Page 49 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

I won’t talk to him about my father, but that doesn’t make me question the fact that my father sent him to ask me about my refusal to apply for the society. I ignored their request weeks ago, and I knew then that my father would be furious about it. He already controls my every move, though, and this was my attempt to at least try to have a drop of control over my life.

So, yeah, I expected him to come after me for not joining. What I didn’t expect was for him to send Noah.

It’s not like Noah is a fan of his. Never has been. So, why is he playing message bitch boy for my dad?

I’m not sure, but I’m going to find out.

Maddison

Going to class with a hangover was hell, but it does help when I return to my dorm and dive into the burger and fries River gave me. I’ve never been so in love with a burger before.

As I’m sitting on my bed, stuffing my face with this yummy goodness, I grab my phone and text River a message.

Me: Thanks for the burger. You were right. It’s making me feel better.

I also note that River has sent me the photo of the message on the door last night.

You shouldn’t have come here.

It’s creepy as hell that it’s written in red paint that has dripped down the door like blood.

River said there’s a small chance the message could be for Lily. Maybe it makes more sense that it was for her. No one except a few people has associated with me during my short time here. So, why would anyone come after me like this?

Still, an unsettling feeling sits in my stomach that the message was for me. That could just be from the hangover, though.

Maybe if I eat more burgers and fries …

I stuff my mouth with greasy goodness as I sit with my legs crisscrossed on the bed. My laptop is open in front of me, and I’m supposed to be working on some research for an assignment, but my head is complicating the task.

Ping.

The sound of an incoming message scares the ever-loving crap out of me. Once I’ve got my heart rate settled down, I check the message.

Gothic Prince: You’re welcome. Glad you’re feeling better. Do you think you’ll feel better enough to meet me out by the track at five o’clock tomorrow morning?

I cringe at the idea of getting up that early, yet he’s been kind enough to help me out, so I can force my lazy ass to get out of bed to meet him.

Me: Yep, I’ll be there.

Gothic Prince: Good. I’ll see you then.

I set the phone down and decide to take a powernap, knowing I’ll need it to work through my hangover.

Right as my eyelids lower, a door slams, and then I hear Lily growl, “I can’t believe this. Why does he do this to me? Why? Why? Why?”

I consider pretending I’m not in my room—it’s not like I’m an expert at dealing with problems. Hell, I can’t even handle my own on most days. Lily has been nice to me, though, and guilt trickles through me, enough that I drag my butt out into the living room area.

When I walk in, Lily is pacing the length of the room, muttering incoherently under her breath.

“Are you okay?” I ask carefully.

She furiously shakes her head. “No, I’m not. And you want to know why?” Her nostrils flare as she looks at me. “Because of my dumbass brother. He’s such a liar. I know it was him. I know it was.” She begins pacing again, with her arms crossed, and she keeps shaking her head.

“Which brother are you talking about?” I dare ask as I make my way further into the room.

“The one who always does this shit … No, that’s a lie. Finn sometimes does it, but River is always doing this. Always,” she emphasizes.

I sink onto the armrest of a chair and watch her pace. “Can I ask what he did?”

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