[Lavinia's POV—Emperor Cassius Chamber]
I stood up, dusted off my skirts, and turned to Lady Evelyn, who looked like she was about to faint into a hydrangea bush.
"Don't worry, teacher," I said with a dramatic flip of my hair. "I'll talk to him. I will make sure you get married."
She nodded, clearly unconvinced, wringing her gloves like they'd personally betrayed her. Before I could take two steps, Theon popped in from absolutely nowhere like an emotional mushroom.
"Please!" he whispered hoarsely, shoving a scroll at me. "Consider this appeal as… a part of her tuition fee. The teacher deserves her wedding. Her love story. Her moment!"
I stared blankly at him. "Alright, alright—I get it. Just stop popping out of the hedges, you terrifying gnome."
He sniffled and disappeared again. Honestly, he needed a leash.
I turned on my heel and made my way toward Papa's wing. Confident. Composed. Regal.
…Until the universe said no.
