Holding Elva, I walked further into my assigned room, bringing the man into focus.

It wasn’t Nicholas, but his brother.

“Julian.”

I knew Julian from my days at the Royal Academy, though we hadn’t been friends. Since Julian and

Nicholas were arch–enemies, and I was Nicholas’s girlfriend, I avoided interacted with Julian as much as I

could.

He quirked his lips into a playful smile. “You know, these days I go by, ‘Your Royal Highness.”

I swallowed hard, realizing my mistake.

I had to be careful here. Any perceived slight against the princes could cost me my life. But it was so difficult to reimagine the boys I knew at the Academy into the princes they presented themselves as now.

Nicholas and Julian were brothers, too. I never would have guessed.

I guessed Nicholas had plenty of his own secrets. Funny, back then, I had thought I was the only one with something to hide.

I’m teasing.” Julian clarified.

I hadn’t realized I’d

long time, Piper,” Julian said, approaching me. “You must have

questions, I was dizzy with them. But I

in

I lowered her to the ground. “I packed some of your toys, honey. Why don’t you

Elva cast a distrustful look at Jullan. When

suitcase and

a moment, before turning to

“My brother #77

a thoughtful humming sound. Even watching him, I

enigmatic presence – always smirking, but never quite revealing all

knew.

not the type of person I would seek out for answers. But since he

talk to me, he

ask, the most pressing

shrugged. “I’m not sure how you charmed your way through the initial selection, but once

Not without

BOW

that made sense. The royal family had used their magic to select the initial list

admit a mistake would be to admit themselves fallible.

already divisive reputation.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255