Chapter 0617

Anna's words stayed with me all through the night. I was haunted by them, even as I eventually drifted off to sleep on the air mattress.

Was I truly considering the King's demand because I wanted what was best for the country? Or was I simply hiding, pushing off responsibility to retum to a life of normalcy?

Bridget would make a lousy queen. I knew that.

Anyone would be a better choice.

Even... me?

Could I be queen?

I had labeled the idea as outlandish straight from the start, so much so that I barely considered it even when I tried to think critically about it.

I was constantly making excuses: I knew so little of politics. I knew so little of royalty. Everyone looked down on me. No one would take me seriously.

But these were just excuses, I was realizing now. Anna was right. I was running away.

I needed to do better. I needed to think about how I could actually contribute as a queen, and showcase those abilities. No more hiding. No more putting myself down.

If I wanted a family with Nicholas, I had to earn it.

The thoughts and worries stayed with me even when I woke up again. I had a dreamless sleep, though I felt rested. My body must have decided enough was enough and shut off my brain.

I was resolved to lie on the air mattress until Elva or Anna woke first, but a knock sounded on the door. It was soft at first, but with a growing urgency the longer no one answered.

I wasn't sure who it could be. It seemed too early for the camera crew, and Anna hadn't said she'd been expecting guests.

Crumbling, Anna emerged from her room and slunk herself toward the front door.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" she shouted, when the knocking continued. "Someone better be dead, to get me up this early."

the door.

shit," she

front door. The apartment was still dark, with black out curtains hanging over

my pajamas, but Nicholas had seen me at my worst. I tried not to worry

said as I came

I teased. "Can't have a prince standing in the hallway. What will the

smiled when he saw me. "They'll

inside. I flipped on the kitchen light

was looking at Nicholas with wide eyes. I can't imagine she ever expected to have

a pleasure

him, when Anna just looked

he finished

giggle, like it was an

wider, pleased with

fled. "No one is

Nicholas turned to

I couldn't help myself. It had been less than a day, but his absence had

a short time, but

reassuring having him near. It calmed some part of myself, deep down, that felt strung out by the distance. That part of me hummed

immediately went within them. He closed

long moment. Out in the living room, I heard Anna waking Elva and shuffling around, cleaning no

Nicholas think, being in my former home? It was smaller than anything he was used

myself for

I had expected to see in his eyes was not there. Honestly, I should have known better. Nicholas had never been the

used to live, he seemed more curious

give me

but it had all of the major amenities. Stove,

Elva and Anna talking in Anna's room. Elva was asking Anna if

room with interest. His gaze snagged on

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