Chapter 0617

Anna's words stayed with me all through the night. I was haunted by them, even as I eventually drifted off to sleep on the air mattress.

Was I truly considering the King's demand because I wanted what was best for the country? Or was I simply hiding, pushing off responsibility to retum to a life of normalcy?

Bridget would make a lousy queen. I knew that.

Anyone would be a better choice.

Even... me?

Could I be queen?

I had labeled the idea as outlandish straight from the start, so much so that I barely considered it even when I tried to think critically about it.

I was constantly making excuses: I knew so little of politics. I knew so little of royalty. Everyone looked down on me. No one would take me seriously.

But these were just excuses, I was realizing now. Anna was right. I was running away.

I needed to do better. I needed to think about how I could actually contribute as a queen, and showcase those abilities. No more hiding. No more putting myself down.

If I wanted a family with Nicholas, I had to earn it.

The thoughts and worries stayed with me even when I woke up again. I had a dreamless sleep, though I felt rested. My body must have decided enough was enough and shut off my brain.

I was resolved to lie on the air mattress until Elva or Anna woke first, but a knock sounded on the door. It was soft at first, but with a growing urgency the longer no one answered.

I wasn't sure who it could be. It seemed too early for the camera crew, and Anna hadn't said she'd been expecting guests.

Crumbling, Anna emerged from her room and slunk herself toward the front door.

when the knocking continued. "Someone better be

and pulled open the door. The

she said

From the living room, I could easily see the front door. The apartment was still dark, with black

my pajamas, but Nicholas had seen me at my worst. I tried

I came closer. "I

Anna," I teased. "Can't have a prince standing in the

smiled when he saw me. "They'll surely think, there goes the

and invited Nicholas inside. I flipped on the kitchen light

at Nicholas with wide eyes. I can't imagine she ever expected to have an actual prince on her doorstep. "So

a pleasure

Anna just looked

finished with a

like it was an

wider, pleased with

same!" She fled. "No one is ever going to believe me," she said

now, Nicholas turned to me.

missed you," I said at once, my own reflex. I couldn't help myself. It had been less than a day, but his absence had been noted. His presence

apart a short time, but he had been so far

was reassuring having him near. It calmed some part of myself, deep down, that felt

his arms for me and I immediately went within them. He closed

moment. Out in the living room, I heard Anna waking Elva and shuffling around, cleaning

smaller than anything he was used too.

I braced myself for his judgement as we pulled

eyes was not there. Honestly, I should have known better. Nicholas had never been the judgmental type.

this place that I used to live, he seemed more

give me the tour?" he

kitchen." It was small, but it had all of the major amenities. Stove, fridge, oven,

Elva and Anna talking in Anna's room. Elva was asking Anna

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

Comments ()

0/255