Chapter 0435

That night, Nicholas and Julian joined the rest of the candidates and me in the dining room for dinner together. Elva was tired from the day’s events, so I returned her to our room where the nanny was waiting to keep an eye on her. Julian joined me at the door, to walk down to the dining room together.

When we entered, Bridget had taken her usual spot, with Nicholas on her one side. The other side was open, presumably for Julian. She spotted us as we came in, and tried to wave us or, well, Julian – over.

“She wants you to sit next to her,” I whispered to him.

“I need space from her tonight,” he replied.

Nodding, I led him away from Bridget and over to where my usual spot was beside Susie, and across from Tiffany and Veronica. Since Elva was absent, her seat was empty. Julian sat down in that seat now.

Bridget watched us from her spot at the table. Her ever–present smile seemed slightly dimmer than before.

“You should have been the lead, Prince Julian,” Tiffany said. “No offense to Prince Nicholas, but you are a true actor. It’s like you were born to be on stage.

The compliment seemed to puff Julian back up and he returned to life. His grin slid right back on his face very easily.

“Thank you, my dear,” he said.

“I like Bridget,” Tiffany continued, “But I’m not so convinced about her giving the perfect. roles to everyone. Piper, didn’t she try to make you a maid?”

I groaned, and everyone around me chuckled a little. Even Julian.

“God, I forgot about that,” he said.

Maybe he forgot. Or maybe he’d been so blindsided by love that he hadn’t noticed Bridget’s slights against me to start with.

Bottles of champagne came out then, and glasses were filled all around.

Nicholas, holding his glass, stood up. He held it up like he was going to make a toast.

Yet before he could speak, Bridget bounced to her feet and held up her own glass. “Nicholas

1/4

+15 BONUS

have been speaking tonight about how wonderful this event has been. Granted, I haven’t been around for the other events, but this

me a flat look that had me hide my laugh

me for a fraction of a

great effort that this event

now, back over her shoulder. “Is this supposed to

her a shrug.

didn’t notice this

hardy thank you.” She lifted her glass. “You should all pat yourselves on the back for your accomplishments here. To us!” She drank. The rest of

it into my glass under the table

turned and smiled at Nicholas. He gave a small

cleared his throat.

also like to thank everyone for their hard work. Though some roles are smaller than others, there are no unimportant parts in this show. Your dedication to this event has been seen

toasted. Her smile tightened at little, but

good time.

long day,” he said. “I

smiled at him. “See

you tomorrow.”

me. Then

some fun,” Tiffany said. “He

2/4

+15 BONUS

said. “He has been absent from the library these past few

little. “Does

Veronica said. “At least for a little

to play cards in the afternoon most days,” Tiffany said. “I hope I didn’t offend him when I caught him counting. Though he seemed more humored at the time.”

to make time for each of us so often. Though now, his fascination with Bridget felt even sadder. Whether he hung out with the three of us for romantic pursuits or

much,” Susie said, and

to yawn. We truly had a long day and would likely have an even longer one

Veronica. Tiffany stayed a bit longer, chatting up Jessica beside

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255