Chantel Raven

"What?! No!" I angrily exclaimed. "You are all crazy! Is this how desperate you've become to kick me out?"

Dad sighed and said, "It’s not like that, Chantel. I need you to be there. We did get a letter, as I said. The king is young and unmarried. He needs an heir more than a queen. They scouted in the poorer cities of the country. Many girls will be at court, vying for the king's attention. There's no doubt you can surpass them. Think about what you could do for the people if you were queen.”

"Seducing someone should be easy for you," Devora laughs.

I'm shocked to the core. “What?” I laugh a bit. They can't be serious...

Zave slams his hand against the table. "My sister won't marry anyone, not even the Aeden boy who says he's the king. Have you forgotten about the kids who died in battle? And you're talking about an heir? You know what hap-"

"Z, don't," I interjected.

It's too much for me to bear to hear it again. My father ignores him and keeps his gaze on me.

Veronica tries to calm me by touching my knee. I'm angrier than Zave. I get why my sister did it, but it's hard for me. I quietly moved my knee away from her. I'm relieved she's not upset.

“I'll say this once, so pay attention, Dad. I'm not going to court, and I'm not marrying that liar. I'll kill him if I go to court. You have no honor and no shame at all. I may not be a lady, but you can't treat me like a thing."

My dad stays completely calm and maintains his straight back. "Perhaps I wasn't clear, Chantel Raven. You have no choice in this." He always makes sure I remember where I am—the illegitimate child. I will always be that way. "The deal has been made," he added.

"Deal? What's the deal?" Veronica asks before I can.

"More money and better homes for people in The Ridge," Dad answered.

"That doesn't work that way. You traded something. Do not act like you care about these people. You don't care at all. What do you really get out of this?" I frown and move a little forward to get a better look at their stupid faces.

Devora speaks up for him, "A better title."

"You're trading my sister for a higher title?" Veronica, being a lady, struggles to stay calm.

My dad is sending me away instead of Veronica. It's clear – we're the same age, but he thinks she's more valuable. I'm okay with leaving because it means she'll be safe and stay here.

"The royal guards will pick you up at midnight," Dad said.

"Why are they doing this?" I don't think it's just about marriage or a child. There's more to it. "I get that you'll get a fancier title, but what do they get? I don't buy the letter excuse. What did you do to make that deal?"

He stares at me, briefly looking sorry, but then he gets angry. "You'll see," he says.

I immediately leave the dining room, ignoring my sister's call. I can still hear Z's yells and threats.

"Chantel, please wait."

"Don't worry, Veronica. I'll be okay. I just need some time alone right now."

…

I'm in bed with my back against the door when I sense someone close. The bed moves, and I startle. His hand on my cheek brings a calming feeling with his soft, familiar touch.

He hugs me tight, wrapping his arm around my waist. His face is against my neck, and his strong, earthy scent overwhelms me. He starts to kiss from my neck to my jaw and up to my ear, saying, "Happy birthday, gorgeous."

He plants a gentle kiss right next to my ear, and it sends shivers down my spine. Before I can even react, he turns me around and kisses me. His hand moves to hold my jaw, making the kiss more intense.

"Hey," I whisper as he releases me. His hand is still around me, and when he looks into my eyes, I can't help but notice his strong jawline and high cheeks.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

I thought he knew me well, but he knows me better. Without saying anything, I reach out and connect my hand with his.

It's funny that all I want is for him to touch me. He's my best friend, and we're not emotionally attached. But we both crave love and attention that we've never had. It's strange, but it makes us feel less alone. He's the only one who truly understands me—Izaac Raven, and just like me, he is an illegitimate child.

Back when we were still young, we both decided to use the surname Raven, showing our defiance against judgments about our illegitimate status.

He's always worked in the kitchen as far back as I can remember. We grew closer because I ate dinner in the servants' dining room. It feels a bit guilty. I feel bad for finding comfort in his touch when I could easily hug my sister or brother. They can't touch me without triggering a panic attack, but Izaac can.

"Is it your father again?" he asks with concern.

"He wants me to get married."

He smiles and says, "We knew that already. I told you, if you marry me, everything will be better."

"Izaac, we've talked about this. You said it to comfort me. You might find love someday, even if I don't. That's not okay with me."

He stays quiet for a few seconds before speaking again. "So when is our wedding?"

I laugh, spin around, wrap my arms around him, and bury my face in his chest. His hands move gently up and down my back. After a quiet moment, I decide to share the whole truth; he deserves to know. "Dad is taking me to court. He wants me to marry the king." I go silent.

I feel Izaac getting nervous. He moves back to look at me, his eyes fixated on me. "Are you kidding me?"

I just shake my head and say, "No."

"Stop that," His hand is near my chin. He pulls my bottom lip out from under my teeth. When I'm nervous, I bite my lip or inner cheek. His hand stays on my jaw longer than needed. "It's getting in the way. You shouldn't be scared. But... You're not really thinking about it, are you?"

"I didn't, but now that I think about it, that's the best way to get back at what happened to my siblings who died in that war. The king should be killed."

"I can't believe you!" I stand up with him and follow him off the bed.

"Come on, Izaac! You know how bad he is. He sits on a chair made from the bones of our people. He's not innocent! His actions make life even worse for people like you and me."

"Chantel, I love you, but sometimes you drive me crazy. You have a castle! Choosing to eat with us or sleep in the servants' quarters doesn't mean you have a bad life."

His face shows regret as soon as he says it. We both feel uneasy when he looks at me with those brown eyes.

"Chantel, I-"

"Really? Are you sure we want to go that way? Izaac, did I choose this, or was I downstairs screaming for my life? Did I want to turn into a killer, or did I have to? They tried to kill me in my own bed, remember? As soon as they—"

I can't finish my thought. It still hurts.

He tries to silence me, looking at me and shaking his head. "It's not true that you have it worse, but I do know what it's like to fight!" He comes up to me and pulls me into a hug. Usually, I'd push him away, but I'm too tired right now. However, his touch and hug don't really make me feel better. It happens sometimes... and maybe I just convince myself he comforts me because I don't have any other choice, do I?

"I'm sorry," he whispers, gently touching my hair.

"Tonight, I'm going. Izaac, I'm going to kill him. That's what I need to do. For them, you, and me."

He holds my face and gives me a strong kiss, taking my breath away with the intensity. It's a kiss unlike any before. "Let's give you a proper sendoff then." I can't help but smile as his grin gets bigger.

He walks slowly to my bed, pulling me along. His hands start to move around, and I feel like he's tearing my clothes off. It's unusual to hear this from him, but I like it.

"I'm going to miss you," Izaac whispers to my neck.

"Me or this?" I look down at our almost-naked bodies.

He laughs again and says, "Both."

He grabs my hips and throws me on the bed, rougher than usual. I'm surprised by his anger, or maybe it's some kind of emotion. But I'm okay with it; I need something to distract me. It's official. Tonight, when the guards show up, I'm going to kill the king and put an end to this war for good. Lexcis Aeden hasn't found love yet, but he will soon.

This is definitely the best birthday present ever. Having the chance to kill the man who ruined everything.