Chapter 529

y G00 p (_) +15 BONUS Chapter 0529 Nicholas and I walked down to the first floor and sought out Selma. We found her in the kitchen, preparing the chefs for the day’s menu. We waited near the door, not wanting to disturb her work. When she was finished, the chefs returned to their duties and we approached her.

She was an older woman, who had been in service at this residence for many years. She should have seen it all by now. Nothing she face should have shaken her. Yet when Nicholas and I came to stand before her, she seemed nervous.

“Do you need something, Prince Nicholas? Miss Piper?” Selma asked.

“Are you feeling okay?” I asked.

Maybe Charlotte really was sick and Selma had caught it too. That would explain how pale she looked.

«pm fine,” she said. “Was that all . you needed?” She started to move like 4

CN (J) +15 BONUS she was going to walk away from us.

Nicholas sidestepped into her path.

“We're looking for Piper’s maid, Charlotte. You’ll remember that she ~ was brought in specifically to serve Piper.” Nicholas kept his tone friendly enough, though his face was hard and stern. “She has been missing for the past day.” Selma swallowed. She straightened a little, though she was much shorter than Nicholas, slightly shorter than myself.

“Yes, of course. Charlotte has been feeling unwell. We requested that she stay in her room for a few days, so as to not spread the disease around. This is such a small island. When one person catches something, it can so quickly travel around.” It was a logical explanation. I still wanted more answers. “I want to see her.” “Absolutely not,” Selma said Sd

() +15 BONUS Nicholas lifted a brow.

Selma, upon seeing it, amended, “ You will likely catch her cold as well.

It’s only for your health and safety ~ that I ask you to leave her be. The airplane has already been called for.

She will be headed home later today.” “You are sending her away?” I asked, surprised. ie I Selma nodded. “It’s protocol for illness. We don’t have the means to care for sick people here.” Just how sick was Charlotte? If it was merely a cold, she’d just need some aspirin and rest. She had to have caught something more serious... if any of this was true.

“1d still like to see her,” I said. “I can bring her something to eat. Chicken soup, maybe.” Seeing Selma was about to argue, I added, “I'll maintain safe distance, and I'll only stay for a moment. I just want to make sure she’s okay. We're friends.” y

(_) +15 BONUS “Friends?” Selma asked. “I thought she was your servant.” “She is,” I said. “She’s both.” Selma seemed taken aback by the words. She looked at me for a long moment, as if I was a puzzle she was trying to piece together.

“Selma?” Nicholas prompted. “It doesn’t seem unreasonable to allow a woman to visit her friend.” Selma dropped her gaze down to the ground. “You know the rules, Prince Nicholas. Many apologies, but those with illness are to be quarantined.” “And an exception cannot be made, for my sake?” Nicholas asked.

Selma closed her eyes for a long moment. “I’m afraid not. Please forgive me.” Nicholas watched her. He knew her better than I. I wondered what he could see in her that I could not. He revealed nothing now, though I hoped he would

nothing now, though I hoped he would when we were alone again.

“Of course,” Nicholas said dryly.

Rules are rules.” Selma nodded. “May I go now? I have many other duties to attend to.” “Forgive our disruption of your day,” Nicholas said. He lightly touched my arm, signaling I should move.

Together, Nicholas and I stepped back, giving Selma room. She quickly retreated from the kitchen.

I had so many questions for Nicholas, none of which I wanted to ask around the chefs. Though I didn’t totally trust Selma, I could tell she was a hard worker, and I didn’t want to undermine her in front of the staff under her command.

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