Chapter 0254

Nathan led Nicholas and me into a sitting room where the King sat upon a chair. All other chairs had

been pushed to the back of the room. It was clear he meant for the rest of us to stand.

As we entered, the King narrowed his eyes in Nicholas’s direction. Nicholas lifted his chin.

“Nathan, I believe I was clear in my orders that Piper arrive alone,” the King said.

Nathan bowed his head. “My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“It’s my fault,” Nicholas said. “I refused to allow Piper to face you on her own.”

The King frowned deeper. “And if I ordered you to leave?”

Nicholas squared his shoulders. “You would have to have be forcibly taken from this room.” (1

The King and Nicholas stared at each other for a moment, as if in silent conversation. Then the King

sighed, long–suffering.

“Stay then,” the King said. “I will be amused to hear how either of you can defend Piper’s actions from

tonight.”

once, “I deeply

mere apology will fix all that you’ve done? You called one of our benefactors tonight a

said to Mrs. Maple.”

takes to redeem

don’t care about your redemption! I want to know what possessed you to speak and

with! Did you temporarily lose your mind? Has the pressure of the contest addled

King’s voice slowly rose.

chin down to my chest. “I have no excuses, Your

punishment.”

snapped. He stepped forward and half in front of

of the King’s

treading on thin ice,”

on her when she has done nothing to deserve

don’t believe her actions are worthy

“No.”

flabbergasted.

please,” I whispered. Was he planning on revealing the

Nicholas hesitated.

me, Nicholas. Explain to me why she does not deserve

he said, haltingly, like each word pained

may.” I sidestepped around Nicholas. “If I may ask, Sir, please allow me

are fiercely angered. Even those you did not

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