Page 96 of Trust the Fall

Cat chuckles. “You are definitely going to bring a fresh rule to these lands.”

I should correct her. I’ve gotten to know her well enough that I don’t want to mislead her, but I don’t get a chance, because trumpets sound, and all the reapers grow quiet.

She arrives announced by trumpet? “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I say, mostly under my breath.

“Shh,” Cat chides, but she can’t get the laughter out of her voice.

“I’m glad I amuse you,” I deadpan. “Where is Leanna?” I whisper.

“I doubt she was invited. The queen isn’t very happy that she’s here.”

I guess I’m not surprised. Lee represents Heaven, and based on how things went down for Camille, I’m sure Leanna is a reminder of all the things she lost.

“There you are,” River says gruffly. “I’ve been looking for you.”

I shoot him a look of sheer amusement, leaning in so only he’ll hear my words. “Oh? Is that what you were doing with your tongue down my mother’s throat?”

He stiffens, coughing and choking intermittently. I slap his stomach and he grunts. I whisper, “Don’t worry, reaper, your secret is safe with me. And for the record, I told you to go for it, so kudos for actually growing a pair of balls.”

He grumbles something I can’t make out.

“Man of few words,” I say, not hiding my enjoyment at his expense. “So what am I supposed to expect for tonight?”

“She’s going to introduce you and explain that you will be visiting for a while, and that future announcements pertaining to you will be made as decisions unravel.”

I nod. That might be the best news I’ve heard since arriving here. River and I are on the same page and it pleases me to know that I will be included in all decisions. That’s a first in some time.

“Then, it’s party time. You can dance, eat, or go to your room. Whatever you prefer.”

“I prefer an audience with my mother at some point. I’ve only managed to speak with her for ten minutes before she went and fainted. We have a lot to discuss.”

“It can wait, Victoria.”

I turn to face him, glaring up into his handsome face that’s set in stone at the moment.

“Just because you can’t keep your hands to yourself where she’s concerned, it doesn’t give you any right to tell me what I can and cannot do, River. I have no intentions of pulling the damn princess card often, but in this moment, I feel I should remind you that I don’t answer to you.”

He raises his hands, the stone façade giving way until he’s grinning down at me. “You are so much like her, you know.”

I purse my lips. “Let’s not … draw parallels between me and Camille. Not after that,” I say, motioning in the direction of the alcove and pulling a face.

He chuckles. “Right, yeah. Anyway, all I’m asking is that you give her this one night. She has been waiting for this for a very long time. Just tonight, please.”

I don’t say anything, because there’s nothing to say. I want to fight him on it, but he’s probably right. What’s one more day going to hurt? If I allow her this night, perhaps she’ll be more inclined to give me what I want tomorrow.

I nod, acknowledging his request.

The queen strolls in wearing a dress that matches my own, except hers is ivory, and the tiny crystals that cover her bodice are diamonds that shimmer under the twinkle lights.

She walks with a grace I will never possess to the front of the room, stepping up onto a raised dais where a large settee sits front and center. She doesn’t sit.

So we’re doing the introductions immediately. I steel myself for the attention about to rain down on me. I don’t want it, but it can’t be helped. I’ll play the game if it ends in my returning to Luke faster.

Standing tall, she raises her arms out to her sides as though she plans to give the entirety of the ballroom a giant hug. “Reapers, today marks the start of a historic change for our kingdom.” Her voice booms throughout the ballroom as though she’s wearing a microphone. If she is, it’s hidden well. “My daughter has finally come home.”

She extends her arm toward me, and all heads turn in my direction.

Despite having known this would be the outcome, my initial reaction is to slink into the shadows and hide. But I’m not a coward, so I stand tall and look as many of them directly in the eye as I can.