Page 110 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

“I’m sorry,” he sputters as we ascend the stairs.

“For what?” I grip the railing as I walk.

“I feel like I bummed you out by saying that stuff about your father.” The bag brushes against his leg as he takes a step. “I don’t know why I brought it up.”

“It’s just the truth. And you didn’t bum me out. I’m just thinking about if there will ever be a time when I won’t have to think about him, you know.”

“I wish I could envision a time when I didn’t have to talk to my father, but that’ll never happen.” He sighs. “He’ll be in my life for an eternity, constantly reminding me that I have his blood running through my veins.”

We arrive at the top of the stairs then and veer right toward the grass area.

“He’s never been that way with Finn?” I wonder, hugging my arms around myself.

“Honestly, he’s been pretty neglectful toward Finn. I think that’s why he is the way he is.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, my twin brother is a total attention whore.” He points his finger toward the gate that leads to the track. “You want to go sit at the bleachers?”

“Sure.” I follow him as he starts in that direction. “You think that’s why he is the way he is?”

“I’m not positive, but it’s my theory.” He opens the gate and moves to the side to let me go first.

Once I’m in, he steps in beside me and shuts and locks the gate behind us.

My gaze takes in the surroundings, the shadows of the trees in the distance, the occasional light glowing against the darkness. Not a single person is in sight and, instinctively, I get nervous about being alone. In northside, walking like this is asking to get jumped. And it’s not that I believe Royal City is a completely safe place—look at the note that was left on my door.

However, I trust River, and that is so weird.

“You good?” River asks as he steps up beside me with worry creasing his features.

I realize I’m standing motionless near the entrance, staring into empty space.

“Yeah, I was thinking.” My boots scuff as I start toward the bleachers. “About how, if I were in northside, I’d never voluntarily walk around alone like this.” I step up onto the metal stairs that lead to the bleachers. “I did it like when I got off work, but that was out of necessity.”

As I reach the first row of bleachers, I plop down into a seat and let out a whimper as the cold metal presses through the thin material of my tights.

“Gah, that’s cold,” I squeak as I stand up.

River sets the bag of cookies and milk down then shucks off his jacket, laying it down on the metal seat.

I shake my head in protest. “No way. You’ll freeze.”

“I have a long-sleeved shirt on. I’ll be fine,” he insists as he takes a seat. “I don’t want your legs to freeze.” Upon saying that, his attention drifts up and down my legs. Then, with a rake of his teeth along his bottom lip, he leans over and rummages through the bag.

I could keep arguing, but I don’t. It won’t accomplish anything. So, I carefully sit back down.

He sits up straight with the box of cookies in his hand, which he sets onto his lap, then opens it up, and grabs one to hand to me.

“Thank you,” I say as I take the cookie.

“You’re welcome.” He retrieves the tweezers next and rips open the packaging. “Let me see your finger.”

I stick out my hand, and he gently takes it in his, inspecting the sliver. “Rest your hand on my leg,” he instructs, and I do.

He sets the box of cookies aside, takes out his phone, and attempts to hold it in one hand while using the tweezers with his other hand. He’s struggling, though, so I set the cookie on my lap and take his phone from him. He offers me a smile as I shine the light on my finger, and then he proceeds to gently attempt to pluck it out.

I wince every so often, but truthfully, I’m mesmerized by the entire with how careful he’s being, and the fact that he’s even doing it. And I totally end up forgetting to breathe. That results in my sucking in a shaky breath.

---