Page 152 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

The edges of his full lips tug upward. “Fine. I’ll order one online for you then.”

I feel like I should protest, but the dizziness in my brain is whispering, sleep. So, I end up nodding.

I don’t even remember the walk to River’s bedroom. One minute, I’m standing in the living room, and the next, I’m lying in his bed. He lies down beside me, and in the depths of my mind, I’m aware of how much trust I’m putting in him. I’m out of it and in his bed. He could do anything to me.

He won’t, though.

It’s the first time I’ve felt safe with someone before. Honestly, I’m not even sure how to deal with it.

“You’re so nice,” I whisper to him as my eyelids lower.

“Okay, you have me worried,” he replies, brushing his fingers through my hair. “You’re being so nice.”

I frown without opening my eyes while resting on my side. “I’m not nice usually?”

“No, you are, but you’re also so feisty. You seem … subdued right now.” He brushes his fingers across my cheekbone before withdrawing his hand. “Get some rest, okay?”

I’d argue, but I’m so damn tired. So, I nod and let the darkness swirling in my mind sweep me away …

“Maddy,” my aunt says. “Maddy, you need to run. Go hide out at the playground by the river for a bit. And whatever you do, do not let anyone see you. I need you to be sneaky, okay?”

I nod, staring up at her. “Okay, but why? And where’s my mom?” I glance around the living room, but it’s empty.

“She’s …” My aunt trails off as she crouches in front of me, looking me straight in the eye. “She’ll be back soon. But don’t worry about that. Just get to the playground. Take the trails and be careful.”

I feel nervous as I nod then hurry for the open front door. The sky is cloudy, and lightning is echoing in the distance. It’s scary, but I keep going, rounding the side of the apartment and heading down to the trail that briefly dips into the trees. I walk quickly, heading toward the playground?—

“Oh, Maddison …” a voice singsongs from the bushes, startling me.

I freeze, frantically peering around, scared and wanting to go back to the apartment. But sometimes it’s just as scary there.

I start to step forward again when a branch snaps from behind me. I don’t turn around; I run, barreling down the path that ends in a parking lot. Once I reach there, I keep going, staying behind buildings until I reach the park. It’s empty, probably because of the storm.

I hurry across the grass and toward the slides. Then I climb into a tubed one and hide there, listening to the sounds of raindrops splattering against the top of it. I start to shiver as the air grows colder and hug my knees to my chest.

The storm grows fiercer. Above the rain, I swear I hear my name shouted.

“Maddison!” a man yells.

He sounds familiar, and yet, he doesn’t.

“Maddison, where are you?” His voice is getting washed out by the rain. “Just answer me, sweetie! I promise I’m not going to hurt you!”

People who say that usually mean the opposite, so I remain quiet, hiding, even when the night comes and I can’t see anything at all.

I stay, waiting for someone to find me.

But it doesn’t happen.

It never does.

River

Iremain watching her until she’s asleep, her breathing relaxed. Then I roll onto my back and begin searching online for a phone for her. Going to the store would be easier, but I told her I’d rest. Not that I can sleep right now. I’m too sore. And wired. I want answers as to who Maddy really is. I want to stop worrying about the society. I want Maddy safe.

What I want is for both of our lives to be normal.

Not that that could ever exist. At the end of the day, I’m still betrothed. I’ve always hated that I am, but it’s so much worse now that I’ve met Maddy.

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