Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy #4)(141)

Jace hugs him again. “I’m really proud of you, brother. I knew you could do it.”

My heart swells. “Me too.”

He smiles at Sawyer. “Sawyer’s already agreed to move to New England with me after her senior year is over.”

Sawyer pulls him in for a quick kiss. “And I’ll visit whenever I can in the meantime.”

As sad as I am that Cole will be moving away—along with my girl Sawyer—I’m so happy his dreams are coming true.

Cole grins. “It’s crazy. Never in a million years did I think I’d be taking over for the best football player in the whole entire world. I mean Tom Brady is the GOAT and my favorite football player for a reason. He’s hands down the most skillful quarterback to ever step onto the field.”

Oh, boy. Here we go.

As proud as I am of my brother, I don’t want to hear him drone on and on about Tom Brady the entire night.

“Seriously,” Cole continues as more people pile inside the venue. “The dude has an arm that’s pure fire—” His jaw drops as he focuses on something behind me. “Holy shit.”

Grabbing Sawyer’s hand, Cole runs over to some tall blond guy wearing a Saint’s jersey. His arm is draped around a curvy redhead.

“Holy fucking shit,” Cole yells, and I swear his voice cracks. “You’re Asher Holden.”

Smiling, the guy whispers something into the redhead’s ear before he removes his arm and shakes my brother’s hand. “Hey, how are you? I take it you’re a Saint’s fan?”

Cole looks like he’s going to pass out. “More like a fan of you. Dude, you’re my favorite football player in the world.” He gestures to Sawyer. “I was just telling my fiancé how you’re the GOAT and the most skillful football player to ever step on the field.”

Jace and I exchange a humorous glance.

“Yup,” Sawyer says dryly. “He talks about you all the time.”

Not stopping for a breath, Cole continues hammering on. “I’m sorry about what went down at Duke’s Heart. They did you dirty, man.”

Shrugging, Asher puts his arm around the redhead again. “Yeah, but it all worked out for the best in the end.” He gestures to the stage. “Have a good night. I’m gonna try to grab a good spot for the show.”

Not taking the hint, Cole says, “Can I buy you a drink? It would be awesome if I could ask you a few questions and get your advice about a few things.”

For a moment I think Asher’s going to decline—because let’s face it, Cole is acting like a crazy fanboy right now—but to my surprise he says, “My boyfriend will be on stage any minute and I really want to watch him perform, but come find me after the show, okay?”

Cole shakes his hand so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t fall off. “Sweet. Talk to you after the show.”

Cole turns back to us when Asher walks off. “I can’t believe my favorite football player is here tonight.”

Sawyer rolls her eyes and smiles. “Funny, I could have sworn Tom Brady had brown hair.”

Jace smirks. “Not to mention…a lot older.”

Cole’s about to respond, but the lights in the venue dim and the stage illuminates.

A minute later, some guy with glasses and a mohawk strides out and takes a seat at the piano.

He clears his throat before speaking into the microphone. “I’d like to thank everyone for coming out tonight. I also want to give a very special thank you to my manager Dylan Taylor for setting up this awesome gig.”

Sawyer, Cole, and I start cheering as Landon points to Dylan who’s standing in the front row next to Asher and the redhead.

Jace cups his hand over his mouth. “Yeah, baby!”

Landon waits for the applause to die down before addressing the crowd again. “I’m gonna perform some of my old songs tonight, but first—if it’s okay with you all—I’d really like to start off with a new one.”

The entire venue erupts in cheers.

Landon smirks. “I wrote this one with my new friend, Oakley. The dude is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met...and that’s saying something.”

Everyone laughs…except me.

Because my heart is too busy trying to pound its way out of my chest.

Landon’s fingers hover over the piano keys. “Anyway, this one is for anyone who’s ever loved someone so much it hurt.”

A soft, melodic sound fills the air, siphoning everyone’s attention.

My skin breaks out in goose bumps and I stand there utterly transfixed as Landon begins to sing.



Our love wasn't for show because I died for you in secret.

But I'd still do anything for you...if only you'd mean it.

Because you showed me things I can't see with anyone else.

Now, look at this mess you made me.



But you know damn well.

That for you I would break myself.

Just to make you whole again.



And if wishes came true, it would be me and you forever.

Because some things you just can't live without.



So I will never stop trying.

I'll never stop fighting for you and me.

I'll never stop chasing you down.