Chapter 6
Right after he said it, Lord Edmund–usually the picture of calm–rolled up his sleeves and punched Alistair square in the jaw.[]
I rushed in between them.[]
“Have you both lost your minds? This is the palace!“[]
The second they heard my voice, they froze mid–fight.]
Maybe it reminded them of who I used to be three years ago.
They both turned toward me, their eyes burning.[]
I backed off again.
This time, I gave only the barest nod and left without another word.[]
But just as I turned the corner to head back inside, I smacked right into someone’s chest–solid, broad.]
“You always did run fast,” he said. “Still the same as before.”
Lknew that voice–it was Crown Prince Leopold.[]
But something about it felt eerily familiar. []
Like I’d heard it before, but couldn’t place when.[]
I moved to curtsy out of habit, but he grabbed my arm gently.
ne.“0
“I already told you,” he said, “you saved my life. You never have to bow to me.”
Saved his life?
What?
When the hell did I become his savior?
Before I could say a word, he reached into his coat and clipped a warm ivory pendant to my belt.
“If you ever need anything–anything at all–show this at the palace gates. I’ll come.“]
I stood there stunned.]
And he just smiled, gave a little salute, and strolled away like nothing had happened.[]
Right before he disappeared into the light pouring in from the windows, he turned back.
“Hey—just to be clear,” he shouted.
“That promise I made to marry you? Still stands.“]
“I never go back on my word.“[]
Then he laughed–loud and carefree–and vanished through the doors.
For a split second, it felt like I was back in that camp three years ago.
I’d just joined the military unit, fresh out of my old life.
I’d never faced real hardship before, but we marched hundreds of miles, and my feet were bleeding within days.[]
The officers didn’t cut me any slack. I was just another mouth to order around.[]
One day, we had to get supplies to the front line–dangerous terrain, live fire. No one volunteered.]
So they picked me.]
Expendable. Invisible.
But I knew the troops needed that food. So I went.
That was my first time hearing gunfire up close–smoke, screams, pure chaos.]
I didn’t know where the strength came from, but I made it.]
UNCRAVE
1329
Chapter 6
1 got the supply carts through.
And then I just disappeared into the mess.
No one noticed. No one cared
But somehow–he noticed?]
Even when I was nothing?
Even when I wasn’t supposed to matter?]
Not once in those three years did anyone look at me with kindness. Even after I proved myself, they kept me buried under grunt work.
So no, I couldn’t believe him. I wouldn’t believe him]
By the time I got back to the dining hall, the banquet was over.[]
I rode back to the Heartford estate in silence.
I knew I wasn’t welcome inside.]
So I went around back, toward the guest house Lord Edmund had set up for me.[]
But before I could reach the door, Alistair stepped out of the shadows and blocked my way.]
“You can’t stay in Lord Edmund’s guesthouse,” he said.
I narrowed my eyes. “Why not?“]]
“You seriously don’t get it? After what he said back at the palace?“]
The guy’s not looking at you like a niece anymore.“[]
I blinked. “What are you talking about?”
Alistair’s voice dropped, full of fire.]]
“Ever since he found out you’re not really a Heartford, Edmund’s intentions changed.“]]
That man doesn’t see you as family. Not anymore.“]]
They Chase Blood Over Love Now They Cry of My GRAVE
