After thanking Tiffany, I excused myself from lunch and ushered Elva back to the safety of our room. I kept my eyes peeled for any sight of my twin in the hallways, but I saw no sight of her myself. Yet I had no reason to doubt Tiffany. When we were back in the room, I called Mark to the side. “I
The guard who had opened his mouth immediately did so again. “Many apologies, Your Royal Highness. We meant no offense. It was not meant to be a secret from you, though…” His gaze shifted to me. Beside me, Nicholas straightened, body tense as a bow string. “So you are following us?” “Following M
The evening of the fundraising gala, Elva and I changed into our glistening golden dresses and waited in the parlor with the other candidates for Nathan to come and bring us to the event. We stood near Susie for a while, but she was distracted. She had prepared notecards for her pitch, as well as
Elva immediately perked upon seeing him. “Jul-an! Teach me the trick again.” “She’s been practicing,” I said softly to Julian, like a secret. “Then maybe you should show me.” Julian withdrew a quarter from his pocket and handed it to Elva. I let go of her hand so she could move, though I place
Beside me, Elva yawned. “I’m tired, Mommy.” I immediately crouched down beside her. I touched my hand to her forehead, but I didn’t feel a fever. Still, my nerves were frayed and I couldn’t help but worry. “Do you feel hot?” “No. Just sleepy.” She rubbed at one eye. I hated to leave early. We
Suddenly, Nicholas was beside me, a look of unabashed anger on his face. Terry met it with an easy, self-satisfied smirk. “Why, nephew. How good of you to join us.” “The feeling is not mutual,” Nicholas snapped. “Nick-lass?” With her free hand, Elva reached for Nicholas. He caught her hand in
As Terry pulled me out onto the dance floor, I at least felt the relief of knowing Elva wouldn’t overhear whatever terrible things Terry was sure to say to me. About me, or about my sister. This worked for me, because I wanted answers. Terry placed his hand on my waist. His other gripped my hand f
“You can’t,” I said. “He’s one of the benefactors.” “To hell with it. With all of it. If it keeps you safe, I’ll drag him from the grounds myself.” “And then what? The Luna brings him back. Or the King? And you are on the outs with them. There’s nothing you can do, Nicholas,” I said. “But, Pip