Cruel King (Royal Elite #0) by Rina Kent

“The other person died. There was no need to keep the case open.”

My throat closes. “S-someone else died?”

“Yes.” He stands up. “So drop it.”

“But —”

“Take it as if I’m asking you for a favour and drop it.”

After Mum’s accident, I looked all over for articles, but Dad’s PR’s team is so strong that all articles were wiped out. Then he announced me to the public as his daughter. The articles mentioned that Mum’s accident was because of a dog.

This is the first time anyone mentions someone else.

My lips thin in a line despite all the questions I want to ask. I can’t deny Dad the first favour he asks of me.

“Fine.”

“Thank you.” He offers me his hand. “Have lunch with me.”

“Don’t you have to work?” I ask.

“That can wait.”

I take his hand, stunned that he’d want to have lunch with me outside the house.

It’s awkward at first with Dad asking about school and all. Then, we both order pepperoni pizzas and talk about his future projects. Apparently, Dad plans to make a school for refugees and I feel kind of proud about that.

His assistant calls, but he tells her to postpone all his appointment for the day.

For the first time in ever, I feel closer to Dad like maybe he doesn’t hate having me all that much.

After lunch, he asks me where I want to go next. I choose the amusement park like how Mum used to take me on my birthdays.

I thought Dad would only watch as I play, but he removes his jacket and tie and plays with me.

We have lots of fun, trying to win stuffed animals. Who knew Dad has an excellent range?

A few people recognise and approach him. He always introduces me first as if it’s important for him that people know about me.

He only drops me home late afternoon when he receives an emergency call.

“I'm sorry for bailing on our date,” Dad says as we both get out of the car in front of the house.

I grin, holding out the stuffed toys we won. “Thanks, Dad. I had fun. I feel lighter now.”

“Remember, Astrid. You’re a Clifford and no one brings us down.”

I try to give him a smile, but at the reminder of how I ran from school today, it comes out as a grimace.

“No one hurts my daughter and gets away with it. Tell me who I have to destroy.”

“No one, Dad.”

“Are you sure?”

I nod.

He takes my hand in his and clasps something around my wrist. “Happy Birthday, Star.”

Before I can say anything, he goes back to his car and disappears down the road.

I look down to find a dainty bracelet around my wrist. There’s a sun, a moon, and a star, like in my tattoo.

My lips curve in a smile, but the weight that somehow vanished in Dad's presence returns.

I go inside the house with a sigh.

Victoria stands at the entrance wearing a scowl and a gown with hideous patterns.

I attempt to ignore her on my way inside but her venom-filled voice stops me in my tracks. “No matter what you do, you’ll always be an outsider.”

“Then why are you feeling so threatened?” I tell her coolly and push past her.

Once I’m in my room, I place my stuffed animals carefully on the table and throw my weight on the bed, closing my eyes.

I wake up to someone shaking my shoulders.

“Dan?” I crack one eye open.

“Jesus Christ, Astrid,” he breathes sitting by my side. “I searched for you the entire day. Give a man a warning when you run off.”

“Sorry. My phone died.” I sit up, rubbing my eyes. “What time is it?”

“Around six. I came as soon as Sarah called. Where did you go anyway?”

I tell him about visiting Mum and my impromptu birthday date with Dad.

“I bet my gift will be better than Uncle Henry’s.” He reaches under the bed and gives me a box of scones. “Mum’s speciality. I helped.”

I half-hug him. “You’re the best, bug.”

“I know.” He grins. “You can thank me by splitting the scones.”

“Nice try, but nope.”

“Stingy.”

“They’re mine.”

He laughs. “Happy Birthday, bugger. How do you want to celebrate?”

His phone rings. Dan silences it and turns it off but not before I see 'Captain' flashing on the screen.

My heart aches as if being sliced open. But then I remember Dad's words from earlier.

You’re a Clifford and no one brings us down.

I shouldn't be feeling sorry for myself, I should be making him feel sorry.

I should make him feel my pain.

“What does he want?” I ask Dan.

“Forget about him.” He throws a dismissive hand. “Back to birthday plans. I cancelled practice and Ronan's party and I'm all yours to binge-watch Vikings.”

I stand up, my veins thumping with determination. “I have a better idea.”





33





Levi





You might have won the battle, but the war is far from over.



* * *



I pace the length of Ronan’s lounge area and run a hand through my already-dishevelled hair.