The Legend of the Eight: The Hunted (Book 5)

4: Coronation Day

FOUR: CORONATION DAY
FEBRUARY 7
NICOLE BRADLEY

THEY ARRIVED AT THE PALACE early Sunday morning and were immediately overwhelmed by the bustling traffic inside. Caterers moved swiftly to and from the staff kitchen while dozens of suited professionals directed others to set up things in the Ballroom exactly as the Queen instructed.

Nicole Bradley entered the palace through the foyer with her older sister, Mariella, and behind them was a pair of footman carrying their bags in from the car.

"Be careful with that one. It's Givenchy," Mare said, watching her duffle and garment bags disappear up the stairs to a guest room where the girls would stay until the ceremony later that night.

"This is crazy," Nicole said to her sister, gazing around at the decorations being carted in for the reception afterwards. Like all Diamond affairs, it was bound to be an extravagant one and Nicole couldn't wait. After three months of hell, there was nothing she needed more than a fun night.

"Your boyfriend, the Prince, is going to be a King by the end of today—he's going to be the King."

Mare snickered. "And your boyfriend is going to be the same person he is right now," she teased and Nicole rolled a pair of turquoise eyes at her. "But seriously, Nic. He may not be royalty but Alex Hummel is a real catch. Those eyes, I mean come on!"

Nicole beamed, still in disbelief that she and Alex managed to rekindle their relationship over the holidays and it was still going strong. She even told him the truth about the Eight and it only brought them closer.

"Miss Bradley," said a skinny guy in a navy suit, approaching both Bradleys with a clipboard which he stared intently at. "His Royal Highness requested a word with you before you head up to get ready. I can take you to him now."

"Thank you, Adam," Mare replied to Leo's assistant and then turned to Nicole. "You going to be okay? The twins should be upstairs if you want to hang with them until I'm done."

"I'll be fine," Nicole nodded so Mariella left with Adam and then Nicole started up the grand staircase, turning to the right where the palace's residence wing was.

After spending the holidays with the Diamonds, Nicole had become quite familiar with the palace. She spent most of her time around the living areas like bedrooms, kitchen, and lounge, but she could navigate her way without much trouble.

When she reached the top of the stairs, she heard the large double doors at the front of the foyer open, echoing through the halls. And there, in the midst of the chaos and the frantic preparations for the coronation ceremony, Nicole heard a very distinct set of footsteps against the marble. She turned at the top of the stairs and watched a lone man part the madness, marching through it effortlessly.

He walked with a cane bouncing from side to side like a blind man and he wore a long leather trench that skimmed his ankles. His hair was dark with a strip of gray on either side and covering his eyes was a pair of thick, black goggles that seemed to be impairing his vision—thus, the cane.

Nicole couldn't explain that feeling that entered her gut when she saw him. She couldn't quite put it into words but if she could, it was something colder than cold. Emptier than vacancy. Haunting her. It left her feeling like a part of her soul was missing.

"THAT'S HIM," KATE SAID WHEN Nicole told her about the man in the goggles. The girls were in Kate's bedroom, surrounded by a dozen stylists, technicians, and assistants who worked tirelessly to prepare them for the ceremony.