Chapter 0245

“You can’t,” I said. “He’s one of the benefactors.”

“To hell with it. With all of it. If it keeps you safe, I’ll drag him from the grounds myself.”

“And then what? The Luna brings him back. Or the King? And you are on the outs with them. There’s

nothing you can do, Nicholas,” I said.

“But, Piper.”

I shook my head. “Nothing…”

He stepped closer to me. He couldn’t hold me here, with so many eyes on us, but with the way his hand

slid around my arm, I could tell he wanted to.

“You’re trembling,” he whispered.

I closed my eyes and tried to gather myself. He was right. I’d been shaken to my core and my whole

body felt like it was trying to clatter apart.

“Let me take you back to your room,” Nicholas said.

“I can’t give up.”

“Just for tonight,” he said.

God, it was tempting. To just throw in the towel for now. Regather myself. And try again tomorrow. And

I could feel the comfort of his embrace away from

close it

gazes pivoted directly to Nicholas. Olivia slid her way directly between Nicolas and me. I

her, or she likely

at least, stepped around Elva without endangering her. Although that could

Nicholas was

you Prince Nicholas,” Olivia said. “There is a

with on my

Lilliana said, inching closer. Elva stepped into her path every

When Nicholas turned his attention to Olivia,

her expression to her usual delicate

What a phony.

on, Elva,” I said and opened

looked up

could do. Nicholas had to spend time with other people.

nature of the competition.

now, honey,” I

obliged. Nicholas released her hand and she walked into my

her

against me, and she rested her head against

Prince Nicholas?” Olivia said, all smiling confidence. She was beautiful

gown. “We really shouldn’t keep my

mine,” Lilliana said,

soon, but first

Aren’t you, Piper?”

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