To Kiss a King 2

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Nora tried to fill her days being totally engrossed in various random activities. After the encounter with Erickson, the sadness she had once felt threatened to consume her once again. But she wouldn’t let it. She had gotten past it, she had dealt with the consequences and now almost everyone had forgotten it. Everyone expect her mother, who is just spurred by a need to marry her off despite what had occurred many years ago.

Nora reread the books she had loved as a child, but every mention of love had her thrusting the book in the opposite direction. She bit the inside of her cheek as tears welled in her eyes. 

It was time to get out of the house. She had to get up, walk around and do something. Or else she feared she might go crazy. 

“Mother?” She called out from the floor in the library, not offering to move an inch. 

“She’s not in at the moment, she’s gone out.” The voice of her maid, pulled her eyes to the doorway. 

“Where has she gone to?” Nora propped herself up on an elbow. 

“I believe she mentioned something about picking up your cousin.” 

Nora sat up instantly. “No, not...not Eloise.” 

Jenny shifted, her tell tale sign that she was formulating a hard answer. 

“Yes, and you best cut her some slack. She’s a nice girl.” 

“Sure, when you put aside the rumor mongering and cutting remarks at every turn. Yes, quite the lady.” Nora sneered. 

“That was a long time ago Nora..”

“I don’t want to hear it. She...she is responsible for...for-”  Nora swallowed hard and stood up quickly. 

Jenny swiftly came over and put an arm around her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would still get to you after all this time.”

“Truly, I didn’t think it would either. But this is just too much. I must leave before she arrives, I’m going into the market. Don’t expect me for dinner.” 

“What am I to tell your mother?” Jenny inquired softly, not objecting the idea. 

“Tell her... I’ve been invited to the castle, that’ll cover any questions or objections.” 

Nora quickly grabbed her cloak and a small change purse from her dresser and set for the front door. 

Just as she was about to exit the door swung open to reveal the charming Eloise.