“You two certainly look rough around the edges for your first day of training,” he says, his voice somehow both intimidating and friendly at once.
“Yes, well, we’re here now,” Quinn says quickly. I can’t recall how she knows Gideon–I remember her mentioning that they went to the same primary school at one point–so they have a less formal camaraderie. Quinn is a society girl through and through. I often wonder if she could become the next prime minister if she wanted to, and for a second, I mourn the life and the connections I could have had if everything hadn’t happened the way it did when I was fifteen.
“The other guys are inside,” Gideon says, nodding once in my direction as a show of greeting. “Once you’ve all been introduced, Sterling will escort you to the gym. I should’ve told you–today will be rough. Day one always is. Might’ve been good to get a full night’s sleep, because we’re going to ride you hard today,” he adds, smirking.
I groan internally as we make our way inside the manor. It’s gorgeous–and my mouth goes dry at the sight of the grand piano sitting inside the formal lounge. The gleaming, polished wood practically sings to me, but I keep my feet planted.
“Welcome to the Lords of Darkness, ladies. Follow me. You can meet the other initiates before training.”
My whole body is sore from last night, which means exercise will feel extra hard today. But I have to do it. I have to prove myself to everyone.
Most importantly… to myself.
As Quinn, Gideon, and I round the corner, I stop walking at the sight before me.
No.
Lachlan, Max, and Otto are sitting at the dining room table, looking just as confused as I feel.
“My Lords,” Gideon says, his tone mocking. “Or rather, your majesties,” he drawls. “Please meet your Ladies of Darkness, Astern Hackbolt and Quinn Taylor.” He turns to face us.
I feel the blood drain from my face as everything clicks into place.
“Ladies, please meet your Lords. Lachlan Weir, and the infamous crown princes of Denmark, Maximilian and Otto Thorn. They have kindly lent us this country house for the duration of your training, after which, you’ll be able to select any of our current houses to reside in.”
Quinn smiles from next to me. “Very nice to meet you,” she says, her voice friendly. I can practically hear the silent squeal of laughter she’s withholding. “And you two areactualprinces?”
I’m still trying to get my bearings–still trying to process everything–when Otto nods and grins.
“We are. Though we’re seventh in line, so unlikely to be crowned King unless a lot of people die. We grew up in SoHo.” His lips quirk for just a second, knowing his admission will only make me feel more unsettled because I’d just left that SoHo house only a few hours ago.
Lachlan is quiet as his eyes roam over my face, and there’s only one way to describe his expression: regretful.
“Hello,” he says, his voice a dark purr. His eyes stay lingering on mine for a second longer than Quinn’s.
Max and Otto do the same–though Otto’s lips are pressed together like he’s trying hard not to laugh.
We’re going to need to see you again, pet.
Well, they got their fucking wish.
Gideon continues to talk, but I don’t hear anything over the roaring in my ears. Quinn follows Gideon out of the dining room, but I stay–pinning my cold, narrowed eyes on Lachlan. Once Gideon is out of earshot, I cross my arms.
“Did you know?” I ask, my voice tight and unkind as I assess all three of them.
Lachlan frowns. “Of course not.”
“And you two?” I ask, looking at Max and Otto.
“It’s like Christmas came early,” Otto says slowly, smiling.
Max looks just as disturbed as I do.
If you want to be properly fucked, you come to me, baby girl.
His words from last night clang through me. Suddenly, I realize that perhaps last night was a last hurrah for them as well–one last chance to do something crazy. I mean, what are the chances?
I hear Gideon call for us from the other room. The three of them stand, and Max walks past me with an unreadable expression.
