Chapter l146

Chapter 0146

Terry had said that he had heard a lot about me. I was hoping it was mostly good things, but knowing he was the Luna’s brother, I had some doubts. The Luna herself did not seem overly fond of me

When Nicholas stepped between us, I began to wonder if there was more going on then I was aware

Terry had seemed friendly enough. His piercing gaze was unnerving I supposed. He looked at me like he was trying to see through my skin. But honestly, that wasn’t all that unusual among the nobility

“Don’t be rude, Nicholas.” Terry placed his hand on Nicholas’s shoulder and eased him to the side. “Let me see the girl, at least.”

When I was in plain sight once more, his smile added teeth. “Ah, there you are. As stunning as they say. And where is little Elva?

Elva peeked from around my skirts.

“Hello, little girl. Aren’t you a pretty one?”

Elva quickly ducked back behind me.

“A charming child,” Terry said. “You must be proud.”

Now, I could start to see why Nicholas had attempted to shield me, even if subconsciously.

Terry gave off weird vibes. He seemed nice enough, but there was something tense about him. He was being almost too friendly, like he knew Elva and I well enough to laud us with compliments.

Maybe that was just how he did things. Maybe he was simply being nice and I was reading too much into

But I had spent a lot of time around some not-very-nice people, and Terry was ringing all the alarm bells in my head, even if I couldn’t properly discern the specific reasons why

“Are you here to see the King?” Nicholas said, frowning. “1 would be happy to escort you.”

“Would you?” Terry lifted a brow. “That would be a first.”

Nicholas’s jaw clenched.

And there, that was the reason I didn’t trust Terry.

Because Nicholas didn’t trust him, and I trusted Nicholas. I didn’t really need a reason beyond that.

Very well,” Terry said with a sigh. “Show me the way if you must.” To me, he offered one final smile. 1

-15 BONUS

I dipped my head in acknowledgement. I had no intention of returning the gesture

As they walked away, I took Elva’s hand and began the trek to my room. I found Mark waiting for us at

the end of the hallway

Mark returned to my room with Elva and me Along the way. I struck up a conversation

“I met Terry.” I said.

“Yes, I saw.” He didn’t offer more than that on his own

Curious

de me feel

1 couldn’t help but notice the tension between him and Nicholas Admittedly, he made

uncomfortable”

Mark said, “Prince Nicholas and Terry don’t see eye to eye very often. Terry’s personality aligns more with Julian

So he was a secret keeper then Someone who observed more than they let own

I would have to be careful around him

“But,” Mark continued. “Terry is well respected around the palace. He treats his staff well, pays very well, and generally keeps to himself I would be careful not to alienate him”

I nodded, taking the warning for what it was if the staff was fond of him, I would have to be careful what

I did or said, lest I earn their ire I knew what the staff was capable of, and wanted to stay on their good

side as much as I could

“Perhaps it was my imagination playing tricks on me,” I conceded I was very attuned to Nicholas, whether intentional or not. With him on edge, my perception was likely skewed.

if I met Terry again, maybe I would look at him differently. At the very least, he deserved a second consideration, being as well liked as he was

The next night, at a banquet the King stood up and properly introduced Terry to the cameras and to the girls and me.

My brother–in–law Terry is a shining beacon of nobility,” the King said. “He is a royal that many aspire to be Generous, humorous, and kind. Please speak with him while you can and learn from him. He will be staying in the palace with us for a time.