“Things haven’t been easy between you and me,” he said. “But I’m thinking that should change.”

“What do you suggest?”

He glanced back to Elva. Her flower crown stayed together this time. Smiling wide, she placed it on her

head.

“Let’s be friends,” he said. Surprised, I looked at him. He watched me a moment, before adding, “For

Elva’s sake.”

“I’d like that.”

Just then, Elva ran over to us and offered her flower crown–to Nicholas. He dipped his head low to

accept it.

Later that afternoon, the other girls and I were brought into the parlor for an announcement regarding

the next challenge.

I had been in the room for approximately two minutes when the snickering began. It seemed, from what

I could overhear, that the girls had found out about my secret rendezvous with Julian and were most

displeased.

by me, they nudged me hard with their

“Hey!” I said.

said the girl. “I didn’t see you there. You really should be more careful

“You could

important

girl. “Apparently she is Prince Julian’s favorite. Though

do to earn

worry,” said a third. “Prince Julian doesn’t take seriously the

have his fun, and cast her aside. The girl he marries will be of more virtuous

girl chimed in, “Aren’t we supposed to

“Can’t expect the girl with the

want to make things worse. I didn’t think there was

own agenda.

moved away without a word. Of anyone here, I thought she for sure would want to take a stab

The crowd parted for her like

advice for you, Piper, and I suggest

isn’t necessary,” I said.

to be taken seriously as

things that make

at such a blatant, derogatory

her, Piper,” said another

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