Chapter l135

Chapter 0135

“But in the meantime –” Joseph tried again.

Nicholas interrupted him. “I will accept personal responsibility for her. I will keep her by my side and make certain that she does not find herself in any more trouble.”

Relief flooded me so quickly, I felt dizzy. I rested one hand on the table in case I lost balance.

Joseph grunted like he wanted to argue. Of course, he couldn’t – not against a prince. Eventually, he

relented, “Yes, sir.”

“But what about us, Your Royal Highness?” Olivia said, cutting in. “Why does Linda receive a second

chance while we do not?”

Nicholas shook his head. “The Queen’s sudden illness took precedence, but I would not be overly upset.

The royal family will not consider an event that has been judged unfairly. Either you will yet still have your

chance, or this event will be entirely scrapped.”

Olivia exhaled and smiled a little “Thank you, sir. That is a relief to know.”

taking their promise to protect Elva and me seriously.

Then, I could no longer avoid the topic that had been pressing against the back of my mind, even though

I knew I should have left it alone.

“I saw Lilliana feeding you,” I said.

He winced. Perhaps I could have worded it more gracefully. Too late now.

“Her pastries were overcooked,” Nicholas said.

“Nicholas…” That wasn’t what I meant to discuss, and he knew it.

“What do you want me to tell you, Piper? Lilliana is my chosen favorite and I must show her the proper

favor.”

He leaned back on the bench, shedding some of his perfect princely façade.

“I have to marry someone eventually. It might as well be her.”

His words struck me like a hot iron, searing a cruel brand on my heart. “What a terrible thing to say!”

He eyed me. “Is it not the truth?”

“You should marry for love, Nicholas!”

He sat up straight again, his façade returning in an instant. “That’s not possible.”

I didn’t understand. “Why not?”

His golden eyes pinned me to the spot.

“I’m not capable of love anymore.”