Page 110 of Red King

Perhaps if we were in more peaceful times. Perhaps if… I rack my brain trying to figure out a way to make this work, to make us work, and come up empty. I wish there was a way. I even consider stepping down, but Mistveil needs me. My people need their king. There’s something sinister going on between us and the Mainland. I know it. It’s only a matter of time before we crack Ice’s computer. Before the lid comes off. And I have to be here, front and center. I’m just as much a symbol to my people as the Tributes are.

Hope, stability, strength.

I look down at Paisley. My heart is in my throat.

“I’m so sorry, Arctic. It doesn’t matter what we want.” She touches the side of my face and then lets me go. Then, she takes a single sheet of paper out of her purse and hands it to me.

“What is this?’ I ask, even though I know exactly what it is.

“It’s my resignation. It’s better this way. I’ll leave as soon as possible. I’ve already tentatively spoken with Thorn, who has contacted Marcel. It looks like they will be able to replace me ASAP. I’m more than likely going to leave when the flight gets here on Monday. My replacement will be on it.”

“That’s only a few days away. Don’t go just yet.” I know I’m being unreasonable.

“You and I both know it’s better that way. I will continue with my nursing duties, but I’m stepping away from my PR role. I don’t think we should see each other again. It would be for the best.”

I want to argue. The words are already starting to form in my mouth, but I hold them back.

Paisley is right. She’s right about everything.

I hate it. I detest it. I was starting to see a future with her. I had started to work out what I was going to say to the Council…to her.

I broke all the rules. I started to fall for her. I was wrong, and it fucking hurts.

“Say something,” she says.

“I accept your resignation.” It fucking kills me to say the words.

Her eyes flare with disappointment, but she schools her emotions on the next breath and smiles. “I need you to promise me something, and it’s very important.”

“What’s that?” I clear my throat because the words are a little stuck.

“Promise me you’ll try.”

“Try what?” My voice is thick with emotion, and yet she seems so together.

“Promise me that you’ll try to meet someone in the pilot program. That you’ll date a few of the ladies.”

“You’re so eager to palm me off already.” I laugh as pain blossoms inside me.

“It’s not like that, and you know it.”

I nod.

“The whole reason we slept together in the first place was so that we could break the dry spell. It’s broken. Some of those women are lovely. I swear it, Arctic. You just need to give them a chance. Hannah is super sweet and very beautiful. She really likes you. You should go for it.”

Maybe I was wrong about Paisley’s feelings for me. She’s selling it hard.

“Okay. Sure. I promise I’ll give it a try.” I squeeze the back of my neck.

“And not just for one or two days. For the rest of the time that they are here on the island.”

“Sure.” I shrug.

“You promise?” She looks at me like she doesn’t believe me.

“I promise. I’ll do it. I’ll date. When I give my word, I mean it.” I’m not sure if I say it to hurt her because I’m hurting, and she seems perfectly fine.

Paisley’s smile widens but suddenly looks brittle. “Good to know.” Her voice hitches a little.

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