Page 16 of Shameless Royalty

I push myself to my feet, wincing as the movement sends another sharp pain through my ribs. He steps closer, his piercing gaze locking on mine, and I immediately look away.

“Look at me,” he says. “Look at me, Connor.”

I do, though it takes more effort than I’d like to admit. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something in his eyes that cuts straight through me.

“You didn’t fail her,” he says, his voice steady. “You didn’t fail anyone. Do you hear me?”

I shake my head, my throat tightening. “I should’ve—”

“No,” he says sharply, cutting me off. “There’s no ‘should’ve.’ You brought her back, lad. You walked into hell and pulled her out. That’s what matters.”

The crack in my chest splits wide open, and before I know it, the tears are falling. I press my palms into my eyes, trying to stop them, but it’s useless. The sobs come, raw and broken, and I can’t hold them back.

“I’m sorry,” I choke out, my voice breaking. “I’m sorry, Da.”

He doesn’t hesitate. He steps forward and pulls me into a tight hug, his hand gripping the back of my head like he’s holding me together.

“You’ve got nothin’ to be sorry for, lad,” he says, his voice low and rough. “Nothin’.”

I cling to him, my fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as the weight of everything crashes down on me. The guilt, the fear, the anger—it all pours out, and for the first time in years, I let myself feel it.

“I feel like I’m drownin’, Da. Like no matter what I do, it’s never enough. Not for you, not for Cat… not for anyone. I should’ve seen it comin’,” I say, my voice muffled against his shoulder. “I should’ve done more.”

“You did everythin’ you could,” he says firmly. “You did what I would’ve done. What any of us would’ve done. And you still brought her home.”

I nod, though his assurances feel hollow. It’s hard to believe him, but some small part of me wants to.

“You did well,” he says, pulling back just enough to look me in the eye. “You completed the mission and sent a message. I couldn’t be more proud to have you as a son and heir.”

The words stick in my chest, heavy and painful, but there’s something else there too—something that feels a little like relief.

“Thanks, Da,” I whisper, my voice raw.

He nods, squeezing my shoulder before stepping back. “Now, go get some rest. That’s an order.”

I manage a weak smile, nodding again. “Yes, sir,” I say, wiping my face with the back of my hand. The fire crackles softly, the room warmer than it was when I walked in.

As I leave, I glance back at him. He’s already sitting at his desk again, the weight of the family name on his shoulders.

Chapter 10

Connor

Ipushthedoorto Malachi’s room open with my foot while balancing the tray of food in one hand. He’s sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring down at the floor like it owes him answers. He doesn’t even look up when I step inside.

“Breakfast,” I say, setting the tray down on the desk. “Eat up. You’ve got five minutes.”

That gets his attention. His head snaps up, and he pulls his brows together in confusion. “Five minutes for what exactly?”

I lean against the desk, crossing my arms. “We’re goin’ for a walk.”

His expression doesn’t change. “A walk?”

“Aye,” I say, keeping my tone casual. “You know, outside? Fresh air? Sunlight?”

“Why?” he asks suspiciously, his eyes narrowing.

“Because I’m feelin’ generous,” I reply with a shrug. “Or bored. Take your pick.”

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