For a long moment, I was totally stunned. Then, I moved at once, covering my kiss-swollen red lips with my hand. Nicholas came around to stand in front of me, blocking me from the camera’s view. He looked much more put together than I felt. Nathan gave him a curious look as the cameras moved in
If I missed it, Nicholas would undoubtedly take the cuff and make his own plans. He’d exclude me, giving me some excuse about protection, while selflessly throwing himself into the same danger I’d face. I couldn’t let him do that. So I looped my arm with Julian’s and let him lead me to the sitti
The night of the event, I could barely contain my nerves as Charlotte helped me into my golden dress. It turned out beautifully, each layer complimenting the next. Pastel yellow, then warm creamy orange, and finally a shimmering golden that sparkled when I shifted my skirts. Charlotte nodded, plea
Jane would never be able to hurt us again. A soft knock sounded on the door. Then the guard calls through, “It’s Prince Julian.” “Let him in,” I call back. I brushed a few hairs back from Elva’s face, gave her another quick kiss, then went to face my destiny. Maybe that was too dramatic. For n
When I looked back up at Nicholas, he was still staring at me. Maybe he would have stared forever, I didn’t know. But then Olivia appeared near his arm. She touched his forearm and he had to look down at her. She wore a dress the color of the ocean, fluid, with white trim. Nicholas wore a matchi
Nicholas continued to stare at me, waiting for my answer. He seemed entirely unbothered by the gathered crowd of their assumptions. “Piper?” he asked, when I hesitated. “Of course we can speak,” I said. Nodding, he turned. “If you will excuse me,” I said, first to Julian and then to the gath
Then, to me, Nicholas spoke again, “Look at me, Piper.” I hesitated at first, but he didn’t move from his spot in front of me, like he was patiently waiting me out. So, eventually, I chanced a glance upwards. Nicholas captured my gaze with his own and held me captive. He held so much emotion i
The King and Queen watched from atop their thrones as the princes danced with and among the candidates and guests, while the cameras swooped in and out to capture all. We kept our smiles bright, eager to show how much fun we were having – all to maintain our standing in the competition, of course.