Page 88 of Torrid Throne

“Please ensure that they are all removed from the castle immediately. Anything they need from their chambers will be sent along by courier.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I nod gravely and keep walking, too numb to care about anything.

Not the ache of pain in my battered body.

Not the scars on my wounded soul.

Not the scuffle I hear unfolding behind me as the guards prevent Chloe and Carter from chasing after me.

Not the fact that my father is dead.

None of that has room in my head. It’s been overridden by a singular thought. One overreaching revelation, that echoes in my every step.

I am no longer a little girl seeking the approval of those who hide behind half-truths and pretty lies.

I am no longer a puppet whose strings will be manipulated without consequence.

I am no longer a pawn to be maneuvered across this torrid chessboard.

I am the motherfucking queen.