The next day at lunch time, Elva and I walked down to the dining room to have lunch with the rest of the candidates. As soon as I walked through the door, I felt the tension in the room. No one was smiling, not even Susie as she saw me. She waved as we came closer. Per the contest rules, none of u
“Yes,” a few girls said. The rest nodded. I just watched, a bit in shock. “Good,” Nathan said. “Do not be late.” Then he left us. The girls all looked at each other again. And then, at once, in a rush, they stood up and headed for the door. “What are you going to wear?” Tiffany asked Veronica
I immediately looked to Nicholas. His eyes were wide, locked straight on Bridget. Beside him, Julian was equally flabbergasted. Looking at Bridget, I found she was staring straight back. Her smile softened. She seemed more genuine than before. At once, Nicholas and Julian broke out with big smil
That night, the King and Queen finally made an appearance at the night’s formal dinner. They greeted Bridget like a doting set of parents would, hugging her and kissing her cheek. Nicholas and Julian were right there with them. The rest of us candidates were already inside the dining room waiting
I stayed in my room from then out as much as I was able. Staying near Elva helped me keep in mind my promise to her. I would not abandon her again. And so long as I was in my room, I was safe from running into Nicholas and Bridget and seeing whatever was going on between the two of them unfold. El
The next morning, Nicholas and I had previously arranged to spend time training together. So at first light, I headed to the gym. I wasn’t sure he would remember. Maybe he made other plans and forgot to tell me about it. He had been so busy with Bridget lately, I had rarely even seen him, let alon
My body moved on its own. Suddenly, I sprung into full action, grabbing Nicholas and pulling him closer. I put my mouth straight on his neck and started sucking in a mark. I didn’t know where her scent was but I had to remove it – now. “Piper, ah…” Nicholas moaned. His fingers clenched where they
Much later, after Nicholas and I had gone our separate ways for the day, I received notice from a servant that the candidates were required to go to the foyer for announcements from Nathan. I was already a bit late, having been so thoroughly lost all morning, so I hurried to join the others. I was