Chapter 259
Lani
I'm in my room when the door slams open so hard the hinges rattle.
Lira storms in, her face flushed, hair slightly mussed, and her night robe thrown on hastily. She looks like someone who didn't even finish thinking before acting.
"Is what His Highness is saying true?" she demands, gripping my shoulders like she can squeeze the truth out of me.
I let out a long breath and take a step back, gently prying her hands off me.
"Yes," I say simply.
Her lips part. "That can't be."
I guide her toward the bed and sit her down, taking her hands in mine.
"Lira," I begin softly, trying to ease the sting of what's to come.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you first."
She looks at me with confusion and hurt. "I thought… you were doing well with him. That everything was fine."
"Lira…" I trail off, searching for a way to say it that won't break her more than it has to.
Finally, I rip the bandage off. "I don't like His Highness."
Her eyes widen. "But you do—"
