Chapter 255


    Chapter 0255


    I nodded, grim.


    “I should send you home tonight,” the King said.


    “But, father” Nichs began.


    The King held up his hand, stopping him. “But I will wait for the public’s reaction. They have protected


    you thus far, Piper. Tonight you showed them your true colors. We’ll see if their love for you persists.”


    I bowed. “Thank you for your leniency, Your Majesty.”


    “Nathan will procure you a list for your apology letters,” the King said.


    “Right away,” Nathan agreed.


    “Don’t let this happen again, Piper. There will be no leniency a second time.”


    “I understand. Thank you, Sir.”


    The King waved his hand, dismissing us.


    Nichs offered me his arm and then led me from the room.


    When we were safe down a lonely hallway, Nichs stopped, released my arm, and turned to face me.


    “We could have told him the truth.”


    “No,” I said.


    “He’s the King. If anyone could help us-


    “Remember what Julian said? We don’t know who to trust! And even if the King himself isn’t in on it,


    who knows what lies Terry has been feeding him over the years?”


    “Then let’s go to the public instead,” Nichs said. “They’ve always supported you before. If they knew


    the truth –


    “And what of Elva? If the whole world knows the truth, how would we keep it from her?” 4


    Nichs crossed his arms but fell silent. He didn’t have an answer.


    After a long moment, he spoke again. “If we don’t do something, you will be a victim in the court


    of public opinion, Piper. My father did not expel you from the contest simply because he believes he


    doesn’t have to. He expects the public toe for your head.”


    “I know that.” Of course I knew that. The King has always made his disdain for me clear. Even from the


    beginning, Julian had told me I was only here as a publicity stunt. I’d always only been here by the grace


    of the public. If they were to turn on me, I would be out the next hour, if not the next minute.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Nichs exhaled. “Piper, I want to protect you.”


    His words made me soften. “I know, Nichs. But I’m trapped. Don’t you see? Jane has me cornered


    and she knows it. And once I’m gone from the pce…”


    “Is that what Terry talked to you about? Did he threaten you?”


    “It was less a threat than a promise. He made clear I’de crawling to him.”


    “That bastard.” Nichs’s voice took on a dangerous growl. “As if you would ever.”


    “But I might have to…” When I spoke, I taste bile. “When I’m out on the street, who else will help me with


    Elva?”


    “Not him.” Nichs gripped me by the upper arms. “Never him. He takes things, Piper. He doesn’t give


    back. You’re worried the underground organization wille for her? If you go to him, he will deliver her


    straight to them.”


    I worried about that too. But what else could I do? If no one would help, she could die. “Maybe I’ll be able


    to convince him… If I’mpliant enough…”


    Nichs pulled me into his hard chest and wrapped his arms securely around me. 1


    “I won’t let that happen. I don’t care what I have to do. I will never let him have his way with you or with


    Elva.”


    I clung onto Nichs’s shirt. I wanted to believe him so badly, but what could he do? His parents trusted


    Terry implicitly. If he betrayed his uncle, it wouldn’t go unnoticed by the crown.


    “Give me time. I’ll think of something,” he said.


    I didn’t have much time to give, but… “Whatever time I have left here, it’s all yours.” (4


    Nichs kissed the top of my head. The anchor of his embrace was the only thing keeping me from


    washing away in despair.