CHAPTER 22: HOW COULD I PREVENT THAT?

Matilda's POV

"Do you think I can skip work today?" I groaned from the soreness still present in my body. "Tilly, are you sure you are okay?" Tavi asked. "W-why?" I defensively asked. "I'm your best friend. I have known you since we were pups, even if you grew up here. I know when something is wrong. Is it Lawrence?" she asked accusingly. "N-no! Why would you say that?" I asked. "Tilly," she replied in agitation. "What? Let's just dress ourselves and head to the palace," I dismissively said.

Tavi rolled her eyes but stayed silent. Once we completed our usual routine, we walked in an awkward silence all the way to our stations.

"Matilda! A word!" Prince Lawrence called out to me. "Yes, my lord," I bowed. "I'll be down the hall," Tavi said walking away with a suspicious look on her face. "Okay," I replied turning my attention back toward Prince Lawrence.

Before I could register what was happening, I was being pulled down a dark corridor.

"What have you told her?" Lawrence growled. "Can