51 Love

"Did you know," Cosette whispered in a hushed voice, "That if you're loved by Allard, that you'll probably be the happiest girl in the empire?"

It struck Lumielle in alarm as she almost dropped her teacup. Eyes widened as obvious surprise colored her face. Was Cosette the one that had started the rumor?

"What do you mean?" Keira queried.

"He's blessed with both looks and intelligence, wouldn't being loved by him make any girl the happiest girl in all of Endora?" Cosette gushed.

Love. It was what she had so desperately wanted. Perhaps, she had been greedy. Aris was enough for her. To know that her younger brother cherished her was all she needed. She didn't need or want anyone else in this life. Yet, it seemed that Cosette had found that weakness in her first life. She had exploited Lumielle for a fool. Was it obvious? Was it so obvious that she had been neglected and battered that Cosette could simply whisper words of love into her ear and just cajole her broken heart?