Chapter 0264
A small, irrational part of me wanted to turn around and walk out, but that would be ridiculous. Instead, I stepped up to the counter and focused on placing my order: the usual drinks for James and me. I’d hoped Fiona wouldn’t
notice me.
No such luck.
“Ella!” she called out, her voice bright with excitement.
I turned, forcing a smile. “Hello, Fiona.”
“We have to stop meeting like this,” she joked.
“It seems we have very similar tastes,” I replied lightly. “How have you been?”
“I’m good!” she said, her smile genuine. “I’m taking an extended lunch break today–there’s a long meeting later that I need to brace myself for. How about you? Have things been crazy with Alexander since the King’s big announcement?”
“It’s certainly been interesting,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “I take it you know what the plan is?”
She nodded knowingly. “Of course. Alexander’s always talked about wanting to pursue the role of King.”
“That’s right,” I confirmed, the words coming out more evenly than I’d expected.
“If you’re not too busy, I’d love to sit down and chat,” Fiona said, her tone light but eager.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I have time.”
“I’ll grab your drinks when they’re ready,” James offered.
“Thank you,” Fiona said, flashing him a bright smile. Then she turned to me and gestured toward the seating area. “Where would you like to sit?”
“It doesn’t matter,” I replied.
We chose a table near the window, and Fiona settled into her seat with an excited smile. She leaned her elbows on the table, her body angled forward, brimming with energy
“So,” she began, “the election. Are you nervous? Excited? How are you feeling?”
“A bit nervous,” I admitted, trying to sound composed. “But I’m sure it’s nothing I can’t handle. Alexander and L have been navigating the spotlight together since the beginning of our relationship. This will be more intense, of course, but nothing we can’t manage.”
“That’s good,” she said, her tone genuinely reassuring. “Alexander can be a bit reckless about things sometimes, but you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I’m sure you’ll keep him grounded.”
I frowned slightly, picking up on the edge in her words. “What do you mean by ‘reckless about things‘?”
“Well, you know,” she said, waving a hand vaguely. “With some of his past… indiscretions. It’s always surprised te that he’s as public as he is. If anyone were to dig too far into his background or Diana gets gossiping..” Fiona trailed off abruptly, her expression shifting as she realized what she’d said. Her eyes went wide, and she glanced at me nervously.
“What would they find?” I asked, leaning forward and keeping my voice low.
“Nothing,” she answered too quickly, the word automatic. Just normal youthful indiscretions.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0264
“That’s not what you mean, and we both know it,” I said,
and he’s entitled to them. But if there’s somethiny voice calm but firm. “I know Alexander has secrets,
know.”
that could cause a scandal or jeopardize the election, I need to
Fiona’s gaze darted to James, who stood near the counter, giving us space but still within earshot. She bit her lower lip, visibly conflicted.
“It’s not my place,” she said softly. “I’m sorry. I assumed be’d told you everything
“So he is hiding something,” I said thoughtfully, more to myself than to her. I’d had a feeling, but this only confirmed it.
“It’s nothing you need to be concerned about,” Fiona insisted, but her tone lacked conviction.
I studied her carefully, and it was clear she was lying–or at least withholding something. There was a weight to her hesitation, a warning buried in her words.
Whatever she wasn’t saying, it wasn’t trivial. It was something potentially dangerous, something that could derail everything if it came to light.
This wasn’t just about me or Alexander anymore. The election was too important to allow any loose ends. This was about the well–being of the entire kingdom.
Today’s Bonus Offer
