“Even that?”
He nodded. “Even that.”
Then, he kissed me until the dark thoughts faded from both our minds and the hope that things could get better when their secrets came to light was all that remained.
When he wrapped me in his arms, I sighed into his chest. “Thank you. And, Buns, you know I?—”
“I know.” He smiled and kissed me again before leading me from the room.
He never needed me to say it. Landon always knew, but I was starting to think I wanted to say it anyway.
As we took our place in the parlor, I searched for Max and Kingston while also noting the other Ladies and Knights who had arrived.
Specifically looking for Delulu Barbie to see if she wielded the axe she thought she had to grind.
Didn’t have to look hard.
Her death glare aimed at my hand on Landon’s arm raised the hair on the back of my neck.
When she caught my answeringwhat the fuck is your problem, bitchface, she pulled a move I’d be saving in my petty playbook for later.
She held up her left hand, examining the back of her fingers right where she imagined a priceless D’Arthur engagement ring would eventually sit.
Landon’s soothing tone stifled the low growl building in my throat. “Easy, beautiful.”
Kingston walked in, sending me the briefest hint of a smile before schooling his features. He didn’t even look at Elaine.
Which pleased me immensely.
But before I got overly excited, Max stepped into the room with enemy number two. Although, Vivian’s status had been downgraded since I learned of Drake D’Arthur’s preferred methods for torture. And parenting, of course.
Max shot me an apologetic look, but I’d been led into the room by Landon the same way Max had led Vivian. So, it was all part of the horse-and-pony show we’d signed up for.
Well. The one I’d signed up for. I still suspected I was the only one here who’d been given a choice in the matter.
But all of that distracted from the bigger point.
Despite our many differences, Vivian and I shared one thing in common. Our ability to walk unassisted.
And yet, The Quest decreed we had to be led into these gatherings as Ladies.
Because back in medieval times, or when the Camelot Society had created Camelot Court—1796, according to the by-laws—women had needed a man’s help to walk.
No doubt around the same time it would’ve overwhelmed their brains to vote on big issues. Like the rules of The Quest and expectations for future Maidens and Ladies.
But I was getting sidetracked internally.
“Welcome, Ladies, to phase two of The Quest.” Kingston greeted the crowd and refocused me. “We begin phase two with the Courage Challenge, and a series of trials designed to test your ability to think on your feet, choose wisely, and work with the resources you have, while fear distracts you.”
Oh, perfect.
So, I’d been preparing for this my whole life. Sweet.
“After the first trial, we have the third party. Two more trials complete the challenge, and then our parents arrive for our annual Alumni Weekend as the fourth challenge begins.”
I scanned the crowd, spotting Izzy Gold and Tristan Léon sharing a look at the mention of their parents. Elaine practically danced with glee, but it occurred to me that most of the other LadiesandKnights weren’t so eager.
Vivian looked like she’d swallowed something foul, but I chalked that up to her Resting Spoiled Wench Face.
