26. Ivy
IVY
P lacing my small duffel bag on my bed, I turn my attention to my belongings lined up beside it.
Is it too much?
A familiar sense of overwhelm threatens to worm its way under my skin, so I step away from the mayhem for a moment, refusing to let it get the best of me. Instead, I turn my attention to my floor-length mirror.
Am I about to leave in pajamas? Yes.
Would my mother kill me? Absolutely.
Is it making me nervous? Not at all.
Not when my attention is locked on my face instead. The smile ghosting my lips is undeniable, and I couldn’t remove it, even if I tried.
Tonight is the night of the charity sleepover, which I’m hoping will be fun, but it’s the past week that has waltzed by with ease that has me so relaxed.
Since Monday’s day of chaos, when I finally gave my mates a real piece of my mind, they’ve left me alone. It’s been amazing. On top of that, I haven’t had to deal with anyone’s crap or unnecessary anger toward me; it’s been refreshing.
The cherry on top is my friend group. Meadow has helped me settle in and feel comfortable effortlessly. Toby has been a handful, but he almost reminds me of Hugo. Even his friends, especially Dorian, have taken me under their wing.
For the first time since arriving, I feel like I belong, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I have friends who see me, and not my father’s title.
Brushing my hands over my pajamas, I refocus on the present, smiling at myself. The soft, pink, loose-fit bottoms, and a matching button-up shirt with frilled cuffs are cute and playful. A far cry from what my mother would purchase, and I think it makes me love them even more.
Meadow insisted we needed to match, and the next day, they were here. While mine are a pale pink, hers are a soft yellow.
I can’t wait.
Nerves flutter in my stomach at the unknown possibilities the charity event might entail, but it’s all for a good cause, so I’m determined to take it all in stride.
I’m too excited not to. All I need to do is actually pack my duffel bag, and I’m good to go, but I need to get a move on before Dorian arrives.
Returning my focus to the bag awaiting me, I’m instantly distracted as a flicker of red darts in front of me.
“Ivy, I was worried you had left before I could hype you up,” Ember hollers, zipping about, and I shake my head at her.
“Maybe if you were here being my adorable sprite, and not off chasing Clay like it was a sport, then there would have been no reason to worry,” I reply, a knowing grin lifting the corner of my mouth as she rolls her eyes at me.
“You’re dramatic, and he’s so dreamy,” she says with a whimsical sigh, floating on her back for a second before she sees the state of my bed. “Ivy, you haven’t even packed. Girl, let’s go,” she insists, swooping over my belongings frantically. “You definitely don’t need all of this either. You?—”
My device vibrates among my belongings, pausing her rant as it draws both of our gazes.
I smile at the appearance of my brother’s name on the screen, quickly pressing on the notification before my heart sinks to my stomach.
Hugo: Hey, Vee. Just a heads up, Mom and Dad will be at the ball next week.
I frown in confusion, my heart racing in my chest all of a sudden as I quickly tap out a response.
Ivy: What ball?
As he takes an eternity to respond, I glance at Ember, eyebrows knitted together as I clear my throat. “Is there a ball next week?”
She grimaces before her face quickly turns sheepish. “Yes.”
“How long have you known?” I blurt, panic getting the better of me, and she at least has the decency to look apologetic.
“It’s a quarterly event. I thought someone else might have mentioned it. Maybe I’ve been too busy and forgot,” she whispers, and I shake my head. The last thing I want is for her to feel guilty, but why is it every time I feel like I’m getting my footing here, something else whips me off course?
Before I can reply, another message comes through from Hugo.
Hugo: It’s next weekend. Didn’t one of those mates tell you? I guess it’s not a hot topic with the charity event this weekend too. Regardless, they’re going to be there; Father’s made it very clear. Mother is sending a dress, but it’s all going to be fine. I’ll be there too.
I sigh in frustration, dropping the device like it’s on fire before planting my hands on my hips.
My blood boils as the familiar tendrils of suffocation threaten to consume me.
I don’t want them here, and I certainly don’t want to wear something my mother sends.
Once again, I’m left reeling with the reality that I have no choice, and the lack of control is like thick, toxic acid burning down my throat.
It’s always the same, and my instincts make me want to run from it.
“What’s the ball for?” I ask Ember as I reach for the blanket I’m taking with me, stuffing it into my bag with more force than necessary.
“It’s just the quarterly gathering of everyone in the kingdom who holds stature to see the progress of the students.”
That sounds obnoxious as hell. “It’s on campus?” I clarify, and she nods.
“In the Grand Hall.”
I purse my lips, trying not to react emotionally right now, but it’s easier said than done when all I want to do is scream. “My mother wants to send me a dress. How do I wear something for myself?” I ask, and she grins.
“I’ll take care of it.” It’s a promise, one I’m not a hundred percent certain on, but it’s a worry for another time. Right now, I’m focusing on tonight.
Attempting to shake it off, I toss my device into my duffel, along with a few snacks and a pillow, despite the pointed look Ember gives me.
I need tonight more than ever.
Taking a deep breath, I repeat the mantra a few times in my mind, forcing them to take root as a knock sounds from my door.
Ember squeals as I hike my bag over my shoulder and follow the sound. “Have the best night,” she hollers with excitement, zipping in front of me for a second before I open the door to reveal Dorian on the other side.
“Hey,” I mumble, closing the door behind me, and he smiles.
“All set?”
“I think so,” I answer, falling into step beside him as we head for the stairs.
Comfortable silence drapes around us as we head outside, until a thought comes to mind and a sickly feeling takes root in my stomach.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, you’ve been so kind walking with me this week, but is your fated mate here?
I don’t want to upset anyone,” I blurt, and he snickers, brushing his fingers through his floppy blond hair as his gray eyes find mine.
“Are you flirting with me, Ivy?”
My cheeks heat as I bluster. “No, I… oh my God.” I hide my face behind my hands and his laugh grows louder.
“I’m just playing. But to answer your question, no. The Fates haven’t called my name yet.” His tone takes a saddening dip, forcing me to peek from behind my hands.
“Do you want your fated mate to show?” I ask, and he looks away, a soft shrug playing on his shoulders.
“It would be nice, I guess,” he admits, and I drop my hands, offering a gentle smile.
“Well, it’ll happen when it happens. Either way, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be if you ask me,” I grumble, and he offers me a knowing smile.
No one talks to me about my mates, but there’s an air of understanding, which only seems to increase the support around me.
“Well, to make it clear, I wouldn’t be sad if you were flirting with me,” he adds, and my cheeks burn even more as I shake my head, thankful I can see the academy building in the distance.
The last thing I want to do is fall for someone destined to love another. It’s on the tip of my tongue to admit just that, despite my embarrassment, when a woman’s snarl distracts me.
Standing off to the side of the main building is a woman dressed in a cream suit, her lips so red, I can see them from here, with her blond curls falling in waves around her shoulders.
She reminds me of my mother, prim and proper, like she’s always collected and composed.
Except it’s her snarling at the person standing before her.
Teddy.
I pause, gaping as she jabs a finger in his face, raging with anger as her shouts get louder and her cheeks start to match her lips. He takes it, standing there with his hands in his pockets, his shoulders slumped, and his head tilted, but he doesn’t argue back.
“Are you okay?” Dorian asks, a few steps ahead of me, and I shake my head.
“I’m fine, I just…” Feel drawn to him. Why? I’m not entirely sure, but for some reason I can’t walk away. “I’m so sorry, you carry on. I’ll meet you there,” I insist, and Dorian shrugs.
“I don’t mind waiting.”
“I know, and I appreciate that, but this could… I might be a while,” I mutter, taking off before he can respond, cutting across the grass without hesitation, my hand bound tight around the strap of my duffel bag as I move like a woman possessed.
I’m barely halfway there when she extends her arm, palm poised, and hits him across the face.
My heart lurches in my chest as I pick up speed, fear pounding in my veins as I race toward him, but she’s already leaving.
I don’t stop until I’m standing in front of him, bag dropping to my feet as I gape at the red mark forming on his cheek. “What was that?”
I sound breathless and panicked. I am breathless and panicked.
Teddy rears back, almost startled as he stares at me. He’s emotionless as he drags a hand down his face, a forced smile on his lips as he finally shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it, Princess,” he rasps, making my eyes widen further.
“Teddy?” His name is a question on my tongue, and I hate it. I hate that I’m determined to be here for him even more.
“Honestly—” he starts, and I move on instinct, gently placing my hand over his mouth to stop the bullshit from falling out.
My spine stiffens at the contact, a shiver running down my spine, but I try to swallow past it. “Teddy, you helped me when I needed it most. More than once, if we’re keeping track,” I admit, clearing my throat. “It feels like you need my help now.”
He scoffs, the sound gravely as he looks down at his feet, and I pull my hand back, immediately missing the heat of his touch.
“I don’t deserve your help.”
His words make my stomach plummet, but for the first time, it’s not with pain. Not like the first time I locked eyes with him and he broke me.
Reject .
The word replays in my mind over and over, yet it doesn’t seem to carry as much weight now that I’ve heard his truth.
I don’t deserve your help.
He might be right, but…
“How about I be the judge of that?” It’s a whisper, but it speaks volumes. I’m on the verge of regretting it as his gaze collides with mine, but to my surprise, he hangs his head in defeat.
“That is my mother.”
My jaw falls slack as I press a hand to my chest. “And she thought she could hurt you because…”
He shakes his head, but I wait him out, my soul refusing to step away. When it’s clear I’m not leaving, despite his silence, he lifts his head. The smile on his lips is tired this time, withered and aching.
“The mental pain is always worse than the physical when it comes to her, Princess. Don’t worry.”
There are those two words again.
Don’t. Worry.
I don’t want to. Really, I don’t. But how can I not?
Clearing my throat, I reach for his upper arm, squeezing in comfort until he meets my stare. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I don’t know what I want him to say. Yes, so I can understand and help him heal. No, because there’s no coming back from that.
He shakes his head as he rolls his shoulders back, and when his eyes find mine again, there’s no hint of sadness to be found. Instead, it’s that usual smile that graces his lips, only now I see through it. Now I understand. His scars are hidden deeper than mine.
“No, I’m good. How about I walk you to the sleepover instead?” he offers, and I instinctively shake my head.
“I’m okay,” I breathe, considering heading back to my dorm to lie down from the whiplash of the last few minutes. But he doesn’t give me a chance to make a decision, grabbing my bag with one hand and slipping the other around my shoulders, guiding me toward the event.
“I insist,” he declares, pulling me into step, and I find myself moving willingly.
Silence envelops us, each lost to our own thoughts, but it’s surprisingly not awkward. Not like the time he walked me back from the water where I’d nearly drowned.
Progress, I guess. Not that I want anything to improve, of course.
Approaching the main academy building, I realize there’s a line forming, and Teddy guides me to the back of it, staying right at my side.
With a deep breath, I clear my throat. “You don’t have to stay with me.”
He smiles, the move genuine this time as it reaches his eyes. “I want to.”
I blink at him, confused. He’s offering, and not… pushing? That’s strange.
What’s weirder is how torn I am on my answer.
Get a grip of yourself, Ivy. We haven’t forgotten what this asshat did to us.
“I—”
“Perfect, we have our next couple of the evening. A Miss Ivy Hayworth and a Mr. Theodore Lupus. Are you excited to participate in your fundraising events together?”