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I whip to face him, cutting him off from the others. He squares his shoulders to mine, his hands buried deep in his pockets. "If you think I'm going to address you as Professor Harland, then you really are delusional."
"Will you be addressing Philomena and Ezekiel by their first names as well? Or just me, Princess?"
"Is everything alright, Princess Ilaria? Professor Harland?" Headmistress Radcliffe's voice rings out and draws my attention. Everyone has stopped a few paces down the hall and are watching me and Atlas with invested curiosity.
"Everything is fine, Headmistress." I dig deep for my princess voice and offer a warm smile. Without looking at him, I can feel Atlas' eyes shamelessly fixed on me, not giving the others one second of his attention. "Thank you for your concern. Professor Harland and I were just discussing the beautiful architecture."
Her eyes brighten as if the architectural structure of the school is something she prides herself on. "Ah! Well, if you want to know the rich history of how the School of Magic was founded and built a thousand years ago, then I would be more than happy to introduce you to Professor Mikeal Gallagher. Not many students show an interest in his field of expertise."
"It would be an honor to meet him." The lie rolls off my tongue easy enough and seems to please everyone as they turn to continue their walk.
"Liar," Atlas whispers.
I flash him a look. "I beg your pardon?"
"You and I both know you would rather risk trekking through the Bavan jungle again barefoot before sitting through one of Gallagher's mind-numbing lectures."
"No, what we both know is being stuck with you will be the most aggravating experience of my life."
"Is that so?"
I fold my arms across my chest and double down. "I'm sure you have no interest in spending more time with me than you have to, Atlas. Now, we'll not only be living together, but I'll be forced to train with you daily for the unforeseeable future."
"What makes you think I have no interest in spending more time with you?" he purrs. "Perhaps I volunteered to be your instructor."
"Did you?" I challenge.
He shrugs. "Seeing as I'm the most proficient professor to teach you Magical Warfare– "
"Cocky of you."
" –I suppose whether I volunteered or not is irrelevant."
"Dodging the question, Professor?"
He shudders, "I love how you address me with such disdain."
"Maybe if you'd been transparent with me about your role in my training – "
"Admit it." He takes a step closer, towering above me, forcing me to look up. "You were excited to see me walk into the Headmistress' office."
"Secretive and delusional."
"That wasn't a no."
"No." I command my face to remain neutral as to not give away my blatant lie. "I wasn't excited to see you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe Professor Riggs is waiting for me." I storm off to catch up with the others when Atlas calls out, "I look forward to seeing you for our first lesson this afternoon, Princess."
I flip him the middle finger without breaking my stride, and his deep laugh rings in my ears, making my heart leap.
I catch up to Nyx and elbow him in the ribs as hard as I can, earning a deep grunt and wicked look from him.
"What the hell was that for, Kitarni?"
"You didn't tell me Atlas was a professor here," I angrily whisper.
He rubs his ribs as he explains, "He's been teaching a few years but only instructs the first through fourth years. Professor Fenwick and Professor Darmas deal with the older students. From what I hear, Fenwick has a full course load and Darmas is just returning from her maternity leave. I had no idea Atlas would be teaching you. Honestly, it doesn't make any sense he would be."
I narrow my eyes and glare at him. "I don't believe you."
