Page 97 of Trust the Fall

I can’t have Camille thinking I am weak or someone to be pushed around. Not with all of the requests I’m going to be making tomorrow.

Questions are fired at the queen about where I came from and where I’ve been.

“Her story is hers alone and not the reason I brought you all here tonight. I know you have questions, and someday perhaps Victoria will choose to share her story with you, but today I ask that you all welcome her with open arms as the future queen of this magnificent kingdom.”

Uproarious cheers bounce around the room, and it’s deafening. It strikes me as odd how welcoming they are of me one day being queen. Especially considering there are many unanswered questions surrounding me.

“They’ve been groomed to know that one day you’d return and take the throne,” River says into my ear.

I shoot him a glare at having yet again pried. I’ll really need to put him on his ass one of these days to send the message.

“Quiet now. Quiet,” Camille says. “I have one more announcement to make.” The room goes silent as all reapers stand at rapt attention, awaiting her news.

“There’s to be another party tomorrow.”

People clap excitedly around me, the enthusiasm overwhelming. This must not be normal for Solis. You’d think they never have parties the way they’re bouncing around, offering hugs to their fellow reapers. It’s bizarre, as these beings don’t strike me as the affectionate type, yet right now, they almost appear childlike.

“It’s the champagne. Alcohol affects them differently here.”

“River, I swear to God, I will cut⁠—”

“As you know, the terms of my punishment state that I am to reign as queen until my heir returns and takes the throne with her king by her side.”

Dread claws its way up my spine and over my entire body. Before she’s even had a chance to say the next words, I double over, feeling like I’m going to be sick.

“Victoria,” River says, bending down to look at my face, “what’s wrong?”

I shake my head, unable to voice my growing concerns.

Nobody around us pays any attention, all eyes remaining on Camille.

“Tomorrow we shall celebrate the wedding between our esteemed guard River Nix and my daughter Victoria.”

The floor drops out underneath me and the wind is knocked from my chest. River grabs my elbows to steady me, helping me to stand fully as cheers ring out and well-wishers turn to us.

My head snaps to his and all I see is anger. He didn’t know this was coming either.

An infinitesimal portion of my distress releases with that knowledge. If he isn’t in on this, perhaps there’s still a chance that I will have his aid in fighting against it.

He lowers his mouth to the shell of my ear. “Not now, Victoria, but we will have our say.”

I nod curtly.

“River. Victoria. Please join me.” The queen gestures for us to come to the front.

There was no plan to cause a scene, but she made me a spectacle, and I intend to return the favor. She had no right to speak for me on matters of marriage.

In this moment, she’s no better than God.

Gasps ring out around me, and I realize that I said the words out loud.

The queen looks like I’ve just slapped her across the face.

Good. She deserves it. She’s trying to pull the same shit on me that was done to her.

“I’m sorry, Queen Camille, but no one speaks for me,” I say, standing tall. “I’ve been here for a very short time and you haven’t gotten to know me. You haven’t given me a chance to tell you my story, let alone all of these people. While I appreciate the introduction, I’m tired, and I think I’ll retire for the night.”

It is the best I can do at playing diplomatic.