12. After the kiss

[Layla’s POV]

I walked behind Jeffrey, Xavier’s friend, who had brought me back to the Palace from the clinic. A lot of things had been happening around me, but I paid no attention to anything other than the fact that I was indeed mated to Xavier.

“What kind of trickery is this?” I muttered.

“Are you okay?” Jeffrey asked, jarring me from my thoughts.

I gave a nervous chuckle. “Of course, I am. I was just thinking about something,” I responded.

“May I ask what it is that you are thinking of?” he inquired.

“It’s nothing,” I replied.

He knocked on the gate and upon confirming his identity, the gate was opened and we both went inside.

“Can’t believe I have to return back to the prison,” I said, heaving a sigh.

“Trust me, things will get better. Just hang in there,” he said.

I smiled. “Thanks. You’re not a bad person,” I noted.

“You got that right. Before I take you back to your cell, I wanted to ask if you feel much better now,” he said.

I nodded my head in the affirmative. “I