Page 132 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

He gives an agreeing nod while placing his hands on my arms to steady me. Then he helps me out of the car, ensuring I don’t bump my head. When I’m standing, he keeps one hand on my back and uses his other to close the door and lock the car. Then we make our way toward the stairs that lead to the academy's entrance.

It’s late, and darkness is blanketing everything except for a few dots of light here and there. The ground is covered in puddles that my boots splash in as I take heavy steps. I lean into River more than I’d like, but every part of my body feels heavy and achy.

I barely register where we’re at until we enter the building and see a few people wandering around. By the stares I get, I’m certain I look like a mess.

“Can I take you to my room?” River asks as he guides me down the hallway with his arm around me, his gaze sweeping across the corridor. “I want to make sure you’re safe for now.”

Again, I’m too exhausted and mildly delirious to care.

“Sure.” I slip my arms around his midsection and press against him, seeking both warmth and comfort.

A shaky breath fumbles from his lips, and his body stiffens. Confused, I start to move back, but he presses me closer.

“You just surprised me. That’s all,” he explains without me having to say anything aloud.

It’s almost as if he can read my mind. Or maybe he gets me. The latter is way more terrifying than the first.

We make the rest of the journey to his dorm in silence. When we reach the door, he stops in front of it and utters, “It’s weird with you being so quiet.” He continues to bear most of my weight as he retrieves his phone and scans the code to unlock the door.

“You say that like I’m a total chatterbox,” I joke lamely and in a feeble voice.

“Not a chatterbox. But you’re definitely a good conversationalist.” He pushes the door open. “It’s one of the things I like most about you—that you’re easy to talk to.” He steers me inside then kicks the door shut.

“Most people say I’m annoying to talk to because I’m such a smartass.” I focus on the conversation in an attempt not to fall asleep.

But sleepiness is whispering to me, begging me to close my eyes and surrender.

“Do you think you can take a shower?” he asks as we exit the foyer and step into the living room.

“I think so,” I answer, even though I can barely keep my legs underneath me.

“Okay, let’s get you into my bedroom, and you can start getting undressed. I’ll wait to make sure you’re good before I take off to get Noah.”

I immediately shake my head. “No, you need to go now.”

Hesitancy is written all over his face as he peers down at me. “I don’t feel comfortable just taking off. Let’s get you to my room, and then I’ll see if I can find Finn and have him come keep an eye on you.”

I smash my lips together, a thought biting in the back of my mind. “You don’t think he had anything to do with what happened to me, do you?” To be honest, I don’t either, but considering how many times I’ve been backstabbed, I have to question it.

River shakes his head with zero hesitation. “He would never do something like that.”

“I believe you.” And I do.

I believe what he says.

Just like I trust him, letting him guide me into his room.

He helps me sit down on his bed then tells me to start getting undressed before exiting the room. The moment I’m sitting in the room alone, tears pool in my eyes.

“Get your shit together, Maddy,” I whisper as I swipe tears from my cheeks.

I notice how dirty my hands are. So are my clothes and shoes. My hair is so caked in mud that flakes fall from the strands as I run my fingers through them. I need to focus on getting in the shower.

I start to reach for the button of my pants when my watch buzzes. A message pops up, reminding me that I no longer have my phone, but apparently, the people who took it left it on.

I tap the screen to open the message, and my heart leaps in my chest.

Aunt Ellie: Maddy, I won’t be able to send you any message after this, and I probably shouldn’t even be sending this one. But I need to warn you that you’re in danger. And I’m not talking about northside danger. You’re being targeted by a group of royals who are more powerful than any other group in the world. They come from one of the oldest bloodlines to ever exist, which means they have a lot of power. You need to be careful. Nothing about your life is what it seems. Do not trust anyone. And do not tell anyone you know me. That is the most important thing, Maddy. I’m not who you think I am. One day, hopefully, I’ll be able to explain, but for now, the less you know, the better. Be strong and protect yourself. I love you, sweetie. And I’m so sorry for all the problems I’ve caused.

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