Chapter 8 Chapter 8 The maid's idea, they claimed, but the servants knew better. Juliette was mad, so she sent her maid to handle it She always played the sweet, innocent princess before the king. The dirty work! That was for others. Jacob glared at the maid like he'd choke her, but deep down, he still believed Juliette was an angel. "Prince Hutton," Theo said, his voice heavy with meaning, "you've got time to see the truth." On her way out of the palace, Luciana heard Edmund was still lurking outside Juliette's manor like a lovesick fool. Juliette's got a real knack, Luciana said with a sly grin. "A few sweet words, and she's got them trailing her like lost puppies. She didn't even need to try-just her silver tongue did the trick. ར ༀ བོད Donovan peeked out from behind her. "If you want a pup, my lady, we could find one." No thanks, Luciana laughed. T'd rather not get bitten." She was thinking of the wolves who'd turned on her before. Two down, more to come. Donovan's tone turned playful. Then pick a tame one." "Where am I gonna find one as good as you? Luciana teased, her smile bright as she pinched his cheek. Too cute to resist. Donovan blushed but didn't pull away. A true gem. When she let go, he said, "Edmund's been seen near Princess Juliette's estate, but he's keeping quiet. No trouble yet." "Hmm..."Luciana thought for a second. To the Chancellors estate." The Faulkner family wasn't behind any rebellion-they'd been framed. If the real culprit spotted Edmund, they'd come for him. Luciana had promised her grandfather to keep Edmund safe. But now that he'd run off, she needed to clear things up in person: she hadn't failed to protect him; Edmund just wouldn't stay. When Edmund first sought refuge, both sisters were there. Juliette wanted no part of him, and Norman Ingram, the Chancellor, was to cautious to deal with a traitor's kin. But he wanted the truth about the Faulkner family's fall. So did Luciana. She wasn bafraid of trouble, so she took Edmund in The investigation was long and grueling. Luciana didn't want Edmund cooped up in her place's back garden, hidden from sight So she named him her advisor. At first, it worked-no gossip, no trouble. Edmund had some dignity. Then the whispers started, from who-knows-where. They called Edmund her lover, her kept man. The rumors grew nastier! Luciana was shameless, her household a mess, brimming with male favorites. She'd thought about clearing his name, but Edmund wouldn't leave He either didn't care about her kind gesture-or didn't even notice. All he remembered was Juliette's soft promises, her gentle smile. Even after a night in the cold, he was lost in memories of her vowing to take him in. As he stood there, lost in thought, Juliette's carriage rolled up. She stepped out, and Edmund rushed forward. "Oh!" Juliette squealed, nearly jumping out of her skin. What's the deal with today? Everyone's out to spook me silly! Juliette fumed inside. - Chapter 8 Her temper flared, and she kicked out, smudging her fine gown. Her maids rushed to calm her. "My lady, don't bother. He's just a madman. Let the guards handle him. You'll ruin your d They swept Juliette inside, leaving Edmund no chance to speak. He took another beating dress." Two men, fresh from their time-traveling, one battered in the palace, the other roughed up outside. Neither got what they wanted. They had it coming E In "Cougar and Cub" by CrushReel, a touching tale unfolds where the protagonist juggles her career and motherhood with grace. Upon receiving a promotion, envy lurks among her friends, leading to a deceitful scheme against her. Amidst this turmoil, a man inadvertently eavesdrops on their nefarious plan. As events unravel, the heroine emerges as a savior for the man entangled in unexpected trouble. This romance novel intricately weaves themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal into its modern setting. The protagonist's unwavering dedication to both her professional life and her child showcases her resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of a grand mansion, the story delves deep into hidden emotions and intricate relationships, making it a captivating read for fans of sweet romance. What sets "Cougar and Cub" apart is its ability to blend contemporary elements with timeless romantic tropes. The author masterfully crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking a modern love story intertwined with moments of vulnerability and strength. Available to read at CrushReel, this ongoing saga promises an immersive experience that transcends traditional romance narratives.