Page 57 of Queens

“Come in!”

Does he know it’s me? I assume so, considering I put this meeting on our calendar.

I push open the door. “Good morning, Rexton.”

His office is bland. He hasn’t added a hint of personalization, almost as if he doesn’t intend to be here long. I hope that’s thecase. I hope he decides this lifestyle isn’t for him and disappears from Wrath forever.

He helped Gray manage Lust for several years, and I wouldn’t be disappointed if he scurried his way back there. Rexton is attractive. David would welcome him into Lust with open arms. With open legs, too.

Rexton clears his throat. “Morning, Cassia.”

His gaze falls to my hands. I’m holding two steaming mugs, neither of which has been poisoned. It’s a decision I’m not entirely sure I don’t regret.

“I heard you enjoy an afternoon tea,” I say. “I brought you an herbal.”

Rexton looks borderline frightened, his eyes darting rapidly between me and the mugs. I enjoy seeing it, even if it means he still doesn’t trust me. It’s been a month of holding in my emotions and forcing myself to remain polite, and I’ve made little progress.

It’s time to step up my game.

“Thank you,” Rexton finally says.

I take the seat opposite his desk, making myself comfortable.

“It’s a bribe,” I admit.

“A bribe for what?”

“For you not to dismiss my idea out of spite.” I shrug. “You know, because I tried to kill you.”

It’s the most honest I’ve ever been with him. I hate Rexton with every fiber of my being, to the point where I’ve been falling asleep fantasizing about his death, but I have a responsibility to Wrath. My personal feelings come second to the kingdom’s needs.

It’s unfortunate, but it’s the way it must be.

Rexton scrunches his eyebrows, and I slide his tea across his desk. He keeps the wooden surface immaculate, much unlike mymessy one. I try to keep my desk clean, but paperwork tends to pile up.

Jassy keeps me organized, though. It’s another reason I can’t afford to lose her.

“I don’t hold grudges,” Rexton finally says.Lie.

“You held one against Mammon.”

“She murdered your brother.”

I cock my head to the side. “Is that why you went after her?”

“Yes.”

“You wasted twenty-something years of your life to avenge another woman’s child?” I hum. “Peculiar.”

That’s a strong reaction for a child unrelated to him. Maybe Rexton and my mother were friendlier than they let on. It would be easy to plant the thought into the minds of the Wraths.

An affair between their queen and her trusty male best friend…

The accusation would humiliate my fathers, but also my mother. Despite my anger, I could never do that to them. Rexton should consider himself lucky that I love my family.

Rexton clears his throat. “Are you suggesting I had an affair with your mother?”

I drop my jaw, faking disgust. “Of course not!” I shake my head. “But you must admit it’s a strong reaction for a child who doesn’t share your blood.”