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 on my head, to learn fluid motion and grace. They even critiqued my wave,

way the experts

in the dining

an hour–long break for

through the gardens.

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

regular checkups.

the edge of the grounds, when Elva bustled over to me, dirt on her hands and the edge of her

band–aid ori Elva’s

What’s this Lasked.

so cute Liell in the grass, but a nice girl gave me this

asked, just as one of the candidates came to

hope it’s okay,” the

one,” Elva said,

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

weaved together at her waist. She kind of looked like she wanted

away.

“I’m Susie,” she said.

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

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