Page 54 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

“My parents experienced a few close calls when it came to my survival in this life. That not only ignited fear but proved that my importance as their child was enough for many to throw away their morals and play dirty. So, what better way of playing their games than by weaving rumors and tales surrounding my sudden lack of importance?”

No one can argue with my premise.

Not even Domino.

“I won’t stand on this stage and bore you. Truthfully, I find it amusing that the previous leader of the Ruthless Kings of Carnage would have anything to say.”

“Amusing?” Saint Joaquin is the one to speak up, and I don’t hesitate to smile his way as I nod my head.

“It is, don’t you think?” I suggest with every intention of elaborating on my statement. “Was he not the one to approve of me as a Maiden? Accepted my application and dealt with me until this very night? By mocking me, aren’t you mocking your intellectual framework? Aren’t you belittling your critical thinking skills? Or do you believe by verbally insulting me before this crowd of royals and potential heirs that you’ll still have some form of superiority?”

I can see the instant regret forming on the lines of his face, and despite his best efforts to stand his ground, his face is failing him.

And he always says I’m easy to read.

“My condition still stands.” I don’t want to waste my time. “No matter what happens next ceremony, I will remain with my Ruthless Kings, regardless of the circumstances.”

This may bite me in the ass in the future, but this is the only reign of power I can secure at this moment. Being a Ruthless Maiden is what’s giving me this opportunity to speak up and prove my worth.

One can’t be a figure of obsession unless the world is curious about their true value in the world.

“Officially granted.”

We’re all surprised that the spoken words don’t come from Saint Joaquin but from Mr. Leighton himself, who is now next to my father, Mr. Prescott. I’m even more shocked to see my mother on my father’s left side. She’s wearing a sapphire blue dress matched with red lips, making us look like night and day.

Yet, in this instance, we almost look identical.

If it wasn’t for the more mature expression on her face, matched with the tiny bits of aged lines on her forehead and laugh lines, we really would look like twins in this instance.

It takes many by surprise, but we’re moving on.

“I believe it’s a grand idea and very bold for a Ruthless Maiden to offer,” Mr. Leighton praises. “It does give… how would I say it in these times? ‘Ruthless Queen Energy,’” he says in an intrigued mockery.

I can’t tell if he’s mocking our generation or trying to add some sort of snip commentary because of the circumstances, but I try not to take offense.

Right now, it’s good that I remain on his “good” side.

“Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Prescott?” Mr. Leighton offers to my father.As if they aren’t close in relations.

“My daughter wouldn’t have strived to be the chosen Maiden for this set of Ruthless Kings if she wasn’t confident in her assets and skill set,” he praises and smirks. “Though she also gets her stubbornness from her mother.”

The way I automatically pout matches Mother’s, the two of us staring at the two men in question.

The spark of manic laughter comes from the right. My eyes land on Zander as he doesn’t hesitate to stand by my side and hook an arm around my waist.

“If you are all surprised by our Ruthless Maiden being a badass bitch, then this is only the beginning of the mayhem you’re going to witness now that we’re playing by our rules,” he states with praise. “But why don’t we let our new reign leader reveal who this fourth Ruthless King is going to be?”

“You don’t know?” Saint Joaquin asks in pure intrigue.

“Of course not,” Zander laughs. “A real Ruthless Leader doesn’t show all his cards.” The way he turns his gaze to Domino doesn’t go unnoticed. “If they aren’t presenting a few surprises to our seen and unseen opponents, it only leads down a path of utter boredom and lack of loyalty.”

The intense standoff between the two is enough for Saint Joaquin to clear his throat.

“Yes, Matteo. Please enlighten us on who is your chosen fourth Ruthless King for this year.”

“It won’t be for this year,” Matteo corrects. “It’ll be for the remaining years at Leighton Royal University,” he instills very clearly. “Other Kings can follow, but I guess it can’t be enforced unless approved by the founders, of course.” He briefly looks over at Mr. Leighton, Mr. Prescott, and my mother.

“I did my research that the original Ruthless Kings were four with the option of five Kings when deemed necessary, yes?”

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