Page 94 of Rule

“Do you think the king has changed his mind?”Court asked.

“Doubtful,” I said.

Evelyn walked into the living room, rubbingher hands over her thighs in a nervous gesture. “Bella is asleep. Any word?”

“Nothing,” Court said.

“This is weird, right?” she said. “Maybe theycouldn’t get out of the castle? I mean, there’s been a lot of snow. If they don’thave those automatic digger machines that you and Court used this morning to clearthe snow from the front door and yard, then…”

She sighed and shook her head. “I’m beingstupid. Of course, he would have those. He’s the freaking king. Butsomething had to happen. I mean, why haven’t they messaged us to say they’rerunning late? God, it’s so rude to not let us know they’re running late. Whatkind of king is he? He doesn’t have any manners whatsoever and… oh my God, Ican’t stand this.”

Court crossed the room to pull her into herarms, giving her a kiss as the tears streamed down her cheeks. “Shh, sadora.It is all right.”

“I hate this,” she said. “I hate this stupidwaiting around. It’s awful and -”

My tablet buzzed and the three of us staredat it like it was a poisonous wracken. It buzzed again, and I reached for it.I scanned the message, relief washing over me as Court said, “What does it say?”

“They are not coming today,” I said. “Tomorrow.They will be here tomorrow afternoon.”

Court let out his breath and hugged Evieagainst him as I tossed my tablet on the couch and stood. I joined them andEvie put her arm around me, leaning her head against my chest as I stared at Court.

The relief on his face matched my own, buthe knew as well as I did that this would be our last night with our sadora.

Evelyn raised her head, the shine of tearsstill on her cheeks. “Take me to bed,” she whispered. “Take me to bed rightnow and make me yours.”

I rested my forehead against hers, my tailjoining Court’s around her waist. “Yes, sadora.”

Chapter Nineteen

Evelyn

“Why you sad, girl?” Bella patted my cheekwith her hand.

I cuddled her a little closer. “I love you,Bella.”

She giggled and pushed away from me to slideoff my lap and sit on the floor of her room. “Come play with me, Evie girl.”

I stood up from her bed and joined her onthe floor, holding the doll she gave me as she sang a tuneless song under her breath.I wanted to check the time again but didn’t. What did it matter? We had noreal idea what time they would be here, only in the afternoon.

I studied Bella’s dark hair gleaming in thesunlight. I had braided it this morning and it hung down her back. Her purpleskin glowed in the light and more tears threatened. I blinked them backsavagely. I would miss Bella as much as I missed Court and Bran. The thoughtof never seeing her again made me feel sick to my stomach. I took a deepbreath. I was going to be freaking queen. I would demand that the king allow meto at least hologram with Court and Bran and Bella. If he didn’t, I would… Idunno…withhold sex until he did.

My stomach turned lazily, and I swalloweddown the bile. By tonight, I would be in the king’s bed and he would be touchingme. More bile rose in my throat and my esophagus burned as I struggled not to throwup. The idea of sleeping with the king, no matter how kind he was, made mewant to run screaming.

Bella suddenly stood with her little headcocked to the side. “What that sound, girl?”

My heart lurched in my chest and my mouthwent dry when I heard the vehicles. The sound cut out, and I climbed to myfeet.

Court stuck his head into the room, hiscopper coloured eyes wide and filled with a mixture of panic and anger thatmade me nervous. “Court?”

“Stay here,” he said.

“I can’t,” I said.

“Stay in the house,” Court said. “Bran andI will speak with the king first.”

“You’re going to get yourself kil -” Iglanced at Bella, “hurt. Don’t do anything foolish, Court.”

“Stay here,” he said, and shut the door.

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