Page 17 of The Broken Queen

Being King of our country was something he didn't take lightly even if it meant sacrificing his own daughter's happiness. When I imagined myself as Queen, I expected things to be elegant, full of life and love. Just like the way things were when Mother was alive, but that went out the window when he was left alone to rule.Why did she have to die and leave me?Everything became fucked up the minute her last breath left her. We all died a little with her and I believed that I died a little more each day living this nightmare.

Our kingdom didn't run like normal ones did. There was a lot of fucked up shit that went on behind these walls. Granted, Father was a good man to his subjects for the most part, but to me, he was an asshole. And to Julianna, grandfather of the year.

Zeke sat across from me in silence, stuffing his face and getting pure amusement out of making me uncomfortable. If I hadn’t been so in love with the man who stole my heart, Zeke probably could’ve squeezed his way in and we would’ve been happy. The problem was the man who held my heart captive. It was him andonlyhim. No one else would do. So while I felt a little guilty for being a cold hearted bitch to Zeke, I couldn’t help it. Not without

"What the fuck are you staring at?" I snapped.

He spit out his orange juice and bursted out laughing. "You're no ordinary Queen, are you?"

I scowled. "You're no ordinary King, either." I leaned forward and linked my hands together. "Tell me Zeke, what’s your endgame? We both know it's not me." My lips tilted up at the corners.

He smirked and moved his plate out of the way, leaning over the table. A dark grin morphed onto his face. "Don't worry, sweetheart, you'll find out soon enough."

He left a stunned me sitting at the table in silence trying to figure out what the hell his game was.

NOT MORE THAN THIRTYminutes later, I was surrounded by people I didn’t give two shits about. I yawned and picked at my nails as five parliament members took their seats in front of the King.

“Are you sure this is a good idea my King?” Craig, one of the older members, asked.

Father scoffed. “Of course it is. Why the hell wouldn’t it be?”

Another member opened her mouth, adding fuel to the fire. “For one, we don’t know this Zeke fellow. Two, what exactly happened in his last country? Are you sure you want him ruling beside your daughter? There could be severe ramifications...”

Father slammed his fist down. “That’s enough!” He sat back in his seat and frowned. “I’ve already thought all of this through. I understand your suggestions and concerns, but...I am King and as such, I have the right to do what I think is best for the kingdom.Mykingdom. Zeke is fit to take my place as King.”

I rolled my eyes. No Father, he wasn’t. There was only one true King and he didn’t want anything to do with me or the kingdom.

“Queen Raven, do you object?” James, a younger member of parliament asked. I was surprised he had the nerve to ask me that question. It would only piss Father off more. At that, I smirked.

“Of course I do. You all know my thoughts on this. There is only one person that I will happily take as my King, and you know damn well that man isn’t here.”

They all nod in agreement. Slade had the approval of everyone in the kingdom. He was a hard ass for sure, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t the perfect fit. He was strong, steadfast with an iron fist and would protect anyone he trusted and loved. If things were different and Mother was still alive, we would have been able to rule together.He would have stayed.

“With all due respect fellow members of parliament, this is my daughter we’re talking about. As such, I know what is best for her. Much toherdismay, Prince Zeke is what’s best for her.”

I frowned.Actually, you don’t know what’s best for me. You never have.I opened my mouth to protest but he gave me a hard, silencing look. “Now, what other orders of business should we attend to today?”

“Your Majesty, there has been some illegal migration to the left side of the border. These people have been detained, but they are all suffering from injuries. They’ve claimed that the King of Slovoka is doing away with any form of government and the conditions to live and have a life there have grown incredibly harsh.” Another young member of parliament, I couldn’t remember her name, stated.

Father told me it was best to be on a first name basis with the members of parliament because they would always have the back of their King and Queen if they acknowledged those of a lesser fortune.

He sat back in his chair and scratched his midnight beard. His gaze met mine briefly, and he nodded. “Right. James?”

The younger member looked up from his notepad. Amber eyes wild and on full alert. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“See to it that you escort the Queen to the jail. She will meet with the illegal detainees one by one, and decide what type of judgment they shall receive,ifthey receive any at all.”

I sucked in a sharp breath and released.Another test. When would I ever be done with these ridiculous tests?

James’ gaze met mine in a look of approval. I nodded to acknowledge him, but didn’t say anything further.

Father wrote something down in his notes and looked up. “Anything else we need to discuss today?”

Every member shook their heads. The King’s lips tilted at the corners. “Perfect. Now, if you’ll excuse us, the Queen and I have further matters to discuss.”

The members nodded, stood up and took a bow or curtsy in front of us and left. The only person that remained in the room was Anna, Father’s advisor and confidante.

“Anna, please arrange a meeting with Zeke in thirty minutes. We need to discuss wedding plans and set a date.”

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