My heart weighs heavy in my chest like a stone, hardened from the worst kind of betrayal. A betrayal that has turned me into a scorned woman with a taste for destruction. All I can think about is how I’m going to destroy the one man I was supposed to love unconditionally. A man who is supposed to love me the same. But now he stands above us, lost to a God complex and narcissism, manipulating everyone he can.
“Princess! We’ve been waiting for you.” Kenneth opens his arms wide, reaching toward the ceiling. He hides behind a full mask and robe.
The edges of my vision crowd with shadows, my anger making it hard to see straight. If I ever loved this man like a father, that love died with my mom. He has shown who he truly is. I was unlucky under his spell, his charm and power enough to blind me toward his monstrosities.
“Are you sure about that? I heard you failed your fucking task. Does everyone else know?” I raise my voice, listening to it echo through the vaulted room. “Did you really think you could hire someone to kill me and then just act as if none of this has ever happened?”
Kenneth glowers at me, only his eyes visible through the painted metal of his mask, the design disturbing with its devil horns. I used to think it was unique, but now I realize it’s the perfect replica of who that man is on the inside.
Honestly, though, I think the devil might be kinder. At least he was once an angel. Kenneth is far from that. He’s never had a good side now that I see things clearly. He was a hypocrite toward my mom, angry that she cheated on him when it was obvious that he cheated first. And as for the brother I never knew? He had to have seen this man in all his frightening glory. It was enough for him to choose death. He sacrificed himself to save me. I wish I had the chance to know him.
I try not to be distracted by the thought and wonder how things would be different had he been just like Kenneth.
“You need to be held accountable for jeopardizing the Looking Glass chapter. You’re a traitor! I demand, there be action against you.” I search the crowd, spotting Bianca’s familiar mask. I look for Talon and Christos but don’t see them. Of course, I don’t. I know they’re being kept elsewhere. It’s why Talon wanted me to run. But I have collateral. We will use it if we have to.
“Come up here and say that to my face, Princess. I know you like to hide behind the men you whore yourself out to for protection. I always knew Talon was weak, easily persuaded by pussy.” Kenneth turns to Esteban and points at him. “And look where it has gotten you, Knave. You could’ve had everything. I was giving you the opportunity of your lifetime, and now it’s going to disappear. Someone like you is easily replaceable.”
Esteban pushes past me, finding his strength to stride forward as if he’s not healing from a stab wound. The crowd erupts in mumbles, and someone shouts that this whole situation is bullshit. Another yells to kill Esteban so they can finish the meeting and get home.
I scream out, using my voice to bring order to the meeting. “You have been challenged for your position, King,” I say, grabbing onto the back of Esteban’s robe, keeping him from doing something that could get him hurt. “You’re stalling like the coward you are. It is in our doctrine, that if a king is no longer fit to lead that someone can prove worthy to be his predecessor. Where is the Executioner? I know you have him. You better fucking follow our bylaws or all of this is over. For everyone. I’d rather fucking die than see you continue your reign.”
“Hurry the fuck up, Your Majesty. I don’t trust her. Just give her what she wants. Show us what kind of man you are,” someone yells.
Silence fills the air with his comment, and everybody looks around, clearly curious as to what will happen next. If Kenneth will be brave enough to face a true king.
I turn and look at William. “You’re here to ensure it is a fair challenge. Where is the Executioner? Don’t think I won’t take you down too. We’re not stupid. You think you have shit against us, but we’re not fucking threatened anymore.”
William adjusts his mask, showing off his wide smile. “You’ve been mistaken, Princess. I’m not here to ensure a fair challenge. I’m here to see to it that the one worthy of leading as a king of the Society of Secrets remains on the throne. Not all challenges are accepted. As a proctor, and the current one overseeing the Looking Glass, I have denied the request. I think you’re only bluffing. You’re not brave enough to die for your convictions.”
Goosebumps prickle all over my skin, my anger melting into fear.
“But don’t worry, Princess. The Executioner has been given a second chance to prove that he’s not the traitor he’s been accused of being. We have a witness that must be taken care of. And as for you, Princess? It’s up to you to beg for mercy. You must convince this entire room that you’re still worthy, despite the scandal surrounding you. Had you just been an obedient heir, we wouldn’t be in this mess.” William strides closer, his robe billowing behind him. I can’t believe what he’s saying. This all comes back to the last time he was here. He’s still pissed off that he didn’t get his way, and that Christos stepped up and took the punishment, fighting for justice on my behalf, standing up against a misogynistic, perverted bastard.
“What?” I can’t help asking. My voice cracks, and I clear my throat, wishing I could summon the hope I need to get through this.
Because in this moment, it feels as if everything is falling apart. I thought these men would adhere to the rules of the Society of Secrets and take care mind of the threat of exposure, but maybe that was my problem. Maybe there are no rules. Maybe they have created their own. Every chapter controls its own people. Only the wealth and ability to call for help from another chapter is what really brings everyone together.
William motions toward one of the cloaked figures at the end of the pew, and he heads toward an old confessional with a scratched-up façade. He pulls open the first door, revealing two figures. I recognize Talon’s muscular build and tall frame. Christos sits on the bench, crammed with him.
The sight of Talon helps me summon my bravery. “This is your last chance. You’ll be all over the news. The Society of—”
“We control the world!” William shouts. “You have nothing!”
He says it with such certainty that I believe him.
Trusting that a psycho even had an ounce of fear will be my downfall.
Our downfall.
Because the cloaked man drags Talon out and then grabs Christos too, shoving him hard enough to make him fall to his knees.
“No,” I whisper, touching the front of my robe. I feel the hardness of Esteban’s money clip and remember that I have a set of keys in my pocket still. They’re not conventional weapons, but I have to think on my feet. I won’t go down without a fight.
“Bring the witness forward. It’s time to set an example,” William commands, surprising me by sliding his arm around my waist, pulling me into him. I didn’t even see him move, my gaze locked onto the confessionals.
I tense at his closeness, smelling the rancid scent of his breath. With his other hand, he shoves Esteban forward, sending him reeling onto the platform. The audience remains seated, watching as if we’re a personal show here for their entertainment.
I look over my shoulder, catching Bianca’s gaze. She pouts her bottom lip. I know she wants to stand up and shout against this madness, but she’s also fearful for her own life. I wouldn’t want her to do so anyway. She doesn’t deserve falling to the consequences created by my wicked family. Our wicked king.