Page 114 of Seduce

It’s dark, so I don’t think they realize I’m covered in blood.

The reporters thank me for my time, inclining their heads and bidding goodnight to their queen. I think they just broke me. I manage to nod, dismissing them with a wave, but I was not prepared to hear that. Gods.

“It’s a surreal feeling, isn’t it?” Kinsley says softly. I nod furiously, as it fully hits me that I’m completely responsible for an entire realm. “Kenzo and I have been working together over the last three weeks. Cinder was noticeably off, but I had no idea how deeply the madness had spread.”

“No one did.” I sigh. “Whatever you do, please don’t go into the castle right now. It’s not pretty.”

“I’ll send men over to you,” she says, walking me back inside the gate. Kenzo, Grayson, and Ayden follow, their eyes tracking for any threats. “From what I understand you’ll need to restore your military presence?”

“Yes, you’re correct. Unless there’s something I don’t know, I don’t believe we need so many guards and soldiers on the property,” I tell her. I’ve always been uncomfortable with the amount of guards on the Queen’s Mission. They felt like a form of protection detail that meted out punishment.

“Cinder used her Mission to scare people,” Kinsley reveals. “If you weren’t paying taxes or doing something, she’d send them for a visit. I have learned a lot the last few days, and I’m ashamed it took me so long to look closer. My apologies, Silla.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, overcome by her apology. “It’s been a long night, and I think it’s starting to catch up to me.”

“Of course, let me make a call and bring help in for you. Clean up, take a break. You deserve it,” she says, walking away for privacy purposes.

“You did so well,” Ayden praises me, kissing my forehead.

“Did Kenzo slip away?” I ask, realizing I don’t see him.

“He went inside to get his brother. Kenzo wants to bury him and lick his wounds.” Ayden sighs. “There’s nothing wrong with it, I’m just a bit worried about the man’s mental state.”

“Me too,” I mutter. “I don’t know if I should push or let him be.”

“Both,” Gray tells me, tugging me into his side. “You’re going to go home, shower, and then go find him. Andrya, Sidney, and Isaac are finishing up their assignments, and then will be heading here. Everything is under control.”

“I… shouldn’t I be here? What kind of queen am I if I chase after him?” I hiss.

“You’re a happy queen,” Ayden mutters. “I will not allow you to sacrifice your happiness for the crown. You can have both, do you understand me, Kitten?”

“I do,” I say, taking a shuddering breath.

Kenzo walks out of the castle, a blanket wrapped around his brother’s body in his arms.

“I need to say goodbye to my brother and get my head right, Silla,” he says, a strained smile on his lips. There’s something dark in his eyes, a sadness I well know.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” I tell him seriously, my words echoing Ayden’s from days past. “I recognize your darkness. The world needs you. I need you.”

His eyes close, and he swallows hard. “Godsdamn, Mistress,” he growls. “Why are you doing this?”

“You called me Silla, and I have not relinquished my hold on you. You’re mine,” I say haughtily. I need him to hear my words. To fight.

“I’m doing the best I can,” he rasps.

I lean up, kissing his cheek. “You don’t need to do it alone,” I remind him.

Blowing out a breath, he nods, and walks away.

Fuck. “Kitten, we need to get a car. I already tagged his pants so we can track him,” Ayden says urgently, startling me from my thoughts.

“Damn, you work fast. I tagged his coat,” Grayson chuckles.

I shake my head at them, feeling incredibly grateful. “Cinder should have a fleet of cars. I just don’t know where. I had no reason to go to the garage,” I explain.

“Miss… Majesty,” a man stumbles over his words, hurrying over to me. It’s a transition for me as well. As he comes closer, I recognize him as the groundskeeper who helped me. “I can take you to the garage and get you the keys as well if you’d like?”

“I would love that, thank you. I very much appreciate your help the other day as well. I wasn’t expecting to be pulled inside,” I explain, walking next to him. Grayson and Ayden follow, one next to me and the other behind me.

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