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."

pulled open the door. The grumbling immediately

shit," she said

now, I pulled myself out of bed. From the living room, I could easily see the front door. The apartment was still dark,

self-conscious in my pajamas, but Nicholas had

Anna said as I came closer.

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

smiled when he saw me. "They'll surely

invited Nicholas inside. I flipped on the kitchen

Anna said. She was looking at Nicholas with wide eyes. I can't imagine she ever

a pleasure to

told him, when Anna

he finished

giggle, like it was an impulse,

wider, pleased

She fled. "No one is ever going

to me. "Piper," he

I couldn't help myself. It had been less than a day, but his absence had been noted. His presence had been missed. I hated that I couldn't call

only been apart a short time, but he had

some part of myself, deep down,

me and I immediately went within them. He closed his arms around me and I felt like

heard Anna waking Elva and shuffling around, cleaning no doubt.

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

had questions. I braced myself

there. Honestly, I should have known better. Nicholas had never been the judgmental type. He was the kind of guy who worried about everyone, and helped

this place that I used to live, he seemed more curious

give me the tour?"

It was small, but it had all of the major amenities. Stove, fridge, oven, coffee pot. Not much to

room, we could hear Elva and Anna talking

room with interest. His gaze snagged on the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255