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

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

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

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

That was Jane. I had zero doubts. What I needed to do now was keep my promise and alert Nicholas. Yet when I turned to find him, I saw him stepping onto the stage where the thrones were, with Olivia on his arm. The King and Queen were greeting them warmly. I couldn’t exactly interrupt that witho