When Nicholas said my name, I stopped where I stood and internally cursed. I was so close to my door.

As far as I could tell, I had two options: apologize for having overheard or deny, deny, deny.

I swiveled on my heel, facing him. “Your Royal Highness! I was looking for you.”

His brow lowered, skeptical. “Why?”

“1.. uh.. oh! I wanted to tell you about Elva’s allergies.”

Nicholas listened quietly as I explained the things she couldn’t eat, the types of materials she couldn’t

have around, and the medicines that gave her reactions

I’ll take care of it,” he said, when I was done.

Over his shoulder, standing in the doorway of her room, Lena looked at me, a cold gleam in her eyes.

I shivered.

Over the next few days, I went through intense training to prepare for the game. Both Elva and I were provided with professional stylists to assist in every detail, from our hair to our gowns to the color of our

nail polish.

of my posture. I had to practice walking with a book

way the experts

the dining room. The royal family was always notably

break for fresh air in the afternoon, when we were

through the gardens.

she could run around in the grass, burning off her youthful energy. worried for her, with her sickness, but the

regular checkups.

to me, dirt on her hands and the

bear band–aid

What’s this Lasked.

a nice girl gave me

asked, just as one of the candidates came to

hope it’s okay,” the

Elva said,

girl. She was younger than me, eighteen at the most,

her hands weaved together at her waist.

away.

“I’m Susie,” she said.

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