Page 63 of Queens

“I hear you’re having issues with Cassia,” Charlie says.

I shrug and shake my head at the same time, unsure how truthful I should be. Cassia has become my living, waking nightmare. Maybeshe’smy punishment. The fates are cruel, and forcing me to work with my best friend’s tyrannical daughter feels quite fitting. It’s driving me into insanity, one day at a time.

I never thought I’d miss the days of being a shadow within Aziel’s household. I managed the grounds, and I was ecstatic to be put in charge of Charlie’s education. It was a dream come true, but I had no idea what it would lead to. I was fooled.

Charlie chuckles. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? To see a woman confident enough to be such a challenge. I’m proud of her.”

I sit in the chair opposite the couch. Despite my complaints, itisremarkable. Charlie spent her formative years in hiding, terrified of discovery and abuse. I can’t imagine how it must feel to watch her daughter grow up in a world so unlike her own, how magical it must seem.

“She’s been challenging,” I say, repeating Charlie’s description.

It’s a light way of describing it, and I wonder if Aziel has shared what happened between Cassia and me in his office. Judging by Charlie’s expression, I doubt it. That’s good. Cassia instigated the fight, but I’m not interested in gloating about my victory. Cassia was devastated, and I don’t wish to dig the knife in further.

Maybe I should. I hear she’s prone to running away and hiding whenever she feels embarrassed, and I’m just desperate enough to consider trying it. I’d do just about anything to have Cassia out of my life. I suspect she feels the same way about me.

Charlie places a hand over her mouth, hiding her laughter. She finds my struggle entertaining, but none of this is humorous. It’s stressful and aggravating.

“I came here to yell at you,” Charlie says. “But I’m too full of pity to do so. My daughter is destroying you. Has it been like this the entire time?”

I clamp my mouth shut, then give a jerky nod.

“Has she already tried to kill you?”

Another nod.

Charlie’s smile grows. “What a woman.”

I disagree. Strongly. I’m not going to complain to Charlie about her daughter, though. It’s the last thing I want to discuss with her. I want to know everything I’ve missed while I’ve been gone. Charlie has always been a remarkable woman, and I can only imagine the adventures she’s dragged her males on in my absence.

“How’s your mother?” I ask.

Charlie smacks her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “She’s still living in the fae realm with Niven. I see them every couple of weeks. How is…” Charlie pauses, grimacing. “Do you have anybody in your life right now?”

I shake my head. “No.”

I had a busy social agenda in the few years between the end of the war and Luca’s death. I was helping Gray manage Lust, and I enjoyed the benefits that came with that. Women were eager, and I took advantage. My relationships were never serious, but there were many.

It was exciting at the time, but I’ve lost interest. Excluding my wedding night with Princess Amelia, I can’t remember the last time I was with a woman. It’s been several years.

I was interested in Luna before I knew her as Cassia, which I now regret. The woman is attractive, but she’s too dangerous. Not to mention she loathes my very existence. She’d sleep with me if only for the opportunity to slit my throat.

Charlie frowns. “Are you lonely?”

“Charlie,” I say, my tone scolding. My face heats. “No. I’m fine.”

“You look lonely.”

I level her a blank look. “No, I don’t.”

Work keeps me busy, and my little free time is spent agonizing about Cassia. The woman drives me insane. She’s turned me into a paranoid, anxious mess. I can’t stop thinking about her.

Maybe Ishouldfind somebody. A distraction could be good.

“Do you know anybody?” I give in and ask.

“I hear Cassia’s single.”

I blink. “That’s not funny.”