Chapter l255

Chapter 0255

I nodded, grim.

“I should send you home tonight,” the King said.

“But, father” Nicholas began.

The King held up his hand, stopping him. “But I will wait for the public’s reaction. They have protected you thus far, Piper. Tonight you showed them your true colors. We’ll see if their love for you persists.”

I bowed. “Thank you for your leniency, Your Majesty.”

“Nathan will procure you a list for your apology letters,” the King said.

“Right away,” Nathan agreed.

“Don’t let this happen again, Piper. There will be no leniency a second time.”

“I understand. Thank you, Sir.”

The King waved his hand, dismissing us.

Nicholas offered me his arm and then led me from the room.

When we were safe down a lonely hallway, Nicholas stopped, released my arm, and turned to face me.

“We could have told him the truth.”

“No,” I said.

“He’s the King. If anyone could help us-

“Remember what Julian said? We don’t know who to trust! And even if the King himself isn’t in on it,

who knows what lies Terry has been feeding him over the years?”

“Then let’s go to the public instead,” Nicholas said. “They’ve always supported you before. If they knew

the truth –

“And what of Elva? If the whole world knows the truth, how would we keep it from her?” 4

Nicholas crossed his arms but fell silent. He didn’t have an answer.

After a long moment, he spoke again. “If we don’t do something, you will become a victim in the court

of public opinion, Piper. My father did not expel you from the contest simply because he believes he doesn’t have to. He expects the public to come for your head.”

“I know that.” Of course I knew that. The King has always made his disdain for me clear. Even from the beginning, Julian had told me I was only here as a publicity stunt. I’d always only been here by the grace of the public. If they were to turn on me, I would be out the next hour, if not the next minute.

Nicholas exhaled. “Piper, I want to protect you.”

His words made me soften. “I know, Nicholas. But I’m trapped. Don’t you see? Jane has me cornered and she knows it. And once I’m gone from the palace…”

“Is that what Terry talked to you about? Did he threaten you?”

“It was less a threat than a promise. He made clear I’d come crawling to him.”

“That bastard.” Nicholas’s voice took on a dangerous growl. “As if you would ever.”

“But I might have to…” When I spoke, I taste bile. “When I’m out on the street, who else will help me with

Elva?”

“Not him.” Nicholas gripped me by the upper arms. “Never him. He takes things, Piper. He doesn’t give back. You’re worried the underground organization will come for her? If you go to him, he will deliver her

straight to them.”

I worried about that too. But what else could I do? If no one would help, she could die. “Maybe I’ll be able to convince him… If I’m compliant enough…”

Nicholas pulled me into his hard chest and wrapped his arms securely around me. 1

“I won’t let that happen. I don’t care what I have to do. I will never let him have his way with you or with

Elva.”

I clung onto Nicholas’s shirt. I wanted to believe him so badly, but what could he do? His parents trusted Terry implicitly. If he betrayed his uncle, it wouldn’t go unnoticed by the crown.

“Give me time. I’ll think of something,” he said.

I didn’t have much time to give, but… “Whatever time I have left here, it’s all yours.” (4

Nicholas k*ssed the top of my head. The anchor of his embrace was the only thing keeping me from

washing away in despair.