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.

earshot, Nicholas’s piercing

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

give this

my bottom lip with my teeth. I thought of lying, or simply avoiding

knew the truth.

for helping Elva,” I said. I motioned toward the

gesture.”

He lowered his arm. “It’s much more likely that you are using your previous knowledge of me in

wanted it that way, I

would discover the truth

I just wanted to

patience. He thought so

seemed

seriously. He merely

didn’t expect you

What did Julian have to do with anything?

my sleeve,” I

up your sleeve.”

sure why. I suppose

usually avoids anyone

My… beauty?

Focus, Piper.

Julian’s attraction, but Nicholas cut me

your distance

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