Page 151 of Violet

“She’ll never forgive me.”

“She shouldn’t,” Heath says bluntly. “As of now, the scandal’s been held under wraps, but man…it’s not gonna be for long. There’s a dinner with the Monarch. You need to be there.”

“Fuck that.”

We drink, and he keeps checking his phone. It dawns on me he’s trying to keep an eye on things at home, and I’m guessing Violet’s still at the country estate. Still hiding. Still doing the right thing as much as she can for her family.

“I’ll shoulder the scandal.”

“Or you could, y’know, fix shit.”

“Don’t you think I fucking tried? Violet wants nothing from me. All my gifts and apologies are thrown back at me. I’m just…” I take a deep breath. “I’m just lost. For the first time in my life, I don’t know what to do.” I breathe out. “I did this not to lose her and I ended up losing her anyway.”

“You’re right.”

“I think…I’m in love with her.”

Heath doesn’t say anything for a while. Then he has a sip and says, “I know. That’s the only reason why you’re still alive.”

“So what do I do? What grand gesture is grand enough to win her back?”

“There isn’t one. Time? Or maybe you simply missed out.”

“Fuck.”

He stands and sets the glass down. “Did you tell her, Stephan?”

“Tell her what?”

“That you love her.”

“No.”

Because I didn’t believe in it anymore until the princess upended my life.

“Then,” he says, “you’re a fucking fool.”

“Why are you standing?”

“Because, asshole, I didn’t come here to drink with you all evening. I came to bring you back—by the Monarch’s decree.”

“Oh, fuck that.”

Heath grabs me and hauls me up. “This isn’t about you and your beef with the Monarch. It’s about Violet and her reputation. So get ready. We’re leaving in ten.”

The Queen fucking Bee has been busy, buzzing about the lack of me or Violet being seen either on Sabine or in Emporia. But as I read all the Stitches from the Bee and others, it seems my aunt has put out a public announcement about a dinner.

As we land at Pen’s, I’m aware that it’s not just about me. It’s Violet who’s meant to turn up.

“This is as far as I go,” Heath says. “This is supposedly a private dinner with you and Vi and the Monarch.”

“That all of Sabine knows about.”

He sighs and gives me a shove. “Move. I don’t know if my sister will show. The rest is up to you. And if she does, tell her. You at least owe her that.”

The moment I exit, the helicopter takes off, presumably to drop Heath at home.

I make my way in.

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