The Shadow Prince

chapter thirty-five HADEN

When I see Daphne sitting in the courtyard during our lunch break, I don’t hang back or pretend to be aloof. I walk right up to her with the determination of a warrior and address her as if she were an Underlord of my same rank. “I have agreed to sing during the festivities of lighting up Olympus. I request that you help me prepare. Or perhaps a duet would be prudent.”

She blinks at me for a moment, then looks down at the notebook at her side as if contemplating what she’s written there. She looks back up at me. “Um … okaaaay.”

“Very well, then,” I say, hiding my surprise that she has actually agreed. “We shall commence rehearsal at your earliest convenience.”

“Next week,” she says. “I have a ton of homework to catch up on first.”

“I bid you a pleasant day, then.” I give her a respectful nod and start to take my leave.

“My tote?” she says, pointing at the bag over my arm. I had intended on giving it to her first thing as a peace offering.

“Oh yes.” I hand it over to her. “Everything is as it should be, but I took the liberty of charging your phone for you.”

I walk away at a fast clip, not giving her time to reconsider our arrangement.