Page 58 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

I bob my head and quickly look at Ares, Zander, and Warren.

Aries.

There’s obvious tension, but it’s Zander’s playful grin that seems to tame my hidden nerves. His look immediately gives a ‘we’ll be fine’ impression. That’s all I can grasp because it’s no longer my place to say otherwise.

In the limelight, before this society of royals, I’m a submissive who needs to know the right time and place.

Returning my gaze to my mother confirms my thoughts as she offers her hand in encouragement. Leaving my Kings, I place my hand in hers and allow her to guide me toward the curtain.

“Why don’t we give a final applause to the Ruthless Kings of Havoc,” Saint Joaquin cheers. “They’ve chosen a powerful Maiden! Who knows if she’ll rise and claim her crown as Ruthless Queen among us all?”

The applause doesn’t give me a welcoming feeling.

It makes me feel a level of disgust because, to many of those observers, this is all but a game. They don’t care aboutmy survival, feelings, or if I get hurt physically, emotionally, or mentally.

I’m just a pawn, and this moment before my dismissal is to remind myself of such.

The squeeze of my hand forces me to acknowledge my mother. I’m expecting her innocent gaze that’s filled with love and happiness, but I’m greeted with a look of confidence as she peers into my eyes, which are blurring with tears by the second.

How overwhelming all of that was is now clicking in.

“We may be weak Maidens to many eyes, but we don’t cower when things are hard, yes?” Her voice barely hits the air, proving something or someone may be watching us.

I slowly nod my head, blinking back my tears while being thankful the place we’ve stopped is dark enough to hide our faces.

“I’m proud of you,” she praises as she squeezes my hand tightly.

As though she’s afraid I’ll slip away at any moment.

“We don’t have much time before the other chosen Maidens join us,” she says in haste. “Let’s leave the boys to fight things out.”

That surprises me.

“Fight?”

The way her grin spreads on those delicate red lips is as though I’m looking at my reflection.

“Men of power don’t stop at words, Sweetheart.”

She tugs me forward as we head toward a shadowed hall, an elevator at the end with a sign that says UNDERGROUND GREENWAY.

The moment she presses the button, the doors of the golden mirror elevator greet us.

I can see with one glance at my expression that I look exhausted compared to the confident woman who was on thestage moments earlier. It feels weird to be so emotionally drained, especially in front of my mother, but maybe this is my body’s and mind’s way of telling me I’m finally going to understand the underlying reasons for my upbringing.

Why I have to keep so many secrets for the sake of our rise into this sickening community?

“Which is why we’re going to take advantage of it by making sure you have the utmost advantage against the rest of these vile bitches.”

“Mother?” I hiss in shock, watching as she giggles almost innocently.

“Welcome to the official Ruthless Maiden ranks, Eva. Now… let’s enjoy some tea while we plan a diabolical year of mayhem, yes?”

Why do I feel as though my mother is the real Devil Wears Prada?

12

PATIENCE IS BLISS

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