Twisted Kingdom (Royal Elite #3) by Rina Kent

Good times.

I can’t remember the last time the three of us sat down for a meal. Since Levi started his relationship with Astrid and moved out, he barely shows up anymore, and when he does it’s only with her by his side.

Jonathan and I both know Astrid coaxes him to keep in touch with his family. That’s the reason my father accepted her over time despite the fact that she’s a Clifford.

Newsflash about the Cliffords; Jonathan doesn’t like them.

Her mother killed Uncle James in an accident — in which both of them died. Jonathan being Jonathan still holds a grudge against Astrid and her lord father as if they’re the ones who shoved drugs down Uncle James’ throat that night.

That’s Jonathan in a nutshell. He’s vengeful, and he’s ruthless about it.

He occupies the head of the table while Levi and I sit on each side of him. The chandelier above us casts a white light on the food as if we’re in a cooking show.

I drag the knife over my steak, but I’m neither cutting nor eating.

My thoughts keep spiralling back to how Elsa left yesterday. The numbness on her face still lurks inside me, tying a noose around my heart.

How the fuck could I let her go like that? She doesn’t even have her damn phone. Not that she would’ve answered my calls or texts.

It’s only been a day, but it feels like we’ve been apart for an eternity — and I don’t even believe in eternity and all that shit.

I sit here, wondering when exactly it was she became such an integral part of my life and the fucking air I breathe.

Was it when I claimed her as mine? When I first touched her? When I reunited with her two years ago? Or maybe it all started in the damn basement.

“You’re here today because we have an enemy.”

“You mean you have an enemy.” Levi scoffs, taking a generous bite of his beef and chewing without a care in the world.

“The King household has an enemy, you little punk.”

Levi rolls his eyes but says nothing. I’ve already briefed him about Ethan Steel’s return. Whether he likes it or not, Levi is a King and Jonathan’s precious legacy. He was already a part of the game before he was born.

Like me.

Like Elsa.

“Knowing Ethan, he’ll try to disrupt our formation before attacking.” Jonathan cuts his meat with ease like he’s not talking about attacks and wars.

“You knew Ethan. Past tense,” I say.

“Ethan doesn’t change his attack methods.” Jonathan pauses eating. “Besides, my resources tell me he was in a coma for nearly nine years. The past is all he remembers.”

“Your resources couldn’t tell you that before he made a surprise visit?” Levi mocks.

Jonathan glares at him.

“Stating facts, Uncle. He who only knows himself and not the enemy suffers a loss for every battle won, remember?” He recites the old strategies Jonathan used to shove down our throats.

Levi isn’t even trying to feign interest in the whole thing. He has already built his life as a professional football player. He has his girl and his future ahead. For him, this entire ordeal is a waste of time and he won’t stop reminding Jonathan of that fact.

“I know my enemy.” Jonathan smirks as he takes a bite of his food. “A lot more than I know myself.”

“What’s the plan?” I ask.

“Now we’re talking.” Jonathan points his fork in my direction. “First of all, you’ll stop your idiotic escapades with Steel’s daughter and commit to Silver. Her father and I are friends and go way back. I won’t have you ruin that.”

Yeah, no.

Queens and I didn’t get together because of what our fathers expect. We got together for a different reason, which will soon be eradicated.

“You go way back with Sebastian Queens, as in, you share business interests with him,” Levi speaks without lifting his head. “You know, with how he uses his minister power to let your ships go unnoticed. Oh, and you promised to fund his campaign for Prime Minister. Very friendly of you, Uncle.”

I hide a snicker.

“Am I making myself clear?” Jonathan ignores Levi, focusing on me.

I nod absentmindedly. He doesn’t need to know my move until I make it. After all, he’s not the only one who’s fond of the element of surprise.

He’s not the only one who likes to destroy.

“Perfect.” He points his fork between me and Levi. “We’re invited to a fundraiser hosted by the Rhodes family this Friday. Both of you will be attending.”

“Pass.” Levi feigns a yawn.

“Not interested,” I say at the same time.

Jonathan knows better than to drag us to his friends’ parties and fundraising bullshit. We do attend one gathering once a year, and that’s already happened.

“Listen, you two.” Jonathan slams his fork and knife on the table. “This isn’t just any fundraiser. The Rhodes are aristocrats who have recently returned to business. They’re looking for a long-term partner, and that’s going to be King Enterprises. I’ve been preparing for months for this project, and I won’t accept a loss on such a huge opportunity.”

“What do we have to do with this?” Levi asks.

“You will bring Clifford’s daughter. Those with titles like people who resemble them. If they see a member of the King family in a relationship with a lord’s daughter, they’ll soften.”