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.

had to practice walking with a book on my head, to learn fluid motion and grace. They even critiqued my wave,

way the

the candidates all met in the dining

only other free time was an hour–long break for fresh air in the afternoon, when we were

through the gardens.

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

regular checkups.

were walking through a field of beautiful wildflowers on the edge of the grounds, when Elva bustled over to me, dirt on her hands and the edge of her dress. As I knelt to dust it off, I noticed

band–aid ori Elva’s

What’s this Lasked.

but a nice girl

of the candidates came to

okay,”

said,

She was younger than me,

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

away.

“I’m Susie,” she said.

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