Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Limping is awkward, no doubt about it.

But right now? This was way worse. Everyone in Kingstoria knew Rupert. And here he was, carrying her up the stairs like it was nothing. Every single eye in the hospital lobby was glued to her.

Sylvia ducked her head, pretending to fix her hair to hide her face.

Rupert glanced down at her, voice low and unexpectedly sharp. "Am I that embarrassing?"

In the past, she'd have blushed bright red. But now, she felt like a deer caught in headlights.

Thinking quickly, she rubbed her eyes and mumbled, "No, it's just-I think I got something in my eye."

"Mm-hmm." Rupert didn't push it.

Once they got into the elevator-packed, noisy, elbows everywhere-Rupert set Sylvia gently on her feet.

Just then, a patient in a wheelchair rolled in, making it even more crowded. Before she could regain her balance, Rupert slipped his arm around her, tucking her into the corner.

Voices filled the air: conversations, phone calls. But all Sylvia could hear was Rupert's steady breathing.

He leaned down, his warm breath brushing her cheek. There was nowhere to hide, so she just stared at the floor.

of a smirk tugged at

got something in your eye?

and for a split second, Sylvia

Right here, with all these people

little girl, squished beside

her hand to Rupert's chest, whispering urgently, "No, really, it's

sparkled with amusement.

cheeks burned, caught red-handed. She pressed her lips together. "No.

elevator doors slid open. As the crowd spilled out, Sylvia took a deep breath, desperate to

a step before Rupert scooped

girl from before turned and grinned at them mischievously as they passed.

office, Sylvia didn't dare hide her face anymore, but

eyes, glancing

when she

nurses and a doctor were changing Bridget's bandages. When they peeled the gauze away, Sylvia

way to her hairline. Her face was swollen, with a

much for the sweet-and-gentle act. From now on, she'd be more horror movie

"ruined looks"-after all, rich girls like Bridget called a

stared too long, because

she here? That bitch! This