Page 76 of Queens

I regret the words the second they slip from my lips. It’s too pathetic to admit out loud, and I’m anything but pathetic. These are thoughts I keep to myself and ruminate over late at night, not share with my greatest enemies.

“Who do you think is secretly hoping for your downfall?” Rexton asks.

I turn, shooting him a blank look over my shoulder. I’m not engaging in this conversation. I regret saying anything in the first place.

Rexton hums. “I disagree with the way they shelter you because I don’t think you need it. You’re a strong, capable demon, and they’re letting their fear hold you back. It does nothing but hurt you in the long run.”

I turn away from Rexton, not wanting him to see my reddening cheeks. He’s embarrassing me, and I wish he’d stop talking. I’ve been waiting my entire life for somebody to say that, to confirm that I’m not crazy for hating my father’s coddling.

Ultimately, though, it doesn’t matter what Rexton thinks of Aziel and Raum’s treatment of me. I’ve tried to change it. I’ve wanted to prove I’m not the vulnerable person they seem inclined to believe I am, but it leads nowhere.

My will to fight is dying, as is my soul and spirit. It’s being replaced with anger, which only seems to worsen things. Whatever.

My feet are growing numb, the cold stream penetrating. I already feel better, my simmering frustration and anger calming to a manageable level. Rexton is leaning against a tree, his armscrossed over his chest, as I step out of the water and wait for my feet to dry.

He’s scanning our surroundings, searching for any hint of danger. There isn’t any. It may not appear so, but I’m paying attention. I’m always on guard, always ready to defend myself. If it makes Rexton feel better to double-check my work, then so be it.

Prince Nolic’s army is closing in on the mountain, rapidly approaching the border separating Greed and Wrath. Due to the magic Mammon put over her kingdom, they can’t teleport. They have to travel across Greed, using up resources and energy before even reaching us.

We’ve been here for days, preparing.

Prince Nolic doesn’t stand a chance.

I slip on my socks and shoes once my feet have dried, then gesture toward camp.

“Ladies first.”

I enjoy using this human expression with men. They rarely appreciate it, but it brings me great joy. Men don’t enjoy being compared to women.

Rexton raises a brow, the corners of his lips twitching as he pushes away from his tree and saunters ahead. “Thanks. Don’t mind if I do.”

He’s not offended, which ruins some of my enjoyment, but not all of it. I hang on to a tiny thread, but it dies out as we re-enter camp. Raum gives instructions every morning shortly after breakfast. He and the officers will divide us into small groups and send us out on missions.

I was placed in my first scouting group yesterday. It was exciting, and I hope to be placed in another today.

Raum will be giving out today’s orders any minute now, and I don’t want to miss them.

I’m eager to prove to the Wraths that I’m worth something, that I’m willing to fight for them. They’ll see how strong and capable I am, and their support and love will quickly follow.

Chapter Thirty-One

CASSIA

REXTON’S MOVING TOO slowly. Is it intentional? I assume so.

He picks a piece of food off his plate, taking his sweet time finishing his breakfast. He should’ve already eaten. Breakfast duty ended over an hour ago.

I suspect he snuck away to attend a meeting with Raum and the other officers while I was distracted with my morning duties. It wouldn’t be the first time he did so, and I highly doubt it’ll be the last.

“Come on,” I hiss, pacing the length of the table he sits at. “Hurry up.”

He ignores me and, if anything, he seems to slow down even further. I should throttle him, but I settle for tapping my foot impatiently against the ground. I’ve been placed in a scouting group today, one of Raum’s best ones, and I’m eager to get moving.

Several minutes pass. Rexton continues his leisurely pace.

I snap my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “I’m leaving.”

I should’ve left him earlier, but I was trying to be polite. He said I was strong and capable, and he said I am a valuable assetto Wrath. It was an unexpected compliment, one I’m willing to admit softened me just the tiniest bit.