“I have no intention of backing away from the choosing game,” I said. He stepped closer. “Do as you wish, but know this. I will uphold my duty to protect the royal family from any and all threats. No matter in what form those threats appear.” His words sent a chill up my spine. I had thought t

“I should have the girl forcibly removed for ruining Prince Nicholas’s date,” Lena said, voice sharp. “I’m sure Prince Nicholas himself is furious.” “Nick-lass is mad at me?” Elva sniffed. “No,” I said at once. “He should be, if he isn’t,” Lena snapped. “You are a very nasty little girl, who –

I looked in the mirror, barely recognizing myself. It was the night of the First Ball, and I was dressed in my beautiful, shimmering yellow gown. It was sleeveless, with a tasteful V-neck bodice. One of my maids had tied my brown hair into a tight up-do, with a few loose tendrils tucked behind my

Without thought, I placed my hand in Nicholas’s waiting one, and let him tug me away from Julian’s arms and into his own. He was good at leading, even more so than Julian. Watching him, trusting his guidance, I didn’t need to count my steps anymore. I simply followed him as we danced around the ba

My throat went dry. “Your Majesty, I had no intention of –” “Whatever your intention, you have still insulted me,” the Queen said. I straightened at the shortness of her tone. I was terribly confused. What had I done that was offensive? Was it because Julian, Nicholas, and I had broken the ord