LOGINI pressed my lips together, forcing a smile and hoping my nerves didn’t come through.“Understood,” I said.Without another word, he turned and walked in the opposite direction. With a tightening chest, I walked towards where Gemma was with a few other girls. They were giggling at something she was
Joanne’s POVToday was technically my first day at the clinic. Yesterday, after I saved that patient, I was shown the ropes before I was sent on my way. Today, they told me I'd be doing some actual work, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited.I was finally going to feel useful again, like I di
He lowered himself so his lips were only inches from mine. I knew I should have pulled away, told him to go to hell, and that I won’t be his mistress. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that; his scent was alluring, and the way he looked at me made my heart skip a beat.My emotions were all over the
Joanne’s POVI stepped away from him as if he had burned me, and I started to back into my room. He followed me inside and shut the door.“Who were you talking to?” I wanted to ask him why it mattered. But my lips wouldn’t form the words.“I thought Talia left something behind…” I tell him. “What
“I don’t know,” she finally said. “I think there is more to it.”When I didn’t say anything more, she let out a breath.“He cares for you, Lady Joanne. He sought me out himself and asked me to bring you a meal. Lady Vivien was not in sight. I know it might be hard to believe, but you are worth the l
Joanne’s POVMy chest ached; I ran back to my chambers as fast as I could, my heart feeling as though it was going to explode. I didn’t want Alexander and Vivien to see me cry; thankfully, the tears didn’t come until I was a great distance away.I opened the door and stepped inside, letting a sob es
“Don’t move too much. Your body isn’t ready for it,” she warned. “You should be back on your feet within the hour. I’m Laura, by the way, the healer.”“Joanne Thorne,” I introduced.“I’m aware of who you are. You are His Highness’ newest blood slave.”My cheeks flushed at her words; I wasn’t sure wh
Joanne’s POVThe silence was worse than laughter.I clutched Alexander’s cloak to my chest, wishing I could sink into the marble floor and vanish. The sound of the ripping fabric still echoed in my ears. I had tried to cover myself, but it had been too late.They had all seen it.The King’s voice cu
The crowd parted as we entered the hall, bows bending like reeds. My cheeks burned near the delicate filigree mask Mary had tied for me.The King had taken his seat on the throne, and the silence was so thick that it could be cut with a knife.The herald raised his voice again, booming for all to he
Lucia mentioned that he wanted to marry her… perhaps she had left him heartbroken and alone.I couldn’t imagine anyone ever leaving Prince Alexander willingly.I wasn’t sure why the thought of me being only a replacement bothered me so much. But it made my chest ache, and tears brimmed in my eyes. I







