Chương 12: Chapter 12

She didn't pout when he drew away, but it was a near thing.

"You'd best return to your party, Highness, for all I would happily endure being caught in the middle of decadent behavior with you. It won't help your cause if your stepfather is provoked and punishes you." He took her hand in both of his and pressed a lingering kiss to the back of it. "We are honored to serve." He and Ahmla swept her elegant bows, and Shanna reluctantly left.

After making her way back to the washroom, Shanna tidied her hair and clothes before finally returning to the luncheon.

By the time she got through the rest of her day, including another long dinner, she was desperate to find her bed and enjoy a few blissful hours of sleep.

Unfortunately, the hardest part was yet to come.