Twisted Kingdom (Royal Elite 3)

And I have a promise to keep.

The moment I open my eyes, a headache assaults my temples. I’m disoriented for a few seconds. It takes several blinks to focus on the walls surrounding me.

White walls. Antiseptic smell.

The hospital. I’m at the hospital.

“Elsa, you’re awake.”

Dad’s voice filters through my consciousness. He sits beside me, his five o’clock shadow appears a few days old.

“Oh, hon.” Aunt takes my hand, Uncle standing by her side with a relieved expression plastered all over his face.

“What happened?” My throat is all scratchy and dry, but the words come out clear.

“You had a fever,” Aunt speaks in rapid-fire. “Dr Albert said you had palpitations. Depending on the test results, changing your dose of pills can be enough for now, but if there are any further complications in the next few months, he might have to operate. I can’t believe you haven’t told us your heartbeat rate has been acting up.”

“Blair.” Uncle shakes his head at her.

“Fine.” She points between Dad and I. “But you bet I’m going to hound you about your appointments from now on.”

“How long have I been out?” I ask in a small voice.

“Two days,” Dad says.

Two days. Woah. That’s a lot.

Aunt goes on to tell me about the tests and the doctor’s recommendations. She has it all written in her planner and both Uncle and Dad’s schedule so no one forgets.

I’m listening to them, but something doesn’t seem right. I search my memories about what actually happened.

Aiden kidnapped me. Check.

We went to Birmingham. Check.

I remembered the past. Check.

Agnus showed up and locked us in. Check.

We had lots of sex. Double-check

But after that, it’s a blur of mismatching mosaic colours.

I search my surroundings, but there’s no sign of Aiden. A jolt of panic grips me like those tentacles from the dream.

“Where is Aiden?” I interrupt them in a choked voice.

“He stepped out with Agnus for coffee,” Dad

says.

“A-Agnus?” I all but shriek.

Why would Agnus have private time with Aiden? Is he planning something else?

Oh, God. What if he decides to hurt Aiden because Dad doesn’t like him? What if he thinks, like ten years ago, that’s the best solution for everyone?

After all, he has no moral compass stopping him from eliminating people who don’t fit into his bigger picture.