Page 28 of The Kingdom of Ruin

As if sensing my need to cool down, Raiden speaks, pouring an ice bucket over me with a finality that hurts more than I care to admit.

“She’s a fae. You’re not allowed to like lowly scum like that.”

FOURTEEN

ADDI

Thankfully, the food hall was quiet last night and again this morning, but the glint in Brody’s eyes as I walk into history class the following day tells me I’m in for a full dose of his charisma this morning. It’s too damn early. I barely slept. I couldn’t settle because I was beating myself up over being so easily distracted, and when I did eventually fall asleep, I was taunted by the stern scowl on Raiden’s face, the smirk on Brody’s lips, those piercing green wolf eyes of Cassian’s, and the black ink I’ve only ever seen painted on Kryll’s skin.

Fucked.

I’m completely fucked.

Or I was, but I decided upon a new mantra this morning, and I’m sticking to it.

No boys—or men, as Brody so helpfully clarified. No male distractions. My head is firmly in the game and I’m ready to prove that I’m worthy of being the heir. I’ll prove it however necessary.

Dropping down into my seat, I feel his eyes on me immediately, while Kryll doesn’t even bother to acknowledge my existence. He might just be my favorite person for the day. No conversation, no knowing glances like Flora keeps giving me. Nothing.

It almost gives me the illusion that I’m a little wallflower, blending into the academy without anyone being aware of my presence, but deep down, I know it’s not true, and I don’t want it to be. Not if I’m to rule this kingdom. I should be memorable, just for better things than causing problems.

“Good morning, Miss Reed,” Brody sings. I can’t stop the eye roll that takes over my face, but I manage to keep my focus aimed forward. I’m taking that as a win. One point to me. “Cupcake, you can’t ignore me forever, you know. Especially since I jumped to your aid yesterday with the little human. You owe me.”

I turn and gape at him before I can think better of it. Dammit. One-one.

“I don’t owe you anything for doing the right thing,” I snap, sensing green eyes peering at me from farther down the table.

“Ah, so she does speak.”

My gaze narrows at the annoying mage who isn’t just good at getting under Raiden’s skin; he’s excelling at doing it to me too. It’s not so good when you’re on the other side of it. Go figure.

Clearing my throat, I turn away from him, staring straight ahead to find the back of Raiden’s head now spoiling my view.

Fuck.

“I don’t owe you anything,” I repeat, desperate not to turn back to him.

“Sure you don’t.” The underlying humor in his tone grinds my teeth together as my hands ball into fists in my lap. Silence stretches between us when I don’t respond, and I’m certain he’s found something else to entertain him until I sense him leaning in closer. “I’ll take payment in the form of a date. Friday night,” he adds to be specific as I scoff.

Fuck. That.

Before I can conjure the words to knock him back, Raiden whirls around in his seat, a deathly glare blazing in his eyes. Is he aware that the look is so common on him that the effect is losing its potency?

“No. You. Won’t.” The bite in his words hits harder than the harsh look on his face and a reminder of what he said last night twists my stomach.

“He’s right,” I breathe, turning to Brody with a sickly sweet smile on my face. “You can’t like fae scum, remember?” I wink for added measure before I turn forward again, my smile aching as Raiden glares at me, but I don’t miss the confused look on Brody’s face.

“Who the fuck said that?”

I don’t bother to turn back to him, internally pleading for the professor to make an appearance sometime soon to save me from this conversation.

“I did,” Raiden replies, his eyes fixated on me, but I look right through him, staring at a small mark on the wall behind his head. At least he doesn’t deny it. But that fact doesn’t make the words hurt any less.

My jaw clenches, irritation burning through me that I’m letting him get to me still. I’m more mad at myself than any of these assholes right now.

“Raiden does not speak for me, thank you very much. Besides, if you behave, I’ll even let you irritate this ass with me. It’ll be the highlight of your evening until I show you my dick, then you’ll be obsessed with me,” Brody promises, his words lightening the rising tension inside of me as I turn to him once again, despite my desire not to.

I clear my throat, ready to give him some sophisticated response, but Kryll speaks first. “He’s not like any mage you’ve ever met before in your life, is he?”

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