, so now she suddenly wanted in.
But she wasn’t even his fiancée. What right did she have to trail after him?
He was mine.
“I’ll be off, then.”
“Good.”
I should’ve thrown a massive tantrum back then—anything to keep her out. For the sake of my fun, happy campus life.
Something like, “He’s my fiancé—what if she throws herself at him and drags the family name through the mud?”
Even if I’d piled on every logical argument, the chances of him listening were basically zero.
But our father was a master at protecting his own interests. It wouldn’t have been exactly zero.
I should’ve just tried…!
Then I wouldn’t have to deal with this crap…!
“Your Highness. It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Liliet Luniel, Lea’s sister.”
“Uh, yeah. Lea, let’s go. I’ll show you around.”
“Yes! Let’s go, Kane!”
Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad?
I was thrilled to see Kane completely ignore Liliet’s usual fake highborn act—her venomous, sadistic side tucked away—and reach for my hand instead.
Thrilled enough that, even with her standing right there, I bounced over to him with a bright smile and threw my arms around him.
The key part? I hugged him.
Normally, I’d just slip my arm through his, but this was a prime chance to land a big blow, so I went bolder.
And in the split second she turned her head, I caught her face twisting in disgust. Perfect.
I’d be black-and-blue from potions by tonight, smashed to hell, but whatever.
At the academy, during the day? I was winning.
I kept those smug thoughts to myself and plastered an apologetic look on my face for Liliet.
That’d minimize the damage. A little.
I’d already pissed her off royally in front of her eyes, so a bone or two would snap anyway. But it was worth it.
“Kane. Wanna hit a hotel with me tonight?”
“I told you, let’s get to know each other more first.”
“Such a goody-two-shoes… Hate you.”
I didn’t wanna go home.
If Father thought I was off getting knocked up by Kane, he might even let me stay out.
Not that I’d ever let it go that far—proper precautions and all.
But how would Father know?
He wasn’t gonna check.
Kane was clueless at times like this.
Of course, that was because I hadn’t breathed a word about my family’s hellhole.
He had no idea I’d come home tonight to broken bones and blackouts.
If he knew, our whole family would be dust.
I hated them with every fiber of my being, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask him to wipe them out.
What could I do?
“I want a big family. Maybe five kids? Hope they all turn out sweet.”
“Five’s set in stone?”
“If we have kids, yeah.”
My love for this family ended at not ratting them out.
Everyone could call me a fool.
But what could I say?
An orphan in my past life, and now I’d latched onto these monsters as my first family.
I just couldn’t let go, no matter how much they hurt me.
“Pick some baby names, then. I’ll make sure you end up pregnant.”
“Wanna start now? Be gentle—I’m a first-timer. Public play’s fine too.”
“As if. Just follow quietly. I’ll show you around—you’ve never been here.”
“Right.”
I melted into his arms with a teasing purr, but he shut me down cold.
These little jabs didn’t even dent his walls anymore.
I’d hammered at them too much.
If I acted on it or joked about my home life in veiled terms, he’d crack a bit.
But just undoing a top button and flashing a peek like this?
“What’re you doing where everyone can see?”
“Didn’t think it might get hot?”
“Nope.”
“Then button it up for me. Make sure no one peeks at your fiancée’s secrets.”
“Your mouth…”
Kane grumbled but stepped close, fastening my top button himself while staring into my eyes.
Everyone else had one or two undone in this heat—he glanced around—and yet I couldn’t?
Probably because I’d buttoned up fully from the start, just to tease him.
Honestly, it was hot now. If I undid them whining about the heat, he wouldn’t buy it.
Karma, huh.
Still, gave me more ammo to tease him with later.
“People are staring at us.”
“I’m famous, and you’re drop-dead gorgeous.”
“I’m that pretty, and my fiancé’s got that bad rep.”
“Seeing a guy like me whipped? That’s the novelty.”
I felt the stares and slipped shyly behind Kane.
First time so many eyes on me.
And blatantly lecherous ones, too.
Back home, my looks drew attention when I stepped out, but people restrained themselves, hid it.
Here at the academy? Mix of nobles and commoners, all young adults—no holding back.
“You shy about this?”
“Of course. They’re all staring at me. I wanna show off only for you. In every way.”
Sweat was trickling now, and the white uniform was see-through risk central.
I hadn’t even shown Kane everything yet—no way was I flashing strangers.
Hid tight.
“Watch your words, then. People overhear, and we’ll get labeled as that flirty couple.”
“Don’t care. I know you’re a good guy, Kane.”
He nagged a bit more, then stuck me to his side and resumed the tour.
Per the schedule he’d set, first lecture in thirty minutes.
He’d guide me to the classroom en route, probably.
First day—no real lessons anyway.
Most classes overlapped, so I could just tag along.
Only difference: his Aura major, my Circles major.
Mages vs. warriors, fantasy-style.
I couldn’t cast a single spell, but Kane insisted I seemed mage-like and shoved me in after the aptitude test talk.
Maybe after classes today—no majors on the first day.
“Lecture hall, huh? Wanna sneak in alone sometime when it’s empty.”
“What’s that mean? More studying?”
“Baby-making practice?”
“Agh…”
We passed the open plaza—prime spot for outdoor fun at night—and some crowded alleys before reaching the lecture building.
First class: Imperial History.
I voiced my “thoughts” on arrival.
Just thoughts, though. Probably wouldn’t act on it.
Unless Kane suggested it?
Kinda wanted to try once?
Swallowed that last bit and sat naturally beside him.
Back row, perfect—Kane’s style.
Would’ve been awkward up front with stares from behind.
But why the hell was she coming in?
“Fancy seeing you again. Mind if I sit beside you?”
“I wanna be alone with my fiancée. So no.”
“Then Lea—mind if I join?”
Fuck.
Why the same class?
Why force her way next to my fiancé?
Crazy bitch?
Couldn’t say it. All I could do was nod reluctantly.
Refuse here? Tonight’s bone-crunching party would be biblical.
Better play nice.
She beamed at my okay and plopped into the seat by Kane.
His reluctance? Irrelevant to her.
“What? I can just sit.”
“If you say so.”
In that moment, Kane clocked the dynamic between me and her.
Not the gory details, but enough: I was powerless against her.
He’d handle things from here.
“Lea. Let’s step out for a walk.”
“Huh? But class is about to—”
“Come on.”
“Okay.”
Didn’t expect this move.
Professor was walking in.
Leaving now? Total aggro magnet.
I got looks for my looks, but this kind of spotlight? Not my vibe.
Still, I read his intent and followed quietly.
Liliet hid it well, but after all our time together, I saw her face rotting.
Blunt as hell: I don’t want you here.
Her eyes sharpening—meant an extra bone tonight.
Felt damn good.
But I should’ve hesitated, pushed back once more.
Realized what it looked like: the infamous playboy Kane and his smitten fiancée ditching class together, never returning.
If I’d known… I wouldn’t have gone.