What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball

by Elisabeth Aimee Brown

Why does he have to be so—so nice? How am I supposed to stay rational when he’s being all gentle and understanding?

Before I can reply, Lucas’ voice, cold and hard, comes from behind me. “Take your hands off of her, Hugh.”

What a man right there

Hester is leaving. I cannot make her stay, and I cannot go with her. She is not mine. I am not hers.

NOOOOO

“Oh?” I take two steps toward him, holding his gaze, then stretch up to my tiptoes and brush a feather-light kiss across his lips. He stands still. I back away. “Well then,” I say. He needn’t be so cold about it; it was his idea—