The Headmaster's office felt colder than usual.
Not physically, Aristella was always perfectly climate-controlled, but emotionally, like the room itself had decided today was judgment day.
Mira stood in front of the polished desk, arms crossed, jaw set. She refused to sit. Sitting felt like surrender.
The Headmaster studied her quietly, fingers folded, expression unreadable.
"Mira Lawson," she said at last, "do you know why you're here?"
Mira shrugged. "Let me guess. I offended someone powerful again."
"That would be…accurate."
Mira snorted. "You people are very easy to offend."
The Headmaster didn't smile. "This is serious."
"So am I."
Silence stretched between them.
The Headmaster stood and walked toward the tall window overlooking the academy gardens, the same gardens now plastered across gossip sites and news feeds.
"You were chosen as the Lucky Star," she said, "because the public needs a symbol. Hope. Equality. The idea that anyone could stand among the elite."
Mira frowned. "I didn't ask to be a symbol."
"No," the Headmaster agreed softly. "But you became one the moment your name was called."
She turned back. "Every move you make is watched. Interpreted. Weaponized."
Mira's shoulders tightened. "So what? I'm supposed to stop existing?"
"You are supposed to be careful."
Mira laughed bitterly. "Funny. Everyone keeps saying that after something explodes."
The Headmaster sighed. "The story about you and Prince Adrian has reached the council."
Mira's heart sank. "Already?"
"They are… displeased."
"Let me guess," Mira said. "They think I seduced him with coffee and sarcasm."
The Headmaster didn't deny it.
Mira scoffed. "Unbelievable."
"They believe," the Headmaster corrected, "that you are disrupting royal stability."
Mira leaned forward. "I didn't chase him. I didn't flirt. I didn't plan anything."
"I know," the Headmaster said quietly. "But perception outweighs truth in this world."
Mira swallowed. "So what happens now?"
The Headmaster held her gaze. "You will be placed under observation."
Mira blinked. "Observation?"
"Your interactions. Your movements. Your associations."
"Excuse me?" Mira snapped. "I'm not a zoo exhibit."
"You are the Lucky Star," the Headmaster said firmly. "And that comes with rules."
Mira's fists clenched. "I won a lottery, not a leash."
The Headmaster hesitated, just a fraction. "You will also be formally partnered with Prince Adrian for public appearances."
Mira stared.
"What."
"It's a containment strategy."
"No."
"It is not optional."
Mira laughed sharply. "So your solution to gossip… is more gossip?"
"The narrative must be controlled."
"I am not a narrative," Mira said, voice rising. "I am a person."
The Headmaster's eyes softened. "And that is precisely why this is difficult."
Mira shook her head. "You don't get to use me to protect him."
"Prince Adrian did not request this," the Headmaster said. "In fact, "
The door opened.
Adrian walked in.
Mira spun around. "You knew about this?"
"No," he said immediately.
The Headmaster raised a brow. "Your Highness, "
"I wasn't told," Adrian repeated, eyes fixed on Mira. "And I don't agree with it."
Her anger faltered, just slightly.
"You don't?" Mira asked.
"No," he said. "This puts her at risk."
The Headmaster folded her arms. "It also protects her."
Adrian shook his head. "By tying her to me? That makes her a bigger target."
Mira stared at him, startled.
He was… defending her.
Adrian turned to the Headmaster. "If the council wants a solution, they can blame me."
Mira blinked harder. "Don't do that."
He looked at her. "Why not?"
"Because I don't need saving."
"I know," he said quietly. "That doesn't mean I won't try."
The Headmaster watched them both carefully.
"This partnership will proceed," she said. "Unless, of course, Miss Lawson chooses to withdraw from the academy."
The room went silent.
Mira's breath caught.
Withdraw?
Leave?
Go back to a normal life?
No cameras.
No gossip.
No crowns.
Her heart squeezed painfully.
Adrian's head snapped toward her. "She won't."
Mira met his gaze.
Defiant.
Tired.
Unwilling to be pushed.
"I'm not leaving," she said.
The Headmaster nodded. "Then the terms stand."
Mira turned to Adrian. "This doesn't mean you get to control me."
His lips curved faintly. "I wouldn't dare."
She narrowed her eyes. "Don't get comfortable."
"I won't," he said. "You make that impossible."
The Headmaster gestured toward the door. "You're dismissed."
Mira walked out first, heart pounding.
Adrian followed.
They stopped in the hallway, tension thick between them.
"Well," Mira said, "congratulations. We're officially a public disaster."
Adrian huffed a quiet laugh. "It appears so."
She looked at him. "This changes nothing."
"Agreed."
They stood there for a moment longer than necessary.
Neither willing to leave first.
Neither willing to admit what had just shifted between them.
Somewhere nearby, a phone buzzed.
A headline refreshed.
And the Lucky Star's price just got higher.