Chapter l54

Chapter 0054

Unfortunately, Lene also had the Queen’s favor, I had to be careful here, lest I risk offending my own

mother.

-I

“I have questions,” I said.

Lena dipped her head. “Of course. I live to serve, sir.”

Behind me, Mark quietly snorted in disbelief. He quickly covered it with a cough.

Lena glared at him.

I cleared my

own throat, drawing her attention back to me. “The traditional punishment has not been

implemented in many years. Why would you believe that it is appropriate in this case, with Piper?”

The palace has not allowed guests in a long time,” she said. “That is the only reason the punishment

has not been used.”

She was being misleading. The palace had accepted guests, even when the royal family had maintained

its anonymity. No cameras had been allowed. Everyone was searched.

“There have been balls over the years,” I said.

“Which were strictly for the nobility, sir. The guests I’m referring to are…” She seemed to think her words through now, and didn’t say whatever she had been about to.

“Commoners.” I finished for her.

Her nose scrunched in open disgust. “This was no mistake. That girl made a blatant display of

disrespect”

“So if another girl made the same mistake…?”

“Piper and her offspring do not belong here, Prince Nicholas. She’s grown too complacent, bending the

rules however she wishes. This is what would happen if she is selected. Nothing would ever be the same

again”

Maybe it was time for change if attitudes like Lena’s were what the traditions fostered.

“She is a guest in this house, and will be treated the same as everyone else,” I said with finality.

Lens had the gall so try to stand against me. “If you could hear yourself –”

Mark stepped forward know you are not attempting to argue with your prince. Lena

Immediately, Lena closed her mouth. She paled a little, then lowered her head. “Apologies, sir. My passion overran my manners.”

“Something to correct,” I said. “But not something deserving of the traditional punishment.”

I hoped she could see her own hypocrisy. The traditional punishment for what she had done was much worse than Lena’s. Could she not understand why leniency was important in both cases?

The stubborn clench of her jaw left me doubting. As I walked away, returning to the ballroom, I

wondered just how much of Piper and Elva’s distress had been Lena’s doing.

How could I prove it?

I didn’t have time to think of the answer. No sooner had I returned to the ballroom, than Julian found me,

a smug smirk on his face.

“There you are, brother! I’ve been looking for you.”

Those words sent a shot of trepidation through me. Julian only wished to see me when he meant do to me harm–likely a prank at my expense.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “What do you want, Julian?”

“Such callousness for your own brother. It’s shameful.” His smile only grew wider. “Honestly, though, I

only want you to watch.”

I crossed my arms. “Watch what?”

He winked at me. Without another word, he spun away and crossed the room to where most of the girls

were standing.

Was he attempting to upstage me? That wasn’t difficult for him, with his boisterous personality. Why did

it matter if I watched or not?

I turned away, determined to ignore whatever show he had planned.

But then Mark said, “Sir.” He knew the animosity between Julian and me. He wouldn’t call my attention

back if it wasn’t important.

I returned my gaze to my reprehensible brother, only to find him standing directly in front of Piper.

If I may have everyone’s attention,” Julian said into a microphone. Where had he gotten that? How long

had he been planning this?

My feet were moving before I thought to move them.

My mind was completely devoid of thoughts.

I only knew that I had to get him away from Piper.

He didn’t deserve her. He didn’t

What am I doing?

I planted my feet, stopping myself in the middle of the dance floor. Fortunately, the dancers had already

stopped to observe the spectacle.

Julian took one of Piper’s gloved hands in his.