Page 13 of Queens

“It was important enough for all of you to be discussing a minute ago,” I say. “Quietly. Secretly.”

Mom’s standing beside Gray, and she brushes a hand down his arm before smoothly crossing the room. Uncle Chev and Aunt Vanessa quickly follow. They’re all in silent mutual agreement to leave, and I grit my teeth as they walk out of the room and shut the door behind them.

What is this?

Silas gestures to the seat opposite Aziel’s desk. “Why don’t you sit, Cassia?”

I press my lips together, not sure I want to. They’re being weird, and I’m beginning to suspect this is about the emotional regulation retreat Valeria has been waving under their noses. I was under the impression they’d bring it up after dinner, not before. Never before.

I’m looking forward to eating with the family, even my annoying cousins, but this conversation is going to put me in a bad mood. It may be my idea, but it’s still going to piss me off.

Gray walks around the room, circling me like a fucking shark. Does he think I won’t realize how he’s very conveniently placed himself between me and the exit? Aziel rolls his eyes, visibly mirroring my feelings.

Then he pulls something out of his desk. I recognize the pamphlet. It’s for the retreat, and it outlines the many benefits of attending. I have an identical booklet sitting on my desk in Lust.

I can’t believe they’re doing this now. I suppose it’s partially my fault for hunting them down and demanding they tell me what they were whispering about. My parents enjoy gossiping with Uncle Chev and Aunt Vanessa, but I didn’t realize the topic of conversation would include me. It’s rude. My business isn’t any of theirs.

“Sit, Cassie,” Gray urges.

He rests his hands on my shoulders and gently guides me into the seat opposite Aziel. I’m no better than a pig being led to the slaughter—except it’s my fathers doing the beheading. I eye the pamphlet on the desk, pretending I’ve never seen it, as Gray slips into the seat beside me.

Silas takes the spot beside Aziel. I wish Mom were here. She’s usually on my side, but it’s best she’s not in the room for serious conversations. I’m known to explode, and I can be a danger to her.

There are a few things I’ll admit to being ashamed of, and my mother’s fear of me is one of them. I’ve never hurt her, but there have been too many close calls over the years. I don’t mean to, but I forget my strength. I forget she’s human.

“What’s this?” I ask, flicking the pamphlet. “Finally considering my suggestion to send David away?”

Aziel clears his throat. “Why don’tyoutell us what this is?” My mind blanks. He continues. “We found this on your desk in the cabin. Did you ask Valeria to tell us about the retreat? Do you want to go?”

I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve heard Aziel’s soft voice. It’s usually reserved for David’s emotional breakdowns and Valeria’s rare nightmares. His soft voice hashistorically only made me angry, and it’s no different now. I don’t need his coddling.

My fingers curl.

I eye Silas’s clothing. We always dress up for these dinners. I’m not sure when the tradition began, but it’s been that way for as long as I can remember. David, Valeria, and I used to love any excuse to wear our fancy clothes. We’d go shopping the week before, and when we got older, we’d bring our cousins with us.

Uncle Chev refuses to wear anything besides his leathers, but he claims he wears his fanciest pair. I can’t tell the difference.

Silas is wearing black pants and a white button-down this evening. The shirt is slightly long in the sleeves, which tells me it came from Aziel’s closet.

“Cassia…” Silas says, capturing my attention. “We’ve noticed you’ve been—”

“I’ve never seen this,” I interrupt, gesturing to the pamphlet. “And I don’t know what cabin you’re referring to.”

Deny. Deny. Deny. I’ll do it until I’m blue in the face.

There’s a loud crash. It’s coming from the family room, and Aziel frowns at his shut office door before shifting his attention toward Gray.

“I’m on it,” Gray says, rising. He bends and kisses my temple. “Love you, my treasure.”

I expect him to leave, but he lingers. I know what he wants.

My nose crinkles. “I love you, too.”

He finally leaves, shutting the door behind him. I stare down my nose at Aziel and Silas.

How do they know about my cabin in Lust? I bought it in cash, and I’ve gone to extreme lengths to keep it a secret. I doubt Valeria or David said anything, not when they’re supplying me with that power-dulling sludge. They won’t risk getting themselves in trouble.

If they found my cabin, did they find my research?