Lena pressed a hand to her face.

“Lena, we will speak about your part in this later.” Nicholas said, dismissing her.

“Yes, Sir.” Lena, keeping her eyes on the ground, quickly turned and walked back toward the palace.

Elva, who had been hiding behind my skirts, peeked her head out. “Is it over? No more loud yelling?”

“I

“It’s over,” I told her, but then looked up at Nicholas, whose tight expression had not relaxed. “I think.”

“Mark“” Nicholas called out⠀⠀

Mark emerged from the tree line. He had been close and ready. Likely he had planned to jump out if he

had been needed.

Nicholas lowered himself down to one knee to speak to Elva. “Elva, do you mind playing with Mark for a

minute while I speak with your mother?”

Elva seemed unsure. She looked up at me.

I smiled and nodded, giving her support.

“Okay…” Slowly, she walked over to Mark, who held out a hand for her. She kept looking back at us

though, as if she didn’t trust us alone.

of earshot, Nicholas’s

his right wrist, showing me the wrist guard I’d made. The one he

you give this to me

with my teeth. I thought of lying,

knew the truth.

wanted to thank you for helping Elva,” I said. I motioned toward the wrist guard. “This was just a

gesture.”

much more likely that you are using your previous knowledge of me in an effort to bring yourself

If I wanted it that way, I wouldn’t

I would discover the

just wanted

tried at my patience. He thought so little

earlier seemed tarnished

didn’t take my denial seriously. He

me, but I didn’t expect you to now have Julian up

Julian have to do with anything?

my

up your sleeve.”

though I’m not sure why. I suppose your beauty would be enough to catch

anyone with too many

My… beauty?

Focus, Piper.

deny Julian’s attraction, but Nicholas cut

distance from

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