Chapter 19

“Ah,” Nicoli sighed. It must have been for the umpteenth time. But Nicoli instantly felt the penalty for it by a sharp squeeze to his shoulder.

“Straighten up, my darling,” Belinda spoke. She managed to keep a smile, but Nicoli wasn’t fooled. She was growing irritated.

Better not push it. Nicoli thought, but it didn’t make him feel better. He obeyed with some effort and straightened his back. But he couldn’t hide his misery that well.

“My suit's too tight,” Nicoli grumbled and moved his arms to feel them pinched. It seemed he had had another growth spurt since the last measure. But the suit wasn’t the real problem.

Instead, Nicoli was miserable over something much more important.

Still nothing. Nicoli thought. Even though he sent the miniature with the letter, nothing was returned.

I was sure this would work. Nicoli thought. But again, it looked like he seemed to miss the mark. Ana was still silent as a dead doornail.

Perhaps I was a little hasty sending it? Nicoli tried to consider.