Cruel King (Royal Elite #0) by Rina Kent

“You really planned to reunite with Mum?”

“Yes. After my father’s death, I was done with the masquerade. I finally convinced Jasmine to give me another chance and she agreed.” His face turns rigid. “But it never happened.”

“She was really happy that night, Dad.” I smile, fighting the pressure at the back of my throat. “I’m the one who threw a tantrum.”

“It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know.” He pauses. “Astrid, this period will be hard for the family. I need you to be strong. Can you do that for me?”

I nod slowly, my voice catching. “What will happen?”

“Some people will pay.” His demeanour hardens.

We remain silent for long seconds until it almost becomes awkward.

“Can I tell you something, Dad?”

“Anything.”

I gather all my courage and blurt, “I don’t want to go to Imperial College. I want to study art like my mum.”

“All right.”

“All… right?” My mouth hangs open.

“Of course. I won’t make you study something you dislike. Besides, you have too much talent to waste.”

I don’t know which part should surprise me the most. The fact that Dad saw my sketches or that he’s letting me study art.

“Thank you,” I murmur, my voice catching in my throat. “All this time, I thought… I thought you hated me.”

“Oh, come here, Astrid.” He opens his arms and I dive into them, wrapping my hands around his waist. A sob tears from my throat and I can’t help the tears.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I made you feel that way.” He strokes my hair back. “I was scared I’d lose you, too, so I was stern. Now I realise that’s not what you needed.”

“I just… I just miss Mum so much and you’re the only one who reminds me of her.”

“I miss her, too.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’m sorry I couldn’t grieve properly with you. I wanted you to move on with your life, but that was wrong, too. You needed to grieve properly first. I promise to learn from my mistakes and be a better father for you.”

I look up at him through blurry eyes. “You won’t throw me away and adopt Nicole?”

He laughs. “That nonsense was never on the table. You’re the only daughter I have. Nicole will leave after her mother is sent away.”

“What do you mean by sent away?”

Dad opens his mouth to speak when the door barges open. Victoria walks inside with Grandpa’s antique shotgun pointed towards us.

“No one will send me away.”





51





Levi





Was it all just a fantasy?



* * *



I stare up at Lord Clifford’s mansion.

Logically, I should’ve given Astrid time to cope, but patience has never been one of my qualities.

If I have to climb through a window and search every room to find her, then so be it.

We’re going to talk then I’ll kiss the living hell out of her. Or it can be the other way around. The order doesn’t matter.

Astrid and I aren’t something decided by an accident three years ago. We’re more. We’re a lot fucking more.

Astrid didn’t only engrave herself in my soul, she’s also become an inseparable part of my core. And no fucking one can take that away from me.

Not even her.

“Captain?” Daniel calls from my side. “What are you doing here?”

“The same as you. To see Astrid.” I narrow my eyes. “But I came first, so wait for your turn.”

He releases a sigh. “She’s going through a lot. Maybe you should give her some time to cope. Ever heard of that term?”

“Whatever that coping is, Astrid and I are doing it together.” I push past him towards the entrance.

He grips my shoulder and pulls me back with a force I didn’t realise he had.

“Fucking stop. She’s not like you. Astrid isn’t the type who goes forward, not caring about those left behind.”

“Is that what you think I am?”

“That’s what the whole team thinks you are! They’re just too scared to say it to your face.”

“Yeah? What have I been doing?”

He throws his hands in the air. “You’ve been torturing us more than Coach for the championship.”

“So now we don’t want the championship?”

“We do, but we started this to have fun. Not all of us are going pro. Hell, not even half of us.” He releases a deep breath. “This is the last season we’ll ever be able to compete in football before it all become corporates and politics.”

Huh. I never looked at it that way.

“Nice talk.” I pat Daniel’s shoulder. “Let’s finish after I see Astrid.”

“Captain!” He runs alongside me. “You’re not hearing a word I’m saying. She needs time. Once she’s calmed down, she’ll come out on her own accord and talk to you.”

“What if she never does?” I meet Daniel’s eyes. “What if she spends distance away and realises that she doesn’t fucking want me anymore?”

He remains silent for a second too long. “Then it’s her choice. Another word you need to learn.”