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My demeanor implies that this entire situation is bollocks.
At her signal, I sit.
“Victor, is there anything you wish to disclose?” Grandmother’s regal tone holds a hint of caution.
“Not at all.”
Buzz.My mobile vibrates in the pocket of my suit jacket.
“As the years have passed, my expectations for your father have diminished.”
I imbue a groan behind my snarled lips.I’m in the midst of a bloody fucking monologue. Really?
“I adore you and Graham. So, suffice it to say, Itoleratemy youngest born. I’d never fathom, never conceive that I would need totolerateyou!”
Are you finished?
“Victor, through trying times, you’ve always had a certain level of resilience.”
Nope, apparently not.
“After Emeli and Jude's deaths, I granted you leeway to an extent I have begun to regret. I've ruminated over it. At this time, I realize I performed as a grandmother instead of your Queen.” She inhales and further places herself at the center of my dilemma. “Most surely, you are turning into your father,Silas!” She spits out the detestable word.
At my mobile's incessant ringing, I retreat to the corners of my mind. I keep repeating that the Queen is my blood.
Not a threat.
Myobliviousblood relative isn’t aware of the severity of my current circumstances. Unlike my father, I will respect her, though.
The coldness of the Queen’s eyes wavers, and the unmerciful royal sheds away, leaving the concerned grandmother I once knew. She implores, “Why now? Your wife and child have been dead for ages. Victor, my love, you’ve endured much turmoil throughout your life. Why become the scandal of the royal family?”
I deflate.Oh, Grandmummy, I’m sorry.
“That was not my intention.” I exhale and gather the strength to grovel and leave Her Majesty appeased, but a cold front descends between us.
“Come off it, Victor. You’re manipulative like your father. I can see it in your eyes. You’d rather be any other placebut here.”
Who wouldn’t?
“You havedefiedme. Like your father, I disregarded your delight in your manly indulgences. I allowed it. You've kept that woman of color. I permitted it. Even Silas wouldn’t make such declarations as you did last night aloud. You claimed toloveth-this commoner!”
I bite my tongue at her statements.Allowedandpermitted. I'll renounce my dukedom after I save Luxury. Or fuck it, I'll have already died.
The Queen’s searing gaze leaves mine. She nods toward one of the guards at the exit. The doors burst open.
Guards escort Madeline into the room. Gathering the hem of her cream-colored dress, my friend dips into a curtsy. Her mousy brown hair is pulled into a ponytail that falls over her shoulder.
Buzz.My phone continues to vibrate against my chest cavity.
“Sit next to your betrothed,” Grandmother commands with a wave of her bejeweled hand.
“Betrothed?” I inquire through clenched teeth. “Last night, I informed my entire duchy of my intentions with Luxury Whitson.”
“Thus, your presencehere.” Her Majesty punctuates her statement by sweeping a blunt hand around the room.
I look toward my childhood friend. The Queen hasn’t prompted the puppet to speak. She already knows that I don’t love her. My glare meets the Queen’s. “Grandmother, allow me to speak freely.”
She gives a tense chuckle. “Victor, you've been in contempt this entire conversation.”
