Page 101 of The Promised Prince
“Hey!” He grabbed the skunk by the shirt collar and pulled him close, whispering into his dirty face. “This plan puts the Trevenna family on a platter. Tell Adler not to screw this up. My entire future depends on it.” He released his grasp and roughly shoved him away.
The man glared back at him but didn’t comment before disappearing around the corner.
Joniss crossed the street, making his way to the waiting transporter.
“Is it done?” Maxwell Doman asked once Joniss had climbed inside.
“Have I ever let you down?” Joniss raised an eyebrow at his father then motioned to the driver to pull away. “Are you sure everyone believes you were strongly against the assassination plan? I wouldn’t want anything to be linked to us because you didn’t do your part.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I’ve said it to Karda, Folly, Pryer, everyone. I said it during the high ruler’s meeting to the king himself. I may have planted the seed, but I made sure everyone knew I was wrong for suggesting it and was against it. This can’t be traced back to us.”
Joniss pulled out the envelope from his suit jacket and flung it at his father.
“That was the final piece in bringing down the Trevenna family,” Maxwell said, showing a satisfied smile as he peeked inside at the money.
“Not entirely.” Joniss smirked. “There’s one more thing I need to do to secure the throne. Every future king needs to save the day.”
38
Renna
Renna had been lying in bed for two days. Hours passed in a blur. The sting of loss had taken over her entire soul, seeping into every crack and crevice.
Occasionally, she drowned herself in memories of Trev—memories of his lips on hers, his gentle touch, his playful banter. It all invaded her weak heart. She read his note about not flirting, tracing over the curves of his handwriting. It was a terrible game to play, but she’d always had a flair for the dramatics.
Renna lay half asleep. An autumn breeze floated through the open window wrapping around her, cradling her in her depression. Her eyes opened to listen as voices got louder and louder until her door flung open.
“She looks awful!” Cypress twisted her face into an ugly grimace then looked at Nora. “Bathe her and take her downstairs to Mangum. He’s waiting by a transporter for her.”
“A transporter? Where are we going?” Renna was annoyed by Cypress’s intrusion.
“Mangum wants to take you to explore some ruins.” She could tell Cypress didn’t approve. “And for some reason, your mother said yes. Nora is going to try and make you look presentable.” Cypress nodded at Nora then quickly left as fast as she had come.
Once Renna was dressed, the anxiety of possibly seeing Trev plagued her as she looked down both directions of the hall.
Nora must have read her thoughts. “Don’t worry, miss. The prince is not here. He left yesterday afternoon to Axville for a few days.”
Renna’s heart squeezed. He left? Without saying anything to her?
“I only say that because I heard the queen and Mangum talking,” Nora added. “It sounded like his absence was a big deal.”
Did Nora know about her and the prince?
“He’s checking on the girls taken by those awful Tolsten soldiers. It’s so thoughtful of him to think of those poor girls. I’m sure their families will be delighted to see him and his kind eyes after such a terrible ordeal. It’s mighty good of the prince. He’s just such a sweet...” Nora clamped her mouth shut when Renna rolled her eyes. “Sorry, miss,” she said. “I won’t talk about the prince anymore.”
Oh, Nora definitely knewsomething.
Outside, Renna found Mangum waiting by an open transporter door.
“It’s good to see you out of your room, Miss Renna.”
She climbed past him into the soft leather seat. “I was only allowed out of my room because Prince Ezra is gone.”
Mangum climbed in after her. “That may be true, but it’s still good to see you out.”
“Where are you taking me? Cypress said something about ruins.”
“I know how much you enjoy things from Pre-Desolation. There are a few acres of ruins about an hour away.” His lips curved into a half-smile. “I thought it might cheer you up.”
