Page 13 of The Broken Queen

I had to sit by and watch him fall in love with someone else, and it killed me. I was in love with him, and the thought of him being with her...well, it fucking sucked. My parents were ready to pair me off with someone so that we could finish schooltogether and then take the throne when we were ready, but I couldn’t see myself reigning without Slade by my side.

Hell, I couldn’t see myself as Queen in general. I wasn’t fit to be one. I was a carefree badass who liked to wear jeans, play video games, and eat an endless amount of chocolate; but because Father was King, and I was his only heir, the weight of the kingdom would eventually rest on my shoulders. Technically, it already did.

I glanced down at the dress and frowned. Not even this stupid, sexy dress had his attention. It’s not that I was really trying either. Slade had a girlfriend, and I respected that. I wouldn’t degrade myself to being the other woman. That was too much drama that I had no time for.

I kicked off my heels and tossed them to the side. Being a princess fucking sucked. It was too bad I didn’t have alcohol here, or I’d be throwing myself a pity party.

“So this is where you ran off to...”

I didn’t respond. I was so angry with him I couldn’t even think straight.

He took a seat beside me and sighed. “Raven...”

“Don’t bother, Slade. It is what it is.”

“What am I missing? Why are you so pissed off?”

Angry tears threatened to fall. If he didn’t already know, he would never be able to figure it out.

What’s the point?

I stood from the bench and wiped my eyes. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve learned that my happiness will always come last. I’m gonna go upstairs and change out of this dress. See you later.”

I went to pick up my shoes, but they were already gone and in his hands. “No, we are going to talk about whatever the hell is bothering you. I’m tired of you running away from me.”

That’s it. My barrier broke, and frustration flowed like a stream of water.

“God, Slade! What the hell do you want from me? Do you want me to tell you how much it hurts to see you with Kyra? Or the fact that you’ve put our friendship on the back burner so you can be with her?” I paused and ran a hand over my face.

I met his gaze and never wavered. “My whole life has been about making everyone else happy. Not once has anyone asked what I want. So when you decided to go and get yourself a girlfriend, I shouldn’t have been surprised when you didn’t ask me how I felt about it. I’m glad you’re happy Slade, I truly am. But for the love of God, don’t put me on the back burner again, or our friendship is over. I’m done being pushed around.”

I left him standing there, mouth wide open, as I went back into the estate and up to my room. I swung the door shut and locked it, hoping that everyone would take the hint and leave me alone. I crumpled to the floor and sobbed, wondering if I would ever be as important to Slade as he was to me.

Chapter Five

Slade...Present Day

“Yo, what’s up, King?”

I looked away from the window and saw my best friend, Elijah, coming up beside me. I tossed him the pack of cigarettes and turned my gaze back to the window. She was up there, waiting like she always did.

She was waiting for me, hoping I would come back and stand beside her.Fucking bitch.I wanted to ruin her. To wrap my hands around her porcelain neck and watch the life drain from her eyes. She tormented me day in and day out, and I was fucking sick of it. I had no loyalty to her, not anymore.Not since that day.

“Dude, when are we going to move in? I’m getting tired of waiting around like a fucking canary.”

I shook my head. “Patience.”

“The guys are getting tired of being patient. The shit you promised them is making them jizz their pants.” He cackled, making me release a deep laugh.

I turned away from the window and cracked my neck. “He’s upped the security around the estate and from the looks of it, it’s almost impossible to breach. I’m good, but I’m not that fucking good.”

Elijah scoffed. “What the fuck are you talking about? You made escaping from prison look like a piece of cake!”

“That’s because the hardass son of a bitch killed anyone who threatened to get in his way!” Dexter came up beside us, putting in his two cents. I hated the prick and couldn’t figure out why I let him tag along.

“Yeah dude, you strike fear in anyone who speaks your name. Hell, if I wasn’t your best friend, I’d be running like a chicken with my head cut off!”

My hands curled into fists. The motherfucker was about to get punched in the jaw if he didn’t shut the fuck up. Dexter and Elijah continued to crack jokes at my expense. My molars ground together as I turned away from them and headed toward the bike. I was done waiting and I wasn’t in the mood to listen to their fucking commentary.

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