Whatever Jane had said to Nicholas must have been something horrific.

“I’m okay, and Elva’s okay,” I said, hoping to soothe him and his prowling wolf. “If the worst she’s done is tarnish my reputation, then we can recover from that.”

A storm raged in Nicholas’s eyes, the green flashing against the gold.

“She threatened you,” he said and it came out a growl.

“That’s nothing new.”

“What she said… cannot be allowed…”

“Whatever she said is just words. I’m here and I’m safe. She can’t touch me while I’m beside you.” 1

That, at last, finally seemed to bring him some measure of comfort. He breathed in deeply, held it, then released. Some of the tension bled away from his shoulders. He closed his eyes, and when he

opened them again, they were clearer.

Slowly, I lowered my hand away from his chest.

“I need to speak with the benefactors Jane insulted. If I apologize, then maybe…”

and

work,” Nicholas said. “Their pride

least, not this soon.”

do nothing. I have to repair what she’s

they will refuse to speak to

Marble? The ultra–rich

Nicholas nodded, expression grim.

the girls had been talking about the wealthiest

whoever won

cared to,

insult the whole of the nobility. The only thing worse would have

Queen herself. 1

drained from my face. “She didn’t talk

bad as things were, that was at least somewhat of

a minute more, trying to come up with some kind of plan to improve my situation. As it was, we were coming up short. Everyone – the benefactors, the

me as

all too interested in capturing my every

meanwhile shouted out questions.

Nicholas! Did you

glanced at Nicholas.

nodded. “I had a few terse words for Jane. Before Terry intervened. Then I had to let

minutes later, Nathan claimed everyone’s attention. He stood beside the King and Queen on the lifted thrones at the middle edge of the room. He held a few

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

Comments ()

0/255