My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 36

Apphia

I’ve been awake but don’t open my eyes or move. My first thought when I woke up was Nicholas. He comforted me when I was crying after the nightmare 1 had. I dreamed that Rory was assaulting me again, but this time, it was way worse. I was scared, but thankful Nicholas heard me and came in. For some reason, I trust him. I know he’d never hurt me.

1 finally get up, and my gaze instinctively goes to the glass table. Like the other mornings, there is a note and a flower. I read the note.

Good morning, beautiful. You had a nightmare last night, and I stayed with you. Thank you for trusting me. May your day be as lovely as you,‘

Nicholas.

I bring the pink lotus to my nose and put it in a large drawer. I go to the bathroom and look at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are red and sunken, indicating how much I cried. I quickly shower and change into a black long–sleeved dress just above my knees, paired with black tights, and wear black suede ankle boots. Lily said I should try accessories, so I picked a pair of pearl earrings and put them on, then added a pearl hairpin to my bun to style it. I feel a little embarrassed, but I don’t take them off.

Emily gave me a castle map to use until I get used to it, but I still need help. I wander around before I stop one of the servants to ask for directions,

“Good morning,” I say hesitantly. The young lady smiles and bows deeply to me.

“No, please, don’t do that… Don’t bow to me,” I tell her. She looks a little confused but nods slowly.

May I be of assistance, Miss?” she asks.

“Um, yes. Can you please point me to the main foyer?” I ask.

“Of course,”

She leads me to the first floor.

“Thank you,”

“A pleasure, miss,” she smiles and walks away.

I descend the stairs and notice Prince Nicholas standing at the bottom, talking to a tall, thin man. He stiffens and slowly turns his head towards me. Our gazes lock, and my heart begins to palpitate in my chest. I raise my fingers to touch my cameo necklace, but realize it’s not on my neck anymore. It’s a brutal reminder that I lost something so dear, something my mother gave me.

“Good morning,” he breathes, kissing my cheek. I didn’t even realize he had climbed the stairs to meet

1. me.

“Good morning, Nicholas. Thank you for the note and for staying with me last night after my nightmare,” I say, chasing away my nervousness. He only nods with a faint smile, his gaze holding mine.

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Chapter 38

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“Let’s have breakfast together,” he says, taking my hand. I feel a static shiver go through me. I want to withdraw my hand from his, but he’s holding on tight. His hand is cold. I wonder why. Naturally, shifters have warm body temperatures. It’s a surprise he’s this cold. Yet my stomach does somersaults.

As we walk together to the dining room, I notice the servants working and decorating the castle with balloons. It looks so lively.

“Why are they decorating?” I ask.

“Mom is throwing a banquet tomorrow. She loves to host,” he answers.

We find Lily eating breakfast while reading a newspaper in the dining room. She turns her attention towards us and beams.

“Good morning, pretty girl,” I smile, shy at her compliment.

“Good morning, long time no see,”

“Did you miss me yesterday?” she asks ruefully.

“Um, yes. I’m used to having you around,” I answer timidly. I feel Nicholas‘ amused gaze on me.

“Well, I missed you, too. I was busy with work. However, you will see me a lot today.”

Nicholas pulls a chair for me to sit on–such a gentleman. Eager servants bring us breakfast. I frown, looking at the food before me.

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Apphia, do you not like your egg Benedict?” Lily asks.

“I’ve never tried it before,” I reply, still looking at the food. Even though I learned how to cook many meals for my pack then, I didn’t eat most of it.

“They can get you something else,” Nicholas offers. “Eggs on toast, bacon or sausage, and fruit.”

I can’t believe he even knows what I eat for breakfast. I look at him, amazed. Does he know all my tastes?

“No, I’ll eat the egg Benedict,” I say, picking up my fork and knife to eat, too. They nod and start to eat

their breakfast.

“I heard you want to start training. That must be exciting,” Lily says.

“Yes, it is. I’ve never trained before,” I tell her enthusiastically. I take a forkful of my egg Benedict. It’s so delicious!

“What do you mean you’ve never trained before?” Nicholas asks after a long silence.

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‘My father didn’t allow me,” I answer nonchalantly. The two exchange a glance and frown in the same

manner. It’s cute.

“Why?” Lily asks.

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He hates me,” I reply, trying to sound unfazed, but it’s breaking my heart.

“And your alpha just allowed a pack member not to get training?” Lily’s voice is growing stern and

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curious.

My father was the alpha of our pack, so what he said was law. Plus, many people hated me in my pack and would beat me when I attempted to train with them,” I explain. I grimace, remembering how Calla and her minions beat me when I went to training once. I reported it to my father, but he told me to stick to cooking and cleaning for the pack. He said I didn’t deserve training for what I did; my punishment would be being helpless from any form of attack. I shake my head to get rid of the horrible memory and take another bite of my food when I suddenly feel a murderous aura. Oh shit. How did I let those words slip so casually from my mouth? I drop my cutlery and bring my fingers to my mouth.

hapter 57

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