The ground thudded under my feet suddenly and Nicholas pulled me in closer. The world reappeared around us as the
smoke receded, revealing the balcony of our suite.
“I don’t think I will ever get used to that,” I muttered.
Nic let go, stepping back. His warmth leaving my body felt like a piece of my own body was missing. I wasn’t sure if I
would ever get used to that feeling either. I knew deep down by morning he would return to his stone-cold hard self.
“I will order dinner to be brought up to us. There is something I must speak with you about.”
Heading into the bedroom, I watched him closely as he swung open the doors. The guards didn’t even flinch when they
saw Nic appear out of nowhere. Only seconds later he was leaning against the balcony door frame, staring at me.
“Shall we have a bath before or after dinner?”
“Oh, after would be best. What is it you wish to discuss?”
His eyes lowered to the floor for a second and then back up at me. I sensed his sudden change in demeanour. I wouldn't like
whatever this was about. Crossing the space between us, he took my hands in his and led me inside the room. Shutting the
doors behind us with a wave of his hand, Nic set me on the same sofa we'd shared many meals together on. I was still wrapped
in the cloak and cape, partially naked underneath.
“Nic, I could do with a shirt.”
He paid me no attention as he sat next to me and took my hands in his again.
“Your brother, Norok. He’s at the border and this morning, a letter arrived addressed to you.”
My eyes widened at how casual he spoke of Norok, and a lump formed in my throat. With everything that has happened
between us, I didn’t believe he’d really healed my brother. It would take more than a letter for me to fully be convinced.
“What did it say?”
“I didn’t think it would be appropriate for me to open it, even if my court demanded it."
Letting go of my hands, he headed to a small desk on the other side of the room, opened a draw and then held up a letter.
“It has your family's seal. I know it’s from Norok as the messenger said it came directly from the crowned prince.”
He held it out for me, but I did not move, trembling from head to toe. If this was true, Norok may have woken up expecting
to find me at his side. When he did not, he most likely flew into a panic after finding out I’d left. There was no telling what
exactly our mother told him. If only he knew the reason, that I did it to save him. And selfishly, I’d done it to save myself.
“Here. I will give you a few minutes alone. I must speak to Nora, but I will be back momentarily.”
Kissing my forehead as he handed over the letter, he left me in the candle lit room. My fingers shook when I saw the
beautiful handwriting of my brother.
My dearest sister,
