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

guard

you give this to

my teeth. I thought of lying, or simply avoiding the

knew the truth.

for helping Elva,” I said. I motioned toward the wrist guard. “This was just

gesture.”

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

If I wanted it that

knew I would

just wanted to

at my patience. He thought so little of me now.

seemed tarnished

my denial seriously. He

been chasing after me, but I didn’t expect you to now have Julian up your

did Julian have to

up my sleeve,” I

up your sleeve.”

I’m not sure why. I suppose your beauty would be

usually avoids anyone with too

My… beauty?

Focus, Piper.

my mouth to deny Julian’s attraction, but

your distance

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

Comments ()

0/255