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
My wolf stepped another inch closer to me, and then, inexplicably, it stopped. I peeked open my eyes. It had entirely frozen, eyes on mine. It panted its breath. Its muscles tensed like it was holding itself back. I didn’t dare hope but… “Do you… remember me?” I asked. It stepped back and
Despite what Nicholas had said, by the time Julian came rushing back with an onslaught of guards, Nicholas and I were back in his rooms. Nicholas had gone into the bathroom to shower and change. I sat just outside, a towel in my hands, wiping the blood off of my face. Julian stayed with me while t