Chapter l94

Chapter 0094

7 hope you can understand and respect Nicholas’s need to move on from the train wreck you once shared together,” the King continued.

I swallowed thickly, fear mixing with anger. What Nicholas and I had was special, not anything like a terrible accident. We’d cared deeply for each other. I’d had to leave him for his own sake, but I had never stopped caring about him.

Yet as annoyed as the accusation made me, I did understand the King’s point of view. Nicholas had revealed to me that he was still hung up on our break up even now, three years later. He deserved to be

free, to find someone to love.

I doubted, however, that the King’s concern for his son had little to do with genuine care and everything

to do with full control.

Nicholas had been tied up in this from the start. The King and Queen had likely already chosen partners for each of their children, and this competition was nothing more than a farce for the people’s

entertainment.

“I have told no one of your shared past, and those that do know are sworn to secrecy on the threat of death. You understand, don’t you, Piper?”

I understood the threat well enough. It sounded a lot like if word got out about Nicholas and me, the King would have me killed.

So much for making me untouchable, I doubted there was anything Julian or Nicholas could do to stop a King’s direct order, no matter how heinous.

understand,” I said, proud of myself when the words came out unbroken.

“Good.” He lowered his hands. A kind smile spread across his l*ps, so different from the dark threat he’d just given. “Enjoy your time here, Piper. Let things play out as they will. But never, and I mean never, allow yourself to grow too comfortable.”

Tunderstand.” The word did shake this time.

“We understand each other then.” He waved me toward the door. “Have them bring in the next girl when

you leave.”

rushed as quickly as propriety would allow me toward the door. Once outside, I delivered the King’s

request to one of his servants, who rushed to accommodate.

Yet no sooner had walked away from the King’s servants and into the ballroom, then Nicholes sought

“We need to speak privately.”

I shook my head, adamantly against it with the King’s words rattling in my head. It was a major faux pas to deny the prince a requested audience, but I reasoned the King’s request took precedence.

“I’m sorry, Nicholas. I just can’t.”

I hurried toward the drink table, eager to drown my worries in champagne. I haven’t drank since before Elva, when I’d had a stolen sip or two underage at the academy. I’d always wanted to k

I was eager to lose it now.

Unfortunately, Nicholas followed. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

my head.

my hand before I

I snatched a champagne flute from the table and went to down it. He plucked it from my

could and returned it to the table.

I glared at him. I’m allowed to drink.”

“You’re upset.”

I shook my head. “Just leave me alone.”

He startled, straightening. “What?”

“We can’t talk. Leave me alone.” I had thought I’d hardened myself to him, but with the shock of the King’s knowledge of our past, and the fear that came with his threat, I found myself struggling to lie to

myself.

Other than Elva, Nicholas was the only person I could truly talk to in this palace. I trusted some, Mark,

Susie, and Charlotte. But they didn’t know me like Nicholas did. They couldn’t see me, and in once glance

know that I was falling apart.

“Come with me. We’ll talk in private. You can tell me what’s going on. Then, I’ll leave you alone.” Jsniffed, tears threatening. I can’t…”