Atticus leans in from my left. “I mean, I’ve always thought you had a god complex.”
His words are quiet and meant to lighten the mood, and they hit the mark because this is not good. “I could always abdicate, and you could play God.”
“The fuck you will.” He looks around at the arguing and sighs. “Think they’d notice if we leave?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
He looks at the agenda in front of him. “Four months until the coronation. Think they’re going to get their shit together?”
“I fucking hope so.”
Bellamy
“Did you get the last of the boxes? Gracie said the movers are done and your townhouse is empty.” Ares has never been good at small talk. It’s not his way.
He doesn’t hold back.
Not with the people he loves.
Not with me.
Joss knocks on my open office door, then pops her head in. “I just spoke with Devon, and everything is set for tomorrow’s state dinner with the king and queen of Norway. Your gown is being delivered in the morning. The jewels have been brought up from the vault, and the stylist will be here at ten am to help you get ready before you’re scheduled to meet King Aaric and his wife. Unless there’s anything else, I’m going to head out.”
“Thank you so much, Joss. I appreciate it. Is Clara able to get off work for tomorrow?”
“She is.” She blows an air-kiss. “Call if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” I watch as she closes the door, then bring my gaze back to Ares. “What’s really on your mind, big brother? I know it’s not boxes and my empty house.”
He runs his hands through his dark hair, frustration clear in the movement.
“Ares . . .”
“What are you doing over there, B? I’ve seen the pictures. You’re his arm candy. You spent all those years in school, and for what? To smile for the cameras and host parties? To wear a crown?” He looks tortured but doesn’t back down. “You’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. Have you even taken your test?”
It’s my turn to look tortured—or more accurately, horrified.
“Really? You think I’d give up my whole life to smile and look pretty?”
Anger and frustration build as I play his words over in my head.
“Bellamy—”
“Nope. Don’t answer that.” A disappointing weight settles on my shoulders. He knows me better than this. “I love what I’m doing, Ares. Atticus has been helping me structure the newest branch of the foundation. I’ve already helped three separate families find temporary housing and offset their lost income.”
His face softens as he sighs. “You loved being a nurse.”
“I did...” I look at the picture on the corner of my desk. The one of Cross and Ares on either side of me the day I came home from the hospital. I was so young and still so scared, but I look at that girl and remember how lucky I felt. “Do you remember the way you and Cross would take turns sleeping in the hospital with me so I wouldn’t be alone?”
“Of course I do,” he groans, clearly frustrated I would ask such a stupid question.
“Do you know how much it ate Dad up inside that he couldn’t be there as much?” I push.
“Of course it did, but he had to work.” Ares defends Dad, like I’m attacking him.
I’m not. My father was incredible. We were incredibly lucky.
“I know he did, but I also know the guilt ate him alive. I want to help ease the burden on families like ours. I can help so many people this way. I can make a difference. A bigger one than I ever could have made in Kroydon Hills.”
