Page 30 of Desecrated Reign

“Everything he doesn’t see in himself.” He brings his forehead to mine, and we continue to dance to the slow, sombre beat. “Do you want to know what I see in you?” When he doesn't respond, I add, “You are my safe place to land, Dev. And when this crazy world threatens to push me over the edge, I know with all my heart you will be there to catch me if I fall.”

Tilting my head towards the sinking sun, I drag my palms over my face. “I need you, and you’re not here. This world pushed me too far, and you weren’t there to catch me.” Swiping the tears from my cheeks, I draw in a calming breath. “You know, I really tried to be strong these past few weeks. I’ve pushed all the hurt to the side and focused on the anger because I knew if I let myself feel your loss, I wouldn’t be strong enough to do what was needed of me. Then today, I was out running and all of a sudden, I was here, and all the hurt came rushing back.” I close my eyes, letting the breeze whisper across my face. “I have to keep reminding myself of why I’m doing this, why I’m fighting so hard to become the girl everyone thinks I am, then I remember what you said.”

“I don’t know the first thing about running an organisation, Liam. Never mind one that is steeped in crime. Everyone expects me to slide into this world and take it in stride. But I’m falling head first, gaining more than a few bumps and bruises on my way down. I’m not cut out for this lifestyle. As much as I want to be the queen everyone believes I am, I don’t belong on this chessboard.”

“That’s a load of bollocks, and you know it. You belong here. You know it. Your mam knows it. Hell, even the whole syndicate knows how important you are. Why else would your presence here have grown men running scared, scrambling to keep you away from what is rightfully yours?”

“Do you really think I can beat Gabriel King and take back the Ryan seat?”

“It doesn’t matter what I think, Free Bird. Only you know your limits.” With his free hand, he swipes his thumb along my cheekbone as he lowers his mouth to my ear. “But for what it’s worth, everyone knows the king is the most vulnerable player on the board.”

Pushing myself into a sit, my eyes fall back to the horizon. The sun is lower now, almost disappearing behind the trees. “The second trial is tomorrow, and if I pass it, I’ll be one step closer to becoming the queen you said I’d be. I need to pass it, Liam. I want to see myself the way you saw me, the way Rohan sees me. You died so I could rise, and I won’t stop until I do. For you, I became the storm, but I just pray that when the time comes, the person I need to become doesn’t drag me under.”

18

SAOIRSE

With Rohan’s hand encasing mine, I peer around the dock at the large group of faces—some I know and others I’ve never seen before. Facing us, Lorcan, Keelan, Seamus, and Finn—the four current Kings—stand together, each holding an iPad. Behind them, my eyes catch on the four identical cabin cruiser boats that look like baby yachts, and my stomach fills with dread. Sure, I’m a relatively good swimmer, but if they’re planning to drop us into the middle of the Irish Sea, I’m fucked; I don’t do well with the dark depths of a bottomless ocean, preferring to stay where my feet can touch the sea bed.

My heart pounds with anticipation, and my hands become clammy as the panic seeps from my pores. I’ve no idea what the hell this trial is, and it’s making me anxious as fuck.

“Relax.” Rohan leans closer, whispering in my ear so only I can hear. “I’ll be right next to you the entire time.”

Finally, just when I think I’m about to crush under the weight of the Kings’ silence, Keelan steps forward, lifting his iPad and addressing the group. “Welcome everyone.” His eyes scan over the sixteen initiates—from all four sectors of the syndicate. “As you’re now aware, the second trial is a cross-border task.”

Lorcan joins Keelan, taking his place by his side. “In a few moments, you will be boardin’ one of the four boats behind me.” He waves his hand through the air, gesturing between himself, Keelan, and the other two High Kings. “Each King will drive one boat and the occupants to one of four drop zones.”

“But,” Seamus continues, “before you board, you will be divided into four equal teams. Each team will be chosen by the team leaders, who have been hand selected by the High King of each province.” His gaze falls to Finn. “In a few moments, Finn will call out four names, one from each quarter. The four chosen leaders will stand next to the boat number provided alongside their names.” He points to the edge of the dock. “Then once everyone is ready, each leader will be asked to choose one person from any province to join their team. When each leader has chosen one player, we will repeat the process until everyone is part of a group. The rules are simple,” he continues. “Each team leader can only choose one member from their own province, the remainder of the team must come from a different region.”

A few of the initiates groan out their dislike for the final rule, but when Seamus levels the group with a raised brow, silence falls upon us all. “Is everyone following so far?”

With a chorus of yes sirs and a collection of head nods, Seamus steps back and Finn raises his iPad.

“The four team leaders are as follows: Team one, boat one, Saoirse Ryan. Team two, boat two, Cadden Connelly. Team three, boat three, Jack Keogh. And finally, team four, boat four, Orion Murphy.” Lowering his iPad, he adds, “Leaders please make your way to your places.”

Anxiety claws across my skin as I give Rohan’s hand one last reassuring squeeze, then step towards boat one. A breath of relief rushes from my lungs when my dad steps in next to me. “I’ll be your captain. If you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to ask, and I’ll answer within the guidelines of the rules.” I nod my head, holding back the snigger at how formal he’s addressing me, treating me as he would any other initiate.

Once all the leaders are in place, my eyes scan over the remaining initiates, silently pondering which ones I’d like to have on my team. When Rohan catches my attention, he shoots me a cheeky wink.

“We will begin with team one, then work our way down to team four,” Finn confirms. “First up, the only female team leader, Ms Saoirse Ryan.”

Ignoring the muffled laughter from some of the male initiates, I square my shoulders and straighten my spine. My eyes dance across Rohan, Beibhinn, and Aodhán, hating that I can only choose one of them to be on my team, but also knowing that if I am going to make it through this trial without losing my ever-loving mind, I need Rohan next to me. “The person I would like to choose as my first team member is Rohan King.”

Next to pick is Cadden Connelly, and when Beibhinn’s name falls past his lips with venomous delight, I cringe, knowing that was the last person she’d want to pick her.

“Absolutely fucking not!” She crosses her arms over her chest and pops her hip for effect.

“What’s the matter, snowflake? Afraid if you spend too much time with me your frozen heart might melt?” Cadden taunts, fuelling the rage painting her cheeks red.

“Fuck you, Connelly.”

“You already have. Best night of my life.”

Beibhinn rears forward, but before she reaches him, Aodhán quickly wraps his arm around her waist, holding her back.

Then, pointing her finger towards Cadden, she shoots him an icy glare. “Don’t test me, Cadden. I've got guns bigger than your dick.”

“Ms Devereux,” Seamus warns as he drops his tone to a rough command, “as much as everyone is enjoying your little outburst”—he motions between her and Cadden—“we are running on a tight schedule. Please take your place next to your team leader.”

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