When I returned to the bedroom, Elva was missing from the bed. I nearly screamed, were it not for both of maids, who quickly approached me.

“W–where’s Elva?” I asked them, panic quaking my voice.

“You caused a right commotion, running around,” the talkative maid said. “It was enough to catch the

attention of Prince Nicholas.”

Nicholas? “He’s still at the banquet…?”

I remembered looking back at him as I was leaving. He’d been smiling at an eager girl desperate for his

attention.

“The banquet is still occurring,” the maid said. “He must have excused himself early.”

Why would he do such a thing? Surely he hadn’t overheard what Susie said about Elva? Even if he had, he w

wouldn’t have cared… would he?

“Prince Nicholas.came in here,” the quieter maid said. “He felt Elva’s fever, and then carried her out of

this room himself.”

spiral of fear and worries. I struggled to

had to be

wouldn’t make her leave the palace, would he? She

from three years ago, he wouldn’t hurt Elva. I was certain of that. Especially when I thought of how gently he had held her

would he

a prince. Nowhere in the palace was off–limits to him. Where would I even begin

That was a grave offense. Nathan had made clear that it could cost me

be strong for Elva. I needed to

bedroom, trying to think I

I

door, I glanced,

told me they’d been

looking fully at me.

me. I’ll show

guard. Sensing my urgency, he maintained a fast pace as he led me through the back hallways

was surely allowed if I’d been summoned, right? I didn’t have time to worry.

if it

beds and a wall of bookcases. Several tables

equipment and microscopes.

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