The Broken Queen (The Royals of Rake Forge #2)

Prologue

Unknown: Greetings, Mr. James. I’m delighted to inform you that I recently learned of your interest in creating an alliance.

Scotty: … how did you get this number?

Unknown: What a waste of a question. Let’s discuss the alliance.

Scotty: The alliance is already set. I was told you’d have no reason to get involved.

Unknown: I’d like to ensure the terms are still suited to both our interests.

Scotty: I was under the impression they already were…did something change?

Unknown: I think you know they have.

Scotty: I need to be clear…. she’s not to be harmed.

Unknown: You’ll marry her off knowing all that you do, and you’re concerned I’ll be the one to harm her?

Scotty: Adesso seems genuine in his feelings.

Unknown: I couldn’t care less about his feelings for her. It’s his loyalty to me that I need solidified. Perhaps we can find a way to encourage that loyalty.

Scotty: I don’t like repeating myself, but she’s not to be harmed.

Unknown: I’d like our new queen whole, so I agree that she’ll remain unharmed. However, you of all people should know how easily it is to break someone without ever laying a finger on them.

I’ll be in touch.