Chapter 0253

Even now, standing as we were with the crowd around us dispersing, I was earning many passing glares.

Gratitude filled my heart for what Nicholas had done. But worry still harbored in the rest of me.

Jane had come here tonight to harm my reputation and she had succeeded in doing so. I didn’t know

what I could do now to repair it.

“Ignore them,” Nicholas said. “They have no idea who you are.” 1

“Does it matter who I am? If they think I am a disgrace, they will have the power to be rid of me.”

“They have no such power,” Nicholas said firmly. “Only the royal family can make those decisions.”

“But surely the nobility has the royal family’s ear.”

“We may listen. We may even consider. But they do not make the decisions for us.”

“Nicholas…” I didn’t know how to tell him that, though I was incredibly thankful for his defending me, I

knew it was only a matter of time until I was removed from the contest. It had always been this way. I

daily walked on the edge of a knife. That I had stayed this long was a miracle. 1

“Don’t give up yet, Piper. Please.”

disappoint him. So I nodded. “I’ll keep trying.” 1

“Good.”

fast enough. I

forget everything for a while. Tomorrow, I could

and figure out how to restore my reputation.

to sleep. To unwind and

other

and was escorting me to the door

Three feet from

wishes to speak with you, Piper.” Nathan glanced at Nicholas.

not,” Nicholas said at once.

lifted both brows. “You would defy

grit his

Nicholas. “I will speak with

alone,” Nicholas said.

the King requested,” Nathan said.

too,” Nicholas added. “My father can tell me to my face to get out, but I won’t let

alone.”

had faced this

explain yourself.”

aware,” Nicholas said.

well.” Nathan turned and began to walk. He

firmly. “Whatever he says or commands, I will not leave you

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