36

H ello," I answer my phone. It's after midnight, and I'm tired, but I'm still so fucking mad about that little bitch trying to steal my king.

I've always wanted Roman, but at this point, there's more than just him on the line. I will be the queen. I will have power, and not even Daddy can tell me what to do anymore.

I called Daddy earlier and told him everything. I hate how calm he is when I'm so mad, but I know he'll fix it for me.

"Hello, India. Your father called me to let me know we have a bit of a situation. He didn't give me a lot of details, though. I was hoping you could start at the beginning. Tell me everything."

Ugh, why can't people just communicate with each other? It's like having to call those stupid customer service numbers where every time you're transferred, you have to start at the beginning again.

Now I have to spend another thirty minutes telling him everything that I already told Daddy.

When I'm finished, all he says is, "I see."

"How can you both be so calm about this?! Everything we've been working for, for centuries is going to be ruined!"

"Because we already have a plan, India, and that plan requires you to be on your best behavior."

"And what is this brilliant plan of yours?" I snap.

"My sources say the girl went home with him last night. So we know where she is. She has to go home eventually."

"And what exactly am I supposed to do?"

"Have an alibi and play nice, kiss ass, whatever you have to do to keep the target off your back and ours."

"How the fuck am I supposed to do that when your son fucking hates me?!"

"You're a grown woman, India; figure it out."

He hangs up before I have a chance to ask what the fuck he thinks I've been trying to do basically my entire life.

I was born and raised with the knowledge of our father's plans to take the throne.

I grew up in the castle.

I was raised like a princess.

I will be Queen.

There is no other option.