Twisted Kingdom (Royal Elite #3) by Rina Kent

Hear that, Alicia? That’s Jonathan finally feeling pain. You should rest in peace now.

I know she won’t. Her sad expression comes to mind. Her pale cheeks and the constant tears in her eyes.

She hated it when Jonathan was stressed or in pain. She loved the loser more than he ever deserved, and he reciprocated too late.

I won’t be my father.

After dressing up, I dial Nash. He picks up after the first ring.

“Are you ready?” I ask.

“Always.”

“Are Knight and Astor there?”

“Knight, yes. Astor is too high to move.”

Of course. And then he bitches about how we always keep him out.

“King?”

“Yes?”

“Let’s leave Adam some hope.”

“Why?”

“I want him to think he’s safe before we destroy him all over again.”

I smirk. I like that idea. “Deal. And Nash?”

“Yes?”

“It’s over with Queens, you petty, little bitch.”

“Fuck you.”

I smile while hanging up.

Time to take care of some overdue business.





21





Elsa





The energy in RES is volatile, to say the least.

It’s been a long time since I walked down the hall and had everyone watch me this closely. Like I’m an animal on display.

Beside me, Teal scrolls through her phone, oblivious to the attention and words said behind our backs.

“It’s because of her.”

“What do you think will happen now?”

“Is she really all that?”

“Shut up or you’ll be next.”

Despite my best attempts not to get caught in the drama, curiosity gets the better of me.

This must be about me, not Teal. Not only is she new, but she also doesn’t speak to anyone.

Kim runs towards me, shooing the students out of her way. She’s panting, her green hair flying in all directions. “Did you… Did you hear what happened?”

I shake my head.

“Adam Herran.” She breathes, a smile breaking across her face. “He’s quitting the rugby team and the school. He’ll enroll in the military academy. Isn’t that brilliant?”

On the surface, yes, it is brilliant. However, after Aiden and Cole’s reaction yesterday, I’m sure this isn’t a coincidence.

I grab Kim by the sleeves and pull her into a corner, away from the crowd of students and eavesdropping ears. Teal follows us, but she’s still too engrossed in her phone to pay us actual attention.

“What happened?” I ask Kim.

She closes in. “I heard the horsemen gave it to him good. They threatened to expose his use of performance-enhancing drugs and other drugs. Apparently, he has a record.”

Aiden.

I can sense Aiden’s conniving mind behind all of this.

Since the moment Silver told us that Adam pushed me in the pool, he was up to no good, all lost in his conspiracy thoughts.

To say I feel sorry for Adam would be a lie, though.

He had it coming. Everyone should know better than messing with Aiden King. He’s known to destroy his opponents until they can no longer stand.

“Isn’t Adam’s family powerful, though?” I ask. “Surely they can bring him back.”

Kim shakes her head frantically. “I heard there was also pressure from Xander and Cole’s parents. They hold some dirt on Adam’s father and they used it against him. He already signed the papers for his son’s transfer.”

Interesting.

Jonathan wasn’t involved. I wonder if it’s because Aiden kept him out of it or because the older King refused to help.

“Why didn’t you tell Dad?” Teal asks without lifting her head.

“I didn’t have the chance. Besides, Dad has a lot on his plate.”

Teal meets my gaze. “Nothing comes before us for Dad, especially when it comes to you.”

Still, I’d rather not bother him. He’s been working late with Agnus, pulling all-nighters. The good thing about Dad, though? He’s always there for breakfasts and dinners no matter how busy he is.

The three of us walk to class. Kim talks about how cool the horsemen are — except for Xander. According to her, he doesn’t count.

In class, Ronan is passing a ball with Xander and Knox. Cole sits at his desk, reading a book titled Corpse that appears to be non-fiction. He seems completely detached from his surroundings.

I know better.

It’s a façade. Cole is more attuned to his environment than anyone else. He just hides it well.

Silver sits two seats in front of him, earbuds in, and her gaze lost in the distance. Even her minions aren’t there. Now that I think about it, Summer and Veronica don’t hang around her as much anymore.

Aiden is nowhere to be seen.

I fight the tug of disappointment and fail.

He and I need to talk. A lot. He needs to give me a heads-up about the disasters he’s planning. I want to hear it from him first, not from the gossip floating around the school.

Biting my lower lip, I contemplate asking the others about his whereabouts.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I smile when I see the name on the screen. Maybe he has telepathic powers after all.

Aiden: Meet me at the pool.