her enemies with a quick flick of her hand, was now begging for her life as she lowered her head.
“No, my king, I apologise for speaking out of place.”
“King?!”My inner voice shouted as panic washed over me. He was not a lord as April addressed him. More lies, more
deceits.
“I will discuss everything with you later on, my princess.”His voice entered my mind and I wanted to shout at him in
front of everyone—in front of his court.
“Get up. No princess of ours shall stay on her knees. But know this, question my judgement again and you will pay.”
He looked at Vanessa as she rose, before turning his dark gaze on everyone else in the room. Clearly this message was not
just directed at his sister but his entire court.
“As for Princess Ornella, she is here of her own free will. By making our deal, she has agreed to become my wife.”
He held out his hand to me, just as he did before. Urging me to take it and stand beside him. Except my feet would not
move. My body was frozen from anxiety and mistrust. What else was he not telling me?
“I believe my bride may be a little overwhelmed by today’s events. You may all leave us and head into the dining hall. We
will join you momentarily.”
The room cleared out within seconds, most of the court disappearing into their own puffs of smoke, while others walked
out followed by the guards. Nicholas and I were left alone, making my body shake with adrenaline and fear.
What did she mean by starting another war? What had Ireallyagreed to other than to save my brother? There was
definitely more to this than what meets the eye.
Chapter 19
ORNELLA
Nicholas thought it best we took a walk around his garden as I clearly needed some fresh air after my ordeal. We were
quiet for the first few minutes of our walk. He kept his hands behind his back as I walked a few steps in front of him,
looking around the garden before me.
Beautiful moon flowers, night jasmine and evening primroses bloomed all around us. The garden had an ever-changing
scent with each step. The moon, a crescent shape, cascaded her light down towards us, while evening gas light lamps lit the
pathway.
Turning around, I could make out the sheer size of the castle up against the night starlit sky. It seemed to be towering over
everything. I was eager to see what this garden looked like during the daylight hours.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were a…eh…king?” I asked, finally breaking the silence between us. Now looking at him, I
waited for his answer while brushing my fingertips against a moon flower.