Page 15 (1/2)

Severin ed--very aptly from what Elle could see--to hold a quill in his thick, claw tipped fingers and scratch out a note

Elle shrugged at his indifference and turned to look at her crutches again Servants were lined up in front of the as they gestured for her to keep talking

The situation struck Elle as being odd, which was so day after the footmen carried her outside for the first time since her accident

"The entire dinner ard and silent He only ever acknowledged ed a dish," Elle explained to her faithful ladies maid as they h to stroll down the level, graveled paths in the thick garden even though Elle’s puffy skirts still gave her troubles)

"I fail to understand why I aht to dinner with Prince Severin Surely I’m beneath his notice," Elle said

Emele stopped to write Co Prince Severin needs my companionship like a peacock needs horse fur He clearly doesn’t want me there I a onis because of you and the rest of the Chateau servants," Elle said, walking further up the garden trail The arht, Elle felt confident she could go farther

Never! Emele wrote The Prince is too kind for that

"Say what you will, but I have experienced otherwise," Elle dryly said "What are the terms of his curse? It seems to have done very little to sweeten his temperament," she said Little was known of Prince Severin’s curse, even a the Crown’s servants

E Not my story to tell

"Why not? You were cursed with hi after her reenery They walked the peri down a path that alled in by giant hedges A wrought iron fence was snug against the outer hedge Elle wasn’t sure if it was meant to keep intruders out, or everyone else in

The weather was pleasant The sun ar and fall would soon sweep through the land

E on her slate

Elle paddled down the path for a fewher next question and occasionally stopping to push her skirts backwards "Will you be stuck like this forever?"

Eenerously No There is hope

"So the curse can be broken?" Elle said, stopping in surprise

Yes

"How?"

E

Elle raised an eyebrow "Not your story to tell?"

Ehter