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.

Nicholas’s piercing gaze shifted

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

give this to me

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

knew the truth.

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

gesture.”

the sincerity in that.” He lowered his arm. “It’s much more likely that you are using your previous

If I wanted it that way, I wouldn’t have

would discover the

I just wanted to help

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

seemed

denial seriously. He

chasing after me, but I didn’t expect

Julian have to do with anything?

not up my

up your sleeve.”

sure why. I suppose your beauty would be enough

anyone

My… beauty?

Focus, Piper.

to deny Julian’s attraction, but Nicholas cut me off before I

distance from

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

Comments ()

0/255