chapter 138

They hauled him away, presumably taking him off the grounds. I was proud of myself for holding back and not killing him and I hoped he was smart enough to keep his distance.

“Thought you might want these, your highness,” the housekeeper woman held up my black pants, shirt, and jacket that I’d abandoned in the storage closet.

“Thank you,” I said. “Seriously. For everything.” I pulled on my clothes, grateful for the warmth.

She smiled. “We waited a long time for someone to stand up to him.”

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Claire,” she said.

“Do you like your job, Claire?” I asked.

She laughed. “I’m pretty sure I got myself fired tonight.”

“I think your boss is the only one who got fired tonight,” Malcom said.

“What are you good at, Claire?” I asked.

Her smile faded and she looked down at her hands.

“What’s wrong?” My brow furrowed. Had I offended her?

She looked up. “I had a mark once. I was meant to be a protector. I’m not sure if I’m good at it, because they didn’t let me try.”

“Do you