“Right.” Nicholas tightened his jaw.

“Well, she certainly did in this case,” I said, inserting myself into their conversation. “I would never hurt

anyone.

Lilliana looked at me blankly.

1 believe that,” Nicholas said.

Then Lilliana added, “Yes, me too. Piper would never hurt anyone.”

I frowned. This conversation felt… odd. Like attempting to speak with a puppet, she only ever seemed to

emulate what Nicholas had said.

Secretly I wished Nicholas would say something outlandish, if only to see if Lilliana would agree. He was

too good of a man for that, however.

If only Lilliana had taken to Julian instead. He would have had a field day amusing himself with her

mindless compliance.

“The cooking challenge for Linda was very inspired, Prince Nicholas,” Lilliana said. “You are very

intelligent.”

Nicholas looked absolutely miserable standing there, frowning so deeply, eyes downcast and away.

Thank you.”

lucky to be your favorite,” she

meant that, I’m sure, as both a claim over him and a slight to

her. Pity, it only manifested in such a

that does make you quite fortunate,” I agreed, just to get her to ease off that

from digging a hole in the ground just

I continued, showing even more leniency, “I

sound particularly impressed. “Where is your prince? I am surprised that he

for you, as Nicholas

was as stout–hearted as Nicholas. I wondered if Julian would have stepped

head, maybe. Whenever the situation stopped being

likely.

415 BONUS

agreeing and complements, I felt more and more terrible for Nicholas. There had to be some way I could

knew he wanted children, but… how could he wish to tie himself so permanently to

for the sake

was important to Nicholas, in ways I didn’t and

that.

up his whole

been for a long time. But I could never forgive myself if

forever knowing

a way to save him from this fate somehow.

eaten lunch in the gardens, we were

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