Steel Princess (Royal Elite 2)

“He and I are over. Don’t speak his name in front of me again.”

“But… but… why?”

“Because I finally woke up and saw him for what he truly is.”

A monster.

My blood still boils from the nonchalant way he spoke at the hospital.

He didn’t apologise or try to explain.

He didn’t tell me that all I heard were lies. He didn’t even try to defend himself.

He was just his usual jerk self.

Even if he didn’t change, I did.

This time, there’s no way in hell I’m letting him step on me.

As soon as Kim and I go into class, I’m assaulted by Ronan and Xander. Cole follows close behind them.

“Ellie,” Ronan takes my hand in his. “I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about you.”

“He was smoking weed,” Xander says.

“Fait chier, connard! That’s because I couldn’t sleep.” Ronan pushes Xander away before he meets my gaze with a pitiful one. “I didn’t even throw a party, chérie.”

“Thanks, I guess?” I say.

“Are you okay?” Cole asks.

I smile and say in a loud voice for the entire class to hear. “Things like that can’t kill me.”

“Party at my place to celebrate Ellie coming back to life!” Ronan announces and many in the class cheer.

“That’s not a good idea.” Kim smiles awkwardly. “Ellie doesn’t like parties.”

“I’m in,” I tell them.

Everyone, Ronan included, stare at me open-mouthed.

“You’ll really show up without extortion?” Ronan eyes me suspiciously. “I was about to rob Knight and Nash’s money and give it to you as a bribe.”

I smile despite myself. Ronan always has that effect on people. “I’ll really show up without extortion.”

“I’m robbing Knight and Nash’s money and keeping it to myself.” He points a finger at me jokingly. “You can’t change your mind.”

“Be my guest.”

“As if I’d let you.” Xander glances at him with a challenging gleam.

“Oh, you’re on, Knight!”

Arguments break between the two, and Cole tries to meditate as usual. Half the class — Kim, included — watch in fascination. The other half is already making plans for tonight’s party.

I could’ve declined, but I purposefully didn’t.

I’m done running away and hiding.