Chapter 102: Stuck in the Middle Ages

Luke and his mother had been caught mid-argument. They were both standing, despite the array of comfortable leather couches in Luke’s room, and they glared at each other as the two women entered.

Hallie had actually never been to this private suite of Luke’s rooms before. It was more stylish and mature than she would have expected. All the décor matched, arrayed in pleasant, dark colors. Dark like his soul, she thought, trying not to grin.

“Hello, Miss Mathews,” the queen said coldly. “I hope you’re not still planning to ‘announce your engagement’ after what we’ve just been through.”

“That’s not entirely up to me,” Hallie said, trying not to sound surprised at the queen’s rather abrupt greeting.

“Annamaria, I see you’re colluding with her too,” the queen added.

“’Colluding’?” the princess said with an affable smile. “Really?”

Hallie found Anna’s presence comforting in this moment. It seemed nothing could shatter the princess’s rock-solid good will.