Demons Forever (Peachville High Demons #6) Read Online Free PDF Page A

break my heart to be dismissed, but if that is what you wish..."
    Her voice trailed off, and guilt shot through me. I hadn't meant to upset her. I stepped closer to her and put my hand on her arm.
    "I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean it personally. I'm just not used to being treated like this. I grew up learning to fend for myself. I only meant that I don't want you to go to any trouble."
    "Trust me," she said, her face lighting up again. "You are no trouble to me. Every princess must have a faithful handmaiden. I am your devoted servant for life, as long as you will accept me. I will happily do anything you need."
    "Thank you," I said. I couldn't help but like her. I could tell from these brief moments together she was a genuinely kind person. "It will be nice to have a good friend here in the city."
    She lowered her head again, as if wanting to hide her smile. "You are too kind, Princess Harper," she said softly. "I am here to serve you. You are not obligated to treat me as a friend."
    "Other than Jackson and the little boy who came here with us, you're my only friend here in the city," I said. "I hope we'll get to know each other very well for as long as I'm here."
    She lifted her eyes to mine. "You do not plan to stay here?"
    I shrugged and walked over to investigate the goodies she'd brought for breakfast. I'd been so exhausted the night before, I completely forgot to eat before I passed out in my new bed. I didn't even remember Jackson leaving.
    "I don't know yet," I said. "Life is a little bit confusing right now, to say the least."
    I picked a sugary pastry filled with chocolate and cherries. The flavors filled my mouth with sweetness and I moaned.
    "Is something wrong?" Tulianne asked.
    "Are you kidding? This is seriously the most delicious thing I have ever tasted in my life." I took another bite, having to restrain myself from shoving the whole thing in my mouth at once.
    "I am pleased," she said, beaming from ear to ear. "This is one of my special recipes."
    "I love it," I said between bites. I was already looking through the basket to see what else was in there. "Did you make all this yourself?"
    She nodded. "I love to bake," she said. "I knew you would be hungry after such a long journey and after yesterday's attack."
    "Thank you," I said. "These are delicious."
    "I will bring them for you each morning," she said.
    I laughed and covered my mouth. "You'll make me fat if I eat this every day, but it's so good I almost don't care."
    "If there is anything else you would prefer, simply let me know and I will bring it to you," she said. "The kitchens are always fully stocked with meats and fruits and all kinds of fresh foods."
    "I'm sure anything you make will be fine," I said.
    The idea of having a handmaiden was going to take some serious getting used to. I would feel weird asking her to fetch me some food or brush my hair or clean my room. Maybe that was normal for a princess, but I still hadn't even wrapped my head around that whole thing yet.
    Still, it would be nice to have someone besides Jackson to talk to.
    "Can I ask you a question?" I asked, picking another pastry from the basket.
    "Anything."
    I motioned to the leather chairs around the table. "Here, have a seat," I said.
    I sat down, but Tulianne kept standing. She bit her lip, looking worried.
    "What?" I asked.
    "A girl in my position is not usually permitted to sit down in the presence of her mistress," she said.
    "Why not?" I asked. "Is that some kind of rule you have to follow?"
    "It is an unspoken rule," she said. "I do not want to intrude on your time or your space."
    "You're not intruding," I said. "I'd much rather sit and talk to you than be alone up here in this big room."
    She eyed the empty chair.
    "I understand if you have something else you need to do," I said. "But I'd love to spend some time with you if you want to hang out for a bit."
    She smiled. It was infectious. So sweet and pure. Her chocolate-colored skin seemed to glow from within