Page 88 of Lethal King

“I did my best.”

My heart drops at the implication.

“… Does that mean…”

Tytus’ dark eyes go wide as he realizes his mistake.

“No. Drago is fine,” he quickly assures me. “Well, he’s not fine. The man has health problems. But they have nothing to do with the gallon of seawater you both inhaled. He’s been up and about for the past six hours. I’ve made sure of it. He had a lot of questions to answer.”

Scrunching my nose, I force myself up straight. With Tytus’ help, I manage to sit down on the edge of the bed.

“Tell me all of it,” I insist. “Tell me what bullshit he’s fed you.”

“I think it’s best if he tells you himself,” Tytus exhales. I’m only now noticing how exhausted he looks.

“I don’t want to talk to him.”

“You should. The man isn’t who you remember. He’s changed—I’m still trying to find out if it’s for the better.”

“Men like that don’t change,” I spit, my voice trembling ever so slightly. “You heard him. I’m supposed to marry Leander. Even after all this time, he only sees me as a helpless little girl. A pawn. He’s the same thoughtless manipulator he’s always been.”

“I think his intentions may be different this time,” Tytus tries to explain. But he stops himself before he can go any further.

We both hear the knock at the door.

I’ve already learned my lesson—no quick movements. So, instead of turning around, I look up at Tytus.

His face tells me everything I need to know.

“Who is it?” he booms.

“Me.”

The voice is so meek and small I almost don’t recognize it.

“We’re not ready for you yet,” Tytus barks.

“Is… Is she alright?” Drago asks.

“I’m fine,” I hiss.

Wrong move. My eyes clamp shut as I’m hit with another strike of pain.

“Rozalia, I’m sorry. None of that was supposed to happen, not like it did. I—”

“Save your apologies for someone who gives a shit!” I curse, not caring how much it hurts.

Drago needs to hear my rage.

He needs to feel my wrath.

Reaching out, I grab Tytus’ sleeve.

“Let him in,” I demand. Pulling myself onto my feet, I wobble for a moment before falling back down onto my ass. “Fuck…”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”