I wasn't sure what to expect when our car delivered us from the train station to the palace, but even in my wildest dreams, I wouldn't have guessed what actually awaited us.

Cheering crowds lined the outer walls of the palace. Balloons and streamers of various colors were abundant. A stage had been set up with a band.

Some people had signs. Long Live The Bear Princess, they said, with a picture of my face.

When they separated to make way for our car, they nearly rioted with their joy.

"Praise you!" shouted one woman.

"Our hero!" called a man.

In the backseat of the sedan, I clutched at Nicholas's hand, unsure what to make of all this. Not all that long ago, these same people had been half-ready to start a rebellion. Now, the only thing they seemed to want to fight for was some of my time and affection.

Nicholas clapped his free hand on mine, the one holding so hard onto his other hand.

You've earned this,"

him.

face, he wore a look of fond sympathy. "Piper, you have done so much more than that. How

on her luck woman working as a waitress trying to make ends meet. I didn't feel like a princess. I certainly was

could almost see the way

someone more... shouldn't I trust in him? As I

the rest of your life how special you are," Nicholas said. Shifting

you to hold

a man of my word," he said. And I knew

the world seemed a bit calmer, though, to my shock and surprise, everyone was waiting for us out near the palace's

and Veronica. Joyce exited first. He only took one step before Jessica, having run from her spot at the entryway, collided into his

softness in his expression that he hadn't otherwise shown. Perhaps with his brainwashing, he hadn't allowed himself to love.

much like Nicholas and I, Julian and Veronica had disappeared together on

it was about time. I only had joy in my

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

Comments ()

0/255