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“That’s in addition to getting you in line.” I lace my fingers through his and head down the trail.

“Hey, now!”

We laugh as we make our way through the overgrown garden and go inside. By the time we get to the auditorium, it’s already packed with students eager to start a new school year. It saddens me that this’ll be Bash’s last year at the academy as a student, but Middlebrooks has already offered him a position as her personal assistant after graduation, so he’ll still be here. Just not as a student.

Bash squeezes my hand, then sits with Bahari. I wish I could join them, but I was voted student body president. The last time a second-year was given that honor was when my dad was here. I take a seat on the platform along with some faculty and other student leaders who will welcome everyone.

Halen waves to me from the second-year section. I smile and turn my attention to Middlebrooks, who is speaking into the microphone.

My heart races as it always does before I have to speak in front of a crowd. But this is good practice in case I choose to become queen someday. I probably will, but my life is my destiny. My choice. And there’s only one thing I’m sure I want at this point.

I glance over at Bash, who crosses his eyes and sticks out his tongue. He knows I have to keep a straight face while up here. And that’s why I love him.

He’s my destiny. Everything else is just details.