After Julian’s dramatic Founder’s Day revelations, I expected the academy to be buzzing with gossip about poisoning attempts and royal accusations. What I didn’t expect was to find Nick and Roni in the middle of their first genuine fight since their fake engagement began.
I was heading to my dorm room when I heard raised voices coming from the East Wing common area—not the careful, controlled disagreements they sometimes staged for public consumption, but the kind of raw emotional confrontation that suggested real feelings and real stakes.
“—completely reckless and you know it—” Roni’s voice was sharp with anger, lacking any of the diplomatic warmth she usually maintained.
“Reckless? I’m trying to protect our relationship from your family’s interference!” Nick shot back, his voice carry
