Page 43 of Hell's Queen

“No offense,” Killian says, lowering his hand. “Not many people respect you or anything right now.”

I cock a brow.

“They don’t think you can be queen. The academy is swarming with stories about how you were there, and it’s all over the internet. Can I give you some advice?”

I look up at him, listening.

“Talk to the people. Heal yourself and speak to your kingdom. For once, think like a young adult instead of an old-ass adult.”

It wasn’t horrible advice, but I don’t think I’m in the best mindset to try to talk to anyone. “Kill—”

“I know you feel guilty about Inarian and your million boyfriends. But you will have no help if you don’t tell them and show them how serious this is. Many weren’t alive when the gates opened before. Hell, we weren’t even born yet,” Killian says, making me smile. “You probably seem like an explosive airhead to them.”

Derrick nods. “To me too.”

I scoff.

“But he’s right,” he backs Killian. “If we are going to rally all these people, They need to see how serious you are as queen, not as a Soul Reaper.”

My eyes tear up, and I move to him. He said I am Queen. “Aw, Derrick! Can I have a hug?”

“No.”

It was too late. My arms were around him and holding him as he recoiled in disgust. “I’m so glad you didn’t try to kill me for the throne.”

“I thought about it,” he admits, and I believe him.

Killian hugs us both. “Now, if only I could murder three people for the throne.”

I snort, pushing him away. Having them here truly makes me feel better. “Can you handle the technical side?”

He nods. “Derrick and I can have it set up in an hour.”

I nod.

Afterward, Ozias makes me sit in Ryker’s room and let Hollister heal me. After she is done, I realize she can’t recover the broken part of me. My mind is stuck on Inarian, and I can’t stop thinking. I bury my face in my hands. He was tortured again, and it was my fault.

The bedroom door opens, and I wipe away the rogue tears that fall down my face. Ozias closes the door behind him. “Just an update. Inarian is still in surgery, and Ledger is at the hospital with Khazon.”

My brows lift. “Wow.”

“Yeah. Ryker will be back in a bit with Hazen and Jigsaw. Thorne is resting and healing more.”

I inhale, head dropping back. “Okay, not bad.”

He nods. “No, not bad. So, you need to shower.”

My body is covered in dirt and blood. “I… don’t feel like it.”

He sighs, reaching up and freeing his hair from a ponytail. “I’ll wash your hair if you wash mine.”

I let out a chuckle. “Ozzy.”

He pulls me to my feet and guides me to the shower. “You’ll feel better, I promise.” He kicks off his shoes and begins unbuckling his pants. “Come on.”

With a huff, I take off my shoes and then get undressed with him. He turns the water to a blazing hot, enough to steam the room around us. The moment the water hits my aching body, I moan.

“See.”

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