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I grind my teeth before continuing. “Aziel will never pass his title to me without the approval of the generals. They’re integral to Wrath, and we can’t risk them turning away from us.”

Rexton frowns. “I think you’d be surprised by what Aziel would do for you.”

I disagree, but that’s not a discussion I’m open to having right now. It’s not a discussion I’m open to having withanybody. Ever. I choose to bottle up my conflicting, painful emotions regarding my fathers. It’s better that way.

There’s a long moment of silence. Rexton’s waiting for me to acknowledge his comment, but I have no intention of doing so. I gave him an inch, and he’s looking to take a mile. That’s not going to happen.

Eventually, he blows out a breath. “Well, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll take your concerns into consideration.”

That’s it? That’s all he has to say? I ball my hands into fists, fighting the urge to order him to make my recommended changes right this very second. He should be grateful for my advice.

My fingernails dig into my palms, and I relish the pain before relaxing my hands and standing.

“Thanks for your time,” I force out.

Rexton nods, and I storm out of his office before I do something I regret. This was bullshit.

Chapter Twenty-Five

CASSIA

REXTON IS WAITING for me in my office. He’s sitting opposite my desk, his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. He’s sure making himself comfortable. How long has he been here? Why didn’t Jassy warn me?

I grimace, swallowing the giant mouthful of the sugary bread treat I shoved into my mouth mere milliseconds before stepping into my office and noticing Rexton. The unchewed food fights against my throat, demanding it spend more time between my molars. I ignore it.

It’s painful, and I hope Rexton doesn’t notice my mild choking.

Judging by the slight upturn of his lips, he does.

“What”—I cough, placing a hand on my chest—“do you want?”

I kick my office door shut and walk around him, careful to keep a wide berth. Rexton and I rarely interact outside of scheduled meetings, and this visit is unprompted. I suppose I paid him an unscheduled meeting yesterday, but that wasn’t an invitation for him to do the same.

I check my calendar every morning. It’s the first thing I do after rolling out of bed, and this morning is free of meetings. That’s why I took a slight detour to my favorite pastry shop on my way to work.

I’m regretting that decision now, and I spare a glance at my black shirt to ensure no crumbs are lingering. The fabric is clean, thank the fucking gods. A woman can only endure so much humiliation.

Rexton clears his throat. “I appreciated your honesty yesterday.”

Well, I sure fucking hope so. I didn’t enjoy providing it, but I have to gain his trust somehow. I suspect this will be the most effective way.

I’m willing to bet that Rexton has severe attachment issues, and I should’ve taken that into consideration sooner. It makes sense. His family betrayed him in the worst way possible, and that’s sure to take a toll.

“I truly wish to start over with you, Cassia,” Rexton continues. “I understand you’re upset I killed Mammon, and I assure you I wasn’t intentionally trying to hurt you. I have no interest in leading Wrath.”

I tap my foot against the ground, unable to tell if he’s being sincere. Rexton has already earned the affections of my kingdom, and he’s been given the position I’ve spent years working toward. It doesn’t matter whether or not he’s intending to steal my birthright. It’s happening with or without his explicit intervention.

Rexton might be a nice guy. It’s entirely possible. But it doesn’t change anything.

“I would like to start over, too,” I lie. “Hating you is quite exhausting, and I don’t have the energy.”

Hating Rextonisexhausting, but I don’t mind. I’ve never shied away from hard work. I’m comfortable with it, and I love a challenge. It’s where I thrive.

Rexton shoots me a tentative smile, almost like he believes what I’m saying. It’s hard to know. He lived among the Greeds for over two decades, and he convinced Mammon to marry him into her family. He’s remarkably skilled at deception.

I draw in a breath. “Have you taken my concerns intoconsideration?”

I’m still bothered by Rexton’s dismissive statement yesterday. He should be thankful for my insight. People love to think I’m undeserving of my position, that I was given it only because I’m Aziel’s daughter, but that’s simply not true.