Read Online Two-Faced (Assassin at Court Series Book 1) by Nia Davenport - Free Book Online

nine-year-old.
    “Well I think he really likes you.”
    “What makes you think that?”
    “Because he argues with Mother all the time about making you a Princess. I hope he does. Then you can stay at the palace forever and we would be sisters. Do you want to stay here, Skyler? Please say yes, I don’t want you to leave.”
    “Slow down, Kiera,” I laughed. The child talked a mile a minute when excited about something.  “I would love to stay at the palace with you, but it probably will not happen sweetie.” Even without seeing it I knew she had a crushed look on her face. I could have lied to her and let her believe that her wish for me as a sister would come true, but I would not give her false hope. It would only hurt her more when I left.
    “But I thought you said you liked Zander?” her voice quivered.
    “I do. A lot.”
    “Is it me? Do you not want to be my sister?”
    “Of course not Kiera. If I could choose to have any little sister in the world, I would choose you. You’re the best.”
    “I don’t understand what the problem is,” she said confused.
    I sighed. The conversation was mentally draining me. “It’s complicated.”
    “Then un-complicate it.” Her tone was so matter-of-factly that I momentarily forgot I was talking to a nine-year-old. In that moment the Princess sounded wise beyond her years. Her advice was sound, simple, straightforward and to the point.
    However, un-complicating things were easier said than done. I had heaped so many lies on top of lies and knotted my web of deception so intricately that it was far past the point of being unraveling. I was a common girl wearing the mask of an assassin pretending to be a lesser noble who wanted to marry the Prince when I was really at court to kill him though I no longer would. However, the Guild still thought I was fulfilling my contract. The only truth in my deceit was the very real feelings I felt for Zander.

Chapter 19
    U nfortunately, my roommate was still in our room when I returned. She sat on a chaise near the door as if she had been waiting on me. I walked past her without sparing a glance in her direction.
    “Skyler, I am sorry,” she said after me.
    I kept walking and sat on my bed. I could not do this with her right now. I was already emotionally wrung dry. Maybe if I buried myself under my comforter she would get the message.
    “Come on, Skyler, please don’t stay mad at me.”
    I finally looked at her and damn it I wished I did not. Her eyes were doing that thing they did where they swelled up with tears.
    I let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine, Emily, I will not stay mad at you. Are you happy now?”
    “No.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because I suck and am a horrible friend. I need to learn to keep my mouth shut. My mother is right. I talk too much. She says it is why I will never make a suitable Lady. I need to learn to be seen and not heard.”
    All of my anger toward Emily drained out of me and redirected itself at her mother. Who said things like that to their child? I really, really hated High Nobles.
    I patted the bed beside me, inviting her to sit down. “Your mother sounds like a bitch Em.”
    She looked at me incredulously then doubled over in laughter. “You have no idea.”
    A knock at the door cut off her laughter.
    “Hi, Emilia. The Queen gave us permission to go out and tour the royal city. She’s even offered to send a guard to escort us. A few of the other girls and I, who have never been to Pleith before, figured we would take her up on the offer. Do you want to come?” The newcomer was Charlize Grace from the House of Danvue.
    Emily’s expression lit up then just as quickly deflated. “No, you all go ahead.” I heard the longing in her voice. She declined the offer for my benefit.
    “It’s okay Emily. I don’t mind if you go.”
    “Are you sure?” she asked.
    I was sure and I told her as much. It would be selfish of me to let her stay behind just because I was not invited.
    She hopped off the