The morning of the second elimination ceremony, I awoke with a big pit growing in my stomach.

I still hadn’t been able to speak to Julian about his potentially saving me today. I had talked more with

Joyce, but he remained apathetic about the whole thing. Nicholas was avoiding me. Granted, I was also

avoiding him.

Elva, at least, was feeling much like herself again. Even now, she bounced out of bed, ready to face the

day, while I moved much slower.

I had already explained to her that today was another day to pack and be ready to potentially leave, but after the stress of last time, she never seemed to take it too seriously again, no matter what I said.

After Elva and I had dressed in our day clothes, I stepped out into the hallway to speak with one of the guards. Fortunately Mark had not arrived yet. I knew he would eventually hear of my request, but I hoped

to put it off for as long as possible.

For Mark to know meant Nicholas would know. I wanted to delay that.

“May I help you with something, Miss Piper?” one of the guards asked me.

ask. But, no, I shouldn’t be embarrassed. What I wanted was entirely innocent, despite what Nicholas thought. “Could you keep an eye out and

but nodded all the same. “I’m

miss.”

whatever higher power would listen, that would

her toys as Charlotte and I went through the gowns hanging in the closet. There were

television audience.

felt too late to wow the

along the hem and across the top of the

curled in

I had spoken with appeared in

him closer.

been seen on the premises,” he said.

my body with such force that I sagged in my chair. I

goodness,” I said. “I will need to

isn’t possible at present. The moment he arrived, he was called into the King’s chambers. It’s likely he will not reemerge until

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