When I returned to my room, I changed into my pajamas and slid into bed. Elva was already fast asleep. Yet no matter how long I laid there, or which way I tossed and turned, I could not find sleep.
My mind was still with Nicholas in that hallway. I could only imagine the terrible things the King was saying to him.
Would Nicholas be forced to break up with me? Would he volunteer to do so?
I knew Nicholas cared for me, but his duty to the kingdom would always be his first priority. I’d always known that. I still dreaded the day when it would start to affect us enough to make Nicholas choose between me and his kingdom. Maybe we’d reached that point at last.
It felt much too soon.
The next morning, I woke early and walked with Elva down to breakfast. I held my breath most of the way, ha
