Chapter 16 #2
“She trusts you want to fuck the queen and many of us know that too,” Lydia snapped.
“Duh. But you want to lead her around by the nose and have whatever fantasy you’ve had in your head for years.
That’s not good for her and none of us trust you.
They won’t tell you anything, especially when you’ve already proven to be jealous and overbearing. ”
I was fine with the overbearing description—even the jealous one was accurate—but then it hit me that she was saying I had reason to be jealous. I chuffed and took a step towards her… And she simply smirked.
Fuck. I’d completely just made her fucking point.
Awesome.
The pieces fell together though and fast. “It’s not his concern about the temples, but Sagan. He’s a real contender.”
She didn’t confirm or deny it, but that smirk stayed in place. “He’s doing a great job of proving he can be a real partner to the queen and put her first. I’m rooting for him.”
I growled when she walked off and was half planning on just confronting Sagan and taking her to bed—doing whatever to make it clear I was who should be on her radar.
Even if it was selfish and not what was best for her. I left to help her and someone moved in to… There was no good way to finish that thought that didn’t make me sound more like an asshole.
My head was a mess, but then I caught sight of Princess Maple walking with a female ancient and it was clear they didn’t want to draw attention.
So of course I followed them because that was suspicious.
Several turns and hiding as best as I could and we were in an alcove in a different wing of the castle that seemed more for storage? I wasn’t really sure, but Myriam appeared practically dragging Sagan with her who looked… Not like my Sagan. She looked beyond exhausted and just defeated.
There maybe was no other better word than defeated.
She opened her mouth to say something but then did a double take when she saw the strange woman. And that was maybe the first time I had fully seen Sagan completely drop all of her masks.
She raced to the woman and hugged her with all she had. The woman the media called cold and said had ice in her veins—all of the insults—broke down, silently sobbing and clutching the woman like her life depended on it. “You never came back for me. You never let me know you were even alive.”
“Oh, my darling, of course I lived and was fine,” the woman cooed as they slid to the floor. “You know how powerful I am.”
“They were so mad at you,” Sagan argued. “I worried.”
“My sweet, sweet girl, I am sorry. I would have made it known, no matter the price, if I thought you worried even once. I’ve been fine. Missing you and—I’m here now. Maple asked me to come because you are loved. You are so loved now, and I won’t leave you again.”
“I just wanted a life with you, not any of this,” Sagan admitted before letting out a painful sort of stunted whimper that affected both Maple and Myriam from the way they were wiping away tears.
I was too. It was so beyond clear that this was the only woman who had given Sagan any real love growing up—whatever her role had been. I’d always respected Rhys and Amelia, but now?
Now, I hoped they were being punished for their sins against their daughter instead of resting in peace. I really did.
Even if I wanted to keep watching, I left because she wasn’t in any danger and it was something too personal I wasn’t meant to see. I decided to swing by and see Raquel. She at least deserved to know her people were loyal with everything else going on.
But she simply smirked at me after I told her. “Always good to hear, but I know I have gossips, and if you were the right person who could help the queen, they would have told you. They simply want you gone, Mr. Conley. As do I.”
I ground my jaw, tired from my travel and everything I’d been doing, so I was less than cordial back. “You were wrong about Elira and you are again. Hopefully, you figure it out faster this time.”
She stood, the jab about Elira hitting her.
“I fell for the sob story of a young, wounded girl I saw too much of myself in. I missed the signs because I watched her grow up and cared for her. You are a completely different matter. You’re a grown man who has a vision of what he can have if mated to the queen. That’s not what’s best for her.”
I wanted to snap at her, but then I paused. “You don’t think I’m doing this to repair my family’s name or fix our image? That’s what…”
She snorted. “I heard how many times you tried to pummel your nephew and your brother stepped in. The castle has eyes and the staff sees everything. You being a prospect has probably ruined your relationship with your brother. I know all of that. I just don’t think you’re the right fit for the queen.
Even if you were perfect. You come with your family and the memories of Kole. ”
She wasn’t wrong. She really wasn’t.
But I came with a hell of a lot more and it was time to show Sagan that.
Fuck the opinions of others. I just needed her to see that.