Chapter l193

Chapter 0193

The next morning, all of the candidates were called down into the parlor. I checked with Mark and the

guards before I left the room. With my twin potentially lurking around, we’d taken to a password system

to confirm my identity. The password would be changed every day and given only once in the morning.

Today’s word was fireplace.

With that set, and Elva sitting with the Nanny, I headed down to the parlor to meet with the others.

Susie was there, thank goodness, and seemed unharmed.

“I didn’t stay at the celebration much longer, after you left,” she said. “Julian walked me back to my

room, which surprised me, but I figured you were behind his sudden shift in kindness.”

“I was worried about you.”

“I worried about you too, but Julian told me you were okay.”

We waited for a while, until Nathan entered and moved toward the front of the room. With only 8 of us

left, the meeting felt much more intimate than before. He didn’t even use a microphone.

“The events moving forward will be different than before. Since you’ve each been chosen by one of the

three princes, it is those princes you will now cater to. To start, you will attend a date with your prince and

your fellow candidates chosen by that prince. Piper, this means you will attend two dates.”

“1 understand,” I said, Ignoring the glares from Lilliana, Olivia, and the girls Julian had chosen.

Nathan nodded. “Nicholas’s first date will be this afternoon in the gardens. You will three will be

directed there after lunch.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“Thank you,” Lilliana said quickly after.

Olivia simply tilted her head in acknowledgement.

Nathan seemed unfazed. Maybe he was used to the treatment. Those chosen by the other princes will

have your dates soon. Be ready for further announcements:

wed, diamissing them. The girls immediately began to chatter, but even that was not ad

few people now.

for Piper Jo have two dates and the rest of us only one” one of Jalin

+15 BONUS

Nathan, who had yet to leave the room, immediately stopped and faced her. “It is not Piper’s decision, nor is it yours. The princes have chosen Piper, and they each have chosen to invite her to their dates.

Surely you don’t think yourself of higher judgement than your princes?”

The girl immediately wilted. “No.”

Nathan turned then and walked out of the room. I stood speechless, watching after him. I knew he

wasn’t an ally, since he was in service to the King who obviously hated me. But when the rules aligned in

my favor, I couldn’t help but be grateful.

“See you later, Piper,” Lilliana said. She said it simply enough, but knowing her, it was probably a threat.

Olivia didn’t say anything, just walked out.

Susie turned to me. “Good luck with those two. I can’t imagine your date is going to be much fun.”

“I’ll be fine,” I said. “It’s Nicholas who I’m worried about.”

“Don’t worry about him. He’s used to people like them.”

She was probably right, but it still seemed sad to think of it that way. Nicholas has been around too

many fake, power–hungry people for too long.

That afternoon, when I was summoned, I walked down to the gardens where Nicholas was waiting. Lilliana and Olivia were already there. I imagined they were summoned first. The King’s favoritism

persisted, it seemed, even here.

Nicholas seemed tense, his arms flexed and his shoulders straight. He looked at me and raised a brow.

“Fireplace,” I mouthed, silently, and he marginally relaxed, enough at least to loosen his clenched fists.

“I thought we might walk through the grass, Nicholas said.

“Forgive me, Your Royal Highness, but did it not rain just last night?” Olivia asked.

“I suppose so,” Nicholas said.

Then, forgive me, Sir, but I would humbly request you keep in mind that ladies‘ footwear is delicate to the elements.” She glanced at me. “At least for those of us that can afford finer things.