Well, at least both of them were hot and damn good in bed. I likely wasn’t about to forget either of them anytime soon. “It doesn’t matter who I have slept with,” I said angrily, though there was no heat to my words. “The only thing that matters is that I am nowhere near closer to knowing anything more than when I arrived at the academy.”
Johanna sank on the bed beside me, rubbing my back lightly. “I know, honey, I really know. I just can’t help you. I don’t know how.”
“Me neither,” I answered, giving her a small smile. “But maybe something will come up soon. Maybe I should sleep with Max. It seems that sleeping with the kings brought about some fun in my life.”
“Oh my God,” Johanna laughed, falling back on the bed. “I can’t believe you said that! I mean, Max is hot and all, like some fallen angel, but really, Anna?”
He was pretty sexy in a dark sort of way. I wasn’t really going to sleep with Max either, but hey, I hadn’t planned on sleeping with Royce or even Arthur for that matter. Now I had more men on my list than I’d had for my entire life.
I grinned, joining her on the bed. “Thanks, Johanna, for being my friend.”
“You’re welcome, princess, anytime.”
Chapter 15
Anna
What are you doing, pauper?
I smiled as I saw Royce’s text. It had been over a week since I had seen any of the kings and my anger about my confrontation with Isauros had faded to nothingness.
Partly due to Johanna’s involvement in my life. She had forced me to focus on more than my birthright, pulling me back to the reality that I was in college, a prestigious one at that, and the best way I could get one over on the headmistress was to put myself at the top of the freshman class.
So, I had thrown myself into my studies, getting back into the swing of homework and time with the other freshmen.
And not even remotely thinking about the kings who had infiltrated my life.
But now, I felt like I could handle them.
Homework, king. That is what us freshmen do.
That sounds fucking boring. Are you ready to spar again or have I run you off for good?
My thumb hovered over a response, biting my lip. I should say no and not get myself involved with Royce again. He had brought out things about myself that I had enjoyed immensely.
I had enjoyed my time with him immensely.
Okay, so I had enjoyed everything about my time with Royce, including the intimate moments.
Sighing, I debated not responding. Royce was going to move on, especially if I chose to draw out my decision about my future. He had already offered to marry me, yet I had no intentions of doing so.
Which meant I could ignore him or continue to be friends with him. It was my choice.
One thing was for sure; I would have to take Max’s words to heart. I needed to keep my eyes and ears open, read every word for more than just face value. Royce had something he was going after, no matter what he said.
So did Arthur, though he was a bit easier to figure out.
And Max, well, he had all but told me why he needed me.
Drawing in a breath, I typed a few words out before I could change my mind. The truth was, I wanted to see Royce again. I wanted to put the sword in my hands and enjoy myself.
When I wielded the sword, I felt a type of power like nothing else, like I really was some ancient royal able to defend my castle, my monarchy.
I just didn’t know if it was worth defending right now.
Chapter 16
Anna
The next afternoon, I made my way down to the sparring ring, the illegal one, where Royce said he would be. Opening the door, I stepped inside, noting how weird the place felt without the crowds of students that were normally there. It was kind of like a club that you saw with the lights on.
Nothing special, and very dingy.
Still, there was a performance happening in the midst of the ring and I stopped in my tracks, leaning against the wall to watch.
Royce was in the middle of the ring, a shining sword in his hand as he walked through the motions leisurely. There was no hurry to his thrusts, more like a dance with an invisible partner.
He was also shirtless, which was an added benefit for me. Lord, the man was hot, and my stomach tightened in anticipation as my eyes roamed over his muscular frame. I knew Royce was dangerous.
All the kings were.
The problem was, I felt a strange connection with him and didn’t really know what to do about it. For a king who had once upon a time been my mortal enemy, I was afraid that was no longer the case.
Not even close.
“You gonna keep staring at me, pauper, or are you gonna join me?”
My cheeks heated as I pushed away from the wall and stepped into the ring, shedding my jacket in the process. Underneath I had on just a thin tank top and yoga pants and Royce’s eyes roamed over my body appreciatively before he cleared his throat.
Seems the king wasn’t immortal after all. “Where’s my sword?”
He stepped over to the case and pulled another sparring sword out, flicking it over a few times before flipping it to its hilt and handing it over. “Here. Be careful with it.”
“Aren’t I always?” I asked as I took the sword, the cold steel feeling far too nice in my palm.
He arched a brow. “Cocky today,
