When we returned to the palace, Nicholas pulled the car into the garage. As he turned off the engine, he said, “I’ll walk you back to your room.”
The words shot a volt of life through me. “No.”
He looked at me. “No?”
Fear in my eyes, I returned his gaze. “I can’t let Elva see me like this.”
Nicholas pressed his lips hard together. He took in the sight of me, scantily clad, hiding in Julian’s suit coat with my bare legs exposed.
“You can stay in my rooms,” he said. “I’ll stay nearby so you won’t be alone.”
I nodded.
Nicholas texted Mark to let him know the plan. “Mark will stay and guard Elva through the night.”
“Thank you,” I said, and hoped he would convey my appreciation to Mark himself.
Nicholas sent another text, and then rounded the car and helped me from it.
Together, Nicho
