Even now, standing as we were with the crowd around us dispersing, I was earning many passing glares.

Gratitude filled my heart for what Nicholas had done. But worry still harbored in the rest of me.

Jane had come here tonight to harm my reputation and she had succeeded in doing so. I didn’t know

what I could do now to repair it.

“Ignore them,” Nicholas said. “They have no idea who you are.” 1

“Does it matter who I am? If they think I am a disgrace, they will have the power to be rid of me.”

“They have no such power,” Nicholas said firmly. “Only the royal family can make those decisions.”

“But surely the nobility has the royal family’s ear.”

“We may listen. We may even consider. But they do not make the decisions for us.”

“Nicholas…” I didn’t know how to tell him that, though I was incredibly thankful for his defending me, I

knew it was only a matter of time until I was removed from the contest. It had always been this way. I

daily walked on the edge of a knife. That I had stayed this long was a miracle. 1

“Don’t give up yet, Piper. Please.”

Above all, I didn’t dare disappoint him. So I nodded. “I’ll keep trying.” 1

“Good.”

this evening couldn’t end fast enough. I was ready to go

pajamas, curl into bed, and forget everything for a while. Tomorrow,

out how to restore

I just wanted to sleep. To unwind

had other plans for

had taken my arm and was escorting me to the door of the ballroom. I assumed he

room. Three feet from the exit, Nathan

to speak with you,

not,” Nicholas said at

lifted both brows. “You would defy the King’s

his teeth

okay, Prince Nicholas. “I will speak with the

going alone,” Nicholas

is what the King requested,” Nathan

Nicholas added. “My father can tell me to my face to get out, but I won’t let

alone.”

he had faced

explain yourself.”

“I’m aware,” Nicholas said.

turned and began to walk. He expected

or commands, I will not leave you

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