"Luciana, halt this instant!" Prince Nicholas commanded, his voice booming like a storm. Even though she didn't want to obey, she knew better than to resist. With his men behind him, the gravity of his authority was undeniable, and she couldn't afford to dismiss his presence.
"Your Highness, I assure you, Dora is not that kind of person. She would never push Lady Evelyn, no matter the circumstances," she implored, her voice steady yet tinged with urgency.
"You must believe me—Dora and I have shared countless moments through the years. I know her heart and her character better than anyone. She is truly innocent," she insisted as Nicholas approached.
Nicholas had never seen her worried about someone so much before; it even made him jealous seeing her caring so deeply for someone who wasn't him. But seeing her this worried and on the verge of tears, he felt like giving her everything she wanted; he wanted to lay the world at her feet.
