Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 704

"I'm getting engaged."

"What? Ahem-"

Of all the possible reactions Noreen had braced herself for, she never imagined Claire would choke on her own saliva.

It took several moments of Noreen patting her back before Claire could catch her breath.

"Engaged to who?" Claire demanded urgently.

"Castle. The man who came to see me last time."

Claire tilted her head, thinking. "He's handsome. Very gentlemanly, has that old-money vibe."

"He's a bit older, sure, but older men know how to take care of you!" Claire analyzed the situation like a doting mother.

After listing a series of pros, however, she asked Noreen, "Are you getting engaged to him because you love him?"

"Is that important?" Noreen replied, as if the question was utterly abstract.

Claire thought for a moment. "No, it's not. People who chase after true love never have a happy ending! It's better to go for fame and fortune!"

This time, it was Noreen's turn to tilt her head and study her.

After a long pause, she asked, "Honey, have you been hurt by a man?"

Claire's eyes darted away, avoiding Noreen's gaze as she laughed nervously. "No way! My heart is made of stone. No man can hurt me! I'm the one who breaks their hearts!"

"I hope that's true."

Noreen reached out and stroked her hair. "I've been so busy these past few years, I haven't been there for you. I'm sorry, sweetie."

"I've been eating and drinking just fine. You worry too much."

She was her usual carefree self. And maybe being carefree was for the best.

…

In Northcrest, the September air cut like a knife as day turned to night.

Down a long corridor, one iron gate after another clanged open. As the final gate swung wide, he smelled it for the first time in years—the scent of the wind.

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