Page 7 of Evil King

Colette clapped her hands, and I gave her a tepid fist bump. I flipped around to look at Avery, planning to compliment her on her look, but my eyes landed instantly on a darkened spot around the lower left side of her neck. I pointed with a gasp. “What isthat?”

Her hand immediately flew to the spot in question. “Nothing.” Colette turned to try to look, but Avery pushed her face. “You drive. You,” she said, pointing at me, “eyes up front!”

With a half-lidded stare, I slowly turned my head back around, but I couldn’t stop a smile from rising to my face. Avery and Alistair were obviously meant to be together. It was just another good reason to stay involved in The Royal Court. Seeing their relationship grow was going to bring me more than a little joy. They were both such great people and deserved happiness.

The rest of the car ride to school was filled with Colette talking nonstop about her responsibilities as class president and valedictorian and how she has to pick a successor. Even though those roles were meant to be decided by school vote, thanks to The Royal Court’s influence, it was the expectation that someone hand-picked by Colette would run and eventually be voted in.

“And I can’t make the decision all alone, so I need you guys to keep an eye out for me, okay?” Colette said. “I trust both of your judgment, so if anyone piques your interest, let me know.”

“I can do that,” I replied.

Avery nodded. “Me too. Although it’s gonna be difficult finding someone as good as you.”

Colette sighed. “It is.” She seemed truly troubled, and it made me laugh.

We pulled into the school parking lot, parking in the spots that the school inherently left open for the members of The Royal Court, and climbed out. People greeted us from every angle as we walked toward the school, and we all took turns smiling, waving, and occasionally hugging people as we passed.

“Yo!”

I looked over my shoulder, and Kyle was jogging to catch up with us. His first-day outfit was simple, as well, black jeans, black, low-top converses, and an army green shirt. Nathan had specifically picked all beautiful people to be part of The Royal Court, and when we all gathered in a group, that was obvious. With rings on all of his fingers and a collection of bracelets and rubber bands on both wrists, Kyle was just a good old-fashioned attractive man. He had short cut black hair and glasses that were a light color to complement his darker skin tone framed his eyes.

“What’s going on, ladies?” he greeted us before turning to look at Avery. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Avery responded.

Kyle and Avery had been involved in a mostly political relationship for almost a year. They were the prince and princess in line, respectively, meaning if anything ever happened to myself or Nathan, they would step into the king or queen role. Nathan single-handedly strong-armed the relationship, but no matter how much he forced it, Kyle just wasn’t Avery’s type, and she ended up naturally drifting toward Alistair.

“Where’s Nathan?” I asked as we made our way toward the front doors of the school. He and Kyle typically rode together.

Kyle rolled his eyes. “Brayden damn near started crying, begging Nathan to let him pick him up this morning.” His irritated expression blended into an amused one. “I think I passed them going twenty on the ninety-five.”

We all started to laugh, and I couldn’t help but be amused by the thought of Nathan stuck in Brayden’s car, going way too slow down the interstate. Colette and Kyle went in one direction when we got inside the school, and Avery and I went the other, based on where our lockers were located. We sifted through the sea of students until we got to the two lockers with our names on the front in the glittered letters that Avery and I had decorated together during our freshman year.

“Aw,” Avery said, petting the letters. “We’re gonna have to take them down this year.”

“They’d look good on a dorm door,” I responded before turning and flicking Avery on the forehead. “So, are you gonna tell me about that hickey?”

Avery’s stoic expression grew into a bright, wide smile. “We may or may not have made out last night.”

I did a happy dance in place. “Yes! And is it official?”

Avery tilted her head to the side before turning her attention away from me and opening her locker. I mimicked the action, but I kept my eyes on Avery for the answer. “You know damn well it can’t be official,” she said. “Nathan would throw a hissy fit. It’s just not worth it.”

“So, what? You’re gonna not be with this guy you’re crazy about who clearly likes you too because of Nathan?” I turned and faced her. “I’m the queen, and I formally decree that you and Alistair are allowed to be together.”

Avery raised an eyebrow. “You know that’s not how that works.”

“Why isn’t it?” I growled back. “I’m in the same position as he is.” Avery just stared at me, and I relented. “Yeah, okay, I know that I’m not, but whatever. I’ll take the fall. Just go for it, and let me deal with Nathan.”

“Really?’ Avery asked.

“Of course, really. This is why I’m sticking it out, isn’t it? I can’t be happy, so at least the two of you should be.” I glanced over Avery’s shoulder and saw a familiar head of long hair making its way toward us. “Oh, speak of the devil.”

Avery’s head whipped over, and she came face to face with Alistair. They were damn near glowing as they stared at each other. “Hey,” Alistair said.

“Hi,” Avery replied with a wide smile.

Alistair poked a thumb at her neck. “I thought you said you could cover it.”

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