Page 14 of Unforgiving Queen

She wasn’t angry, just resigned.

I blinked, trying to keep my tears at bay. I didn’t know what to say. I chanced a glance at my friends. Raven rubbed the back of her neck and Isla gazed away, but the same worried expression lingered on their faces.

“I’m sorry I scared you,” I rasped, the beeping sound of the machine louder than my voice.

Athena looked up, tears glimmering in her eyes.

“I’m so happy you’re okay, Reina.” She managed a teary smile, and it was painful to see how much damage I’d done to my friends. I’d been self-centered ever since crossing paths with Amon, and in the process, I’d hurt them all.

And still, I’m waiting for him.

Amon was my reason. My whole life. My ruin.

I wanted to walk this earth feeling whole—with him—while he wanted to live his life without me.

Such a stupid, naive fool.The words floated in my mind, mocking me and my romantic ideations. It took one summer to tear them apart, and I was no better because of it.

“Did you seehim?” Isla asked, her tone tentative, almost as if she was scared to bring it up.

“Yes.”

“And?” Phoenix demanded. “I don’t understand why you had to go see him. What was so important?”

I shrugged, dropping my eyes to the bed and training my focus on the finely threaded lines in the crisp white sheets. I never told my friends I was pregnant, and it was a moot point now. None of it mattered anyhow.

I lost the baby. The lump in my throat suffocated, stealing my oxygen.

“Did you talk to him?” Isla asked. I shook my head, unable to find my voice. “We should have never let you go there alone,” she continued with a stern expression. “We should have been there with you.”

“We should have kicked that bastard’s ass,” Raven growled. “Smashed that pretty face.”

Isla rolled her eyes. “As if you’d ever succeed. He’s like a whole foot taller than you.”

Raven just flipped her off.

“We’ve been going crazy,” Athena chimed in. “You’ve been MIA for three fucking days. The scenarios that ran through our heads... Your papà and grandma tore the city apart.”

I swallowed, the backs of my eyes burning with tears that wouldn’t come. “I’m sorry.”

“Papà and the authorities kept getting wrong intel.” Phoenix twisted her hands. “I thought you were dead. Isla asked her brother Maxim to help.”

“Unfortunately, he wasn’t very useful,” she muttered. “Illias would have been, but I worried he’d demand I return home, thinking there’s some kind of conspiracy going on.”

“We cried a fucking river,” Raven croaked. “I wanted to find those two Leone brothers and murder them with my bare hands.”

“We would have all helped,” Athena assured, smiling shakily. “I’m just glad you’re alive.”

I caused so much stress. So much pain. “I don’t know how to make it up to you,” I said, clearing my throat. “I promise I’m done with him.” My vow sent a hollow ache through my soul, but I ignored it. “I never meant to cause you so much pain.”

They all waved their hands. “All that matters is that we are together again,” Phoenix assured.

“But no more of this,” Isla demanded softly. “My heart cannot bear it.”

“You have to get your shit together.” Raven’s words were harsh, but her gentle tone made up for it. “No man is worth your tears.”

I nodded wordlessly.

“You’ll be okay,” Athena murmured softly. “Soon you won’t even remember him. All this will be a distant memory.”