Page 42 of Ruthless Royalty

“She’s not just another initiate,” Nikolai snaps, still pushing me. “She’s my sister, someone you dragged into this. You’re supposed to be breaking her spirit, not fucking with her head.”

Connor finally speaks up, cutting through the tension with his usual casual tone. “Hey, let’s not get too high and mighty here. Gio’s right, in a way. We needed to see if she’d crack under pressure, and if it took some flirtin’ and innuendos to get a reaction, so be it. It’s all part of the test.”

Nikolai’s face turns red with rage. “Flirting and innuendoes? He fucking —”

“Nikolai, calm down,” Mihai says, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is how it works. The Day of Silence is meant to test their limits. And if Giovanni had to use a bit of underhanded tactics to get Chiara to react, that’s his call. We all heard what was said, and it’s part of the fucking process.”

I can’t help but smirk at the look of frustration on Nikolai’s face. “See, Nikolai? It’s not personal. It’s just how things are done around here,” I say with a shrug.

Nikolai’s jaw clenches as he glares at me, but Mihai’s voice is like ice cutting through the tension.

“Giovanni’s methods are harsh, but they’re not without reason. We need to see who can handle the pressure. It’s not about playing favorites or being fair; it’s about seeing who has the fucking grit to make it through.”

“Exactly,” I raise an eyebrow, my tone dripping with sarcasm. “I’m respecting her by giving her a fair shot; you did the same fucking thing by not telling her about the Blood Oath. I did what I had to do. If she couldn’t handle it, that’s on her. Not on me.”

“Oh, fuck off, G,” Nikolai snaps. “You know as well as I do thatwe can’t treat her like some random. She’s connected to all of us now.”

Connor chuckles, his eyes flashing with amusement. “And what about my sister? She had to go through the same shit today, remember? We can’t play favorites. It’s part of the game.”

Nikolai’s anger doesn’t subside, but he steps back, his hands dropping to his sides. “You think this is easy for me? Seeing her being pushed like that? Listening to what he was doing to her? You think I enjoy it?”

Connor shrugs, looking almost bored. “None of us enjoy it, Nikolai. But it’s necessary. It’s the only way to find out who really belongs here. If Chiara can’t handle this kind of pressure, she doesn’t belong with the Crowns.”

Nikolai shakes his head, clearly frustrated. “You’re such an asshole, Gio. You get off on this power trip, don’t you? Making everyone’s life a living hell just to get your kicks.”

I laugh, the sound harsh and mocking. “Oh, come on, you’re acting like this is the first time someone’s pushed boundaries. Remember what you did to Mihai’s cousin last year? We’re all here to test limits and see who’s worth their salt. Chiara’s tough. She’ll bounce back.”

Nikolai looks like he’s about to say something else, but Mihai cuts him off. “Let’s get one thing straight. This isn’t about personal grudges or vendettas. It’s about seeing who has what it takes to belong. The Day of Silence, The Chase; it’s all part of the process. If Chiara can’t handle it, she’ll be cut loose. End of story.”

“Exactly,” Connor adds, pushing off the wall and strolling over. “This isn’t some playground where respect is given for free. We need to see who’s got the mettle to stand up to our world. If Chiara’s got it, she’ll prove it. You know as well as I do that bein’ attached to your last name will bring her a lot of enemies. She handled herself well today, you should be fucking proud.”

Nikolai runs a hand through his hair, looking defeated but notbacking down. “I get the testing part, but there’s a line. You crossed it, G.”

“Hey,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. “I did what I had to do. Don’t act like I did anything different from what I did last year. We all have to deal with it. Just because you’re all up in arms doesn’t mean I’m going to back down.”

Nikolai clenches his fists, his face still flushed with anger, but he finally backs down. “Fine. But don’t think I’m letting this go. I’ll be keeping a close eye on her.”

Connor smirks, clapping Nikolai on the back. “Good. That’s the spirit. And don’t get too comfortable, Gio. There’s still more to come.”

I nod, trying to shake off the tension. “Yeah, I get it.”

Mihai smirks, clearly enjoying the drama. “Good. Now, let’s all just focus on getting through the rest of Legacy Week. We’ve got enough chaos to deal with without adding more fuel to the fire.”

With that, the tension in the room begins to ease. Nikolai and I exchange one last loaded look before he finally steps back, his anger simmering down. I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the adrenaline from the argument.

It’s been a hell of a day, and it’s not over yet.

I look around the room, my thoughts already shifting to what comes next, even though I can still taste her on my tongue. I’ve got my own plans, my own goals. And if Chiara’s part of this twisted game, then she’s got to play by the rules. Whether she likes it or not, she’ll have to prove she’s got what it takes.

I’ll make sure of it.

CHIARA

I’m sitting in the corner of Studio 3, staring at the blank canvas in front of me, but my mind isn’t on the painting. I’ve been dragging my brushes through paint, making strokes that don’t seem to fit together.

Everything feels wrong, and I can’t shake the guilt that’s been gnawing at me since yesterday. The way Giovanni pushed me, the way he crossed every line—it’s left me feeling raw and exposed.

Leo’s joining me, and while I’m looking forward to his company, I can’t help but feel a heavy weight in my chest. I haven’t been able to look at him without thinking about how I let Giovanni get under my skin, how I let myself be pushed to the edge.

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