Chapter l137

Chapter 0137

“Right.” Nicholas tightened his jaw.

“Well, she certainly did in this case,” I said, inserting myself into their conversation. “I would never hurt

anyone.

Lilliana looked at me blankly.

1 believe that,” Nicholas said.

Then Lilliana added, “Yes, me too. Piper would never hurt anyone.”

I frowned. This conversation felt… odd. Like attempting to speak with a puppet, she only ever seemed to

emulate what Nicholas had said.

Secretly I wished Nicholas would say something outlandish, if only to see if Lilliana would agree. He was

too good of a man for that, however.

If only Lilliana had taken to Julian instead. He would have had a field day amusing himself with her

mindless compliance.

“The cooking challenge for Linda was very inspired, Prince Nicholas,” Lilliana said. “You are very

intelligent.”

Nicholas looked absolutely miserable standing there, frowning so deeply, eyes downcast and away.

Thank you.”

“I’m so lucky to be your favorite,” she said, side–eyeing me.

And though she had meant that, I’m sure, as both a claim over him and a slight to me, I was relieved to

see any type of personality formulate in her. Pity, it only manifested in such a contemptible way.

“Yes, that does make you quite fortunate,” I agreed, just to get her to ease off that line of thinking.

Nicholas looked a half minute away from digging a hole in the ground just to bury himself in it.

“If you recall,” I continued, showing even more leniency, “I am Julian’s favorite.”

“Ah.” She didn’t sound particularly impressed. “Where is your prince? I am surprised that he did not stand

up for you, as Nicholas did.”

Not everyone was as stout–hearted as Nicholas. I wondered if Julian would have stepped in eventually-

likely before they chopped off my head, maybe. Whenever the situation stopped being funny to him, most

likely.

415 BONUS

Watching the way Lilliana interacted with Nicholas, with her constant agreeing and complements, I felt more and more terrible for Nicholas. There had to be some way I could save him from this fate.

I knew he wanted children, but… how could he wish to tie himself so permanently to someone like this?

Even for the sake of the crown?

The kingdom was important to Nicholas, in ways I didn’t and couldn’t comprehend. I tried to remember

that.

But, to give up his whole sense of self…?

Nicholas wasn’t my boyfriend. He hadn’t been for a long time. But I could never forgive myself if I walked

out of his life forever knowing how miserable he would be.

I would find a way to save him from this fate somehow.

Later, after we’d eaten lunch in the gardens, we were alerted that the kitchens were ready for Linda’s

personal challenge. Nicholas, Lilliana, and I walked down to them together, though we became separate

just inside the door.

Joseph grabbed my arm roughly and pulled me to the side.

“You will stand here with me, in case you get any wild ideas,” he said gruffly. “From here, any sabotage

you have planned will not escape my notice.”

have no sabotage planned,” I said.

He grunted, obviously disbelieving me.

“You better enjoy this free time you’ve been having,” he said. “Because it’s all about to come to a close.”

“I didn’t do anything, and soon enough you will see that.”

He shook his head. “There isn’t anything that will keep you out of the dungeons, sooner or later.”

Sooner or later. That sounded like a threat.

Like he knew I hadn’t done anything to Linda’s food, or to hurt the Queen.

He was just waiting for me to make a mistake, any mistake, and then he would pin any negative

outcomes all on me.

He smirked at the fear that was likely on my face. How was I supposed to fight against the Captain of

the Guard?

11l see you rot down there.”