Chapter l317

Chapter 0317

The next morning, I awoke early and shuffled down with the rest of the candidates and their personal guards into the foyer for announcements. Nathan was already on the stage, rummaging through his phone.

I spotted Susie and stood in the open spot between her and Tiffany. Veronica was there too, but stood a few feet behind. Heavy bags hung under her eyes. Had she been up late researching again?

Two days before, she had pulled me aside to discuss what little progress she’d made in finding ways to return my wolf. She promised she wouldn’t give up, however, and seemed to work even harder since then.

I wanted her to find an answer, though I didn’t want her to hurt herself. Maybe I would talk to her again soon, and tell her to take care of herself first.

“If I can have your attention, please,” Nathan said loudly. When everyone had quieted to look at him, he continued, “Thank you all for your patience these past several days as we’ve worked to repair the damage Terry had done to the reputation of the royal family and the competition itself.”

Around the group, several of the girls nodded, Olivia included, most critically.

“Unfortunately we have no new event planned yet for the competition,” Nathan continued.

A disappointed exhale sounded around the room.

“However…”

The

group inhaled again.

“The royal family and the producers have decided that we would like complete interviews with the candidates. This will give the public more time to get to know your individual personalities, as well as provide an opportunity for you to express how much you’ve enjoyed your time here with us.”

Ah, so that was it. The royal family was continuing to hope we’d be able to improve their diminished reputation. It made sense, and I was glad to have the help. My fake relationship with Julian could only go so far.

Honestly, though, deep inside, I was dreading what questions I might be asked.

And as I was sitting in the small room arranged for the individual interviews, I realized I had right to worry.

Two producers, Nathan, and the cameraman were behind the camera. I alone was in front of it, sitting on a single tall-back chair, with the lens right up in

my face.

+15 BONUS

“Love is in the air for you most of all, Piper!” the producer said, overly excited. “We’ve all seen the special k*ss you traded with Julian. The public is dying to know, what is it like to have met your soulmate?”

“Uh…” My soulmate? That was much too far, but I couldn’t say so. Not without potentially embarrassing Julian, the people who felt that way, and the entire royal family. I cleared my throat. “Julian and I are… very close.”

“Was it love at first sight?” the other producer asked.

“No,” I said. The producer’s bright smile fell. “N-no, uh, our affection began there, sure, but it took longer for our, uh, deeper feelings to grow.”

The producer bounced back. “Ah, because he’s such a bad boy. You must have been nervous, being so attracted to him.”

“Yes, that’s right.” That narrative felt safe enough for now.

“Tell us, Piper,” said the first producer, “How do you feel when he walks into the room?”

I knew they wanted something romantic to sell the viewers at home. I wanted to comply, to help improve relations, but the truth was, when Julian walked into the room, I didn’t feel much of anything. He was my friend, and I was pleased to see him. But that wouldn’t move anyone at home.

So instead, I thought of Nicholas.

It was like night and day, a world of difference. If Nicholas walked into this room right now, he would have stolen my breath away.

“My heart races,” I said. “Whatever other light was in the room seems to dim, and he becomes the brightest thing in the room. I can’t help myself from staring, though I tell myself I shouldn’t. I don’t want to give too much away.”