“I’d rather die than marry that rude nerd with glasses!”

In this small kingdom, there is a beautiful tradition: the royal successor must marry the student who graduates with the highest honors from the Royal High School among children born in the same year.

The only way to break this curse-like tradition is for the royal child to graduate as the ‘valedictorian’ without revealing their true identity.

“It’s not like me being first place all the time causes you any real harm.”
“It does! It’s ruining my life perfectly!” Evey screamed, suppressing the urge to faint.
“For example?”
“…….”

The fact that I’m going to end up marrying you.

Of course, that’s not something I can actually say.

* * *

“Evey Underwood.”
“…….”
“Tell me everything you’re hiding.”

Cyrus leaned in, his teal eyes peering closely into Evey’s. She turned her head, unable to meet his gaze.

How could she tell him? That she was actually his ‘trophy princess’? That she was trying to get first place because the thought of marrying him was horrific? And that now... she didn’t even know if she wanted to keep getting in his way or something else entirely?

“For starters.”

His large hands cupped both of her cheeks, forcing her to look back at him.

“Tell me what I should call you.”
“…….”
“Your real name.”