#Chapter 24: It won’t happen again

Fiona “I’m sorry.” Alexander winced as he sat up in bed and slid over to the edge. “This was not your fault.” I shook my head, thinking about saying more but deciding against it. He had thanked me, down in the dungeon, for standing up to his stepmother in his defense. But I had yet to thank him for the beating he’d taken to spare me any consequence for the events that followed. I had decided that I didn’t need to give him any more encouragement. I was here at Alexander’s side, after all, tending to him like a nurse as he recovered from his injuries. I was showing my gratitude in actions and doing my duty as his Luna. Surely that was thanks enough. “No, that’s not what I meant.” Alexander looked me in the eye. His face was serious, with a look of slight embarrassment. “I meant… I’m sorry that I kissed you.” I looked away, blinking back an unwelcome flush of moisture in my eyes. I gave a single nod that he understood was an acceptance of his apology and a request not to tal