THE BLOOD ROYALS Book 2: Long Live The Queen!

Chapter Eighteen: A Farewell

Saine Neane
Renee's POV
I can't believe myself at this point but I went back to Xanth's place. Part of me doesn't want to hack a bank account. I'm not purposely drawn to criminal activity. I only go such things when I'm desperate or mad at someone. I came back to Xanth's or High Rock as this place is apparently called for company.

For the second time, Reli turned me down. I was even stupid enough to tell him I love him. What was I thinking? Was I thinking?

I think he kills off my brain cells every single time his lips have kissed me. I'll be daft soon.

"Thank you for the clothes."

Xanth merely nodded. He is gloomy. A man he served with once lost his life and today is the funeral. Even Carl is coming.

"They fit you well." He made the remark with a quick glance my way.

We shared a silent but thoughtful moment as our eyes locked in a deep gaze.

"Enough love birds. We are going to be late and I don't do late." Carl announced as he opened the front door letting in a serious gush of cold air. It's especially snowing today. I don't understand this place. It was sunny in Carperia and even Lokefar then we get here and it looks like this! "Driving a car is boring. Renée, do you drive?"

"Yeah. I can drive a stick." I answered.

"Cool." Carl smiled at me through the rearview mirror. He's at the front with Xanth.

I looked outside the window noting so many people outside today.

"Is everyone going to the funeral?" I asked.

"Most probably. Military funerals are a big deal. Given almost everyone has served, we have to show up in support of a fallen brother in arms." Carl explained. "I know that girl!"

He lowered his window and howled at her. She showed him her middle finger but she came over. She opened the back door when the car slowed down and hoped in.

"I didn't know you're back!" She patted his back.

Carl adjusted the rearview mirror. "Vanya, Renée. Renée, Vanya." He made the introduction. She smiled at me and offered me her hand. We shook briefly.

"Hi Xanth." She greeted the man who merely gave her a thumbs up. "Still stuck up?"

"More like wallowing in bitterness." Carl laughed.

"The symptoms of being screwed over by the crown, right?" Vanya smirked. "What has the crown done for you?"

She asked me.

"Who do you mean exactly?"

"The freaking monarchy." She shrugged.

"Uh..."

"Renée is not from around here. But I hear the prince told her to piss off." Carl announced something I told Xanth in confidence. Xanth punched his arm and then glanced back at me.

"I'm sorry." He apologized to me.

Vanya's brown eyes are intent on me. "When did the prince tell you to piss off?"

"It's personal." I looked away feeling upset all over again.

"I was a short listed candidate to be his wife and l assure you the whole thing was rigged. We never stood a chance against Thalia. Thank goodness she's dead. Now we all lose."

I narrowed my eyes at the young woman putting lipstick on her lips. Why would anyone be glad someone as nice as Thalia is dead? She's mean!

I refrained from saying anything. Even Xanth didn't respond. The funeral is packed. There is a long line of people going through security.