Nicholas waited for Kirsten to answer, even while she hesitated. Slowly, he lowered his hand that had

been displaying the wrist guard down to his side.

She shifted nervously from foot to foot. She laced her fingers together.

“Well… you see…

As she struggled, Elva moved into the space between Nicholas and me. She took both of our hands.

Looking down at her, I could tell that Nicholas had wiped her tears away. She wasn’t crying anymore,

though she still seemed uncertain, half–hiding behind my skirt.

Nicholas continued to wait.

Kirsten was visibly sweating. Finally, she said, “1–I did, of course.” He attempted a giggle,

forced, painful sounding. “Why would you think otherwise?”

“Because I heard what you just said.”

“You… did…?”

but it was

“You lied to me,” he said, his voice perilously monotone. “You made me believe you had done me a

kindness, when truly all you had done was attempt to cheat me.”

Kirsten began to tremble. “It’s not like that, Prince Nicholas. I swear to you

no excuse for what you’ve

Royal Highness

of the guards, one and then the other, as if measuring their mettle by

At once, both guards lowered

you two were only doing what you were told,” he said, flashing a quick

direction.

She flinched.

gave me more satisfaction than I

duty for now,” Nicholas said.

heads

her things, then you are to see

can help arrange for a car to take Kirsten back

the guards

Sir,” Lena said,

?” A look of confusion twisted Kirsten’s features. “Why would I

Lena said, stepping closer to

of

not see Lena’s words for the clear warning

It’s weeks yet until the first

to eliminate anyone from the competition at any

control yourself.”

fair.” She hurried forward too quickly. Her

knees.

out, she tugged at the hem

have to tell him. We’re friends, right? Tell

Nicholas looked at me.

to say. I hadn’t expected Kirsten, who had

mess when threatened

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