Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 76

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade**

**Chapter 76**

**Thorne**

In his two-plus years at Alpha Academy, Thorne had never witnessed a sparring match escalate to such brutality. Usually, the overseer of the practice would swiftly intervene, breaking up the combatants before any serious harm could befall them. But today was different, and Thorne was utterly perplexed as to why the Headmaster remained a passive observer, particularly with a student as valuable as the Princess involved.

On top of that, he found himself stuck tending to his un-fated mate while his betrothed was gallivanting with Lunerly. It was infuriating, especially since Lunerly seemed to harbor an undeniable infatuation for Zora. Thorne let out a frustrated huff as he meticulously wrapped a bandage around the other woman’s injured leg, ensuring it was secure.

“I believe proper blood flow is essential for healing,” Zora snapped down at him, her tone sharp and demanding.

“It has to be tight to stem the bleeding,” Thorne shot back, tugging the wrap once more. Zora hissed in pain, glaring daggers at him from her elevated position.

“She’s absolutely dreadful,” Zora complained, her voice laced with venom. “I didn’t expect rainbows and butterflies, but—hell, she’s just terrible.”

“What do you mean by ‘expect’?” Thorne asked, shifting his focus to wrapping Zora’s shredded thigh. Most of the injury was already mending, but the blood made it appear far worse than it truly was.

“I mean, as her servant, she completely ignored me,” Zora explained hastily. “I had heard the rumors, but actually having to interact with her—” She shook her head in disbelief.

Thorne tightened the bandage again, and Zora winced in response. Her hand descended to clutch his shoulder, urging him to ease up. His gaze shot up to meet hers, and he noted the grimace on her face, though thankfully, no tears pooled in her eyes. He resumed his task, her hand lingering on his shoulder, sending an unexpected jolt through him.

“Is that really what you want to be stuck with?” Zora asked, incredulous.

“I don’t have a choice in the matter,” Thorne grunted, feeling the weight of his situation. “The Queen asked, and I accepted. There’s nothing else for me to do. I live to serve. I owe Victoria everything.”

“So that’s why you broke it,” Zora said, her voice softening.

Thorne blinked in surprise, sitting back on his heels. “What are you talking about?”

“The bond,” Zora clarified. “You severed it because you feel indebted to Victoria. You didn’t want to go against her wishes.”

Thorne narrowed his eyes at her, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “Assuming I’d want to discuss this with you is quite bold,” he snapped, securing the wrap around Zora’s leg. “For all you know, I could have broken it simply because I didn’t find you attractive.”

“Ouch,” Zora replied, amusement flickering in her tone. “But I understand why you did it.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Thorne muttered, standing to admire his handiwork as Zora tentatively rolled her ankle. “Can you stand?”

“Did you know it was Amara?” Zora asked, completely disregarding his question.

“I had my suspicions. She’s the only known Princess,” Thorne replied, his annoyance growing. “Can you stand?”

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