Page 39 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

I smile back, but it’s not real at all.

Finn said people here were made of plastic. He might be onto something. Because I’m already in day two, and I feel like I’m turning into a freaking doll.

Maddison

Fifteen minutes later and a walk to the back of the campus, I find myself standing on a street lined with massive Victorian houses and lampposts, all of which are labeled with sorority and fraternity names. Most of the houses are quiet, but I can detect music flowing from someplace close by.

“Wow, this place is so pretty,” I remark over the sound of my boots scuffing against the pavement. The air has a slight nip to it, and the branches of the trees move lazily against the night. “It’s crazy it was hidden right behind those trees.”

“It’s so that all the dirty secrets lying behind these walls can stay hidden,” Wren states as she stares at the night sky cut with silver and purple stars.

“Not this again.” Lily shakes her head as she wraps the leather jacket tighter around her. She also has on Wren’s platform shoes. Between the two additions, she does look punk princess. She glances at me. “Wren is really into conspiracy theories.”

“They’re not conspiracy theories.” Wren tosses a dirty look at Lily. “They’re theories based on stories I’ve heard from people who’ve lived them.”

“What kind of stories?” I wonder, my attention drifting farther down the road where a handful of expensive vehicles are parked.

“I’ll tell you later, when we have more time,” Wren replies as she checks her phone.

I’m unsure if she will or not. After overhearing the two of them talking, I’m skeptical about the genuineness of this friendship. Not that I’m convinced they’re being malicious. It could just be that they wanted to be roommates and are bummed out about it. But it felt like they were intentionally keeping a secret from me. Not that I blame them. Everyone has their secrets. Doesn’t make me any less uneasy about it, though.

I might have overanalyzed this all night if I didn’t become distracted by the house we come to a stop in front of. If you can even call the two-story, column-lined, massive mansion in front of us a house. If it weren’t for the sign above the tall, double doors, I’d think it was a city hall.

“Okay, time for rules.” Wren slips her phone into the pocket of her jacket and directs her attention to me and Lily. “We’re going to stay together at all times, but if we do wander off to go hookup or something, let one of us know the where and the who.” She draws this triangle pattern between the three of us in the air in front of her. “No taking any drinks or pills from anyone. If you want to drink or get high, get that shit yourself. And most importantly, do not go back to the dorms yourself. Wandering around at night, especially when we have to cut through the woods, is a dumbass idea.”

Lily rolls her eyes. “Yes, Mother.”

Wren points her finger at Lily. “Hey, I’ve heard the stories about what happens at these parties, so don’t judge me.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t go then?” I suggest, scuffing the tip of my boot against the ground. “If it’s that bad.”

“Not all the parties are bad. Just a few of the partygoers. And that’s generally the rule at any party.” She gives me a funny look. “Not to stereotype, but they have parties on northside—I know they have to. So, why do you seem so sketched out about this?”

“Because they have parties on northside.” And because of my parents. I’m not about to disclose that to her, though. “It’s fine. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Oh, it’ll be something,” Wren mumbles as she eyes a group of guys exiting the house.

“I’ll respect your rules,” Lily informs her as she runs her hands across the front of her dress, smoothing any wrinkles. “But if my brothers offer me a drink or drugs, I’m going to take it because Finn and River aren’t like that.”

Wren combs her fingers through her hair. “Obviously, Lils, but they’re not going to offer you anything—they’re too protective of you.”

“Don’t remind me,” Lily grumbles then squares her shoulders. “Come on; let’s stop standing around and being lame and go have some fun.” Then she throws her fist into the air and marches forward.

Wren and I trade a wary look, and I get the vibe she’s equally as unenthusiastic about being here as I am. So, why is she here?

That’s an excellent question. Maybe it’s just for Lily, but I feel like it might not be.

“You don’t like parties, do you?” I call out as we walk up the stairway toward the entrance.

As suspected, everyone I pass gawks at me. Or, more specifically, my outfit.

I do my best to disregard it and focus on talking to Wren.

“I don’t necessarily hate them!” she shouts as we step inside the house and into the foyer.

The place is packed, music is blasting from the DJ station, and furniture has been repositioned so that people can dance in the spacious living room in front of us.

“I just hate that there could always be assholes that ruin them,” she adds loudly over the music as her gaze sweeps the area. She’s looking for someone and spots them almost right away. “Come on. I want to introduce you to someone.” With that, she snags my hand and yanks me forward in the direction of where Lily is wandering to.

---