Page 80 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

I want to say no, knowing I might feel out of place at a royal club. But I do want to go. I’ve missed out on so many life experiences already, and this one seems fun.

“Okay, yeah, count me in.”

She squeals then wraps her arms around me, hugging me.

And holy hell, it’s so weird. I’m not sure of the last time I’ve been hugged, and I end up being awkward and patting her back. She doesn’t appear to notice as she steps back and grins.

“I have to get to class, but we’ll talk later about the details.” She steps into her room. “Oh, and I’ll text when I hear back from my mom.”

“Thanks. Like so much.”

She smiles like it’s no big deal and shuts her door.

But it is a big deal. A huge deal. At least, to me.

People don’t do favors out of the goodness of their hearts—that’s what I’ve known forever. Except, now it doesn’t seem to be that way, which is making me question everything about my past.

Maddison

Ihave one class today, and Noah happens to be in it.

When I enter the massive miniature-like stadium-style classroom, my gaze lands on him, probably because he’s sitting in the farthest back corner with his hood over his head, looking like a total creeper. I feel sorry for the guy. Clearly, he’s an outcast, and even though River and Finn have their reason as to why they’ve shunned him, I don’t agree with it. People lie sometimes to protect themselves—I know this. Maybe there’s more of a reason as to why Noah did what he did. The fact that he’s dealing steroids suggests he has a far bigger story than merely being a wealthy royal.

I also told him I would try to help him with getting a supplier. I’m not about to get directly involved in that, but I have some contact numbers I dug up and am planning on giving him those, as long as he doesn’t out my location.

I start up the stairs to sit by him, and I can tell he doesn’t want me to by the glare he throws at me. I keep ascending, smiling to myself at how irritated he looks.

“Hey, grumpy pants,” I greet him as I let the handle of my bag slide down my arm. As my bag hits the floor with a soft thump, I plop down in the chair. “What’s got you looking so pissy?”

His face remains set in a scowl. “Why are you sitting by me?”

“Um, because there was a seat available. Unless Casper the friendly ghost was sitting in it. But, since you’ve got the grumpiest look on your face ever, I’m going to guess friendly old Casper wouldn’t want to sit by you.” I smile sweetly at him. “You can stop glaring at me. It’s not gonna scare me off.”

He shakes his head and blows out a sigh. “Whatever.” He stares straight ahead, crossing then uncrossing his arms. “But just an FYI, being seen with me will ruin your reputation.”

I choke on a laugh. “My reputation? Like I even have one.” I pat his arm. “You’re funny.”

He jolts from my touch, as if he hasn’t been touched in an eternity. I understand that concept well.

“Dude, chill,” I whisper under my breath. “I came here to give you some phone numbers about that thing that happened the other day.”

His gaze slides to me. “Really?”

I nod. “But there are stipulations, one being that you can’t tell anyone where I’m, even if they ask. You’ll just have to lie.”

“Okay.” He studies me. “Why, though?”

I hesitate. “Let’s just say I have issues vaguely similar to yours.”

“You deal?” he whispers in shock.

“No,” I hiss back. “No more questions. I didn’t make you explain everything to me, so respect the equal evasiveness.”

He gives a nod. “What’re the other stipulations?”

“That as soon as you get your debt taken care of with those guys who tried to beat you up, you leave the business.” I scratch my arm, feeling exposed at what I say next. “My father was in this type of business and, trust me; it ruined his life, like in the worst, locked-up-for-a-long-time sort of way, if you get my meaning.”

His eyes search mine. “I get what you’re saying, but … why are you helping me?” He shifts in the chair and stretches his legs out.

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