Page 71 of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

“She wanted to know if you were happy.” Haden’s anger melted away instantly. “And she asked if you hated her.”

“I can’t forgive her.” He sounded like he was convincing himself.

“Della asked if I were in her place if I would have saved Thea, even if she begged me to save someone else.”

Haden frowned at me.

“I would never choose anyone over Thea, and she said she would never choose anyone over you,” I sighed heavily as Haden seemed to stop breathingat my words.

“It’s different.” He clenched his jaw before turning away from me and leaving toward his room. He stopped when I called out to him.

“If you and Della switched roles, would you have let her die or saved her brother if she asked?”

I don’t know why I was involving myself. Part of me felt indebted to Della because she gave Thea and I a chance at happiness. The other part wanted Haden to stop lying to himself. He still loved her, and it was as if he couldn’t help it. They were mates, and Della had a bravery that I could never possess. She was willing to give him up and spend her eternity alone if it would make him happy. Haden opened his mouth before closing it.

I was the one to turn and walk away from him.

Chapter 20

Thea

Iwas confused when my father demanded my presence this morning. He and Jesper waited for me in the throne room. I glanced over the matching scars across their cheeks, and my darkness seemed to chuckle inside me. My eyes wandered around the room, looking for any sign of my bloodstone. I had been scouring this damn castle every day for it, and I couldn’t find it. I couldn’t ask about it because I was not supposed to know anything. It was making things difficult for me.

I needed it so I could go home to Cassius.

“Thea, we are starting our war against the other kingdoms.” My father waved me over nonchalantly, as if these weren’t living beings we were talking about. Hesitantly, I stepped forward to the map. My gaze drifted over Elloryon and all the places marked on the map.

“We are starting a war with everyone." I glanced up. Why?

“Yes, but it’s more like we will be assassinating the royal bloodlines.” Jesper smiled.

My darkness swarmed inside of me at this news. Why would we do that?

“Tonight, we will be sending someone to Akecia to kill King Sybrien and his wife.”

“What for?” I asked. “I didn’t realize we were not friendly with any kingdoms.”

“Power,” my father said. “I will be the king of all the lands, but that can’t happen unless the royal bloodlines are gone.”

Instinctively, my eyes flickered to Jesper. I would gladly kill his bloodline right now.

“Jesper is not on the list. He will not qualm to my place as king. After all, he will inherit it all when I step down and he and Tally are married.”

That’s what you think, asshole. I will rule the realm, and my mother will help me.

Jesper took a hesitant step away from me.

“Who is going to kill them and when?”

“They’re already on their way.” My father looked at me as if he were expecting some sort of reaction to this news. Ididn’t show him how disgusting I found his plan. My face remained neutral. “We will let you know when it is done.”

“Sounds good.” I nodded. “When will you attack Falgon and Crimson? If they hear about the attack on Akecia, they may go on the defense and attack us before you can kill them.”

My father’s eyes filled with pride, but I was just trying to throw him off my scent.

“Likely, tomorrow night.” Jesper smiled at my father, speaking without saying a word.

“Let me know when it’s done.” I smiled. “Should I prepare the men for war just in case?”

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