Ruthless Empire (Royal Elite 6)

“I did not need that image.” Papa looks at me weird, almost horrified, as if he’s just realising that I’m not his little girl anymore.

“Mum!” My voice lowers. “How do you know that?”

“I know everything about you, Babydoll. You think I wouldn’t notice that you’re in love?”

“I-I’m n-not in love.” I clear my throat. “Anyway, this isn’t about me. Papa?”

“Helen and I only got married for convenience. She had no idea how to handle the fortune William left behind, so I offered to help. One thing led to another and we sort of formed a partnership.”

“And a marriage.” Mum huffs. “She thought if she had you long enough, you’d probably fall for her graces. That woman is a snake.”

“Cynthia.” Papa releases another breath.

“Still, this isn’t right, Papa.” I’m such a hypocrite. I’m fucking his stepson under his roof every night, after all.

“Didn’t you always want us to be together?” Mum asks. “You planned it for years.”

“Not at the expense of someone else’s happiness. This isn’t right by Helen, and you know that, Papa. These are your core principles and you betrayed them.”

“Silver!” Mum scoffs. “I can’t believe you’re taking that snake’s side over your mother’s.”

“She’s right.” Papa’s lips thin in a tight smile. “I’m sorry I disappointed you, Princess.”

“Give me a fucking break.” Mum throws her hands in the air. “So now I’m the bad guy in all of this?”

“Language, Cynthia.” Papa’s voice lowers.

“You didn’t mind the language when you were fucking me earlier.”

“Mum!”

“Cynthia!” Papa says at the same time.

“Fine.” Mum jerks up. “I’m always wrong. I always say the wrong things. Apparently, I can’t make any personal relationship work and should focus on my job instead. If my own daughter and the man I thought was the love of my life don’t understand me, it’s useless to keep trying. Go back to your soft, sweet Helen.”

She’s about to storm out, but Papa and I stand up. He catches her by the wrist before she can go.

Tears glisten in her eyes and she tries to hide them. Feelings have always been Mum’s curse. I see it now. The fact she couldn’t keep up with her career and her married life at the same time was her doom. She never forgave herself for giving up on her marriage, and that’s why she developed depression after the divorce. But she had too much pride to ask Papa to try again. As did he. So they kept fighting every chance they got instead.

Papa’s face softens for the first time in…years. For the first time since Mum left the house. “Helen is indeed soft and sweet.”

“What are you waiting for then?” she snaps. “The door is right there.”

“But she’s not the woman who drives me crazy with every word out of her mouth. She’s not you, Cynthia.”

My heart nearly explodes as Mum’s expression becomes gentle, almost as if she’s ten years younger.

Papa caresses her hand. “I’ll end it properly with her tonight, and we can have a family breakfast tomorrow?”

Both Mum and I nod.

As much as I feel sorry for Helen, I believe in fairy tales. I believe in Mum and Papa. I always have. The only reason I gave up on them is due to thinking they were more at peace apart. Turns out, they were both miserable.

Mum and I walk Papa to the door. I hug him and tell him that I love him, that I’m proud of his decisions, even if this turmoil can damage his campaign.

He kisses me on the temple, then Mum on the lips. “I love you both.”

“And I love you, Bastian.” Mum closes her eyes, inhaling his scent. “I never stopped.”