The gathered crowd quieted at Nicholas and Julian’s declaration. The King narrowed his gaze.
“You are saying that Piper did this.”
“Yes,” Nicholas said without hesitation.
Around us, the speculative gazes of the onlookers were more than enough to tell of their disbelief. Yet before they could make me nervous, Julian’s easy laughter claimed everyone’s attention.
“Have you all forgotten how talented Piper is with a bow? She nearly matched me shot for shot during our archery event.”
No one could deny the truth of that. Soon the speculative glances returned more to ones of annoyance and jealousy.
“Very good, Piper.” The King studied me closely, draped over Nicholas’s back as I was. “Though it seems you have gotten injured.”
“A twisted ankle,” I said.
“I will have the physician make cer
