Page 81 of The Lost Elemental

“Does it matter?”

“It does if it’s the princes.”

Girls stared and whispered as we passed. I was sure word would make it to Drue, Xena, and their crew in a matter of minutes.

I opened the front door and stepped outside. “Why do you care if I’m friends with the princes?”

Sinclair spluttered, as if shocked I would ever question her about something like this. “It isn’t appropriate. They come from the four royal lines. They’ll marry nobles. Riven is already practically engaged to Eva—now that is an appropriate match. One that the Kingdom of Zephyr will take pride in.”

“But some half-human elemental wouldn’t be.”

She huffed as we headed towards the main building. “That’s not what I said.”

“But it’s what you meant.” I couldn’t help that her words cut. I didn’t care what Sinclair thought, but an entire kingdom? That would be a difficult force to fight against.

She bristled and picked up her pace. “I don’t make the rules. I simply abide by them.”

“Maybe the rules need to change.”

Her body gave a tiny jerk, her gaze snapping around. “Watch what you say.”

I snapped my mouth closed. I was already in who knew how much trouble. I didn’t need more.

Silence was my friend for the rest of the walk. I didn’t even greet the headmaster’s secretary, I simply stepped inside his office as instructed.

He looked up from a stack of paperwork. “Aura, thank you for coming.”

“I didn’t think I had a choice.”

Acker’s eyes twinkled at that. “Maybe not, but I still appreciate your presence.” He turned to Sinclair. “That’ll be all.”

Shock swept over her features. “You don’t want me to stay?”

“No, I’d like to talk to Aura alone.”

I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or bad thing, but at least I wouldn’t have to deal with Sinclair’s judgment.

“Of course, sir. Just call me if you need anything else.” She shut the door behind her with a little more force than necessary.

Acker sighed. “I’ll pay for that one for weeks. She hates to be out of the loop.”

A laugh bubbled out of me. The last sound I expected to make.

The headmaster’s expression gentled. “How are you holding up?”

More laughter came with that question. So much it made my still-healing ribs ache. And then without warning, the laughter changed to tears.

“Oh dear,” he mumbled, grabbing a box of tissues and taking the seat next to me.

I pulled one free, trying to get control of myself.

“I know this has been a lot for you.”

“Everyone here except four people hates me.”

Acker’s brows rose. “I don’t hate you. Quincy is quite fond of you. You seem to have hit it off with Kerry and quite a few of the royals. That has to be more than four.”

“Fine, six.” I hiccupped.