#Chapter 55: Blackmail

The breath punched from my lungs. Linda maybe hadn’t eavesdropped on everything, but she had definitely heard that Nicholas and I had once dated. “I imagine that information would be quite problematic if it was to be publicly known.” With a sway of her hips, Linda sauntered closer. Problematic was an understatement, especially with the King’s threat on my life. Nicholas narrowed his eyes. “What do you want, Linda?” “Straight to the point, aren’t you?” Linda said. “I don’t like games.” She shrugged. “Fine. Listen, I’m not unreasonable. I’d be happy to keep this information quiet if I’m given the proper motivation.” Nicholas crossed his arms. “And what would that entail?” She tilted her head, a smile on her lips. “I want you to publically favor me. I want private dates, sitting beside each other at banquets, first dances at the balls. All of it. And when the time comes, maybe you’ll consider me for the finale.” I curled my hands into fists. How could she be so underhanded as to