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.

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

the way

dining room. The royal family was always

time was an hour–long break for fresh air in the afternoon,

through the gardens.

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

regular checkups.

when Elva bustled over to me, dirt on her hands and the edge of her dress. As I knelt to dust

band–aid

What’s this Lasked.

but a nice girl gave me

girl?” I asked, just as one of the candidates came

okay,” the

one,” Elva said,

was younger than me, eighteen at the most, with

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

away.

“I’m Susie,” she said.

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

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