Page 53 of The Queen
“Let’s just say I’m investing in my future,” he answers, a hint of steel underlying his casual tone.
“Smart man.” I nod, acknowledging the play. “But I don’t trust easily.”
“Check it yourself.”
“I will,” I confirm, turning away slightly to indicate that the meeting is over. But before I can step away, he speaks again.
“Eliza,” he says, and I pause. “Don’t underestimate me. That’d be your biggest mistake.”
“Now, why would I do that?” I shoot back without looking at him.
“I’m just putting that out there,” he replies, and his words have a weight that feels like a promise—or a warning.
As I walk away, the envelope burns a hole in my pocket, heavy with secrets and the potential to shift power balances. Trust is a luxury I can’t afford, but sometimes, it’s the only currency worth betting on. And Lucas... well, he’s about to show his hand whether he likes it or not.
Lucas’s words linger in my head, making my gut twist with anticipation and dread. Dragging the envelope out of my pocket, I rip it open and pull out a photo.
Blinking, I chew the inside of my lip. “Hmm.”
Shoving it back in the envelope, this makes what Imogen said a little more threatening, but right now, anything could be genuine or fake.
“Fuck,” I mutter, raking a hand through my hair. It’s a deadly game, but I’ve been rolling dice since I could walk. Maybe it’s time to bet on the wildcard.
The campus doesn’t let the tension ease. Eyes follow me, whispers chase my steps. They’re waiting for a crack, a sign of weakness. But I won’t give them the satisfaction.
The clock ticks. Decision time closes in. Every choice has its price, and this alliance might bite me on the ass, or it might prove to be useful. “Risk comes with the crown,” I whisper. Time to play the hand I’m dealt and play it like I own the fucking table.
I find Lucas leaning against the same wall, cigarette dangling between his lips, trying too hard to look nonchalant as he sees me approach. That tells me a lot. His gaze locks with mine, and the air between us tightens, charged with unspoken threats.
“Talk,” I command, wasting no breath on pleasantries.
“Thought you’d never ask, Queenie,” he smirks, testing me.
“Cut the bull, Lucas, I don’t have time to fuck about.”
“Easy, Queenie. I’m here to help,” he interrupts, raising his hands in mock surrender.
“Prove it,” I demand. “And spoiler alert: if you betray me, I will end you.”
“Ouch. You know how to wound a guy,” he grins, but there’s a flicker of respect in his eyes. “Alright, alright. Do you want assurances? You’ve got them. My word is my bond, Eliza.”
“Your word is worth jack unless you back it up.” I step closer, glaring up at him. “I want a name.”
“Fine,” he concedes, dropping the act. “But remember, we’re playing with fire here. This shit goes bigger than you or me.”
“Good thing I’m not afraid of getting burned.”
We glare at each other, neither willing to break first. But then, slowly, he nods, sealing the deal with a dangerous promise. “I’ll get it for you.”
“You don’t already have it?”
“Let’s just say, information comes in dribs and drabs. Usually, I hang on until I’ve got it all, but this jumped out, and well, you saw.”
“Yeah, I fucking did see. Don’t fuck me about. You’ve got two days, tops. After the coronation, I want the details.”
He nods. “Noted.”
As I walk away, whispers slither through the campus like shadows at dusk—my alliance with Lucas Walker isn’t a secret. I lean against the cold brick wall of the old library, arms crossed, watching cliques gather and disperse under the guise of everyday college life. But nothing is normal here, not since Castle became my empire.
