Page 2 of Vicious Princess
Dad’s face is neutral. “Please, control your temper, Phoenix.”
I clench my teeth hard and press my lips into a thin line.
“Phoenix—”
Fane interrupts Mom. “It’s not fair for you to forbid Nix from serving King Francis as part of his Royal Guard. Not after encouraging her all these years.”
“Yeah, Dad. That’s low,” Quint chimes in. “Nix worked her ass off for this! She went through rigorous Decarios training. She agreed to carve herself like meat on a butcher’s block just to prove she’s worthy.”
Even through my blinding anger, I appreciate my sisters sticking up for me. I’m so lucky to have them on my side, no matter what. Always.
We stand together. Against anything. Even our parents.
“I don’t understand what changed,” I say, looking between my parents. Our after-dinner family game stalls. My parents exchange another look I don’t like. “You’re clearly hiding something.”
“Yeah, what the fuck?” Quint drops her cards, and they scatter on the table. “We’re nineteen. Adults. Stop keeping secrets.”
“Mom?” Fane’s voice is gentler now. There’s a deep line wedged between her eyebrows. “You and Dad have been acting weird since you left the Royal Guard.”
All three of us are the spitting image of our mother. When I look at her, I see my sisters. And when I look at Fane or Quint, all I see is our mother.
“I’m not revoking my application,” I say, tilting my chin.
Mom shakes her head with a sigh. “Phoenix, dear, the timing is dangerous. Joining the Guard now…it’s not in your best interest.”
I scoff and push myself to my feet. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“Phoenix.” Dad’s voice is calm but stern. “The political unease with King Francis is growing. We can’t let you get caught in it. Things are not the way they used to be.”
The betrayal is like a sharp blade sinking into the soft flesh of my chest.
Since I was fourteen years old, I have trained relentlessly to become the best Decarios I can be. So I could emulate my parents, whom I adore dearly.
I can’t believe them.
Pursing my lips, I shake my head. Words fail me. So I whirl on my heel and storm out of the family room, then leave the house.
The cool air of the late evening does very little to soothe me. My eyes burn, but I refuse to cry. Instead, I cling to the anger that threatens to suffocate me.
My feet take me to the forest nearby before my mind can catch up. The gentle wind rustles the dry leaves on the trees, enveloping me in a cozy melody. We haven’t had rain for weeks. The weeds under my feet crunch with each step.
Despite the moon hanging in the cloudless sky, not much light penetrates the heavy foliage above my head. I don’t have to see, though. I know this forest like the back of my hand.
I find our tree quickly. I scale the branches until I reach the largest one that can hold all three of us without breaking. I’ve lost count of how many hot summer nights I’ve spent here with Fane and Quint, searching the sky for falling stars.
Leaning my back against the thick trunk, I exhale a long breath and look up at the dark sky full of stars.
If I don’t join the Royal Guard, what will I do? My life will have no purpose, no direction.
Quint has her scholarship at the Academy of Arts and an apprenticeship lined up with one of the most famous artists in Wetra right after she graduates.
Fane’s a talented healer, passionate about her degree and future work.
All I ever wanted to do is be an honorable soldier, like Mother and Father, serving the Crown. Maybe, if I were good enough, one day earn the title of royal commander and lead the king’s armies.
Fighting is the only thing I’m good at.
With a sigh, I close my eyes. This can’t be the end.
