Chapter l373

Chapter 0373

I complied, unwilling to be skewered. She hid the knife against my side as she ushered me toward the door. I looked back but none of the royal family was to be seen. Neither was Veronica.

I maybe could have caught Susie’s attention, if I called out or flagged her down. She was valiantly trying to get the silly dances going again. But her limited knowledge of the current situation might cause her to place herself into more danger than she would realize.

I couldn’t risk her. Jane wouldn’t hesitate to hurt Susie, if Jane’s attack on Nicholas was any indication.

I wished more than anything that Nicholas would appear. I could meet his eyes, and even across the room, he would know what was wrong.

But he had his hands full with Joyce. Another of Jane’s plans to upset the royal family. And me.

Jane had meant for the consequences to be worse than they seemed like they were going to be. But even if her full plan failed, she had still managed to get my most stalwart protector as far from me as possible.

I was on my own now. Either death or salvation… it was all in my hands now. And my hands alone.

Jane forced me out onto the balcony. There were other groups and couples there, laughing and chatting. A couple was pointing up at the stars.

So many witnesses.

Jane kept the knife digging into my side, a warning not to speak. She continued dragging me further down the balcony, until we reached a more secluded area on the other side of a wall. None of the other guests could see us anymore. And as the loud music began again, I doubted they could hear us either.

“Well, we’re here,” I said. “We’re isolated. Alone. Now will you tell me just what your plan was?”

If I could get her talking… If I could keep her talking…

“What did you think the plan was, dumbass?” Jane snarled. “That idiot Joyce was supposed to humiliate you. But those two guard dogs of yours always seem to be circling. At least, I could cast a stain upon the royal family. Scandal after scandal will not be perceived well by the public.”

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+15 BONUS

“They’ll recover,” I said. “The people still believe in them.”

“God, you are so naïve,” Jane said. “There are cracks in the foundation, Piper. Soon the entire thing is going to fall down. Do you understand? They are weak. And you only add to their weakness. I see it, and the people are starting to wake up to it too.”

“They aren’t weak,” I said. The King and Queen I had lukewarm feelings for, but Nicholas wasn’t like them. He was strong and brave, and had the people’s best interests in mind. And if he believed in his parents‘ strengths and abilities, then I would too.

“You mean Nicholas isn’t weak,” Jane said. “He doesn’t run this kingdom, Piper. And even if he did… he might be the worst of them all.”

“You don’t know what you are talking about,” I snapped.

“Of course, I do. How strong could that asshole be? He fell for you. The man has no imagination.”

Odd. “You sound jealous.”

At the accusation, her face crumpled up in rage. “Why should you be the one to find love while I am the one who has worked the hardest and suffered the most?!

It’s unfair!”

Oh. She was jealous. But then, I guess I knew that. She saw me as some kind of golden child, doted upon while she was cast aside.

That wasn’t true, not how I remembered it.

“Jane…”

“No. I’m doing talking. I wanted to humiliate you.” She flashed the knife under the moonlight. “But if I can’t do that, I’ll just kill you.”