Steel Princess (Royal Elite #2) by Rina Kent

“Knox is a friend who saved my life. Aiden should get used to it.”

She taps her fingers on the steering wheel. “You’re right. I know that, but King has no filter whatsoever. He treats you like I’ve never seen him treat anyone else.”

“And how is that?”

“Like he wants to shield you from the world. I don’t think you even notice it, but sometimes, he looks at you like he can’t breathe without you. And believe me, that’s not the King everyone knows.”

I tighten my hold on the backpack. “What are you saying, Kim?”

“All I’m saying is; if he feels this intensely towards you, he’ll react tenfold worse if you threaten him.”

“You’re my friend. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am, Ellie.” She sighs. “That’s why I’m telling you not to stir King’s ugly side.”





Aunt and Uncle come home early. It’s so rare that I can’t help hugging them more than needed.

Then I find out they’re only coming to check on me before going back to work.

I contemplate cancelling with Knox just so I can get some alone time with them and maybe have dinner together.

“No, hon.” Aunt ruffles my hair. “Go and have fun. Don’t let us keep you here.”

“I’m sure Knox will understand,” I argue.

“Go on. Don’t keep him waiting. He seems like a nice boy.”

“We’re just friends, Aunt.” I take a carrot and munch on it. I need to keep my stomach full in case Knox takes me to dinner in a place where they don’t serve my special food.

She grins. “Sure thing, Elsie.”

“Stop it, Blair.” Uncle comes behind me and massages my shoulder. “You go and have fun, pumpkin.”

I nod, glancing back at him.

Since the pool accident, I can’t help noticing the change in Uncle’s demeanour or at least the way he looks at me. It’s like he’s torn inside and doesn’t know how to communicate it.

He releases me and heads upstairs, probably to freshen up before they’re out again.

“I’m going to change,” I tell Aunt and she beams at me.

I take the steps two at a time so I can follow Uncle. I freeze at the top of the stairs when I find him standing in front of my room.

He’s clutching his briefcase with the jacket on top. His shoulders are drooped and he gazes at my room with utter sorrow as if he’s about to cry.

My own eyes fill with tears at the sight.

What is it, Uncle? What is it that you’re not telling me?

He shakes his head and continues to his room.

“Uncle...”

He stops and turns around with a smile plastered on his face. The smile falls when he meets my gaze. A tear must’ve fallen on my cheeks because I taste salt.

I don’t even know why I called him or why I’m crying, I just know that I need something.

Uncle lets the briefcase and the jacket fall to the ground and hurries towards me.

“What is it, pumpkin? Are you okay?”

I nod, but more tears fall on my cheeks and my lips wouldn’t stop trembling. I don’t want to worry him.

What the hell is wrong with me and these tears coming out of nowhere?

“I’m sorry.” I wipe at my eyes with the back of my hand. “I don’t know where these tears are coming from.”

“It’s okay. Come here, pumpkin.” He wraps his arms around me and I’m a goner.

A complete utter goner.

I couldn’t stop the tears even if I wanted to.

My nails dig into his shirt and I inhale his aftershave with the scent of cinnamon and citrus.

A scent from my childhood.

It’s like I’m that little girl again. That seven-year-old girl who slept in Uncle’s embrace for weeks because I couldn’t fight off the nightmares.

Back then, Aunt would sleep on a chair because I didn’t want her with us. I couldn’t sleep if she touched me.

“It’s okay,” he soothes, caressing my back. “I’m here for you, pumpkin. No matter what happens, you know that I love you, right? You’re the only child I ever had and ever will.”

I nod in his chest, gripping his shirt tighter.

“What’s going on?”

At Aunt’s voice, I break away from Uncle wiping my eyes, but I keep my back to her.

Damn it.

I don’t want Aunt to see me this way either.

“Elsa was just having a bit of exam stress, right, pumpkin?”

I nod, not turning around.

“Go on and change.” Uncle smiles down at me. “Your friend will be waiting.”

I run to my room.

“Elsa,” Aunt calls, her footsteps sounding behind me. “What’s going on?”

“Let her go, Blair.”

I’m glad Uncle stops her as I go into my room. I barge into the bathroom and wash the itch beneath my hands. That stupid itch that wants to break free.

After freshening up, I change into simple skinny jeans and a tank top.

It’s going to be okay.

I think.

My phone vibrates.

My heart flips at the thought that it’s Aiden. I need him so much right now. I wish he’d just text me something.

Anything.

If he tells me it’s okay to have a life and my own decisions, I’ll cancel with Knox.