𝐒𝐲𝐧 ┃𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

82. 𝑆𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑁𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Queen

When I had told Paris that we'd have many rough days and nights, I didn't expect it to come so suddenly. After his meeting with the counsel, there was a change in his mood. Paris and I noticed it immediately after he came back home. Instead of talking to either of us, he walked past us and straight to his room.

I remembered following after him, puzzled by his silence. I opened the bedroom door and met him in his closet where he was tugging off his tie and shrugging out of his white button-up, his motions were that of irritation and anger.

I crossed my arms and leaned against the door as I studied him. "How was the meeting?"

"It was fine," he replied flatly, stepping out of his dark slacks and grabbing a different pair.

"What happened?"

"Nothing that hasn't been happening." He sighed, running his hands through his hair before grabbing a new crisp black button-up. He slipped his arms into the sleeves, focusing on the mirror as he got dressed and I frowned, leaning off the wall and walking toward him.

"Are you leaving again?" I asked.

"Yes." He rolled up his sleeves, eyeing the watch on his wrist.

"It's past ten, Syn. Where do you need to go?"

"I have a few things I need to take care of."

"Like what?"

"Queen, if you were truly interested you would have gone to the meeting with me. Hell— if you were truly interested or even cared, we'd be in the Underworld instead of this place in the middle of goddamn nowhere."

I was stunned into silence, taking in his coldness as he buttoned up his shirt and grabbed his shoes. He sat on the bench in the closet, beginning to put them on and I crossed my arms. "If I went to the meeting? I didn't think I was even invited..."

He placed his forearms on his legs and looked up at me, an annoyed gaze set on me. "An invitation? It's not a party."

"You know what I mean, Syn."

"Not to burden you but- despite everything going on, Queen...you are the Queen of Hell. Even if you don't feel like our marriage is still intact, the kingdom watched us take our vows. Vows in which we swore to not only protect and serve each other but them. They are still counting on us, and even though you're with me, it feels like you've abandoned us."

"Where is this coming from, Syn? Did something happen at the meeting? Because this is sudden," I said. "This is the first time I'm hearing you even—"

His phone buzzed in his pocket and his jaw clenched as he looked down at it. Without so much as another word, he stood up and walked back into the room, grabbing his suit jacket from the chair. "I'll be back later. Don't wait up for me."

He walked past me to the door closing it behind him and I let out a deep breath, rubbing my temples. His words were hurtful, but I was more confused than anything. How was he going to be angry at me for something I had no idea was even a problem? If anyone should've been mad, it was me at his outburst and brash attitude.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. I was not going to let him ruin my night with whatever the hell was going on with him. When he wanted to grow up and tell me what the issue was I'd be here but until then...two could play the silent game. I was here to help and support him. I knew that would entail him lashing out at me sometimes but this was different. He was very much in control of every word he spewed.