Nicholas After leaving Piper’s room, I knew what I had to do. What I should have done from the start, as soon as I learned of Piper and Julian’s fake relationship. I went to my father’s rooms and requested an audience. Nathan didn’t seem thrilled about it, but announced me all the same. The King
But arguing with my father was useless. Once he set his mind to something, he would not be swayed. So I did the only thing I could do. I nodded and saw myself out. As soon as I opened the door, Julian stumbled away from it, backing up into the hallway. I narrowed my eyes at him. He had clearly
The next morning, I awoke early and shuffled down with the rest of the candidates and their personal guards into the foyer for announcements. Nathan was already on the stage, rummaging through his phone. I spotted Susie and stood in the open spot between her and Tiffany. Veronica was there too, bu
The producer giggled. “What about when he takes your hand?” “No,” cut in the second producer. “Tell us what it feels like when he kisses you?” I worried my bottom lip between my teeth. Somethings were private, but I could share some others. For the good of the Kingdom. For Nicholas’s sake. “I
Joyce regarded me with a cool expression. His gaze trailed over me with disinterest. I felt suddenly exposed in my thin nightgown and robe. I wrapped my arms around myself. “Joyce? You were the one who wanted to see me?” I asked in disbelief. He nodded curtly. “I wanted to see if you were reckle
Looking around, I searched for another exit. There was another door further down, but it was more barred than the first, not just latched but also wedged with a piece of wood. Okay. So the doors were out. Giving up on the doors, I looked along the banister instead. There. An old oak stood near
Nicholas A late night knock rattled my door, rousing me from my sleep. I groaned, threw my arm over my eyes, and turned over, ready to ignore it. But then it came again, louder. Sighing, I lowered my arm and checked my clock. Midnight. Who could be trying to reach me now? My heart immediat
Julian and I ran all the way to Nicholas’s room. I knocked on the door, but there was no answer. “Maybe he’s asleep,” I said. “See if it’s locked,” Julian said. I tried the handle. The door opened at once, pushing inward. Together, Julian and I stumbled into the room. Then, I gasped. Furnitu