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.

curtsey, and the straightness of my posture. I had to practice walking with a book on my head, to learn

the way

meals, the candidates all met in the dining room. The royal family was always

other free time was an hour–long break for fresh air in the

through the gardens.

the grass, burning off her youthful energy. worried for her, with her sickness, but the weather was

regular checkups.

the grounds, when Elva bustled over to me, dirt on

band–aid ori

What’s this Lasked.

Liell in the grass, but a nice girl

asked, just as one of

it’s okay,” the

said, pointing

girl. She was younger than me, eighteen at

stood timidly, her hands weaved together at her waist. She kind of looked

away.

“I’m Susie,” she said.

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

Comments ()

0/255