Rise of a Queen (Kingdom Duet #2) by Rina Kent

Jonathan does, though. I hear him every other day asking Harris for updates about Aiden and Levi. From the outside, it might seem like an extension of his control freak nature, and to some extent, it is, but he also makes sure they’re fine and protected. Jonathan is the type who brings the world down if anyone so much as bothers his family. He just doesn’t express it. In turn, Aiden doesn’t know it. There’s a huge gap between father and son, and it’ll take a long time to resolve the pile of miscommunication cluttered in their relationship.

But baby steps, right?

I pull away before Jonathan brushes his lips against mine. From the way he’s staring at me, I don’t doubt that he might actually do it.

It’s not only because of PDA, but I’m also kind of worried about my reaction in my drunken state. Who knows if I’ll start clawing at his clothes right in front of his son and daughter-in-law?

“It’s different from Margot’s.” Jonathan pauses eating to pour himself a glass of wine. “It’s good.”

Both Elsa and Aiden halt their banter about the salt and stare at Jonathan as if he’s grown a few heads.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the first time the tyrant ever complimented Aiden. He can be so heartless sometimes.

Okay, most of the time.

Aiden clears his throat but remains silent.

It’s Elsa who grins like a proud mama. “He cooks the best food ever.”

“Maybe he can cook something for the family dinner next time.” Jonathan is speaking to Aiden, but he stares at me over the rim of his glass, and I pretend I’m not the subject of his attention.

“Only if Levi does,” Aiden says.

“Make it a competition, then.” Jonathan takes a sip of his wine. “Aurora and I will be judges.”

Elsa points her glass of wine at herself. “How about me?”

“Your and Astrid’s votes aren’t subjective. You’re forbidden from voting.”

She appears disappointed, but she touches her husband’s bicep. “I’m sure Aiden will win.”

“We’ll see.”

I’m about to reprimand Jonathan for being his usual aloof self, but the sadistic spark in Aiden’s eyes stops me. He likes the challenge his father is throwing his and Levi’s way.

The King men surely think differently. It’s like they bond over battles and wars.

As a confirmation to my theory, after dinner, Aiden does the dishes, then sits with Jonathan around a coffee table on which there’s a glass chessboard. It’s similar to the one at home, where Jonathan has taught me how to play.

Or tried to, anyway. I usually end up straddling his lap or splayed all over the chessboard as he fucks me.

I fight the flush that covers my skin but fail. Thank God for the wine; otherwise, my arousal would be clear.

Both Jonathan and Aiden’s poses are similar, their grey eyes sharpened as they think of ways to bring the other down.

As Elsa and I finish our no-idea-how-many glass of wine, my attention is robbed by Jonathan’s pure masculine beauty. He leans both elbows on his knees and forms a steeple at his chin with his fingers. Those long fingers that I can’t stop staring at — or at him.

It takes them both a long time to make a move because, I assume, they calculate like hell before attempting it. When Jonathan slides a piece forwards, he’s so sure and confident. There’s no question that he’ll win. Aiden might pose a threat, but it’s still too early for him to beat his father.

That doesn’t stop the younger King from trying, though. He grew up to be a force not to be trifled with.

Be proud, Alicia. Your boy is now a man.

“They’re so alike,” Elsa whispers from beside me. We’re snuggled on the sofa opposite them, sharing a soft blanket.

“I know,” I murmur back. “Does Jonathan always come over to play with Aiden?”

“We’ve been living here for fifteen months, and this is the first time Jonathan has stepped foot into our house. I thought he’d never come over, so thank you for bringing him. I know it means a lot to Aiden.”

“I didn’t bring him.”

“Yes, you did.” She grins and it appears child-like, considering her drunken state. “Told you. You’re the colours in his life.”

Am I, though?

After all, he’s been disappointed in me since last night. Even the alcohol isn’t able to make me forget about that part.

We watch them some more as we talk about university and the differences between my experience of it and hers.

When my eyes droop, Elsa leads me upstairs and into the guest room I changed my clothes in earlier.

There’s a bed, a half-empty antique wardrobe, and a tall side lamp. It’s simple, beautiful, and cosy.

“Sorry it’s not much.” Elsa brings out blankets from the wardrobe. “I haven’t had the chance to properly decorate it. Aiden said we’d never have guests, because he’d kick them out.”

“Sounds like Aiden.”

“Tell me about it.” She rolls her eyes and motions at the fresh towels and the silky nightgown on the bed. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m the one who should thank you for coming into our lives.” She hugs me, her coconut scent mixing with the wine. “Thank you so much for giving Aiden a chance to not only move on from Alicia, but to also find some middle ground with his father.”