Twisted Kingdom (Royal Elite #3) by Rina Kent

It feels so right.

He pulls my skirt down and tucks himself in ever so effortlessly. His strong arms surround me and I know I’m going to be all right.

Just like back then.

A flashlight explodes in my head like fireworks.

Just like back then.

The memories flood my brain so fast, so hard I don’t know how to stop them even if I could.

Just like back then...





30





Elsa





Past

I stand hidden in the balcony, not making a sound.

Daddy is talking to Uncle Agnus about work and stuff. When he’s done, I’m going to tell him about Grey Eyes.

After Daddy helps him, I’ll visit his home and we’ll become best friends.

Uncle Agnus stands beside Daddy, who’s sitting on the sofa. That uncle doesn’t like sitting around much. He doesn’t like to talk much either.

Daddy’s jacket and tie are thrown on the table; his face appears tired.

Everyone has been saying Uncle Reg is no more. I asked Uncle Agnus what ‘no more’ means since he’s Uncle Reg’s brother, and he said it means he went to Eli.

I hope he’ll take care of him in that place called heaven.

Uncle Agnus squeezes Dad’s shoulder. “It’ll all work out, Ethan.”

“It will, Agnus.” Dad staggers to his feet. “It will.”

Uncle Agnus lets him go. “Where are you going?”

“To Elsa.” He smiles. “I haven’t spent time with my princess in a long time.”

“Before that, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Dad stops, but doesn’t turn around. “About?”

“Abigail. It appears she has been hiding Jonathan’s son.”

“What?” Dad whirls around so fast, I flinch.

Uncle Agnus remains unaffected, his expression as serene as always. It’s like he’s a rock, a solid rock Daddy can lean on. “Reginald kept him under her order.”

Dad’s jaw works. “Why am I only finding out about it now?”

“Because I just found out myself. One of the staff heard sounds near the basement area.”

“Sounds,” Daddy repeats slowly. “What type of sounds?”

“Whimpers. Cries.”

“Fuck.” Dad kicks the table. “Fucking fuck!”

“She’s hurting children again, Ethan. You need to do something about it this time.” He pauses. “If you don’t, Elsa will be next.”

“Don’t you think I fucking know that?” Daddy’s shoulders rise and drop with harsh breaths. “I’ll send her back to the psych ward.”

“And this time, don’t get her out for Christ’s sake.”

“You want me to tell you were right all along, Agnus? Is that it?”

“I’m always right, Ethan. You wouldn’t be in this predicament if you listened to me and didn’t marry her.”

“If I didn’t marry her, I wouldn’t have Elsa. I would repeat it all over again if I was given the choice. Only this time, I would lock her in for her and everyone else’s sake.”

Uncle Agnus’ expression doesn’t change. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

“Go home. Check on Knox and Teal and get some rest.” Dad sighs, running a hand over his face. “Reginald was a backstabbing traitor, but he was your brother.”

“I have no brother who betrays you. I’ll check on the staff and security before I go.” Uncle Agnus nods and heads outside.

Daddy is leaving, too.

Shoot. He can’t go and not find me in bed.

Besides, he has to help Grey Eyes. I promised him. He must be waiting for me.

“D—”

The word dies in my throat when Mum barges inside.

She’s wearing her beautiful red dress with ribbons that flutter over her waist. Her cherry perfume smells good even all the way here. Tears stream down her cheeks, but she doesn’t appear sad. She appears… lost.

My fingers dig into the curtains as I hide behind the patio door.

“Abby.” Dad steps back in the room letting her in.

“Ethan… I-I think I hurt Eli.”

“You hurt Eli, how?” he asks slowly.

“He… he wouldn’t stop bleeding.” She shows him her hands soaked in red. “He wouldn’t stop bleeding, Ethan. He wouldn’t talk to me anymore… I only wanted him to be strong. Is it wrong to want my children strong? That’s why I take Elsa to swim in the lake, you know.”

“You take Elsa to swim in the lake?” Dad grinds his teeth.

Oh, no. He’ll be angry and them monsters will come out.

Ma’s eyes become clear, almost haunting as she saunters to Daddy’s desk and sits behind it. Placing one foot over the other, she speaks in a determined tone, “Of course, I do. She doesn’t know how to swim. I have to teach her so she doesn’t drown like Eli. She can’t be a Steel if she’s weak.”

“Abby…” Dad grits out, but he turns away from her to take a deep breath. “We’ll go somewhere tomorrow, okay? Now, I’ll go check on the boy. Jonathan would go berserk if something happens to him.”

Yes! I knew Daddy would help him.

He takes two steps in the direction of the door.