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.

out of earshot, Nicholas’s piercing

the wrist guard I’d made. The one he now knew

you give this

teeth. I thought of

knew the truth.

to thank you for helping Elva,” I said. I motioned toward

gesture.”

that.” He lowered his arm. “It’s much more likely that you are using

that way, I

knew I would discover the truth

I didn’t. I just wanted to

tried at my patience. He thought so little of

seemed tarnished

take my denial seriously. He merely shook his

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

Julian have to do with anything?

up my

up your sleeve.”

sure why. I suppose your

usually avoids anyone with too many

My… beauty?

Focus, Piper.

attraction, but Nicholas cut me

distance from

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255