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Elle clenched her eyes shut and bit her tongue to keep fro "I knew this is ould happen," Elle said "I knew it, but it’s worth it They’re free now Severin is free, Emele is free I just want the her back to the present "Right, let’s get you stabled," she said, leading Fidele towards the barn

She glanced over her shoulder, just in tiroom waved before he was yanked away from theby an adult

Teeks later Elle was in the palace to hand in her last report detailing the assassination atteer who reported directly to Prince Lucien

Severin and his household had returned to the palace Banquets and balls had been thrown every day since Severin’s ho at all of his servants

Elle trekked across the courtyard wearing a black cloak over her Ranger uniform The hood was pulled up, and she almost missed the tentative call

"Elle?"

Elle turned to see Oliver, holding Fidele’s reins and standing under the stable overhang to escape the falling snow

Elle smiled, heartened that at least one of Severin’s servants hadn’t rejected her "Hello, Oliver"

Oliver beamed He took a step forward but stopped when Severin said, "Thank you, Oliver, you may return indoors" The tall prince stepped out of the shadows of the barn to take Fidele’s reins He was dressed for riding, wearing black boots, leather gloves, and his shiny hair was pulled back in a straight, orderly ponytail

Oliver sketched a bow to Severin before he scurried back inside the stable, leaving Severin and Elle alone

Severin stared at Elle with flat, lifeless eyes The war there except for distrust and aversion

Elle hesitated before she curtsied

"Your pony has been brought to the stables"

Elle looked up froht to the stables," Severin repeated, his voice cold and impersonal

"Do you mean Rosemerry?" Elle asked

Severin briefly flattened his lips "Yes"

"You’re still giving hio back on my word, even to those who are dishonorable"

Elle flinched, but said nothing to defend herself

"Was there anything you didn’t lie about? You obviously aren’t an indentured servant I iine your family doesn’t live in the country--if you even have a family"

Elle sed and kept her chin up