Page 78 of Dark Reign

Popping another grape into my mouth, I only looked up again when Elle didn’t speak or move long enough that it got my attention.

My brow quirked when I realized she was staring through the mirror’s reflection.

“What?”

A quick smile touched her lips and I wondered what she was thinking. “I just don’t think I’ve ever had a secret of my own that needed keeping.”

I grinned at her. “Don’t you have friends?”

Half of me couldn’t believe I even asked that. After all, she was merely a robot.

Elle’s gaze lowered when she stepped away, rummaging through the large basket she carried when first showing up at my door.

“I can’t say that I do. Not other than Prince Julian, but our dynamic is more that of an employer and employee,” she stated thoughtfully. “But I suppose it would be nice to have someone to share things with instead of always being the one to shoulder everyone else’s issues.”

Watching her, I couldn’t believe the words I was about to say, but said them anyway.

“You can talk to me whenever you want to,” I offered. “It’s good for a girl to have friends.”

Elle’s gaze met mine and the warm smile she gave felt sincere. “Friends. I like that.”

I nodded and set the empty stem on the vanity, belching into my fist.

“So, any tips before this press conference?”

She peered up. “I think you’ll be fine if you just smile and seem attentive. From what I gather, you’re not expected to speak. Only Julian.”

With a sigh, I tried to quench my nerves. “I can do that.”

Elle’s gaze lingered on me a bit longer than what felt natural, so I guessed there was something else.

“What?” I asked, feeling my brow quirk with curiosity.

“Nothing serious, it’s just that … I want to tell you something, but I’m conflicted.”

“Conflicted? Why?”

She rang her hands together and my intrigue grew a bit. “Because, it’s concerning the prince,” she confessed. “More specifically, his feelings for you.”

I blinked adamantly and tried not to give anything away with my expression.

“His … feelings?”

Elle nodded. “He hasn’t said much, so I’m not violating his trust, but … I think there’s something you should know,” she shared.

I was at a loss for words as I sat, wanting to hear more, but fearful of what Elle might say.

“He’s put his life in jeopardy a lot these last two days, and, in the time I’ve known him, he’s proven to only be so loyal for those he truly cares for—the Emperor and Empress, his Dynasty Brothers.And now, with what he’s done to save you,” she went on, “he’s … thinking of turning himself into the magistrates soon.”

My stupid heart leapt at the thought of it, and despite no one being aware of the reaction other than me, I felt ashamed.

Ashamed that I cared.

Ashamed that the idea of him doing such a thing affected me.

Catching myself lending too much emotion to what Elle just revealed, I pulled back, folding my arms across my chest.

“Well, I’m certain that if hedoesdecide to go through with it, he’ll get little more than a slap on the wrist,” I rebutted, forcing a stiff smile. “After all, it’s not like Emperor Westower would allow anything to happen to his heir,” I stated, glancing up at Elle again for reassurance. “Right?”

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