#Chapter 33: A game of chess

I pulled my phone out while Alexander was in the bathroom, and texted Nina. She was up late as usual, and responded right away. Me: Just saw your missed calls. It’s a long story, but I’m fine. Home now with A. Nina: Phew!! We were all so worried about you!!! My stomach dropped. That was not good. Nina had been speaking to Alexander while I had been missing from the palace evening. So he knew full well that I was lying to his face when I told him I’d been with her. Me: Can we try that brunch date again, tomorrow? Nina: Ofc. Just tell me what time babe. Me: Text you when I wake up? It’s been a day Nina: Anything u want. I’ll be up. Playing with this sexy soldier tonight. And then she sent a bunch of vegetable emojis that, when strung together in the order she put them in, were actually really effective at telling a quite explicit little story. Me: You are dirty! I cracked a smile for the first time all day and thanked Nina in my mind for being her wonderful sel