Chapter 28

After spending the rest of the afternoon meeting new faces, none of which were Ana, Nicoli was more than grateful to pull away for tea.

By that point, it was exhausting to smile. Even when the girls seemed excited to meet him, Nicoli felt more put out. Each new face just left him more disappointed.

Why didn’t mom invite any of my friends? Like the Davish twins? Or even the Pulish fellow?

Or any guys at all?

Nicoli thought as he noticed he was the only boy. He had no friends of his own to save him. It felt like every girl in the kingdom had come. Save for the one he wanted to see.

I…don’t think Ana’s coming. Nicoli felt his heart sink with the thought. It was already too late in the day. And still, there was no sign of her.

Hidi must have noticed the frown forming because she leaned close to whisper.

“Don’t look so forlorn, Prince.” Hidi went.

“She could still come.”

“I hope so,” Nicoli whispered. But he was glad she had said it.

It was turning into a good surprise that the giant girl