Page 33 of Steal a King (Five Kings 2)

“He doesn’t sound that nice, honey. Maybe we should still ask Evan.”

“It’s fine, I’ll slap him in line, you know, mold him to my idea of greatness.”

Mom laughs. “If anyone can, you can, honey. You always were good at copying and I’ve no doubt at all that you have an idea of how to copy your image of the perfect man and make it happen.”

I hear voices and she says quickly, “Sorry, I have to go, I have an appointment with the hairdresser. I’m thinking about going blonde, do you think it will suit me?”

“Undoubtedly, everything suits you.”

I feel warm inside as I hear the happiness in her voice, making me glad I went through with the job. It may have landed me in the most trouble I’ve ever been in, but it was worth all of this to hear mom sounding so happy.

“Talk soon, Ella, I love you.”

“I love you too, mom.”

As I cut the call, I feel five hundred times better. Thank goodness we spoke. It gives me strength to cope through the next few days. Although, I could leave at any time if Lucas finds answers to his questions about the coin.

I don’t like the way I feel destroyed by that thought. Surely, I want to leave; return home and carry on with my business and leave this shady world behind me. Then again, since being here, I’ve felt more alive than I’ve ever done before.

Quickly, I dial Hannah’s number but it cuts straight to voicemail. Just hearing her sing song voice on the recording is enough to make me smile and as I leave a message promising to call her as soon as I can, I hang up feeling heaps better than I did before. I know Hannah is ok because I would have known by the tone of mom’s voice if something was up. She’s probably with Evan, it is late at home, anyway. I’m just glad they’re ok because now it’s time to concentrate on me. Will I be ok? I’m not so sure but I’ll have fun along the way and if I’m sure of anything, it’s that at least.

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