Page 209 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

“There is some written and spoken evidence involving their interest in Miss Prescott,” Hannah reveals. “The intrigue specifically revolves around your association and strong interest in marrying her. There are also some added notes regarding Mr. Albrecht’s public interest in Miss Prescott.”

“Nothing on Benedict?”

“He’s not an immediate threat to them, it seems.”

“Stupid but understandable,” I grumble, feeling oddly offended at their lack of acknowledgment of their competition. It’s crystal clear how strongly Precious loves Zander, but they could be too lost in the public affection seen outside our bubbles of royals to notice the real love blooming within our dynamic.

Their loss. It’s not our duty to entertain their blindsight.

“Do the Maidens have to attend the game?” I inquire.

“It would be highly recommended,” Hannah encourages.

Meaning it’s essential for the rules…

“Alright.” There’s nothing I can change with the game so close. What I can do is play it smart and ensure Eva is in line of sight at all times. “I want to ensure there’s a good set of security on game day. I won’t be able to focus on Eva because of the game, but I want a guard to be nearby if Albrecht has business elsewhere that day. Even with his presence, I still want additional eyes on them. If they’re in the Elite Party reports, that means they’ll potentially be targeted at some point.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Inhaling, I let out my breath, craving a cigar. I hate the bubbling anxiety these tense uncertainties bring. Anything involving the Elite Party is bad news.

“I want you to leak info to Prescott, Leighton, and Saint Joaquin. Don’t care how. Just give them enough that they suspect the Elite Party’s presence at the game. I’m positive those three are attending, regardless of current circumstances,” I summarize. “Bad habits die hard when it comes to us Kings.”

“Understood, sir. I’ll work on it promptly,” she assures me. “Is it necessary for Deviants or Savages to be aware of the potential risks?”

I think about it.

“Inform them with the premise I’m looking into it. That’s enough for them to be alert and aware we’d have additional backup if anything begins to not favor us.”

“Alright, sir. I will make haste in getting all of this sorted and launched promptly.”

“One more thing, Hannah,” I encourage, knowing the opportunity to ask her may not come again for a while. “Have you sent your application to Saint Joaquin’s University?”

She says nothing.

Just typing away.

I roll my eyes but smirk slightly.

“Your loyalty is noble, but you’ll need to find a set of royals for yourself, Hannah,” I voice quieter now. “I doubt you’ll enjoy serving me forever.”

“Serving a set of incompetent men is not on this year’s Bingo Board, sir,” she mutters, as if the idea is all but nonsense to her.A nuisance at best.

It’s always amusing to me because she’s a woman and has to have her own needs aside from assuring anyone pestering me is dead and I’m protected.

Very few can keep up with her yearly pay salary, but alas, there are a few sets of royals who would be good for her. Call me a Ruthless Cupid, but I feel this isn’t something she should delay.

I always trust my instincts on this.

“Keep it in mind. The deadline for the applications is at the end of the year,” I remind. “I would like an update on it at your convenience.” I hate to make it an order, but I know she’ll dismiss its importance for another year or two, unless I add a bit of authority to my request.

“Yes, sir,” she finally states stubbornly.

It makes me chuckle softly. I can just imagine her pouting the way Eva would when she doesn’t get what she wants.

“Sir, your laughter is foreign in these conditions.”

“I apologize,” I state because she’s right. I don’t laugh. I haven’t until recently. Being around Eva, with Benedict and Albrecht in the mix, has warmed me up a little. It’s frightening to admit but obvious with how peaceful this last week has been.

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