Ice and Fire novel Chapter 722

"That's not fair Violet. You know I'm coming back alone," Alice said, in a slightly bitter tone,"I am single. Not like you, I don't have anyone to care about me. Poor, lonely Alice," she whined and pretended to sob.

Alice was joking really. She knew Violet understood that this was all a play act to amuse the two of them.

"Come on," Violet coaxed,"You won't be alone here. Once you're back, then you'll be with me. Do you remember our promise that we're never going to part." She hoped the words comforted Alice, because she knew deep down she cared. Thinking of her and Alice being friends forever made Violet feel warm inside.

"Yeah, we'll be together forever," Alice echoed decisively.

"Have you told Uncle Derek and Aunt Amy that you're coming back?" Violet interjected.

"Nope, not yet. I wanted to tell you first. I'm planning to call them later, otherwise I'll be in big trouble when I get home!" she answered, making a mental note to remember to call them.

"Oh, they'll be so pleased. I saw them the other day and they are dying for you to get back. You better tell them today," Violet responded.

"I promise, I'm going to call them later, I've made a note of it," Alice responded,"Eh, your brother told me that he won't make it home for now. What do you make of that?" she continued tentatively.

"He just loves being away I guess, and loves the country he lives in now. I'm not sure he wants to see me, to be honest," she faltered,"Since our parents are away, I'm the only one here and I'm not sure he wants to be around me." She could only get the words out to Alice.

"I'd hate to think that, but him loving being abroad makes sense. Other than that, I can't imagine another reason why he wouldn't come back," Alice tried to reassure her.

"Well there might be one other reason," Violet countered, her eyes brightening as she thought of it.

"Oh yeah, what's that then?" Alice enquired, curious to hear her friend's thoughts.

"Well, perhaps he's found a lady abroad, so he has no desire to come back," Violet proffered, convincing herself this was the case.

Greg was amused by the expression on Violet's features; if it hadn't been her brother, he wouldn't have believed that she'd made such a judgement. She was so cute in denial.

"I see, that sounds like a reasonable assumption," Alice agreed, thinking to herself, 'That makes sense. Lawrence has always been handsome and charming, and a hit with the ladies. It's a definite possibility that a women is keeping him there.'

"It's definitely plausible, in fact I think that must be it," Violet was repeating herself, in the hopes that it were true.

"There are plenty of attractive women abroad, that's true. Every girl I saw in Paris was absolutely gorgeous, from head to toe. They all were so stylish, with such grace. Plus their make-up was perfect, along with the latest hairstyles. Perfection!" Alice spoke admiringly, harking back to her days in Paris.

"I'm just so glad that Greg only has eyes for me," Violet murmured.

Greg glanced over at Violet and her benign smile made a wave of guilt wash over him. 'She doesn't know about Cassie. What if she knows? Is she going to go crazy at me?' The thought made him uneasy and he looked away.

"Yes, you have nothing to worry about Violet. Greg's not like other men. He's the best in the world! I remember when we were at school, he was always on your side and protecting you. He's such a good man!" Alice agreed with her. 'He's gentle, considerate and kind and most importantly, he adores Violet! I can't imagine anyone destroying the love you two share, ' she mulled.