I blinked, stunned into silence. Me? A front runner in the competition?

No. Clearly those people didn’t realize how much Nicholas hated me. Once the cameras were allowed

into the palace, and they saw the two of us interacting, they would learn the truth.

Nicholas hated me.

Julian only wanted to use me in his games.

And Joyce seemed utterly disinterested in the whole thing.

I wasn’t a front runner. I was someone barely hanging on.

Regardless, I thanked my maid for the information.

“Now,” the maid said, turning toward the closet. “It is time to prepare you for the banquet.”

The banquet. Right. Tonight was the first official banquet with all three princes and the candidates. We

would formally dine in the dining room.

The trainers had reinforced the required etiquette for mealtimes that I had forgotten over the past three

years. I felt comfortable enough to eat with the others casually, but to do so in front of the royal family and potential cameras, made me nervous.

was requested to stay behind. A nanny had been hired for her, and was

soon, I had

feelings leaving her here, but she seemed content enough, playing with her

fort.

until you see your dress,” the maid said,

I

maid held up a velvet evening gown. Deep emerald in color, it was sleeveless with

worn something

days off, I wore slacks and t–shirts,

Nothing like this

maid noticed my

said. And you won’t want to

She was right.

the mirror, I barely recognized myself

me with comically wide eyes. “Mommy,

don’t know,” I

certain.

gave me the confidence I needed to keep my head high as

Joyce claimed a seat at the far end. Nicholas wasn’t in the

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