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

is no excuse for what you’ve done.

Your Royal

looked at both of the guards, one and then

both guards

you were told,” he said, flashing

direction.

She flinched.

obvious discomfort gave me more satisfaction

may remain on duty for

their heads

escort Kirsten to her room to gather her things, then you

arrange for

Sir,” the guards said

Sir,” Lena

of confusion twisted Kirsten’s features. “Why would I

eliminated, Kirsten,” Lena said, stepping

of

Lena’s words for

weeks yet until the first

family has the right to eliminate anyone from the competition at any time,”

control yourself.”

That’s not fair.” She hurried forward too quickly. Her heels sunk into the grass,

knees.

out, she tugged at the hem

tell him. We’re friends, right? Tell

Nicholas looked at me.

hadn’t expected Kirsten, who

pathetic mess when threatened in

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