Sinful Palace: Ruthless Rulers Book 2

by Hart, Stella

  “That’s a pretty big if.”

  “I think it’ll happen,” I said, folding my arms across my chest. “Seriously, I bet you—within the next month or so, new evidence which totally exonerates your mom will be released to the Justice Department and media, and everyone will feel terrible for daring to question her innocence.”

  Willow frowned. “You really think she’d take all those risks and do all that stuff just so she can be president for a few years?” she asked, twisting her hands in her lap.

  “I know it sounds ridiculous, but we know Q is definitely a woman now, and your mom makes a lot of sense for the role. She’s smart. Crazy-ambitious. Power-hungry. Plus she covered up your involvement in the Chloe incident five years ago. So we already know she’s capable of pulling off extremely shady shit without remorse.”

  “That’s true.” Willow chewed her lip. “I still don’t know how she covered it all up and convinced me I was sick the whole time. I didn’t remember any of that while I was under.”

  “I think it’s pretty safe to say she did it, though, right?”

  “Yes.” She rubbed the back of her head. “But you didn’t answer my other question. Why the hell would she kill her own husband?”

  “Because he became a serious liability to the Order over these last few months,” I said. “You remember the vows you have to take during initiation, don’t you? I vow to serve the society above any other entity, including family, church or state. It means the society comes first. Always. Q believes in that more than anyone.”

  “Hm. That’s true.”

  “Also, if your mom is Q, then that means she knew all along about your dad’s gambling and the way he nearly destroyed your family, which could’ve wrecked her political career before it even got off the ground. That would be enough to make her despise him, and I’d say it’s probably a hell of a lot easier to order your husband’s death when you can’t stand him.”

  “Also true.”

  “Not to mention the fact that he went along with the Order contract and agreed to sell you off to my family just to save his own ass.” I hesitated and scratched my jaw. “I hate to say this while you’re still grieving, but he wasn’t exactly Husband of the Year material to your mother, was he?”

  “No, I guess not.” Her lips flattened. “But I still don’t get why she’d set up that contract in the first place, if she’s actually Q.”

  “I don’t know either,” I admitted. “I’ve been thinking about it for ages, and I can’t figure out why she would want to force you into my family. The only reason we were ever given for it was that shit my dad always told me—that a Thorne-Rhoades marriage would be politically advantageous for us. But that wouldn’t help your mom at all, because she’s on the opposite side.”

  “Then it’s not her. Or if it is, there must be another reason she wanted me to marry you. Right?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t think we can figure it out ourselves. We’d have to hear it from her.”

  “I suppose so.” She rubbed the back of her neck, brows puckering in a skeptical expression.

  I leaned closer and grabbed her free hand. “Look, I realize all of this sounds completely crazy, but I think I’m onto something here. I really think your mom could be involved in this shit.”

  Willow’s forehead creased. “I don’t know,” she said in a reluctant tone. “It still doesn’t add up to me. You said Q was around your dad’s height at the meeting, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Your dad is almost six feet tall. My mom is barely five-four.”

  “I know, but remember, Q goes out of her way to make everyone think she’s a man. She uses that thing to give herself that deep, creepy voice, and she wears billowing robes to hide her body, along with that massive mask with the horns. The horns make her look even taller, and the robes go all the way down to the floor. She could be hiding giant high-heeled boots under them.”

  “That’s true. No one would ever suspect it,” Willow mused, leaning back on the couch. “They’d just assume it’s an average man under all that stuff. Not a petite woman.”

  “Exactly. It’s the perfect disguise.”

  “Hm. Yeah.” She nodded slowly, twisting her lips.

  “So do you agree with me now? Do you think your mom could be behind all this shit?” I asked.

  “I’m still not sure.” She nibbled her bottom lip and averted her eyes. “Some of the stuff you’ve said makes sense, but overall it seems pretty crazy to me. Sorry.”

  I lifted a brow. “There’s one thing we could try to find out if we’re on the right track.”

  “What?”

  “I could take you to see Chloe. She had such a strong reaction to your name last time, so if she actually sees you and hears your voice, we might be able to get something else out of her and find out if she was actually involved with Q and the Order.”

  Willow nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

  I stood, pulse racing. “Let’s go now.”

  “Wait. Let me get dressed first,” she replied, gesturing at her chenille robe.

  My lips curved into a faint smile as I watched her slip into the walk-in robe to find an outfit. It was the first time she’d decided to put on real clothes since her father died. Yesterday’s funeral service didn’t count, because I practically had to drag her out of bed and dress her for that myself.

  I knew she was still devastated and nowhere near a point where she could begin to heal and move on, but this was a start. At the very least, it was a decent distraction; something to take her mind off the shock and heartbreak for a while.

  Five minutes later, we were halfway down the main hall in the eastern wing of Wonderland’s top floor. When we turned into a smaller hall on our left, we ran into my parents heading in the opposite direction.

  My father narrowed his eyes and stalked past us with a grunt that vaguely sounded like ‘morning’. Mom stopped and shook her head as she watched him go.

  “What’s his problem?” I asked, lifting my brows.

  She waved a hand. “I don’t know. He’s been in a foul mood all morning,” she said. She turned her attention to Willow. “It’s good to see you out of your room, darling. How are you feeling?”

  Willow shrugged. “I’ve had better days.”

  Mom gently stroked her forearm, offering her a sad smile. “I understand. It’s so hard when you lose family members,” she said. She drew back and held up a palm. “I know I’ve already said this a hundred times, but if there’s anything I can do, just let me know.”

  “Thank you.”

  Mom looked at me again. “Where are you two headed in such a hurry, anyway? You were practically jogging.”

  “We were going to see Chloe.”

  Her face brightened. “Oh, that’s so sweet of you. I’ve actually just come from seeing her myself.”

  “How is she today?”

  She sighed and looked at the floor. “About the same as usual. She was asleep for most of my visit,” she said. She looked up again, pasting on a brave smile. “But she’s awake now, and I’m sure she’d love to see you.”

  “Good. I haven’t had much of a chance to visit her over the last few days.”

  Mom patted my shoulder. “It’s not your fault. You’ve been helping Willow.” She turned her head to flash Willow another sympathetic smile.

  I glanced at Willow too, and I noticed her eyes were slightly narrowed. I followed her gaze and realized she was focusing on a dark purple bruise on the left side of Mom’s neck.

  “What happened there?” I asked, dipping my head toward the ugly mark.

  Mom let out a girlish laugh and rubbed her throat. “Oh, you won’t believe this. It’s so ridiculous. Remember that amethyst necklace your uncle got me for my birthday?”

  “Vaguely.”

  “I decided to wear it to dinner last night, and the stones were so heavy that I ended up with this damn bruise,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when I woke up and saw it. It’s huge.”


  I raised an eyebrow. “I guess you won’t be wearing it again.”

  “Definitely not. It’s a shame, because it’s such a beautiful piece. Maybe I should donate it to someone who can fully appreciate it,” she said. She scratched her chin and frowned. “Actually, I could put together a fundraising auction for Jeremy Carlton’s campaign and donate it to that, couldn’t I?”

  “Yeah, that sounds good,” I said. “By the way, sorry I haven’t been to any of those meetings with you this week. I’ll try to make it to the next one.”

  She waved a casual hand. “Oh, don’t worry, there’s no rush. I’m just glad you’re interested in this stuff again. It’s just like the old days!” she said, beaming. “Anyway, take as much time as you need for Willow. I’m sure she appreciates you being here for her during such a difficult time.” She looked at Willow again. “Right, darling?”

  Willow nodded. “Yes, I do.”

  “Good. Anyway, sorry to rush off, but I really have to go. I have a hair appointment in the city, and I’m already late.”

  “All right. Have fun.”

  She blew a brief air kiss at me. “I will.” Before she left, she leaned forward and gave Willow a brief hug. “Remember, anything you need, just let me know,” she said.

  “Thank you. Maybe I’ll get you to bring me some more of that herbal tea,” Willow replied with a faint smile.

  “Great idea. See you both later!”

  When Mom was gone, Willow rounded on me with her hands on her hips, eyes flashing. “Please tell me you didn’t actually believe that story,” she said.

  “What?”

  “The amethyst necklace story your mother just told us,” she said, eyes narrowing. “You know there’s no way she actually got that bruise from jewelry, right?”

  “She said that’s how it happened. Why would she lie?”

  “Are you kidding?”

  I frowned. “She bruises easily,” I replied. “It’s just a little health issue she has. No big deal.”

  Willow let out an exasperated sigh and rubbed her forehead. “Whatever. We’ll talk about it later, okay?” she said. “We need to get to Chloe while she’s still awake.”

  “I know.” I pointed down the hall. “Third door on the left.”

  When we arrived at Chloe’s new room, her day nurse greeted us at the door. “Hi, Logan,” she said with a bright smile. “You brought your fiancée! How lovely.”

  “Yes. Willow, this is Eloise,” I said.

  Willow gave the nurse a shy smile. “Nice to meet you.”

  “You too, dearie. You’re even prettier in person!” Eloise turned her gaze back to me. “Chloe’s awake, so you’ve picked a good time to visit. Do you want some privacy?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “All right, I’ll get out of your hair for a while,” she said. “Press the call button on the side of the bed if you need me.”

  She ducked out and quietly closed the door behind her. I looked over at Chloe on the other side of the room. Even though she was awake, she was a million miles away, staring vacantly at the wall.

  “She looks so different now,” Willow said softly, eyes widening.

  “I know.” I held out a hand. “Come on. Let’s see if this works.”

  When we reached Chloe’s bedside, Willow glanced over at me. “What should I do?” she asked.

  “Start by saying hi, I guess. See if that gets her attention.”

  She looked back at my sister. “Hi, Chloe,” she said. “Do you remember me?”

  Chloe didn’t move a muscle. She kept staring at the opposite wall, eyes flat and emotionless.

  “Try saying your name,” I said. “And maybe talk a bit louder.”

  “Okay.” Willow cleared her throat and raised her voice. “Chloe, it’s Willow. I just wanted to let you know that I’m here.”

  Chloe slowly turned her head, following the sound of Willow’s voice until she was looking right at her. “Willow?” she said. It was like a light had suddenly switched on behind her eyes.

  “Yes. It’s me. Willow Rhoades.”

  My sister started blinking rapidly, hands trembling by her side. “Why… why….”

  “Why what?” Willow asked gently.

  Chloe’s body went rigid. “Why are you still here?” she managed to choke out. “I… I told you to run.”

  “I will. I just need to know something first.”

  “No. You should go,” Chloe whispered, eyelids fluttering. “Before it’s too late.”

  Willow moved closer and tentatively took her hand. “Chloe, were you looking into the Order?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. “Order…”

  “Is that why you were in trouble? Did you get in too deep?”

  Chloe let out a low groan. “She’ll get us.”

  “Who is she?” I cut in, hoping my sister would recognize my voice. She didn’t. She simply stared up at Willow, chest heaving.

  “Did you find out who Q is?” Willow asked. “Is that the person who’s after you?”

  “I saw her,” Chloe murmured.

  Willow and I exchanged grim looks. “I knew it,” I mouthed at her. She nodded and looked back down at my sister.

  “Who is she?” she asked. “Who is Q?”

  “I can’t… can’t tell….” Chloe trailed off, closing her eyes again. Her voice had turned hoarse.

  “You can tell me,” Willow said in a gentle yet urgent tone. “I won’t get you in any more trouble. I promise. Just tell me what you know about her.”

  Chloe responded in a feeble whisper, so soft I barely caught it. “Q means Quinn.”

  19

  Willow

  My jaw dropped, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose. I looked over at Logan with wide eyes. “Did she just say what I think she said?”

  “Yes. I hate to say I told you so, but…” He pointedly trailed off, cocking his head to one side.

  I sighed deeply and rubbed my forehead. “You were right. But how? It doesn’t make sense.”

  Chloe suddenly let out another groan. “Willow…. M-m-mother. Quinn,” she said. Her words came out in a slurred whisper, and then her eyelids fluttered shut.

  Logan raised his eyebrows. “She’s obviously saying it’s your mother.”

  “I know. I just… I don’t understand,” I said. There was a heavy feeling in my stomach, and my heart was racing like mad. “It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

  I sank into a chair by Chloe’s bedside and put my head in my hands. The whole world seemed to be tilting on its axis, spinning out of control.

  If my mom was actually the secret leader of the Order, then that meant she was responsible for my father’s murder, Chloe’s attempted murder, and most likely President Rutherford’s murder as well, along with any other killings she’d carried out in her reign. She was responsible for my imprisonment with the Thornes, too, and she was probably also elbow-deep in the baby-buying scheme that Logan and I suspected the upper-level Order members of running.

  Despite all of that, I knew we’d only seen the tip of the iceberg. Q had reigned over the Order for well over two decades now, and there was no telling how many other sinful schemes she’d plotted and pulled off.

  I took a deep breath and looked at Chloe again. “Chloe, how did you find out it was my mother?” I asked. “Are you absolutely sure it’s her?”

  She didn’t respond. Didn’t even open her eyes.

  Logan’s brows gathered into a frown. “She’s asleep again. I doubt we’ll get anything else out of her today.”

  “Dammit,” I muttered. A flush of adrenaline suddenly shot through my veins, and I stood up. “Can you take me to the White House?”

  “What?”

  “I want to see my mom.”

  Logan narrowed his eyes. “Willow, you can’t just storm in there and confront her about this. You know how dangerous she is now. She could literally kill you.”

  I put my hands on my hips. “I’m not stupid,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m not
going to confront her about being Q.”

  “Then what do you want to say to her?”

  I nervously licked at my dry lips as my heart squeezed in my chest. “I want to tell her that I finally remembered that night five years ago. I want to see what she has to say about it.”

  “Why? You know she’ll just lie to you.”

  “I know. That’s why I want to tell her. I want to watch her spin a new story to cover herself.”

  Logan’s forehead wrinkled. “Why?”

  I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. “I always thought I was so good at catching her when she lied, but if she’s been Q this whole time, then she must be the best liar on the planet,” I said. “So I want to sit across from her, look into her eyes, and watch her as she lies through her teeth. Otherwise I don’t know if I can fully believe it, even after hearing this stuff from Chloe. It’s just crazy.”

  Logan scratched his jaw. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to see her right now.”

  I gestured to my neck. “Look, if you don’t trust me not to say something stupid, you can listen to us with the necklace. If you think I’m steering the conversation into dangerous territory, you can text me and tell me to shut the hell up.”

  He shook his head. “I still don’t know if I want you anywhere near her. Not alone, anyway.”

  “She’s not going to vault over her desk and kill me in the Oval Office,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Besides, you promised me I could start seeing my family more often, and even if she is Q, she’s still a family member, isn’t she?”

  “I guess.”

  “So then you should take me to the White House,” I said, folding my arms. “I want to talk to my mother.”

  Logan’s nostrils flared. “You’re so fucking stubborn.”

  “I think I’ve earned the right to be a little stubborn considering you locked me up and tortured me for months over something that turned out to be someone else’s fault,” I said, narrowing my eyes.

  It was the first time I’d brought up the elephant in the room; the fact that I was essentially innocent this whole time. Yes, I hit Chloe all those years ago, and yes, I tried to run without calling 911, but things weren’t what they seemed. I wasn’t a sociopath, and I didn’t mean for any of it to happen.