The Lion Heart: Rogue Academy, Book Two by Aarons Carrie

Author:Aarons, Carrie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-09-12T16:00:00+00:00

21

Kingston

The London Eye is almost twenty years old, so why not throw a party for it?

I guess that was my Mum’s thought, even though I knew it was just an excuse to host a swanky charity party for it at her house. It’s just another rouse to be Mrs. Phillips, to show off our palace of a residence and gain more clout. Or to gloat about her and my father’s status in the world. There is always an angle with my folks.

Of course, I’m here in my monkey suit, indulging them, so am I much better? I pull at the collar of the tuxedo my mother had hand-sewn for me from one of her designer friends, and I can’t believe the price tag on this thing because it’s itchy as hell.

The tent that’s been set up right next to the Thames is not your traditional sort of tent. No, this one has a parquet ballroom floor under the guest’s feet, chandeliers hanging from the delicate white fabric ceiling, appetizers that have been made by a three-star Michelin chef being passed around, and more amenities that make us all look like privileged, fat cat wankers.

You wouldn’t think spending two weeks with the Nartanica Football Club could completely change a person, and I would have laughed in your face if you told me a year ago that this would be how I would feel. But … it’s true. Something about going out to the country, about losing it all and falling to the very bottom of the barrel … it’s eye-opening. You not only see people in a different light and listen to those you may not have before, but I now see myself in a different light.

I always wanted to know what it would be like not to live the opulent lifestyle I was born into, and I got my wish when Niles sent me down to tier four. No one cared that I’d come out with a silver spoon in my mouth, and if anything, my new squad mates resented me for it. That only made me want to work harder, to care more.

As I finally stopped trying to fake who I was, I’m finding who I actually am.

And apparently, it’s not one of these people. I hang off to the side, watching the London Eye twirl round its base in the setting sunlight. Sipping on a coke, no Jack surprisingly, I’m satisfied with just being alone and observing the view of the river.

“Kingston, there is someone you need to say hi too.” My mum interrupts my thoughts, trying to grab my elbow and usher me into the hobnobbing going on around the dance floor.

“That’s all right, Mum. I’m going to stay here.” My voice is firm.

“Kingston, do not embarrass me.” Her voice is sharp, and it’s about as much of a yell as you’ll ever get out of my passive Swedish mother.

Still, I don’t want to play their games tonight. “I came, all right? I’m here, I’m sober, I’m not misbehaving.

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