Page 210 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

To wake up at the crack of dawn to do some sort of outdoor morning activity that leads to morning swims and big breakfasts created by our private chef. It makes the early hours cruise by as the warm afternoons invite comfortable naps after hours of reading various literature.

I’ve gotten accustomed to reading a book and having Sweet Precious Gem quietly climb onto the couch with her own choice of book to read with me. It’s become a routine by the end of the week, and we’re lost in our worlds of fiction while spending time with one another.

Despite having a private chef, I did take a few instances to bake and cook dinner for them all. Their baffled expressions, realizing I was making an addictive dish of pasta with freshly baked garlic bread, was a photo I managed to snag fromthe security cameras because it was what Eva would deem “priceless.”

She doesn’t know of Ares’ challenge for us to collect unexpected photos of Eva to create some art project he wishes to give her for Christmas now that the holidays are a few weeks away. I liked the creative idea, especially as I’m learning more about Eva and her intriguing love for art, video games, and a bit of fashion.

The vision boards were a huge success the first night here. It was surprisingly the icebreaker we needed to break the tension between the four of us. Not to say our walls are completely shattered between us, but I’m beginning to grow more comfortable around Benedict and Albrecht than I’d admit out loud.

Benedict, in particular, catches a bit of my interest.

We have similarities I’ve acknowledged from the beginning, but those are validated throughout this trip, making me further intrigued by his drive. He’s a lot smarter than everyone gives him credit for, and I can only wonder why he allowed Domino to use his funds as though he didn’t see the dangerous patterns in behavior.

Everything has a purpose. If I think that way, I’m sure he does as well.

The thought reminds us of how Benedict worked overtime to set up the tedious note challenge that Precious thought was a legitimate task for us to complete. Her determination to fulfill it was admirable, and she was rewarded throughout this week with pampered purpose, but one thing still nags at me.

“Hannah,” I say as a thought shimmers in my mind. “Were there any notable fires or incidents involving anything explosive within the royal community in the last ten to fifteen years?”

It’s a far too broad question to search for, but I need to narrow down my options and potential situations. SincePrecious’ last seizure, I’ve noticed her behavior when it comes to the sight of fire, whether a simple candle or the blaze in the depths of the fireplace. Her transfixed gaze hyper-focuses on the flames, as though they’re a bringer of calamity in her life. It would be stupid and irresponsible not to notice, but I have a hunch Benedict and Albrecht are observing more negative instances.

I don’t like playing the waiting game.

“There are a few prominent situations, sir, but I would need a narrowed search with more specifics,” Hannah discloses.

Okay…

“Anything revolving around Prescotts?”

She’s typing away, needing a minute to answer me.

“Negative, Sir.”

“Leightons?”

“Clean, Sir.”

I frown at that because that seems fishy. Hannah is looking into a special database of collected incidents revolving around royal families and organizations. It’s fishy because I remember, as a child, there was some sort of warehouse fire. Small, yes, but the incident was talked about enough at the Leighton Manor for me to remember, even though I was a weak boy.

I listened and observed… which may prove to come in handy now in this peak moment.

“I remember there being a fire when I was younger. A warehouse from the rumors floating around Leighton Manor. Are you sure there’s nothing?”

“It’s clean, sir,” she emphasizes again.

Clean.

Not negative like the Prescotts.

Meaning something has been wiped.

“Anything profoundly noticeable in the royal families in the last ten to fifteen years involving fires that were forced to be reported?”

Her silence prompts me to gather my things, deciding it’ll be good to sleep, seeing as I have final practice tomorrow and the League Game Tuesday night.

“One noticeable occurrence that may pique your interest, sir,” Hannah finally announces.

“I’m listening.”

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