Chapter 24

I can't choose year nine?

Flabbergasted by Claude's unexpected outburst, Lia pulled her hand out of his grip.

"Are you ill, my lord?"

"I'm not joking with you. You can't choose year nine."

"Why not? The headmaster clearly said—"

"Eddie Kirkham."

The familiar name silenced Lia. Only then did she begin to notice her surroundings; a crowd had gathered, gawking at them. Claude shot them a glare before turning to head toward the garden. Lia ran after him through the grass under the shade of tall, fully-bloomed trees.

"Eddie Kirkham fancies men."

She could tell that much by instinct. When they'd last met in the gardens at Bale Manor, she had already suspected his sexual orientation. But that was no reason for her to give up on joining year nine.

"Is that the reason?"

"Do you not get what I mean?" Claude's tone turned sharp.

"My lord, I am a student. The private life of a professor is the least of my concerns. Besides, it will only be for one year—"