~{LAUREN'S POV}~
*
Throughout the ride back to the palace, none of us said a word to each other. It was like we were saving our breaths for later.
On arriving back at the palace, I helped her out of the carriage but the moment she stood on her feet and wanted to walk away, I firmly held her hand, hindering her from going anywhere.
Due to that, she faced me and gave a suspicious look while I on the other hand just smiled at her.
"You can drop the charade now, your majesty. No one's watching." She unceremoniously said and I smiled even more.
"Where's the fun in that?" I asked but all she did was try to pull her hand from my grip.
When I didn't let go, she sighed and looked around to see if we were being watched which we were before looking at me again.
"Peculiar is waiting for you." She suddenly said.
"Is that an excuse to sneak away?" I asked in suspicion.
