Twisted Kingdom (Royal Elite 3)
Beside me, Teal scrolls through her phone, oblivious to the attention and words said behind our backs.
“It’s because of her.”
“What do you think will happen now?”
“Is she really all that?”
“Shut up or you’ll be next.”
Despite my best attempts not to get caught in the drama, curiosity gets the better of me.
This must be about me, not Teal. Not only is she new, but she also doesn’t speak to anyone.
Kim runs towards me, shooing the students out of her way. She’s panting, her green hair flying in all directions. “Did you… Did you hear what happened?”
I shake my head.
“Adam Herran.” She breathes, a smile breaking across her face. “He’s quitting the rugby team and the school. He’ll enroll in the military academy. Isn’t that brilliant?”
On the surface, yes, it is brilliant. However, after Aiden and Cole’s reaction yesterday, I’m sure this isn’t a coincidence.
I grab Kim by the sleeves and pull her into a corner, away from the crowd of students and eavesdropping ears. Teal follows us, but she’s still too engrossed in her phone to pay us actual attention.
“What happened?” I ask Kim.
She closes in. “I heard the horsemen gave it to him good. They threatened to expose his use of performance-enhancing drugs and other drugs. Apparently, he has a record.”
Aiden.
I can sense Aiden’s conniving mind behind all of this.
Since the moment Silver told us that Adam pushed me in the pool, he was up to no good, all lost in his conspiracy thoughts.
To say I feel sorry for Adam would be a lie, though.
He had it coming. Everyone should know better than messing with Aiden King. He’s known to destroy his opponents until they can no longer stand.
“Isn’t Adam’s family powerful, though?” I ask. “Surely they can bring him back.”
Kim shakes her head frantically. “I heard there was also pressure from Xander and Cole’s parents. They hold some dirt on Adam’s father and they used it against him. He already signed the papers for his son’s transfer.”
Interesting.
Jonathan wasn’t involved. I wonder if it’s because Aiden kept him out of it or because the older King refused to help.
“Why didn’t you tell Dad?” Teal asks without lifting her head.
“I didn’t have the chance. Besides, Dad has a lot on his plate.”
Teal meets my gaze. “Nothing comes before us for Dad, especially when it comes to you.”
Still, I’d rather not bother him. He’s been working late with Agnus, pulling all-nighters. The good thing about Dad, though? He’s always there for breakfasts and dinners no matter how busy he is.
The three of us walk to class. Kim talks about how cool the horsemen are — except for Xander. According to her, he doesn’t count.
In class, Ronan is passing a ball with Xander and Knox. Cole sits at his desk, reading a book titled Corpse that appears to be non-fiction. He seems completely detached from his surroundings.
I know better.