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DEDICATION

ToJimandJennieCass.Forlotsofreasons,butmostlyformakingCallaway.

OceanofPDF.com

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CONTENTS

Dedication

ChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenChapterEighteenChapterNineteenChapterTwentyChapterTwenty-OneChapterTwenty-TwoChapterTwenty-ThreeChapterTwenty-FourChapterTwenty-FiveChapterTwenty-SixChapterTwenty-SevenChapterTwenty-EightChapterTwenty-NineChapterThirtyChapterThirty-OneChapterThirty-TwoChapterThirty-Three

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AcknowledgmentsBackAdsAbouttheAuthorBooksbyKieraCassCreditsCopyrightAboutthePublisher

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CHAPTER1

ICOULDNOTHOLDMYbreathforsevenminutes.Icouldn’tevenmakeittoone. Ionce tried to runamile in sevenminutesafterhearingsomeathletescould do it in four but failed spectacularly when a side stitch crippledmeabouthalfwayin.

However,therewasonethingImanagedtodoinsevenminutesthatmostwouldsayisquiteimpressive:Ibecamequeen.

By seven tiny minutes I beat my brother Ahren into the world, so thethrone thatought tohavebeenhiswasmine.Had Ibeenbornagenerationearlier,itwouldn’thavemattered.Ahrenwasthemale,soAhrenwouldhavebeentheheir.

Alas,MomandDadcouldn’tstandtowatchtheirfirstbornbestrippedofatitlebyanunfortunatebutratherlovelysetofbreasts.Sotheychangedthelaw,andthepeoplerejoiced,andIwastraineddaybydaytobecomethenextrulerofIlléa.

Whattheydidn’tunderstandwasthattheirattemptstomakemylifefairseemedratherunfairtome.

I triednot tocomplain.Afterall, IknewhowfortunateIwas.But thereweredays,orsometimesmonths,whenitfeltlikefartoomuchwaspiledonme,toomuchforanyoneperson,really.

Iflippedthroughthenewspaperandsawthattherehadbeenyetanotherriot, this time in Zuni. Twenty years ago, Dad’s first act as king was todissolvethecastes,andtheoldsystemhadbeenphasedoutslowlyovermylifetime.Istillthoughtitwascompletelybizarrethatonceuponatimepeoplelivedwiththeselimitingbutarbitrarylabelsontheirbacks.MomwasaFive;DadwasaOne.Itmadenosense,especiallysincetherewasnooutwardsignofthedivisions.HowwasIsupposedtoknowifIwaswalkingnexttoaSixoraThree?Andwhydidthatevenmatter?

WhenDadhadfirstdecreedthatthecasteswerenomore,peoplealloverthecountryhadbeendelighted.DadhadexpectedthechangeshewasmakinginIlléa tobecomfortably inplaceover thecourseofageneration,meaninganydaynoweverythingshouldclick.

Thatwasn’thappening—and thisnew riotwas just themost recent in astringofunrest.

“Coffee,YourHighness,”Neenasaid,settingthedrinkonmytable.

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“Thankyou.Youcantaketheplates.”I scanned the article. This time a restaurant was burned to the ground

because its owner refused to promote awaiter to a position as a chef. Thewaiterclaimedthatapromotionhadbeenpromisedbutwasneverdelivered,andhewassureitwasbecauseofhisfamily’spast.

Looking at the charred remains of the building, I honestly didn’t knowwhosesideIwason.Theownerhad theright topromoteor fireanyonehewanted, and the waiter had the right not to be seen as something that,technically,didn’texistanymore.

Ipushed thepaper awayandpickedupmydrink.Dadwasgoing tobeupset. Iwas sure hewas already running the scenario over and over in hishead, trying to figure out how to set it right.The problemwas, even ifwecould fix one issue, we couldn’t stop every instance of post-castediscrimination.Itwastoohardtomonitorandhappeningfartoooften.

Isetdownmycoffeeandheadedtomycloset.Itwastimetostarttheday.“Neena,”Icalled.“Doyouknowwherethatplum-coloreddress is?The

onewiththesash?”Shesquintedinconcentrationasshecameovertohelp.Inthegrandschemeofthings,Neenawasnewtothepalace.She’donly

been working with me for six months, after my last maid fell ill for twoweeks.Neenawasacutelyattunedtomyneedsandmuchmoreagreeabletobearound,soIkeptheron.Ialsoadmiredhereyeforfashion.

Neenastaredintothemassivespace.“Maybeweshouldreorganize.”“Youcanifyouhavethetime.That’snotaprojectI’minterestedin.”“NotwhenIcanhuntdownyourclothesforyou,”sheteased.“Exactly!”She took my humor in stride, laughing as she quickly sorted through

gownsandpants.“Ilikeyourhairtoday,”Icommented.“Thankyou.”Allthemaidsworecaps,butNeenawasstillcreativewith

her hairdos. Sometimes a few thick, black curlswould frame her face, andother timesshe twistedbackstrandsuntil theywereall tuckedaway.At themomenttherewerewidebraidsencirclingherhead,withtherestofherhairunderhercap.Ireallyenjoyedthatshefoundwaystoworkwithheruniform,tomakeitherowneachday.

“Ah!It’sbackhere.”Neenapulleddowntheknee-lengthdress,fanningitoutacrossthedarkskinofherarm.

“Perfect!Anddoyouknowwheremygrayblazer is?Theonewith thethree-quartersleeves?”

Shestaredatme,herfacedeadpan.“I’mdefinitelyrearranging.”

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Igiggled.“Yousearch;I’lldress.”Ipulledonmyoutfitandbrushedoutmyhair,preparingforanotherday

asthefuturefaceofthemonarchy.Theoutfitwasfeminineenoughtosoftenmebutstrongenoughthat I’dbe takenseriously. Itwasafine line towalk,butIdiditeveryday.

Staringintothemirror,Italkedtomyreflection.“You are Eadlyn Schreave. You are the next person in line to run this

country,andyouwillbethefirstgirltodoitonyourown.Noone,”Isaid,“isaspowerfulasyou.”

Dadwasalreadyinhisoffice,browfurrowedashe tookin thenews.Otherthanmyeyes,Ididn’tlookmuchlikehim.OrMom,forthatmatter.

Withmydarkhair,oval-shapedface,andahintofatanthatlingeredyearround,Ilookedmorelikemygrandmotherthananyoneelse.Apaintingofheronhercoronationdayhunginthefourth-floorhallway,andIusedtostudyitwhenIwasyounger,tryingtoguessathowIwouldlookasIgrew.Herageinthe portrait was near to mine now, and though we weren’t identical, Isometimesfeltlikeherecho.

IwalkedacrosstheroomandkissedDad’scheek.“Morning.”“Morning.Didyouseethepapers?”heasked.“Yes.Atleastnoonediedthistime.”“Thankgoodnessforthat.”Thoseweretheworst,theoneswherepeople

wereleftdeadinthestreetorwentmissing.Itwasterrible,readingthenamesofyoungmenwho’dbeenbeatensimplyformovingtheirfamiliesintoanicerneighborhoodorwomenwhowereattackedfortryingtogetajobthatinthepastwouldnothavebeenopentothem.

Sometimesittooknotimeatalltofindthemotiveandthepersonbehindthese crimes, but more often than not we were faced with a lot of finger-pointingandnorealanswers.Itwasexhaustingformetowatch,andIknewitwasworseforDad.

“I don’t understand it.” He took off his reading glasses and rubbed hiseyes. “They didn’t want the castes anymore.We took our time, eliminatedthemslowlysoeveryonecouldadjust.Nowthey’reburningdownbuildings.”

“Is there a way to regulate this? Could we create a board to overseegrievances?”Ilookedatthephotoagain.Inthecorner,theyoungsonoftherestaurantownerweptoverlosingeverything.InmyheartIknewcomplaintswouldcomein faster thananyonecouldaddress them,but IalsoknewDadcouldn’tbeardoingnothing.

Dadlookedatme.“Isthatwhatyouwoulddo?”Ismiled.“No,I’daskmyfatherwhathewoulddo.”

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Hesighed.“Thatwon’talwaysbeanoptionforyou,Eadlyn.Youneedtobestrong,decisive.Howwouldyoufixthisoneparticularincident?”

Iconsidered.“Idon’tthinkwecan.There’snowaytoprovetheoldcasteswerewhythewaiterwasdeniedthepromotion.Theonlythingwecandoislaunchaninvestigationintowhosetthefire.Thatfamilylosttheirlivelihoodtoday,andsomeoneneedstobeheldresponsible.Arsonisnothowyouexactjustice.”

Heshookhisheadatthepaper.“Ithinkyou’reright.I’dliketobeabletohelpthem.But,morethanthat,weneedtofigureouthowtopreventthisfromhappeningagain.It’sbecomerampant,Eadlyn,andit’sfrightening.”

Dadtossedthepaperintothetrash,thenstoodandwalkedtothewindow.Icouldreadthestressinhisposture.Sometimeshisrolebroughthimsomuchjoy, like visiting the schools he’d worked tirelessly to improve or seeingcommunitiesflourishinthewar-freeerahe’dusheredin.Butthoseinstanceswere becoming few and far between.Most days hewas anxious about thestateof the country, andhehad to fakehis smileswhen reporters cameby,hopingthathissenseofcalmwouldsomehowspreadtoeveryoneelse.Momhelpedshouldertheburden,butattheendofthedaythefateofthecountrywasplacedsquarelyonhisback.Onedayitwouldbeonmine.

Vainasitwas,IworriedIwouldgograyprematurely.“Makeanote forme,Eadlyn.Remindme towriteGovernorHarpen in

Zuni.Oh,andputtowriteittoJoshuaHarpen,nothisfather.Ikeepforgettinghewastheonewhoraninthelastelection.”

Iwrotehisinstructionsinmyelegantcursive,thinkinghowpleasedDadwouldbewhenhelookedatitlater.Heusedtogivemetheworsttimeovermypenmanship.

I was grinning to myself when I looked back at him, but my face fellalmost immediately when I saw him rubbing his forehead, trying sodesperatelytothinkofasolutiontotheseproblems.

“Dad?”He turned and instinctively squaredhis shoulders, like he needed to act

strongeveninfrontofme.“Whydoyouthinkthisishappening?Itwasn’talwayslikethis.”Heraisedhiseyebrows.“Itcertainlywasn’t,”hesaid,almosttohimself.

“At first everyone seemed pleased. Every time we removed a new caste,peopleheldparties. It’s onlybeen in the last fewyears, since all the labelshaveofficiallybeenerased,thatit’sgonedownhill.”

Hestaredbackoutthewindow.“TheonlythingIcanthinkisthatthosewho grew up with the castes are aware of how much better this is.Comparatively,it’seasiertomarryorwork.Afamily’sfinancesaren’tcapped

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bya singleprofession.Therearemorechoiceswhen it comes toeducation.But thosewho are growing upwithout the castes and are still running intoopposition...Iguesstheydon’tknowwhatelsetodo.”

Helookedatmeandshrugged.“Ineedtime,”hemuttered.“Ineedawaytoputthingsonpause,setthemright,andpressplayagain.”

Inotedthedeepfurrowinhisbrow.“Dad,Idon’tthinkthat’spossible.”Hechuckled.“We’vedoneitbefore.Icanremember....”Thefocusinhiseyeschanged.Hewatchedmeforamoment,seemingto

askmeaquestionwithoutwords.“Dad?”“Yes.”“Areyouallright?”Heblinkedafewtimes.“Yes,dear,quiteallright.Whydon’tyougetto

workonthosebudgetcuts.Wecangooveryourideasthisafternoon.Ineedtospeakwithyourmother.”

“Sure.”Mathwasn’t a skill that came tomenaturally, so Ihad toworktwice as long on any proposals for budget cuts or financial plans. But Iabsolutely refused to have one of Dad’s advisers come behind me with acalculator tocleanupmymess.Even if Ihad to stayupallnight, I alwaysmadesuremyworkwasaccurate.

Ofcourse,Ahrenwasnaturallygoodatmath,buthewasneverforcedtositthroughmeetingsaboutbudgetsorrezoningorhealthcare.Hegotoffscot-freebysevenstupidminutes.

Dadpattedmeontheshoulderbeforedashingoutoftheroom.Ittookmelongerthanusualtofocusonthenumbers.Icouldn’thelpbutbedistractedbythelookonhisfaceandtheunmistakablecertaintythatitwastiedtome.

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CHAPTER2

AFTERWORKINGONTHEBUDGETreportforafewhours,IdecidedIneededabreakandretreatedtomyroomtogetahandmassagefromNeena.Ilovedthoselittlebitsofluxuryinmyday.Dressesmadetomyexactmeasurements,exotic desserts flown in simply because it was Thursday, and an endlesssupply of beautiful thingswere all perks; and theywere easilymy favoritepartsofthejob.

Myroomoverlookedthegardens.Asthedayshifted,thelightchangedtoawarm, honey color, brightening the highwalls. I focusedon the heat andNeena’sdeliberatefingers.

“Anyway,hisfacegotallfunny.Itwaskindoflikehedisappearedforaminute.”

IwastryingtoexplainDad’sout-of-characterdeparturethismorning,butitwashardtogetitacross.Ididn’tevenknowifhefoundMomornot,ashenevercamebacktotheoffice.

“Doyouthinkhe’ssick?Hedoesseemtiredthesedays.”Neena’shandsworkedhermagicasshespoke.

“Does he?” I asked, thinking that Dad didn’t seem tired exactly. “He’sprobablyjuststressed.Howcouldhenotbewithall thedecisionshehas tomake?”

“And someday that will be you,” she commented, her tone a mix ofgenuineworryandplayfulamusement.

“Whichmeansyouwillbegivingmetwiceasmanymassages.”“I don’t know,” she said. “I think in a few years I might like to try

somethingnew.”I scrunched my face. “What else would you do? There aren’t many

positionsbetterthanworkinginthepalace.”Therewasaknockon thedoor,andshedidn’thaveachance toanswer

thequestion.Istood,throwingmyblazerbackontolookpresentable,andgaveanod

toNeenatoletmyguestsin.Mom came around the door, smiling,withDad contentedly trailing her

steps. I couldn’t help but notice it was always thisway.At state events orimportant dinners,Momwas besideDad or situated right behind him. Butwhentheywerejusthusbandandwife—notkingandqueen—hefollowedher

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everywhere.“Hi,Mom.”Iwalkedovertohugher.Momtuckedmyhairbehindmyear,smilingatme.“Ilikethislook.”I stood back proudly and smoothed outmy dresswithmy hands. “The

braceletsreallysetitoff,don’tyouthink?”Shegiggled.“Excellentattention todetail.”Everyonce inawhileMom

letmepickoutjewelryorshoesforher,butitwasrare.Momdidn’tfinditasmuchfunasIdid,andshedidn’trelyontheextrasforbeauty.Inhercase,shereallydidn’tneedit.Ilikedthatshewasclassic.

Mom turned and touchedNeena’s shoulder. “You’re excused,” she saidquietly.

Neenainstantlycurtsiedandleftusalone.“Issomethingwrong?”Iasked.“No, sweetheart.We simply want to speak in private.” Dad held out a

handandusheredusalltothetable.“Wehaveanopportunitytotalktoyouabout.”

“Opportunity? Are we traveling?” I adored traveling. “Please tell mewe’refinallygoingonabeachtrip.Coulditjustbethesixofus?”

“Not exactly. We wouldn’t be going somewhere so much as havingvisitors,”Momexplained.

“Oh!Company!Who’scoming?”They exchanged glances, thenMom continued talking. “You know that

thingsareprecariousrightnow.Thepeoplearerestlessandunhappy,andwecannotfigureouthowtoeasethetension.”

Isighed.“Iknow.”“We’reseekingawaytoboostmorale,”Dadadded.Iperkedup.Moraleboostingtypicallyinvolvedacelebration.AndIwas

alwaysupforaparty.“Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”Istarteddesigninganewdressinmyhead

anddismisseditalmostasquickly.Thatwasn’twhatneededmyattentionatthemoment.

“Well,”Dadstarted,“thepublicrespondsbesttosomethingpositivewithour family.When your mother and I weremarried, it was one of the bestseasonsinourcountry.AnddoyourememberhowpeoplethrewpartiesinthestreetwhentheyfoundoutOstenwascoming?”

I smiled. I was eight when Osten was born, and I’d never forget howexcitedeveryonegotjustovertheannouncement.Iheardmusicplayingfrommybedroompracticallyuntildawn.

“Thatwasmarvelous.”“Itwas.Andnowthepeoplelooktoyou.Itwon’tbelongbeforeyou’re

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queen.” Dad paused. “We thought that perhaps you’d be willing to dosomethingpublicly,somethingthatwouldbeexcitingforthepeoplebutalsomightbeverybeneficialtoyou.”

Inarrowedmyeyes,notsurewherethiswasgoing.“I’mlistening.”Mom cleared her throat. “You know that in the past, princesses were

married off to princes from other countries to solidify our internationalrelations.”

“Ididhearyouusethepasttensethere,correct?”Shelaughed,butIwasn’tamused.“Yes.”“Good. Because Prince Nathaniel looks like a zombie, Prince Hector

danceslikeazombie,andif theprincefromtheGermanFederationdoesn’tlearn to embrace personal hygiene by the Christmas party, he shouldn’t beinvited.”

Momrubbedthesideofherheadinfrustration.“Eadlyn,you’vealwaysbeensopicky.”

Dad shrugged. “Maybe that’s not a bad thing,” he said, earning a glarefromMom.

Ifrowned.“Whatintheworldareyoutalkingabout?”“YouknowhowyourmotherandImet,”Dadbegan.Irolledmyeyes.“Everyonedoes.Youtwoarepracticallyafairytale.”Atthosewordstheireyeswentsoft,andsmileswashedovertheirfaces.

Their bodies seemed to tilt slightly toward each other, and Dad bit his liplookingatMom.

“Excuseme.Firstbornintheroom,doyoumind?”Mom blushed as Dad cleared his throat and continued. “The Selection

process was very successful for us. And though my parents had theirproblems, it workedwell for them, too. So . . . wewere hoping. . . .”Hehesitatedandmetmyeyes.

Iwasslowtopickupontheirhints.IknewwhattheSelectionwas,butnever, not even once, had it been suggested as an option for any of us, letaloneme.

“No.”Momputupherhands,cautioningme.“Justlisten—”“ASelection?”Iburstout.“That’sinsane!”“Eadlyn,you’rebeingirrational.”Iglaredather.“Youpromised—youpromised—you’dneverforcemeinto

marryingsomeoneforanalliance.Howisthisanybetter?”“Hearusout,”sheurged.“No!”Ishouted.“Iwon’tdoit.”“Calmdown,love.”

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“Don’ttalktomelikethat.I’mnotachild!”Momsighed.“You’recertainlyactinglikeone.”“You’re ruining my life!” I ran my fingers through my hair and took

several deepbreaths, hoping itwould helpme think.This couldn’t happen.Nottome.

“It’sahugeopportunity,”Dadinsisted.“You’retryingtoshacklemetoastranger!”“Itoldyoushe’dbestubborn,”MommutteredtoDad.“Wonderwhereshegetsthatfrom,”heshotbackwithasmile.“Don’ttalkaboutmelikeI’mnotintheroom!”“I’msorry,”Dadsaid.“Wejustneedyoutoconsiderthis.”“WhataboutAhren?Can’thedoit?”“Ahrenisn’tgoingtobethefutureking.Besides,hehasCamille.”PrincessCamillewas theheir to theFrenchthrone,andafewyearsago

she’dmanagedtobatherlashesallthewayintoAhren’sheart.“Thenmakethemgetmarried!”Ipleaded.“Camillewillbequeenwhenhertimecomes,andshe,likeyou,willhave

toaskherpartnertomarryher.IfitwasAhren’schoice,we’dconsiderit;butit’snot.”

“WhataboutKaden?Can’tyouhavehimdoit?”Mom laughed humorlessly. “He’s fourteen!We don’t have that kind of

time.Thepeopleneedsomethingtobeexcitedaboutnow.”Shenarrowedhereyesatme.“And,honestly,isn’tittimeyoulookforsomeonetorulebesideyou?”

Dadnodded.“It’strue.It’snotarolethatshouldbeshoulderedalone.”“But Idon’twant togetmarried,” Ipleaded.“Pleasedon’tmakemedo

this.I’monlyeighteen.”“WhichishowoldIwaswhenImarriedyourfather,”Momstated.“I’mnotready,”Iurged.“Idon’twantahusband.Pleasedon’tdothisto

me.”Momreachedacrossthetableandputherhandonmine.“Noonewould

be doing anything to you.Youwould be doing something for your people.You’dbegivingthemagift.”

“YoumeanfakingasmilewhenI’drathercry?”Shegavemeafleetingfrown.“Thathasalwaysbeenpartofourjob.”Istaredather,silentlydemandingabetteranswer.“Eadlyn, why don’t you take some time to think this over?” Dad said

calmly.“Iknowthisisabigthingwe’reaskingofyou.”“DoesthatmeanIhaveachoice?”Dadinhaleddeeply,considering.“Well,love,you’llreallyhavethirty-five

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choices.”Ileapedupfrommychair,pointingtowardthedoor.“Getout!”Idemanded.“Get!Out!”Withoutanotherwordtheyleftmyroom.Didn’t theyknowwhoIwas,what they’d trainedmefor? IwasEadlyn

Schreave.Noonewasmorepowerfulthanme.So if they thought I was going down without a fight, they were sadly

mistaken.

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CHAPTER3

IDECIDEDTOTAKEDINNERinmyroom.Ididn’tfeellikeseeingmyfamilyatthemoment.Iwasiratewithallofthem.Atmyparentsforbeinghappy,atAhrenfornotpickingupthepaceeighteenyearsago,atKadenandOstenforbeingsoyoung.

Neenacircledme, fillingmycupasshespoke.“Doyou thinkyou’llgothroughwithit,miss?”sheasked.

“I’mstilltryingtofigureawayout.”“Whatifyousaidyouwerealreadyinlovewithsomebody?”IshookmyheadasIpokedatmyfood.“Iinsultedmythreemostlikely

candidatesrightinfrontofthem.”She set a small plate of chocolates in themiddle of the table, guessing

correctlythatI’dprobablywantthosemorethanthecaviar-garnishedsalmon.“Perhaps a guard then? Happens to the maids often enough,” she

suggestedwithagiggle.Iscoffed.“That’sfineforthem,butI’mnotthatdesperate.”Herlaughterfaded.I saw immediately that I had offended her, but that was the truth. I

couldn’tsettleforanyoldperson,letaloneaguard.Evenconsideringitwasawasteoftime.Ineededawayoutofthiswholesituation.

“Idon’tmeanitlikethat,Neena.It’sjustthatpeopleexpectcertainthingsfromme.”

“Ofcourse.”“I’mdone.Youcangoforthenight;I’llleavethecartinthehallway.”Shenoddedandleftwithoutanotherword.Igrazedon thechocolatesbeforecompletelygivingupon the foodand

slippedintomynightgown.Icouldn’treasonwithMomandDadrightnow,andNeenadidn’tunderstand.Ineededtotalktotheonlypersonwhomightseemyside,thepersonwhosometimesfeltlikehewashalfofme.IneededAhren.

“Areyoubusy?”Iasked,crackingopenhisdoor.Ahrenwassittingathisdesk,writing.Hisblondhairwasend-of-the-day

messy, but his eyes were far from tired, and he looked so much like thepicturesofDadwhenhewasyoungeritwaseerie.Hewasstilldressedfromdinnerbuthadtakenoffhiscoatandtie,settlinginfortheevening.“Knock,

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forgoodness’sake.”“Iknow,Iknow;butit’sanemergency.”“Thengetaguard,”hesnappedback,returningtohispapers.“That’s already been suggested,” I muttered to myself. “I’m serious,

Ahren;Ineedyourhelp.”Ahren peeked over his shoulder atme, and I could see hewas already

planningtogivein.Heusedhisfoottopushouttheseatnexttohimcasually.“Stepintomyoffice.”

Sitting,Isighed.“Whatareyouwriting?”Hequicklypiledpapersontopoftheonehe’dbeenworkingon.“Aletter

toCamille.”“Youknowyoucouldsimplyphoneher.”Hegrinned.“Oh,Iwill.ButthenI’llsendherthis,too.”“Thatmakesno sense.What couldyoupossiblyhave to talk about that

wouldfillanentirephonecallandaletter?”He tiltedhishead.“Foryour information, theyservedifferentpurposes.

Thecallsareforupdatesandtoseehowherdaywent.ThelettersareforthethingsIcan’talwayssayoutloud.”

“Oh,really?”Ileanedover,reachingforthepaper.Before I could even get close, Ahren’s hand gripped my wrist. “I will

murderyou,”hevowed.“Good,” I shot. “Then you can be the heir, and you can go through a

SelectionandkissyourpreciousCamillegood-bye.”Hescrunchedhisforehead.“What?”I slumped back into my chair. “Mom and Dad need to boost morale.

They’vedecidedthat,forthesakeofIlléa,”Isaidinmockpatriotism,“IneedtogothroughaSelection.”

I was expecting abject horror. Perhaps a sympathetic hand on myshoulder.ButAhrenthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.

“Ahren!”Hecontinuedtohowl,pitchinghimselfforwardandhittinghisknee.“You’re going to wrinkle your suit,” I warned, which only made him

laughharder.“Forgoodness’sake,stopit!WhatamIsupposedtodo?”“AsifIknow!Ican’tbelievetheythinkthiswouldevenwork,”headded,

hissmilestillnotfading.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”Heshrugged.“Idon’tknow.IguessIthought,ifyoueverdidgetmarried,

it’dbedowntheline.Ithinkeveryoneassumedthat.”“Andwhatisthatsupposedtomean?”Thewarm touch I’dbeenhoping for finallycameashe reached formy

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hand. “Come on, Eady.You’ve always been independent. It’s the queen inyou.You like to be in charge, do things on your own. I didn’t think you’dpartnerupwithanyoneuntilyouatleastgottoreignforawhile.”

“Not likeI reallyhadachoice in thefirstplace,”Imumbled, tiltingmyheadtothefloorbutstilllookingtomybrother.

He gave me a little pout. “Poor little princess. Don’t want to rule theworld?”

I swatted his hand away. “Sevenminutes. It should have been you. I’dmuch rather sit alone and scribble away instead of do all that stupidpaperwork. And this ridiculous Selection nonsense! Can’t you see howdreadfulthisis?”

“Howdid you get roped into this anyway? I thought they’d done awaywithit.”

I rolledmyeyesagain.“Ithasabsolutelynothing todowithme.That’stheworstpart.Dad’sfacingpublicopposition,sohe’stryingtodistractthem.”Ishookmyhead.“It’sgettingreallybad,Ahren.Peoplearedestroyinghomesandbusinesses.Somehavedied.Dadisn’tcompletelysurewhereit’scomingfrom,buthe thinks it’speopleourage, thegeneration thatgrewupwithoutcastes,causingmostofit.”

He made a face. “That doesn’t make sense. How could growing upwithoutthoserestrictionsmakeyouupset?”

Ipaused,thinking.HowcouldIexplainwhatwecouldonlyreallyguessat?“Well,IgrewupbeingtoldIwasgoingtobequeenoneday.Thatwasit.No choice. You grew up knowing you had options. You could go into themilitary,youcouldbecomeanambassador,youcoulddoplentyofthings.Butwhat if that wasn’t really happening? What if you didn’t have all theopportunitiesyouthoughtyouwould?”

“Huh,”hesaid,following.“Sothey’rebeingdeniedjobs?”“Jobs,education,money.I’veheardofpeoplerefusingtolettheirkidsget

marriedbecauseofoldcastes.NothingishappeningthewayDadthoughtitwould,andit’snearlyimpossibletocontrol.Canweforcepeopletobefair?”

“Andthat’swhatDad’stryingtofigureoutnow?”heasked,skeptical.“Yes,andI’mthesmoke-and-mirroractdivertingtheirattentionwhilehe

comesupwithaplan.”He chuckled. “That makes much more sense than you suddenly being

romanticallyinclined.”Icockedmyhead.“Let itgo,Ahren.So I’mnot interested inmarriage.

Whydoesthatmatter?Otherwomencanstaysingle.”“Butotherwomenaren’texpectedtoproduceanheir.”Ihithimagain.“Helpme!WhatdoIdo?”

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Hiseyessearchedmine,andIknew,aseasilyasIcouldreadanyemotionin him, that he saw Iwas terrified.Not irritated or angry.Not outraged orrepulsed.

Iwasscared.Itwasonethingtobeexpectedtorule,toholdtheweightofmillionsof

people inmy hands. Thatwas a job, a task. I could check things off lists,delegate.But thiswasmuchmorepersonal, onemorepieceofmy life thatoughttobeminebutwasn’t.

Hisplayfulsmiledisappeared,andhepulledhischairclosertomine.“Ifthey’re looking to distract people, maybe you could suggest other . . .opportunities.A possiblemarriage isn’t the only choice.That said, ifMomandDad came to this conclusion, theymight have already exhausted everyotheroption.”

Iburiedmyheadinmyhands.Ididn’twanttotellhimItriedtoofferuphim as an alternative or that I thought Kaden might even be acceptable. Isensedhewasright,thattheSelectionwastheirlasthope.

“Here’sthething,Eady.You’llbethefirstgirltoholdthethronefullyinherownright.Andpeopleexpectalotfromyou.”

“LikeIdon’talreadyknowthat.”“But,”hecontinued,“thatalsogivesyoualotofbargainingpower.”Iraisedmyheadmarginally.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Iftheyreallyneedyoutodothis,thennegotiate.”I sat up straight,mymind running around in circles, trying to think of

what I could ask for. There might be a way to get through this quickly,withoutitevenendinginaproposal.

Withoutaproposal!If I spoke fast enough, I could probably getDad to agree to practically

anythingsolongashegothisSelectionoutofit.“Negotiate!”Iwhispered.“Exactly.”Istoodup,grabbedAhrenbyhisears,andplantedakissonhisforehead.

“Youaremyabsolutehero!”Hesmiled.“Anythingforyou,myqueen.”Igiggled,shovinghim.“Thanks,Ahren.”“Get towork.”Hewavedme toward the door, and I suspected hewas

actuallymoreeager togetbacktohis letter thanhewasformetocomeupwithaplan.

Idashedfromtheroom,headingtomyowntofetchsomepaper.Ineededtothink.

AsIroundedthecorner,Iransmackintosomeone,fallingbackwardonto

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thecarpet.“Ow!” I complained, looking up to seeKileWoodwork,MissMarlee’s

son.Kileandtherestof theWoodworkshadroomsonthesamefloorasour

family, a singularly huge honor. Or irritation, depending on how one feltabouttheWoodworks.

“Doyoumind?”Isnapped.“I wasn’t the one running,” he answered, picking up the books he’d

dropped.“Yououghttobelookingwhereyou’regoing.”“Agentlemanwouldofferhishandrightnow,”Iremindedhim.Kile’s hair flopped across his eyes as he looked over atme.Hewas in

desperateneedofacutandashave,andhisshirtwastoobigforhim.Ididn’tknow who I was more embarrassed for: him for looking so sloppy or myfamilyforhavingtobeseenwithsuchadisaster.

Whatwasespecially irritatingwas thathewasn’talwayssoscruffy,andhedidn’thave tobenow.Howhardwould itbe to runabrush throughhishair?

“Eadlyn,you’veneverthoughtIwasagentleman.”“True.”Ipulledmyselfupwithouthelpandbrushedoffmyrobe.For the last six months I had been spared Kile’s less-than-thrilling

company.He’dgonetoFennleytoenrollinsomeacceleratedcourse,andhismother had been lamenting his absence ever since the day he left. I didn’tknowwhathewasstudying,andIdidn’tparticularlycare.Buthewasbacknow,andhispresencewasanotherstressoronanever-growinglist.

“Andwhatwouldmakesuchaladyrunlikethatinthefirstplace?”“Mattersyouarefartoodimtocomprehend.”Helaughed.“Right,becauseI’msuchasimpleton.It’samiracleImanage

tobathemyself.”I was about to ask if he did bathe, because he looked like he’d been

runningawayfromanythingthatresembledabarofsoap.“Ihopeoneofthosebooksisaprimeronetiquette.Youseriouslyneeda

refresher.”“You’renotqueenyet,Eadlyn.Takeitdownanotch.”Hewalkedaway,

andIwasfuriouswithmyselffornotgettingthelastword.Ipressedon.Therewerebiggerproblems inmy life rightnow than the

state ofKile’smanners. I couldn’twastemy timequibblingwith people orbeingdistractedbyanythingthatcouldn’tputtheSelectiontodeath.

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22

CHAPTER4

“IWANTTOBECLEAR,”Isaid,sittingdowninDad’soffice.“Ihavenodesiretogetmarried.”

Henodded.“Iunderstandthatyoudon’twanttogetmarriedtoday,butitwasalwayssomethingyou’dhavetodo,Eadlyn.You’reobligatedtocontinuetheroyalline.”

Ihateditwhenhetalkedaboutmyfuturelikethat,likesexandloveandbabies weren’t happy things but duties performed to keep the countryrunning.Ittookeveryspeckofjoyoutoftheprospect.

Ofallthethingsinmylife,shouldn’tthosebetherealpleasures,thebestparts?

Ishooktheworryawayandfocusedonthetaskathand.“I understand.And I agree that it’s important,” I replied diplomatically.

“Butweren’tyoueverworriedwhenyouwentthroughyourSelectionthatnoone in the pool was right for you? Or that maybe they were there for thewrongreason?”

Hislipshitchedupinasmile.“Everywakingmoment,andhalfthetimeIslept.”

He’d toldme a handful of vague stories about one girl who’d been sopliablehecouldhardlystandherandanotherwhohadtriedtomanipulatetheprocessateveryturn.Ididn’tknowmanynamesordetails,andthatwasfinewith me. I had never liked to imagine Dad possibly falling in love withanyonebutMom.

“Anddon’tyouthinkthatas thefirstwomantofullycontrol thecrown,thereshouldbe...somestandardssetforwhomightrulebesideme?”

Hetiltedhishead.“Goon.”“I’m sure there’s some sort of vetting process in place tomake sure an

actualpsychopathdoesn’tmakehiswayintothepalace,yes?”“Ofcourse.”Hegrinnedasifthiswasn’tavalidconcern.“ButIdon’ttrustjustanyonetodothisjobwithme.So”—Isigheddeeply

—“Iwillagreetogothroughwiththisridiculousstuntifyoumakemeafewtinypromises.”

“It’snotastunt. It’shadanexcellent trackrecord.Butplease,deargirl,tellmewhatyouwant.”

“First, Iwant the contestants tohave the freedom to leaveof their own

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freewill.Iwon’thavesomeonefeelingobligatedtostayiftheydon’tcareformeorthelifethey’dhavetoleadinthepalace.”

“I fully agree to that,” he said forcefully. Seemed like I had touched anerve.

“Excellent.AndIknowyoumightbeopposed to the idea,but ifby theendofthisIcan’tfindanyonesuitable,thenwecallthewholethingoff.Noprince,nowedding.”

“Ah!” he said, leaning forward in his chair and pointing a calculatingfinger atme. “If I allow that, you’ll turn them all away the first day. Youwon’teventry!”

Ipaused,thinking.“WhatifIguaranteedyouatimeline?IwouldkeeptheSelectionrunningfor,say,threemonthsandweighmyoptionsforatleastthatamount of time. After then, if I haven’t found a suitable match, all thecontestantsarereleased.”

He ranhishandacrosshismouthand shifted inhis chair a littlebeforepressinghiseyesintomine.“Eadlyn,youknowhowimportantthisis,don’tyou?”

“Of course,” I replied instantly, very aware of how serious this was. IsensedonewrongmovewouldsetmylifeonacourseIcouldnevercorrect.

“Youneedtodothisanddoitwell.Foreveryone’ssake.Ourlives,allofthem,aregivenoverinservicetoourpeople.”

Ilookedaway.Ifanything,itfeltlikeMom,Dad,andIwerethetrinityofsacrificehere,withtheothersdoingastheypleased.

“Iwon’tletyoudown,”Ipromised.“Youdowhatyoumust.Makeyourplans, find away to appease our public, and Iwill give you an acceptablewindowoftimetopullitalltogether.”

Hiseyesdarted toward theceiling in thought. “Threemonths?Andyouswearyou’lltry?”

Iheldupmyhand.“Igiveyoumyword.I’llevensignsomethingifyoulike,butIcan’tpromiseyouI’llfallinlove.”

“Wouldn’tbesosureifIwasyou,”hesaidknowingly.ButIwasn’thim,andIwasn’tMom.Nomatterhowromantichethoughtthiswas,allIcouldthinkofwerethethirty-fiveloud,obnoxious,weird-smellingboyswhowereabouttoinvademyhome.Nothingaboutthatsoundedmagical.

“It’sadeal.”Istood,practicallyreadytodance.“Really?”“Really.”I took his hand and sealedmy futurewith a single shake. “Thank you,

Dad.”Ilefttheroombeforehecouldseehowbigmysmilewas.Ihadalready

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beenrunningthroughhowIcouldgetmostoftheboystoleaveoftheirownvolition.IcouldbeintimidatingwhenIneededtobeorfindwaystomakethepalaceaveryunwelcomingenvironment.IalsohadasecretweaponinOsten,whowasthemostmischievousofusallandwouldhelpmeifIaskedhimto,probablywithminimalpersuasion.

Iadmiredthethoughtofacommonboyfeelingbraveenoughtofacethechallengeofbecomingaprince.ButnoonewasgoingtotiemedownbeforeIwasready,andIwasgoingtomakesurethosepoorsuckersknewwhattheyweresigningupfor.

Theykeptthestudiocold,butoncethelightscameon,wemightaswellhavebeen in an oven for all the good it did. I’d learned years ago to keepmyclothingchoicesfortheReportairy,whichwaswhymydresstonightfelloffmyshoulders.Mylookwasclassy,asalways,butnotsomethingthatwouldsubjectmetoaheatstroke.

“That’stheperfectdress,”Momcommented,pullingatthelittlerufflesonthesleeves.“Youlooklovely.”

“Thankyou.Sodoyou.”She smiled as she continued to straighten my dress. “Thank you,

sweetheart.Iknowyou’refeelingalittleoverwhelmed,butIthinkaSelectionwillbegoodforeveryone.You’realonea lot,and it’s somethingwewouldhavetothinkabouteventually,and—”

“Anditwillmakethepeoplehappy.Iknow.”I tried to hide themisery inmy voice.We had technicallymoved past

sellingoff the royaldaughters,but . . . thisdidn’t feel thatdifferent.Didn’tshegetthat?

Hereyesmovedfromthegown tomyface.Something in themtoldmeshewassorry.

“Iknowyoufeellikethisisasacrifice;andit’struethatwhenyoulivealife of service, there aremany thingsyoudo, not becauseyouwant to, butbecauseyoumust.”Sheswallowed.“ButthroughthisIfoundyourfather,andI found my closest friends, and I learned that I was stronger than I everthoughtIcouldbe.Iknowabouttheagreementyoumadewithyourdad,andif this ends without you finding the right person, so be it. But please, letyourselfexperiencesomethinghere.Sharpenyourself,learnsomething.Andtrynottohateusforaskingyoutodoit.”

“Idon’thateyou.”“Youatleastconsidereditwhenweproposedthis,”shesaidwithagrin.

“Didn’tyou?”“I’meighteen.I’mgeneticallyencodedtofightwithmyparents.”

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“Idon’tmindagoodfightsolongasyoustillknowhowmuchIloveyouintheend.”

Ireachedtohugher.“AndIloveyou.Promise.”Sheheldmeforamoment,thenpulledaway,smoothingmydresstomake

sureIwasstillimmaculatebeforeshewenttofindDad.Iwalkedtotakemyseat next to Ahren, who wiggled his eyebrows at me teasingly. “Lookinggood,sis.Practicallybridal.”

I swungmy skirt and sat down gracefully. “Onemoreword and I willshaveyourheadinyoursleep.”

“Iloveyou,too.”Itriednottosmilebutfailed.Hejustalwaysknew.The room filled with the palace household. Miss Lucy sat alone, as

General Legerwas on rounds, andMr. andMrs.Woodwork sat behind thecameraswithKileandJosie.TheyweretheWoodworks’onlychildren,andIknewMissMarlee meant the world toMom, so I kept it to myself that Ithoughtherkidsweretheabsoluteworst.Kilewasn’tasobnoxiousasJosie,but,inalltheyearsI’dknownhim,he’dnevermadeanythingremotelycloseto an interesting conversation. So help me, if I ever got a bad case ofinsomnia,I’dhirehimtositinmyroomandtalk.Problemsolved.AndJosie...Ididn’thavewordsforhowwretchedthatgirlwas.

Dad’sadvisersfiledin,bowingastheycame.TherewasonlyonewomaninDad’scabinet,LadyBriceMannor.Shewas lovelyandpetite, and Iwasnever sure how someone so demuremanaged to stay afloat in the politicalarena.I’dneverheardherraisehervoiceorgetangry,butpeoplelistenedtoher.Themendidn’tlistentomeunlessIwasstern.

Herpresencemademecuriousthough.WhatwouldhappenifI,asqueen,mademyentireboardofcounselorswomen?

Thatmightbeaninterestingexperiment.The chairmen and advisers delivered their announcements and updates,

andfinally,Gavrilturnedtome.Gavril Fadaye had slicked-back silver hair but a very handsome face.

He’dbeen talking recentlyabout retirement,butafteranannouncement thisbig,he’dhavetostickaroundabitlonger.

“Tonight, Illéa, to conclude our program, we have some very excitingnews. And there is no one better to deliver it than our future queen, thebeautifulEadlynSchreave.”

He swept his hand grandly in my direction, and I smiled widely as Iwalkedacrossthecarpetedstagetopoliteapplause.

Gavril gave me a quick embrace and a kiss on each cheek. “PrincessEadlyn,welcome.”

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“Thanks,Gavril.”“Now,Ihavetobehonest.ItfeelslikeonlyyesterdayIwasannouncing

thebirthofyouandyourbrotherAhren. Ican’tbelieve it’sbeenmore thaneighteenyears!”

“It’s true. We’re all grown up.” I looked toward my family, sharing awarmgaze.

“You’reontheedgeofmakinghistory.IthinkallofIlléaiseagertoseewhatyou’lldoafewyearsdowntheroadwhenyoubecomequeen.”

“That’llcertainlybeanexcitingtime,butI’mnotsureIwanttowaitthatlong tomake history.” I gave him a playful nudgewithmy elbow, and hemockedsurprise.

“Whydon’tyoutelluswhatyouhaveinmind,YourHighness?”I squared my shoulders in front of camera C and smiled. “Our great

country has gone through many changes over the years. In my parents’lifetimesalonewe’veseentherebelforceswithinourcountrypracticallyruninto extinction, and though we still face challenges, the caste system nolonger divides our people along imaginary lines. We live in an era ofextraordinary freedom, and we wait with anticipation to see our nationbecomeeverythingitpossiblycan.”

Irememberedtosmileandspeakarticulately.Yearsoflessonsonhowtoaddressanaudiencehaddrilled theproper technique intome, and Iknew IwashittingeverylastpointIwasmeanttoasIdeliveredmyannouncement.

“And that’sgreat . . . but I’mstill aneighteen-year-oldgirl.”The smallaudience of guests and advisers giggled. “It gets a little boring when youspend themajorityof theday in anofficewithyourdad.Nooffense,YourMajesty,”Iadded,turningtoDad.

“Nonetaken,”hecalledback.“AndsoI’vedecidedit’stimeforachangeofpace.It’stimetosearch,not

justforsomeonetobeacoworkerwithmeinthisverydemandingjob,butfora partner to walk with me through life. To do that, I’m hoping Illéa willindulgemydeepestwish:tohaveaSelection.”

Theadvisersgaspedandmuttered.Isawtheshockedfacesofthestaff.Itbecame clear that the only personwhowas already in on this was Gavril,whichsurprisedme.

“Tomorrow, letters will be sent to all the eligible young men in Illéa.You’llhavetwoweekstodecidewhetheryouwouldliketocompeteformyhand.I realize,ofcourse, that this isuncharted territory.We’veneverhadafemale-runSelectionbefore.Still,eventhoughIhavethreebrothers,I’mveryexcitedtomeetanotherprinceofIlléa.AndI’mhopingthatallofIlléawillcelebratewithme.”

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I gave a small curtsy and retreated to my seat. Mom and Dad werebeaming proudly at me, and I tried to tell myself that their reaction wasenough, though I felt likemy bloodwas trembling inmy veins. I couldn’thelpbut thinkI’dmissedsomething, that therewasagapingholeinthenetI’dsetuptocatchmyself.

ButtherewasnothingIcoulddo.I’djustthrownmyselfofftheledge.

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CHAPTER5

I KNEW WE HAD AN arsenal of staff working at the palace, but I wasconvinced the majority of them had been in hiding until today. As theannouncementofthisunexpectedSelectionspread,itwasn’tsimplythemaidsand butlers running around in preparation, but people I’d never even seenbefore.

MydailyworkloadofreadingreportsandsittinginonmeetingsshiftedasIbecamethefocalpointoftheSelectionpreparations.

“This is slightly less expensive,YourHighness, but it is still incrediblycomfortableandwouldworkwellwiththeexistingdecor.”Amanheldoutaverylargeswatchoffabric,whichhedrapedovertheprevioustwooptions.

Itouchedit,enchantedbythetextureofclothasIusuallywas,thoughthiswasclearlynotintendedtobeworn.

“I’mnotsureIunderstandwhywe’redoingthis,”Iconfessed.Theman,oneof thepalacedecorators,pressedhis lips together. “Ithas

beensuggestedthatsomeoftheguestroomsareabitfeminineandthatyoursuitorsmightbemorecomfortableinsomethinglikethis,”hesaid,pullingoutyetanotheroption.“Wecanmakearoomlookentirelydifferentwithasimplebedspread,”heassuredme.

“Fine,” I said, thinking itwasa littleunnecessary toget thisworkedupoversomesheets.“ButdoIneedtomakethisdecision?”

Hesmiledkindly.“YourfingerprintswillbealloverthisSelection,miss.Evenifyoudon’tchoose,peoplewillassumeyoudid.Wemightaswellgetyourauthorityonallthings.”

Istaredatthefabric,morethanalittleexhaustedthinkingabouthowallthese silly details would point back to me. “This one.” I chose the least-expensiveoption.Itwasadeepgreenandwouldbeperfectlyacceptableforathree-monthstay.

“Verywise,YourHighness,” thedecoratorcomplimented.“Now,shouldweconsideraddingnewartaswell?”Heclappedhishands,andastreamofmaidswalkedincarryingpaintings.Isighed,knowingmyafternoonwaslost.

The followingmorning Iwas summoned to the dininghall.Momcamewithme,butDadcouldn’tbepulledawayfromhiswork.

AmanIassumedwasourheadchefbowedtous,notabletogoverylowbecauseofhiswide stomach.His facewas closer to red thanwhite, but he

29

didn’tsweat,whichmademethinkthatalltheyearsinthekitchenhadsimplysteamedhim.

“Thank you for joining us, Your Majesty, Your Highness. The kitchenstaffhasbeenworkingdayandnighttofindappropriateoptionsforthefirstdinneronceyoursuitorsarrive.Wewanttoservesevencourses,obviously.”

“Ofcourse!”Momreplied.Thechef smiledather. “Naturally,wewould likeyour approval for the

finalmenu.”Igroanedinternally.Atrueseven-coursemealcouldtakesixhoursfrom

thefirstsipofacocktailtothefinalbiteofchocolate.Howlongwouldittaketosampleseveraldifferentoptionsforeachcourse?

Abouteighthours,itturnedout,andIhadadreadfulstomachachefortherest of the day,whichmademe less than enthusiasticwhen someone cameaskingaboutmusicselectionsfortheeveningofthefirstdinner.

The hallwayswere like crowded streets, and every corner of the palacewas noisywith speedy preparations. I endured it as best I could until Dadstoppedmeinpassingoneday.

“WewerethinkingaboutmakingaspecialroomfortheSelected.Whatdoyouthinkabout—”

“Enough!”Isighed,exasperated.“Idon’tcare.Ihavenoideawhataboywouldlike inarecreationalspace,soIsuggestyouasksomeonewithsometestosterone.Andasforme,I’llbeinthegarden.”

DadcouldtellIwasnearabreakingpoint,andheletmepasswithoutafight.Iwasthankfulforthemomentaryrespite.

Ilayonmystomachinmybikinionablanketintheopenstretchofgrassthatspreadoutjustbeforetheforest.Iwished,asIhadsomanytimesbefore,that we had a pool. I was pretty good at getting my way, but Dad neverbudgedonthepoolissue.Whenthepalacewasmine,thatwasthefirstthingontheagenda.

Isketcheddressesinmybook,tryingtorelax.Asthesunwarmedme,thequickscratchofmypencilblendedwiththesoundofrustlingleaves,makingalovely,tranquilsong.Imournedthelossofpeaceinmylife.Threemonths,Irecited.Threemonths,andtheneverythinggoesbacktonormal.

Apiercinglaughpollutedthestillnessofthegarden.“Josie,”Imutteredtomyself.Shadingmyeyes,Iturnedandsawherwalkingtowardme.Shewaswith one of her friends, an upper-class girl she’d chosen to associate withspecificallybecausethecompanyinthepalacewasn’tenoughforher.

Iclosedmybook,hidingmydesigns,andturnedontomybacksimplytotakeinthesun.

“Itwillbeagoodexperienceforeveryone,” IheardJosie remark toher

30

friend.“Idon’tgettointeractwithboysveryoften,soit’llbenicetohaveanopportunitytotalktosome.Oneday,whenmyweddingisarranged,I’dliketobeabletocarryonaconversation.”

I rolledmy eyes. If I thought I’d have the slightest attachment to theseboys,itwouldhavebotheredmethatshethoughttheywerehereforher.Thenagain,Josiethoughteverythingexistedforher.Andtheideathatshewassoimportant that her marriage would need to be arranged on her behalf wascomical. She couldmarry anyoneoff the street andnoonewould care onewayortheother.

“IhopeI’llbeabletovisitduringtheSelection,”herfriendreplied.“It’llbesofun!”

“Ofcourse,Shannon!I’llmakesureallmyfriendsgettocomeoften.It’llbevaluableforyouaswell.”

Howkindofhertoofferupmyhomeandeventsaslearningopportunitiesforherlittlebuddies.Itookadeepbreath.Ineededtofocusonrelaxing.

“Eadlyn!”Josiecried,spottingme.I groaned, then raised a hand to acknowledge her, hoping the silence

wouldconveymywishforprivacy.“HowexcitedareyoufortheSelection?”sheyelled,continuingover.Iwasn’t going to holler like a farmhand, so I said nothing. Eventually,

Josieandherfriendwerestandingaboveme,blockingthesun.“Didn’tyouhearme,Eadlyn?Aren’tyouexcitedfortheSelection?”Josieneveraddressedmeproperly.“Ofcourse.”“Me,too!Ithinkit’llbeexcitingtohaveallthecompany.”“You won’t have any company,” I reminded her. “These boys are my

guests.”ShetippedherheadlikeIwasstatingtheobvious.“Iknow!Butit’llstill

benicetohavemorepeoplearound.”“Josie,howoldareyou?”“Fifteen,”sheansweredproudly.“Ithoughtso.Ifyoureallywantto,I’msureyoucouldgetoutandmeet

peopleofyourownaccordnow.You’recertainlyoldenough.”Shesmiled.“Idon’tthinkso.That’snotexactlyappropriate.”Ididn’twanttogetintothisargumentagain.Iwastheonewhocouldn’t

pick up and leave the palace without warning. Security sweeps, properannouncements,andprotocolreviewswereallnecessarybeforeIcouldevenconsiderit.

Also, I constantlyhad tobeawareof thecompany Ikept. I couldn’tbeseen with just anyone. An unflattering picture wasn’t simply taken; it was

31

documented, stored, and resurrected whenever the newspapers needed tocriticizeme.Ihadtoberelentlesslyonmytoestoavoidanythingthatcouldpossiblytarnishmyimage,myfamily’simage,orthecountryatlarge.

Josiewasacommoner.Shedidn’thaveanysuchrestrictions.Notthatitstoppedherfromactinglikeshedid.“Well,atleastyouhavesomecompanyfortoday,then.Ifyoutwodon’t

mind,I’mtryingtorest.”“Certainly,YourHighness.”Herfriendbowedherhead.Okay,shewasn’t

toobad.“I’llseeyouatdinner!”Josiewasalittletooenthusiasticaboutit.I triedtolullmyselfbackintorelaxation,butJosie’spiercingvoicekept

finding its way over to me, and I eventually scooped up my blanket andsketches,andheadedinside.IfIcouldn’tenjoymyselfhere,Imightaswellfigureoutsomethingelsetodo.

AfterbeingsoexposedtothebrightAngelessun,thepalacehallslookedliketwilightasIwaitedformyeyestoadjust.Iblinkedhard,tryingtomakeout the face of the person coming toward me. It was Osten, carrying twonotebooksasherusheddownthehall.

Heshovedthebooksintomyarms.“Hidetheseinyourroom,okay?Andifanyoneasks,youhaven’tseenme.”

As quickly as he appeared, he vanished. I sighed, knowing that evenattemptingtocomprehendwouldbepointless.Isometimescouldn’tstandthepressureplacedonme frombeingborn first, but thankgoodness itwasmeandnotOsten.Every time I tried to imaginehimat thehelm, it gavemeaheadache.

I flipped through the notebooks, curious as to what he was plotting.Turnedouttheyweren’thisatall.TheywereJosie’s.Irecognizedherbabyishhandwriting,and, if thathadn’tgivenitaway, thesheetsofherandAhren’snamesinheartsmadeitalltooobvious.Itwasn’tjustAhren’snamethough.A few pages later she was in love with all four members of ChoosingYesterday,apopularband,andjustafterthatitwassomeactor.Anyonewithanysortofcloutwoulddo,itseemed.

I decided to set the books on the floor by the doors to the garden.WhateverOstenhadplanned,therewasnowayitwouldbeasdistressingasher stumbling across them when she came inside, with no clue as to howthey’dgottenthereorwhohadseenthem.

Forsomeonewhopridedherselfonbeingsoclosetotheroyalfamily,shereallyshouldhavelearnedalessonortwoindiscretionbynow.

WhenIgottomyroom,Neenawasattheready,grabbingmyblankettoplaceinthewash.Ithrewsomethingon,notreallyinthemoodtothinkabout

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myoutfittoomuchtoday.AsIwasabouttofixmyhair,Inoticedsomefilesonthetable.

“LadyBricedroppedthoseoffforyou,”Neenasaid.I staredat the folders.Though itwasmy firstpieceofactualwork ina

week,Icouldn’tbebothered.“I’llgettothemlater,”Ipromised,knowingthatIprobablywouldn’t.I’dmaybelookatthemtomorrow.Todaywasmine.

Ipinnedbackmyhair,double-checkedmymakeup,andwenttolookforMom.Icouldusethecompany,andIfeltprettyconfidentthatshewouldn’taskmetopickoutfurnitureorfood.

I found her alone in the Women’s Room. A plaque beside the doordeclaredthatthespacewasactuallytitledtheNewsomeLibrary,butI’dneverheard anyone call it by that name except forMomon occasion. Itwas thespace where the women congregated, so the original label seemed morepractical,Isupposed.

I could tellMomwas in there before I evenopened the door because Iheardherplaying thepiano, andher soundwasunmistakable.She loved totellthestoryofhowDadmadeherpickoutfourbrand-newpianos,eachwithvarious attributes, after they were married. They were placed all over thepalace.Onewas inher suite, a second inDad’s,onehere, andanother inalargelyunusedparloronthefourthfloor.

I was still jealous of how easy she made it look. I remembered herwarningmethatonedaytimewouldtakethedexterityoutofherhands,andshe’donlybeabletoplunkawayatoneortwokeysatatime.Sofartimehadfailed.

Itriedtobequiet,butsheheardmeallthesame.“Hello, darling,” she called, pulling her fingers away from the keys.

“Comesitwithme.”“Ididn’tmeantointerrupt.”Iwalkedacrosstheroom,settlingnexttoher

onthebench.“Youdidn’t.Iwasclearingmyhead,andIfeelmuchbetternow.”“Issomethingwrong?”Shesmileddistractedlyandrubbedherhandovermyback.“No.Justthe

everydaywearandtearofthejob.”“Iknowwhatyoumean,”Isaid,runningmyfingersalongthekeys,not

actuallymakinganysound.“Ikeep thinking that I’vegotten toapointwhereI’veseen itall,where

I’ve mastered everything about being queen. No sooner do I think it thaneverything changes. There are . . .Well, you have enough to worry abouttoday.Let’snotbotherwithit.”

With some work she pasted a smile back onto her face, and while I

33

wanted to know what was troubling her—because, in the end, all thosetroublesalsofellonme—shewasright.Isimplycouldn’tdealwithittoday.

Itseemedshehardlycouldeither.“Doyoueverregretit?”Iasked,seeingthesadnessinhereyesdespiteher

efforts.“EnteringtheSelectionandendingupqueen?”I was grateful she didn’t just immediately say yes or no but actually

consideredthequestion.“Idon’tregretmarryingyourfather.IsometimeswonderaboutthelifeI

wouldhavehadwithouttheSelection,orifIhadstillcometothepalacebutlost. I think Iwouldhavebeen fine.Notunhappyexactly,butnotawareofwhatelse therecouldhavebeenforme.But thepath tohimwasadifficultone,mostlybecauseIdidn’twanttowalkit.”

“Atall?”Sheshookherhead.“Itwasn’tmyideatoentertheSelection.”Mymouthfellopen.She’dnevertoldmethat.“Whosewasit?”“That’s not important,” she answeredquickly. “But I can tell you that I

understandyour reservations. I think the processwill teach you a lot aboutyourself.Ihopeyou’lltrustmeonthis.”

“It’dbealoteasiertotrustyouifIknewyouweredoingthisformeandnot tobuyyourself somepeace.”Thewordscameoutsharper than Imeantthemto.

Shetookadeepbreath.“Iknowyouthinkthis isselfish,butyou’llsee.Onedaythewelfareofthecountrywillbeonyourshoulders,andyou’llbesurprised atwhat you’d try in order to keep it all from crumbling. I neverthought we’d have another Selection, but plans change when that much isdemandedofyou.”

“Plentyisdemandedofmenow,”Ishotback.“One,watchyourtone,”shewarned.“Andtwo,youonlyseeafractionof

thework.Youhavenoideahowmuchpressureisplacedonyourfather.”Isatthere,silent.Iwantedtoleave.Ifshedidn’tlikemytone,thenwhy

didshepushme?“Eadlyn,”shebeganquietly.“Thetimingofthishappenedtofallwhenit

did.But,honestly,soonerorlaterIwouldhavedonesomething.”“Whatdoyoumean?”“You seem shut off in a way, disconnected from your people. I know

you’reconstantlyworriedaboutthedemandsyouwillfaceasqueen,butit’stimeyouseetheneedsofothers.”

“Youdon’tthinkIdothatnow?”DidsheseewhatIdidallday?She pressed her lips together. “No, honey. Not if it comes before your

comfort.”

34

Iwanted to scream at her, and atDad, too. Sure, I took shelter in longbaths or a drink with dinner. I didn’t think that was too much to ask forconsideringwhatIsacrificed.

“Ididn’trealizeyouthoughtIwassoflawed.”Istood,turningaway.“Eadlyn,that’snotwhatI’msaying.”“Itis.That’sfine.”Imademywaytothedoor.Theaccusationfilledme

withsomuchrageIcouldbarelystandit.“Eadlyn,darling,wewantyoutobethebestqueenyoucanbe,that’sall,”

shepleaded.“Iwill,”Ianswered,onefootinthehallway.“AndIcertainlydon’tneeda

boytoshowmehowtodothat.”I tried tocalmmyselfbeforewalkingaway. It felt like theuniversewas

plottingagainstme,itsarmstakingturnsswattingmedown.Irepeatedinmyhead that it was only three months, only three months . . . until I heardsomeonecrying.

“Areyousure?”ItsoundedlikeGeneralLeger.“Italkedwithherthismorning.Shedecidedtokeepit.”MissLucypulled

inajaggedbreath.“Didyou tellher thatwecouldgive thatbabyeverything?Thatwehad

more money than we could ever spend? That we’d love it, no matter itsfaults?”GeneralLeger’swordsfelloutinawhisperedrush.

“Allthatandmore,”MissLucyinsisted.“Iknewtherewasahugechanceofthebabybeingbornwithmentalissues.Itoldherwe’dbeabletotendtoanyneedhehad, that thequeenherselfwouldsee to it.Shesaidshe talkedwithherfamily,andtheyagreedtohelpher,andthatsheneverreallywantedtoletthebabygointhefirstplace.Sheonlylookedintoadoptionbecauseshethoughtshe’dbealone.Sheapologized,likethatcouldfixit.”

MissLucysniffedasifshewastryingtoquiethersobs.Idrewclose tothecornerofthepassage,listening

“I’msosorry,Lucy.”“There’snothingtobesorryfor.It’snotyourfault.”Shesaidthosewords

kindly,bravely.“Ithinkweneedtoacceptthatit’sover.Yearsoftreatments,somanymiscarriages,threefailedadoptions...wejustneedtoletitgo.”

TherewasalongsilencebeforeGeneralLegeranswered.“Ifthat’swhatyouthinkisbest.”

“Ido,”shesaid,hervoicesoundingassertive,beforeshesankinto tearsagain.“Istillcan’tbelieveI’llneverbeamother.”

Asecondlaterhercriesweremuffled,andIknewherhusbandhadpulledhertohischest,tryingtocomfortherasbesthecould.

All these years I had thought the Legers had chosen to be a childless

35

couple.MissLucy’sstruggleshadnevermadeitintoconversationwhenIwasintheroom,andsheseemedcontentenoughtoplaywithusaschildrenandsend us on our way. I’d never considered that it might have been anunfortunatecircumstancethrustonthem.

Wasmymotherright?WasInotasobservantorcaringasIthought?MissLucywasoneofmyfavoritepeopleintheworld.Shouldn’tIhavebeenabletoseehowsadshewas?

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CHAPTER6

THIRTY-FIVEMASSIVEBASKETSSATINtheoffice,filledwithwhatmusthavebeen tens of thousands of entries, all left in their envelopes to protect thegentlemen’sanonymity.Itriedtogiveoffanairofeageranticipationforthesakeofthecamera,butIfeltlikeImightvomitintooneofthosebasketsatanygivenmoment.

Thatwouldbeonewaytonarrowthepool.Dadplacedahandonmyback.“Allright,Eady.Justwalktoeachbasket

and select anenvelope. I’ll hold them foryou soyourhandsdon’tget full.Thenwe’llopenthemlivetonightontheReport.It’sthateasy.”

Forsomethingsosimple, it seemed incrediblydaunting.Thenagain, I’dfelt overwhelmed sincewe announced the Selection, so this shouldn’t havebeenasurprise.

Iadjustedmyfavoritetiaraandsmoothedoutmyiridescentgraydress.IwantedtomakesureIlookedpositivelyradianttoday,andwhenI’dcheckedmyreflectionbeforeheadingdownstairs,evenIwasalittleintimidatedbythegirlinthemirror.

“SoI literallyselecteachonemyself?”Iwhispered,hopingthecamerasweren’twatchingtooclosely.

Hegavemeatinysmileandspokesoftly.“It’saprivilegeIneverhad.Goahead,love.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”“Later.Goonnow.”Hegesturedtowardthepilesandpilesofentries.Itookadeepbreath.Icoulddothis.Nomatterwhatpeoplewerehoping

for, I had a plan. And it was foolproof. I would walk away from thisunscathed. Just a fewmonths ofmy life—nothing, in the grand scheme ofthings—andthenI’dgobacktotheworkofbecomingqueen.Alone.

Sowhyareyoustalling?Shutup.Iwalkedtothefirstbasket,withalabeldeclaringthecontestantswereall

fromClermont.Ipulledonefromtheside,camerasflashed,andthehandfulof people in the room actually applauded. Mom wrapped her arm aroundAhreninexcitement,andhesneakilymadeafaceatme.MissMarleesighedwithdelight,butMissLucywasabsent.Ostenwasmissing, too,whichwasnosurprise,butKadenstoodby,observingthewholethingwithinterest.

37

I used different techniques for different bins. On one, I plucked theenvelope from the very top. On the next, I buried my arm to fish out mychoice. The onlookers seemed incredibly amused when I got to Carolina,Mom’s home province, picked up two envelopes, andweighed them inmyhandsforafewsecondsbeforedroppingonebackin.

Iplaced the lastentry inDad’shands,and therewasmoreclappingandcamera flashes. I gave what I hoped was an enthusiastic smile before thereporters all exited the room, off to give their exclusive stories.Ahren andKadenleft,jokingastheywent,andMomgavemeaquickkissontheheadbeforeshefollowedthem.Wewerespeakingagainbutdidn’thavemuchtosay.

“Youdidmarvelously,”Dadsaidoncewewerealone,agenuinetoneofawe inhisvoice.“Really, Iunderstandhownerve-racking thiscan feel,butyouwerewonderful.”

“How do you know though?” I placed my hands on my hips. “If youdidn’tpickouttheentriesyourself?”

Heswallowed.“You’veheardthebroadstrokesofhowyourmotherandIfoundeachother.Buttherearetinydetailsthatarebestleftinthedrawer.TheonlyreasonIamtellingyouthisisbecauseIthinkitwillhelpyoutoseehowfortunateyouare.”

Inodded,notsurewherehewasgoing.Hetookabreath.“MySelectionwasn’tafarce,butitwasn’tthatfaroff.

My father chose all the contestants by hand, picking young women withpolitical alliances, influential families, or enough charm tomake the entirecountry worship the ground they walked on. He knew he had to make itvariedenoughtoseemlegit,sotherewerethreeFivesthrownintothemixbutnothingbelowthat.TheFivesweremeanttobelittlemorethanthrowawaystokeepanyonefrombeingsuspicious.”

Irealizedmymouthwasgapingopenandshutitimmediately.“Mom?”“Was meant to be gone almost immediately. Truth be told, she barely

madeitpastmyfather’sattemptstoswaymyopinionorremoveherhimself.Andlookathernow.”Hiswholefacechanged.“Thoughitwashardformetoimagine,she isevenmorebelovedasqueen thanmymother.Shehasmadefour beautiful, intelligent, strong children. And she has been the source ofeveryhappinessinmylife.”

Heflippedidlythroughtheenvelopesinhishands.“I’mnotsureiffateordestinyisreal.ButIcantellyouthatsometimestheverythingyou’vebeenhopingforwillwalkthroughthedoor,determinedtofendyouoff.Andstill,somehow,youwillfindthatyouareenough.”

UntilthenI’dneverhadareasontodoubtthatI’dseenthewholepicture

38

ofmy parents’ love story. But betweenDad’s confession thatMomwasn’tevensupposedtobeachoiceandMom’srevelationthatshedidn’twanttobeapartofthechoosinginthefirstplace,Iwonderedhowtheyhadmanagedtofindeachotheratall.

ItwasclearfromDad’sexpression,hecouldbarelybelieveithimself.“You’regoingtodogreat,youknow?”hesaid,beamingproudly.“Whatmakesyouthinkso?”“You’re likeyourmother,andmymother, too.You’redetermined.And,

perhapsmostimportant,youdon’tliketofail.Iknowthiswillallworkout,ifonlybecauseyou’llrefusetoallowittogoanyotherway.”

Inearlytoldhim,nearlyconfessedIhadcomeupwithpagesofideastodrivetheseboysaway.Becausehewasright:Ididn’twanttofail.Butforme,failuremeanthavingmylifeledbysomeoneelse.

“I’msureeverythingwill turnout justas itshould,”Isaid,awhisperofregrethanginginmyvoice.

Heliftedahandandplaceditonmycheek.“Itusuallydoes.”

39

CHAPTER7

INTHESTUDIO,THESETwasslightlyrearranged.Typically,AhrenandIwerethe only ones who sat on camera withmy parents, but tonight Kaden andOstenweregivenseatsonstageaswell.

Dad’sofficialswereinaclusterofseatsontheoppositeside,andinthemiddleabowlwaitedwithalltheenvelopesI’dpickedearlier.Besideitwasan empty bowl for me to place them in as they were opened. I hadreservations about reading out the names myself, but at least it gave theappearanceofcontrol.Ilikedthat.

Behind the cameras, seats were filled with other members of ourhousehold.GeneralLegerwasthere,kissingMissLucyonherforeheadandwhisperingsomethingtoher.IthadbeenafewdayssinceI’doverheardtheirconversation,andIstillfeltawfulforher.Ofallthepeopleintheworldwhooughttobeparents,itwastheLegers.Andofallthepeopleintheworldwhooughttohavetheabilitytofixthings,itwastheSchreaves.

Still,Iwaslostastohowtohelp.MissMarlee was shushing Josie, probably for laughing at a joke Josie

made herself that lacked any level of humor. I’d never understand howsomeonesowonderfulhadbirthedsuchawfulpeople.Myfavoritetiara?Theone I was wearing? It was only my favorite because Josie bent my firstfavoriteandlost twostonesoutof thesecond.Shewasn’tevensupposedtotouchthem.Ever.

Besideher,Kilewas readingabook.Because,clearly,everythinggoingoninourcountryandhomewastooboringforhim.Whataningrate.

Hepeekedup fromhis book, sawmewatching,made a face, andwentbacktoreading.Whywasheevenhere?

“Howareyou feeling?”Momwas suddenlybesideme, her armaroundmyshoulder.

“Fine.”Shesmiled.“There’snowayyou’refine.Thisisterrifying.”“Why,yes,yesit is.Howkindofyoutosubjectmetosuchadelightful

thing.”Hergigglewastentative,testingtoseeifwewereongoodtermsagain.“Idon’tthinkyou’reflawed,”shesaidquietly.“Ithinkyou’reathousand

wonderful things. One day you’ll know what it’s like to worry for your

40

children.AndIworryforyoumorethantheothers.You’renotjustanygirl,Eadlyn.You’rethegirl.AndIwanteverythingforyou.”

Iwasn’tsurewhattosay.Ididn’twantforustofightrightnow,notwithsomething thisbigcoming.Herarmwasstillonmyshoulder,soIwrappedminearoundherback,andshekissedmyhair,justundermytiara.

“Ifeelveryuncomfortable,”Iconfessed.“Justrememberhowtheboysarefeeling.Thisishugeforthemaswell.

Andthecountrywillbesopleased.”Iconcentratedonmybreathing.Threemonths.Freedom.Apieceofcake.“I’mproudofyou,”shesaid,givingmeafinalsqueeze.“Goodluck.”ShewalkedawaytogreetDad,andAhrenstrode towardme,smoothing

out his suit. “I cannot believe this is actually happening,” he said, genuineexcitementcoloringhistone.“I’mreallylookingforwardtothecompany.”

“What,isKilenotenoughforyou?”Idartedmyeyesathimagain,andhestillhadhisnoseburied.

“Idon’tknowwhatyouhaveagainstKile.He’sreallysmart.”“Isthatcodeforboring?”“No!ButI’mexcitedtomeetdifferentpeople.”“I’mnot.”Icrossedmyarms,partlyfrustrated,partlyprotectingmyself.“Aww,comeon,sis.Thisisgoingtobefun.”Hesurveyedtheroomand

droppedhisvoicetoawhisper.“Icanonlyimaginewhatyouhaveinstoreforthosepoorsaps.”

Itriedtosuppressmysmile,butIwasanticipatingwatchingthemsquirm.Hepickeduponeof the envelopes andboppedmeon thenosewith it.

“Get ready now. If you have a basic grasp of the English language, youshouldmanagethispartjustfine.”

“Suchapain,”Isaid,punchinghisarm.“Iloveyou.”“Iknowyoudo.Don’tworry.Thisisgoingtobeeasy.”Wewereinstructedtotakeourseats,andAhrenthrewtheenvelopeback

down,takingmyhandtowalkmetomyplace.Thecamerasstartedrolling,and Dad began the Report with an update about an approaching tradeagreementwithNewAsia.Weworkedsocloselywiththemnow,itwashardto imagine a time we were actually at war. He touched on the growingimmigration laws, and all his advisers spoke, including Lady Brice. Itsimultaneouslyfeltlikeitdraggedonforeverandpassedinaninstant.

When Gavril announced my name, it took me a second to rememberexactlywhatIwassupposedtobedoing.ButIstoodandwalkedacrossthestage,andassumedmyplaceinfrontofthemicrophone.

Iflashedasmileandlookedstraightintothecamera,knowingeveryTVinIlléawasontonight.“I’msureyou’reallasexcitedasIam,solet’sskip

41

ceremony and get right to what everyone is dying to hear. Ladies andgentlemen, here are the thirty-five youngmen invited to participate in thisgroundbreakingSelection.”

Ireachedintothebowlandpulledoutthefirstenvelope.“FromLikely,”Iread,pausingtoopenit,“Mr.MacKendrickShepard.”

Ihelduphisphotograph,andtheroomapplaudedasIset it intheotherbowlandmovedbackforthenextentry.

“FromZuni...Mr.WinslowFields.”Therewasasmatteringofapplauseaftereveryname.HoldenMessenger.KesleyTimber.HaleGarner.EdwinBishop.ItfeltlikeIhadopenedatleastahundredenvelopesbythetimemyhands

reachedfor thefinalone.Mycheekshurt,andIwashopingMomwouldn’tjudgeme if Iskippeddinnerandatealone inmyroom.I really thought I’dearnedit.

“Ah!FromAngeles.” I rippedat thepaper,pullingout the final entry. Iknewmysmilemusthavefaltered,butreally,itcouldn’tbehelped.“Mr.KileWoodwork.”

Iheardthereactionsaroundtheroom.Severalgasps,ahandfuloflaughs,but,mostobviously,IcouldhearKile’sreaction.Hedroppedhisbook.

Ipulledinabreath.“Thereyouhaveit.Tomorrow,adviserswillbesentout to begin prepping these thirty-five candidates for the adventure beforethem.And,inoneshortweek,theywillarriveatthepalace.Untilthen,joinmeincongratulatingthem.”

Ibegantheapplause,theroomfollowed,andIretreatedtomyseat,tryingnottolookassickasIfelt.

Kile’snamebeing in thereshouldn’thaveshakenme theway itdid.Attheendoftheday,noneof thoseboysstoodachance.Butsomethingaboutthisfeltwrong.

ThesecondGavrilfinishedsigningoff,everyoneerupted.MomandDadwalked to the Woodworks. I followed right behind them, Josie’s laughteractingasahomingbeacon.

“Ididn’tdoit!”Kileinsisted.AsIapproached,oureyesmet.IcouldseehewasasupsetasIwas.

“Doesthatevenmatter?”Momsaid.“Anyoneofageisallowedtoputhisnamein.”

Dad nodded. “That’s true. It’s a bit of a strange situation, but there’snothingillegalaboutit.”

“ButIdon’twanttobeapartofthis.”KilelookedatDadimploringly.“Whoputyournamein?”Iasked.Kileshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Ithastobeamistake.WhywouldI

42

enterwhenIdon’twanttocompete?”Mom’seyeswereonGeneralLeger,andit lookedalmostliketheywere

smiling.Buttherewasn’tanythingfunnyaboutthis.“Excuseme!” I protested. “This is unacceptable. Is anyone going to do

anythingaboutit?”“Picksomeoneelse,”Kileoffered.GeneralLegershookhishead.“Eadlynannouncedyournameinfrontof

thecountry.You’rethecandidatefromAngeles.”“That’sright,”Dadagreed.“Readingthenamespubliclymakesitofficial.

Wecan’treplaceyou.”Kilerolledhiseyes.Hedidthatalot.“ThenEadlyncaneliminatemethe

firstday.”“Andsendyouwhere?”Iasked.“You’realreadyhome.”Ahrenchuckled.“Sorry,”hesaid,noticingourglares.“That’snotgoingto

sitwellwiththeothers.”“Sendmeaway,”Kileoffered,soundingthrilled.“For thehundredth time,Kile,you’renot leaving!”MissMarleesaid in

thefirmestvoiceI’deverheardheruse.Sheputherhandtohertemple,andMr.Carterwrappedanarmaroundher,speakingintoherear.

“Youwant togo somewhereelse?” I asked, incredulous. “Isn’t apalacegoodenoughforyou?”

“It’snotmine,”hesaid,raisinghisvoice.“Andquitefrankly,I’mtiredofit. I’m over the rules, I’m over being a guest, and I’m so over your brattyattitude.”

IgaspedasMissMarleethwackedhersonoverthehead.“Apologize!”shecommanded.Kilepressedhis lips together, lookingat theground.Icrossedmyarms.

Hewasn’tleavinguntilIgotanapology.I’dgetitonewayoranother.Finally,afteraforcefulshakeofhishead,hemuttereditunderhisbreath.Ilookedaway,hardlyimpressedwithhisefforts.“We’llmoveforwardasplanned,”Dadsaid.“ThisisaSelection,justlike

anyoftheothers.It’saboutchoices.Rightnow,Kileisoneoptionofmany,andEadlyncouldcertainlydoworse.”

Thanks,Dad. IquicklycheckedKile’sexpression.Hewasstaringat thefloor,seemingembarrassedandangry.

“FornowIthinkweshouldallgetsomefoodandcelebrate.Thisisaveryexcitingday.”

“That’sright,”GeneralLegeragreed.“Let’seat.”“I’mtired,”Isaid,turning.“I’llbeinmyroom.”I didn’twait for approval. I didn’t owe anyone anything after tonight. I

43

wasgivingthemeverythingtheywanted.

44

CHAPTER8

IAVOIDEDEVERYONEOVERTHEweekend,andnooneseemedbotheredbyit,notevenMom.Withthenamesoutthere,theSelectionfeltthatmuchmorereal,andIwassaddenedbythedwindlingdaysofsolitude.

TheMonday before the candidates arrived, I finally rejoined humanityandmademywaytotheWomen’sRoom.MissLucywasthere,seemingbacktoherusual,cheerfulself.IkeptwishingIcoulddosomethingtohelpher.Iknewapuppywasn’taperson,butsofarmyonlyideawastogetherapet.

MomwastalkingtoMissMarlee,andtheywavedmeoverthemomentIwasthroughthedoorway.

MissMarlee put her hand onmine as I sat. “Iwanted to explain aboutKile.Hedoesn’twanttoleavebecauseofyou.He’sbeentalkingaboutgoingfor a long time, and I thought the semester awaywould put an end to it. Ican’tbeartolethimgo.”

“You’llhavetolethimmakehisownchoicesoonerorlater,”Momurged.Funny,sinceshewastheonetryingtomarryherdaughtertoastranger.

“Idon’tunderstandit.Josienevertalksaboutleaving.”Irolledmyeyes.Ofcourseshedoesn’t.“Butwhatcanyoudo?Youcan’tforcehimtostay.”Mompouredacupof

teaandsetitinfrontofme.“I’mhiringanothertutor.Thisonehashands-onexperienceandcangive

Kilemorethanabookcould,soIthinkI’veboughtsomemoretime.Ikeephoping—”

Aunt May burst into the room, looking as if she stepped out of amagazine.Iboltedovertoherandgaveherabone-crushinghug.

“YourHighness,”shegreeted.“Shutup.”She laughed and pulled me back, grasping me by both shoulders and

lookingintomyeyes.“IwanttoheareverythingabouttheSelection.Howareyoufeeling?Someofthosepictureswerecute.Areyoualreadyinlove?”

“Notevenclose,”Irepliedwithalaugh.“Well,give’emafewdays.”That’show itwaswithAuntMay.Anew loveevery fewmonthsor so.

Shetreatedthefourofus—andourcousins,AstraandLeo—likewewereherkidssincesheneversettleddownherself.Iparticularlyenjoyedhercompany,

45

andthepalacealwaysfeltmoreexcitingwhenshewashere.“Howlongareyoustaying?”Momasked,andMayheldmyhandaswe

crossedbacktoher.“LeavingagainThursday.”Igasped.“Iknow. I’mgoing tomissall theexcitement!”Shepoutedatme.“But

Leo has a gameFriday afternoon, andAstra’s dance recital is on Saturday,and I promised I’d be there. She’s really coming along,” Aunt May said,turningtoMom.“Youcantellhermotherwasanartist.”

Theysharedasmile.“IwishIcouldgo,”Momlamented.“Whydon’twe?”Isuggested,pickingupsomecookiesformytea.AuntMaygavemeaquestioninglook.“Youdorealizeyoualreadyhave

plansforthisweekend,right?Bigplans?Life-changingplans?”Ishrugged.“I’mnottooworriedaboutmissingthem.”“Eadlyn,”Momreprimanded.“Sorry!It’sjustoverwhelming.Ilikethewaythingsarenow.”“Wherearethepictures?”Mayasked.“Inmy room, onmydesk. I’m trying to learn the names, but I haven’t

gottenveryfaryet.”Maywavedherarmatamaid.“Dearie,willyougoupto theprincess’s

roomandgrabthestackofSelectioncandidates’formsoffherdesk?”The maid beamed and curtsied, and I suspected she’d be thumbing

throughthepileonherwaydown.Mom leaned in toward her sister. “I justwant to remind you that, one,

they’reoff-limits,and,two,eveniftheyweren’t,you’retwicetheirage.”MissMarleeandIlaughed,whileMissLucyonlysmiled.Shewasmuch

easieronAuntMaythantherestofus.“Don’t tease her,” Miss Lucy protested. “I’m sure she has the best

intentions.”“Thankyou,Lucy.Thisisn’tforme;it’sforEadlyn!”shevowed.“We’re

goingtohelphergetaheadstart.”“That’snotreallyhowitworks.”Momleanedback,drinkingherteawith

anairofsuperiority.MissMarleelaughedloudly.“Thisfromyou!Doweneedtoremindyou

ofyourheadstart?”“What?” I asked, shocked. How many details had my parents omitted

fromtheirstory?“Whatdoesshemean?”Momputdownherteaandheldupahanddefensively.“Iaccidentallyran

into your father the night before theSelection started, and, Iwill have youknow,”shesaid,moretoMissMarleethantome,“Icouldeasilyhavebeen

46

kickedoutforthat.Itwasn’texactlythefirstimpressionyouhopefor.”Isattheregaping.“Mom,exactlyhowmanyrulesdidyoubreak?”Hereyesdartedupas if shewas trying to tally them.“Okay,youknow

what,gothroughthepicturesallyouwant;youwin.”AuntMaylaughedwithdelight,andItriedtomemorizethewayherhead

slopedgracefullytoonesideandhereyessparkled.Everythingaboutherwassoeffortlesslyglamorous,andIadoredherwithaloveclosetowhatIheldformy mother.While I felt a little slighted by Josie being my closest femaleplaymategrowingup,Mom’scircleoffriendsmorethanmadeupforit.AuntMay’s spirit, Miss Lucy’s kindness, Miss Marlee’s buoyancy, and Mom’sstrengthwereinvaluable,andmoreenlighteningthananyclassIevertook.

Themaidcameback,placingthepileofformsandpicturesinfrontofme.To my surprise, it was Miss Marlee who grabbed the first handful ofapplications tograze through.AuntMaywasclosebehind,andwhileMomdidn’tpickupanyherself,shedidleanoverMissMarlee’sshouldertopeek.MissLucylookedlikeshewastryingnottobecuriousbutintheendhadapileinherownlapaswell.

“Oh,he lookspromising.”AuntMay shovedapicture in frontofme. Istared into a set of dark eyes embedded deep in ebony skin. His hair wascropped short, and he wore a bright smile. “Baden Trains, nineteen, fromSumner.”

“He’shandsome,”Momgushed.“Well, obviously,” May agreed. “And with a last name like Trains, he

probably comes from a family of Sevens. It says here he’s in his first yearstudyingadvertising.Thatmeanseitherheorsomeone inhis family isverydetermined.”

“True,”MissMarleeagreed.“That’snosmallfeat.”Ipulledacoupleoftheformsover,pickingthroughthem.“Sohowareyoufeeling?”AuntMayasked.“Iseverythingreadytogo?”“I think so.” I flipped over an application, scanning for something that

mightseemremotelyinteresting.Ijustdidn’tcare.“Forawhileeveryonewasin such a tizzy I thought itmightnever end. It looks like all the roomsarefinished, the food calculations have been made, and now that the list isofficial,travelarrangementsshouldbedonebytomorrow.”

“Yousoundpositivelythrilled,”Mayteased,pokingme.I sighed, then lookedpointedly atMom. “Youmight aswell know, this

isn’tcompletelyaboutme.”“Whatdoyoumean,honey?”MissLucyasked,settingherpileofpapers

onherlap,lookingbetweenMomandmewithconcern.“Of course we’re hoping Eadlyn will find someone worthy of settling

47

downwith,”Mom began shrewdly. “But as it happens, this is coming at atimewhenwewereinneedofaplantocalmtheunrestoverthecastes.”

“Ames!”Maysaid.“Yourdaughterisadecoy?”“No!”“Yes,” Imuttered. AuntMay rubbedmy back, and itmademe feel so

muchbettertohaveherthere.“Sooneror later,wewouldhaveneededto lookatsuitors,and this isn’t

binding.EadlynhasanagreementwithMaxonthatifshedoesn’tfallinlove,then the whole thing is off. However, yes, Eadlyn is doing her job as amember of the royal family by creating a little . . . diversion while thepopulation cools down and we investigate what more we could do. And,mightIadd,it’sworking.”

“Itis?”Iasked.“Haven’tyoulookedatthepapers?You’rethecenterofeverythingright

now.Localpapersareinterviewingtheircandidates,andsomeprovincesareholdingparties,hopingtheirsuitorwillbethewinner.Magazinesaretalkingaboutpossiblefront-runners,andIsawasegmentonthenewslastnightaboutafewgirlswhowereformingfanclubsandwearingshirtswiththenamesoftheirfavoritesplasteredalloverthem.TheSelectionhasconsumedtheentirecountry.”

“It’strue,”MissMarleeconfirmed.“Kilelivinginthepalaceisnolongerasecret.”

“Havetheyalsodiscoveredhehasno interest inparticipating?”Iasked,moreirritationinmyvoicethanIintended.MissMarleewasn’ttoblameforthiswholedebacle.

“No,”sheansweredwithalaugh.“Again,though,thathasnothingtodowithyou.”

Ismiledback.“MissMarlee,youheardMom.Hedoesn’tneedtoworry.Ithink Kile and I already know we wouldn’t be that great of a match, andthere’s a chance I’llwalk away from thiswithout a fiancé anyway.”A onehundredpercentchance,tobemoreaccurate.“Don’tworryabouthimhurtingmy feelings, because I’m just seeing how it goes,” I replied, as if thiswasnormal,bringinginaslewofboysformetopickfrom.“I’mnotupset.”

“You said it’s taken over everything,”May began, concerned. “Do youthinkitwilllast?”

“Ithinkit’llholdthingsofflongenoughforthepeopletoforgetsomeoftheunhappinessthat’sbeensoprevalentlatelyandforustocomeupwithawaytoaddressissuesiftheypopupagain.”Momsoundedconfident.

“Whentheypopup,”Icorrected.“Mylifemightbeexcitingforawhile,but eventually people will start worrying about themselves again.” I went

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backtolookingatthepictures,almostpityingtheseboys.Theyhadnochanceofwinningandnoideatheywerepartofapublicdistraction.

“Thisisstrange,”Isaid,pickinguponeoftheapplications.“Idon’twanttobejudgmental,butlookatthis.Icaughtthreedifferentspellingmistakesonthisone.”

Momtooktheform.“It’spossiblehewasnervous.”“Oranidiot,”Ioffered.Maychuckled.“Don’tbesoharsh,sweetie.It’sscaryontheirend,too.”Momhandedme

theform,andIclippeditbacktoapictureofaboywithaveryinnocentfaceandaheadfullofwildblondcurls.

“Wait,areyouscared?”AuntMayasked,worryonmybehalfcoatinghervoice.

“No,ofcoursenot.”Her expression relaxed back into its normal, beautiful, carefree state.

“Can’timagineyoubeingscaredofanything.”Shewinkedatme.Itwascomfortingthatatleastoneofusthoughtso.

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CHAPTER9

WHEN THEY STARTED POURING IN, I fled to my room, sketching in thesunlightonmybalcony.Toomanyboisterouslaughsandoverlyenthusiasticgreetings. I wondered how long that camaraderie would last. This was acompetition,afterall.Imentallyaddedfindingwaystopitthemagainstoneanothertomyto-dolist.

“Ithinkweshouldputmyhairup,Neena.Iwanttolookmaturetoday.”“Excellentchoice,mylady.”Shescrubbedatmynails.“Anythoughtson

adress?”“I’mthinkingeveninggown.Blackwoulddonicely.”Shechuckled.“Lookingtoscarethem?”Icouldn’tholdbackmyslysmile.“Onlyalittle.”Wegiggledtogether,andIwasgladtohaveherwithme.Iwasgoingto

needhersoothingwordsandcalmingtouchesoverthenextfewweeks.Aftermyhairwasdry,webraidedandknottedituplikeacrown,which

onlymademytiara lookbetter. I found theblackdress I’dwornforaNewYear’sEvepartylastyear.Itwascoveredinlaceandfittedtothekneebeforeitflaredouttothefloor.Anovalofskinwasexposedacrossmyback,andthetinybutterfly sleeves set lowacrossmy shoulders. I had to admit it lookedevenmorebeautifulinthesunthanitdidundercandles.

Myclockstruckone,andImademywaydownstairs.Wehadconvertedone of the libraries on the fourth floor into aMen’s Parlor so the Selectedcouldgatherandrelaxduringtheirtimeinthepalace.ItwasaboutthesamesizeastheWomen’sRoomandhadplentyofplacestosit,lotsofbooks,andtwotelevisions.

I was heading to that area of the palace now.We had decided that thesuitorswouldbebroughtoutoneata timetogreetmeand thenescorted totheMen’sParlortogettoknowoneanother.

I saw a cluster of people down the hallway, including my parents andGeneralLeger, andmademyway toward them, tryingnot to letmynervesshow.DadlookedstunnedandMomcoveredhermouthasIapproached.

“Eadlyn...youseemsogrownup.”Shesighedasshetouchedmycheekandshoulderandhair,notfixinganything,justchecking.

“ProbablybecauseIam.”Shenoddedtoherself,tearsinhereyes.“Youlookthepart.Ineverreally

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thoughtIpassedforaqueen,butyou...whollyperfect.”“Stopit,Mom.You’recompletelyadored.YouandDadbroughtpeaceto

thecountry.Ihaven’tdoneanything.”Sheplacedafingerundermychin.“Notyet.Butyou’retoodeterminedto

accomplishnothing.”BeforeIcouldrespond,Dadapproachedus.“Ready?”“Yes,” I answered, steadyingmyself. Thatwasn’t the pep talk I’d been

envisioning. “I don’t intend to eliminate anyone just yet. I figure everyonedeservesatleastaday.”

Dadsmiled.“Ithinkthat’swise.”Itookabreath.“Allright,then.Let’sbegin.”“Doyouwantustostayorgo?”Momasked.Iconsidered.“Go.Fornow,anyway.”“Asyouwish,”Dadsaid.“GeneralLegerandafewguardswillbenearby.

Ifyouneedanything,simplyask.Wewantyoutohaveawonderfulday.”“Thankyou,Daddy.”“No,”hesaid,embracingme,“thankyou.”HepulledawayandofferedhisarmtoMom.Theywalkedoff,andIfelt

likeIcouldseetheirhappinessglowingsimplyinthewaytheymoved.“YourHighness,”GeneralLeger saidgently. I turned to seehis smiling

face.“Nervous?”Ishookmyheadslightly,almostconvincingmyself.“Bringthefirstone

out.”Henoddedbeforemakingeyecontactwithabutlerdownthehall.Aboy

walked out of one of the libraries, straightening his cuff links as heapproached.Hewasleanandalittleontheshortside,buthehadapleasantenoughface.

Hestoppedinfrontofme,bowing.“FoxWesley,YourHighness.”Itiltedmyheadingreeting.“Apleasure.”Hetookinabreath.“Youaresobeautiful.”“So I’vebeen told.Youcangonow.” I sweptmyarmacrossmybody,

pointingtotheMen’sParlor.Foxfurrowedhiseyebrowsbeforegivingmeanotherbowandleaving.Thenextboywasinfrontofme,tippinghisheadtogreetme.“HaleGarner,YourHighness.”“Welcome,sir.”“Thankyousomuchforlettingusintoyourhome.Ihopetoprovemyself

worthyofyourhandmoreandmoreeachday.”Icockedmyheadcuriously.“Really?Andhowwillyoudothattoday?”Hesmiled.“Well, todayIwouldletyouknowIcomefromanexcellent

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family.MyfatherusedtobeaTwo.”“Isthatall?”Undeterred,hewenton.“Ithinkit’sprettyimpressive.”“NotasimpressiveashavingafatherwhousedtobeaOne.”Hisfacefaltered.“Youmaygo.”He bowed and started towalk away.After a few steps he looked back.

“I’msorrytohaveoffendedyou,YourHighness.”AndhisfacewassosadthatInearlytoldhimhehadn’t.Butthatwouldn’t

fallinlinewithmyplanfortheday.Aparadeofendlesslyunmemorableboyscrossedmypath.Alittlepastthe

halfwaypoint,Kilecamethroughtheline,stoppinginfrontofme.ForoncehishairwasstyledinsuchawaythatIcouldactuallyseehiseyes.

“YourHighness,”hegreeted.“It’s‘RoyalPainintheAss’toyou,sir.”Hechuckled.“So,howhavetheybeentreatingyou?Yourmomsaysthepapersspilled

thatyoulivedatthepalace.”He shook his head in shock. “I thought that it would be an immediate

invitationtobepummeledbyabunchofjealousmeatheads,butitturnsout,mostofthemseemeasanasset.”

“Oh?”“TheyassumeIknoweverythingaboutyoualready.I’vebeenbombarded

withquestionsallmorning.”“Andwhatareyoutellingthem,exactly?”He smirked, his smile slightly crooked. “What a pleasure you are, of

course.”“Right.” I rolledmyeyes, not believinghim for a second. “Youcango

ahead—”“Listen,IwanttotellyouI’msorryagain.Forcallingyoubratty.”Ishrugged.“Youwereupset.”Henodded,acceptingthatexcuse.“Still,it’sunfairallthesame.Imean,

don’tgetmewrong,youareexceedinglyspoiled.”Heshookhishead.“Butyou’re toughbecause youhave to be.You’re going to be queen, andwhileI’ve seen thingsunfold in thepalace, I’venever actuallyhad theweight ofyourworkonme.It’snotfairformetojudge.”

I sighed. The polite thingwould be to thank him. So, fine, Iwould bepolite.“Thankyou.”

“Sure.”Therewasalongpause.

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“Umm,theMen’sParloristhatway,”Isaid,pointing.“Right.Seeyoulater,Iguess.”Ismiledtomyself,noticingasheleftthatheheldanotebookinthehand

he’d kept behind his back. Kile looked better than usual thanks to themandatorymakeover,buthewasstillanannoyinglittlebookworm.

Itwasclearthatthegentlemanafterhimwasanythingbut.Hiscaramel-coloredhairwasbrushedback,andhewalkedwithhishands

in his pockets, as if he’d strolled down these halls before. His demeanoractuallythrewmeforasecond.Washeheretomeetme,orwasIheretomeethim?

“YourMajesty,”hegreetedsilkilyashesankintoabow.“Highness,”Icorrected.“No,no.It’sjustEan.”Hecockedonecheekupintoasmile.“Thatwasawful,”Isaidwithalaugh.“Itwas a risk I had to take.There are thirty-four other guyshere.How

elsewasIsupposedtogetyoutorememberme?”Hisgazewasintent,andifIhadn’tdealtwithsomanypoliticiansinmy

life,Imighthavebeencharmed.“Verynicetomeetyou,sir.”“Andyou,YourHighness.Hopetoseeyousoon.”HewasfollowedbyaboywithadrawlsothickIhadtoreallyfocusto

catchhiswords.Anotheraskedwhenhewasgoingtobepaid.TherewasonewhowassweatingsomuchIhadtocalloverabutlertogivemeatowelformyhandonceheleft,andtheoneafterhimblatantlystaredatmychestfortheentiretyofourmeeting.Itwasanongoingpageantofdisasters.

GeneralLegercametomyside.“Incaseyou’velostcount,thisisthelastone.”

Ithrewbackmyheadinrelief.“Thank.Goodness!”“Idon’tthinkyourparentswillwanttoaskyouforafollow-up,butyou

shouldgotothemwhenyou’redone.”Igavehimalook.“Ifyouinsist.”Hechuckled.“Goeasyon them.Yourfatherhasa lot todealwithright

now.”“He’sgotalottodealwith?Didyouseethatoneguysweat?!”“Can you blame him? You’re the princess. You have the capacity to

sentencehimtodeath,ifyouwanted.”General Leger had these sparkling green eyes that shimmered with

mischief, one of those men who grew even more handsome as he aged. Iknew it for a fact because Miss Lucy once showed me a picture of their

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weddingday,andheseriouslyonlygotbetterlooking.Sometimes,ifhewastiredor if theweatherwasbad,hewalkedwitha limp,but itnever slowedhim.MaybeitwasbecauseIknewhowmuchMissLucylovedhim,buthealways seemed like a safeplace. If I hadn’t beennervous about him sidingwithMomandDad, Iwouldhaveaskedforhisadviceonhowtoget theseboystopleadtogohome.Somethinginhiseyesmademethinkhe’dknowexactlyhowtodoit.

“A few of themmakeme uneasy,” I confessed. The smoothwords, theleeringeyes.EventhoughIgrewupknowingIwasspecial,Ididn’tlikebeinglookedatasaprize.

His expression grew sympathetic. “It’s a strange situation, I know. Butyouneverhavetobealonewithanyoneyoudon’tlike,you’refreetodismisssomeone for nothing more than a feeling, and even the dumbest of themwouldn’tbestupidenoughtohurtyou,”hepromised.“Trustme;ifsomeonedid,I’dmakesuretheyneverwalkedagain.”

He gave me a wink before moving away and signaling for the finalcontestanttobebroughtout.

Iwas a bit confusedwhen it wasn’t one person but two. The firstwasdressedinacrispsuit,butthesecondworeonlyabutton-upshirt.Theslightlydrabberonewalkedafewstepsbehindtheother,hiseyestrainedonthefloor.Thefirstwasnothingbutsmiles,anditlookedlikesomeonehadtriedtotamehishairandfailed.

“Hello,Highness,”hegreeted, his voice thickwith an accent I couldn’tidentify.“Howareyou?”

Confused but disarmed by his incrediblywarm smile, I answered, “I’mwell.It’sbeenalongday.I’msureithasbeenforyou,too.”

Behind him, the other boy leaned forward andwhispered something ingarbledwordsIcouldn’tunderstand.

The first nodded. “Oh, yes, yes, but . . . eets nice tomeeting you.”Heusedhishandsashespoke,tryingtogetthewordsacrosswithhisgestures.

I leaned in, not understanding, and somehowhoping a closer proximitywouldclearuphisaccent.“Excuseme?”

Theboybehindhimspokeup.“Hesaysit’sapleasuretomeetyou.”Isquinted,stillconfused.“MynameeesHenri.”Hebowedingreeting,andIcouldseeinhisface

thathemeanttodothisearlierandforgot.Ididn’twanttoberude,soInoddedmyheadinacknowledgment.“Hello,

Henri.”Helitupatthesoundofhisname,andhestoodthere,lookingbackand

forthbetweenthegentlemanbehindhimandme.

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“Ican’thelpbutnoticeyouraccent,” I remarked inwhat Ihopedwasafriendlytone.“Wheredoyoucomefrom?”

“Umm,Swend—?”hebegan,butturnedtotheguestwithhim.He nodded, carrying on in Henri’s place. “Sir Henri was born in

Swendway,sohehasaverystrongFinnishaccent.”“Oh,”Ireplied.“AnddoeshespeakmuchEnglish?”Henri pipedup. “English, no, no.”Hedidn’t seemembarrassed though.

Insteadhelaugheditoff.“Howarewesupposedtogettoknoweachother?”ThetranslatorturnedtoHenri.“Mitensaattuntemaantoisensa?”Henripointedtothetranslator,whoanswered,“Throughme,itseems.”“Okay.Well. Umm.” I wasn’t prepared for this.Was it rude for me to

dismiss him? Interacting with these people one-on-one was going to beawkwardenough.Iwasn’tpreparedforathirdperson.

In that instantHenri’s applicationpoppedback intomymind.Thatwaswhysomeofthewordswerespelledwrong.Hewasguessingatthem.

“Thankyou.It’sverynicetomeetyou,too,Henri.”Hesmiledathisname,andIgot thefeelingtherestof thewordsdidn’t

evenmatter.Icouldn’tsendhimaway.“TheMen’sParlorisoverhere.”Henribowedashistranslatormumbledtheinstructions,andtheywalked

awaytogether.“GeneralLeger,”Icalled,buryingmyfaceinmyhands.“Yes,YourHighness.”“TellDadI’llupdatehiminanhour.Ineedtotakeawalk.”

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CHAPTER10

WEMADEITTHROUGHTHE firstday, the firstdinner, and the first eveningwithoutfurtherincident.Asthecamerascircledthedininghall,Icouldhearthemenworkingthemsighinboredom.Ididn’taddressanyoneinthegroup,andtheboysthemselvesseemedtoonervouseventospeaktooneanother.

IcouldhearDad’sthoughtsasclearlyasiftheyweremyown.This isdull!Noonewillwant tosee this!Howwill thisbuyusasingle

secondletalonethreemonths?He glanced over at me a few times, begging me with his eyes to do

something,anything,tomakethisworthenduring.Iwasatwarwithmyself.Ididn’twant to fail him, but anywarmth onmy part todaywould set a badprecedent.TheyneededtoknowthatIwasn’tgoingtofawnoverthem.

Itoldmyselfnottoworry.Inthemorningeverythingwouldchange.

Thefollowingdaytheboysweredressedintheirbest,readyfortheparade.Anarmyofpeopleswarmedonthefrontlawn,readytoprepustogobeyondthegates.

Dadwasproudof this idea,mybiggest contribution to theSelection sofar. I thought itwould be exciting to have a short parade, something neverdonebefore.Ifeltcertainthiswouldgiveeveryonesomethingtotalkabout.

“Goodmorning,YourHighness,”oneoftheboysgreeted.IrememberedEaninaninstant,andafteryesterdayitwasnosurprisehewasthefirstonetospeaktome.

“Andtoyou.”Iwalkedon,notslowing,thoughmanyoftheothersbowedorcalledmyname.Ionlystoppedtobebriefedbyoneoftheguardsheadinguptheprocess.

“It’s a short loop,YourHighness.Atunder tenmiles anhour, it shouldtaketwentytothirtyminutestomakeourwayaround.Guardsareliningtheroute forgoodmeasure,but everyone is so excited, it shouldbe avery funevent.”

I clasped my hands calmly in front of me. “Thank you, officer. Iappreciateyourworktomakethishappen.”

He pressed his lips together, attempting to hide his proud smile.“Anythingforyou,YourHighness.”

Hewent towalkaway,butIcalledhimback.Theofficerpuffedouthischest,sopleasedtobeneededagain.Ilookedaroundattheswarmofyoung

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men,dazedbytheirnumber,tryingtomakethesmartestchoice.I sawHenri’s wild hair blowing in the wind and smiled tomyself. He

stood on the outside of a group, listening to what they were saying andnodding,thoughIwassurehecouldn’tunderstandanythinggoingonaroundhim. Ididn’t seehis translatorandwondered ifHenrihadbanishedhimfortheday.

Isearchedagain,hunting...andfoundoneboywhoreallyknewhowtowearasuit.Itwasn’tthathelookedlikeamodelbutmorelikeheunderstoodthe fine art of tailoring and had set his butler to work immediately on hischoice for the day. Also, I couldn’t get over his two-toned shoes. ThankgoodnessIrememberedhisname.

“WhenI’mupthere,I’dlikeMr.GarnerononesideandMr.Jaakoppiontheother,please.”

“Certainly,YourHighness.I’lltakecareofit.”I turned and looked at the float. They’d taken the frame of one of the

Christmas floats and adorned it with thousands of summer blooms. It wasfestiveandbeautiful,andthescentoftheflowerspermeatedtheair.Iinhaled,andtheclean,sweetsmellsoothedeverypieceofme.

OverthewallsIcouldheartheshoutsofpeoplewhohadlinedupforthismoment.Whateverways I’d failed last nightwouldbemore than forgottentoday.

“All right, gentlemen.” General Leger’s voice boomed over the din. “Ineedyoualltolineupalongthepath,andwe’llgetyouupsafely.”

Momwasin thebackwithDad,whohadpickedupafewstrayflowersthathadblownoffthefloatandstucktheminherhair.Shelookedathimwithabsoluteadorationashesteppedawaywithhiscamera.

Hecircledthegroup,snappingpictures.Hegotplentyoftheboys,someofthefountain,andacoupleofme.

“Dad!”Iwhispered,alittleembarrassed.Hewinkedandbackedaway,stilltakingshotsbutinalessobviousway.“YourHighness,”GeneralLegersaid,placingahandonmyback.“We’re

goingtosendyouuplast.IheardyouwantedHenriandHalebesideyou,isthatright?”

“Yes.”“Good picks. They’re polite ones. Okay, we’ll be ready to go in a

moment.”Hewalkedovertomymotherandrelayedsomethingtoher.Sheseemed

uneasy, but General Leger made motions with his hands, attempting toreassure her. Dad was a little harder to read from here. Either he wasn’tbotheredatall,orhewashidingitverywell.

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Theboyswere ledup thehidden ladder,andIpacedasIwaitedformyturn.Alongthewall,mixedinwithafewguardsandguests,InoticedHenri’stranslatorstanding,armscrossed,watching thescene.Hebitata fingernail,andIshookmyhead,walkingover.

“Don’tdothat,”Istarted,tryingtobefirmwithoutbeingrude.“Youdon’twantthecamerastocatchyouwithyourfingersinyourmouth,doyou?”

Hewhippedhishanddownimmediately.“I’msorry,YourHighness.”“Notgoingupthere?”Inoddedtowardthemassivefloat.He smiled. “No, Your Highness. I think Henri can wave without

interpretation.”Still,Ifeltthenervesbuzzingaroundhim.“He’llberightbesideme,”Iassuredhim.“I’lltrytomakesureheknows

what’sgoingon.”Thetranslatorletoutamassivesigh.“Thatmakesthisfarlessdistressing.

Andhe’sgoingtobesoexcited.Hetalksaboutyoueverywakingmoment.”Ilaughed.“Well,it’shardlybeenaday.I’msureit’llpass.”“Idon’tthinkso.He’sinaweofyou,ofeverything,really.Theexperience

aloneisbigforhim.Hisfamilyhasworkedhardtoestablishthemselves,andthat he finds himself in a placewhere he can have even a second of yourattention...he’ssohappy.”

IlookedupatHenri,straighteninghistieashewaitedonthefrontofthefloat.“Isthatwhathetoldyou?”

“Notinsomanywords.He’sawareofhowfortunateheis,andheseessomanygoodthingsinyou.Hegoesonandon.”

I smiled sadly. Itwouldhavebeennice if he could say asmuch tome.“WereyouborninSwendway,too?”

He shook his head. “No. First generation to be born in Illéa. But myparentsare trying toholdon toouroldcustomsand things, sowe live inasmallSwendishcommunityinKent.”

“LikeHenri?”“Yes. They’re becoming more and more common. When Henri was

Selected,hisfamilyputoutacallforareliabletranslator,andIsubmittedmyrésumé,flewtoSota,andnowIhaveanewjob.”

“Soyou’veonlyknownHenrifor...?”“Aweek.Butwe’vealreadyspentsomuchtimetogetherandgetalongso

well,IfeellikeI’veknownhimforyears.”Hespokewithasweetaffection,brotherlyinaway.

“Ifeelsorude—Idon’tevenknowyourname.”Hebowed.“I’mErik.”“Erik?”“Yes.”

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“Huh.Iexpectedsomethingabitdifferent.”Heshrugged.“Well,that’stheclosesttranslation.”“YourHighness?”GeneralLegercalled,andthatwasmycue.“I’llwatchoutforhim,”Ipromised,scurryingovertothefloat.Theladderwasachallenge.Ihadtoconquer itwhilewearingheelsand

holdingmy dresswith one hand,whichmeant I had to let go of one rungbeforegrabbingthenext,andIwasparticularlyproudofmyselfformanagingthatonmyown.

I brushedbackmyhair as Iwent to takemyplace.Henri turned tomeimmediately.

“Hellotoday,YourHighness.”Hisblondcurlswereliftedbythebreeze,andhesmiledbrightly.

Itouchedhisshoulder.“Goodmorning,Henri.CallmeEadlyn.”Hescrunchedhisface,alittleconfused.“SaytoyouEadlyn?”“Yes.”Hegavemeathumbs-up,andIpattedmyselfonthebackforputtinghim

beside me. In seconds he left me smiling. I leaned behind Henri, lookingbetweentheotherstofindErikonthegroundandgavehimathumbs-up,too.Hesmiledandputahandoverhisheartlikehewasrelieved.

IfacedHale.“Howareyoutoday?”“Good,” he said tentatively. “Listen, I wanted to apologize again for

yesterday.Ididn’tmeanto—”Iwavedmyhand,stoppinghim.“No,no.AsI’msureyoucanimagine,

thisisabitstressfulforme.”“Yes.Iwouldn’twanttobeinyourshoes.”“Iwouldwanttobeinyours!”Iexclaimed,lookingdown.“Ilovethese!”“Thankyou.Dotheyworkallrightwiththetie?Iliketoexperiment,but

I’mstartingtosecond-guess.”“No.Youmakeitallwork.”Halebeamed,thrilledtobepasthisfirstimpressionandontothesecond.“So,itwasyouwhosaidyou’dproveyourselftomeeachday,yes?”“Indeeditwas.”HeseemedpleasedIremembered.“Andhowwillyoudothattoday?”Heconsidered.“Ifyoufeeltheslightestbitunsteady,myhandisherefor

you.AndIpromisenottoletyoufall.”“Ilikethatone.Youthinkyou’vegotitbad,trythisinheels.”“We’reopeningthegates!”someonecalled.“Holdon!”I waved good-bye to Mom and Dad, then grabbed on to the bar

surroundingthetopofthefloat.Itwasn’ttoofarofadropifsomeonefell,butforthefiveofusacrossthefront,therewasachancewe’dgetflattenedbythe

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float ifwedid.HaleandHenriweresteady, justasI’dhoped,butplentyoftheothersclappedorshoutedoutself-encouragements.Burke, forone,keptyelling“We’vegot this!”eventhoughallhereallyhadtodowasstandandwave.

Themoment thegatesopened, thecheeringerupted.Aswerounded thecorner, I could see the first camp of cameras filming every second. Somepeoplehad signs supporting their favoriteSelectedboyorwerewaving theIlléanflag.

“Henri, look!” I said, leaning into him and pointing to a sign with hisnameonit.

Hetookamomenttounderstand.Thenwhenhefinallysawhisname,hegasped. “Hey!”Hewas so excited, he liftedmy hand off his shoulder andkissedit.Hadanyoneelsedonethatitmighthavebeenunwelcome,butfromhim,thegesturefeltsoinnocent,Iwasn’tbotheredatall.

“We love you, Princess Eadlyn,” someone called, and I waved in thedirectionofthesound.

“Longlivetheking!”“Blessyou,Princess!”Imouthedmythanks to themfor theirsupport,andI feltencouraged. It

wasn’t everyday that I sawmypeople face-to-face,heard theirvoices, andsensedhowtheyneededus.Iknewtheylovedme,ofcourse.Iwasgoingtobe theirqueen.But typically,whenIdid leave thepalace, the focuswasonMomorDad.Itfeltamazingtohavesomuchoftheaffectionfinallycenteredonme.MaybeIcouldbeasbelovedasmyfather.

Theparadewenton,withpeoplecallingournamesandthrowingflowers.Itwas turning out to be the spectacle I’d hoped. I couldn’t have asked foranythingbetter,untilwereachedthefinalstretchoftheroute.

Somethinghitme thatwasclearlynota flower. I looked to seea runnyeggdrippingdownmydressandontomybarelegs.Afterthat,halfatomatohitme,thensomethingelseIcouldn’tidentify.

Idroppeddown,coveringmyselfwithmyarms.“Weneedjobs!”someoneshrieked.“Thecastesstilllive!”Ipeekedoutandsawaclusterofpeopleprotestingandhurlingtheirrotten

food at the float. Some held angry signs they must have hidden from theguardsuntilnow,andothersthrewdisgustingwordsatme,callingmethingsthatI’dneverimaginedeventheworstofpeoplesaying.

Haledroppeddownandlayinfrontofme,wrappinganarmaroundmyshoulder.“Don’tworry,I’vegotyou.”

“Idon’tunderstand,”Imumbled.

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Henrigotdownononeknee,tryingtohitanythingthatcamenearus,andHaleguardedmewithoutwavering,even though Iheardhimgruntand felthimclenchupwhenhewashitwithsomethingheavy.

IrecognizedGeneralLeger’svoiceshoutingattheSelectedtogetdown.As soon as everyonewas low and secure, the float sped up,moving fasterthanitwasprobablydesignedto.Peoplewhoactuallycaredabouttheparadebooedaswehurtledpastthem,stealingtheiropportunitytocatchaglimpseofthewholeentourage.

Iheardthefloathitthegravelofthepalacedriveway,andtheinstantwecametoastopIpulledbackfromHaleandjumpedtomyfeet.Ihurriedtotheladderandworkedmywaydown.

“Eadlyn!”Momcried.“I’mfine.”Dadstoodinshock.“Love,whathappened?”“HellifIknow.”Istormedoff,humiliated.Asifthewholethingwasn’t

embarrassing enough, the sad eyes of everyone around me made it evenworse.

Poor thing, theirexpressionsseemed tosay.AndIhated theirpitymorethanIhatedthepeoplewhothoughtthiswasacceptable.

Iscurriedthroughthepalace,headdown,hopingnoonewouldstopme.Itwasn’tmyluckyday,ofcourse,becauseasIroundedontothelandingofthesecondfloor,Josiewasthere.

“Ew!Whathappenedtoyou?”I didn’t answer,moving even faster.Why?What had I done to deserve

this?NeenawascleaningwhenIwalkedin.“Miss?”“Help,”Iwhimperedbeforeburstingintotears.She cameover and embracedme, gettingmymess all over her pristine

uniform.“Hushnow.We’llcleanyouup.Yougetundressed,andI’llstartthebath.”

“Whywouldtheydothistome?”“Whodidit?”“My people!” I answered in pain. “My subjects. Why would they do

this?”Neenaswallowed,disappointedformysake.“Idon’tknow.”Iwiped atmy face andmakeup, and something green came off onmy

hand.Thetearsfellagain.“Letmestartthatbath.”Shescurriedaway,andIstoodthere,helpless.Iknewthewaterwouldgetridofthemess,andIknewitwouldtakeaway

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thesmell,butnoamountofscrubbingwouldeverwashawaythismemory.

HourslaterIwasscruncheduponachair inDad’ssittingroom,bundledinmycoziestsweater.Despitetheheat,myclothesweremyonlyarmorat themoment,andthelayersmademefeelsafe.MomandDadwerebothdrinkingsomething a little stronger than wine—a rare occasion—though it didn’tappeartobedoingmuchfortheirnerves.

Ahrenknockedbut came inbeforeanyoneanswered thedoor.Oureyesmet,andIrushedacrosstheroom,throwingmyarmsaroundhim.

“Sorry,Eady,”hesaid,kissingmyhair.“Thanks.”“Glad you could come, Ahren.” Dad was looking at some of the stills

from theparade that thephotographershadprovidedhim, stacking themontopofseveraloftoday’spapers.

“Ofcourse.”Heputhis armaroundmyshoulder andwalkedme tomyseat,goingtostandwithDadwhileIcurledbackupintoaball.

“Istillcan’tbelievethishappened,”Momsaid,reachingthebottomofherglass. I could seeherweighing inherheadwhetherornot tohaveanother.Shedecidedagainstit.

“Me either,” I mumbled, still suffering under the surge of hatred thosepeoplefeltforme.“WhatdidIdo?”

“Nothing,”Momassuredme,coming to sitbesideme. “They’remadatthemonarchy,notyou.Todayyourfacewastheonetheycouldsee,andthat’stheonetheyattacked.Itcouldhavebeenanyofus.”

“IfeltsocertainaSelectionwouldlifttheirmood.Ithoughttheywoulddelightinthis.”Dadstaredatthepictures,stillshocked.

Wesatsilentforawhile.He’dbeensowrong.“Well,”Ahrenstarted.“Theymighthaveifitwasn’tEadlyn.”Weallgapedathim.“Excuseme?” Inearlystartedcryingalloveragain,painedbyhiscruel

words.“Momjustsaiditcouldhavebeenyouorheroranyone.Sowhyareyoublamingme?”

Hepursedhislips,lookingaroundtheroom.“Fine.We’lltalkaboutthis.IfEadlynwas a typical girl, onewhowasn’t raised to be in control all thetime,thiswouldprobablylookdifferent.Butpickupanyofthosepapers,”hesaid,gesturingto thepile.Daddid.“Ingeneralshecomesacrossasdistant,andeverypicturefromlastnight’sdinnerisuncomfortabletolookat.You’renearlyscowlinginsomeofthem.”

“Ifyouwereinmyshoes,you’dknowhowhardthisis.”Ahren rolled his eyes at me. More than anyone, he knew I wasn’t

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intendingtopickamateinthenextfewmonths.MomleftmeandpeekedoverDad’sshoulder.“He’sright.Onyourown,

you look like an island, and with the Selected there’s no chemistry, noromance.”

“Listen, I’mnotperforming for anyone. I refuse toact alldopeyoverabunchofboystoentertainpeople.”Icrossedmyarms,determined.

Twodaysinandthiswasalreadyadisaster.Iknewitwouldn’twork,andnowIwasstuckinthishumiliatingsituation.Couldtheydareaskmetosinkfurtherintoshameforthesakeofsomethingthatclearlywasn’tgoingtohelp?

Theroomwentsilent,and,foolishly,IthoughtforamomentthatI’dwon.“Eadlyn.”IlookedatDad,tryingnottobemovedbythepleadinginhis

eyes.“Youpromisedmethreemonths.We’retryinghardtobrainstormonourend,butwecan’textinguishthatfireifwe’redealingwithnewones.Ineedyoutotry.”

In thatmoment I saw something I hadn’t reallynoticedbefore: his age.Dad wasn’t old by any stretch of the word, but he had done more in hislifetime thanmost people twice his age could even hope for. He was in aconstant state of sacrifice—for Mom, for us, for his people—and he wasexhausted.

I swallowed, knowing that I’d need to find a way to look like I caredabout theSelection, ifonlyforhissake.“Iassumeyouknowhowtoget intouchwiththepress?”

Dad nodded. “Yes. We have trusted photographers and journalists oncall.”

“GetafewcamerasintheMen’sParlortomorrowmorning.I’lltakecareofthis.”

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CHAPTER11

THENEXTMORNINGISKIPPEDbreakfastwithmyfamilysoIcouldcomposemyself.Ididn’twantanyoneseeinghowrattledyesterdayhadleftme,andIfeltlikeIwasbuildingashieldaroundmyself,onesteadybreathatatime.

Neenawashummingas she tidiedmy room,and itwasoneof thebestthings.NotonlywasshegentlewithmeafterIcameinyesterday,shedidn’taskasinglequestionorbringupthetopicagain.Ididn’thavetoworryabouther,whichwaswhyshecouldn’tleavethepalaceoneday.Whataboutme?

“Ithinkit’sapantsday,Neena,”Icalled.Shestoppedhumming.“Moreblack?”“At least a little.”We shared a smile as she handedmemy tight black

pants,which I pairedwith heels thatwould killme by noon. I pulled on aflowyshirtandavest,andfoundatiarawithjewelsthatmatchedtheshirt.Iwasready.

I decided that I was going to do exactly what Dad had done with hisSelection.Onhis firstdayhesenthomeat leastsixgirls. Iwasplanning toeliminate nearly twice as many. Certainly weeding out all the unlikelycandidates would show how seriously I was taking this process, that theoutcomewasimportanttome.

Iwishedtherewasawaytodothiswithoutthecameras,buttheywereanecessaryevil.Ihadamentallistprepared,andIknewvaguelywhatIwantedtosay;butifImadeamistakewithreporterspresent,itwouldbejustasbadasyesterday...meaningIneededtobeperfect.

Because theWomen’sRoomwas considered the property of the queen,anymalehadtoaskpermissionbeforeentering.TheMen’sParlorhadbeenthrown together formyconvenience, sono such formality stood,and Iwasabletocompletearatherdazzlingentrancebypullingthedoubledoorsopenandlettingtherushofwindblowbackmyhair.

TheSelectedallhurriedtofaceme,somejumpingtotheirfeetorpullingthemselvesawayfromthereportersaccompanyingthecameras.

I passed Paisley Fisher, noticing that he audibly gulped as I stopped.Smiling,Iplacedahandonhisshoulder.

“Youcango.”Heglancedatthepeoplebesidehim.“Go?”“Yes,go.Asin,thankyouforyourparticipation,butyourpresenceatthe

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palaceisnolongerrequired.”Whenhelingered,Ileanedin,breathingmyinstructions.“Thelongeryou

stay,themoreembarrassingitbecomes.Youshouldleave.”Ipulledback,noting themarkedanger inhis eyes ashe slowly left the

room.Icouldn’tfigureoutwhyhewassovexed.Itwasn’tasifI’dkickedhim

orshouted.Iinternallypraisedmyselfforgettingridofsomeonesochildishand tried to remember my list.Who was next? Oh . . . this one was welldeserved.

“Blakely,isn’tit?”“Ye—”Hisvoicesqueakedandhestartedagain.“Yes,YourHighness.”“Whenwemet,youcouldn’t stop staringatmybreasts.”His facewent

pale,asifheseriouslythoughthewassosubtlenoonewouldnotice.“Makesureyougetanequallysatisfactorylookatmybacksideasyouleave.”

Imade sure to address him loud enough that the cameras and the otherboys would hear. Hopefully his humiliation would prevent others fromthinkingtheycouldbehavesimilarly.Heduckedhisheadandlefttheroom.

I stopped in front of Jamal. “You can leave.”Next to him,Connorwasbreakingoutintoasweatagain.“Youcanjoinhim.”

Theysharedaconfusedlookandlefttogether,shakingtheirheads.IcameuponKilenext.Unlikemostoftheothers,hedidn’taverthiseyes.

Onthecontrary,hestaredintomine,andIcouldseehimpleadingformetoendhismiseryandgethimoutofhere.

ImighthaveifIdidn’tthinkhismotherwouldkillme—asIwouldsurelyhavetomakehimleavethepalace—andifIhadn’tseenhisnameonthemostsignsyesterday.Ofcourse,Kilewasthehometownpick,somaybethecrowdwasbiased.Still,Icouldn’tgetridofhim.Notyet.

Besidehim,Haleswallowed.Irememberedhowhe’dprotectedmeduringtheparade,knowinghe’dtakenhitsthatwereintendedforme,someofwhichhadseemedratherpainful.

I camenear and spoke softly. “Thankyou foryesterday.Youwereverybrave.”

“Itwasnothing,”heassuredme.“Thoughthesuitcouldn’tbesaved.”Hesaid it jokingly, trying tomake thewhole thing seem like lessof an

issuethanitwas.“Shame.”I lowered my eyes and continued walking. I didn’t think the cameras

wouldhavepickedup theconversation,but Iknewthey’dseeoursmiles. Iwonderedwhatwouldbemadeofthat.

“Issir,”Isaidtoaslick-haired,ganglyyoungman.“No.Thankyou.”

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Hedidn’tevenquestionit.Heblushedandfledasquicklyashecould.Iheardamumblingandwonderedwhowoulddaretospeakrightnow.As

I whipped my head around, I saw Henri’s translator relaying the scene inHenri’searasquicklyandquietlyashecould.Henri’seyeswerestressed,butwhenhe finished listening, he looked up atme and smiled.He had such agoofy little grin and his hair curled in a way that he looked like he wasplayingagamewhilestandingstill.

Ugh. I had intended to end his suffering and send him home, but helooked far too pleased to be here. Some of them had to stay anyway, andHenriwasharmless.

IsimplyflickedmyhandasIpassedNolanandannouncedtoJamiethathisrequestforapayoutwasthemostoffensivewaytointroducehimself.

I continued to stalk around the room, checking tomake sure I coveredeveryone I wanted gone. The reactions of the spared boys ranged frominterestingtobizarre.Holdenkeptswallowing,waitingforthebombtodrop,whileJacksmiledinastrangeway,almostasifhefoundthisallentertainingorexciting.IfinallycameuptoEan,whodidn’tlookawaybutchosetowinkatme.

Inoticedhewassittingalone,withonlyaleather-boundjournalandpentokeephimcompany.Notheretomakefriendsitseemed.

“Awinkisabitbold,don’tyouthink?”Iaskedquietly.“Whatprincesswouldwantamanbyhersidewhowasn’tbold?”I raised an eyebrow, amused. “You’re not at all worried about being

overconfident,areyou?”“No.It’swhoIam.AndIdon’tintendtohideanythingfromyou.”Therewas something almost frightening about his presence, but I liked

thathehadthenervetobereal.Inotedthecameracomingtohoverbehindhim, trying to capture my expression, and I shook my head at him,suppressing a smirk. I moved on, adding Arizona, Brady, Pauly, andMacKendrick to the ranks of the evicted. If I’d counted correctly, thatwaselevengone.

Once the eliminated had all left, Iwent to the door, turning to face theremainingcandidates.“Ifyou’restillhere,thatmeansyou’vedonesomethingbetween our firstmeeting and now to impressme or have at least had thecommonsensenottooffendme.”Somesmiled,probablythinkingofBlakely,while others stood there stunned. “I want to encourage you all to bedeliberate, because I take this very seriously.This isn’t a game, gentlemen.Thisismylife.”

Ipulledthedoorsshutbehindmeandheardtheflurryofactivitypickupinmywake.Some laughedor sighed,while someone simply repeated“Oh,

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mygoodness,oh,mygoodness”againandagain.Thereporters’voicesroseabove them all, encouraging them to recount their feelings on the firstelimination.Lettingout a longbreath, Iwalked away feeling confident. I’dtaken a decisive step, andDad could rest easy now, knowing the SelectionwasproperlyunderwayandthatIwouldn’tlethimdown.

To make up for the lackluster first evening and the complete absence ofinteraction after the parade yesterday, the boyswere invited that night to apredinner tea to meet the household and, of course, speak with me, theirbelovedwould-bebride.MomandDadwerethere,alongwithAhren,Kaden,andOsten. Josie camewith theWoodworks—whowereworking very hardnottohoverovertheirson—andMissLucywascirclingtheroom,notreallyspeakingtoanyonebutlookinglovely.Sheneverseemedtocareforcrowds.

I’d changed into a gown for dinner and put on another pair of toe-destroyingheels.Iwasstillridingmypost-eliminationbuzz,sopleasedtobemaking steps to help Dad. It dwindled quickly though as Ahren walkedtowardmewithawarningglareinhiseyes.

“Whatintheworlddidyoudotothem?”heaskedaccusingly.“Nothing,” I vowed. “I held an elimination. Iwanted to showeveryone

thatthiswasimportanttome.LikeDad.”Ahrenpressedhispalmintohisforehead.“Haveyouhadyournoseburied

inreportsallday?”“OfcourseIhave,”Ireplied.“Youmightnothavenoticed,butthat’skind

ofmyjob.”Ahren leaned in.“Theclipson thenewshavepaintedyoutobeablack

widow.Your facewas smug as youkicked themout.Andyougot rid of athird of them, Eadlyn. That doesn’tmake the candidates look important. Itmakesthemlookdisposable.”IcouldfeeltheblooddrainingfrommyfaceasAhren continued in a whisper. “Two of them have asked in the mostcircumspect and quiet ways possible if there was a chance that you preferwomen.”

I letoutasoundthatwasn’tquitea laugh.“Ofcourse,becausetheonlywayIcouldpossiblylikemenisifIboweddownattheirfeet?”

“Thisisn’tthetimetomakeastand,Eadlyn.Youneedtobegracious.”“Pardonme,YourHighness?”AhrenandIbothturnedatthesoundofourtitle,andIfoundmyselfwith

areporterinmyface,hereyesandsmileborderingonmanic.“Ihatetointerrupt,butIwaswonderingifIcouldhaveabriefinterview

withtheprincessbeforemydeadline.”Thereportershowedher teethagain,and Icouldn’t stopmyself fromfeeling Iwasabout tobeeatenaliveeither

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figurativelyorliterally.“She’d be happy to,” Ahren offered, kissing my forehead as he

disappeared.Mypulsesped.Ihadn’tpreparedmyselfforthis.Butofallthethingsthat

couldhappenrightnow,Irefusedtoletthepublicseemesweat.“YourHighness, you eliminated eleven suitors today.Do you think this

cutwasabitdrastic?”I squaredmy shoulders and gave her a sweet grin. “I can certainly see

why some might think that,” I answered generously, “but this is a veryimportant decision. I don’t think itwould bewise to spend time on youngmenwho are rudeor unimpressive. I’mhopingwith a smaller pool, I’ll beabletogettoknowthesegentlemenmuchbetter.”

Iscannedthewordsinmyhead.Nothinghumiliatingorincriminatinginthere.

“Yes, but why were you so harsh? For a few you simply said ‘no’ orflickedyourhand.”

Itriednottolettheworryshowonmyface.Atthetimethosethingshadseemedkindoffunny.

“Whenmyfatherisstern,noonechastiseshim.Idon’tthinkit’sfairthatwhenIactsimilarly,I’mseenascruel.I’mmakingahugedecision,andI’mtryingtobewiseaboutit.”WhileIwantedtoscreamthosewords,Isaidthemwith thevoice I’dbeen trained touse in interviews,and Ievenmanaged tosmilethroughmostofit.

“Butoneofthemcriedafteryoulefttheroom,”sheinformedme.“What?”Iasked,worryingthatmyfacewasgrowingpalerbythesecond.“One of the Selected cried when the elimination ended. Do you think

that’s a normal responseor that youmaybe elicited it bybeing severewiththem?”

Iswallowed,scramblingforanythingtosay.“Ihavethreebrothers.Theyallcry,andIcanassureyou,thereasonsrarelymakesensetome.”

Shechuckled.“Soyoudon’tthinkyouweretoohardonthem?”Iknewwhatshewasdoing,diggingatthesamequestionuntilIsnapped.

Shewasveryclosetogettingthebetterofme.“Ican’t imaginewhat itwouldbe likeon theotherendof theSelection

processand toberemovedsoearlyon.But,besidesmyfather,noonehereknowswhatit’sliketobeonthissideofiteither.I’mgoingtodomybesttofindaworthyhusband.Andifthatmancan’thandleaharshwordortwo,hedefinitelywouldn’tmakeitasaprince.Trustmeonthat!”Ireachedoutandtouchedherarm,asifthiswasgossiporajoke.Itwasadisarmingtechnique.

“Speakingofsuitors, Ihopeyou’llexcuseme. Ineed togospendsome

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timewiththem.”Sheopenedhermouthtoaskanotherquestion,butIturnedaway,holding

myheadhigh.Ididn’tknowwhattodo.Icouldn’tgostraighttothedrinks,Icouldn’tunleasheveryswearwordIknewintotheair,andIcouldn’trunintothearmsofmyparents.Ihadtolookcontent,soIwalkedaroundtheroom,smilingandbattingmylashesattheboysasIpassedthem.

Inoticedthosesmall thingsalonemadethemgrinatmeorchangetheirposture.Insteadofretreating,theirexpressionssoftened,andIcouldseethesetinymomentsofgentlenesswere erasing theirmemoriesof thismorning intheMen’sParloralready.IwishedwitheverythingIhadthatthepublicwouldletitslideasquicklyastheboysdid.

Ifiguredeventuallyoneofthemwouldbebraveenoughtospeaktome.AnditturnedoutthatpersonwasHale.

“So,we’reatateaparty,”hesaid,fallingintostepbesideme.“Whatkindofteadoestheprincesslikebest?”

Hesippedfromhisowncup,smilingshyly.Halehadaneffortlesswarmthabouthim,similar toMissMarlee,and it

waseasytoholdaconversationwithhim.Atthemoment,Iwasmoregratefulhewas the firstone toapproachme thanhecouldhaveeverguessed.He’drescuedmetwicenow.

“It depends onmymood. Or the season. Like I can’t seem to enjoy awhiteteaduringthewinter.Butblackteaisagoodstaple.”

“Agreed.”Halestoodthere,nodding.“IheardsomeonecriedafterIlefttoday.Isthattrue?”Hale’s eyeswidened and he let out awhistle. “Yeah, it was Leeland. I

thoughthe’dbrokenaboneorsomething.Tookusnearlyanhourtocalmhimdown.”

“Whathappened?”“You happened! You come in, prowling around the room, eliminating

people at random. I guess he has a timid disposition, and you really shookhim.”

IspottedLeelandstandingaloneinacorner.IfIwassincerelylookingforahusband,he’dbegonealready. Iwasa little surprisedhehadn’t asked toleave.

“IthinkitcameoutmorecallouslythanI’dintended.”Halelaughedonce.“Youdon’thavetobecallousatall.Weallknowwho

youareandwhatyoucando.Werespectthat.”“Tellthattotheguywhoaskedwhenhewasgettingpaid,”Imuttered.He didn’t have a response for that, and I felt bad for bringing our

conversationtoahalt.

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“So,whatisittoday?”Iasked,tryingtoregainmycomposure.“I’msorry?”“Howareyouprovingyourselftometoday?”He smiled. “Today it’smy promise never to bring youwhite tea in the

winter.”Hedidn’tsaygood-byeorbowbutwalkedaway,seeminghopeful.Overhisshoulder,Badencaughtmyeye.Myfirstimpressionofhimhad

nothing todowithour initialconversation. Ionlysawhimas theboyAuntMaythoughthadpromise.

Icouldtellhewasdebatingwhetherornottowalkover.Ilookeddownatthe floor andpeekedhisway fromundermy lashes. I felt foolish trying toplaythispart,butitworkedandhestartedtocrossthefloor.Ithoughtbacktotheinterviewer,musingoverhowfunnyitwasthatI’dbeentaughtplentyofdisarmingtechniquesforinterviewsornegotiations,butwhenitcametoboys,Iwaslefttofigureitoutalone.

Baden looked eager to speak to me, but we were both shocked whenanotherboycomingfromadifferentdirectionarrivedatusattheexactsamemoment.

“Gunner,”Badengreeted.“Howareyouenjoyingtheparty?”“It’sexcellent.IwasjustcomingtothankHerHighnessforhostingit.It’s

beenapleasuretomeetyouryoungerbrothers.”“Oh,dear.Whatdidtheydo?”Badenlaughed,andGunnertriedtosuppressasmile.“Ostenisawfully..

.energetic.”Isighed.“Iblamemyparents.Itseemsthatbythetimeyouget toyour

fourthchild,yourdesiretoinstillcertainvaluesgoesoutthewindow.”“Ilikehimthough.Hopehe’llbearound.”“It’shard to say.Osten’s thehardest tokeep tabson.Evenhisnanny—

whomhedespises,bytheway—can’tkeepupwithhim.Eitherhe’scausingchaosorhe’shiding.”

Badenjumpedin.Iwonderedifhewastryingtoflirtorjustseembrave.“Thosetwomoodsaresodifferent!Iseveryoneinyourfamilylikethat?”

I knewwhat he was asking:Was I the kind of girl who aimed to findsolaceorcauseastirwithnoinbetween?“Unquestionably.”

Badennodded.“Goodtoknow.I’llbuyashieldandsomebinoculars.”And,darnit,Igiggled.Ididn’tmeanto,butIdid.Itriednottobeupset

forlettingmyguarddown.Hopefullyitwouldmakeforsomegoodpictures.Icurtsiedandcontinuedaroundthespace.

I sawHenri across the room,Erik shadowinghis every step.Whenoureyesmet,hebeganwalkingmywayimmediately,grinningfromeartoear.

“Hello!Hyvää iltaa!” He kissed my cheek, which, again, would have

70

beenshockingfromanyoneelse.“Hesays‘Goodevening.’”“Ohum...heevateelah?”Imumbled,attemptingtoduplicatehiswords.HechuckledasIbutcheredhis language.“Good,good!”Washealways

thischeerful?IturnedtoErik.“Howbadwasitreally?”Histonewaskind,buthewasn’tgoingtolie.“I’msorrytosay,thereisno

wayIcouldhaveevenguessedatwhatthatwas.”I smiled, genuinely. The pair of them were so unassuming, and

consideringhowalienatedHenrimusthavefelt,thatwassayingsomething.Before I could continue the conversation, Josie was beside me. “Great

party,Eadlyn.You’reHenri,right?I’veseenyourpicture,”shesaidinarush,stickingherhandouttogreethim.

Hemusthavebeenconfused,butheacceptedthegestureallthesame.“I’mJosie.EadlynandIarepracticallysisters,”shegushed.“Exceptthatwe’renotrelatedatall,”Iadded.Erik tried to convey everything to Henri quickly and quietly, which

distractedJosie.“Whoareyou?”sheasked.“Idon’trememberseeingyourpicture.”“I’mSirHenri’stranslator.HeonlyspeaksFinnish.”Josie looked incredibly disappointed. I realized then that shemust have

comeoverbecauseshefoundHenriattractive.Hecertainlyseemedyoungerthan most of the others and did have that happy-go-lucky air about him,whichshemusthavethoughtsuitedherbetterthanme.

“So...,”shebegan,“howdoeshe,like,evenlive?”WithoutevencheckingwithHenri,Erikspokeup.“Ifyou’repractically

HerHighness’ssister,thenI’msurethepalacehasaffordedyouanexcellenteducation.So,ofcourseyouknowtherelationsbetweenIlléaandSwendwayare old and strong, drawing many Swendish people to settle here, makingsmallcommunities,andviceversa.It’snotdifficultatall.”

I pressedmy lips together, trying not to grin at how articulately he putJosieinherplace.

Josienodded.“Oh,ofcourse.Umm...”Andthatwasashardasshewaswillingtotry.“Excuseme.”

“I’msorry,”Iwhisperedonceshewasoutofearshot.“Ithasnothingtodowithyoutwo.She’sjustterrible.”

“Nooffense taken,”Erik replied honestly.He conversed back and forthforamomentwithHenriinFinnish,presumablycatchinghimuponwhatjusthappened.

“Pardonme.Ineedtospeakwithsomeone,butI’llseeyouatdinner.”I

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curtsiedandleftthem,searchingforanysortofretreat.I’dbeentotallythrownoffbythatinterviewearlier,andIwasproudthatI

pulledmyselfbacktogetherintheaftermath.ButJosiehadtheabilitytorufflemewithoutfail.

IsawMomaloneandrushedovertoher,hopingforsomesolace.InsteadIwasgreetedbyaglaresimilartoAhren’swhenI’dfirstcomein.

“Whydidn’tyoutellusthatwaswhatyouweregoingtodo?”sheaskedquietly,holdingasmileasifnothingwaswrong.

I did the same as I answered. “I thought itwouldbegood.That’swhatDaddid.”

“Yes,buthedid itonamuch smaller scaleandprivately.Youput theirshameondisplay.Noonewilladmireyouforthat.”

Ihuffed.“I’msorry.Really.Ididn’trealize.”Sheput anarmaroundme. “Idon’tmean tobehardonyou.Weknow

you’retrying.”Justthenaphotographercameuptogetacandidphotoofustalking. I wondered what the headline for that one would be? SomethingabouttheSelectedteachingtheSelectormaybe.

“WhatamIsupposedtodonow?”She looked around the room, double-checking that no one could hear.

“Just...consideralittleromance.Nothingscandalous,forgoodness’sake,”sheaddedquickly.“Butwatchingyoufallinlove...that’swhatthepeoplewanttosee.”

“Ican’tmakethathappen.Ican’t—”“America,dear,”Dadcalled. It looked likeOstenhadspilled something

onhimself,andMomrushedovertoleadhimaway.I would have bet money that whatever just happened was a deliberate

attemptonOsten’sparttogetoutoftheroom.Istoodtherealone,tryingtobeinconspicuousasIscannedtheroom.Too

many strangers. Toomany eyeswatching andwaiting forme to perform. Iwas ready for theSelection to be over about four hours ago. I took a deepbreath.Threemonthswouldbuymefreedom.Icoulddothis.Ihadto.

Iwalkedacrosstheroomdeliberately,knowingwhoIneededtospeakto.OnceIfoundhim,Ileanedinandspokeinhisear.

“Cometomyroom.Eighto’clocksharp.Tellnoone.”

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CHAPTER12

IPACEDASIWAITEDfortheknocktocome.KilewasreallytheonlypersonIcould trustwith this task, though Iwas loath to askhim. Iwasprepared tostrikeabargain,butIwasn’tsurewhatIcouldofferhimyet.Ifeltconfidenthe’dhavehisownideas.

Therapsonthedoorwerequiet,andIcouldalmosthearthequestioninthem:WhatamIdoinghere?

Ipulledthedooropenandthere,rightontime,wasKile.“YourHighness,”hesaidwithacomicalbow.“I’vecometosweepyou

offyourfeet.”“Hardyhar.Getinhere.”Kilewalkedinandsurveyedmyshelves.“LasttimeIwasinyourroom,

youhadacollectionofwoodenponies.”“Outgrewthat.”“Butnotbeingabossytyrant?”“Nope.Justlikeyoudidn’toutgrowbeinganinsufferablebookworm.”“Isthishowyouwinoverallyourdates?”Ismirked.“Moreorless.Sitdown.Ihaveapropositionforyou.”HespottedthewineI’dprovidedandwastednotimeinpouringhimselfa

glass.“Youwantsome?”Isighed.“Please.We’llbothneedit.”Hepaused,eyeingmebeforecontinuing.“NowI’mnervous.Whatdoyou

want?”Itookmyglass,tryingtorememberhowIwantedtoexplainthistohim.

“Youknowme,Kile.You’veknownmemywholelife.”“True.Infact,IwasthinkingyesterdaythatIhaveavaguerecollectionof

yourunningaroundinnothingbutadiaper.Itwasagoodlook.”I rolledmyeyesand triednot to laugh.“Anyway.You, tosomedegree,

understandmypersonality,whoIamwhenthecamerasaren’trolling.”He sipped, contemplating my words. “I think I understand you when

they’reonaswell,butpleasecontinue.”I hadn’t thought about that, how he’d seen me go through the many

phasesofgrowingup,bothonandoffscreen.TherewasaswitchIhadtoflipwhenIwasondisplay,andheknewit.“TheSelectionwasn’tmyidea,butit’ssomethingIneedtoputmybesteffortinto.IthinkIam,personally.Butthe

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publicexpectsmetobeagiddylittlegirlnexttoallofyou,andIdon’tthinkIcandothat.Ican’tactstupid.”

“Actually—”“Don’t!”Hesmiledwickedlyandtookanothersipofhiswine.“You’resuchapain.WhyamIevenbothering?”“No, go on, you don’t want to act stupid.” He set down his glass and

leanedforward.Itookabreath,huntingforthewordsagain.“Theywantromance,butI’m

not prepared to behave like that publicly, at least not when I haven’t trulyconnectedwithsomeone.Still,Ineedtogivethemsomething.”

Iduckedmyheadandpeekedupathimfromundermylashes.“Likewhatexactly?”“Akiss.”“Akiss?”“Just a little one.And you’re the only person I can ask, because you’d

knowitwasn’trealandthingswouldn’tgetcomplicated.AndI’mwillingtogiveyousomethinginreturn.”

Heraisedhiseyebrows.“What?”Ishrugged.“Whateveryouwant,really.Withinreason.Ican’tofferyoua

countryoranything.”“Couldyoutalktomymom?Helpgetmeoutofhere?”“Andgowhere,exactly?”“Anywhere.”He sighed desperately. “Mymom . . . I don’t knowwhat

happenedthatmadehersocrazyloyaltoyourparents,butshe’sgotitinherheadthatthisisourhomeforever.Doyouknowhowmuchworkittookformetogetoutofhereandtakethatoneacceleratedcourse?

“Iwanttotravel,Iwanttobuild,Iwanttodomorethanreadaboutthings.SometimesIthinkonemoredaybehindthesewallsmightkillme.”

“Iget that,” Iwhispered,not thinking. I straightenedup. “I canmake ithappen.As soon as an opportunity becomes available, Iwill help convinceyourparentsthatyouneedtoleavethepalace.”

Hepausedasecond,thenthrewbacktherestofhiswine.“Onekiss?”“Justone.”“When?”“Tonight. There will be a photographer waiting down the hall at nine.

Hopefullyverywellhidden,becauseI’dliketopretendheisn’tthere.”Kilenodded.“Fine.Onekiss.”“Thankyou.”Wesatinsilence,watchingthehandsontheclock.AfterthreeminutesI

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couldn’ttakeitanymore.“Whatdoyoumeanyouwanttobuildthings?”Helitup.“That’swhatIstudy.Architectureanddesign.I likedreaming

upstructures, figuringouthowtomakethemand,sometimes,howtomakethemparticularlybeautiful.”

“That’s...actuallyreallyinteresting,Kile.”“Iknow.”Hegaveoneofhis crooked smiles, just likehis dad’s, and it

wasfuntoseehowexcitedhewasaboutit.“Doyouwanttosee?”“Seewhat?”“Some of my designs. I have them in my room. My old one, not my

Selectedone,sothey’rejustdownthehall.”“Sure.” I took one last sip ofwine and followed him out. Except for a

guardortwo,thehallwaywasemptyasKileandImadeourwaytohisroom.He opened the door and flicked on the lights, and I had to stopmyself

fromgasping.He.Was.A.Mess!Hisbedwasn’tmade,therewereclothesamassedinacorner,andseveral

dirtyplateswerepiledonhissidetable.“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.Howdoeshekeepitsoimmaculate?”“Youreadmymind,”Isaid,tryingnottoappearcompletelyrepulsed.At

leastitdidn’tsmellbad.“AboutayearagoIaskedthestafftostopcleaningforme.Idoitmyself.

ButtheSelectionkindofcaughtmeoffguard,soIjustleftithowitwas.”He started kicking objects under his bed and trying to pull the things

withinhisreachalittlestraighter.“Whydon’tyouletthemclean?”“I’magrownman.Icantakecareofmyself.”Ididn’tthinkhemeantthatasadigatme,butitstungallthesame.“Anyway,thisismyworkspace.”In the far corner of the room the walls were covered in pictures and

posters of everything from skyscrapers to mud huts. His desk wasoverflowingwithprintshe’ddrawnup,andmodelsbuiltfromwoodenscrapsandthinstripsofmetal.

“Didyoumakeallthese?”Iasked,gentlytouchingastructurethatslightlytwistedasitwentupward.

“Yep. Concept, design. I’d love to create real buildings one day. I’mstudying,but there’sonlysomuch Ican learnwithoutgettingmyhandsonthings,youknow?”

“Kile...”Itookinallofit:thecolorsandlines,theamountoftimeandthoughtthatmusthavegoneintoeachofthem.“Thisisamazing.”

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“It’sjustmefoolingaround.”“No,don’tdothat.Don’tmakeitseemlikelessthanitis.Icouldneverdo

somethinglikethis.”“Sureyoucould.”HewentoverandpulledoutarulershapedlikeaTand

laiditoversomethinghewasalreadyworkingon.“See,it’sjustamatteroflookingatthelinesanddoingthemath.”

“Ugh,moremath.Idoenoughofthatasitis.”Helaughed.“Butthisisfunmath.”“Funmathisanoxymoron.”KileandImovedtohiscouch,andwewentthroughafewbooksofhis

favoritearchitects,studyingtheirstyles.Heseemedparticularlyinterestedinhowsomeworkedwiththelandaroundthemandothersworkedagainstit.“Imean,lookatthat!”hesaidenthusiasticallyafternearlyeverypage.

Icouldn’tbelieveithadtakenmealltheseyearstoseethissideofhim.He tucked himself inside a shell, shutting himself away from others herebecausethepalacehadtrappedhim.Behindthebooksandthesnippyremarkstherewasacurious,engaging,andsometimesverycharmingperson.

Ifelt likeI’dbeenliedto.WassomeonegoingtopoparoundthecornerandtellmeJosiewasreallyasaint?

EventuallyKilelookeddowntohiswatch.“It’stenafternine.”“Oh.Weshouldgothen.”ButIdidn’twanttogetup.Kile’smessyroom

wasoneofthemostcomfortableplacesI’deverbeen.“Yeah.”Kile closed thebookandput it backon the shelf.Even though

thatcornerwasashaphazardastherestoftheroom,Icouldseethecarehetookwithit.

Iwaitedforhimbythedoor,suddenlynervous.“Here,”hesaid,offeringhishand.“It’stheendofadate,right?”I placedmy hand in his. “Thanks. For showingme yourwork, and for

doingthis.Ipromisetopayyouback.”“Iknow.”Heopened thedoorandwalkedmedown thehall.“Whendoyou think

welastheldhands?”Iwonderedoutloud.“Probablyagameofredroverorsomething.”“Probably.”We were quiet as we headed toward my room.When we reached it, I

turnedbacktoKileandwatchedasheswallowed.“Nervous?”Iwhispered.“Nah.”Hesmiled,buthealsofidgeted.“So...goodnight.”Kile leaneddown, lipsmeetingmine, holding them there.Thenhis lips

partedandclosedandpartedagain. Idrewabreath in themomentbetween

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kisses, sensing he would come back again. He did, and thank goodness,becauseIhadn’tbeenkissedlikethisbeforeandIneededmore.

ThefewtimesI’dkissedboyswererushed,sloppymomentshidinginacoatroomorbehindastatue.Butthis,withsomuchairaroundusandnoonecomingtocheckonme...itwasdifferent.

IleanedintoKile,stillholdinghim,andhebroughtuphisfreehandandcuppedmy cheek.He heldmy lips to his forwhat felt like forever beforepullingback.

Andevenwhenhedidpullaway,hisnosestayedrightagainstmine,soclosethatwhenhewhispered,Icouldsmellwhatwasleftofthewineonhisbreath.

“Doyouthinkthatwasenough?”“I...um...Idon’tknow.”“Justtobesure.”Hepressedhismouthtomineagain,andIwassosurprisedtogetanother

kiss like that, it felt likemy boneswere turning intomush. I wrappedmyfingersupintohishair,shockedatmyselfforhavingtheurgetoholdhiminthatposeallnight.

He pulled back again, looking into my eyes, and there was somethingdifferent.Washefeelingthatfunnywarmthcreepintohisarmsandchestandhead,too?

“Thankyou,”Imurmured.“Anytime.Imean”—heshookhishead,laughingathimself—“youknow

whatImean.”“Goodnight,Kile.”“Goodnight, Eadlyn.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before

headingtowardthestairsthatledbacktohistemporaryquarters.IwatchedhimgoandtoldmyselfthattheonlyreasonIwassmilinglike

that was because the cameras were hidden somewhere, not because ofanythingKileWoodworkhaddone.

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CHAPTER13

“SO, I THINK IMANAGED to distract everyone for a while.” I held on toAhren’sarmaswewalkedthroughthegarden.

“I’llsay.”Ahrenmadeasmartlittlefaceatme,andIfoughttheurgetohithim.“Howwasit?”

AtthatIreallydidhithim.“Youpig!Aladynevertells.”“Well, is a real ladymeant to be photographedkissingher suitor in the

dark?”Ishrugged.“Eitherway,itworked.”ThepicturesofKileandmeweregobbleduplikefood,justaspredicted.

Itfeltalittlestrangethatthiswaswhatpeoplewerehungryfor,butitdidn’treallymatteraslongastheyweresatisfied.Thereactionstothekissrangedthough.Ahandfulofthepapersthoughtitwassweet,butthemajorityofthemwere displeased that I was so willing to give up a kiss this early in thecompetition.

OneofthegossipmagazinesevenhadabackandforthwithtwooftheirbiggestreportersoverwhetherIwaslooseforgivingsuchakissorifitwassweetbecauseI’dknownKilesincebirth.Itriedtoshrugitoff.Therewouldbeotherthingstotalkaboutsoonenough.

“Idugafewpagesin,”Isaid,turningbacktoAhren.“Notasinglereportofpost-castediscrimination.”

“So,whatareyourplansfortoday?Goingtomaketheboyscryagain?”Irolledmyeyes.“Itwasonlyone.And,Idon’tknow.MaybeIwon’tvisit

themtoday.”“Nope,”Ahrenblurted,movingustoanewpath.“Sohelpme,Eadlyn,if

IhavetodragyoubyyourhairthroughthisIwill,butyou’veactuallygottoparticipateintheSelection.”

Iletmyarmslipawayfromhis.“Ican’thelpfeelingthere’snowayitwasthishardforDad.”

“Haveyouaskedhim?”“No, and Idon’t think I can. Just recentlybothhe andMomhavebeen

givingmemoredetails,thinkingitmightbehelpful.Ifeelliketheymusthaveheldthosethingsclosetothemforareason,anditseemsrudetoask.Besides,Idon’tknowthatany twopeople in thissituationwouldhandle it theexactsameway,andIreallydon’twanttoknowifDadcaredaboutanyonebesides

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Mom.”“Isn’t that a strange thought?”He sat on a nearby stone bench. “Some

otherwomancouldhavebeenourmother!”“No,”Icountered, joininghim.“Weonlyexistbecause theyfoundeach

other.Anyothercombinationwouldnothavecreatedthetwoofus.”“You’remessingwithmyhead,Eady.”“Sorry.Thissituationisthrowingmeoff.”Itracedmyfingeraroundthe

stone.“Imean,Igetwhytheconceptsoundsappealing.Thatsomewhereoutthere,myperfectmatchcouldbewaitingforme,andbychanceIcouldpullhisnameandmeethimandfallmadlyinlove.Butthenthere’sthefeelingofbeingaprizehorse, that I’mbeing judgedmore so thanusual.Andwhen Ilookatalltheseboys,theyseemforeignincomparisontothetypeofpeopleIgenerallyencounter,andIdon’tthinkIlikeit.Thewholethingmakesmefeelunsettled.”

Ahrenwasquiet for awhile, and I could seehewascarefullychoosingwords,whichmademenervous.

Iwasn’tsureifthatwasatwinthingorabondexclusivetoAhrenandme,but itwasalmostphysicalwhenwewereatodds. It felt likea rubberbandpullingtightbetweenus.

“Listen,Eady,Iknowthismighthavebeenthewrongwaytogoaboutit,butIdothinkit’sgoodforyoutohavesomeoneinyourlife.I’vebeenwithCamillealongtime,andevenifeverythingendedtomorrow,I’dbeabetterpersonbecauseofher.Therearesomethingsyoudon’tlearnaboutyourselfuntilyouletsomeoneelseintothemostintimateplacesofyourheart.”

“Howcanyoutwoevenmanagetodothat?Youspendalmostallofyourtimeapart.”

Hegrinned.“She’smysoulmate.Iknowit.”“I don’t think soul mates are real,” I said, examining my shoes. “You

happenedtomeetaFrenchprincessbecauseyouonlyevermeetroyalty,andyoulikehermorethananyoneelse.Yourtruesoulmatecouldbemilkingacowrightnow,andyou’dneverknow.”

“You’realwayssodownonher.”Histonemadetheinvisiblerubberbandstretchagain.

“I’msimplydiscussingpossibilities.”“In themeantime, you have dozens of possibilities in front of you and

refusetolookatthem.”Isnorted.“DidDadputyouuptothis?”“No!Ithinkyoushouldlookatthiswithanopenmind.You’reoneofthe

mostisolatedpeopleinthecountry,butthatdoesn’tmeanyourwallshavetobe up all the time.You need to experience a romantic relationship at least

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onceinyourlife.”“Hey!I’veexperiencedromanticrelationships!”“Apictureinthepaperdoesnotcountasarelationship,”hesaidheatedly.

“NeitherdoesmakingoutwithLeronTroyesatthatChristmasballinParis.”Igasped.“Howdoyouknowaboutthat?”“Everyoneknowsaboutthat.”“EvenMomandDad?”“Daddoesn’tknow.Well,unlessMomtoldhim,becauseI’mpositiveshe

does.”I buriedmy face andmade some screechy sound that encapsulatedmy

completehumiliation.“AllI’msayingis,thiscouldbegoodforyou.”Thatlinepushedalltheshameoutofmybodyandreplaceditwithrage.“Everyone keeps saying that: it might be good forme.What does that

evenmean?I’msmartandbeautifulandstrong.Idon’tneedtoberescued.”Ahrenshrugged.“Maybenot.Butyouneverknowifoneofthemmight

needtobe.”I stared at the grass, considering that. I shookmy head. “What are you

doing,Ahren?What’swiththesuddenchangeofheart?Ithoughtyouwereonmyside.”

Isawaflickerofsomethinginhiseyesbeforehepusheditawayandputan arm around me. “I am, Eadlyn. You, Mom, and Camille are the mostimportant women in my life. So please understand me when I say thatsometimesIwonderhowhappyyouare.”

“I’mhappy,Ahren.I’mtheprincess.Ihaveeverything.”“Ithinkyou’remistakingcomfortforjoy.”HiswordsvaguelyremindedmeofmyrecentchatwithMom.Ahrenrubbedmyarmandstood,brushingoffhissuit.“IpromisedKaden

I’dhelpwithhisFrench lesson. Just think about all this, okay?Maybe I’mwrong.Itcertainlywouldn’tbethefirsttime.”Wesharedasmile.

Inodded.“I’llthinkaboutit.”Hegavemeawink.“Goonadateorsomething.Youneedtogetalife.”

IstoodoutsidethedoortotheMen’sParlorpacing,worryingIwaswastingtime. After my talk with Ahren, I really should have gone straight to theoffice. Truthfully, I was looking forward to getting back to the normalmonotonyofshufflingpapers.Buthiswords,aboveanyoneelse’s,mademewonderifIshouldatleasttry.AndnotthefaketryingIwasplanningforthecameras,butgenuineeffort.

ItoldmyselfthatIwouldhavetodatethemeventuallyanyway.Itwasthe

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bareminimumofwhatI’dneedtodo.Itdidn’tmeanIwaschoosinganyone;IwasjustkeepingmypromisetoDadanddoingwhatthepeopleexpected.

Sighing,Ihandedtheenvelopetothebutler.“Okay,goahead.”Hebowedbeforeheleft,andIwaitedoutside.I’ddecidedIwasn’tgoingtobargeintotheMen’sParloragain.Iwanted

theSelectedtobeontheirtoes,buteveryoneneededaretreatnowandthen.Iknewthatbetterthananybody.

Amomentlaterthebutlerreturned,holdingthedoorasHalesteppedout.Twothingspassedthroughmyheadasheapproached.First,IwonderedwhatKilewould think,which, admittedly,wasodd.Second, itwasobviousHalestill didn’t knowwhat tomake ofme, because hewas very cautious as hecametoastopabouttwofeetawayandbowed.“YourHighness.”

Iclaspedmyhandsinfrontofme.“YoumaycallmeEadlyn.”Therewasahintofasmileinhiseyes.“Eadlyn.”Nooneintheworldisaspowerfulasyou.“Iwaswonderingifyou’dliketojoinmefordesserttonightafterdinner.”“Justyouandme?”Isighed.“Wastheresomeoneelseyouwantedto invite?Doyouneeda

translatoraswell?”“No, no!” he said, a real smile coming across his face. “I’m just . . .

pleasantlysurprised,Iguess.”“Oh.”Itwasapatheticresponsetosuchasweetadmission,butIsimply

wasn’tprepared.Halestood there,hishands jammed inhispockets,beaming,and itwas

hardtothinkofhimasanotherpersonI’djustsendhome.“Umm, anyway, I’ll come by your room about twenty minutes after

dinner,andwe’llgotooneoftheparlorsupstairs.”“Soundsgreat.Seeyoutonight.”Istartedwalking.“Seeyoutonight.”I was a little bothered because I was looking forward to it now. His

anticipationwas kind of cute.Butworse than the feeling that theSelectionwasgettingtomewasthetriumphantlookonHale’sfacewhenhecaughtmepeekingbackathim.

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CHAPTER14

WOULD IT BE STRANGE IF I changed dresses between dinner and dessert?Washegoingtochangeclothes?I’dbeenwearingtiarasforthelastfewdays,butwasitinappropriateifIworeoneonadate?

Onadate.Thiswas too far out ofmy comfort zone. I felt so vulnerable,which I

couldn’t understand. I had interactedwith plenty of youngmen. I did havethat spectacular interlude with Leron at that Christmas party, and JamisonAkersfedmeastrawberrylip-to-liphiddenbehindatreeatapicnic.I’devenmadeitthroughlastnightwithKile,thoughthatwasnothingclosetoarealdate.

Ihadmetallthirty-fiveoftheSelectedcandidatesandstoodtallthrougheveryminute.Not tomention, Ihelpedrunanentirecountry.Whywasonedatewithoneboymakingmesoanxious?

Idecidedthat,yes,Iwouldchange,andIputonayellowdressthatwaslonger in the back than in the front, which I paired with a navy belt so itlookeda little less I’m-ready-for-the-garden-partyanda littlemore let’s-go-out.Andnotiara.WhyhadIevenconsideredit?

Igavemyreflectionaonce-overandremindedmyselfthathewastryingtowinmeover,nottheotherwayaround.

I jumped at the knock on the door. I still had fiveminutes!And Iwassupposed togo tohim!Hewas throwingoffmyentirepreparationstrategy,andsohelpme,I’dsendhimawayandstartalloveragainifIhadto.

Without waiting for an answer, Aunt May poked her head in, Momsmilingrightbehindher.

“AuntMay!” I ranoverandcrushedher inahug.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Ifiguredyoucouldusesomeextrasupport,soIcameback.”“AndI’mheretomakethiswholethingmoreawkwardthanithastobe,”

Mompromisedwithasmile.Ilaughednervously.“I’mnotusedtothis.Idon’tknowwhattodo.”AuntMay cocked an eyebrow. “According to the papers, you’re doing

verywell.”I blushed. “That was different. It wasn’t an actual date. It didn’t mean

anything.”

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“Butthisdoes?”sheasked,hervoicegentle.Ishrugged.“It’snotthesame.”“Iknoweveryonesaysthis,”Mombegan,pushingbackmyhair,“butit’s

thebestadviceIcangiveyou:beyourself.”Thatwaseasiersaidthandone.Because,whowasIreally?Onehalfofa

set of twins. The heir to a throne.One of themost powerful people in theworld.Thebiggestdistractioninthecountry.

Neverjustdaughter.Neverjustgirl.“Don’ttakeanyofthistooseriously.”AuntMayfixedherownhairinthe

mirrorbeforeturningbacktome.“Youshouldjustenjoyyourself.”Inodded.“Shemakes a goodpoint,”Momagreed. “It’s not as ifwewant you to

choosesomeone today.Youhave timehere, sohave funmeetingsomenewpeople.Goodnessknows,that’sararityforyou.”

“True. It just feels awkward. I’m going to be alonewith him, and thenhe’ll tell all theotherguysabout it, and thenwe’llhave to talkabout it onTV.”

“Itsoundsharderthanitis.Mostofthetimeit’sfunny,”Mominsisted.I tried to imagine teenageher,blushingandtalkingaboutherdateswith

Dad.“Soyoudidn’tmindit?”Shepursedherlipstogether,studyingtheceilingasshethought.“Well,it

washarderinthebeginning.Iwasveryhesitanttobethecenterofattention.Butyou’rebrilliant at that, so treat this like anyotherpartyor eventyou’dgiveaninterviewabout.”

Maylookedather.“It’snotexactlylikeapost–GratefulFeastrecap,”shepointedoutbeforefocusingonme,“butyourmotherisrightaboutyoubeingbetterinthespotlight.Shewasembarrassingatyourage.”

“Thanks,May.”Momrolledhereyes.“Anytime.”Ichuckled,wishingbriefly that Ihad justonesister.Mom’sothersister,

AuntKenna,diedyearsagoofaheartcondition.UncleJameswasasimpleman,sohedidn’twanttoraiseAstraandLeointhepalaceeventhoughweofferedseveraltimes.Wekeptintouch,ofcourse,butAstraandIwereverydifferentgirls.Still, I rememberedall tooclearly thewayMomhadspentaweek in bed holding May and Grandma Singer after Kenna passed away.More andmore I wondered if losing a sister was likeMom losing part ofherself.IknewitwouldfeellikethatformeifanythinghappenedtoAhren.

Aunt May elbowed Mom, and they shared a smile. They never reallyfought,notoveranythingthattrulymattered,andthetwoofthemsoothedmyworries.

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Theywereright.Thiswasnothing.“You’regoingtodogreat,”Momsaid.“Youdon’tknowhowtofail.”She

gavemeawink,andIfeltmyselfstandtaller.Icheckedtheclock.“Ishouldgo.Thanksforcoming,”Isaid,takingAunt

May’shand.“Noproblem.”Ihuggedheratthedoor,andthenheadeddownstairs.WhenIgot toHale’sroom,IpausedanddrewinadeepbreathbeforeI

knocked.Heanswered,nothisbutler,andheseemedthrilledtoseeme.“Youlookfantastic,”hesaid.“Thankyou,”Ianswered,smilinginspiteofmyself.“Sodoyou.”He’d changed, too,whichmademe feelmuchmore comfortable, and I

liked what he’d done with himself. His tie was gone, and he had his topbuttonundone.Betweenthatandthevest,helooked...well,helookedcute.

Haletuckedhishandsintohispockets.“Sowherearewegoing?”Ipointeddownthehall.“Thisway,uptothefourthfloor.”Herockedonhisfeetafewtimesthenhesitantlyheldouthisarmforme.

“Leadtheway.”“All right,” I began as wewalked toward the stairs. “I know the basic

facts.HaleGarner,nineteenyearsold,Belcourt.Butthoseentryformsarealittlecutanddried,sowhat’syourstory?”

Hechuckled.“Well,Itooamtheoldestinmyfamily.”“Really?”“Yes.Threeboys.”“Ugh,Ifeelbadforyourmother.”Hesmiled.“Eh,shedoesn’tmind.WeremindherofDad,sowhenoneof

us isa little too loudor laughsatsomethinghewouldhave,she’llsighandsaywe’rejustlikehim.”

Iwasafraidtoask,butIwantedtobeclear.“Areyourparentsdivorced?”Iasked,doubtingthatwasthecase.

“No.Hepassedaway.”“I’m sorry,” I said, feeling mortified that I’d indirectly insulted his

memory.“It’sokay.Notoneofthosethingsyouknowwithoutbeingtold.”“CanIaskwhenhedied?”“Aboutsevenyearsago.Iknowthiswillsoundweird,butsometimesI’m

jealousofmyyoungestbrother.Beauwasaboutsixwhenithappened,andheremembersDad,butnotthewayIdo,youknow?SometimesIwishIdidn’thavesomuchtomiss.”

“I’dbewillingtobethe’sjealousofyoufortheoppositereason.”Hegavemeasadsmile.“Ineverthoughtaboutthat.”

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Weturnedupthemainstairs,focusingonoursteps.Whenwegottothelandingonthefourthfloor,Istartedagain.

“Whatdoesyourmotherdo?”Hale swallowed. “Right now she’s working as a secretary at the local

university.She.. .well,it’sbeenhardforhertoholddownagoodjob,butshelikesthisone,andshe’shaditforalongtime.IjustrealizedIbeganthatsentencewith‘rightnow’becauseIwasusedtoherswitchingalot,butshehasn’tdonethatforawhile.

“LikeIsaidwhenwemet,mydadwasaTwo.Hewasanathlete.Wentinforasurgeryonhisknee,buttherewasaclotanditmadeitswaytohisheart.Momhadneverworkedadayinherlife—betweenherparentsandDadshewas taken care of. After we lost him, all she was good at was being abasketballplayer’swife.”

“Oh,no.”“Yeah.”Iwassogratefulwhenwecameupontheparlor.HowhadDadmanaged

this?Howdid he sift through all those girls, testing them to find hiswife?Getting to know one person was already wearing me out, and we weren’tevenfiveminutesintoourfirstdate.

“Wow,”Halewhispered,admiringthesetup.From the fourth-floor parlors at the front of the palace you could just

barelylookoutoverthewalls.Angelesintheeveningletoutabeautifulglow,andI’daskedfortheparlorlightstobedimmedsowecouldreallyseeit.

Therewasasmalltableinthemiddleoftheroomthathadvariouscakesonit,andadessertwinewaswaitingontheside.I’dnevertriedtosetuparomanticeveningbefore,butIthoughtIdidagoodjobformyfirsttry.

Halepulledoutmychairbeforejoiningmeatthetable.“I didn’t know what you liked, so I got several. These are chocolate,

obviously,”Isaid,pointingtothedozensoftinycakes.“Thenlemon,vanilla,andcinnamon.”

HalestaredatthepilesoftreatsinfrontofuslikeI’dactuallygivenhimsomething huge. “Listen, I don’t want to be rude,” he said, “but if there’sanythingyouwant,youshouldgrabitnow,becausethere’saseriouschanceIwilldemolishthese.”

Ilaughed.“Helpyourself.”Hepickeduponeofthechocolatecakesandpoppedthewholethinginto

hismouth.“Mmmmmmm.”“Trythecinnamon.It’llchangeyourlife.”Wekepteatingforawhile,andIthoughtmaybethiswouldbeenoughfor

onenight.We’dmovedintoverysafeterritory;Icouldtalkaboutdessertsfor

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hours!Butthen,withoutwarning,hestartedtalkingabouthislifeagain.“Somymomworksattheuniversity,butIworkwithatailorintown.”“Oh?”“Yeah,I’mveryinterestedinclothes.Well,Iamnowanyway.Rightafter

Daddieditwashardertogetnewthings,soIlearnedtohidetheripsinmybrothers’shirtsorletoutahemastheygrew.ThenMomhadapileofdressesshe was hoping to sell to get some money, and I took two pieces andcombined themtomakesomethingnewforher. Itwasn’tperfect,but IwasgoodenoughatitthatIcouldprobablygetajob.

“SoIreadalotandstudywhatLawrencedoes—he’smyboss.Everynowand then he’ll let me take projects onmy own. I guess that’s what I’ll dodowntheline.”

I smirked. “You’re definitely one of the more put-together guys in thegroup.”

Hesmiledbashfully.“It’seasywhenI’vegotsomuchtoworkwith.Mybutler is great, sohe’shelpedmewithmaking sure the fit on everything isimpeccable. Idon’t thinkheappreciates allmypairings,but Iwant to looklikeagentlemanwhilestilllookinglikemyself,ifthatmakesanysense.”

InoddedenthusiasticallyasIswallowedabitofcake.“Doyouknowhowharditiswhenyoulovejeansbutyou’reaprincess?”

Hechuckled.“Butyoubalanceitsowell!Imean,theyplasteryouroutfitsacrosseverymagazine,soI’veseenplenty.Yourstyleisveryindividual.”

“You think so?” I felt encouraged.Criticismwas heavy these days, andthatonescrapofpraisewaslikewaterinthedesert.

“Definitely!”hegushed.“Imean,youdresslikeaprincessbutthenkindofnot. Iwouldn’tbesurprised ifyouwereactually theringleaderofanall-girlmafia.”

Ispitoutmywinealloverthetable,whichmadeHaleburstintolaughter.“I’msosorry!” I feltmycheeksburning.“IfMomsaw that, I’dget the

worstlecture.”Halewiped the tears fromhiseyesand leaned forward. “Do they really

lectureyou?Imean,aren’tyoubasicallyrunningthecountry?”Ishrugged.“Notreally.Daddoesmostofthework.Ijustshadowhim.”“Butthat’saformalityatthispoint,right?”“How do you mean?” My words must have come out harsher than I

meant,becausethelaughterinhiseyesdisappearedinstantly.“I’mnottryingtoinsulthimoranything,butlotsofpeoplesayhelooks

tired. I’ve heard some people speculate all the time on when you’ll beascending.”

Ilookeddown.DidpeoplereallytalkaboutDadbeingtired?

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“Hey,”Hale said, grabbingmy attention again. “I’m really sorry. Iwasonlytryingtotalk.Ididn’tmeantomakeyouupset.”

Ishookmyhead.“No,you’refine.I’mnotsurewhatgottome.MaybethinkingaboutdoingthiswithoutDad.”

“It’ssofunnytohearyoucalltheking‘Dad.’”“Butthat’swhoheis!”Ifoundmyselfsmilingagain.Somethingaboutthe

wayHaletalkedmadeeverythingfeelcalmer,brighter.Ilikedthat.“Iknow,Iknow.Okay,sobacktoyou.Besidesbeingthemostpowerful

womanintheworld,whatdoyoudoforfun?”Iateanotherpieceofcaketohidehowbigmygrinwas.“Itmayormay

notsurpriseyouthatIamalsoveryintofashion.”“Oh,really?”herepliedsarcastically.“Isketch.Alot,actually.I’vetriedmyhandatthethingsmyparentslike

aswell.Iknowabitaboutphotography,andIcanplaythepianoalittle.ButIalwayscomebacktomysketchbook.”

IknewIwassmiling.Thosepageswiththeirscribblesofcoloredpencilswereoneofmysafestplacesintheworld.

“CouldIseethem?”“What?”Icrossedmyanklesandsatupstraighter.“Yoursketches.CouldIseethemsometime?”Noonesawmysketches.IonlyevershoweddesignstomymaidswhenI

had tosinceIdidn’tdoanyof theconstruction.ButforeveryoneIshared,therewereadozenIhid, thingsIknewIcouldneverwear. I thoughtaboutthosepieces,eachofthemstoredinmyheadoronpaper,asifkeepingthemsecretwastheonlywaytheycouldpossiblybemine.

Iknewhedidn’tunderstandmysuddensilenceorwhyIheldtightlytothearmsofmychair.Haleaskingthatquestion,assuminghewaswelcomeinthatworld,mademefeel likehehadsomehowseenme—reallyseenme—andIdidn’tlikeit.

“Excuseme,”Isaid,standing.“IthinkIhadalittletoomuchwine.”“Doyouneedhelp?”heasked,standingaswell.“No,pleasestayandenjoyyourself.”ImovedasquicklyasIcould.“YourHighness!”“Goodnight.”“Eadlyn,wait!”InthehallwayImovedmuchfaster,unabletoexpressmyreliefwhenhe

didn’tfollowme.

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88

CHAPTER15

I FULLY BELIEVED MY CURRENT state was not my fault, not even in theslightest.Iknewwhotopointthefingerat,andtheywereallotherSchreaves.IblamedMomandDad fornotbeingable toget thecountryundercontrolandforcingmeintothissituation,andIblamedAhrenfortryingtogetmetoconsidertheseboysinthefirstplace.

I was going to be queen, and a queen could be many things . . . butvulnerablewasn’toneofthem.

Lastnight’s interludewithHalemademesureof several things.First, Iwas right about the Selection. There was no way I could possibly find acompanion under these circumstances, and I considered it miraculous thatanyonehadinthepast.Forcedopennesswithscoresofstrangerscouldnotbegoodforone’ssoul.

Second,ifIeverdidgetmarried,thechancesofmehavingapassionate,enduring love for that personwere slim. Love did nothing but break downdefenses,andIcouldnotaffordthat.Ialreadygavesomuchaffectiontomyfamily that Iknew theyweremyweakness,DadandAhren inparticular. Itwashardtoimaginedoingthattomyselfonpurpose.

Ahrenknewhiswordscouldswayme,knewhowmuchIlovedhim.Thatwaswhy,abovetheothers,Iwantedtothrottlehimaftermydate.

Iwentdowntobreakfast,walkingwithdeterminedstepsasifnothinghadchanged. Iwas still incontrol, andabunchof sillyboyswerenotgoing totakeovermyworld.Myplanfor todaywas togetback towork.Therehadbeenfartoomanydistractionslately,andIneededtofocus.Dadtalkedaboutmefindingsomeonetohelpmedomyjob,butsofaralltheyweremanagingtodowasmakeitharder.

AhrenandOstensatnexttoMom,andItookmyplacebetweenDadandKaden.EvenfromtheoppositesideofthetableIcouldhearOstenchewing.

“Youallright,sis?”Kadenasked,pausingbetweenheapingspoonfulsofoatmeal.

“Ofcourse.”“Youlookalittlestressed.”“Youwould,too,ifyouweregoingtorunthecountry,”Iteased.“SometimesIthinkaboutthat,”hesaid,gettingallserious.“Like,whatif

adiseasesweptoverallofIlléa,andyouandMomandDadandAhrengot

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sickanddied.ThenI’dbeinchargeandhavetofigureouteverythingonmyown.”

Inmyperiphery I sawDad lean forward, listening tohis son. “That’s alittlemorbid,Kaden.”

Kadenshrugged.“It’salwaysgoodtoplanahead.”I proppedmy chin onmy hand. “Sowhatwould beKingKaden’s first

orderofbusiness?”“Vaccinations,obviously.”Ichuckled.“Goodcall.Andafterthat?”Heconsidered.“IthinkI’dtrytomeetpeople.Nonsickpeople,soIcould

knowwhat theyneedme todo. Itprobably looksa littledifferentout therethanitdoesinhere.”

Dadnodded.“That’sprettysmart,Kaden.”“Iknow.”AndKadenwentbacktoeating,his imaginaryruleatanend.

Luckyhim.Ipickedatmyfood,surreptitiouslylookingoveratDad.Yes,I’dnoticed

him looking tired the other night, but that was a one-time thing. Sure, heneededglasses thesedays,andhehad laugh lines surroundinghiseyes,butthatdidn’ttranslateintobeingworn-out.WhatdidHaleknow?

I peeked around the room. The boys were speaking to one another inhushedtones.IsawEanchattingwithBaden.Burkehadspilledsomethingonhistieandwastryingtoremoveitdiscreetlyandfailing.MyeyespassedoverHale,happyhewasn’tlookinginmydirectionatthemoment.

At the back of the far table I sawHenri andKile. Erikwas translatingpatiently, and based on all three of their expressions, they were having aprettygoodconversation.

Iwasengrossed.Itriedforaminutetofigureoutwhattheyweretalkingaboutbut tonoavail. I sat there staringatKile,watchinghishands. ItwasfunnytoseethewaytheygesturedtoothersandgrippedaforkwhenIknewhowwelltheyheldapencilforsketching.Or—evenbetter—pulledbackhairforakiss.

EventuallyKilecaughtmestaringandgavemea littlenodandasmile.Henrinoticedhim looking, andhe turned inhis chair togivemeawave. Ibowedmyheadinacknowledgment,hopingnoonenoticedmyblush.HenriturnedbackimmediatelytosaysomethingtoErik,whopasseditontoKile,whoraisedhiseyebrowsandnodded.Iknewtheyweretalkingaboutme,andIcouldn’thelpbutwonderifKilehadsharedcertaindetailsofourkiss.

AuntMaymightbetheonlypersonIcouldspillallthelittledetailsofthatkisstowithoutbeingcompletelyhorrified.I’dbelyingifIsaidthatmomentinthehallhadn’tcrossedmymindseveraltimessinceithappened.

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Ahrenstood,kissingMomonhercheekbeforeheturnedtoleave.“Wait,Ahren,Ineedtotalktoyou,”Isaid,standingaswell.“Seeyouinabit,sweetie?”Dadasked,glancingatme.“I’llbeupshortly.Ipromise.”Ahrenheldouthisarmforme,andwewalkedtogetherfromtheroom.I

could feel howwe drew attention. It was like an energy that followedmenearlyeverywhereIwent.Ioftenreveledinthatfeeling.

“Whatdoyouwanttotalkabout?”Ispokethroughmysmile.“I’lltellyouoncewe’reinthehall.”Hisstepfaltered.“Uh-oh.”When we rounded the corner, I pulled back and whacked him on the

shoulder.“Ow!”“I went on a date last night, and it was awful, and I blame you

personally.”Ahrenrubbedhisarm.“Whathappened?Washemean?”“No.”“Didhe...”Heloweredhisvoice.“Didhetrytotakeadvantageofyou?”“No.”Icrossedmyarms.“Washerude?”Isighed.“Notexactly,butitwas...awkward.”Hethrewbothofhisarmsupinexasperation.“Well,ofcourseitwas.If

yousawhimagain,itwouldbebetter.That’sthepoint.Ittakestimetogettoknowsomeone.”

“Idon’twanthimtogettoknowme!Idon’twantanyofthemtogettoknowme!”

Hisfacefell intoaconfusedscowl.“Ialways thought thatyouwere theonepersonintheworldIwouldunderstandnomatterwhat.Ithoughtyou’dalwaysunderstandme,too.Butyouteasemeforbeinginlove,andwhentheopportunitytofindsomeonefallsintoyourlap,youhateit.”

Ipointedafingerathischest.“Wasn’tityouwhosaidthismadenosensefor me? Weren’t you looking forward to how I’d make them squirm? IthoughtyouandIbothagreedthiswasajoke.Andnow,suddenly,you’retheSelection’sbiggestcheerleader.”

Thehallwaywaspainfullysilent.IwaitedforAhrentoarguewithme,oratleasttoexplain.

“SorryIletyoudown.ButIthinkthisisaboutmorethanadate.Youneedtofigureoutwhyyou’resoscared.”

Iraisedmyselftomyfullheight.“I’mthenextqueenofIlléa.I’mscaredofnothing.”

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Hebackedaway.“Keepsayingthat,Eadlyn.Seeifitfixestheproblem.”Ahrendidn’tgettoofardownthehallthough.Josiehadfriendsoverthis

morning,andthewholelotofthembasicallymeltedatthesightofhisface.Irecognizedoneofthemfromthedayinthegardenandonlyrememberedherbecauseshehadaddressedmecorrectly.

Iwatched as they gave shy grins and ducked their heads.Ahren, to hiscredit,waspoliteasalways.

“Josiehassaidyourmasteryofliteratureisveryimpressive,”oneofthegirlssaid.

Ahrenlookedaway.“She’sexaggerating.Idolovetoread,andIwritealittle,butnothingworthsharing.”

Anothergirlsteppedforward.“Idoubtthat’strue.Ibetourtutorwouldbehappytohaveyoucometeachussometime.I’dlovetohearyourthoughtsonafewofthebookswe’vebeenreading.”

Josie clasped her hands together. “Oh, yes, please, Ahren. Won’t youcometeachus?”

Her friends giggled at her casually using his first name, a habit fromgrowingupbesidehim.

“I’mafraidIhavefartoomuchtodoatthepresent.Perhapsanothertime.Youladieshaveawonderfulday.”Hebowedkindlyandcontinueddownthehall,andthegirlsdidn’tevenwaituntilhewasoutofearshottostartgigglinglikeidiots.

“He’ssohandsome,”onesaid,readytoburstwithadoration.Josiesighed.“Iknow.He’ssosweettome,too.Wetookawalktogether

theotherday,andhewassayingthathethinksI’moneoftheprettiestgirlshe’severmet.”

Icouldn’ttakeitanymore.Ibargedpastthem,notslowingdown.“You’retooyoungforhim,andhehasagirlfriend,Josie.Letitgo.”

Iroundedupthestairstogototheoffice.IknewI’dfeelbetteronceIdidsomethingmanageable,somethingIcouldcheckoffalist.

“See,” Josie said,notbothering to lowerhervoice. “I toldyou shewasawful.”

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CHAPTER16

WORK DIDN’T MAKE ME FEEL better. I was still very unsettled about lastnight with Hale, and any time Ahren and I fought, it was like I lost myequilibrium. The whole planet was off its axis. Adding Josie’s ridiculouscommentstothemixwasthecherryontop.

Myheadwasswarmingwithotherpeople’swordsandmyownquestions,andIwaspositivethedaywasgoingtoendupbeingawaste.

“Youknow,”Dadsaid,peekingupfromhiswork.“Igotdistractedearlyon,too.Itgetseasiertomanageasthegroupgetssmaller.”

Ismiled.Fine,lethimthinkIhadacrush.“Sorry,Dad.”“Notatall.Doyouneedmetocoveryourworkforyoutoday?Takethe

afternoonoff?”I straightened my papers. “No, that’s not happening. I’m perfectly

capable.”“Iwasn’tdoubtingyou,love.Ijust—”“I’vealreadytakensomuchtimeawayfromworkforthis.Idon’twantto

neglectmyduties.I’mfine.”Ididn’tmeantosoundsosnippywithhim.“Allright.”Headjustedhisglassesandstartedreadingagain.Itriedtodo

thesame.WhatdidAhrenmean, itwasmore than thedate thatupsetme? Iknew

whyIwasmad.AndsincewhenhadIgivenhimahardtimeaboutCamille?Sure,Ididn’ttalktoherverymuch,butthatwasbecausewedidn’thavealotincommon.Ididn’tdislikethegirl.

Ishookmyhead,focusingonthepapers.“Itwouldbe fine ifyouneeded toclearyourhead,”Dadofferedagain.

“YoucouldgospendsometimewithoneoftheSelectedandcomebackafterlunch.Besides,you’llwanttohavesomethingtotalkaboutontheReport.”

Ifeltaflurryofemotions, tryingtofigureouthowIwoulddiscusshowexposedI’dfeltaftermydatewithHale . . .orhowstunnedI feltaftermykisswithKile. Trying to balance the conflicting feelings around those twomomentswasdizzyingwithoutaddinganythingelse.

“Iwentonadatelastnight,Dad.Isn’tthatenough?”He swallowed as he thought. “Eventually you need to start alerting us

whenyouhavedates.Afewpicturesfromsomeofthemwouldbegoodfor

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everyone.AndIthinkyouneedatleastonemoredatebeforeFriday.”“Really?”Iwhined.“Dosomethingyouenjoy.You’retreatingitlikework.”“That’sbecauseitis!”Iprotestedwithanincredulouslaugh.“It can be fun, Eadlyn. Give it a chance.” He looked at me over his

glasses,almostlikehewasdaringme.“Fine.Onedate.That’sallyouget,oldman,”Iteased.Hechuckled.“Oldmanisright.”Dadwentbacktohispapers,satisfied.Isatthere,peekingfurtivelyathim

frommy desk. He stretched often, rubbing the back of his neck, and eventhoughthereweren’tanyurgenttaskstoday,heranhishandsthroughhishairasifhewastroubled.

Now thatHale had put it inmy head, Iwas going to bewatching himoften.

IdecidedtomakeBadenmynexttarget.MaybeAuntMayknewsomething,becauseBaden didn’t come in brashly or, conversely, like hewas trying tohide.Whensomeoneelsestoleamomentthatshouldhavebeensolelyhisatthe tea party, he didn’tmake a fuss.Andwhen I approached him for timealone,heturnedthefocusbacktome.

“Youplaythepiano,right?”BadenaskedwhenIinvitedhimonadate.“Ido.Notaswellasmymother,butI’mprettyproficient.”“Iplaytheguitar.Maybewecouldmakesomemusic.”Itwasn’t anything Iwouldhave thoughtof.Perhapsmusicwouldmean

lesstalking,though,andIwasallupforthat.“Sure.I’llsecuretheWomen’sRoomforus.”“AmIevenallowedinthere?”heaskedskeptically.“Whenyou’rewithme,yes.And I’llmake sure it’s empty.My favorite

pianointhepalaceisthere.Doyouneedaguitar?”Hesmirked.“Nah.Ibroughtmyown.”Badenranahandoverhiscroppedhair,seemingveryrelaxed.Iwasstill

attemptingtocomeacrossasdistantandimpenetrable,butIcouldtell therewereahandfulofguyswhoweren’tbotheredbymyattitudeatall,andBadenwasoneofthem.

“Whatarethechancesoftheroombeingemptynow?”heasked.Ismiledathisenthusiasm.“High,actually,butIhaveworktodo.”Hebentdown,hiseyesdevilish.“Butdon’tyoualwayshaveworktodo?

Ibetyoucouldstayuptillthreeinthemorningifyouhadto.”“True,but—”“Andit’llallstillbetherewhenyougetback.”

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Iclaspedmyhandsandconsideredit.“I’mreallynotsupposedto...”Hestartedchantingslowly.“Skipit,skipit,skipit!”Mylipswerepressedtogether,tryingtohidemysmile.Really,Ioughtto

tell someone. Iwas going to have yet another undocumented date . . . butmaybe I deservedonemore.Nextweek, I bargainedwithmyself.After thisReport,I’llworryaboutthecameras.

“Gogetyourguitar,”Isaid,caving.“Twominutes!”Hebolteddownthehall,andIshookmyhead.Ihopedhe

wouldn’ttelleveryoneIwasanutterpushover.Iwalked to theWomen’sRoom, expecting to find it empty. Except for

MissMarleesittingaloneinacornerreading,Iwasright.“YourHighness,”shegreeted.Itwasoneofthosefunnythings.Plentyof

people calledme that, butwhenMom’s friends said it, theymight aswellhavebeencallingmepumpkinorkiddoorbaby.Ididn’tmindit,butitwasalwayskindofstrange.

“Where’sMom?”Sheclosedherbook.“Migraine.Iwenttoseeher,andshemademeleave.

Anysoundwasexcruciating.”“Oh.Iwassupposedtobehavingadaterightnow,butmaybeIshouldgo

checkonher.”“No,” she insisted. “She needed rest, and both your parents would be

pleasedforyoutohaveadate.”Iconsidered.Ifshewasreallyfeelingthatbad,maybeitwouldbebetter

towait.“Umm,allright.Well,woulditbeokayifIusedtheroom?BadenandI

aregoingtomakemusic.”Isquinted.“Imeanthatliterally,bytheway.”Shegiggledandstood.“That’snoproblematall.”“Isitweirdforyou?”Iaskedsuddenly.“ThatKileisapartofthis?That

youknowI’mabouttogoonadatewithsomeonewhoisn’thim?Isit,youknow,okay?”

“Itwasquiteashocktoseeyoutwoonthefrontpageofeverypaper,”shesaid, shakingherhead like shecouldn’t fathomhow ithadhappened.Thenshecameclose,as ifwewere trying tokeepasecret.“Butyou forgetyourparentsaren’ttheonlyonesherewho’vebeenthroughaSelection.”

Ifeltlikeadownrightidiot.Whyhadn’tIthoughtofthat?“I remember watching your father scramble to find time for everyone,

trying to please those aroundhimwhile searching for someonewho’dbe agood partner. And it’s even harder for you, because it’s bigger than that.You’remakinghistorywhiletryingtodivertattention.Sayingit’stoughisanunderstatement.”

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“True,”Iadmitted,myshoulderssaggingundertheweightofitall.“Idon’tknowhowyouandKileendedup...umm...inthatposition,

but I’dbe surprised if hemade it to the topof your list.All the same, I’mthankfultoyou.”

Iwastakenaback.“Why?Ihaven’tdoneanything.”“Youhave,”shecontradicted.“You’regivingyourparentstime,whichis

verygenerousofyou.Butyou’regivingmetime,too.I’mnotsurehowmuchlongerIcankeephimhere.”

Aknockcameatthedoor.Iturned.“That’llbeBaden.”Sheplacedahandonmyshoulder.“Youstayput.I’lllethimin.”“Oh!”BadenexclaimedwhenMissMarleeopenedthedoorforhim.Shechuckled.“Don’tworry,I’monmywayout.She’swaitingforyou.”Badenlookedpasther tofindme,smiling theentire time.Helookedso

triumphant,sopleasedtobealonetogether.“Isthatit?”heasked,pointingjustbehindme.Ispun,takinginthepiano.“Yes.Thetoneonthisoneiswonderful,and

thisroomhasgreatacoustics.”Hefollowedme,andIcouldhearhisguitarcasebumpintohis legora

couchashenavigatedthroughthemazeofseats.Without asking, he found an armless chair and pulled it up beside the

piano.Itrilledmyfingersoverthekeys,doingaquickscale.Baden tunedhisguitar,whichwasdarkandworn.“Howlonghaveyou

beenplaying?”“AslongasIcanremember. I thinkMomsatmedownnext toherasa

toddler,andIjustwentalongwithwhatevershedid.”“Peoplehavealwayssaidyourmotherwasafantasticmusician.IthinkI

heardherplayonTVonce,foraChristmasprogramorsomething.”“ShealwaysplaysalotatChristmastime.”“Herfavoritetimeoftheyear?”heguessed.“In a way, sure, but in others, no. And she usually plays when she’s

worriedorsad.”“Howdoyoumean?”Hetightenedastring,finishinghispreparations.“Oh,youknow,”Ihedged.“Holidayscanbestressful.”Ididn’tfeelright

exposingMom’smemories,losingherfatherandsisterduringthesametimeofyear,nottomentionahorrificattackthatnearlystolemyfather.

“Ican’timaginebeingsadatChristmastimehere.Ifshewaspoor,Icouldseewhyshe’dbeanxious.”

“Why?”Hesmiledtohimself.“Becauseit’shardtowatchallyourfriendsgetting

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pilesofgiftswhenyoudon’tgetany.”“Oh.”He took the stab at our social differences in stride, not gettingmad or

callingmeasnob,whichsomemighthavedone.IexaminedBaden,tryingtolearn more. The guitar was old, but it was hard to make a call about hisfinancialstatuswhileheworepalace-issuedclothes.IrememberedwhatAuntMaysaidabouthislastname.

“You’reincollege,right?”Iasked.He nodded. “Well, it’s on hold for now. Some of my professors were

thrownoff,butmostof themarelettingmesendassignmentsbacktofinishthesemesterfromhere.”

“That’sreallyimpressive.”Heshrugged.“IknowwhatIwant.SoI’mwillingtodowhateverittakes

togetit.”Igavehimacurioussmirk.“HowdoestheSelectionfitintothat?”“Wow,noholdingbackthere.”Again,noanger.Healmosttreateditasa

joke.“It’s a fair question, I think.” I startedplayingoneof the classicsMom

hadtaughtme.Badenknewthesongandjoinedin.I’dneverconsideredhowitwouldsoundwithstrings.

The music won, and we dropped the conversation. But we didn’t stopcommunicating. He watched my eyes, and I studied his fingers. I’d neverplayedwith anyone before other thanMom, and Iwas engaged in away Ididn’tknowIcouldbe.

Weplayedonwithnomore than twoor threemisstepsacross theentiresong.Badenwasbeamingaswefinished.

“I only know a handful of classics. Some Beethoven and Debussy,mostly.”

“You’resotalented!I’veneverimaginedsongslikethatonaguitar.”“Thanks.” He was only the slightest bit bashful. “To answer your

question, I’mherebecauseIwant togetmarried. Ihaven’tdatedmuch,butwhenthisopportunitycameup,Ithoughtitmightbeworthatry.AmIinlovewithyou?Well,nottoday.I’dliketoknowifIcouldbethough.”

Something about his tone made me trust he was being completelytransparent.Hewastryingtofindamate,andIwassomeonehewouldneverhavemetifhehadn’tputhisnameinforthedrawing.

“I’dliketomakeyouapromise,ifthat’sokay,”heoffered.“Whatkindofpromise?”Hepluckedatafewstrings.“Apromiseaboutus.”“If you’re vowing to give me your unwavering devotion, it’s still too

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soon.”Badenshookhishead.“No,that’snotinmyplan.”“Okay, then. I’m listening.” His fingers outlined a slightly familiar

melody,notaclassic,butsomethingIknew....Icouldn’tpinpointit.“Ifyou found that Iwasn’t a reasonable choice foryou,you’d sendme

homesoyoucouldfocusonyourotheroptions.WhatIwanttopromiseyouisthis: ifIcantell thatyou’renot therightoneforme,I’ll tellyou.Idon’twanteitherofustowasteourtime.”

Inodded.“I’dappreciatethat.”“Good,”hesaidsmartly,thenbeganbellowing:“Wellshewalksupinthe

roomwiththatsmile,smile,smileandthoselegsthatgoonforamile,mile,mile!Eyessearchingtheroomforalittlefun!”

Ilaughed,finallyrecognizingthetunehewasplaying.ItwasaChoosingYesterdaysongthatIsanginthebathmoreoftenthanIcaredtoadmit.

“Ican’tlookawayfromherface,face,faceuntilshestartsdancingtothatbass,bass,bass!Ican’thelpit,thatgirlisnumberone!”

Ijoinedinonthepiano,gigglingalittletoohardtogetallthenotesrightfor thechorus.Butwebothsangalong,botchingupthemelodyandhavingtoomuchfuntocare.

“Oh,shecan’tbemorethanseventeen,butshe’sallgrownupifyouknowwhat I mean. She’s the prettiest thing that I’ve ever seen, yeah, she’smy”—BAMBAM!—“she’smy,she’smyqueen!”

IkeptupwithBadenthroughmostofthesong,eventhoughIreallyonlyhadexperiencewithclassicalmusic.

“Whyareyoubotheringwithcollege?Youshouldbetouring,”Icheered.“That’smybackupplan if theprince thingdoesn’tpanout.”Hewasso

candid,soreal.“Thanksforplayinghookyforme.”“Noproblem.Ishouldgetbacktoworkthough.”“Thatwastheshortestdateinhistory!”hecomplained.Ishrugged.“Youwouldhavehadmoretimeifyouwaiteduntiltonight.”Hehuffed.“Fine.Lessonlearned.”Ipulled thecoverbackover thekeysasheplacedhisguitar in itscase.

“You should take that to the others,” I said. “I bet they’d get a kick out oftryingtoplay.”

“What,myguitar?No,no,no.Thisismybaby!”Iwatchedashegentlypettedtheshabbycase.“Ifsomeonebrokethis,I’dbedevastated.Mydadgotitforme,anditwashardearned.Itrytotakegoodcareofit.”

“I’mlikethatwithmytiaras.”“Pffff!”Badenlaughedoutrightatme.“What?”

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He took his time, covering his eyes and shaking his head. “Tiaras!” hefinallysaid.“Youreallyareaprincess,huh?”

“Didyouthinkthelasteighteenyearswereaclevertrick?”“Ilikethat,youknow?ThatyouprotectyourtiaraslikeIdomyguitar.I

likethatthat’syourthing.”I pushed the door open, leading us into the hallway. “Good. Because

they’rebeautiful.”Hesmiled.“Thanksforspendingsometimewithme.”“Thankyou.Itwasapleasure.”Therewasapause.“Sodoweshakeorhugorwhat?”“Youmaykissmyhand,”Ireplied,extendinganarm.Hetookit.“Untilnexttime.”Badenkissedmequickly,bowed,andheadedtowardhisroom.Iwalked

awaythinkingofhowAuntMaywouldsayshetoldmesoassoonasIsawheragain.

Iknew I’dbe the focalpointof theReport.Typically, I didn’tmindgivingspeechesorupdates.Buttonightwasgoingtobedifferent.One,thiswouldbethefirsttimeIfacedthepublicsincetheparade,andtwo,Iknewthey’dwanttohearaboutKile.

Iworered.Ifeltstronginred.AndIpulledmyhairup,hopingI’dcomeacrossasmature.

AuntMayhoveredinthebackground,winkingatme,whileMomhelpedDadwithhistie.IheardoneoftheboysyelpandturnedtoseeAlexholdingsomethingsharpinhishand.Hewasrubbinghisbacksidelikehe’dsatonit.Ihunted,findingOsteninacornertryingdesperatelynottolaughaloud.

With all the company, the room felt crowded, adding tomydiscomfort,whichwaswhyIjumpedwhensomeonecalledmyname,eventhoughitwashardlyaboveawhisper.

“I’msorry,YourHighness,”Eriksaid.“No,I’mjustalittleonedge.HowcanIhelpyou?”“I hate to bother you, but I wasn’t sure who to ask.Where is it most

convenientformetositsoIcantranslateforHenri?”I shookmyhead. “How rude, I didn’t even think about that.Um, here,

followme.”IescortedEriktothestagemanager,andweplacedHenriinthebackrow

of the stadium-style chairs.Erikwas given a seat behind him thatwas lowenoughsohewouldn’tbeseenbutcloseenoughthatHenriwouldbeabletohearhim.

Istayedbythemuntiltheyweresettled.Henrigaveathumbs-up,andErik

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turnedtothankme.“I’llmake sure to go to the stagemanager next time so Iwon’t bother

you.Iapologize.”“It’sfine,really.Iwantyoutobecomfortable,thebothofyou.”Erikbowedhis head and smiled shyly. “Youdon’t need toworry about

mycomfort,YourHighness.I’mnosuitor.”“Eadlyn!Eadlyn,whereareyou?”Momcalled.IturnedfromErik,runningaroundtothefront.“Here,Mom.”Sheplaced ahandonherheart like it hadbeen racing. “I couldn’t find

you. I thought maybe you were backing out on us,” she said quietly as Iapproached.

“Calmdown,Mom,” I replied,grabbingherhand. “I’mnotperfect, butI’mnocoward.”

Tonight’sReport centered around the women.Mom gave an update onprovince-run aid systems, encouraging others to follow the example set bythreenorthernprovincesthatwerehelpingthehomelessbydonatingfoodaswellasfreeclassesontopicslikemanagingfinancesandinterviewingskills.LadyBricespokeaboutadrillingproposalthatwouldaffectalargechunkofcentralIlléa.Itwouldbenefitthecountryasawhole,butthosesixprovinceswouldhavetoapproveitbyavotefirst.Andthen,ofcourse,alleyeswenttotheboys.

Gavrilsteppedontothestage,lookingasdashingasever,andIcouldseeabitofaspringinhisstep.ThiswasthefifthSelectionIlléahadwitnessed,andhehadoverseenthreeofthem.Weallknewhe’dfindareplacementoncethiswasover,butheseemedsopleased that thiswouldbehisfinal rolefortheroyalfamily.

“Ofcourse,ladiesandgentlemen,wewillbededicatingalotofairtimetothecharmingyoungmenoftheSelection.Fornow,howaboutwesayhellotoafewofthem?”

Gavril strode across the floor, looking for someone in particular. IwonderedifhewashavingashardatimememorizingtheirnamesasIwas.

“Sir Harrison,” he began, stopping in front of a sweet-faced boy withdirty-blondhairanddimples.

“Apleasure,”Harrisongreeted.“Howareyouenjoyingthepalace?”He beamed. “It’s beautiful here. I’ve always wanted to come up to

Angeles,sothatalonehasbeenarealtreat.”“Anychallengessofar?”Gavrilprodded.Harrisonshrugged.“Iwasworriedthatitwouldbeall-outfistfightsfrom

dawntillduskwiththeprincessontheline,”hesaid,gesturingovertome.I

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instantlyarrangedasmileonmyface,knowingacamerawouldzoominonmeatanysecond.“Buttheotherguyshavebeengreat.”

Gavrilslidthemicrophonetotheboynexttohim.“Whataboutyou?Andcanyouremindusofyourname?”

“It’sFox.FoxWesley,”heanswered.Foxhadabitofa tan,but,unlikeme, I could see that he wasn’t born with it. He must spend a lot of timeoutside.“Honestly,andIhopeI’mnotalonehere,sofarthebiggestchallengeismealtimes.Theysetoutatleastadozenforksforeachofus.”

Afewpeoplechuckled,andGavrilnodded.“Youhavetowonderwherewecouldpossiblystoresomuchcutlery.”

“It’scrazy,”mumbledtheboybehindFox.“Oh,SirIvan,yes?”Gavrilstretchedtoputthemicinfrontofhim.“Yes,sir.Happytomeetyou.”“Andyouaswell.Howareyoumanagingatmealtimes?”Ivan held both hands in front of him as if this was very serious. “My

current approach is using one fork for each bite and thenmaking a pile oftheminthemiddleofthetable.It’sworkingsofar.”

The room laughed even more at Ivan’s ridiculous answer, and Gavrilsteppedawayfromthegroup,turningtothecameras.

“Clearly,wehaveanextremelyentertainingpoolof candidateshere.Sowhydon’twetakeamomenttospeakwiththeyoungladywhosomehowhastonarrowitdowntoonlyone?Ladiesandgentlemen,HerRoyalHighness,PrincessEadlynSchreave.”

“Go get ’em,”Ahrenwhispered as I pushedmyself out ofmy seat andcrossedthefloor,embracingdearGavril.

“Always nice to see you,YourHighness,” he said as I sat in the chairoppositehimcenterstage.

“Andyou,Gavril.”“Sohereweare,oneweekinto thefirst-everfemale-ledSelection.How

wouldyousayit’sgoing?”Igaveanaward-winningsmile.“Ithinkit’sgoingwell.Ofcourse,Istill

haveworktodoeachday,sowe’reofftoafairlyslowstart.”Gavrilglancedbackoverhisshoulder.“Judgingbythethinningcrowd,I

wouldn’tsayit’sthatslow.”Battingmyeyes,Igiggled.“Yes,aboutathirdofthegentlemeninvitedto

the palace have been eliminated. I have to trust my gut, and between ourinitial meetings and the information I’ve been given, I feel very confidentaboutmychoices.”

Gavril inclinedhishead.“Itsoundslikeyou’reusingmoreofyourheadthanyourheartatthemoment.”

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Ifoughttheblush.Icouldn’ttellhowwellI’ddone,butIrefusedtotouchmyfacetocheck.

“Would you suggest that I fall in love with thirty-five young men atonce?”

Heraisedhiseyebrows.“Well,whenyouputitthatway...”“Exactly.Ionlyhaveoneheart,andI’msavingit.”Iheardsighsaroundtheroom,andIfeltI’dgottenawaywithsomething.

Howmanymore linescould Idreamupover the followingmonths tokeepeveryone entertained and at bay? Then I realized, I hadn’t planned thosewords.Ireallyfeltthem,andtheyescapedunderpressure.

“Itseemsyoumayhaveletyourheartleadthewayatleastonce,”hesaidknowingly.“Ihaveapicturetoproveit.”

IwatchedasahugepictureofmeandKilewasdisplayed,andtheroomeruptedwithhootsandclaps.

“Couldwegethimdownhereforamoment?Where’sSirKile?”Hehoppedupfromhisplaceandsatonachairnexttome.“Now,thisisaveryuniquepositionforme,”Gavrilbegan,“becauseI’ve

knownbothofyouyourentirelives.”Kile laughed. “Iwas thinking about this the other day.Mymom said I

crawledonsetonceasababy,andyouheldmefortheclosingoftheReport.”Gavril’seyeswidened.“That’strue!I’dforgottenallaboutthat!”I looked at Kile, giggling at this new story. That must have happened

beforeIwasborn.“So, from the pictures, it looks like perhaps a childhood friendship is

growingintosomethingmore?”Kilestaredatme,andIshookmyhead.NowaywasIgoingfirstonthis.Hefinallycaved.“Honestly,Idon’tthinkeitherofuseverthoughtabout

theotherasapossibilityuntilwewereforcedto.”Ourfamilieslaughedboisterously.“Although,ifhehadgottenahaircutyearsago,Imighthaveconsidered

it,”Iteased.Gavril shook his head at us. “Everyone’s dying to know: howwas this

infamouskiss?”Iknewitwascoming,but Iwasmortified.Thiswasmuchworse thanI

imagineditwouldbe,havingmyprivatelifeondisplay.Mercifully,Kileaddressed it.“I thinkIcanspeakforbothofuswhenI

sayitwasasurprise.Andwhile itwasspecial, Idon’t thinkwe’regoingtoput toomuch stock in it. Imean, I’ve been spending timewith these otherguys,andsomanyofthemwouldmakeawonderfulprince.”

“Really?Andwouldyouagreewiththat,Princess?Haveyouhadone-on-

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onetimewithanyoneelsethisweek?”It felt likeGavril’swordswere on a delay. I didn’t hear them until I’d

processed everythingKilehad just said.Didhemean that?Didhenot feelanythingatall?Orwasheonlysayingthattomaintainsomelevelofprivacy?

Isnappedbackintothemomentandnoddedenthusiastically.“Yes,afew.”Gavrileyedme.“And?”“Andtheywereverynice.”Iwasn’treallyinthemoodforthisinthefirst

place,andKilehadmademedoubtsharinganythingatall.“Hmm,”Gavrilsaid, turning to thegroupof theSelected.“Maybewe’ll

get somemore information out of the gentlemen in question. SirKile, youmayheadbacktoyourseat.Now,whoweretheluckymen?”

Badenraisedhishand,followedbyHale.“Comeondown,gentlemen.”Gavril started applauding and the room joined in as Hale and Baden

approachedandyetanotherchairwasbroughtin.Iconsideredmyselfprettyintelligent,but Icouldnot thinkofaway tobeg themtokeep theirmouthsshutwithoutactuallyusingwords.

Only then did I realize how easily Kile managed to do just that. Isupposedtherewassomethingtobesaidforknowingeachotherforever.

“Now,what’syournameagain,sir?”Gavrilasked.“HaleGarner.”Hepresseddownhistie,thoughitwasalreadyinplace.“Oh,yes.So,whatcanyoutellusaboutyourdatewiththeprincess?”Halegavemeashysmile,thenturnedbacktoGavril.“Well,Icantellyou

thatourprincessisassmartandgraciousasIalwaysbelievedshewas.Umm,andthatwedohaveafewthingsincommon.We’reboththeoldestchildreninourfamilies,anditwasfuntotalkaboutmyworkasatailorwithsuchawell-dressedyounglady.Imean,shelookslikeamillionbucks.”

Iduckedmyhead,tryingtotakethecomplimentplayfullywhilestayingonmytoes.

“Butbeyondthat,Ihopeyou’llforgivemeifIkeepmostofthedetailstomyself,”Haleadded.

Gavrilmadeaface.“You’renotgoingtotellusanything?”“Well,datingandfalling in loveare typicallyprivate things. It’skindof

weirdtotalkaboutatthisstage.”“Perhapswe’llgetmoreoutofthenextgentleman,”Gavrilsaidimpishly

tothecameras.“Remindusofyournameagain?”“BadenTrains.”“Andwhatdidyouandtheprincessdo?”“Weplayedmusic.PrincessEadlynisastalentedashermother.”IheardMom’s“aww”inthebackground.

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“And?”“And she’s a lovely dancer, even when she’s sitting down. Just so

everyone knows, the princess is very up-to-date on current music.” Badenlaughedandafewpeoplejoinedin.

“And?”Gavrilpressed.“AndIkissedherhand...andI’mhopingformorekissesinthefuture.”Iwanted to die. For some reasonBaden’s request for a kisswasmuch

more embarrassing than talking about one that had already happened withKile.

The room made encouraging noises again, and I could see Gavril wastryingtomilkthis.Unfortunatelyforhim,therereallyweren’tanymorejuicydetails.Kilewastheonlyonewithanythingremotelyshockingtoshare,andthathadalreadybeensoakedup.

“Youlooksodisappointed,Gavril,”Iremarkedquickly.Hemadea littlepout. “I’msimplyexcited foryou,YourHighness, and

wanttoknoweverythingthat’shappening.Andifwecouldaskourmillionsofviewers,I’msurethey’dagree.”

“Well, don’t worry. You, and all of Illéa, will be happy to know thattomorrowIwillbehostingasmallpartyfortheSelectedandmembersofthepalacehousehold.Cameraswillbetherefortheentireevent,soeveryonewillgettopeekinsidetheSelectionprocess.”

Theroomburstintoapplauseagain.IcouldseeJosiepracticallyfloatingoutofherchair,shewassoexcited.

Gavril sent Hale and Baden back to their seats with the others beforelaunchingintoquestionsagain.

“Whatkindofpartycanweexpecttomorrow,YourHighness?”“We’llbeoutinthegardens,enjoyingthesunandspendingtimegetting

toknowoneanother.”“Thatsoundslikeawonderfulplan.Veryrelaxing.”“Well,itwillbe,exceptforonetinydetail,”Iadded,pinchingmyfingers

intheair.“Andwhatisthat?”“Afterthepartytherewillbeanelimination.”Murmurs filled the room, and I knew, regardless of how the public felt

about me, meeting the boys tonight would make them curious about whostayedandwholeft.

Icontinued,hushingthecrowdwithmywords.“Itcouldbeoneperson,itcouldbethree....Idon’tknow.So,gentlemen,”Isaid,turningbacktotheSelected,“comeprepared.”

“I can’twait to see how this all turns out, and I’mpositive itwill be a

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wonderfulevent.Now,onefinalquestionbeforewecallitanight.”Isatuptaller.“Goforit.”“Whatareyoulookingforinahusband?”What was I looking for? My independence. Peace, freedom . . . a

happinessIthoughtIhaduntilAhrenquestionedit.I shrugged. “I’m not sure anyone knowswhat they’re looking for until

theyfindit.”

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CHAPTER17

HOWDID JOSIEGETHERhandsonanotheroneofmy tiaras?I’d justabouthaditwithher.Shewasgoingtoparadearoundinfrontofthecamerasinherbestdressandmytiarapretendingshewasroyalforthemillionthtimeinherlife.

ImadeeyecontactandsmiledatpeopleasIpassed,butIdidn’tstoptotalktoanyoneuntilIfoundKile.HewasstandingwithHenriagain,sippingicedteaandwatchingagameofbadminton.Henribowedrightaway.

“Hellotoday,YourHighness,”hesaid,hisaccentmakingthewordssoundbrighter.

“Hello,Henri.Kile.”“Hi,Eadlyn.”Imighthavebeen imagining therewas somethingdifferentaboutKile’s

voice,butformaybethefirsttimeever,Iwantedtohearhimspeak.Ishookmyhead,focusing.

“Kile,couldyoupleasegotalktoyoursister?”Thecontentmentinhiseyesquicklyturnedtofrustration.“Why?What’d

shedothistime?”“She’stakenyetanotheroneofmytiaras.”“Don’tyouhave,like,athousandofthose?”Ihuffed.“That’shardlythepoint.It’smine,andsheshouldn’tbewearing

it.Whenshewalksaroundlikethat,shegivestheimpressionthatshe’sroyalwhen she’s not. It’s inappropriate. Could you please talk to her about herbehavior?”

“WhendidIbecomethepersonwhodidallthesefavorsforyou?”My eyes darted over to Henri and Erik, who didn’t know about the

arrangementbehindourkiss.Theydidn’tseemtocatchon.“Please?”Iaskedinahushedvoice.His eyes softened, and I sawa littleof thepersonhe showedme inhis

room, someone sweet and engaging. “Fine. But Josie just likes attention. Idon’tthinkshe’sdoingittobemean.”

“Thankyou.”“I’mgoing.Berightback.”HestompedoffasErikconveyedwhatwashappeningtoHenri.Henri cleared his throat before speaking, his words ending on strange

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pitches.“Howareyoutoday,YourHighness?”Iwasn’tcompletelysure if Ishould try togo throughErikornot. . . . I

wentwithHenri.“Verygood.You?”“Good,good,”herepliedcheerfully.“Itoenjoy...umm.”Heturnedand

conveyedtherestofhiscommenttoErik.“Hethinksthepartyisgreat,andhelikesthecompany.”Iwasn’tsureifhemeantKileorme,buteitherway,itwasniceofhimto

say.“SowhendidyoumoveoverfromSwendway?”HenriwasnoddinghisheadasiftoconfirmhewasfromSwendwaybut

notactuallyansweringthequestion.Erikwhisperedovertohimquickly,andHenrigavehimalengthyreplythatwastranslatedforme.

“Henri emigrated to Illéa last year when he was seventeen. He comesfromafamilyofcooks,whichiswhathedoesbackhome.Theymakefoodfromtheirhomelandandgenerally interactwithotherswhoalsocamefromSwendwayandonlyspeakFinnish.HehasayoungersisterwhoisworkingveryhardonherEnglish,butit’sadifficultlanguage.”

“Wow.Thatwasalottokeepupwith,”IsaidtoErik.Hewavedhishand.“Itry.”IcouldguesshowhardErik’sworkwas,butIappreciatedhismodesty.I

turnedtoHenri.“We’llhavetospendsometimetogethersoon.Wherewecantalkeasier.”

ErikpassedthatontoHenri,whonoddedvigorously.“Yes,yes!”Igiggled.“Untilthen.”The lawnwas fullof theSelected.GeneralLegerhadMissLucyonhis

armashespokewithahandfulofboysbyafountain,andDadwasmakinghis rounds, occasionally clapping someone on the back and saying hellobeforewhiskingoffagain.Momwassittinginachairunderaparasol,andIwasn’tsureifitwascharmingorunsettlingthatseveraloftheSelectedwerebuzzingaroundher.

It was a delightful party. Peoplewere playing games, therewas lots offood, and a string quartet was performing under a canopy. The cameraszoomedaroundcapturingitall,andIhopedthiswouldbeenoughtocalmthepeople. I had no ideawhetherDadwas closer to having a plan for how tosoothethecountrypermanently.

Inthemeantime,Ihadtofindawaytoeliminateatleastonepersonaftertoday,andhaveagoodenoughreasontomakeitseembelievable.

Kilesneakeduponme.“Hereyougo.”Heheldmytiarainhishands.“Ican’tbelieveshegaveitup.”“Ittooksomeconvincing,butIremindedherthatifshemadeasceneat

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this event,Mom probablywouldn’t let her come to another one. Thatwasenoughtogethertotakeitoff.Sohere.”

“Ican’ttakeit,”Isaid,keepingmyhandstogether.“Butyoujustaskedforit,”hecomplained.“Idon’twant itonher,but Ialsocan’tcarry itaround. Ihave things to

do.”Heshiftedhisweight,clearlyvexed.Itwaskindofnicetobeonthisside

oftheirritating.“So,what,Ihavetoholdontoitfortherestoftheday?”“Notthewholeday.Justuntilwegoinside,andthenIcantakeit.”Kileshookhishead.“You’rereallyunbelievable.”“Hush.Goenjoytheparty.Butfirst,wait,wehavetotakeoffthistie.”HelookeddownasIstartedtugging.“What’swrongwithmytie?”“Everything,”Isaid.“Everythingintheuniverseiswrongwiththistie.I

betwecouldfindworldpeaceifweburnedit.”Igotitunknottedandwrappeditupinmyhand.“That’ssomuchbetter.”Iplacedthewaddedfabricinhispalm,grabbed

the tiara fromhisotherhand,andplaced itonhishead.“That reallyworkswithyourhair.”

He smirked, his eyes staring intominewith amusement. “So, sinceyoudon’twantyourtiaranow,maybeIcouldgiveitbacktoyoutonight.Icouldcomebyyourroom,ifyoulike.”Kilebithislip,andallIcouldthinkaboutwashowsofttheywere.

Iswallowed,understandingtheunspokenquestion.“Thatwouldbefine,”Ianswered,fightingablush.“Maybearoundnine?”

“Nine.”Kilenoddedandbackedaway.So he was just being discreet on the Report! I furrowed my brow in

thought.Ormaybehewas simplyplanning topasshis timekissingme.Ormaybehe’dbeendeeply in lovewithme sincehewas seven andwasonlynowfindingthecouragetostopteasingmeandsayso.Ormaybe—

Eanwalkedupandlacedhisarmthroughmine.“Oh!”Igasped.“Youlookupset.Whateverthatlittleboysaidtoupsetyou,don’tgiveit

anotherthought.”“SirEan,”Igreeted,impressedwithhowcalmhewasaroundme.“How

canIhelpyou?”“By takingawalkwithme,of course. I stillhaven’tgottenachance to

speakwithyoujustthetwoofus.”Ean’scaramel-coloredhairlookedalmostgoldeninthesun,andwhilehe

didn’thavethesamecutting-edgestyleHaledid,helookedsmarterinhissuit

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thanmostoftheothers.Somemensimplydidn’tlookgoodinthem.“Well,youhavemealonenow.Whatwouldyouliketotalkabout?”Hesmirked.“Mostly,I’mcuriousaboutyou.I’vealwaysthoughtofyou

as very independent, so I was surprised that youwould start looking for ahusbandsoyoung.BasedonseeingyouontheReportandallthespecialsonyourfamily,Ithoughtyou’dtakeyourtime.”

Heknew.Hewassocalminhisassessment,Iwassureheknewthiswasallforshow.

“It’strue;I’dplannedtowait.Butmyparentsaresoblissfullyinlove,Ithoughtthismightbeworthtrying.”

Eanexaminedme.“Doyoufeellikeanyoneofthesecandidatestrulyhaswhatittakestobeyourpartner?”

Iraisedmyeyebrows.“Doyouthinksolittleofyourself?”Hestoppedwalking,andwefacedeachother.“No,butIthinkveryhighly

ofyou.AndIcan’tseeyoudeigningtosettlebeforeyou’vereallylived.”It seemed impossible that a stranger could see so much, especially

consideringthelengthsItooktoguardmythoughtsandfeelings.HowcloselyhadEanbeenwatchingmealltheseyears?

“Peoplecanchange,”Irepliedvaguely.Henodded.“Theycan,Isuppose.Butifyoueverfindyourselffeeling...

lostinthiscompetition,I’dbehappytohelpyouinanywayIcould.”“Andhowexactlywouldyouhelpme?”Ean gently escorted me back toward the crowd. “I think that’s a

conversation for another day. But know that I am here for you, YourHighness.”

Hestareddeep intomyeyes, as ifhe thought that allmysecretswouldspilloutifheheldmygazelongenough.Ifoundmyselfneedingtotakesomedeepbreathsoncewefinallybrokeeyecontact.

“It’salovelyday.”Ilookedup,andoneoftheSelectedwasstandingthere.Iwascompletely

blankingonhisname.“Yes,itis.Areyouhavingagoodtime?”Oh,please,whatwashisname?“Iam.”Hehadaveryfriendlyfaceandapleasantwarmthtohisvoice.“I

justwonaroundofcroquet.Doyouplay?”“A little.”Howwas Igoing to figure thisout? “Doyouplaya lotback

home?”“Nah.Notreally.UpinWhites,it’smostlywintersports.”Whites!...Nope,stilldidn’thaveit.“IfI’mhonest,I’mabitmoreofanindoorgirl.”“Well,thenyou’dloveWhites,”hesaidwithalaugh.“Ionlygetoutwhen

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Ihaveto.”“Excuseme.”WhitesBoyandIturnedtothenewcomer.ThisoneIknew.“I’msorry,YourHighness,butIwashopingIcouldstealyouawayfora

moment.”“Certainly, Holden.” I took his arm. “Nice talking to you,” I said to

WhitesBoy,wholookedabitforlorn.“Ihopethatwasn’ttoorudeofme,”Holdensaidaswewanderedaway.“Notatall.”Wemoved slowly, andhe seemedcomfortable, likehe’dwalkedwith a

princessdozensoftimes.“Idon’twanttokeepyou.IonlywantedtotellyouthatIadmiredtheway

youcutpeoplelastweek.”Iwastakenaback.“Really?”“Absolutely! I admire awomanwho knowswhat shewants, and I like

thatyou’reassertive.MymotheristheheadofalabbackinBankston.Iknowhowharditistorunsomethingthatsmall,sothepressureyoumustbeunderishardformetoimagine.Butyoudoitwell,andIlikethat.Ijustwantedyoutoknow.”

Isteppedback.“Thankyou,Holden.”Henodded,andIwalkedaway,lostinthought.

ThisentiresituationonlyconfirmedwhatIknewtobetrue:IfIcameinsweet and gentle, no one would take me seriously. If I had kindly tappedpeopleontheshoulderandhuggedthemontheirwayout,wouldHoldenhaveadmiredmeless?Thewholethingwas—

“Oh!” I fell to the side, only missing the ground because of a pair ofsteadyarms.

“YourHighness.”Haleclutchedmyarms,helpingtopullmeup.“I’msosorry,Ididn’tseeyou.”

I heard the click of a camera nearby and pushed my cheeks up into asmile.

“Laugh,”Isaidthroughmyteeth.“Huh?”“Helpmeupandlaughitoff.”Igiggled,andafteramomentHalegavea

fewchuckles.“Whatwasthatabout?”Hekeptthesmileonhisface.IstraightenedmydressasIexplained.“Thecameracrewsarewatching.”Heglancedtotheside.“Don’t,”Iurged,andhefacedmeagain.“Yikes.Areyoualwaysonthelookoutlikethat?”

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Thistimemylaughwasgenuine.“Basically.”Hissmiledfaded.“Isthatwhyyouranawaytheothernight?”Myfacebecameseriousaswell.“I’msorry.Iwasn’tfeelingwell.”“Firstyourun,andthenyoulie.”Heshookhishead,disappointed.“No.”“Eadlyn,” he whispered. “That wasn’t easy forme. I don’t like talking

about my dad dying or mymom having a hard time keeping a job or myfamily losing our status. Thatwas difficult forme to share. Andwhenwestartedreallytalkingaboutyou,youleftme.”

Thatprickling,nakedfeelingcameovermeagain.“Isincerelyapologize,Hale.”Hestudiedmyface.“Idon’tthinkyoumeanthat.”Iswallowed,nervous.

“ButIlikeyouallthesame.”Ilookedupathim,mesmerizedbythatpossibility.“When you’re ready to talk—to really talk—I’ll be here. Unless, of

course,youcomeinandninjaeliminatemelikeyoudidthoseotherguys.”Ilaughedawkwardly.“Idon’tthinkthat’llhappenagain.”“Ihopenot.”Halestared,andIdidn’tlikethathiseyesfeltliketheycould

dig several layers beneath my skin. “Glad your dress didn’t get stained.Wouldhavebeenapity.”

He went to leave, but I grabbed his arm. “Hey. Thank you. For beingreservedontheReport.”

Hegrinned.“Somethingeveryday,remember?”

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CHAPTER18

“ALLRIGHT,YOURHIGHNESS,WHENEVERyou’reready.”Themakeupgirldidalastcheck,andIcorrectedmyposture,reviewing

the names in my head. I nodded, and the light on the camera turned red,tellingmewewerefilming.

“You’ve seen the extravagant tea party, you heard about the deliciousfood,andyousawallthebreathtakingfashion;butwhodidyouthinkshouldbeeliminated?

“Yes,SirKilelookedsomewhatlessthanmanlyinmytiara,andSirHalenearlysweptmeoffmyfeet...inabadway,”Iconcludedwithagrin.“But,aftermuchdeliberation,thetwoSelectedleavingustodayareKesleyTimberfromWhitesandHoldenMessengerfromBankston.

“How is your favorite doing?Dying to learnmore about the remainingcontestants?HungryformoreSelection-relatednews?TuneintotheReporteach Friday night for updates fromme and the gentlemen themselves, anddon’t forget to look out for exclusive programs dedicated to the SelectionexclusivelyonthePublicAccessChannel.”

Iheldmysmileafewsecondslonger.“Cut!”thedirectorcalled.“Excellent.Soundedperfecttome,butlet’sdo

onemoreforgoodmeasure.”“Sure.Whenwillthisgoout?”“They’lleditallthefootagefromthisafternoon’spartytonightandgetit

onairtomorrow,sothisshouldbeoutonMonday.”Inodded.“Great.Onemoretime?”“Yes,YourHighness,ifyoudon’tmind.”Iswallowedandwentovermyspeechagainbeforepullingmyselfupinto

theexactsamepose.

AttenpastnineIheardtheknockonmydoor,andIskippedovertoanswerit.Kilewasthere,leaningagainstthedoorframe,tiarainhand.

“Iheardyouweremissingthis,”hesaidjokingly.“Comein,loser.”Hepassedthroughthedoorway,lookingaroundagainasifIredecorated

myroomdaily.“SoamIgettingcutyet?”Igrinned.“No,it’sKesleyandHolden.Don’tletthatspillthough.Ican’t

sendthemawayuntilafterthegardenpartyairs.”

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“Thatwon’tbeaproblem.Neitherofthemreallyspeakstomeanyway.”“No?”Iaskedashehandedmemytiara.“I’veheardtheythoughtmebeingapartoftheSelectionwasunfair.And

thenseeingourkissplasteredeverywheresealedthatopinion.”I placed the tiara on the shelfwith the others. “Made a good call then,

didn’tI?”Hechuckled.“Oh,Ibroughtyouanotherpresent.”“Ilovepresents!”“You’llhatethisone,trustme.”Hereachedintohispocketandpulledout

thatspectaculardisasterofatie.“I figured ifyouwerehavingabadday,youcould take it to thegarden

and burn it. Get your aggression out on something that won’t cry. UnlikeLeeland.”

“Iwasn’ttryingtomakehimcry.”“Sureyouweren’t.”Ismiled,takingthewound-upfabricfromhishand.“Iactuallyreallylike

thispresent.Itassuresmethatnohumanwillbeforcedtoweariteveragain.”Looking over at him, at his hitched-up smile, I was able to push away

everythingforaminute.ItfeltliketheSelectionwasn’tevenhappeningjustthen.Iwasagirlwithaboy.AndIknewwhatIwantedtodowiththatboy.

I dropped the tie on the floor and put a hand on his chest. “KileWoodwork,doyouwanttokissme?”

Heletoutawhistle.“Notshyatall,areyou?”“Stopit.Yesorno?”Hepursedhislips,pretendingtothinkitover.“Iwouldn’tmindit.”“Andyouunderstandthatmekissingyoudoesn’tmeanIactuallylikeyou

andthatIwouldnever,evermarryyou?”“Thankgoodness.”“Rightanswer.”Iwrappedmy hand around his head, pulling him tome, and an instant

laterhisarmswerearoundmywaist.Itwastheperfectbalmforalongday.Kile’skissesweredirectandslow,andhemadeitimpossibleformetothinkaboutmuchelse.

Wetoppledontothebed,holdingeachotheraswelaughed.“Ofall the things I thoughtwouldhappenwhenmynamewascalled, I

neverdreamedI’deverkissyou.”“Ineverdreamedyou’dbegoodatit.”“Hey,”hesaid,“I’vehadabitofpractice.”Iproppedmyselfuponmyelbow.“Whowasyourlastkiss?”“Caterina.WhentheItalianfamilyvisitedinAugust,rightbeforeIleft.”

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“Thatdoesn’tsurprisemeatall.”Kile shrugged, not ashamed in the slightest. “What can I say? They’re

veryfriendly.”“Friendly,”Irepeated,rollingmyeyes.“That’sonewordforit.”Hechuckled.“Whataboutyou?”“AskAhren.Apparentlyeveryonealreadyknows.”“LeronTroyes?”“Howdidyoufindout?”We lay there, laughing somuchwewerenearly crying. I playedwith a

buttononhisshirt,andhetwirledapieceofmyhairbetweenkisses,andtheworldshranktojustthetwoofus.

“I’veneverseenyoulikethis,”hecommented.“Ididn’tknowitcouldbesoeasytomakeyousmile.”

“It’snot.Youmustbeinrareformtoday.”Kilewrapped an arm aroundme and placed his face inches frommine.

“Howareyoufeeling?Iknowthishasgottobeacrazytimeforyou.”“Don’t,”Iwhispered.“Don’twhat?”“Don’t ruin this. I like having you here, but I’m not in need of a soul

mate.Youcanbequietandgobacktokissingme,oryoucanleave.”Herolledontohisback,silentforafewminutes.“Sorry.Ijustwantedto

talk.”“Andyoucan.Butnotaboutyou,notaboutme,anddefinitelynotabout

youandmetogether.”“Butitseemslikeyoumustbelonely.Howintheworlddoyoudealwith

allthis?”Ihuffed,standingandpullinghimtohisfeet.“IfIneedadvice,Italkto

my parents. If I need a friendly ear, I haveAhren.Youwere helping for aminute,andthenyouhadtostartwiththequestions.”

I turned him around and pushed him toward the door. “Do you realizehowunhealthythatis?”heasked

“Areyouthemodelofadultbehavior?Youcan’tevengetyourmothertocuttheapronstrings.”

Kileroundedback,staringmedown.Iwassurehisangerwasreflectedinmyface.Iwaitedforhimtoscoldmeagain,ashe’ddoneathousandtimesgrowingup.Buthiseyessoftened,andbeforeIknewit,hishandwasatthebaseofmyneck,pullingmetohim.

Hecrushedhis lips tomine,andIsimultaneouslyhatedandadoredhimforit.AllIcouldthinkofwasthewayhismouthmovedandhowIseemedsofragile in his hands. The passion slowed, until the kisseswere so soft they

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tickled.WhenKilefinallypulledaway,hekepthisfingersteasinglyclosetomy

hair,rubbingtheskinabsentmindedly.“Youaresospoiled,andyouaresoobnoxious...butI’mhere.”Witha

finalkiss,heopenedthedoorandleft.Igazedaroundmyroom,dizzywithconfusion.Whywashetryingtoget

me to open up when he clearly couldn’t stand me? And I didn’t like himeither!SometimeshecouldbejustasbrattyasJosie.

Iwenttowardmyclosettogetreadyforbedandsawhisuglytieonthefloor.I’dbedoingeveryoneafavorifIthrewitawaynow.

Maybe I would set it on fire the next time I was having a particularlywretchedday.FornowItuckeditintoadrawer.

My thoughts the nextmorningwere amess. I keptwonderingwhatKile’sgoalwaslastnight.AndIcouldn’tshakeoffhowitmademefeelsimilartowhenHaleaskedtoomanyquestions.Theyweresuchdifferentpeoplewithvastly different understandings of me, yet they’d both quickly figured outhow to make me back away. Would all the boys be like that? Was thatsomethingtheyallknewhowtodo?

“Neena?”Ipulledthebrushthroughmyhair,tryingtotameitasmymaidwalkedbehindme in the steam-filledbathroom,pickingup thepajamas I’dleftonthefloor.

“Yes,YourHighness?”Shecaughtmyeyesinthemirroraswespoke.“I feel like it’s been a while since we’ve talked about your boyfriend.

What’shisnameagain?”Asmilecreptuponherface.“Mark.Whydoyouask?”“I’m surroundedby amillion boys. Justwondering how it iswhenyou

onlyhavetodealwithone.”Sheshookherheadatme.“Oneboyonastringisawonderfulthing,”she

said,herhappinessforcingmetosmilealongwithher.“He’sdoinggreat.Hefinallygot intoauniversity,andhe’sstudyingall the time.Igetacall fromhimmaybeonceortwiceaweek.It’snotmuch,butwebothhaveprettyfullschedules.”

“Idoneedconstantsupervision,”Isaidwithawink.“Amen.”“Doeshemindmuch?Thatyou’refarawayandbusy?”She straightened the clothes looped over her arm. “No.His program is

verydemanding,sofornowit’sactuallyhelpful.”I leaned my head to one side, continuing to brush. “That’s interesting.

What’shestudying?”

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“Markisachemist.He’sstudyingbiochemistry,specifically.”Myeyeswidened.“Really?Sucharangeinyourprofessions.”Shefrowned.“There’snocastesystemanymore,YourHighness.People

candateandmarryanyonetheywantto.”I turnedawayfromthemirror to lookatherdirectly.“That’snotwhatI

mean.It’ssimplyintriguingtomethedynamicyoumusthave.Youhavemylaundryinyourarms,andhemightcureadisease.Thosearetwoincrediblydifferentrolesintheworld.”

Neena swallowed and dropped everything on the ground. “I won’t bedoing your laundry forever. Imade a choice to comehere, and I can leavewheneverIlike.”

“Neena!”“Idon’t feelwell,”shesaidabruptly.“I’llsendsomeoneelseup tohelp

you.”Shedidn’tevencurtsy.“Neena,Iwassimplytalking!”The door slammed, and I looked after her, shocked that she so

shamelessly left without permission. I hadn’t meant to offend her. I wasmerely curious, and that one observation didn’t even begin to touch on thethingsItrulywantedtoaskabout.

I finished my hair and makeup on my own.When the substitute maidshowedup, I sent her away. Just becauseNeenawas in a badmood didn’tmeanshecouldgetoutofherwork.Icouldtakecareofmyself,andshecouldcleantomorrow.

I picked up the applications for the remaining boys in the Selection.WhetherIlikeditornot,Iknewwhatwasexpectedofme.AllIneededwastofindsituationsthatkeptthingsasclosetothesurfaceaspossible.

Ean was certainly captivating, but his charisma was almost toooverwhelming. Iwasn’t sure Iwas prepared to spend time alonewith him.Edwinwas harmless enough. I pulled outApsel’s sheet and looked it over.Nothing extraordinary there. Iwas tempted to send him home for being sobland,butafter the reactionover the firstelimination, Ididn’t think Icouldgetawaywiththat.Kile’sformcameupnext,buthewasanoatthemoment.Winslowwas,Ihatedtosayit,considerablyunattractive.ThemoreandmoreI lookedathim, theeasier itwas to see. Ididn’t think Ihada type,buthemademewonderifIhadananti-type.Ivan...wasthistheguywhosmelledvaguelyofchlorine?

Nearthebottomofthepile,JackRanger’spicturejumpedoutatme.Ihadcaughthimstaringatmeafewtimesattheparty,butwehadn’tspoken.Itookthat tomeanhemight still be intimidated enough forme to get through an

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eveningtogetherwithouthimleavingmefeelingasunpleasantassomeoftheothershad.

Iwroteanoteoutonmystationeryinvitinghimtowatchamoviewithmetonight. Thatwas an easy enough date.No unnecessary talking. I’d have abutlerdeliverittohimonceJackhadjoinedtheothers.Iwasplanningalwaysto announce dates by sending a letter into or drawing the boys out of theroom.Thatshouldmakethingsinteresting.

Ispedthroughbreakfast,readytowork.Lookingattheseendlessrequestsandbillsandbudgetsandproposalswasn’texactlymyfavorite thing,but itkeptmebusy,and I likedhavingmymindoccupiedallday.Mynightsandweekendsforthenextthreemonthswouldbelongtothoseboys,buttherestofthetimeIhadadifferentjobtodo.

“Eadlyn,dear,”Dadsaid,takingabreakforsometea.“Ididn’tgettotellyou,butIthoughtthegardenpartywasasuccess.Isawsomeofthestoriesinthepapersthismorning,anditwasverywellcovered.”

“Iglancedata fewmyself.AndIcaughta littleof thespecial theydid,anditalllookednicelydone.”Istretchedinmychair,achyfromsittingstill.

He smiled. “Indeed. I thinkyou should try todoanother event like thatsoon—somethingwiththegroupthatpeoplecansee.”

“Somethingthatmighthaveaneliminationafterward?”“Ifyouthinkthatwouldhelp.”Iwalkedovertohisdesk,pouringmyselfsomeofhistea.“Ithinkitadds

something.Likepeoplemightbemoreinterestediftheirfavoritemightbeontheline.”

He considered that. “Interesting. Any thoughts on how it would bestructured?”

“No,butIthought,sincewe’resupposedtobelookingforaprincehere,itmightbegoodtotestthemonthethingstheywouldneedtoknowasaprince.Historyorpolicy.Ithinkthere’sawaytomakeitplayful,kindoflikeagameshowmaybe?”

Helaughed.“Thepublicwouldeatthatup.”Isippedmytea.“See,Ihavegreatideas.Idon’tneedaprince.”“Eadlyn,youcould run theworldonyourown ifyouneeded to.That’s

notthepoint,”hesaidwithachuckle.“We’llsee.”

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CHAPTER19

ISTOPPEDBYJACK’SROOMafterdinner,andhewaswaitingformeoutsidethedoor.Thatwaskindofstrange,butIfiguredhisnerveshadgottenthebestofhim.

“Goodevening,Jack,”Isaid,approaching.“YourHighness,”herepliedwithabow.“YoucancallmeEadlyn.”Hesmiled.“Great.Eadlyn.”Therewasanawkward silenceas Iwaited forhim toofferhis arm.He

simplystoodthere,hissmiletightbuthiseyesanimated.WhenIfinallygaveuponhimfiguringitout,Ipointedtowardthestairs.“It’sthisway.”

“Super.” Then he started walking ahead of me, even though he didn’tknowtheway.

“No, Jack.Weneed to turnhere.” I said the same thingmaybe threeorfourtimesaswetraveled,andheneverapologized.HesimplywentwhereItoldhimasifhe’dbeenplanningtogothatwayallalong.Ididmybesttolethismisstepsslide.Withahandfulofboysalreadymentally linedup for thenextelimination,Ididn’twantareasontoaddJacktothatlist.

The palace went up four stories, but it went down much farther. TheReportwasfilmedonthesub-onefloor,andtherewasastorageareaaswellas the theater.The staff and guards also had rooms on the first and secondsublevels,buttheirquartersweren’tconnectedtothetheaterwing.Therewasalsoamonstroussaferoombeneathallofthat.I’donlyhadtogotheretwicethat I remembered:onceduringadrillwhenIwas threeandoncewhenthelaststringofrebelsattackedusshortlyafter.

Itwasstrangetothinkaboutit.Therebelsweregone,butnowwewerefacedwithdifferentpocketsofpeoplefightingthemonarchy.Ialmostwishedtherebelsstillexisted.Atleastwecouldputanametothat.Atleastbackthenweknewexactlywhowewerefighting.

Ishookmyhead,comingbacktothesituationathand.Iwasonadate.AsI remembered that fact, I chidedmyself.Dadwouldhavewanted a camerahereforthis.Oh,well.Nexttime.

“So,Ihopeyoulikemovies.”“Ido,”Jackrepliedenthusiastically.“Good.Idoaswell,but it’snotalwayspossibleformetogoout to the

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theater.Wehaveaccesstoafewnewfilmsdownstairs,thoughouroptionsarelimited.Chancesarewe’llhavesomethinggood.”

“That’sgreat.”Itwasstrange,thisfinelinehewaswalkingbetweenbeingrudeandpolite.Iwonderedifhesimplydidn’tknowhowmanymistakeshewasmaking.

A butler had alreadymade us popcorn, and I used the remote to scrollthroughouroptions.

“How about Eye of the Beholder?” I suggested. The brief descriptionhintedatromanceanddrama,asdidtheposterimage.

“Thatsoundsokay.Anyactioninthatone?”“Idon’tthinkso.ThereisinBlackDiamonds.”Thepicturewasdarkand

brooding,with the silhouetteofamanwithagunoff tooneside. Itwasn’tsomethingI’dhaveseenofmyownvolition.

“Yeah!Thatsoundsgood.”“Wehaveotherchoices,”Isaid,tryingtomakemywaybacktothemenu.“ButthisiswhatIwanttowatch.Itwon’tbetooscary.Andifitis,you

cansnuggleupnexttome.”I made a face, wondering if I should have given Apsel more

consideration.Theseatsinourtheaterwerewideandverysoft.TheonlywayIcouldsnuggleuptoanyonewouldbetosquishmyselfintohisseat,whichwas not going to happen.Also, I’d rather be scarred for life than admit tobeingafraid.

Then again, that wasn’t what I was worried about with this movie. Itsimplydidn’tseemworthwatching.

I sighed, feeling a little overrun.Again, itwas as if hewasn’tawareofhowfoolishhewasacting. I let itgo, thinking I’dneed to tellDad that theboysasawholerequiredmoreetiquettetraining,andstartedthemovie.

Long story short, Main Guy’s dad was killed by Bad Guy. Main Guyspends his life tracking down BadGuy, but BadGuy slips from his graspseveraltimes.MainGuysleepswithSuperBlonde.SuperBlondedisappears.MainGuykillsBadGuy,andSuperBlondeshowsupagain.Oh,andsomethingsexplode.

Jack seemed to enjoy it, but I was bored. If Super Blonde had killedsomeone,Imighthavecaredalittlemore.

Butatleastwedidn’thavetotalk.Whenthecreditsrolled,Iusedtheremotetoraisethelights.“So,whatdidyouthink?”heasked,hiseyesbrightwithexcitement.“Itwasokay.Definitelyseenbetter.”The movie seemed to leave him hyperanimated. “But the effects were

incredible!”

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“Sure,butthestorywastired.”Hesquintedhiseyes.“Ilikedit.”“Allright.”“Doesthatmakeyouupset?”Imadeaface.“No.Itjustmeansyouhavebadtaste.”Helaughed,adarksoundthatwasmoreforebodingthanfriendly.“Ilove

itwhenyoudothat.”“Dowhat?”Istoodandtookmypopcornbowltothecounter, leavingit

forthestaff.“I’vebeenwaitingallnightforalittleofyourattitude.”“Excuseme?”“I’vebeenhopingyou’dgetmador snippy.”Hebroughthisbowlover,

too.“Whenyouclearedout theMen’sParlor thedayafter theparade?Thatwasgreat. Imean,Idon’twant togohome,but Iwouldn’tbedevastated ifyouyelledatme.”

Istaredathim.“Jack,youdorealizewe’vehardlyspokentoeachother,andinthefirstconversationwehave,yourevealthatmyangerturnsyouon.Doyouseehowthismightbealapseinjudgmentonyourpart?”

He broke into a smile, undeterred. “I thought you’d appreciate myhonesty. I have the feelingyouget irritated easily, and Iwantyou toknowthatdoesn’tbotherme.Iactuallylikeit.”

Jackreachedformyhand,andIrippeditaway.“Youthoughtwrong.Thisdateisover.Goodnight.”

Hecaughtuptome,grabbingmeagain.Ididn’twanttoadmithowscaredIwas,but Icould feel the icystrandsof fearpulsing throughmyveins.Hewasbiggerthanme,andheseemedtoenjoyafight.

“Don’trunoff,”hesaidsilkily.“I’monlytryingtotellyouthatIthinkIcould be a good fit for you, an easymatch.” He ran his fingers downmycheek and under my jaw. His breathing was speeding up, and I knew Icouldn’twastetime.Ihadtogetoutofherenow.

I squintedmy eyes. “And I’m only trying to tell you that if you don’tremoveyourhand,youwillbedeadbeforeyoucouldbeamatchforanyone.”

“Hot.”Hesmirked, seeming to think Iwasenjoying this.“This isa funlittlegame.”

“Let.Me.Go.”Heloosenedhishand,butIcouldstillseethewildexcitementinhiseyes.

“Thiswasfun.Let’sdoitagainsoon.”I went for the stairs, praying he wouldn’t chase me. From this second

forward,therewouldbecamerasonevery.Single.Date.When I made my way breathlessly to the first floor, I found a pair of

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officersandranstraighttothem.“YourHighness,”thefirstgaspedasIfellintohisarms.“Gethimoutofhere!” I insisted, pointing toward the stairs. “Jack!Get

himoutofmyhouse!”Theguardsletmego,sprintingtocapturehim,andIcoweredonthefloor,

petrified.“Eadlyn?”Justbehindme,Ahrenwasapproaching.Iletoutacryandboltedintohis

embrace.“Whathappened?Areyouhurt?”“It was Jack,” I stammered. “He grabbed my arm. He touched me.” I

shookmyhead, trying tounderstandhow it escalated soquickly, only thenseeingithadn’tbeenfastatall.

Hewas oftenwatchingme, never approaching, quietly biding his time.Even tonight his moves were slow, watching my rising frustration with areserved thrill of energy, enjoying the building tension until themoment ofrelease.

“Hekeptsayingstrangethings,andthewayhelookedatme...Ahren,I’veneverbeensoscared.”

Webothturnedat theuproarcomingupthestairs.ThetwoguardswerewrestlingwithJack,gettinghimuptothelanding.Oncehiseyesfellonme,hebegansnarling.

“Youlikedit!”heinsisted.“Youwerecomingontome!”Grabbingmyhand,AhrenpulledmeovertoJack,thoughmyinstinctwas

torunintheotherdirection.HeplantedmerightinfrontofJack’sface.“Knock his lights out, Eadlyn,”Ahren commanded. I stared up at him,

thinkingitwasajoke.Buttherageinhiseyestoldmeotherwise.I was tempted. I couldn’t retaliate when people called me names or

criticizedmyclothes.Icouldn’tgobacktotheparadeandtellallthosepeoplehow foolishly they’d acted. But here, for once, I could take revenge onsomeonewho’dtrulywrongedme.

Imighthavedone it if itwasn’t for Jack’swickedgrin, likehehoped Iwould, like he’d dream about the touch later. Sex and violence wereconnectedinhishead,andtogivehimonewasclosetogivingtheother.

“Ican’t,”Iwhispered.Jackgaveafakepout.“Yousure,sweetie?Iwouldn’tmi—”I’dneverseenAhrenthrowapunchbefore.Itwasalmostasshockingas

Jack’s limpbodyaftermybrother’s fist forcedhishead towhipbackat anawkwardangle.

Ahrengrunted,holdinghishand.“Thathurts!Ow,thatreallyhurts!”

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“Let’s get you to the hospitalwing,” I urged, pointingAhren down thehall.

“YourHighness,shouldwetakehimwithyou?”IlookedatJack’slimpform,notingtheriseandfallofhischest.“No.Gethimonaplane,consciousornot.”

IpiledintoAhren’sbedwithhimononesideandKadenontheother.Ahrenwasflexinghiswrappedfingers,whichwerebadlybruised.

“Doesithurt?”Kadenasked,seemingmoreexcitedthanworried.“Alittle,butI’ddoitalloveragaininasecond.”Ismiledupatmytwin,sogratefulforhim.“IfIhadbeenthere,”Kadenstarted,“I’dhavechallengedhimtoaduel.”IgiggledasAhrenreachedacrossmetorufflehishair.“Sorry,buddy,it

allhappenedtooquicklyformetothinkofthat.”Kaden shook his head. “All those years of sword-fighting lessons for

nothing.”“Youwerealwaysbetterthanmeanyway,”AhrensaidasOstencamein

withoutknocking,aphonetohisear.“Ifyouhadonlypracticedmore!”Kadenchastised.Ostenlandedonthebedchattingintothephone.“Yeah,yeah.Okay,hold

on.”He turned the receiver awayand looked tome. “Eady,wherewas thatJackguyfromanyway?”

Itriedtorememberhisform.“Paloma,Ithink.”Kadennodded.“ItwasPaloma.”“Awesome.”Ostenspokeintothephoneagain.“Didyouhearthat?I’llbe

intouch.”Hehungupandslidthephoneintohispocketasweallstaredathim.Ilaughed.“I’dusuallytrytostopwhateveryou’redoing,butI’mnoteven

goingtoask.”“Ithinkthat’sforthebest.”I lookedaroundatallmybrothers,socaringandsmartandpuckish.So

manytimesI’dhatedthemfornotbeingolderthanme,forforcingmeintoarole I never wanted. Tonight, maybe for the first time, I loved them forexactlywhotheywere.Kadenwasdistracting,Ahrenhaddefendedme,andOsten...well,he’dhelpinhisownway.

Ostenhadleftthedooropen,andMomandDadwalkedintofindalltheirchildrentogether.

Momseemedhappytoseeherfamilysafe,butDadwasshaken.Heputonehandonhishipandgesturedwiththeother.“Everyoneokay?”“Slightlyspooked,”Iadmitted.

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“Andalittlebruised,”Ahrenadded.Dadswallowed,takingusallin.“Eadlyn,I’msosorry.Idon’tknowhow

he slipped through the cracks. I thought the applicationswerevetted, and Ihadnoidea...”

Hestopped,lookingasthoughhewasclosetotears.“I’mallright,Daddy.”Henoddedbutdidn’tspeak.Momsteppedforward,takingover.“We’dliketoputsomeguidelinesin

place.Perhapshaveaguardnearbyonanydatesfromhereonout,orhavealldatesinapublicarea.”

“That or have photographers. I think that would help, too.” I cursedmyselfagainfornotrememberingearlier.

“Excellentidea,sweetie.Wewanttokeepthissafe.”“Whichremindsme,”Dadsaid,undercontrolagain.“Howdoyouwant

to proceed with Jack? Should we cover this up? Press formal charges?Personally,I’dliketotearhimlimbfromlimb,butthat’sreallyuptoyou.”

Ismiled.“Nocharges,butlet’snotcoveritup.Leteveryoneknowexactlywhatkindofmanheis.Thatwillbepunishmentenough.”

“Verywise,”Ahrenagreed.Dad folded his arms, considering. “If that’swhat youwant, that’swhat

we’lldo.I’vebeentoldhe’sonhiswayhomenow,andthatwillbetheendofit.”

“Thankyou.”DadputhisarmaroundMom,andtheyturnedtoleave,Momtakingone

lastlookatallofus.“By theway,”Dadsaid,glancingoverhisshoulder,“while Iagreewith

the sentiment behind throwing him out without seeing if he regainedconsciousness,ifhehaddied,thatwouldhavelookedreallybad.”

Ipressedmy lips together,but Iknewmyeyesweresmiling.“Fine.Nomorecarelesslytossingpeopleoutthroughthegates.”

“Andmoreswordfights!”Kadenyelled.WhileAhren and I laughed, our parents shook their heads. “Goodnight.

Don’tstayuptoolate,”Momwarned.And we didn’t mean to, but we did end up talking for a long time. I

eventually fell asleepwithKaden’sbackpressedagainstmine,Ahren’sarmundermyhead,andOstenholdingontooneofmyfeet.

Iwokeearly thenextmorning,wellbefore theothers,andsmiledatmybrothers,myprotectors.Thesister inmewantedtostay.But theprincess inmegotupandwenttoprepareforthenewday.

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CHAPTER20

WHILE WE SAT AT THE breakfast table the next morning, I found myselflookingovertheboys,searchingforsignsthatanyoneelsemightbelikeJack.Ikept thinking that if I’dpaidmoreattention those first fewdays, I’dhavebeenabletoseetherewassomethingoffabouthim.

Thenmy eyes passed over some of the others I’d gotten to know, likeHale and Henri. Even Erik’s presence was a welcome one. After meetingthem,Icouldn’tletoneboymakemefearfulofalltheothers.Andintruth,Ireallydidn’thavetheprivilegeofbeingfearful.

So I pulled myself together, remembering who I was. I couldn’t runscared.

As the meal drew to a close, I stood, commanding their attention.“Gentlemen,Ihaveasurpriseforyou.Infifteenminutes,pleasecomemeetmeinthestudioforalittlegame.”

Somelaughedandothersclapped,buttheydidn’tknowwhatwaswaitingfor them.Ialmostfeltbad. I left theroombefore them,going tomakesuremydressandhairlookedrightforfilming.

Shortlythereafter,theboysfiledin,allofthemseemingalittlestunnedbytheset.

Isatinfront,abitlikeaschoolteacher,whiletheyeachhadastoolwithapaperandmarkerandalarge,cartoonishnametagliketheonesI’dseenonTVgameshows.

“Welcome,gentlemen!”Isang.“Pleasecomefindyourseat.”The cameras were already rolling, capturing the nervous smiles and

confusedheadshakingastheyfoundtheirplacesandstuckontheirtags.“Todaywe’rehaving apopquizon all things Illéa.We’ll bediscussing

history,foreignaffairs,anddomesticpolicies.Whenyougetananswerright,oneof themaidsstandingby,”Isaid,motioningto the ladieswaitingin thewings,“willcomeandputagoldcheckmarkstickeronyou.Getonewrong,andthey’llbringablackX.”

Theboyschuckledwithexcitementandanxiety,lookingatthebasketsofstickers.

“Don’tworry, this is all for fun.But Iwill be using this information tohelpdecidemynextelimination.Ifyougetthemostwrong,itdoesn’tmeanyou’reautomaticallyout...butI’mwatching,”Iteased,pointingafingerat

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them.“First question,” I announced. “This is an important one!When is my

birthday?”Therewereseverallaughsastheboysbenttheirheads,scribblinganswers

andpeekingattheirneighbors’answers.“Okay, hold up your signs,” I ordered, and gawked humorously at the

rangeofdates.Kile,ofcourse,knewitwasApril16,andhehadplentyofcompany,but

therewereonlyafewwhoknewtheyearaswell.“Youknowwhat,I’mgoingtogoaheadandgivethistoanyonewhogot

Aprilatall.”“Allright!”Foxcalledenthusiastically,andLodgeandCalvinhigh-fived

in the back. The maids crossed the stage, and boys who got an X wailedcomicallybuttookthestickerswithoutsulking.

“Here’s one with lots of potential answers. Who would you considerIlléa’sgreatestallies?”

SomecorrectlyguessedFrance,Italy,andNewAsia,whileHenriheldupSwendway,followedbyseveralexclamationpoints.

Julian’ssignhadseveralarrowsdrawnuptohisfaceandhadMEwritteninlargeletters.

Ipointedathim.“Wait,wait,wait!Whatdoesthatevenmean?”Iasked,tryingtosuppressasmile.

His grin was huge as he shrugged. “I just think I’d be a really greatfriend.”

Ishookmyhead.“Ridiculous.”ButIdidn’tthinkIcameoffsoundingasreproachfulasImeantto.

Amaidraisedherhandonthesideofthestage.“SodoeshestillgetanXor...?”

“Oh,that’sanX!”Iassuredher,andtheboyschuckled,evenJulian.Most correctly named August Illéa as Dad’s partner in eradicating the

rebel forces,and theyallknewthehistoryof theFourthWorldWar.By thetimewegottotheend,Iwaspleasedthatthemajorityofthemweresowell-informed.

“Let me see.Who has the most checks?” The maids helped me countacross the rows, which was very efficient since they had handed out thepoints.“Halehassix.SodoRaoulandEan.Bravo,gentlemen!”

Iclapped,andtheothersjoinedinbeforerealizingwhatwasnext.“Okay,andnow,whohasthemostXmarks?”The maids quickly pointed to the back corner, where poor Henri was

coveredwithblack.

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“Oh,no,Henri!”Iyelledwithalaugh,tryingtocommunicatehowlittlestockItookinthegame.

Ireallyhadhopedtoweedoutsomeonethisway,butIknewHenri’slackof information came from living in the country for only a year or amisunderstandingofthequestionsintranslation.

“Whoelsedowehave?Burkeand Ivan . . .not too terrible.”TheyhadeachdoneprettybadlybutstillhadthreecorrectanswersoverHenri.AtleastitconfirmedmylackofexcitementoverIvan.

“Thank you all for indulging me this morning, and I will keep thisinformation in mind as I continue to narrow down suitors in the next fewweeks.Congratulationsonbeingsointelligent!”Iapplaudedthem,andtheypattedoneanotheronthebackasthecameraspowereddown.

“Beforeyougo,gentlemen, Ihaveone lastquestion;and it comes fromsomeveryrecenthistory,soyouallhadbestgetitright.”

Theynervouslymurmuredamongthemselves,readyforthechallenge.“Ifyouknowtheanswer,feelfreetojustshoutitout.Ready?Whenisit

acceptabletoputyourhandsonmewithoutmypermission?”I stared at them all, stone-faced, daring a single one of them to laugh.

They exchanged glances with one another, but it was only Hale who wasbraveenoughtoanswer.

“Never,”hecalledout.“Thatiscorrect.You’dalldowelltorememberthat.JackRangerwaslet

offeasy,withnothingmorethanapunchtohisfacefrommybrotherandtheshameofhisejection.Ifanotheroneofyouattemptstotouchmewithoutmyconsent,youwillbecanedorworse.Areweclear?”

Theroomwasstill.“I’lltakethatasayes.”Iwalkedaway,hopingmywordswould linger afterme.Thegamewas

over,andtheycouldn’tbeleftdoubtingthat.

AfterlunchDadwasalittlelategettingintotheoffice,whichwasrare.SoIwasalonewhenLadyBricecameknockingonthedoor.

“YourHighness,”shegreeted.“Isyourfathernothereyet?”“No.Notsurewhat’sholdinghimup.”“Hmm.” She tidied the stack of papers in her arms, thinking. “I really

neededtospeakwithhim.”LadyBricelookedsoyoungsometimes.Shewasmucholderthanme,of

course,butnotquiteDad’sage.Ineverreallyknewwhattomakeofher.NotthatIdislikedheroranything,butIalwayswonderedwhyshewastheonlywomanDadworkedwith.

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“AnythingIcouldhelpyouwith?”Ioffered.Shelookeddown,thinkingitover.“I’mnotsurehowwidelyhe’dwantto

sharethisinformation,soIdon’tthinkso.Sorry.”Ismiled,knowingshemeantit.“Noproblem.LadyBrice,canIaskyoua

question?You’reverysmartandkind.Whyhaven’tyouevermarried?”Shegiggledalittle.“Iammarried.Tothisjob!Itmeansalottome,and

I’dratherdoitwellthanseekoutaspouse.”Irolledmyeyes.“Amentothat.”“I know you understand.And the only people I ever get to see are the

otheradvisers,andIdon’tthinkI’dwanttobeinarelationshipwithanyofthem.SoI’lljustkeepworking.”

I nodded. “I respect that. I think people assume women aren’t happywithoutahusbandandchildren,butyouseemquitesatisfied.”

She shrugged. “I think about it. I might adopt one day. I do thinkmotherhoodisanhonor.Andnoteveryonedoesitwell.”

Thehintofbitternessinhertonemademethinkshewasreferringtoherownmother,butIdidn’twanttoaskaboutspecifics.

“Iknow.I’mfortunatetohavesuchawonderfulone.”Shesighed,meltingalittle.“Yourmomisanatural.Inaway,shewaslike

asecondmothertomewhenIwasyounger,andIlearnedalotfromher.”I squinted. “I didn’t realize you’d been around the palace that long.” I

triedtorememberiftherewasatimewhenIhadn’tseenherinthehallways,though I’dneverpaidmuchattention to theadvisersuntil Ihit thirteenandstartedworkingwithDadinearnest.PerhapsIsimplydidn’tnotice.

“Yes, miss. I’ve been here almost as long as you,” she replied with alaugh.“Yourparentsarefartoogenerous.”

Eighteenyearswasalongtimetoholdapositioninthepalace,especiallyasanadviser.Dadswitchedmostpeopleinandouteveryfivetoeightyearsbased on recommendations and the mood of the country.What kept LadyBriceinherplaceforsolong?

Istudiedherasshesweptherhairoverhershoulderandsmiled.HadDadletherstaybecauseshewasattractive?No.IfeltguiltyforeventhinkingDadcouldbecapableofbeingthatshalloworselfish.

“Well,I’msorryIcan’thelpyou,butI’lltellDadyoucameby.”“Thanks,YourHighness. It’snot terriblyurgent,so there’snorush.You

haveagoodday.”“You,too.”She curtsied and left, and I watched the door long after shewas gone,

curiousaboutthiswomanI’dapparentlyknownallmylifewithoutrealizingit.Ishruggeditaway,turningbacktomypapers.BetweentheSelectionand

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work,therewasnoroominmyheadforLadyBrice.

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CHAPTER21

DINNER THAT NIGHT WAS PLEASANT because I could tell the boys hadlearnedfromJack’smistake.Theyallsata little tallerasIentered,noddingtheirheadsasIpassed,andIsensedthat,onceagain,I’dregainedcontrol.

Dadlookedalittlecalmeraswell,thoughIcouldtellhehadn’tquiteletgoofallhisworry.Ahrenleanedacrossthetabletogivemeaconspiratorialwink,anditwasalmostlikethisterriblethinghadmadelifealittlebetter.

DadhadsuggestedthatItrytomakeconversationwiththeboysatdinner,butcallingoutoverallthosepeoplefeltrude.Ididn’tthinkIcoulddothat,atleast not in a way that felt natural. I knew that, even with what I’d gonethrough,Iwasexpectedtogetbackoutthere.Insteadoftalking,Ilookedatmyoptions....

Ofalltheboysleft,Eanstruckmeasthemostintimidating.Notbecauseheseemedviolentinanyway,butbecauseofthatconstantprideandcalmnessthathungaroundhim,likeanearthquakecouldn’tmakehimmoveifhedidn’twantitto.

Somaybe going outwith him nextwould conquer a fear in someway.Therewasnowayhewasasimperviousasheseemed.We’dsimplyneedtodosomethingintheopenandmakesurethephotographerscame.

Asifhecouldreadmythoughts,Eanlookedupatmeatthatverysecond,andIturnedaway,pretendingtobeengrossedwithmybrother.

InoticedKadenwasreadinganewspaperbeneaththetable.“What’sthatarticleabout?”Iasked.Heansweredwithoutlookingaway,likehewastryingtofinishhisday’s

work before the end of dinner. “A collection going around in an area inMidston.They’reraisingmoneyforagirltogotoartschool.She’stalented,butshecan’taffordtostudyonherown.Shesays...holdon.Hereitis.‘Icome froma lineofThrees.My family thinks it’s beneathme to study art,eventhoughthecastesnolongerexist.It’shard.IremindthemthatthequeenwasbornaFive,andshe’sbrilliant.Theywon’tpayformyschooling,soI’maskingforhelptopursuemydreams.’

“Lookatthepictureofherpaintings.Theyaren’tbad.”Igrewupwithadeepappreciationforart,andwhileherworkwasn’tan

aestheticIparticularlycaredfor,Icouldseeshewastalented.“They’regood.It’ssosilly.Thepointofgettingridofthecasteswasso

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peoplecouldhavethechoiceofwhateverprofessiontheywanted,andthey’renotevenusingit.It’salmostliketheydon’twantittowork.”

“Settingupasystemtoallowsomethingdoesn’tmeanpeoplewilldoit.”“Obviously,”Icommentedcoldly,sippingmydrink.“The key is to make them understand that. Do you remember Mom

showing us those old history books and how the United States had thatpaper”—hepausedtothinkofthename—“theDeclarationofIndependence?And it said the people were allowed to pursue happiness. But no personmakingthatdocumentcouldactuallyhandoverhappiness.”

Ismiled.“You’retoosmart.”“I’dtakethatasacompliment,butlastweekyouwerecaughtkissingKile

inthedark.”“Oh,hahaha,”Isaid,temptedtostickoutmytongueathim.“It’snotlike

myopinionevermatteredmuchanyway.”“AreyougoingtomarryKile?”Inearlychoked.“No!”Kadenlaughedwildly,makingmostoftheroomlookourway.“I take it back,” I said, dabbing my lips. “You are a singularly gifted

idiot!”Istood,flickingKaden’searasIpassed.“Hey!”“Thanksforbeingthereforme,Kaden.You’reagreatbrother.”Herubbedathisear,stillgrinning.“Itry.”MarryKile,Ithought,doingmybestnottoburstoutlaughingagain.Ifhe

couldcontinuetobediscreet,thechancesofmekissingKileagainwerevery,veryhigh...butIcouldn’timagineactuallybeingmarriedtohim.

Iwasn’tsureIcouldimaginebeingmarriedtoanyoftheseboys.Iwasn’tsureIcouldimaginebeingmarriedatall....Islowed,lookingatsomeoftheirfacesasIpassed.Whatwoulditbelike

tofallasleepnexttoHale?OrtohaveBadensliparingonmyfinger?I tried to picture it and couldn’t. I remembered Ahren mentioning that

some of the Selected asked him if it was possible I liked girls, but eventhinkingaboutthatmademelaugh.Iknewthatwasn’twhatwasstoppingmefromgenuinelybeingable toconnectwithaboy . . .but I sensednow thatsomethingwas.Itwasn’tsimplyadesiretobeindependent;therewasawallaroundme,andIwasn’tcompletelysurewhy.

Butwallornowall,I’dmadeapromise.WhenIgottoEan,Ipaused.“Mr.Cabel?”Hestoodandbowed.“Yes,YourHighness.”“Doyouridehorses?”

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“Ido.”“Wouldyouliketoaccompanymeonaridetomorrow?”Awickedglintcameintohiseye.“Iwould.”“Excellent.Seeyouthen.”

I chose to wear a dress and do the whole thing sidesaddle. It wasn’t myfavorite way to ride, but I thought a touch of femininitywould add to thepurposeoftheafternoon.

When Iwalkedout to the stables,Eanwaswaiting forme, saddlinghishorse.

“Ean!”IcalledasIapproached.Heliftedhisheadandwaved.Hewasveryhandsome,thekindofpersonI

thoughtpeopleexpectedtoseenexttome.Everyactionofhiswascontrolled,andIwasdeterminedtomatchhimandnotletmyselfbeanxious.

“Areyouready?”heasked.“Almost.Ineedtograbmysaddle.”Iwalkedpasthimintothestalls.“Isthatwhatyou’regoingtowear?”Iwhippedbackaround.“Icandomoreintenminuteswearingthisdress

thanmostmencandoalldaywearingpants.”Helaughed.“Idon’tdoubtit.”Butterscotchwas at the back, in a slightlywider stall thanmost of the

others.Aprincess’shorsedeservedsomespaceandagoodview.IpreppedherandwalkedbacktoEan.“Ifyoudon’tmind,we’regoingto

takesomephotosinthegardenfirst.”“Oh.No,that’sfine.”Wetookourhorsesbythereinsandwalkedthemaroundtothegarden.A

manwithacamerawasthere,snappingshotsoftheskyortreesashewaited.Whenhesawus,hecameover.

“YourHighness,”hegreeted,shakingmyhand.“I’mPeter.Ithoughtit’dbenicetogetafewpicturesofthetwoofyoutogether.”

“Thankyou.”IpettedButterscotch.“Wheredoyouwantus?”Peterlookedaround.“Ifyoucanputthehorsesbyatree,Ithinkacouple

ofshotsinfrontofthisfountainwouldlooknice.”I let go of Butterscotch, knowing shewouldn’t run. “Come on,” I said

warmly.Oncehehadtiedhishorsetoabranch,Itookhishands.Peterwastedno

time.EanandIsmiledandlookedshylyawayfromeachother,andthislittlewalk was documented in pictures. We stood in front of the fountain, satagainstashrub,andeventookacoupleofpicturesinfrontofthehorses.

WhenPeterannouncedthatwouldbeplenty,Inearlythrewmyarmsupin

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celebration. He walked off rather quickly, grabbing his bags and double-checking his camera. I looked around, and as promised, we weren’tcompletely alone.Guards lined thepalacewalls, and a fewworkersmovedaroundthegrounds,tendingthegrassandpaths.

“Here,Butterscotch!”Iwalkeduptoher,andsheflickedhertail.Ean masterfully mounted his horse, and I was happy that he was as

competentashe’dledmetobelieve.“Forgiveme,butthatseemedabitstaged,”Eansaidaswetrottedtoward

theedgeofthelawn.“Iknow.ButallowingthemtocapturestagedmomentsmeansthatIgetto

keepthecandidmomentsprivate.”“Interesting.So,wasthatscenewithKilestagedorprivate,then?”Ismirked.Wow,hewasquick.“Last timewe spoke, it sounded likeyouhad somethingyouwanted to

talkabout,”Iremindedhim.“I do. I want to be honest with you. But that will require you being

completelyhonestwithme.Canyoudothat?”Lookingintohisface,Iwasn’tsureIcouldgivehimwhatheaskedfor.

Nottoday.“Thatdepends.”“On?”“Manythings.Idon’ttendtodivulgemysoultopeopleI’veonlyknown

twoweeks.”Wetrottedonforafewminutesinsilence.“Favoritefood?”heasked,asatisfiedsmileonhisface.“Domimosascount?”Hechuckled.“Sure.Whatelse...favoriteplaceyou’veevervisited?”“Italy.Partlyforthefoodandpartlyforthecompany.Iftheycomehere,

youhavetomeettheroyalfamily.They’retoomuchfun.”“I’dlikethat.Okay,favoritecolor?”“Red.”“Powercolor.Nice.”He stopped quizzing me for a moment, and we continued on our path

aroundthepalace.Itwaskindofpeaceful.Wepassedthefrontgates,andthegardenersstoppedtheirworkandbowedaswewentby.Oncewewereoutoftheirhearing,Eanbroughthishorseclosertomine.

“I could be very wrong, but I’m going to take a guess at some thingsaboutyou.”

“Goahead,”Idared.Hehesitated.“Holdon.Let’sstopoverhere.”

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Alongthepalacewalltherewasalonebench,andwepulleduptoit.IhoppedoffButterscotchandsatonthesmallspacewithEan.“YourHighness.”“Eadlyn.”“Eadlyn.”He swallowed, showing the first chink in his super-confident

armor.“IgetthefeelingthattheSelectionisn’tsomethingyoutrulywantedtodo.”

Isaidnothing.“Ifitwas,perhapsit’snotwhatyouthoughtitwouldbe,andnowyou’re

in a situation you don’t particularly like. Most women would die to havedozensofmenattheirbeckandcall,butyoucomeacrossasdistant.”

Ismiledkindly.“Itoldyou.Idon’topenuptopeopleIjustmet.”He shook his head. “I’ve seen you on theReport for years. You seem

abovesomethinglikethis.”Iinhaleddeeply,unsurewhattosay.“I come to youwith anoffer.Youmaynot need it at all, but Iwant to

presenttheoptionallthesame.”“Whatcouldyou,sir,offertoyourfuturequeen?”Hesmiled,seemingsureofhimselfagain.“Awayout.”It was risky to ask what he meant, but I couldn’t help being curious.

“How?”“Iwouldneverholdyoudown.Iwouldneverholdyouback.Iwouldn’t

evenaskyoutoloveme.Ifyouchooseme,youcanhaveamarriagefreeofconventionalrestraints.Makemeyourking,andyouwouldbefreetoreignhoweveryouseefit.”

Ibrushedoutmydress.“Youwouldneverbeking.”Hetiltedhisheadcomically.“Notyourtype?”Irolledmyeyes.“That’sneitherherenorthere.Anymanwhomarriedme

wouldneverbeking.Hewouldbeaprinceconsort,asnoonecanholdatitlehigherthanmine.”

“I’dtakethat.”I leanedon the armof the bench. “Out of curiosity,whymake such an

offer?You’reverycharismatic,quitehandsome.I’dassumeyoucouldhaveamarriage filled with happiness, which makes me wonder why you wouldcommityourselftooneyoujustadmittedwouldbeloveless.”

He nodded. “That’s a fair question. Personally, I believe love to beoverrated.”

Icouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Icomefromalargefamily.Sixchildren.I’vemanagedtoscrapeby,butI

don’twanttolivethat lifeforever.Thechanceatacomfortablelifewithan

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agreeablewomanisbetterthananythingelseIcanhopefor.”“Agreeable?”Iraisedaneyebrow.“Isthatit?”Hechuckled. “I likeyou.Youareyourself at all costs. I certainlydon’t

consider marrying a clever, beautiful, powerful woman settling. And I canoffer you the means to an end if you find no one suitable in this group.Honestly, I can tell you, themajorityof theseguys are jokes.Andyou cangivemesomethingI’veneverhad.”

I considered. So far the Selection hadn’t been anything I’d expected. Ithadopenedwithpeopleassaultingmewithfood,complainingaboutmyfirstelimination,andjudgingmykisswithKile.EventhoughIwasjustfiguringout that, forme, therewas something inherently unappealing about gettingmarried,Icouldn’thelpbutwonderifI’dtakesomeonesimplyforthesakeofmakingDadhappy.EverytimeIlookedintohiseyes,Iwasmoreandmoreawareofhowtiredheseemed.

Ilovedmydad.ButIalsolovedmyself.AndIwouldhavetolivewithmemuchlonger.“You don’t have to say yes or no,” Ean said, drawing me back to the

moment.“I’msimplysayingthatI’mhereifyouneedme.”I nodded. “I can’t say if I’ll even consider it.” I stood. “For now let’s

continueourride.Idon’tgettoseemyButterscotchnearlyenough.”Andwedid ride forquiteawhile longer,butEandidn’t speakmuch. It

was comfortable in a way not to be burdened with the need to makeconversation.Eanwouldtakemysilencegratefully.Iwonderedifthatcouldlast,ifhewouldeventuallytireofthatkindoflife.

ForthetimebeingIstudiedhim.Handsome,proud,straightforward.Hisconfidencedidn’thingeonmyapproval,andIknewIwouldn’tworryaboutreceivinghis.IcouldpossiblybemarriedwithoutactuallyfeelinglikeIwas....

Hemightbeaveryattractivesuitor,indeed.

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CHAPTER22

I SENT EAN IN SHORTLY thereafter, and he didn’t protest at all, maybeproving rightaway thathewouldbeascompliantas Ineededhim tobe. Itwascertainlyaninterestingproposition,thoughI’dhavetogetmuchfurtheralonginthisprocessbeforeIcouldknowifI’dneedtouseitornot.

Too soon, Ihad toget ready fordinner, so IputButterscotchawayandtookabrushtomyboots.Iwasn’tterriblydirty.“Night,night,”Iwhisperedtomyhorse,slippingherapieceofsugarbeforeheadingbacktothepalace.

“Eadlyn!”someonecalledasIenteredthepalace.ItwasKile.HewastalkingwithHenri,Erik,Fox,andBurke.Hegavethe

othersasigntowaitforhimandjoggeddownthehalltome.“Hey,”hesaid,hiscrookedsmilesettlingonhis face.He lookeda little

nervous.“Howareyou?”“Good.Iwastalkingwithsomeoftheguys,andwehaveaproposalfor

you.”Isighed.“Anotherone?”“Huh?”“Nothing.” I shookmy head to clear it. “Should I come speak to them

now?”“Well,yeah,butIwantedtoaskyousomethingfirst.”“Sure.”Kilestuffedhishandsinhispockets.“Areweokay?”Isquinted.“Kile,yourealizeyou’renotactuallymyboyfriend,right?”Hechuckled.“Yeah, Ido.But, Idon’tknow, I likedhavingsomeone to

showmydesignstoandlaughwith,andIwantedtocomecheckonyouafterIheardaboutJack,butIwasafraidyouwouldn’twanttotalkaboutit.ThenIwasafraidthatstayingawaywouldmakeyouupset,too.Doyouknowhowdifficultyouare?”

“I’dforget,butyoukeepremindingme!”Iteased.Kilefidgeted.“I’lleaseup.Butseriously,areweokay?”Iwatchedashebithis lip, and Ihad to fightmyself fromdaydreaming

about them.Hesaidhewashere forme, so Ihoped,maybe, I’dget to feelthoselipsagain.

“Yes,Kile.We’reokay.Don’tworrysomuch.”

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“Allright.Comeoverhere.Ithinkyou’regoingtolikethisidea.”We turned and walked down to the cluster of boys waiting. Henri

immediatelykissedmyhand.“Hellotoday,”hegreeted,makingmelaugh.“Hello,Henri.Burke,Fox.Hi,Erik.”“YourHighness,”Burkebegan.“Maybethisisalittleoutofline,butwe

werethinkingthattheSelectionisaverychallengingtimeforyou.”Ichuckled.“Youhavenoidea.”Fox smiled. He and Burke looked a little comical next to each other.

Burkewassoburly,andhewasso lean.“Ithas tobecrazy.Youhaveyourwork to do, and then you need to find time to do solo dates or try to getaroundtoeveryoneataparty.Itseemsexhausting.”

“Sowehadanidea,”Kilesaid.“Couldthefourofusdosomethingwithyouthisweek?”

Thiswascompletelybrilliant.“Yes!”Iexclaimed.“Thatwouldbegreat.Anyideasonwhattodo?”

“Wewerethinkingaboutcookingtogether.”Burke’sfacewassohappy,Icouldn’tsayno,eventhoughthatwasexactlywhatIwantedtodo.

“Cooking?”Isaid,afakesmileplasteredonmyface.“Comeon,”Kileurged.“It’llbefun.”Iexhalednervously.“Allright.Cooking.Howabouttomorrownight?”“Perfect!”Foxsaidquickly,likehewasworriedI’dchangemymind.“Okay.Thursday,sixo’clock.I’llmeetyouinthefoyer,andwecanwalk

tothekitchenstogether.”Thiswasgoingtobeanightmare.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,Ihavetogetreadyfordinner.”

Iheadedupstairswondering if therewas anyway tomake thisbetter. Idoubtedit.

“Neena,”Icalled,walkingintomyroom.“Yes,miss?”“Canyoustartabath?Ineedonebeforedinner.”“Certainly.”I wrestled with my boots and flung off my dress. Besides the simple

givingandrespondingtoorders,wehadn’tspokenmuchlately,andIhadtoadmit, itwas hard onme.My roomwasmy retreat, the place I rested andsketched and hid from the world. Neenawas a part of that, and her beingupsetwithmeseteverythingoff-kilter.

Iwalkedintothebathroom,happytofindthatshewasdroppingpiecesoflavenderintothetubwithoutmeasking.

“Neena,you’reamindreader.”“Itry,”shesaidslyly.

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Imovedcautiously,notwantingtoangerheragain.“HaveyouheardfromMarkrecently?”

Itseemedshecouldn’thelphersmile.“Yes,justyesterday.”“What did you say he studied again?” I slipped into the warm water,

alreadyfeelingbetter.“Biochemistry.” She looked down. “I admit, he uses plenty of words I

don’t understand when he tells me about it, but I get the idea of what hemeans.”

“Iwasn’ttryingtoimplyIthoughtyouwerestupid,Neena.Iwascurious.Ithoughtthatwasobvious.”Biochemistry.Somethingaboutthatrangabell.

Shesighedanddroppedmorelavenderintothebath.“Itcameoutmuchharsherthanthat.”

“There are boys here fromverydifferentwalks of life thanmine. I canhardlystandtobeinthesameroomwithsomeofthem.Itwasintriguingthatthe two of you do such varied jobs and still manage to share commonground.”

Sheshookherhead.“Wework.It’snotsomethingyoucanfigureoutonpaper.Somepeoplearemeanttobetogether.”

I leaned back in the tub. If therewas noway to explain anything, thenwhy bother? I thought again of Ean’s offer and Kile’s worry and Hale’squestions. I couldn’t believe how murky everything had become. I barelyunderstoodmyownfeelingsanymore.IknewIwantedmyindependence,andtheideaofanymancomingupbehindmetryingtofixmyworkordoitformewasunacceptable.Then I thoughtofDad’sgrayhairs, slowlymixing inwiththeblond,andwonderedhowfarI’dgotomakehislifeeasier.

Itwasstrange.Basically,everyboydownstairswasanoption, ifIreallyhadtochooseone.Andeachofthemcouldeasilyhurlmyworldintoanewtrajectory.Ididn’tlikethat.Iwantedtobeinchargeofmypath.Iwonderedifthatwasthereasonforputtingafencearoundmyself,ifitwastheworrythatanyonewhocrosseditwouldtakeawaymycontrol.

But maybe that control was an illusion. Even if I passed on all theSelectedboys,wouldsomeoneeventuallycomealongandmakemenotevencareaboutcontrol?Wouldhecausemetohanditoverwillingly?

It seemed impossible, something I certainly couldn’t have imaginedhappeningafewweeksago.

There were still plenty of reasons to keep my guard up, and I knew Iwould. Still, I didn’t think I’d be able to ignore the way these boys wereaffectingmemuchlonger.

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CHAPTER23

IWAITEDNERVOUSLY INTHE palace foyer. Iwasn’t sure aboutwhat Iwaswearing—what did peoplewear to cook?—or how to fake expertise in thekitchenorhowtodisperseattentionevenlyamongfoursuitors.

And while I knew having a photographer there was both good forpublicityandpersonalsafety,theideaofsomeonedocumentingthisnightdidnotmakemefeelanylessjittery.

Ipulledatmyshirt,whichwasratherplainincaseIgotdirty,andtouchedmyhair,makingsure itwas still inplace.Theclockshowed theboyswerefourminuteslate,andIwasgettingantsy.

Just as I was about to send a butler to fetch them, I heard the echo ofvoices in thehallway.Kile rounded thecorner first.Burkewas rightbesidehim,clearlytryingtobuddyuptotheallegedleaderofthepack.FoxwaswithHenri, both smiling quietly. Not far behind, Erik walked with his handstuckedbehindhim.Hispresencewasnecessary,butIsensedhefeltalittleoutofplaceasthesolenonparticipantinagroupdate.

Kilerubbedhishandstogether.“Youreadytoeat?”“Eat,yes.Cook?We’llseehowthatgoes.”Itriedtohidemyworrywitha

smile,butIthinkKileknew.“So is it trueyou twohaveknowneachotheryourwhole lives?”Burke

asked.Itwassoabrupt,Ididn’tknowhowtorespond.“Trustme,you’vegotthebetterendofthedeal,”Kilerepliedsmoothly,

elbowinghimintheribs.“It’s true,” I confirmed. “It’s like Kile said on the Report: I never

consideredhimboyfriendmaterialuntilIwasforcedto.He’slikefamily.”Everyone laughed, and I realized how true that was. It annoyed me

whenever Josie toldpeople shewas likemysister,but IdidknowbothherandKilebetterthanIknewmycousins.

“The kitchen is thisway,” I said, pointing past them to the dining hall.“Thestaffknowswe’recoming,solet’sgocook.”

Kileshookhisheadatmyfakeenthusiasmbutsaidnothing.Wewalked to thebackof thedininghallandroundedapartition.There

was a wide dumbwaiter the staff used to bring up carts of food next to astairwell that led to the main kitchen. Burke rushed to my side quickly,offeringhisarmaswetraveleddownthewidesteps.

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“Whatdoyouwanttocooktonight?”heasked.Iwondered ifmy faceshowedmyshock. I really thought someoneelse

wouldbeprovidingtheideas.“Oh,I’mkindofupforwhatever,”Ihedged.“Let’s make courses,” Kile suggested. “An appetizer, an entrée, and a

dessert.”“Thatsoundsgood,”Foxagreed.Erik piped up from the back. “Henri and I will do dessert, if that’s all

right.”“Sure,”Kileanswered.Icouldsmellthedinnerthatwasbeingpreparedfortherestofthepalace.

Icouldn’tpinpointeverything,buttherewasadelicioushintofgarlicintheair, and I suddenly had a new reason to hate this date: I had to postponeactuallyeating.

Inalow-ceilingedroom,adozenpeoplewiththeirhairpulledbacktightlyortuckedunderscarveswererunningaround,tossingvegetablesintopotsofsteamingwaterordouble-checkingtheseasoningsofthesauces.Despitethefactthattherewasstillamealtofinishpreparingforeveryoneinthepalace,thestaffhadclearedhalfofthespaceforustouse.

Aman in a tall chef’s hat approached us. “YourHighness.Will this beenoughroom?”

“Morethanenough,thankyou.”I remembered his face from a fewweeks agowhen he’d presentedme

with the sample ideas for the first dinner. I’d been so annoyed at the time,Mom did most of the choosing, and I hadn’t even thought to thank him.Lookingaroundandseeinghowmuchworkwasgoingintoasinglemeal,Ifeltashamedofmyself.

“Missäpidäthiivaa?”Henriaskedpolitely.MyeyeswenttoErik,whospokeup.“Pardonme,sir,butwheredoyou

keepyouryeast?”FoxandBurkegiggled,butIrememberedwhatErikhadtoldmeonceand

whatwascrudelywordedonHenri’sownapplication:hewasacook.ThechefwavedHenridown,andheandErikfollowedhimclosely,trying

tochat.Thechefwasclearlyexcitedtohavesomeonewithsomeexperienceintheroom.Theotherboys...notsomuch.

“Okay,so...let’sgoseewhat’sinthefridge.”Foxhesitantlyledthewaytooneofseverallargerefrigeratorsalongthewall.Ilookedattheorganizedcontents—parchment-wrapped meats labeled in pencil, the four differenttypesofmilkweused,andthevarioussaucesorstarterspreppedandstoredaheadoftime—andknewIwaswayoutofmyleague.

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Iheardaclickandturnedtoseethephotographerhadarrived.“JustpretendI’mnothere!”shewhisperedcheerfully.Kilegrabbedsomebutter.“Youalwaysneedbutter,”heassuredme.Inodded.“Goodtoknow.”Burke found a pile of something on the counter.He turned to the chef.

“Whatisthis?”“Phyllopaper.Youcanmakedozensofthingswiththat.Meltsomeofthat

butter,andI’llgetyousomerecipes.”Kilegavemeaface.“See?”“How do we want to decide who works together?” Burke asked,

obviouslyhopingI’dsimplygowithhim.“Rock,paper,scissors?”Foxsuggested.“That’s fair,”Kile agreed.He andFoxwent up against each other first,

andthoughnoonesaiditonewayortheother,theyknewtheloserswouldbestuckwitheachother.

Kile beat both Fox andBurke. Fox took it in stride, but Burke had notalentatmaskinghisemotions.Thetwoofthempickedanappetizertomaketogether—asparaguswrappedwith prosciutto and phyllo—whileKile and Iwereleftstaringatsomechicken,tryingtofigureoutwhattodowithit.

“So,what’sstepone?”Iasked.“IcookedplentywhenIwasawayinFennley,butIneedarecipeatleast.

Ibetthosebookswouldhelp.”Wewalkedovertoacupboardthatcontaineddozensofcookbooks.Mostofthemhadmarkershanginginmultipleplaces,andtherewerepilesofnotecardsnexttothemwithmoreideas.

AsKile flipped through the pages, I playedwith the jars of herbs. Thekitchenmademe think ofwhat a scientist’s labwould look like, onlywithfood.Iopenedsome,inhalingthemorfeelingthetexture.

“Smellthis,”Iinsisted,holdingupajartoKile.“What’sthat?”“Saffron.Doesn’titsmelldelicious?”Hesmiledatmeandwentstraighttothebackofthebookhewasholding.

“Aha!”hesaid, turning forward to findhispage.“Saffronchicken.Want togivethatatry?”

“Sure.”Iclutchedthejarinmyhandlikeitwasmybigcontributiontothenight.

“Allright.Saffronchicken...so,let’spreheattheoven.”Istoodnexttohim,staringatthebuttonsanddials.Probablytheovensin

normalpeople’shomesdidn’tlooklikethis,butthismassive,industrialsetupseemed like it might launch a satellite if we touched the wrong thing.Welookedatthestovelikeitmightgiveussomeinstructionsifwewaitedlong

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enough.“ShouldIgetmorebutter?”Iasked.“Shutup,Eadlyn.”Thechefwalkedpastandmumbled,“Dialontheleft,threefifty.”Kilereachedoverandturneditasifheknewwhattodothewholetime.IglancedtowardFoxandBurke.Burkewasclearlyactingastheirleader

andloudlygivingorders.Foxdidn’tseemtomindatall,laughingandjokingwithoutbeingobnoxious.Theypeekedbackoveratusseveral times,Burkesneaking in awinknowand then.Past them,Erik andHenriwereworkingquietly,withErikdoingaminimalamountoflabor,onlyassistingwhenHenriaskedforit.

Henri’s sleeveswere rolledup andhe’dgotten some flouronhispants,andIkindoflovedthathedidn’tseemtocareaboutit.Erikwasalittlemessyhimself,andhedidn’tbotherwipinganyofitoffeither.

IlookedatKile,whowasburiedinthecookbook.“I’llberightback.”“Sure.” As I walked away, I heard him quietly try to get the chef’s

attention.“Lookinggood,boys,”Isaid,pausingbyFox.“Thanks.Thisisactuallykindofsoothing.Inevercookedmuchathome,

nothinglikethisanyway.ButI’mlookingforwardtotryingit.”Fox’shandsstutteredforamoment,tryingtofindhisrhythmagain.

“Thiswillbethebestasparagusyou’veeverhad,”Burkepromised.“Ican’twait,”Ireplied,movingtothefarendofthetable.Erik looked up, greeting me with a smile. “Your Highness. How’s our

dinnerlooking?”“Verybad indeed,” I promised.Hechuckled and toldHenri the stateof

ourpoorsupper.Theirhandswerecovered indough,and Icouldseebowlsofcinnamon

andsugarwaitingtobeused.“Thislookspromisingthough.Doyoucookaswell,Erik?”

“Oh,notprofessionally.ButIliveonmyown,soIcookformyself,andIloveallthetraditionalSwendishfoods.Thisisafavorite.”

ErikturnedtoHenri,andIcouldtelltheyweretalkingaboutfoodbecauseHenriwasalightwithexcitement.

“Oh,yeah!Henriwasjustsayingthere’sthissouphehaswhenhe’ssick.It’sgotpotatoesandfish,and,oh,Imissmymotherjustthinkingaboutit.”

Ismiled,tryingtoimagineErikalonetryingtomasterhismother’smealsandHenriinthebackofarestaurantalreadyhavingconqueredeveryrecipeinhis family’s memory. I kept worrying that Erik felt like an outcast. Hecertainly worked to separate himself from the Selected. He dressed

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differently,walkedata slowerpace,andevencarriedhimselfa little lower.Butwatchinghimhere, interactingwithHenri,whowas tookind forme todismiss,Iwassogratefulforhispresence.HebroughtalittlepieceofhometoasituationtwiceremovedfromHenri’sideaofnormal.

Isteppedaway,allowingthemtowork,andwentbacktomystation.Kilehad collected some ingredients in my absence. He was dicing garlic on awoodenbricknexttoabowlofsomethingthatlookedlikeyogurt.

“Thereyouare,”hegreeted.“Okay,crushthosesaffronthreadsandthenmixtheminthebowl.”

Afteramomentofblankstaring, Ipickedup the tinybowlandmallet Iassumed was meant for thread crushing and started pressing. It was astrangely satisfying exercise. Kile did most of the work, smothering thechickenwith the yogurtmix and throwing it in the oven. The other teamswereatvariousstagesofprepaswell,andintheend,thedessertwasreadyfirst,followedbytheappetizer,andourentréepulleduptherear.

Realizing belatedly that Kile and I should have made something to gowith our chicken, we decided to use the wrapped asparagus as a side, alllaughingathowpoorlywe’dplannedthis.

The whole lot of us crowded around one end of the long table. I wassandwichedbetweenBurkeandKile,withHenriacrossfrommeandFoxatthehead.Erikwasslightlyremovedbutstillclearlyenjoyingthecompany.

Honestly, I was, too. Cookingmademe nervous because it was totallyforeigntome.Ididn’tknowhowtocutorsautéoranything,andIdespisedfailingorlookingfoolish.Butthemajorityofushadlimitedexperience,andinstead of it becoming a stressor, it became a joke,making this one of themostrelaxedmealsI’deverhad.Noformalplacesettings,noassignedseats;and since nearly all the chinawas in use for our very full house,wewereusingplainplatesthatlookedsoold,theonlyreasontheycouldpossiblystillbeherewassentimentality.

“Okay,sincetheyweresupposedtobetheappetizer,Ithinkweshouldtrytheasparagusfirst,”Kileinsisted.

“Let’s do it.” Burke speared his asparagus and took a bite, and we allfollowed.Itappearedtheresultswereinconsistent.Henrinoddedapprovingly,butminetastedawful.IcouldtellFox’swasbadaswellbasedonhispoorlyconcealedgrimace.

“That . . . that is the worst thing I’ve ever tasted,” Fox said, trying tochew.

“Mine’sgood!”Burkesaiddefensively.“You’reprobablyjustnotusedtoeatingsuchqualityfood.”

Foxduckedhis head, and I gathered something Iwouldn’t haveknown

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otherwise:Foxwaspoor.“Can I try a bite of yours?” Iwhispered toHenri, usingmy hands and

happytofindheunderstoodwithoutErik’shelp.“Doyoumind?”Foxrepliedquietly,andIpretendedtobetoofocusedon

thefoodtohearhim.AndHenri’spieceactuallywasmuchbetter.“Who’stosayit’snotbecauseofyourcooking?”

“Well,maybeifIhadabetterpartner,”Burkesnapped.“Hey,hey,hey!”Kileinsisted.“There’snowayyourscouldbeworsethan

ours.”Igiggled, trying tobreak the tension. I could feelBurke’sanger likean

actual,physical thinghanging in theair,andIwantednothingmore than toreturntotherelaxedfeelingwehadwhenwe’dsatdown.

“Allright,”Isaidwithasigh.“Ithinkthefirstthingweneedtodoiscuteach piece of chicken in half tomake sure it’s cooked through. I seriouslydon’twanttokillanyone.”

“Areyoudoubtingme?”Kileasked,offended.“Definitely!”Itookatentativebite...anditwasprettygood.Itwasn’tundercooked;

infact,someoftheedgeswerealittledrywherethepastehadn’tcovereditall.Butitwasedible!ConsideringthatI’donlydoneafractionofthework,Iwasmaybealittletooproud.

We ate, sharing pieces of the asparagus that hadn’t turned out too bad,thoughIgenuinelyworriedImightbesicklater.

Finally,I’dhadenough.“I’mreadyfordessert!”Henrichuckledinunderstandingandwentovertowherehispastrieswere

cooling on a rack. With careful movements, only using the edges of hisfingerseven thoughtherollsseemedfirm,he transferred themall toaplateandsettheminfrontofus.

“Iskorvapuusti,”hesaid,givingthedishaname.Then,takingmyhand,hegavemeaveryimportantspeech;Icouldtellbytheintensityinhiseyes.IwishedsobadlythatIcouldunderstandhimonmyown.

Whenhefinished,Eriksmiledandturnedtome.“KorvapuustiisoneofHenri’sfavoritethingstoprepareaswellaseat.He

saysthatifyoudonotlikeit,youshouldsendhimhometonight,forhe’ssureyourrelationshipcouldnotsurviveifyouaren’tasinlovewiththisasheis.”

Foxlaughedatmyshockedface,butHenrinodded,assuringmehemeantit.

I tookadeepbreathandpickeduponeof thedelicately rolledpastries.“Heregoesnothing.”

RightawayIcouldtastethecinnamon.Therewassomethingelseinthere

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thatremindedmeofgrapefruit...butIknewthatwasn’tit.Itwasdeliciouslysweet,butmorethanitbeingafantasticrecipe,Icouldtellitwasmadebyafantasticchef.Henri hadpouredhimself into this.And Iwaswilling to betpartof thatwas forme . . .but I thought itwasmostly forhimself, thathecouldn’tallowhimselftomakeitanythinglessthanincredible.

Iwasblownaway.“It’sperfect,Henri.”Theothersgrabbedpiecesandshovedthemintotheirmouths,gruntingin

approval.“Mymomwouldbedyingrightnow.Shehassuchasweettooth!”Isaid.Kile was nodding with his eyes wide. He knew how she was about

desserts.“Thisisgreat,Henri.Nicejobtoyou,too,Erik.”Erikshookhishead.“Ibarelyhelped.”“Wasthisrigged?”Burkeasked,hismouthhalffullwiththepastry.Wealllookedathim,confused.“Imean,Icameupwiththisidea,andthenHenrijumpedinonitjustto

showtherestofusup.”Hisfacewasturningred,andthatfeelingofuneasewasfillingtheroom

again.Foxputahandonhis shoulder.“Calmdown,man. It’s justacinnamon

roll.”Burkeshruggeditoffandthrewtherestofhisdessertacrosstheroom.“I

wouldhavedonewaybetter ifyouweren’t therescrewingmeupthewholetime!”

Foxmadeaface.“Hey,youweretheonestandingtheretalkingabouthowhotshewaswhenyoushouldhavebeenwatch—”

Burke threwapunchthatknockedFoxbackseveralsteps. Isuckedinabreath, frozen. Fox came back at him, and I was pushed to the floor byBurke’sarmpullingbackforanotherpunch.

“WHOA!”KilejumpedovermeandstartedpullingatBurke,whileHenriwas yelling at Fox in Finnish.After everythingwith Jack,my new instinctwastogetbackupandthrowapunch.Noonewasgoingtohurtmeandgetawaywithit.AndImighthavetriedifitwasn’tforonething.

Erik, thequietobserver,had launchedhimselfover the table topickmeup.

“Come,”hesaid.Iwasn’tparticularlyafanofobeyingorders.Buthesaiditsourgently,I

followed.

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CHAPTER24

ERIKRUSHEDMEUPTHEstairsandintothedininghall.Everyoneelseinthepalacewasinthemiddleoftheirdinner,andtheroomfelttooloud.

“Eadlyn?” Daddy called, but Erik kept me moving, somehow knowingthatIcouldn’tbeartostaythere.Heonlypausedwhenwegottotheendoftheroom,andjustlongenoughtopassalongtheproblem.

“Pardonme,officer,someoftheSelectedareinafightinthekitchen.It’sveryphysical,anditlookedtobeescalating.”

“Thank you.” The officer motioned to two other guards, and theyfollowedhimasherantowardthefray.

IrealizedIwashuggingmyself,bothfrightenedandenraged.Erikgentlyplaced a hand onmy back and usheredme away.My parentswere callingafterme, but I couldn’t dealwith thatmany people right now, surroundingme,askingquestions.

Heslowedandaskedmequietly,“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”“Myroom.”“Leadtheway.”He didn’t touchme exactly, except for the occasional brush againstmy

back, whichmademe realize he must have kept his hand there the wholetime,inchesawayfromme,justincase.Ipushedopenmydoor,andNeenawasinside,polishingthetable,fillingtheroomwiththescentoflemons.

“Mylady?”Iheldupahand.“Maybegogethersometea?”Erikoffered.Shenoddedandrushedaway.Iwalkedover tomybedand tooka fewdeepbreaths.Erikstood there,

calmandsilent.“I’veneverseenanythinglikethat,”Iconfessed.Hegotdownonaknee

sohewaslevelwithme.“Myfatherhasneversomuchasswattedmyhand,andhe’salwaystaughtustoseekpeacefulresolutions.AhrenandIgaveuptryingtofighteachotherbeforewecouldreallytalk.”

Irememberedthisallwithalaugh.“Whenweweredownthere,allIcouldthinkaboutwashowIranfrom

Jack. Burke knockedme to the ground, and this time I was going to fightback,butIjustrealizedI’dhavenoideahowtodoit.”

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Eriksmiled.“Henrisays,whenyou’reupset, the lookinyoureyes isasstrongasapunch.You’renotpowerless.”

Iduckedmyhead,thinkingofhowItoldmyselfoverandoverthatnoonein theworldwasaspowerfulasme.Therewas truth to it, sure.But ifJackhadpinnedmetothegroundorBurkehadturnedhisfistsonme,mycrownwouldhavedonemenogooduntilafterthefact.Icouldpunish,butIcouldn’tprevent.

“You know, boy or girl, I think aggression is a sign of weakness. I’malways more impressed when people can end something with words.” Hiseyeswereseeinganotherplaceandtimewhenhewenton.“Maybethat’swhylanguage became so important to me. My father, he always used to say‘Eikko,wordsareweapons.Theyareallyouneed.’”

“Ayco?”Iasked.He grinned, a little embarrassed. “E-I-K-K-O. Like I said, Erik is the

closestinEnglish.”“Ilikeit.Really.”Heturnedhisattentionbacktome,lookingatmyarms.“Areyouhurt?”“Oh...umm,Idon’tthinkso.”Ifeltalittlesorefromhittingtheground,

butitwasnothingserious.“Ijustcan’tbelievehowfastithappened.”“Idon’twanttoexcuseeitherofthematall—thatwasunacceptable—but

Iheartheguystalking,andthey’restressed.Theyallwanttoimpressyou,butthey have no idea how to do it, consideringwho you are. Some talk abouttryingtoundermineotherswithoutgettingcaught.Afewareworkingoutatevery turn tobephysically superior. I understand that it’s a lot of pressure,andthat’sprobablywhyBurkesnapped.Butthatwillnevermakeitokay.”

“I’msosorryyouhavetobearoundthat.”Heshrugged.“It’sfine.MostlyIjuststickwithHenriandKile,sometimes

Hale,andthey’regoodcompany.NotthatI’devertrytochooseforyou,butthethreeofthemareaprettysafeplacetostart.”

I smiled. “I thinkyou’re right.”Though I hadn’t spent one-on-one timewitheveryoneyet,IalreadyknewHalewasagoodguy.AndseeingHenrisoexcitedabouthisfoodtonight,aboutthispartofhislife,gavemeaglimpseofthepersonbehindthebarrier.AndKile...well,Ididn’tknowwhattomakeofKile,buthewasabettercompanionthanI’dgivenhimcreditfor.

“Wouldyou tellHenri formehowwonderfulhis foodwas? Icould tellhowimportantitwastohim,andIadmirehispassion.”

“Iwill.Happily.”Iextendedmyhandandhegavemehis, resting thembothonmyknee.

“Thankyousomuchforthis.Youreallywentaboveandbeyondtonight,andI’msothankfulyouwerehere.”

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“It’stheleastIcoulddo.”I tilted my head, really looking at him. It felt like something had just

happened,butIdidn’tknowwhatitwas.Erik,withoutknowingme,haddonesomuchright.Hepulledmeaway

beforeImadethesituationworse,gotmetosolitudebeforeIlostcontrolofmy emotions, and stayed with me, listening to my worries and makingeverythingbetterwithhiswords.Therewerescoresofpeopleoncall,readytodowhateverIasked.

ItwassofunnytomethatwithhimIdidn’tevenhavetoask.“Iwon’tforgetthis,Eikko.Notever.”Therewas a tiny lift of a smile at the soundof his givenname, andhe

squeezedmyhandeversoslightly.IrememberedthefeelingofmyfirstdatewithHale,howIfeltwhenIwas

surehe’dpeeledeverythingbackandhadseentherealme.This time,Ifeltlike Iwas on the other side of that, looking past duty andworry and rank,seeingthetrueheartofaperson.

Andhiswassobeautiful.Neenacamebackincarryingatray,andErikandIrippedourhandsapart.“Areyouallright,mylady?”“Yes,Neena,”Ipromisedher,standing.“Therewasafight,butErikgot

meaway.I’msuretheguardswillcomewithareportsoon.InthemeantimeIjustneedtocalmdown.”

“The tea will help. I got some chamomile, and we’ll get you intosomething comfortable before you need to report anywhere,” Neena said,alreadymakingmynighteasierbyplanningit.

IturnedbacktoErik,whowasstandingbythedoor.Heboweddeeply.“Goodnight,YourHighness.”“Goodnight.”Hewalkedawayquickly,andNeenacameover,handingmeacupoftea.

Thestrangethingwas,myhandswerealreadysowarm.

About an hour later I met Mom and Dad in the office to discuss what’dhappened.

“SirFoxlooksprettybad,”aguardrelayed.“SirHenri tried topullhimaway,butSirBurkewaspracticallyunstoppable.BothSirHenriandSirKilegotsomemarkssimplyfromtryingtoseparatethem.”

“Howbad?”Iasked.“SirHenrihasabruiseonhischestandacutjustabovehiseye.SirKile’s

lipwasbustedopen,andtherearen’tanybigscarsbesidesthat,buthefeelssorefromtryingtocontainSirBurke.”

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“You can stop calling him ‘Sir’!”Dad insisted. “Burke is leaving rightnow!ThesameforFox!”

“Maxon,reconsider.Foxdidn’tdoanything,”Momurged.“Iagreeitwasinappropriate,butdon’tmakethatchoiceonEadlyn’sbehalf.”

“I will!” he yelled. “We did this to bring our people joy, to give ourdaughterachanceat thesamehappinesswehave.Andsinceitbegan,she’sbeenassaultedtwice!IwillNOThavemonsterslikethatundermyroof!”Hefinishedhisspeech,slamminghisfistintoasidetable,knockinghisteaontothefloor.

I stiffened,gripping thearmsofmychair. “Daddy, stop,” Ipleaded,mywordshushedwithfearImightsomehowmakeitworse.

Helookedoverhisshoulderatme,asifheonlynowrealizedMomandIwere still in the room. His eyes instantly softened, and he turned away,shakinghishead.

After a deep breath he straightened his suit and spoke to the guard.“Beforeanythingcontinues,Iexpectthoroughbackgroundchecksoneachofthe Selected.Do it secretively and usewhatevermeans possible. If anyonehassomuchasgottenintoasquabbleingradeschool,Iwantthemgone.”

Calm again, he sat beside Mom. “I unconditionally insist that Burkeleaves.That’snotupfordebate.”

“But what about Fox?” Mom asked. “It sounds like he didn’t reallyinstigateanything.”

Dadshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.The ideaof lettinganyone involvedstayseemslikeverypoorjudgment.”

Mom leaned her head on Dad’s shoulder. “Once upon a time I wasinvolved in a fight during theSelection, and you letme stay. Imagine howthingswouldhavebeenifyouhadn’t.”

“Mom,yougotintoafight?”Iasked,dumbfounded.“It’strue,”Dadconfirmed,sighing.Momsmiled.“Iactuallystill thinkabouttheothergirloften.Sheturned

outtobequitelovely.”Dadhuffed,histonebegrudging.“Fine.Foxcanstay,butonlyifEadlyn

thinkshemightbesomeoneshe’dhaveachanceathappinesswith.”Their eyes settled onme, and I was confused about somany things at

once,Ifeltpositiveitreadonmyface.Iturnedtotheguard.“Thankyouforyourupdate.HaveBurkeescortedfromthepremisesand tellFoxI’ll speakwithhimshortly.Youcangonow.”

Once he left the room, I rose from my chair, trying to compose mythoughts.

“I’mnotgoingtoaskaboutthatfight,though,forthelifeofme,Icannot

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figureoutwhyyoutwohavewithheldsomuchaboutyourSelectionfrommeandhaveonlydecidedtosharesomeofthebiggerbitsandpiecesnow.AndafterI’vefacedsomethingyou’vealreadyexperienced.”

Theysatthereguiltily.“Mommetyoubeforeshewassupposedto,”Iaccused,pointingtoDad.

“Yourcandidateswereallplantedbyyourfather....Maybeyoucouldhavegivenmeaheads-upabouthowtodealwithafighttwoweeksago.”

Icrossedmyarms,exhausted.“I promised you threemonths, and I’m going to give you that,” I said,

taking in their worried expressions. “I’ll go on dates and let people takepicturessowehavesomethingtoprintinthepapersandtotalkaboutontheReport.ButyoutwoseemtothinkthatifIstickthisout,I’mmagicallygoingtofallinlove.”

Istoodthere,shakingmyhead.“That’snotgoingtohappen.Notforme.”“Itcould,”Momwhisperedtenderly.“IknowI’mdisappointingyou,butit’snotwhatIwant.Andtheseboys

arefine,but...someofthemmakemeuncomfortable,andIdon’tthinktheycanhandlethepressureofthisposition.I’mnotgoingtohandcuffmyselftoaweightforthesakeofadistractingheadline.”

Dadstood.“Eadlyn,that’snotwhatwewanteither.”“Thenplease”—Iraisedmyhandsinfrontofme,guardingmyself—“stop

pressuringmetofallforpeopleIneverwantedhereinthefirstplace.”Iclaspedmyhands together. “Thiswhole situationhasbeenawful. I’ve

hadpeople throw food atme in public; others have judgedmeover a kiss.Oneboytouchedmeagainstmywill,andanotherflungmetotheground.ForalltheeffortIputintomakethingsright,thepapershavehadafielddaywiththeconstantshame.”

Theyexchangedaconcernedglance.“When I said I’d help distract people, I didn’t think it would be this

degrading.”“Sweetheart,wewerenevertryingtohurtyou.”Momlookedheartbroken,

closetotears.“Iknow,andI’mnotmad.Ijustwantmyfreedom.IfthisiswhatIhave

todoinordertogetthat,thenIwill.Ifyouwantyourdistraction,I’lldeliver.Butpleasedon’tplaceall thoseexpectationsonme. Idon’twant to letyoudownanymorethanIhavealready.”

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CHAPTER25

IKNOCKEDONFOX’SDOOR,kindofhopinghewouldn’tanswer.Ithadbeenadrainingnight,andIwantedtogohideundermyblankets.

Ofcourse,hisbutleropened thedoorandpulled it so farback thatFoxsawmebeforeIcouldbeannounced.

HelookedasbadasI’dbeentold.Oneeyewasswollenandsurroundedbyvaryingshadesofpurple,andtheoppositesideofhisheadwascoveredinabandage,aswellastheknucklesacrosshisrighthand.

“Eadlyn!”hesaid,hoppingupoffhisbed,thenwincingandgrabbinghisribs.“Sorry.ImeantYourHighness.”

“Youcango,”IsaidhurriedlytothebutlerasIrushedovertoFox.“Sit,”Iurged.“Shouldn’tyoustillbeinthehospitalwing?”He shookhisheadashe settleddownagain. “I’vebeenmedicated, and

theythoughtI’drestbetterinmyownroom.”“Howareyoufeeling?”Iasked,thoughIcouldtellhewasinpain.“Besidesthebruises?”heasked.“Humiliated.”“CanIjoinyou?”Iasked,pointingtothespotbesidehimontheedgeof

bed.“Ofcourse.”Isat,notsurewheretostart.Ididn’twanttosendhimhomenow,partly

outofcharity.IpeekedatBurke’sandFox’sapplicationsbeforegoingtoseeDad, andFox had actually hinted at a lot about his home life on his form.Typically,Iwaslookingformutualinterestsorthingswecouldtalkabout,soI’dmissedsomeimportantdetailsabouthim.

Living in Clermont, he worked as a lifeguard at the beach, whichexplained thesun-kissedskinandoverlyblondhair. Igot the feeling that itwasn’tpayingenoughtosupport therestofhisfamily, thoughthatsituationwasalittleunclearonpaper.Hismotherwasn’t livingathome,butIdidn’tknow if that meant she had passed or not. I also could see his father wasterminallyill,soIdoubtedhewascontributingtothefinances.

Furthermore,ifI’dpaidattentionatall,Iwouldhavenoticedhowmuchfullerhischeekslookedcomparedtothepictureonhisformnowthathewasgettingfedproperly.

Iwantedhimtostay. Iwantedhimtokeephisstipend. Iwantedhimtostealsomeofthethingsfromhisroomwhenheleftandsellthemwhenhegot

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home.Butaskinghimtostaymeantgivinghimhope.“Listen,”hestarted,“Iunderstand ifyouhave tosendmehome. Ido. I

don’twanttoleave,butIknowtherules.Ijust...Idon’twanttoleavewithyouthinkingI’mlikeBurkeorJack.TrynottothinkpoorlyofmewhenIgo,okay?”

“Iwon’t.Idon’t.”Foxlookedoverandgavemeasadgrin.“Inevergottotellyousomany

things.LikehowIwishIcouldcommandaroomlikeyou.It’ssoimpressive.Orhowyoureyessparklewhenyoumakeajoke.It’sreallypretty.”

“Dotheydothat?Wait,doImakejokes?”Hechuckled.“Yeah.Imean,they’remostlysubtle,butyougiveitaway

withyoureyes.AndIcanseehowpleasedyouarewhenyou’re teasingus.Likeatthequiztheotherday.”

Ismiled.“Thatwasfun.Tonightwasfun,too,upuntiltheend.”“I’llneverforgetyourfacewhenyoubitintothatasparagus.”Ipressedmy lips together, pretty sure that his expression andminehad

beensimilar.WhatmadeitbetterwasthatIknewhowhardhe’dtried,andhestillwasn’tupsetoverit.TheonlythinghurtinghimnowwasthisworrythatI’drememberhimassomethinglessthanagentleman.

“Fox, I’m going to ask you some questions, and I need you to becompletelyhonestwithme. If I thinkyou’re lyingatall, that’s it.You’llbegonewithinthehour.”

Heswallowed,thesillinessofthelastfewmomentsfadingfromhisface.“Youhavemyword.”

Inodded,believinghim.“Allright.Wouldyoutellmeaboutyourdad?”Hehuffed,clearlynotexpectingtheconversationtoheadinthisdirection.

“Umm, he’s sick, which I guess you know. He’s got cancer. He’s stillfunctioningprettywell.Likehe’sworking,butit’sonlypart-timerightnow.Heneedsalotofsleep.

“Whenhegotsickmymomleft,so...Ireallydon’twanttotalkabouther,ifthat’sokay.”

“That’sokay.”Helookedatthefloorashecontinued.“I’vegotabrotherandasister,and

they go on and on about her like she’s coming back, but I know that’s nothappening.Ifshedid,thenI’dleave.”

“Wereallydon’thavetotalkabouther,Fox.”“Sorry.Youknow,Ithoughtthehardestpartaboutcomingherewouldbe

thedistance,butwhat’ssobaditalmosthurtsisseeingyouwithyourfamily.”Hescratchedathishairwithhisgoodhand.“Yourparentsare still in love,

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andyourbrothers lookatyoulikeyou’reheavenonearth,andIwishIhadthat.Idon’thaveanythingclose.”

Iputahandonhisback.“We’renotperfect.Ipromise.Anditsoundslikeyouandyourdadhavesomethingspecial.”

“Wedo.”Heglancedoveratme.“Ididn’tmeantoget like that. Idon’ttalkaboutmyfamilyalot.”

“That’sfine.Ihaveotherquestions.”Hesatupstraightagain,andIcouldseethepainoftheaction.Ipulledmy

handawayandrolledmyeyes.“Actually,Ijustrealizedthismightbeahardone,too.”

Hesmiled.“Goaheadanyway.”“Okay...didyoucomehereformeortogetawayfromthem?”Foxpaused,hiseyesdeadsetonmine.“Both.Ilovemydad.Ican’ttell

youhowmuchhemeanstome,andIdon’tmindtakingcareofhim,really.Butit’salsokindoftiring.It’sbeenlikeaholidayheremostofthetime.Ialsothink my brother and sister are starting to appreciate what I do, which isvalidatinginaway.

“And then, there’s you.” He shook his head. “Look, you know I livepaycheck to paycheck. And I come from a broken family. I realize I’mnothingspecial,”hesaid,placinghishandonhischest.Thenhesuddenlygotshy. “But, you know, I’ve watched you my whole life, and I’ve alwaysthoughtyouweresosharpandbeautiful.Idon’tknowifIstandthesmallestchanceofgettingtobewithyou. . .butIhadtoat leastputmynamein.Idon’tknow;IjustthoughtifIcouldgethere,I’dfindawaytoshowyouthatIcouldbeworthtakingachanceon.

“AndthenIgotinafight.”Heshrugged.“SoIguessthat’showitends.”Ihatedthedisappointmentinhisvoice.Ididn’twanttocare.Iknewthat

lettinghimgetclosertomewouldendbadly.Icouldn’texplainwhyIknew,butIwassurethatifIallowedanyoftheseboystocrossintoacertainlevelof intimacy, it would be disastrous. So why—why—couldn’t I keep themfromgettingcloser?

“Ihaveanotherquestion.”“Sure,”hereplied,defeated.“What’sitliketoworkonthebeachallday?”Hedidn’ttrytofightthesmile.“It’swonderful.There’ssomethingkindof

fascinatingabouttheocean.It’salmostlikeithasdifferentmoodsondifferentdays.Like,sometimesthewaterissostillandothertimesit’swild.AndI’msogladAngelesiswarmallthetime,orIdon’tthinkIcouldhavehandledit.”

“Ilovetheweatherhere,too,butIdon’tgettogotothebeachveryoften.MomandDaddon’tlikeit,andpeopleendupswarmingAhrenandmeifwe

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gojustthetwoofus.It’skindofapain.”Hepokedmegently.“IfyouevercometoClermont,lookmeup.Youcan

rentaprivatebeachandswimandloungetoyourheart’scontent.”Isigheddreamily.“Thatsoundsperfect.”“I’mserious.It’stheleastIcoulddo.”IlookedatmyhandsandbacktoFox’shopefulface.“Howaboutthis?If

youmake it to, say, the top three,we can go out there together and rent abeach,andmaybeIcouldmeetyourdad.”

Hisfacefrozeinshockasheunderstoodwhatthatmeant.“I’mnotgoinghome?”

“Tonightwasn’tyourfault.AndIappreciateyoubeinghonestaboutyourmotivations. So, how about you stay a little longer, and we’ll see how itgoes?”

“I’dlovethat.”“Allrightthen.”Istood,feelingsomanythings.BeforetonightFoxwas

hardlyadrawforme,andnowIwaslookingforwardtoseeinghimaroundthepalace.“Forgivemefordashingoff,butthere’salottotakecareofbeforethemorning.”

“I can imagine,” he said, walking beside me to the door. “Thank you,YourHighness,forgivingmeachance.”

“That’s all you wanted, right?” I smiled. “And you really can call meEadlyn.”

He grinned and used his good hand to pick up mine. He placed thegentlestkissacrosstheridgesofmyfingers.“Goodnight,Eadlyn.Andthankyouagain.”

I gave him a quick nod before I scurried from the room.Thatwas oneissuetakencareof...buttomorrowtherewouldbeathousandmore.

The photographer had done such a remarkable job of blending into thebackground, I didn’t realize she was still there when the fight broke out.Burke andFoxwere front-page news, and the headline proclaimed that thefirstwasejectedwhilethesecondwasspared.Therewereotherpictures,too.Me, standing next to Kile, grinding saffron, and again beside Erik as hetranslated something to Henri. But they were all overshadowed by theanimalisticrageonBurke’sfaceashethrewhimselfatFox.

I bypassed that photo for the smalleroneswith theothers, tearing themouttosave.Iwasn’tsurewhy.IendeduptuckingthemintothedrawernexttoKile’scatastropheofatie.

Iwalkedintobreakfastfeelingtheweightofeveryone’sstares.Typicallythatwasn’tanissueforme,butbetweenalltheboysbeingovercuriousabout

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thefightandmyparents’worriedeyes,Iwasburiedbeneathalltheunspokenwords.

IwonderedifmaybeI’dsaidtoomuchlastnight,orifithadcomeoffasmeaccusing them.Imeant toexplainhowhurtfulanddraining thisprocesshadbeen,nottoblamethemforit.Still,aslittleasIwantedtoparticipate,IknewI’ddonewhatI’dpromised.Burke’sfistshadovershadowedeverythingelseinthecountry,atleastfortoday.

“Whathappened?”Kadenwhispered.“Nothing.”“Liar.MomandDadhavebeenmessedupallmorning.”Ipeekedover.Dadkeptrubbingthespotoverhiseyebrow,andMomwas

tryingtofooleveryonebymovingthefoodaroundherplate.Isighed.“It’sgrown-upstuff.Youwouldn’tunderstand.”Herolledhiseyes.“Don’ttalktomelikethat,Eadlyn.I’mfourteen,not

four. I read all the papers, and I pay attention at theReports. I speakmorelanguagesthanyou,andI’mlearningallthethingsyouhavewithoutanyonemakingmedoit.Don’tactlikeyou’rebetterthanme.I’maprince.”

I sighed. “Yes, but I will be queen,” I corrected, sipping my coffee. Ireallydidn’tneedthisrightnow.

“Andyournamewillbeinahistorybookoneday,andsomeboredten-year-oldwillmemorizeitforatestandthenforgetallaboutyou.Youhaveajob, just likeeverybodyin theworld.Stopactinglike itmakesyoumoreorlessthananyoneelse.”

Iwasleftspeechless.WasthatwhatKadenreallythoughtaboutme?Wasthatwhateveryonethoughtaboutme?Ihadintendedtobestrongtoday,toshowMomandDadthatIreallywas

goingtofollowthroughandprovetotheboysthatthingslikelastnightcouldnot break me. But Kaden’s words made me—and all my efforts—seemworthless.

I stood up to leave, trying to think of what I’d need to grab from theoffice.Icertainlycouldn’tworktheretoday.

“Hey,Eadlyn,waitup.”It was Kile, jogging to catch upwithme. I hadn’t even looked at him

whenIwentintothedininghallthismorning.Hislipwasalittleswollen,butheseemedokayotherwise.

“Areyouallright?”heasked.Inoddedmyhead...thenIshookit.“Ireallydon’tknow.”Heputhishandsonmyshoulders.“Everything’sokay.”Iwas so overwhelmed, I pressedmy lips into his, knowing that would

makeeverythingelsestopforaminute.

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“Ow!”hecried,backingaway.“Sorry!Ijust—”He grabbed me by the wrist and swung me into the nearest room,

slammedthedoor,andpushedmeagainstthewall.HekissedmeharderthanI’dkissedhim,apparentlynotbotheredbyhis lipsomuchifheknewwhatwascoming.

“What’sthisallabout?”hebreathed.“Idon’twanttothink.Justkissme.”Withoutaword,Kiledrewmetohim,hishandslostinmyhair.Igrabbed

fistfulsofhisshirt,holdingontohimtightly.Anditworked.Asweswayedtogether,everythingelsestoppedmattering

fora littlewhile.His lipsmoved frommymouthandontomyneck.Thesekisses were different than before. They were aggressive and demanding,pullingallmyfocus.Withoutthinkingaboutit,Idraggedhisshirtupward.

Helaugheddevilishlyintomycheek.“Okay,ifclothesarecomingoff,wereally ought to go to a room. And you should probably know my middlename.”

“IsitAshton?Arthur?IfeellikeitstartswithanA.”“Notevenclose.”Isighed,lettinggoofhisclothes.“Fine.”Heleanedback,hisarmsstillaroundmywaist,smirkingatme.“Areyou

allright?Iknowlastnightwaskindofscary.”“Ijustdidn’texpectit.Itwasasparagus....Heliterallypunchedsomeone

overavegetable.”Kilelaughed.“See,thisiswhyyoustickwithbutter.”“Oh,youandyourstupidbutter.”Ishookmyhead,tracingafingerdown

hischest.“I’mreallysorryaboutyourlip.Doesanythingelsehurt?”“My stomach. He elbowed me a few times trying to get free, but I’m

surprisedIdidn’tget itworse.Henri’seye lookspainful.Gladhedidn’tgethitaninchlower.”

Igrimaced,thinkingabouthowbaditcouldhavebeen.“Kile,wouldyouhavekickedthembothout?Ifyouwereinmyposition?”

“IthinkIwouldhaveevenhadtoconsiderHenriandmeifIwereyou,”hereplied.

“Butyoubothtriedtostopit.”Heraisedafinger.“True.Youknowthatbecauseyouwerethere.Butthe

othershave seen thepapers, and thepicturesmake it look likewewere allinvolved.”

“SokeepingFox,Henri,andyoumakesitseemasifyougotawaywithsomething?”

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“Andthatmaybeotherscould,too.”“Thisdayjustgetsworse.”Isighed,runningmyfingersthroughmyhair

andproppingmyselfupagainstthewall.“Ismykissingthatbad?”I started laughing, thinking back to the other night inmy room. It had

seemedsoalienwhenKilewantedtotalktome,butIwasn’tcompletelysurewhyIthoughtthatnow.Icouldhavehadanewoutlet,anewperspectivethiswholetime.

“Whyhaven’twereallytalkedbefore?It’ssoeasy.”Heshrugged.“You’retheoneinchargehere.Whatdoyouthink?”I lookeddown, embarrassed to say it. “I think I held Josie against you.

Theconstantimitationdrivesmecrazy.”“IthinkIheldthepalaceagainstyou.It’sourparents’fault,notyours,but

Ilumpedyouinsinceyouweregoingtobequeen.”“Icanunderstandthat.”“AndIknowwhatyoumeanaboutJosie.Butit’shardforher,growingup

inyourshadow.”Icouldn’tdealwithaddingJosietothegrowinglistofthingsIfeltguilty

about.Istraightenedmyclothes,knowingthatgoingtoworkwoulddistractme.“Let’sdosomethingsoon.Notadate,justspendingsometimetogether.”

Thatcrookedsmilespreadacrosshisface.“I’dlikethat.”Hestartedtuckinghisshirtbackin,andIfoughttheblushthatIcouldfeel

onmycheeks.HowhadIgottensooutofcontrol?“And, listen,”hesaid.“Don’t let this stuffgetyoudown.You’rebigger

thantheSelection.”“Thanks,Kile.”Ikissedhischeekandleft,headingtomyroom.IrememberedhowangryIwaswhenIsawhisnamecomeupthedayof

thedrawing,likeIwasbeingcheatedsomehow.NowIdidn’tcarehowthatformendedupinthepile;Iwasjustgladitdid.

Ihopedthathefeltthesameway.

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CHAPTER26

TONIGHTWASGOINGTOBE achallenge.Yes, thepictureswithEan lookedfantastic inprint, andyes, the littlegameshowclipscameoffascharming,butIwonderedifGavrilwouldfeelobligatedtoaskaboutJack’sandBurke’sdismissalsinsteadoffocusingontheremainingcandidates.

WhatwasworsewasthatIwasn’tsureIhadmuchtotellabouttheboysas itwas.Dadwasenteringhissecuritysweep,sounless theguardsmovedquickly,Iwouldn’thaveanydatesthisweek...meaningnothingtoshareonnextweek’sReport.Tonighthadtomatter,andIwasn’tsurehowtodoit.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that somethingwas off, like IwasmissingsomekeypieceofinformationthatwouldmaketheSelectionprocessbetter.

Itwasn’tanabsolutedisaster inmyeyes, ifonlybecause Igot toknowKile,Henri,Hale,andFox.Butasfarasthepublicknew,nearlyeverythingwasgoingdowninflames.

Even though I’d only glanced at the paper that day for amillisecond, IrememberedthewayIlookedshrinkingdownontheparadefloat.Worsethanthat, I could still see people on the sidelines pointing and laughing.We’dkickedouttwocandidatesthisweekaloneformisconduct,andintheirwakeeveryromanticgesturehadbeencompletelyovershadowed.

Itlookedso,sobad.Isatinmyroom,sketching,tryingtoorganizemythoughts.Therehadto

beawaytospinthis,toturnitintosomethinggood.My pencil zipped across the page, and it felt like each time a line

straightenedout,sodidaproblem.I’dprobablyhavetoskiptalkingaboutmypreviousdatesthisweek.Bringinguponewouldrequiremetobringupthemall,andIdidn’twanttorehashJack’shandsonme.

Butmaybe,insteadofevents,IcouldtalkaboutwhatIknewoftheboys.Therewasenoughtopraise,andifIcameacrossasenamoredbytheirtalents,itwouldmakesense tobeconfusedaboutwho tochoose. Itwasn’t that theSelectionwasfallingapart;itwasthatthereweretoomanygoodchoices.

BythetimeIhadaplan,Ialsohadabeautifuldesign.Thedresscameupinto a halter,was very fitted, and endedmid-thigh.Over it I drew a sheer,long bubble of a skirt that made it look modest. The colors I’d used—aburgundy for the dress and a golden brown for the overskirt—gave it adeliciousautumnalfeeling.

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IcouldimaginehowI’dstylemyhairwithit.Ievenknewwhatjewelrywouldlookbest.

AsIlookedatit,though,Iknewthisgownwasmoresuitedforastarletthanaprincess.Inmyeyes,itwasgorgeouswithoutend,butIworriedaboutother people’s opinions.More than anyother seasonofmy life, they reallymatterednow.

“Oh,miss!”Neenasaid,catchingaglimpseofthedrawinginpassing.“Youlikeit?”“It’sthemostglamorousthingI’veeverseen.”Istaredatthegown.“DoyouthinkIcouldgetawaywithwearingthison

theReport?”Shemadea faceas if I shouldalreadyknow.“You’rebasicallycovered

fromheadtotoe,andaslongasyoudon’tplanoncoatingitinrhinestones,Idon’tseewhynot.”

IpettedthepaperlikeIcouldalmostreallytouchit.“ShouldIgetstarted?”Neenaasked,ahintofexcitementinhervoice.“Actually,couldyoutakemedownto theworkroom?I thinkI’d like to

helpmakethisone.Iwantitfortonight.”“I’dbethrilled,”Neenasaid.Igrabbedmybookandfollowedherintothe

hallway,moreexcitedthanI’deverbeen.

Itwasworth themarathon of cutting and sewingwhen Iwalked in for theReportandthefirstthingIsawwastheout-and-outenvyinJosie’seyes.I’dworn a pair of golden heels and curledmy hair so it fell loosely overmyshoulders, and it was possibly themost beautiful I’d ever felt. The blatantstaresfromtheSelectedonlyconfirmedIwasparticularlylovelytonight,andIwassobewildered,Ihadtoturnmybackonthemtosuppressmygrin.

ItwasthenthatIfeltsomethingwasoff.Therewasapangoftensionthatseemedtobefloatingthroughtheroom,anditwasfarmorepowerfulthantheprideovermydressorthesenseofadmirationcomingfromtheboys.Itwassoweighty,itnearlygavemeachill.

I looked around, searching for a clue.Mom andDadwere in a corner,trying tobediscreet. Icould tellbyDad’s tensedbrowandMom’sgesturesthat somethingwaswrong.What Iwasn’t sure ofwas if I could go talk tothem.Wasafewdaysofsilenceenough?

“Hey!”Badenhadsnuckuponme.“Hi.”“DidIstartleyou?”I focused politely. “No, I’m fine. A little lost in thought. Do you need

something?”

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“Well,IwaswonderingifIcouldinviteyououtfordinnerorsomethingthis week?Maybe another jam session?” He strummed an invisible guitar,bitinghissmilinglip.

“That’ssweet,buttraditionally,I’msupposedtodotheasking.”Heshrugged.“So?Didn’t thatcookingthinghappenbecausethoseguys

invitedyou?”Isquinted,tryingtoremember.“Maybetechnically.”“So,sinceIdidn’tgrowupinthepalace,Ican’task,butKilecan?”“I assure you, Kile has less of an advantage than you’d imagine,” I

answeredwithalaugh,thinkingofalltheyearsoffrustration.Badenstoodthere,silentandunbelieving.“Sure.”Iwascompletelyshockedwhenhewalkedaway,handsinhispocketand

footsteps steady. Had I done something rude? I was being honest. And Ihadn’tactuallyturnedhimdown.

Itriedtoshakeoffthesnub,focusingonmydutyfortheevening:beingcharmingandgracious,andtryingtoconvinceeveryonethatIwasfallinginlove.

Dadpassedme,andIgentlygrabbedhisarm.“What’swrong?”Heshookhisheadandpattedmyhand.“Nothing,darling.”ThelieshookmemorethanBaden’sdismissal.Peoplewhirredaroundthe

room, giving commands and checking notes. I heard Josie laugh, andsomeone shushher immediately after.Theboys talked toone another, all alittletooloudtobeconsideredappropriate.BadenwassulkingnexttoHenri,ignoringeveryone,andIpressedmyhandstomystomach,calmingmyself.

NexttoHenri,justoffstageinthedark,Isawawavinghand.ItwasErik,standing on the sideline, waiting to take his hidden seat. Once he hadmyattention,hegavemeathumbs-up,buttheexpressiononhisfaceletmeknowitwasaquestion.Ishrugged.Hepressedhislipstogether,thenmouthedtheword sorry. I gave him a tight smile and a thumbs-up back, which wasn’tquiterightbutwastheonlythingIcoulddo.Erikshookhisheadatme,andIwasstrangelycomforted.AtleastsomeoneseemedtounderstandhowIwasfeeling.

Takingadeepbreath,IwentovertositbetweenMomandAhren.“Something’swrong,”Iwhisperedtohim.“Iknow.”“Doyouknowwhatitis?”“Yes.”“Willyoutellme?”“Later.”I sighed.Howwas I supposed to performwithworry hanging overmy

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head?Theupdatesweredispensed,andDaddyspokebriefly,thoughIcouldn’t

concentrateonanythinghewassaying.AllIcouldseewerethelinesofstressaround his eyes, the way his shoulders wore the strain of whatever wastroublinghim.

Partway through, Gavril stepped toward the middle of the set andannouncedthathehadafewquestionsfortheSelected,andIwatchedthemallstraightentheirtiesorcuffsandmoveintomoreassertivestancesintheirchairs.

“So,let’ssee...SirIvan?”Onthenearsideofthefirstrow,Ivanraisedhishand,andGavrilfacedhim.

“HowareyouenjoyingtheSelectionsofar?”Hechuckled.“I’dbeenjoyingitmoreifIcouldmanagetogettoseethe

princessone-on-one.”Ivanwinkedatme,andIfeltmyfacesetonfire.“Iimaginetheprincesshasahardtimegettingtoeveryone,”Gavrilsaid

graciously.“For sure! I’m not complaining, just being hopeful,” he added, still

chortlinglikethiswasallajoke.“Well,maybe you can pressHer RoyalHighness tonight and sway her

intomakingtimeforyou.Tellus:whatdoyouthinkthemostimportantjobofafutureprincewouldbe?”

Ivan’slaughingstopped.“Idon’tknow.Ithinkjustbeinggoodcompanyisimportant.PrincessEadlynisforcedintolotsofrelationshipsforwork,andI think it would be nice to be one of the people she always wanted to bearound.Justfor,youknow,fun.”

Itriednottorollmyeyes.Youareaforcedrelationship,honey.“Interesting,”Gavrilcommented.“Whataboutyou,SirGunner?”Gunnerwas a bit on the short side, and he looked almost petite sitting

besidetheganglyIvan.Hetriedtostraightenhimself,butitwasnouse.“I think any future prince should be prepared to be available. You’ve

alreadymentionedtheprincess’sbusyschedule,soanyoneinherlifeshouldtry toputhimself inaposition tobehelpful.Ofcourse, Idon’tknowwhatthatlookslikeyet,butit’simportanttothinkofhowyourlifeandprioritiesmightchange.”

Gavril made an approving face, and Dad clapped, which led others tofollow. I joined in, but it felt strange.Thiswasa legitimate question, and Iwasn’tsureIlikeditbeingturnedintoentertainment.

“SirKile,you’velivedinthepalaceyourwholelife,”Gavrilsaid,walkingacross the stage. “How do you think your life might change were you tobecomeprince?”

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“I’ddefinitelyneedtofocusmoreonmyhygiene.”“Pfffft!” I covered my mouth, so embarrassed, but I couldn’t stop

laughing.“Oh!Soundslikesomeoneoverthereagrees.”BehindKile,Henribelatedlyjoinedinthelaughter.Ofcourse,he’dheard

thecommentonadelay.Gavrilnoticedhimandmovedback.“SirHenri,yes?”Henrinodded,butIcouldseethepureterrorinhiseyes.

“What’syouropiniononall this?Whatdoyou thinka futureprince’smostimportantrolemightbe?”

HetriednottolethisfearshowasheleanedtothesidetohearErik.Onceheunderstoodhenodded.

“Oh,oh,yes.Thepreenceshouldbeingforpreensess...ummm...”Istood.Icouldn’tbearit.“Henri?”Icalled.Alleyesturnedtome,andI

wavedhimovertocomejoinmeinthemiddleoftheset.Hecarefullycamedownfromhisseat.“AndErik?You,too.”

Henri waited for his friend to come around from behind the set. Eriklooked nervous, not prepared to be in the spotlight; but Henri mumbledsomething to himwith a smile, and he eased as they found theirwaywithGavriltothefront.

I linkedmy arm aroundHenri’s, andErik stood just behind him, goingintoshadowmode.

“Gavril,SirHenriwasraisedinSwendway.HisfirstlanguageisFinnish,soherequiresatranslator.”ImotionedtoErik,whogaveaquickbow,readyto go back into obscurity. “I’m sureHenriwould be happy to answer yourquestion,butIthinkitwouldbemucheasierwithoutErikhidingbehindtherisers.”

HenrismiledasErikconveyedall thistohim,andIfeltstrangelyproudwhenhereachedacrossandgentlysqueezedmyarm.

Pausing to collect himself, Henri gave his answer. I could see he wasthinking about his words, and even though he’d been thrown off, he wasdeliberateashespoke.Finally,hecametoafinishandalleyesfellonErik.

“Hesaysthatanyfutureprinceshouldrememberthatitisn’tsimplyonerole to fill but several. Husband, consultant, friend, and dozens more. HewouldneedtobepreparedtostudyandworkashardasHerHighnessandbereadytosethisegoasidetoserve.”Erikputhishandsbehindhisback,andIcould see he was trying to remember the last of Henri’s words. “And hewouldalsoneedtounderstandthatthereisaweightshecarriesthathenevercouldandbereadytosometimesjustbeaclown.”

Igiggled,happytoseeHenri’shugesmilewhenErikwasdone.Theentireroomeruptedinapplause,andIgotupontiptoestowhisperinhisear.

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“Good,good.”Hebeamed.“Good,good?”Inodded.“Your Highness, this is an extraordinary complication in the Selection

process,”Gavrilgasped.“Howdoyoumanage?”“Rightnow,withtwothings:patienceandErik.”Therewasasmatteringoflaughteracrosstheroom.“Buthowcouldthiswork?Atsomepointitwouldhavetochange.”ThiswasthefirsttimeinmylifethatI’deverwantedtorunover,grabmy

chair,andflingitacrosstheroomatGavrilFadaye.“Yes, probably, but there are certainly worse things than a language

barrier.”“Couldyougiveussomeexamples?”ImotionedforHenriandEriktogositdown,andworkedveryhardnotto

laughathowquicklyErikmoved.Henrigavemeanaffectionatesmileasheleft,andthatinspiredme.

“Well, since this beganwithHenri, letme use him as an example.Wehave to work hard to communicate, but he’s an incredibly kind person.WhereasJackandBurkespokeperfectEnglishbutbehavedratherpoorly.”

“Yes,weallsawthestoryofBurke’sfight,andletmesay,I’mhappytoseeyouwereunharmedbythatoutburst.”

Uninjured? Sure.Unharmed?Thatwas questionable.But no onewouldwanttohearaboutthat.

“Yes,buttheyseemtobetheexception,nottherule.TherearesomanycandidatesIcouldbragabout.”

“Oh?Well,don’tletmestopyou!”Ismiledandpeekedbackto theboys.“SirHalehas incredible tasteand

worksasa tailor. Iwouldnotbe surprised to seeallof Illéacovered inhisdesignsoneday.”

“Ilovethatdress!”hecalled.“Imadeit!”Iyelledback,unabletocontainmypride.“Perfection.”“See,” I said, turning back to Gavril. “Told you he had good taste.” I

lookedaroundagain.“Ofcourse,I’vealreadymentionedSirBaden’smusicalskills,butthey’reworthbringingupagain.He’ssotalented.”

Badengaveaquicknod,and,ifhewasstill irritated,hewascoveringitwell.

“Sir Henri, I’ve discovered, is an amazing cook. And it takes a lot toimpressmeinthatdepartmentbecause,asyouknow,thepalacechefscouldrival anyone in the world. So trust me when I say you’re jealous of me

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becauseI’vegottentotastehisfood.”More laughter filled the studio, and I caught a glimpse of Dad in a

monitorlookingso,sodelighted.“SirFox...now,somemightnotbeawareofwhatavaluableskillthisis,

buthehastheabilitytomakethebestoutofanysituation.TheSelectioncanbestressful,andyetheisalwayslookingatthebrightside.He’sapleasuretobearound.”

I shared a gazewith Fox, and, evenwith the gash on his head and hisbruised eye showing slightly through the makeup, he looked as far frommenacingaspossible.IwasgladI’dlethimstay.

“Anyoneelse?”Gavrilquestioned,andIscannedtheboys.Yes,therewasonemore.

“Most people have a hard time believing that I don’t know Sir Kilebackwardandforwardbecausewe’velivedinthesameplaceourwholelives,but it’s true.TheSelectionhasallowedmetoget toknowhimmuchbetter,andI’venowlearnedthathe’saverypromisingarchitect.Ifweeverneededasecondpalacebuilt,he’sthefirstpersonI’dcall.”

Therewere some sweet sighs around the roomat the idea of childhoodfriendsfinallybecomingpossiblelovers.

“Although, I can confirm, he needs help in the hygiene department,” Iadded,sendingtheroomintolaughsagain.

“Itsoundslikethesearesometrulyamazingyoungmen!”Gavrilcalled,beginninganotherroundofapplauseforthem.

“Absolutely.”“So,ifyou’resoimpressed,Ihavetoask:hasanyonegotaspecialplace

inyourheartjustyet?”Ifoundmyselffiddlingwithmyhair.“Idon’tknow.”“Oh,ho!”Igiggled,lookingdown.Thiswasn’treal...wasit?“Doesithappentobeanyoneyoumentioned?”Islappedhisarmplayfully.“Oh,mygosh,Gavril!”Hesnickered,asdidmostof theroom.Ifannedmyselfwithahandand

turnedbacktohim.“The truth is, it’s still difficult to talk about this so publicly, but I’m

hopingtohavemoretosayinthefuture.”“That’s wonderful news, Your Highness. Let me join all of Illéa in

wishingyouluckasyoulookforyourpartner.”“Thank you.” I noddedmy headmodestly and casually peeked over at

Dad.The expression on his face was one of disbelief, almost as if he was

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optimistic.Itwasbittersweetforme,tofeelsounsureaboutthewholethingbuttoseethateventheslightestglimmerofpossibilitytooksomuchworryoutofhiseyes.

Fornow,thatwouldbeenough.

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CHAPTER27

“IT’SBAD.”I lay on Ahren’s bed, curled in a ball while he sat upright, telling me

everythingMomandDaddidn’twantto.“Justsayit.”Heswallowed.“Italwaysseemstostartinthepoorerprovinces.They’re

not rebelling, not like when Mom and Dad were kids. . . . It’s more likethey’reuprising.”

“Whatdoesthatmeanexactly?”“They’rerallyingtoendthemonarchy.Nooneisgettingwhattheywant

outofthecastedissolution,andtheythinkwedon’tcare.”“Don’tcare?” Iasked,astonished.“Dad’s runninghimself ragged trying

tofixit.I’mdatingstrangersforthem!”“Iknow.AndIhavenoideawherethatperformancetonightcamefrom,

butthatwasspectacular.”Imadeasmartface,acknowledgingthepraise,butI was starting to question just howmuch of tonight was planned and howmuchwas genuine. “But even then, what arewe supposed to do? Performforever?”

“Ha!”Iscoffed.“Asifyou’deverbeaskedtoperform.Itwouldalwaysbeme,andIcan’t.IfeellikeI’msuffocatingasitis.”

“Wecouldallstepdown,”hesuggested.“But thenwhatwouldhappen?Whowouldtakeover?Andifwedon’tstepdown,willtheyrunusout?”

“Doyouthinkthey’ddothat?”Ibreathed.He stared into the distance. “I don’t know, Eady. People have done far

worsethingswhenthey’rehungryortiredorunwaveringlypoor.”“But we can’t feed everyone. We can’t make everyone earn the same

amountofmoney.Whatdotheywantfromus?”“Nothing,”hesaidhonestly.“Theyjustwantmoreforthemselves.Ican’t

sayIblame them,but thepeopleareconfused.They think their livesare inourhands,butthey’renot.”

“They’reintheirown.”“Exactly.”We sat in silence for a long time, considering what this meant for us.

Truthfully, though, I knew it would hit me harder than anyone else if thepeoplefollowedthroughonthis.Ididn’tknowhowthingslikethishappened,

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but governments changed. Kingdoms rose and fell; entire ideologies tookover,shovingotherstotheside.CouldIbebrushedintothegutter?

Ishivered,tryingtoimaginealifelikethat.“Theyalreadythrewfoodatme,”Imurmured.“What?”“I’ve been so stupid,” I answered, shaking my head. “I’ve grown up

believingthatIwasadored...butthepeopledon’tloveme.OnceMomandDad step down, I can’t imagine there would be anything preventing thecountryfromgettingridofme.”

Itwasatangiblething,likeIwasbeingheldaloftbythisidea,andnowthatIknewitwasalie,mybodyfeltheavier.

Ahren’s face grew worried. I waited for him to contradict me, but hecouldn’t.“Youcanmakethemloveyou,Eadlyn.”

“I’m not as charming as you or as clever as Kaden or as adorablyrambunctiousasOsten.There’snothingthatspecialaboutme.”

Hewhacked his head on his headboard as he groaned. “Eadlyn, you’rejoking,right?You’rethefirstfemaleheir.You’reunlikeanythingthiscountryhaseverknown.Youjusthavetolearnhowtousethat,toremindthemwhoyouare.”

I’mEadlynSchreave,andnooneintheworldisaspowerfulasme.“Idon’tthinkthey’dlikemeiftheyknewwhoIreallywas.”“Ifyou’regoingtowhine,I’llkickyouout.”“I’llhaveyouflogged.”“You’vebeenthreateningmewiththatsinceweweresix.”“Onedayit’llhappen.Heedmywarning.”He chuckled. “Don’t worry, Eady. The chances of people organizing

enough to do anything are slim.They’re venting.Once they get this out oftheirsystem,thingswillgobacktonormal,you’llsee.”

I nodded and sighed.Maybe Iwas fretting for nothing, but I could stillhear the hateful yelling during the parade, and I could still see the hatefulremarksfrommykisswithKile.Thiscertainlywouldn’tbethelastweheardaboutabolishingthemonarchy.

“Don’ttellMomandDadIknow,okay?”“Ifyouinsist.”IhoppedupandkissedAhren’scheek.Ifeltbadforgirlswhodidn’thave

brothers.“Seeyoutomorrow.”Hegrinned.“Getsomesleep.”I left his room with every intention of going back to mine. But as I

walked,IrealizedIwashungry.NowthatI’dbeentothekitchens,Ikindoflikeditdownthere.Irememberedseeingsomefruit,andtherewascheesein

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therefrigerator.Certainlyitwaslateenoughthatitcouldn’tbotheranyone,soItrotteddownthebackstairs.

Iwaswronginassumingthatitwouldbecompletelyempty.Therewereahandfulofyoungmenandwomenrollingoutdoughandchoppingvegetables.Itookitallinforamoment,entrancedbyhowefficientanddriventheywere.I loved that, in spite of the hour, they all seemed alert and happy, chattingwithoneanotherastheywentabouttheirwork.

Theyweresointerestingthatittookseveralmomentsformetonoticetheheadoffloppyblondcurlsinthebackcorneroftheroom.Henrihadhunghisshirtonahook,andhisblueundershirtwascoveredinflour.Imovedquietly,butasthestaffrecognizedme,theycurtsiedandbowedasIpassed,alertingHenritomypresence.

When he saw me he tried to brush the mess off himself, failingcompletely.Hepushedbackhishairandturnedtome,smilingasalways.

“NoErik?”“Hesleep.”“Whyaren’tyouasleep?”Hesquinted,tryingtopiecetogetherthewords.“Umm.Sorry.Icook?”Inodded.“CanIcook,too?”Hepointedtothepileofapplesanddoughonthetable.“Youwant?You

cook?”“Yes.”Hebeamedandnodded.Then,givingmeaonce-over,hepausedbefore

grabbinghisdressshirtandwrappingitaroundme,tyingthesleevestogetherintheback.Anapron.Hewantedmetohaveanapron.

I smiled tomyself. Itwas only a nightgown after all, but thereweren’tenoughwordsbetweenthetwoofustoargueoverit.

Hepickedupanappleand took thepeeloff inone longstrip.Whenhewasdone,hesetitonthecounterandpickedupadifferentknife.“Pidäveitsinäin,”hesaid,pointing to thewayhis fingersheld thehandle.“Pidäomenahuolellisesti.”Heturnedhisotherhandintoaclaw,tuckinghisfingersawayasheheldtheapple.Thenhestartedcutting.

Even with my inexperienced eyes, I could see how he was using theminimumamountofforcetodohisworkandhowhissimplestanceprotectedhishands.

“You,”hesaid,passingmetheknife.“Okay.Likethis?”Icurledmyhanduplikehehad.“Good,good.”Iwasn’tnearlyasfastashewas,andmyslicesweren’thalfasuniform,

but by the way he grinned, you’d have thought I made an entire feast by

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myself.Heworkedwith thedoughandmixedcinnamonand sugarandprepped

oneofthefryersalongthewall.Iwonderedifhewasinchargeofdessertsathomeoriftheyweresimply

hisfavorite.Ihelpedtosstheapplesandstuffthedough,andthoughIwasterrifiedof

thehotoil,Ididsinkoneofthebaskets.Isquealedwhentheoilcamealive,popping and dancing all over the place. Henri only laughed at me a little,whichwaskind.

Whenhefinallyplacedthetrayinfrontofme,Iwasdyingofhungerandnearly tooexcited towait.But Idid, andhegestured that I should try, so Ipluckeduponeofthefritter-doughnut-pastrythingsandbitin.

Itwas heaven, even better than the rolls he’dmade the other day. “Oh,yum!” I exclaimed as I chewed.He broke into a laugh and picked one uphimself. He seemed pretty satisfied, but I could see in his eyes he wasevaluatingwhathe’dmade.

Ithoughttheywereperfect.“Whatarethesecalled?”“Hmm?”“Umm,name?”Ipointedtothefood.“Oh,omenalörtsy.”“Ohmenalortsee?”“Good!”“Yeah?”“Good.”I smiled tomyself. I’dhave to tellKaden Iwas seriouslymastering the

namesofseveralSwendishdesserts.Iatetwo,feelingalittlesickonceIwasdone,andthenIwatchedasHenri

passedtheplatearoundtothecooks,whoallpraisedhisskills.Inthedeepestcoreofmyself,Ihatedthathedidn’tunderstandthewordstheywereusing.

Delectable.Flawless.Perfection.Igotthesensethatifhehadunderstood,he’dhavesaidtheywerebeing

too generous. Itwas hard to be sure though. Thatwas justmy assumptionaboutwhohewas.Ireallydidn’tknow.

And,Iremindedmyself,youdon’twantto.Thereweretimeswhenitwasgettingharderandhardertorememberthat.WhenHenri finished his rounds and the plate came backwith hardly a

crumbleft,Igavehimashysmile.“Ishouldsleep.”“Yousleep?”

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“Yes.”“Good,good.”“Um.Tonight?TheReport?”Iasked,tryingtokeepthingssimple.Henodded.“Report,yes.”Iplacedmyhandonhischest.“Youweresosweet.”“Sweet?Umm,thesugar?”Ilaughed.“Yes.Likesugar.”Hebroughthishandup tocovermineas itwasstillpressedagainsthis

heart.Hissmiledwindledashelookedatmeandswallowed.Heshruggedasheheldmethere,seemingonlytowanttomakethemomentlast.Heheldmyhandforthelongesttime,andIcouldseehewassortingthroughwordsinhishead,tryingso,sohardtofindonethatheknewImightunderstand....

Buttherewasnothing.IwantedHenritoknowthatIsawwhathefelt.Icouldtellineverysmile

andeverygesturethathereallycaredaboutme.And,despitemybestefforts,Icaredabouthim,too.IworriedabouthowmuchIwouldregretit,buttherewasonlyonewaytoexpressthatfeeling.

Iclosedthedistancebetweenusandplacedahandonhischeek.Hestaredintomyeyesas ifhe’ddiscoveredsomethingtrulyvaluable,somethingrarethat hemight never see again. I nodded slowly, and he lowered his lips tomine.

Henriwasscared.Icouldfeelit.Hewasafraidtotouchme,afraidtoholdme, afraid to move. I didn’t know if it was because I was a princess orbecausehe’dneverdonethisbefore,butthatkisswassovulnerable.

Thatmademeloveitevenmore.Ipressedmylips intohis, tryingto tellhimwithoutwords that thiswas

okay,thatIwantedhimtoholdme.Andfinally,afteramomentofhesitation,heresponded.HenriheldmelikeIwasdelicate,likeifhisgripwastootight,I’dcrumble.Andhiskisseswere the sameway,onlynow, insteadofbeingdriven by fear, they weremotivated bywhat felt like reverence. It was anaffectionalmosttoobeautifultoendure.

I pulled away, slightly dizzy from the kiss, noting that his eyes lookedpained,butheworethetiniestsmile.

“Ishouldgo,”Isaidagain.Henodded.“Goodnight.”“Goodnight.”I moved slowly until I was out of his sight, then I ran. My head was

swimmingwith thoughts that I didn’t understand.Whydid it botherme somuchwhenGavril picked atHenri?Why did I have to keep Foxwhen he

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should have left?Why didKile—for goodness’ sake, Kile!—keep poppingintomymind?

Andwhywasitsoterrifyingeventoaskthosequestions?WhenIgot tomyroom,Iflungmyself intobed,feelingdisoriented.As

angry as Iwas atGavril for bringing it up, it didbotherme that I couldn’tspeaktoHenri,thatIcouldn’tcommunicateanythingintimatetohimbecauseof how uncomfortable it would be to go through Erik.As unnerved as thethoughtmademe,ifIwasgoingtotellanyonesomethingpersonal,itwouldprobably beHenri. I felt safe around him, and I knewhewas smart, and Iadmiredhispassion.Henriwasgood.

ButIdidn’tspeakFinnish.Andthatwasbad.I rolled over ontomy back in frustration, yelpingwhen something dug

intomyspine.Reachingaround,Ifeltthatitwasaknot.IwasstillwearingHenri’sshirt.

I untied it and, despite how absurd itwas, pulled it up tomy nose.Ofcourse.Ofcoursehesmelledlikecinnamonandhoneyandvanilla.Ofcoursehesmelledlikedessert.

StupidSwendishbakerwithhisstupidspices.Thiswasmakingmeasinine!Thiswaswhylovewasaterribleidea:itmadeyouweak.Andtherewasnooneintheworldaspowerfulasme.

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CHAPTER28

ATBREAKFASTIWASSTRUCKbyanumberofthings.FirstwasHenritryingtocatchErikuponeverythingthathadhappenedthenightbefore.Erik’seyeskeptdartingovertomineandthenbacktoHenri,andhelookedlikehewastryingtocalmhimdown.I thoughtforsureHenriwouldbeelatedtodayasthesecondpersonintheSelectiontogetakiss.Instead,heseemedfrantic.

AcrossfromHenri,Kile’sconfusedgazeflippedbackandforthbetweenhim and Erik, as he clearly didn’t know enough words to follow even afractionoftheconversation.Heslowlyspoonedfoodintohismouthwithouttryingtointerject.

I alsonoticed thatBadenwas trying togetmyattention.Hegavemeasmallwaveandnoddedtowardthedoor.Imouthed“Later”anddidmybestnottobeirritatedbyhimneglectingprotocolagain.

But theworstbyfarwereMomandDadsurreptitiouslypeekingoveratme,obviouslywonderinghowmuchIknewabouttheuprising.

Iclearedmythroat.“So,didIdookaylastnight?”Dad’s face finally broke into a smile. “I was impressed, Eadlyn. After

suchatryingweek,youwereincrediblypoised.WhenHenrigotupthereandyouweresogenerouswithhim,itwasawonderfulthingtowatch.AndI’mhappy to see thatmaybe someof themare . . . appealing toyou.Givesmehope.”

“We’ll see where that goes,” I hedged, “but I did promise you threemonths,andIthinkitwilltakemeatleastthatlongtofigureanyofthisout.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” he said, looking as if a thousandmemorieswerefloodinghishead.“Thankyou.”

“You’re welcome.” I watched his sweet, wistful smile, and I could seehowmuchthiswholethingmeanttohim.“Willyoubedisappointed?IfIgettotheendandthere’snoengagement?”

“No, dear. Iwon’t be disappointed.”Heonly barely accented theword,butitsentmeintoasuddentailspinofworry.

WhatwoulditmeanformewhenIgottotheendandwasstillsingle?Ifweweren’tjustdealingwithpost-casteconfusionanymoreandtryingtoquellan outright rebellion, three months wasn’t enough to fix this. In fact, twoweekshadalreadydisappearedinarush.

Thiswasn’tgoingtobeenough.

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And then I understoodwhy theymightwant to keep any hint of unrestfromme: If I thought thiswascompletelypointless,would Iquit? If Iquit,thentherereallywasnothing.

“Don’tworry,Daddy,”Isaid.“It’sallgoingtobefine.”Heputhishandovermineandgaveitasqueeze.“I’msureyou’reright,

dear.”Then,takingadeepbreath,hewentbacktohiscoffee.“Imeanttotellyou;thebackgroundchecksaredone.IfwehadmadeafewcallsbeforetheSelection,wewouldhaveknownthatBurkehadangerissuesandthatagirlatJack’sschoolreportedhimfor inappropriatebehavioronce.ItalsoturnsoutEan spends almost all his time alone. I don’t think that’s anything worthsendinghimhomefor,butweshouldwatchhim.”

“Ean’sactuallybeenprettygenerous.”“Oh?”“Yeah.ButIhavenoticedhe’sabitofaloner.Notsurewhythough;he’s

agoodconversationalist.”DadsippedhiscoffeeandstaredatEan.“That’sstrange.”“AnyoneelseIneedtoworryabout?”Iasked,notwantinghimtolinger

onEan.Isolateddidn’tmeantroublemaker.“Therewasonewhohadsomebadgrades,butnothingtokickupafuss

about.”“Allrightthen.Theworsthaspassed.”Itriedtolookencouraging.“I certainly hope so. I’mgoing to have a special team continue to look

intothis.Iwasn’tasdiligentasIshouldhavebeen,andI’msorryforthat,”heconfessed.

“Butontheplusside,IcouldhaveactualdatestotalkaboutnextFriday.”He chuckled to himself. “True. So maybe give someone you haven’t

talked toyet a chance. I promise, it is actuallypossible tomeetwith all ofthem.”

Isurveyedthemassofboys.“Imightnotbeintheofficethisweek.”Heshookhishead.“Notaproblem.Get toknowthem.I’mstillpulling

foryoutofindsomeone,evenifpartofyouthinksit’spointless.”“Imightremindyou,thatwasn’tyourgoalwhenyouproposedthis.”“Allthesame.”“Therearejustsomany.Anyoneyoudon’tlike?”Hesquinted.“Asamatteroffact...”Dadgazedovereachoftheirfaces,

tryingtofindoneinparticular.“Thatone.Greenshirt.”“Blackhair?”“Yes.”“That’sJulian.What’swrongwithhim?”“Thismight sound trivial,butwhenyouwerecomplimenting theothers

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lastnight,hedidn’tsmileorclapforanyofthem.Notagoodattitudetohave.If he can’t stand being in their shadows temporarily, howwould he handlebeinginyoursfortherestofhislife?”

ForallthementaltimeIspentdebatinghowmuchhehonestlybelievedinmeasaleader,thatstatementmadeitallawaste.Ofcoursehesawmeasaleader.

“Andthismightalsosoundtrivial,butIdon’tthinkyou’dmakeattractivechildren.”

“Daddy!”Iyelled,causingabitofastir.IburiedmyheadinmyhandasDaddoubledoverinlaughter.

“I’mjustsaying!”“Allright.I’mleaving.Thanksfortheinsight.”Ipracticallyboltedfromthehall, thoughImadesuremypacewasonly

slightly faster thanwhatmight be considered ladylike.Once Iwas alone itturned into an all-out sprint. In my room, I filed through the remainingapplications,lookingforanythingthatmightmakeonepersonmoreexcitingthan another. I paused on Julian’s picture.Dadwas right.Nomatter how Icombinedhisnoseandmyeyesormymouthandhischeeks,everyvariationlookedawfulinmyhead.

Notthatitmattered.I’dsendhimhomesoonenough,butprobablyonlyonceafewdateswent

badandhehadcompany.Thesoloeliminationshadallbeenratherawful.FornowIhadtomakeaplan.Tendates.ThatwasthegoalbeforeIhadtofaceanotherReport.AndI’dneedtogetatleastthreeoftheminthepapers.HowcouldImakethemlookmagnificent?

Mom was in theWomen’s Room with Miss Lucy, meeting with a mayor.Thereweren’tverymanyladiesholdingdownthosepositions,soIknewthemby heart. This was MillaWarren from Calgary gracing our home today. Ihadn’tplannedonmakingthisanofficialvisit,butnowIhadnochoice.

Icurtsied,greetingMomandherguest.“YourHighness!”Ms.Warren sang, standing to giveme a deep curtsy.

“It’sapleasuretoseeyou,andduringsuchanexcitingtime!”“We’reveryhappytohaveyouaswell,ma’am.Pleasesit.”“Howareyou,Eadlyn?”Momasked.“Good.Ihavesomequestionsforyoulater,”Iaddedquietly.“Nodoubtalittleboytalk,eh?”Ms.Warrenaskedwithawink.Momand

MissLucyindulgedherwithalaugh,butwhileIsmiled,Ithoughtsheshouldknowthetruth.

“Idon’tthinktheSelectionisquitewhatyouimagine.”

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She raisedher eyebrows. “Please, giveme thirty-fivemen fightingovermeanyday!”

“Honestly, it’smorework thananything,”Ipromised.“Wemakeit lookexciting,butit’schallenging.”

“I can back that up,”Mom said. “Nomatter what side of the situationyou’reon, it’shard.Therearelonghoursofnothinghappeningfollowedbyburstsofevents.”Sheshookherhead.“Evennow,justthinkingbackonit,Ifeeltired.”

Momrestedherheadonherhandandflickedhereyestowardme.Therewassomethinginherexpression,thatmotherly,acceptinglook,thatmademefeelunderstoodandcomforted.

But there was the same worry there, the hint of stress that Dad waswearing this morning. She brushed off the moment and focused on Ms.Warren.“So,Milla,thelastIheard,thingsweregoingwellinCalgary.”

“Oh,yes,well,we’reaquietbunch.”She’dstoppedbyonlittlemorethanasocialcall,andIsatthereholding

myperfectpostureuntilshedecidedtoleave.WhichonlyhappenedbecauseIslipped a note to themaid asking that she come in and tellMom shewasneededurgently.

The secondMs.Warrenwas out the door,Mom straightened her dress.“Letmegoseewhatthisisallabout.”

“Relax,it’sjustme.”Istudiedmynails.Theyneededsomework.MomandMissLucystared.“Iwantedtotalktoyouandshewouldn’tstop,soImadeanappointment.

Sortof.”Iflashedacheekysmile.Mom shook her head. “Eadlyn, sometimes you can be a little

manipulative.”Shesighed.“Andsometimes it’sagift.Ugh, Ididn’t think Icouldtakemuchmore.”

IgiggledconspiratoriallywithherandMissLucy,gladIwasn’talone.“Ifeelbadforher,”Momsaidguiltily.“Shedoesn’tgetoutmuch,andit’s

hardtodoherjobalone.ButIdidn’tappreciatehowshespoketoyou.”Imadeaface.“I’vehadworse.”“True.”Sheswallowed.“Whatdidyouneed?”I glanced at Miss Lucy. “Of course,” she answered to my unspoken

request.“I’maroundalldayifyouneedme.”ShecurtsiedtoMom,kissedmeonmyhead,andleft.Itwassuchatendergesture.

“She’s so good tome,” I said. “The boys, too. Sometimes I feel like Iendedupwithseveralmothers.”

IsmiledatMom,andshenodded.“IkeptthepeopleIloveclose,andtheyhavefawnedoveryousincethemomenttheyknewyouwerecoming.”

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“Ireallywishshehadchildren,”Isaidsadly.“Me,too.”Momswallowed.“Iguessbynowit’scommonknowledgethat

she’sfacedalongstrugglewithnosuccess.I’ddonearlyanythingtobeabletohelpher.”

“Have you tried?” I felt like there was little the Schreaves couldn’taccomplish.

Momblinkedafewtimes,tryingnottocry.“Ishouldn’ttellyouthis;it’sprivate.But,yes,I’vedoneeverythingIcould.Ievenwentsofarastooffertobeasurrogateandcarryababyforher.”Shepressedherlipstogether.“Itwas the one time I regretted being queen. It appearsmy body isn’t alwaysmine,andtherearecertainthingsI’mnotallowedtodo.”

“Sayswho?”Idemanded.“Everyone, Eadlyn. It’s not exactly a traditional thing to do, and our

advisersthoughtthepeoplewouldbeupsetbyit.SomeevenarguedthatanybabyIcarriedwouldhavetobeinlineforthethrone.Itwasridiculous,soIhadtoletitgo.”

Iwasquietforaminute,watchingmymotherrecoverfromaheartbreakyearsold,andonethatwasn’tevenherowninaway.

“Howdoyoudothat?”“What?”“It’slikeyou’realwaysgivingpiecesofyourselfaway.Howdoyouhave

anythingleftforyou?Ifeelexhaustedwatchingyousometimes.”Shesmiled.“Whenyouknowwhomattersmosttoyou,givingthingsup,

even yourself, doesn’t really feel like a sacrifice. There are a handful ofpeoplewhoI’dlaydownmylifeforwithoutasecondthought.AndthentherearethepeopleofIlléa,oursubjects,whoIlaymylifedownforinadifferentway.”

Sheloweredhereyesandtouchedupheralreadyimmaculatedress.“Youprobablyhavepeopleyou’dsacrificeforandyoudon’tknowit.Butyouwill,oneday.”

ForasecondIwondered ifwewereactually related.All thepeopleshewasthinkingabout—Dad,Ahren,MissLucy,AuntMay—wereimportanttome,too.ButmostlyIneededthemtohelpme,nottheotherwayaround.

“Anyway,”shesaid,“whatwasitthatyouneeded?”“Oh,soDadhasdeemedthattheremainingboysaren’tcompletelunatics,

so I’m focusing on dates this week,” I answered, leaning forward. “I’mlookingforideasthatwouldbeeasybutlookgreatoncamera.”

“Ah.” She lifted her eyes to the ceiling in thought. “I’m not sure howusefulIcanbeinthatdepartment.NearlyallthedatesIhadwithyourfatherduringmySelectionwerewalksaroundthegarden.”

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“Seriously?Howdidyoutwoevengettogether?That’ssoboring!”Shelaughed.“Well,itgaveusalotofopportunitiestotalk.Ortoargue,

andthemajorityofourtimespentwitheachotherwasfilledwithoneortheother.”

Isquinted.“Youguysfought?”“All.The.Time.”Forsomereasonthatbroughtasmiletoherface.“Honestly,themoreandmoreIhearaboutyourSelection,thelesssenseit

makes.Ican’tevenimagineyouandDadfighting.”“I know. There were a lot of things we needed to work through, and

truthfully,we likedhavingsomeonewho’dbehonestwithus,evenwhen itwashardtotake.”

Itwasn’tthatIdidn’twantsomeonehonestinmylifeaswell—ifIeverchose to get married, anyway—but he’d need to find a better way ofdeliveringhiswordsifhewantedachanceofstickingaround.

“Okay, dates,” she said, sitting back in her chair and thinking. “I wasnevergoodatarchery,butif there’ssomeonewhoisskilledat that, itmightlooknice.”

“I think I can do that. Oh, and I’ve already done horseback riding, sothat’sout.”

“Right.Cooking,too.”Shesmiledtoherselfasifshecouldn’tbelieveI’dallowedthatdatetohappen.

“Anditturnedoutdisastrous.”“Well,KileandHenrididgreat!AndFoxwasn’tterrible.”“True,”Iamended.IfoundmyselfthinkingaboutHenriandmecooking

aloneinthekitchen,thedatenooneknewabout.“Sweetheart,Ithinkinsteadofgoingforsomethingflashy,youmighttry

simplerdates.Havetea,takeawalkinthegardens.Mealsarealwaysagoodstandard;youcan’teattoomanytimes.Itmightlookbetterthanyouridingahorseanyway.”

I’d been trying to avoid anything thatmight be too personal.But thosetypes of dates gave the impression of closeness, which was something Ithoughtthepublicwanted.Maybeshewasright.IfIwentinwithalistofsafetopicsandquestions,perhapsitwouldn’tfeelsobadanyway.

“Thanks,Mom.I’llprobablygivethatago.”“Anytime,sweetie.I’malwayshereforyou.”“Iknow.”Ifidgetedwithmydress.“SorryifI’vebeenapainlately.”She reached across to me. “Eadlyn, you’re under a lot of stress. We

understand.Andshortofbecominganaxmurderer,there’snothingyoucoulddotomakemeloveyouless.”

Ilaughed.“Anaxmurderer?That’syourlimit?”

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“Well...maybeeventhen.”Shewinkedatme.“Goon.Ifyou’redoingseveraldatesthisweek,youshouldmakeaplan.”

Inoddedand,forreasonsIwasn’tentirelysureof,scuttledintoherlapforasecond.

“Oof!”shecomplainedasmyweightsettled.“Loveyou,Mom.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundmetightly.“Iloveyou,too.Morethanyou

couldeverknow.”Ikissedhercheekandhoppedup,thinkingoftheweekaheadandhoping

itwould somehow appease everyone.But those thoughtswere driven frommymindwhenIsteppedintothehallwayandfoundBadenthere,waitingforme.

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CHAPTER29

BADENSTOODANDTHENCROSSEDthehall.Themiddaysunwasfilteringinthroughthewindows,makingthespacewarmandcoveringeverythingwithaslighthintofyellow.Evenhisdarkskinlookedbrightersomehow.

“Stalkingme?”Iasked,tryingtobeplayful.Thehard set of his eyes toldmehewasn’t in themood. “Iwasn’t sure

howelsetogetaholdofyou.You’resohardtofind.”Icrossedmyarms.“Clearlyyou’reupset.Whydon’tyoutellmewhatit’s

allaboutsowecanmoveon?”Hemadeaface,displeasedwithmyoffer.“Iwanttoleave.”IfeltlikeI’drunfullspeedintoabrickwall.“Excuseme?”“Lastnightwasembarrassing.Iaskedyououtandyoushotmedown.”Iheldupahand.“Ineveractuallysaidno.Youdidn’tletmegetthatfar.”“Wereyougoingtosayyes?”Hesoundedskeptical.Iraisedmyarmsandletthemdrop.“I’llneverknow,becauseyougotan

attitudeandwalkedaway.”“Areyouseriouslygoingtolecturemeonhavingabadattitude?”Igasped.Howdarehe?Igotcloser tohim, thoughevenatmyfullheight Iwasdwarfedbyhis

frame. “Youknow I couldhaveyoupunished for speaking tome thatway,right?”

“Sonowyou’regoingtobullyme?Firstyourejectme,thenyouusemeforalittlesnippetofentertainmentontheReport,andnowI’vehadtospendmyentiremorningtrackingyoudownafteryoutoldmeyouwouldmeetwithmeduringbreakfast.”

“You’reonepersonoutoftwenty!Ihaveworktodo!Howself-centeredcanyoupossiblybe?”

Hiseyeswidened,andhepointedathischest.“Me?Self-centered?”Itriedtotuckmyheartaway,refusingtolethimhurtme.“Youknow,you

wereoneofmyfavorites.Iwasgoingtokeepyouaroundforalongtime.Myfamilylikedyou,andIadmiredyourtalent.”

“Idon’tneedyourfamily’sstampofapproval.Youwerenicetomeforallofanhour,thenyoudisappearandit’slikenothinghappenedatall.Ihavethefreedomtoleave,andI’mreadytogo.”

“Thengo!”

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Istartedwalkingaway.Ididn’thavetoendurethat.Heyelleddownthehall, takingonelaststabatme.“Myfriendsall told

meIwascrazytoputmynamein!Theyweresoright!”Ikeptgoing.“You’repushy!You’reselfish!WhatwasIthinking?”Iturnedacorner,eventhoughitdidn’tleadtowhereIwasgoing.Icould

findmywayeventually.Iheldit in,keepingthebravefaceI’dalwaysbeentaughttohave.Noonecouldknowhowmuchthathurt.

Afteratripthattooktwiceaslongasitshouldhave,Ifinallymadeittothe third floor. I started crying the second I hit the landing, unable to staycomposedanylonger.Baden’swordsrepeatedthemselvesinmyhead,andIclutchedmystomach,feelingthemlikeliteralblows.

Beforeanyoftheboyshadshownup,I’dhadalistofideasforhowtogetridof them. I’dplannedonmaking themso angry they’d sayplentyof thethingsBadenjusthad...butI’ddonenothingtoprovokehim.Andhesaidthemanyway.WhatwassowrongwithmethatIgotrejectedsimplyforbeingmyself?

Andhislastwordsdidexactlywhathewantedthemto.ItlookedlikeI’dhadmillions of choices when I drew the names nearly amonth ago. Howmanymenhadn’tenteredbecausetheyalreadyobjectedtomeonsomelevel?

Didpeople thinkIwaspushy?Selfish?Whichwere thepublicenjoyingmore: thesweetmomentsbetweenmeandtheboysor themomentswhenIlookedlikeafailure?

Istraightenedup tohead tomyroom,only tosee thatErikwaswaitingoutsidemydoorformeandhadundoubtedlyjustwatchedmycryingfit.

I swiped atmy face, trying to clean it up, but therewas no hiding thepuffyeyesor redcheeks.Erikseeingme like thiswasalmostasbadas theoriginalissue,buttheonlywaytomakeitseemasifitwasnothingwastoactasifitwasnothing.

Iwalkedover toErik,achinglyawareof thesadness inhiseyes,andhebowedasIapproached.

“I feel likemaybe I’ve come at a bad time,” he said, the tiniest hint ofsarcasminhisvoice.

I smiled.“Eversoslightly,” Ianswered,acknowledgingmyhurtagainstmybetterjudgment.“Still,I’mhappytohelpyouifIcan.”

Erikpressedhislipstogether,unsureifheshouldgoon.“IwantedtotalktoyouaboutHenri.Hedidn’t sendme!”he insisted, holdingup ahand. “Ithink he’d come to you himself if he could speak on his own. But he’sembarrassed.”Erikswallowed.“He,uh...hetoldmeaboutthekiss.”

Inodded.“Ifigured.”

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“He’s afraidhe’s crosseda line.He said somethingaboutholdingon toyouandthatheprobablyshouldhaveletgo,butthenhedidn’tand—”

Ishookmyhead.“Thatmakesitsoundmuchworsethanitwas.He. . .we . . .” Istoodthere, lost.“Wewere trying tocommunicate,andwhen thewordsdidn’twork,well,thatdid.”

For some reason I was upset admitting this to Erik, even though healreadykneweverything.

“Soyou’renotcrosswithhim?”I heavedout a breath, almost laughingbecause the ideawas sobizarre.

“No.He’s oneof the kindest people I know. I’mnot upsetwith him in theslightest.”

Eriknodded.“WoulditbeallrightifItoldhimasmuch?”“Absolutely.”Iwipedatmyeyesagain,pullingoffsmudgedeyeliner in

theprocess.“Ick.”“Areyouokay,YourHighness?”Hisvoicewassotenderbut,mercifully,

lacking pity. I almost explained what had happened to him, but it wasborderlineinappropriate.ItwasonethingtotalkaboutHenri;itwasanothertodiscusstheothersuitorsatlength.

“I am. Or will be. Don’t worry about me; just make sure Henri is allright.”

Hisexpressionchangedslightly,andIcouldseetheweightofthatroleinhiseyes.“Idomybest.”

Istudiedhim.“Henrireallywantsit,doesn’the?”Erikshookhishead.“Thereisno‘it.’Hewantsyou.”After Baden’s heart-shattering speech, it was hard to imagine this was

possible,butErikconfirmeditashewenton.“Hetalksofyouendlessly.EachdayintheMen’sParlor,I’mtranslating

politicalsciencebookstohimortryingtoexplainthedifferencebetweentheabsolutemonarchyyouhavehereandtheconstitutionalmonarchyhegrewupwithinSwendway.Heeven—”Erikpausedtochuckle.“Heevenstudiestheway your brotherswalk and stand.Hewants to beworthy of you in everyway.”

I swallowed, overcome by this admission. Smirking, trying to dull thefeeling,Ireplied,“Buthecan’tevenspeaktome.”

“Iknow,”heansweredsolemnly.“WhichiswhyIwonder...”“Wonderwhat?”Herubbedhishandoverhismouth,tryingtodecideifheshouldcontinue.

“It’seasiesttolearnnewlanguageswhenyou’reachild.Anditcanbetaughtlater in life,but theaccentwillprobablyalwaysbebad.Henrisimplyhasadifficult time retaining it. At the rate he’s going, it would be years before

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you’dbeable tocarryon themostbasicconversations.And thenuancesoflanguages—slangandcolloquialisms—wouldtakeyearsbeyondthat.Doyouunderstandwhatthatwouldmean?”

That I wouldn’t be able to communicate with him for who knew howlong.BythetimetheSelectionshouldend,westillwouldhardlyknoweachother.

“Ido.”Twosmallwords,buttheyfeltmassive,liketheywerefillinguptheentirehallway,crushingme.

“I just thoughtyoushouldknowthat. Iwantedyoutobeawareofwhatthingsmightlooklikeifyouhaddevelopedfeelingsforhim,too.”

“Thankyou,”Ibreathed.“Doyou?”heaskedsuddenly.“Havefeelingsforhim?”I’dbeensoemotionalalreadythatthequestionsentmeintoatailspin.“I

honestlyhavenoideahowIfeelaboutanything.”“Hey.”He reachedout a handbefore thinkingbetter of it. “I’m sorry. I

was being nosy. That’s really none of my business, and you’re obviouslyhavingaroughday.I’manass.”

Iwipedatmynose.“No.You’retryingtobeagoodfriend.Tohim,tome.It’snobigdeal.”

Hetuckedhishandsbehindhisback.“Well,Iam,youknow?”“Huh?”Hesighed,seemingembarrassed.“Yourfriend.Ifyouneedone.”It was such a simple offer, yet generous in amillionways. “I couldn’t

imaginehavingabetterone.”Hebeamedbutwasquiet. It seemed like the timeswhenweweresilent

weresomeoftheeasiest.Eventuallyheclearedhisthroat.“I’msureyouhaveworktodo,butIhate

leavingyoualonewhenyoufeelsobad.”“No.Ikindofpreferit.”Erikgavemeahalfheartedsmile.“Ifyousayso.”Hebowed.“Hopeyour

daygetsbetter.”“Italreadyhas,”Ipromised,walkingaroundhimtogetintomyroom,a

kindsmileonmyface.“Miss?”NeenaaskedasIcamethroughthedoorway.Icouldn’timagine

howawfulIlooked.“Hi,Neena.”“Areyouallright?”“Not exactly, but I’ll get there. Can you bringme the Selection forms,

please?Ihaveworktodo.”Thoughtheconfusiononherfacewasplain,shedidasIasked.Shealso

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broughtaboxoftissues.“Thankyou.”IthoughtIwaspasttheworstofit,butIdidtearupagainas

I looked at the pictures, wondering who was maybe here despite havingreservationsandhatingeachofthemontheoffchanceitappliedtothemall.

“Neena,couldyougetmesomepaper?”Onceagainsheobeyed,bringingacupofteaalongwithanotebook.She

reallywastoogood.Itriedtoplotoutmyweek.Apsel’sapplicationsaidheplayedthepiano,

so I’d arrange for us toworkonduets tomorrowmorning; and in the earlyeveningI’dwalkoutsidewithTavish.MondaywouldbeteawithGunnerandaphotographywalkwithHarrison.Dadwouldprobablylovethat.

Ifinishedmyplansandsetdownmypileofpapersbesideme.Withoutaword,Neenastartedabath.Isippedthelastofmyteaandputthecupbackonthetablenexttothepotsoshewouldn’thavetogohuntingforitlater.

Inthebathroom,steamwasfillingtheair,andIplantedmyselfinfrontofthe mirror, pulling pins out of my hair. Between the soothing water andNeena’scalmingpresence, IwasfreefrommostofBaden’sharshwordsbythetimeIwasreadytodryoff.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Neena asked quietly, pulling a brushthroughmyhair.

“There’snotmuchtosay.Peoplewillthrowfoodatme,peoplewillthrowwordsatme,andIhavetobestrongerthanthatifI’mgoingtosurvive.”

Sheletoutadisapprovingsound,andIwatchedhertroubledeyesinthemirror.

“What?”Neena stoppedbrushing for aminute, lookingatmy reflection. “For all

myproblems,I’dnevertradethemforyours.I’msosorry.”Ipulledmyselfup.“Nothingtobesorryfor.ThiswaswhatIwasbornto

do.”“That’snotfair though,is it?I thoughteliminatingthecastesmeantthat

noonewasbornintoanything.Doesthatapplytoeveryoneexceptyou?”“Apparently.”

Itdidn’tmatterthatApsel’sskillsweresogoodIpraisedhimendlessly.Anditdidn’tmatterthatthephotosofTavishandmeinthegardenwerepositivelybeautiful.With all thework I put in, neither of those thingswere headlinematerialMondaymorning.

Abovethepicturesofmeandmydateswasanentirelydifferentstory.IT’SWORK!screamedtheheadlineaboveacandidshotofmeyawning.

An“exclusivesource”hadsharedthatIfelttheSelectionprocesswas“more

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work thananything”and that “wemake it lookexciting.”All I could thinkaboutwashowbadlyIwantedtohurtMillaWarren.

I couldn’t blameher completely though.Baden’s exposéonhowstagedtheSelectionwashelpednothing.Hedescribedmeat lengthas frigid, two-faced,anddistant.Hespokeofouronecharmingmomentaloneandthenmyintentionaldisconnectionfromhim,andsaidtherewasnowayhecouldhavestayedinthepalace,livingundersuchalie.Iknewitwaslikelythathewaspaidanexorbitant amountofmoney forhis storyand thathewasprobablyworrying about a mountain of debt for his education. But I felt certain hewouldhavesaiditallforfree.

Juxtaposing those storieswith the one ofmyweekend dates cheapenedeverything about them. It was a waste of effort and worse, it was visiblytakingatollonDad.Weekshadpassed,hestillhadnoideahowtoaddressthe caste issues, and pockets of rioters were calling for the end of themonarchy.

Iwasfailingineverypossibleway.AfterbreakfastIwenttomyroom,lookingatmyplansfortheday.Were

theyworthlessnow?Wasthereawaytomakethesedatesbetter?IheardaknockandturnedtoseeKilestandingatthedoor.Iranintohis

armswithoutasecondthought.“Hey,”hesaid,holdingmetight.“Idon’tknowwhattodo.Everything’sjustgettingworseandworse.”Hepulledbackandloweredhiseyestomeetmine.“Someoftheguysare

confused.Theydon’tknowifthey’rebeingused.Eadlyn,”hecontinuedinawhisper,presumablysoNeenawouldn’thearhiswords,“Iknowourfirstkisswasforshow.Isitallforshow?Ifitis,youneedtocomeclean.”

Istaredintohiseyes.HowhadIeverthoughthewasanythinglessthansmart and funny and handsome and kind? I didn’t want to respond in awhisper,soIsignaledforNeena to leave,andonceshehadclosed thedoorbehindher,Ifacedhimagain.

“It’scomplicated,Kile.”“I’maveryintelligentperson.Explain.”Hiswordswerecalm,aninvitationmorethanademand.“Ifyouhadaskedmethenightbeforeeveryonecame,Iwouldhavesaidit

wasallajoke.Butit’snotanymore,nottome.”Thewordsshockedme.I’dfoughtcaringabouttheseboys,andIwasstillterrifiedofthemgettingcloser.Evennow,Kilewaswalkingtheedgeofmycomfortzone,andIwasunsurehowI’dmanageifhepushedhimselfovertheline.

“Youmattertome,”Iconfessed.“Alotofyoudo.ButdoIthinkI’llgetmarried?”Ishrugged.“Ican’tsay.”

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“Thatdoesn’tmakesense.Eitheryouwantthisoryoudon’t.”“That’snotfair.Whenyournamewascalled,didyouwanttoparticipate?

Wouldyousaythesamethingnow?”Ididn’trealizehowtensehe’dbecomeuntilheletoutabreathandclosed

hiseyes.“Okay.Icanunderstandthat.”“It’s been harder than I thought,with somany disasters along theway.

And I’m not as good at showing my emotions as other girls, so it comesacross like I don’t care, evenwhen I do. I like to keep things tomyself. Itlooksbad,Iknow,butit’sreal.”

He’d been around me long enough to know it was true. “You need toaddressthis.Youneedtosaysomethingpubliclyaboutthatstory,”heinsisted,hiseyesfocusedonmine.

Irubbedmytemple.“I’mnotsurethat’sagoodidea.WhatifIsomehowmakeitworse?”

Hepokedmystomach,somethingwehadn’tdonesincewewerechildren.“Howcanthetruthmakeanythingworse?”

Well,thatconfirmedallmyanxieties.AdmittinghowmuchthismeanttomenowmightalsomeanowninguptotheoriginsofthisparticularSelection.Withthewaythingsweregoing,thatwouldn’twinmeanysympathy.

Heturnedmearoundandpointedmetowardmytableandchairs.“Here.Let’ssitforaminute.”

Isatbesidehim,pilingupsomeofthedressideasIhadbeenworkingon.“Thoseareimpressive,Eadlyn,”heremarked.I gave him a weak smile. “Thank you, but it’s really just a bunch of

scribbles.”“Don’tdothat,”hesaid.“Don’tmakeitseemlikeit’snotimportant.”Irememberedthosewords,andtheysoothedme.Kilepulledoverahandfulofthepencilsandstartedsomesketchesofhis

own.“Whatareyoudrawing?”Iasked,lookingatthelittleboxes.“AnideaI’vebeenexperimentingwith.I’vebeenreadingaboutsomeof

thepoorerprovinces.Oneoftheirbiggerissuesishousingrightnow.”“Becauseofthemanufacturingboom?”“Yeah.”Hecontinuedtosketch,makingpracticallyperfectstraightlines.Daddidwhathecouldtoencouragemoreindustrialgrowthinsomeofthe

primarilyagriculturalprovinces.Itwasgoodforeveryoneifthingscouldbeprocessedwheretheyweregrown.Butasthattookoff,moreandmorepeoplemoved to be closer to those areas, meaning not everyone had adequatehousing.

“Iknowalittlebitabouthowmuchitcoststogetsupplies,andIfigured

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out that it’d be possible to build these smaller huts, basically like familycubicles, fairly inexpensively. I’ve been playingwith the idea over the lastfewweeks.IftherewassomeoneIcouldgetthedesignto,theymightbeabletoimplementit.”

I looked at the little structure, barely as big as my bathroom, abuttedagainstanidenticalbox.Theyeachhadadoorandaside-facingwindow.Alittle tubeat the topcaughtrainwater,andasmallbucketcollecteditbythedoor.Ventslinedthetop,andasmalltarpjuttedoutinfront,shadingthefrontofthespace.

“Theylooksotinythough.”“Butthey’dfeellikeamansionifyouwerehomeless.”I exhaled, thinking that was probably true. “There can’t be space for a

bathroominthere.”“No, butmost people use facilities inside theplants.That’swhat I read

anyway. Thiswould be strictly for shelter,whichmeansworkerswould bemorerested,havebetterhealth . . .and there’s justsomethingspecialabouthavingaplacetocallyourown.”

IwatchedKile,hiseyesfocusedontheextralittledetailshewasaddingtohiswork.Iknewthathithomeforhim,thathewasachingforanythingthattruly belonged to him. He pushed the paper away gently, adding it to theothers.

“Notnearlyasexcitingasaballgown,butthat’sallIknowhowtodraw,”heconcludedwithalaugh.

“Andyoudoitsowell.”“Eh.Ijustwantedtodistractyouforaminute,butIdon’tknowwhatelse

todo.”I reached over and held his hand. “That you came at all is enough. I

shouldn’tletmyselfsulktoomuchanyway.Ineedtocomeupwithaplanofaction.”

“Liketalkingaboutit?”Ishrugged.“Maybe.Ihavetospeakwithmydadfirst.”I could tell he thought I was being silly, but he didn’t knowwhatwas

going on. Not really. And even as someone in the know, it was hard tounderstand.

“Thanksforcoming,Kile.Ioweyouone.”“You owe me two. I’m still waiting for that chat with my mom.” He

winked,nottooupsetIhadn’tdeliveredyet.Mypromisewasstillinthebackofmyhead,andI’dhadmorethanone

opportunitytobringitupwithMissMarlee.ButnowIwastheproblem,nother.ItwasgettinghardertoimaginethepalacewithoutKilearound.

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“Ofcourse.Ihaven’tforgotten.”Hepokedmystomachagain,andIgiggled.“Iknow.”“Letmegotalktomyparents.Ineedtofigureoutwhattodo.”“Okay.”Heputanarmaroundmeandwalkedmeout thedoor,parting

withmeatthestairs.FromthereIwentstraighttotheoffice,nervousabouthowtiredDadlookedwhenIcameinandclearedmythroat.

Hepoppedhisheadupfromthepapers,shovingthestackofthemintoadrawer as if Iwouldn’t see. “Hey, sweetie. I thought youwere going to beworkingontheSelectionsideofthingsthisweek.”

“Well, thatwas theplan, but I’mwondering if thatwill evenbeof anyhelprightnow.”

Hewascrestfallen.“Idon’tknowhowthishappened,Eadlyn.I’msorry.”“I’m the one who should be sorry. Baden exaggerated things, but the

barestpointsofhisstorywerereal.Andwith themayor, Isaid those thingsout loud, it’s true. But I was simply venting about the work of it all. AskMom;shewasthere.Everythinggottwistedaround.”

“I already spoke to her, honey, and I’mnot upsetwith you. I just can’tunderstandwhyMillawould do that. It’s like everyone is taking aim at usrightnow....”Hekeptopeninghismouthlikehewantedtosaymore,buthewas so confused by the overwhelming unhappiness of the public, he didn’tknowwheretostart.

“I’m trying, Dad, but I don’t think it’s good enough.Which made mewonderifmaybewewantedtotrysomethingdifferent.”

Heshrugged.“I’mupformostanythingatthemoment.”“Let’sswitchthefocus.Noonetrustsmerightnow.Let’sbringCamillein

foravisitandletpeopleseehowinloveAhreniswithher.Healwaysdoesmuchbetterinthespotlight.Icancomeinandtalkabouttheirinfluenceonme,andthenwecanpickupwiththeSelectionshortlyafter,trytoblendonelovestoryintoanother.”

Hestaredathisdesk,contemplating.“Idon’tknowwhereyougetsomeofyour ideas,but that’s inspired,Eadlyn.And I thinkAhrenwillbebesidehimself. Let memake a call and see if she can even come before we sayanything,allright?”

“Absolutely.”“Iwantyoutoplanapartyforher.Youtwoshouldknoweachotherbetter

thanyoudo.”AsifIdidn’thaveanythingelsetoworryabout.“I’llstartatonce.”He picked up the telephone, and I went back tomy room, hoping this

wouldbeenoughtogetthingsbackontherighttrack.

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CHAPTER30

TWODAYSLATER IWAS standingon the tarmacnext tomygiddybrother,whowasholdinganobnoxiouslylargebouquetinhishands.

“Whydon’tyougetmeflowerslikethat?”“BecauseI’mnottryingtoimpressyou.”“You’reworse than those boys back at the palace,” I said, shakingmy

head.“She’sgoingtobethequeenofFrance.Girlslikeusarehardtoamaze.”“Iknow.”Helookedidioticallyhappy.“GuessI’mjustlucky.”The stairs lowered from the plane, and two guards came down before

Camille.Shewasawillowything,blondandpetite,witha face that lookedeternallywell rested and excited. Inperson and inprint, I’dnever seenherwearinganythingthatremotelyresembledafrown.

Therewasprotocoltofollow,butAhrenandCamillebypassedit,runningintoeachother’sarms.Heheldhertightlyandkissedeverycornerofherface,ruininghalfofhisflowersintheprocess.Camillelaughedashepepperedherwithaffection,andIfeltalittleawkwardstandingthere,waitingforittoendsoIcouldsayhello.

“I havemissed you so!” she cried, her accentmaking eachword soundlikeasurprise.

“I have so much to show you. I asked Mom and Dad to make you apermanentsuitesoyouwillalwayshavethebestroomwhenyoucome.”

“Oh,Ahren!Sogenerousforme!”Heturned,grinningfromeartoear,suddenlyrecallingmypresence.“You

remembermysister,ofcourse.”Wecurtsiedtoeachother,andsheroseelegantly.“YourHighness,sonice

toseeyouagain.Ibringgiftsforyou.”“Forme?”“Yes.Hereisasecret,”shesaid,leaningin.“Youcanwearallofthem.”Iperkedup.“Wonderful!Maybe I’llhave tousesomeof it at theparty

I’mthrowingforyoutonight.”Shegaspedandplacedbothhandsonherchest.“Forme?”Sheturnedher

blueeyesonAhren.“Really?”“Really.”Itwasstrangetoseehimwiththislookinhiseyes,likemaybehewasin

the middle of an act of worship, prepared to sacrifice anything to please

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Camille.“Yourfamilyissogoodtome.Let’sgo.I’mdyingtoseeyourmother.”I tried to keep upwith them on the ride back to the palace, butAhren

spoke mostly in French for her benefit, and since I had chosen to masterSpanish,Iwascompletelyinthedark.Oncewegothome,Mom,Dad,Kaden,andOstenwereallwaitingonthefrontstairsforus.Positionedontheedgesofthesteps,tryingtobeinconspicuous,wereseveralphotographers.

Ahrenexitedfirst,holdingouthishandtohelpCamille.WhenIscootedoverandreachedforhim,itturnedouthe’dalreadyrunoffwithCamille,whowasrushingintomymother’sarms.

Mom,Dad,andKadenallknewFrenchandweregreetingherwarmly.IwalkedovertoOsten,wholookedlikehewasitchingtoclimbonsomething.

“Whatareyouuptotoday?”Iasked.“Idon’tknow.”“Go find the Selected guys and ask them awkward questions. Report

back.”Helaughedandwentrunning.“Where’sheoffto?”Dadaskedquietly.“Nowhere.”“Let’s all go inside,”Momannounced. “You shouldnapbefore tonight.

Eadlyn’sbeenworkingsohardonthisparty,it’sgoingtobewonderful.”

I’d thoughtofeverything.Themusicwas live—suitableforslowdancing—andtherewasamixoffoods,bothfromIlléaandFrance,aswellassomeofthosedeliciousapplefrittersHenrihadmadeforme.Icouldn’twaitforhimtosee.

Momlooked radiantasalways,andDaddidn’t seemquite soworn-out.Josiewasrightathome,andIwaspleasedbecauseforonceshehadn’tstolena tiara. Kaden was like a little ambassador, walking around the room andshakinghands.

I was, of course, staying close to the happy couple, which was bothcaptivatinganddraining.AhrenlookedatCamillelikeshehungthesunintheskyeverymorning. Itwasbeautiful, thewayhewatchedher, enchantedbyeverybreaththatcameoutofhermouth.ButIfeltstrangelydetachedfromitall because no one had ever done that forme, and I’d never done that foranyoneelse.

IfoundmyselfjealousofCamille.Notforhavingtheunwaveringloveofmybrother—whichIknewtobeoneofthesteadiestforcesintheworld—butbecauseeverythingabouthercamesoeffortlessly.

What had the French queen done to raise her like this? Camille was

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delicateandsweet,andyetnoonewouldthinktotryandwalkalloverher.Ikeptupwith internationalaffairs,andIknewherpeoplecherishedher.Lastyearonherbirthdayanimpromptupartystartedinthestreetsinherhonorandlastedforthreedays.Threedays!

I thought my education was fair and well-rounded, which meant onething:myshortcomingshadnothingtodowithhoworwhatIwastaughtbutwithmealone.

TherealizationforcedmetostepawayfromherandAhren.Standingnearheronlymademefeelworse.BeforeIcouldgettoofar,Eanwasinfrontofme,holdingouthisarm.

“Longtime,nosee.”Irolledmyeyes.“Iseeyoueveryday.”Ilacedmyarmthroughhisallthe

same.“Butwedon’tgettospeak.I’vebeenwonderinghowyou’redoing.”“Excellent.Can’tyoutell?I’mrunningaroundlikeacrazypersontrying

todatewhilebeingaccusedoffakingitall,andmybrotherisinlovewithaperfectgirl,andIknoweventuallyshe’sgoingtostealhimaway.”

“Stealhim?”I nodded. “When they finally do get married, which will require her

mother’sexpressapprovalandalengthyengagementtoplanwhatwillsurelybethemostostentatiousweddinganyonehaseverseen,he’llhavetoliveinFrancewithher.”

“Hmm,”hesaid,leadingmetothedancefloorandplacingahandonmywaist.“Ican’tdomuchaboutyourbrother,but,ifhedoesendupleaving,youstillhavesomeoneyoucanalwaysdependon.”

“Wouldyouhappentobespeakingaboutyourself?”Iteased,swayingtothemusic.

“Ofcourse,”hereplied.“Myofferstillstands.”“Ihaven’tforgottenit.”AsI took in theroomwithall its trappingsand importantguests, itwas

hard to deny just how well he fit in with the crowd. Ever since Ean hadarrived,he’dcarriedhimselfwithakindofpoisethatfewpeoplepossessed.IfIhadn’tknownbetter, Iwouldhaveguessed thathegrewup inapalaceaswell.

“Ifthere’sanytruthtothatarticle,youdon’thavetotortureyourselfwiththeselittleboys.Iwillbeeverythingyoucouldaskforinahusband.Iwillbefaithful, kind, and a truehelper. Iwill never demand love fromyou.And Iwillbemorethanhappysimplytolivebyyourside.”

I still couldn’t understandhismotivation. In somewayshe coulddo somuchbetter.

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“Ithankyouagainforyouroffer.ButIhaven’tgivenupontheSelectionyet.”

Eancockedhisheadtotheside,smilingslyly.“Oh,butIthinkyouhave.”“Andwhy is that?” I tried tomatch his know-it-all attitude as best as I

could.“BecauseI’mstillhere.Andifyouwerereallyhopingtofindlove,Ican’t

seewhyyouwouldkeepmearound.”We were both grinning at the audacity of his statement as I stopped

dancing,pullingmyhandsawayslowly.“Icouldsendyouhomerightnow,youknow.”

“Butyouwon’t,”heassumed,thatimpishgrinstillplasteredtohisface.“YouknowIcangiveyoutheonethingyoureallywant,andyou’retheonlyonewhocangivemewhatIwant.”

“Whichis?”“Comfort.Comfortinexchangeforfreedom.”Heshrugged.“Ithinkthat’s

aprettygooddeal.”Hebowed.“Seeyoutomorrow,YourHighness.”I couldn’t stand that he was probably the only person here more

calculating than Iwas.He knew exactlywhat Iwanted and how far Iwaswillingtogotogetit,whichwasirritating.

I was close to the side door of the Great Room and slipped into thehallway for a moment to be by myself. I rubbed my cheeks, so tired ofsmiling.Itwascoolerouthereandmucheasiertothink.

“YourHighness?”ErikcamedownthehallinthesmartestsuitI’dseenhimintodate.His

hairwas neater than usual, slightly slicked back.He looked taller, prouder.Myjawfellopenatthechange.Helookedpositivelygorgeous.

“Youcleanupnice,”Isaid,tryingtogetmyexpressionsomewhereclosetonormalagain.

“Oh.”Helookeddown.“Iwasaimingforappropriate.”“Youdidmuchbetterthanthat.”Ipushedmyselfoffthewalltofacehim.“Youthink?HaletoldmeIshouldconsiderthinnerties.”Igiggled.“Well,Haleisprettygiftedwhenitcomestostyle,butyoulook

verygood.”Hestood there,clearly ill ateasewith thepraise.“So,areyouenjoying

theparty?”Ipeekedbackintotheroom.“It’sasuccess,don’tyouthink?Goodfood,

excellentmusic,awiderangeofcompany...itmightbethebestpartyI’veeverthrown.”

“Sodiplomatic,”hesaid.I turned back to Erik and smiled. “I feel like I’m the one competing

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tonight.”“Withwho?”heasked,shocked.“Camille,ofcourse.”I lookedback into theroom, trying tohidebehind

thedoorasIwatched.Erikcamebesideme,andwebothfollowedherasshedancedwithAhrenacrossthefloor.

“That’sridiculous.”“That’skindofyou,butIknowbetter.She’severythingI trytobe.”I’d

thought this tomyself before, but I’d never admitted it to anyone. Iwasn’tsurehowErikmanagedtomakemewanttoconfidethisinhim.

“ButwhywouldyoutrytobeherwhenEadlynismorethanenough?”Iwhippedmyheadbacktohim,asiftheconceptwasunimaginable.Iwas

inaconstantstateofstriving;Iwasneverenough.Erik’swordsnearlybroughttearstomyeyes,andIreacheddowntotake

hishandasI’ddoneinmybedroomnotthatlongago.“I’msoglad Igot tomeetyou.However thiswhole thingends, I think

I’vebeenenlightenedjustbycrossingpathswithsomeofyou.”Hesmiled.“AndI’llneverbeabletoexpresswhataprivilegeit’sbeento

knowyou.”I think I meant to shake his hand, but we ended up standing there,

connectedinsilenceforawhile.“Did you put your name in?” I asked suddenly. “For the Selection, I

mean?”Hesmiledandshookhishead.“No.”“Whynot?”Heshrugged,searchingforananswer.“Because...whoamI?”“You’reEikko.”Hestoodthere,slightlydazedatthesoundofhisgivenname.Finally,he

smiledagain.“Yes,I’mEikko.Butyoubarelyknowme.”“IknowEikkoaswellasheknowsEadlyn.AndIcan tellyou,youare

enoughaswell.”Herubbedhisthumbagainstthebackofmyhand,thetiniestmovement.

AndIcouldsensewewerebothwonderingwhatwouldhavehappenedifhisnamehadbeeninoneofthosebaskets.Maybehe’dbeoneofthecontenders,maybehewouldn’thavebeenpickedatall. . .itwashardtosayiftheriskwouldhavebeenworthitintheend.

“Ishouldgetbackinthere.”Ipointedovermyshouldertotheparty.“Ofcourse.Seeyou.”I focused onmy posture and stood as tall as I could,whichwasmuch

moreimpressiveintheseheelsCamillebroughtme.Iwalkedintotheroom,

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graciouslygreetingeveryonewithabowofmyhead.Icouldhavestoppedadozentimes,butIpushedonuntilIfoundHenri.

“Hello,”hegreeted.Imeanttogoseehimadozentimesthisweek.Butbetweendatingattop

speed, doing damage control, and planning for Camille, I hadn’t gotten tospeaktoHenriatall.Icouldseethathewasanxious,andthoughIwassureErik conveyed everything I’d said, I think we both knew we needed toactuallyspeak,justthetwoofus.

“Okay?”Iasked.Henodded.“Andyouokay?”Inodded.Withthatheletoutamassivesigh,andthebrightfaceI’dcometoexpect

was back again. I tried to think of all the disagreements andmisunderstandings I’d had inmy life. Therewas noway any of themwasendedwith less than fivewords. But thatwas genuinely all I needed fromHenritoknowhisregretatpossiblyoffendingmewithoutwishingatallthathecouldtakebackthatkiss.

Maybe Erik had nothing to worry about. Maybe Henri and I couldcommunicatejustfine.

“Dance?”Iasked,pointingtothefloor.“Please!”Iwasnearlyastallashimintheseshoes,andhewasn’tmuchofadancer,

butwhat he lacked in grace hemade up forwith enthusiasm.He spunmeseveral times andevendippedme twice.When I cameup the second time,laughing,IspottedErikoverhisshoulder.

Icouldhavebeenwrong,buthisshysmilelookedalittlesad.

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CHAPTER31

CAMILLELOOKEDFLAWLESSONTHEfrontofeverypaperandafewofthegossip magazines that tended to equate our family with movie stars andsingers. She brightened themood in theWomen’s Room simply by sittingthere,andAuntMaycametovisitforafewdayssolelytoseeher.

IknewwhyIhadproblemswithJosie.Shewasbrattyand juvenileandtriedsohardtobemethatIfeltlikeIhadtobeoverlyguardedwhenshewasnear.But itwasmorecomplicatedwithCamille.Evenherperfectionwasaquietthing,asifshehardlynoticeditatall.SothoughIreally,reallywantedtohateher, Iknew thatwould lookmuchworse forme than for the sweet,unassumingFrenchgirl.

“How is your mother?”Mom asked Camille, and something about hertonemade it seemlikeshefeltobligated to inquireaboutQueenDaphne. Itwastheonesubjectthatseemedtotakeanyeffortbetweenthem.

Momhandedheracupoftea,andCamillehappilytookit,pausingasshethoughtthroughheranswer.

“Verywell.Shewantedmetosendyouherlove.”“I’ve been seeing pictures of her lately, and she looks themost content

I’ve ever seenher.”Momplacedher hands in her lap, smilingkindly.Thiscommentfeltmoregenuine.

“Sheis,”Camilleagreed.“Idon’tknowwhat’scomeoverher,butshehasneverbeenmorejoyful.Andherhappinessonlymakesmehappier.”Hereyesgrew soft at the thought of her mother, and again I was forced to wonderexactlywhatwasgoingonintheFrenchpalace.

“So,”Josiesaid,crossingherlegsquitedramaticallyandtakingovertheconversation.“Anychancewe’llbehearingweddingbellsinyourfuture?”

Camillebashfullylookedaway,andeveryonelaughed.“Perhaps,” she hedged. “I knowAhren is the one, butwe bothwant to

findthepropertime.”MissMarleesighed.“SoIsupposeinthemiddleoftheSelectionisnotat

thetopofthelist.”“Never!”Camille laid a hand onmy lap. “Iwouldn’t take thismoment

fromsuchadearfriend!”MissMarleeandMissLucyclutchedtheirhandstogetheratthethought.“Whichremindsme.”Camillestraightenedup.“Eadlyn,youhavetoldme

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nothing.Whataretheseboyslike?”Ichuckled.“Moretroublethanthey’reworth.”“Oh,stop,”Momteased.“Please don’t tell me anything about Kile! Ick!” Josie protested. Her

motherswattedherleg.“Ineedanupdate, too!”AuntMay insisted.“Imisseda lot. I saw there

wasafight!”“There was.” I rolled my eyes, remembering. “The truth is, I’m still

getting toknowmostof them,” I admitted. “Therearea fewstandouts,butthingschange fromday today, so it’shard tomeasurewhomightbebetterthananyoneelse.”

“Measure?”Camille sounded sad. “There is nomeasure. Isn’t thereonepersonwhofillsyourheartandtakesupallyourthoughts?”

Asshesaidit,anamepoppedintomyhead.AndIwassosurprisedthatanyonecame tomindatall that Ididn’thave time toabsorbexactlywho itwas.

Iforcedmyselftoconcentrateontheconversation.“IguessI’mjustnotasromanticallyinclinedassomepeople.”

“Obviously,”Josiemutteredunderherbreath.EitherCamilledidn’thearherorshedismissedit.“Ibelieveyouwillfind

awonderfulhusband.Icannotwaittosee!”The conversation drifted away, and I listened quietly. Iwasn’t sure if I

neededtostayintheroomalldayorifIwassupposedtogoworkwithDad.It seemed like I’dbeendoingeverythingwrong lately, and Ididn’twant toaddtomyrunninglistofmistakes.

And I liked girl talk, but I needed a little break. I excusedmyself andmademywayintothehall,notsureofwhereIwouldgo.Fifteenminutes.IpromisedmyselfafterthatI’dgobackandbevibrantandengaging.

BypureluckIcaughtHaleonhiswayouttothegardens,holdingatraywithcarafesofwateronit.Hesawmeandbrokeintoagiantsmile.

“Whereareyouoffto?”heasked.“Nowherereally.TakingabreakfromtheWomen’sRoom.”“Someoftheguysareplayingbaseballoutside,ifyouwanttocome.”I went over to the window and, sure enough, maybe eight of the boys

wereouttheretossingaball.“Wheredidtheyevengetthatstuff?”“Osten.”Ofcourse.Ostenhadeverything.Iwatchedtheboysrolluptheirpantlegs

andslideofftheirdressshoes,pushingoneanotherjovially.“I’veneverplayedbaseball,”Iadmitted.

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“Allthemorereasontojoinus.”“Canyouplay?”“I’mmoreofapitcherthanahitter,butIdoallright.AndI’llteachyou.”

Hale’sfacewassogenuine,Ireallybelievedhe’dtakecareofmeoutthere.“Okay.ButI’llprobablyberotten.”“Since when are you rotten at anything?” he said, leading us out the

doorway.Kilewasthere,aswereApsel,Tavish,andHarrison.Alexwasthere,too,

andIhatedtoadmitthatI’dbeenverytemptedtosendhimbacktoCalgaryeversinceMillablabbedtothepapers.Iwasstillconsideringit.

HenriwasstretchingnexttoLinde,soIinstinctivelylookedforErik.Hewasthere,sittingononeofthestonebenches.

“YourHighness!” Edwin called, gettingmy attention. “Are you here towatch?”

“No,sir.I’mheretoplay.”Severaloftheboysclappedorcheered,thoughIseriouslydoubtedanyof

themconsideredmeapositiveaddition.“Okay, okay,” I said loudly, raisingmy arms. “Just keep inmind that I

needtobebackinsideinafewminutes,andI’veneverplayedbefore.Atall.ButIthoughtI’dgiveitaquickgobeforeIgettoworkagain.”

“You’vegotthis!”Tavishassuredme.“Here,givemeyourshoes.I’llputthembymine.”

Islippedoffmyheelsandplacedtheminhishands.“Ugh,theseareheavy.Howdoyouliftyourfeet?”“Strongcalves?”Helaughedandcarriedmyshoestotheside.“Allright,Eadlyn’supfirstthen,”Kileinsisted.Ihadageneralunderstandingofhowthegameworked.Threeouts,four

bases.WhatIwaslostonwerethemechanics.Halewasstandingoutinthemiddleofthediamond,practicinghispitches

withApsel.Raoul,whowasgoingtobecatching,cameupbehindme.“Here’swhatyouneedtodo,”hesaid.HehadathickHispanicaccent,but

his instructionswere nice and clear. “You grab the bat here and here.” Hedemonstrated, clutching the bat firmly toward the bottom. “Legs apart, andkeepyourbackfootdugintothegrass,okay?”

“Okay.”“Justwatchtheball.”“Watchtheball...allright.”Raoul passed me the bat, which weighed much more than I expected.

“Goodluck.”

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“Thanks.”Istoodatthemakeshiftbase,tryingtodoeverythingRaoulhadtoldme

to.IsupposedifHalewaspitching,thenheandIwereondifferentteams.Allthesame,hewasgrinningwhenhesawmeinmystance.

“It’llcomeinslow,okay?”Inodded.He threw theball,and I swungwellabove it.Thesame thinghappened

thesecondtime.Iwasn’tsurewhathappenedwiththethird,butIendedupspinningaround.

Hale laughed and so did Raoul, and while I typically would have feltembarrassed,thisdidn’tseemtoobad.

“Eadlyn!Eadlyn!”Irecognizedmymother’svoice instantly,andI faced theopenwindows

oftheWomen’sRoom.Everyonewasthere,andIwaitedforhertoordermebackinside.

“Getthem!”sheyelled.“Hitit!”AuntMayraisedherarmsintheair.“Go,Eady!”Therestofthegirlsjoinedin,shoutingandclapping.Ilaughedandturned

backtoHale.Hegavemeanod.Ireturnedit,grippingthebat.Ifinallyconnectedwiththeball,sendingitlowandtotheleft.Ishrieked,

droppedthebatsoIcouldpickupmydress,andboltedtothefirstbase.“Go,Eady,go!”Kilescreamed.IsawHenrichasingtheball,soIheadedtothesecondbase,watchinghim

thewholetime.Iwasn’tgoingtomakeit.ImpulsivelyI lunged,fallingintothebase.

Ibeathim!Everyoneerupted.Itwasn’tevenstillmyturn,anditwasn’tlikeI’dwon,

butitfelthuge.Suddenly,Edwinliftedmeupoffthegroundandhuggedme,swingingmearound.

Moments later, Mom and Josie and all the other ladies were outside,slippingofftheirshoesanddemandingaturn.

Someone alertedDad andmybrothers to the game, andKaden showedeveryonewhatasuperiorathletehewas.MomandDadstoodofftotheside,armsaroundeachother.TheSelectedboyspattedone anotheron theback,andAhrensnuckawaywithCamille,kissinghereverystepoftheway.

“Go,Henri!”Iyelledwhenhecameuptobat.Eriksneakedupbesidemeandjoinedin.

Wewereboth a little toodignified to jumparound,butwepumpedourfistsintheair.

“Isn’t this great?” I said. “I love that he can just playwithoutworrying

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aboutwords.”“Me,too,”Erikagreed.“AndIcan’tbelieveyouhitthatball!”Ilaughed.“Iknow!Itwascompletelyworthgettingmydressdirtyfor.”“Agreed.Isthereanythingyoucan’tdo?”heteased.“Plenty,”Isaid,soberlythinkingovermymanyfaults.“Likewhat?”“Umm...speakFinnish?”Helaughed.“Okay.Soonething.That’sforgivable.”“Whataboutyou?”Eriklookedaround.“Icouldn’trunacountry.”Iwavedmyhand.“Trustme,ifIcanlearntodoit,anybodycould.”Momrushedup,embracingme.“Thiswasagreatidea.”“Theboysdidit,”Iexplained.“Ihappenedtobeintherightplacetoget

aninvitation.”Ilookedpasther,watchingDadwalkuptotheplate.“Go,Daddy,go!”He lifted his arm, pointing into the distance, andMom shookher head.

“Notgonnahappen,”shemumbled.As she guessed, he completely struck out.We clapped for him anyway,

celebratingasthegamecontinuedon,withnoonekeepingscore.For just one moment we were happy.My family and friends swarmed

aroundme,laughingandclappingandenjoyingthesun.Momwrappedmeupinanotherhug,kissingmyheadandtellingmehowproudshewasofmyhit—though I didn’t even try again the whole time. Osten ran in circles,disrupting things and making everyone laugh. Josie had stolen one of theboys’dressshirtsandwaswearing itopenoverherdress, looking sillyandcompletelydelighted.

Itwasabubbleofpurejoy.Therewerenocamerasaroundtocaptureit,noreporterstotelltheworld

aboutit.Andforsomereason,thatmadeitsomuchbetter.

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CHAPTER32

IWANTEDTOLIVEINthatplace,toforgetaboutalltheworrieshangingovermy family, threatening to drop at anymoment.But the peacewas gone bydinner. Some of the Selected boys who missed out on the game werecomplaining that they should have been told about it. The ones who werepresent, they claimed, had gotten an unfair amount of additional face timewithme,andtheywereaskingforsomesortofgroupdateforthem.

They electedWinslow to tellme this, andhe stood in front ofmewithpuppy dog eyes relaying the collective dejection of the group. We wereoutside the dining hall, where he caught me as I was heading back tomyroom.

“We’resimplyaskingforanothergroupdatetokeepthingsfair.”I rubbed my temple. “It wasn’t exactly a date. There was no planning

involved,andmyfamilywaswithmeformostof it, includingmyyoungerbrothers.”

“Weunderstandthat,andwe’rewillingtodoanyplanningifyou’llagreetocome.”

Isighed,frustrated.“Howmanypeoplewoulditbeexactly?”“Onlyeight.Eanaskednottobeincluded.”Ismirkedtomyself.OfcourseEanwantednothingtodowithabunchof

boysgrumblingaboutmoretime.ItmademewonderifIshouldgograbhimrightnowforadatesimplytomakeapoint.Isuspectedhe’dhopedforjustthat.

“Youorganizethedate,andI’lldomybesttomaketimeforit.”Winslowbeamed.“Thankyou,YourHighness.”“But,”Iaddedquickly,“pleasepassalongto theothers thatgriping like

thisdoesnotelevatemyopinionofyou.Ifanything,thisisabitchildish.Soyou’dbettermakethisthedateofyourlives.”

Winslow’sfacefellasIwalkedpasthimandupthestairs.Twomoremonths.Icoulddothis.Admittedly,therewereasmanylows

as there were highs, but I sensed the worst had passed. I was feeling lessintimidatedby theboysafter thegame,andI felt sure IcouldgiveDad thetimeheneeded.

Istillwasn’tquitecertainwhattodowithmyheart.I rounded the stairs to the third floor, catchingAhren leavinghis room.

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He’d changed out of his suit coat and into a vest, and I felt sure he washeadingtoCamille’snewsuite.

“Doyoueverstopsmiling?”Iasked,unabletobelievehisfacecouldholdthatposeforsomanydaysstraight.

“Notwhenshe’shere.”Hestraightenedhisvest.“DoIlookokay?”“Asalways.I’msureshedoesn’tcareonewayoranother.She’sashead

overheelsforyouasyouareforher.”Hesighed.“Ithinkso,too.Ihopeso.”Itwaslikehewasalreadygone.Inhismind,hewasinParis,showering

Camille with kisses and debating what to name their children. I felt himleavingme....Iwasn’tready.

Iswallowed,daringtosaywhatI’dbeendeliberatingoverforaverylongtime.“Look,Ahren,she’sagreatgirl.There’snodenyingit.Butmaybeshe’snottheone.”

Hissmilefinallyfaltered.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Just that youmightwant to consider other options.There are somany

eligible girls in Illéa that you’ve completely bypassed. Don’t rush intosomething that you can’t undo. If you and Camille broke up, it would benothing.Ifyougotdivorced,wecouldloseouralliancewithFrance.”

Ahrenstaredatme.“Eadlyn,Iknowyou’rehesitanttofallinlove,butIknowhowIfeelabouther.Justbecauseyou’rescared—”

“I’mnot scared!” I insisted. “I’m trying to help you. I love youmaybemorethananyone.I’ddonearlyanythingforyou,andIthoughtyou’ddothesameforme.”

Everyounceofhappinesslefthisface.“Iwould.YouknowIwould.”“Then,please,thinkaboutit.That’sallI’masking.”He nodded, running his fingers over his mouth and cheeks, looking

concerned...almostlost.Ahren brought his eyes tomine, gaveme a tiny smile, and opened his

armsforahug.Heheldmetightly,likehe’dneverneededahugsobadlyinhislife.

“Iloveyou,Eady.”“AndIloveyou.”Hekissedmyhairandletmego,continuingontoCamille’sroom.Neenawaswaitingformewithmynightgownready.“Anyplansforthe

evening?Ordoyouwanttodressforbed?”“Bed,”Iassuredher.“Butwaituntilyouhearwhattheseboysaredoing

now.”Itoldheraboutthedemandedgroupdate,addingthatEanhadexcusedhimselffromit.

“Smartmoveonhispart,”sheagreed.

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“Iknow.Ikeepwonderingifthatwarrantsaspecialdate,justforhim.”“Arealdateoraspitedate?”Ilaughed.“Ihardlyknow.Ugh,whatamIsupposedtodowithallthese

boys?”“Weed ’em out. Ha! I found a piece of grass we missed earlier.” She

pulledthebladearoundformetoseebeforetossingitinthetrash.“Thatwas somuch fun,” I said. “I’ll never forgetMom’s face, hanging

outofthewindowtellingmetogoforit.IwassureIwasintrouble!”“IwishIcouldhaveseenthat.”“Youreallydon’tneedtohideinmyroomallday.It’salwaysclean,andit

doesn’ttaketoolongformetogetdressedinthemorning.Youshouldcomewithmeplaces,seemoreofthepalacethanthisroomandyours.”

Sheshrugged.“Perhaps.”ButIcouldhearinhervoicethatshewasexcitedaboutthepossibility.I

wonderedifIshouldtrainNeenafortravel.ItwouldbenicetohaveherwithmenexttimeIwentabroad.Butifshereallywasplanningonleavingwithinthenextyearorso,itmightnotbeworthit.IknewIcouldn’tkeeponemaidforever,butIdreadedthethoughtofsomeonereplacingher.

IwentdownforbreakfastthenextdayandnoticedthatAhrendidn’tcome.Iworried he was upset withme.We never stayed cross with each other forlong, but I hatedwhen that happened at all. Ahren felt like a piece ofmesometimes.

Ididn’tnoticeuntilabitlaterthatCamilledidn’tmakeiteither.Iassumedoneoftwothingshadhappened:Ahrenhadcometohissensesandtoldherthatheneededtoconsiderotheroptions,andtheywerebothintheprocessofavoidingeachother . . . or they’d spent thenight togetherandweremaybestillinbed.

IwonderedwhatDadwouldthinkaboutthat.Then I realized that a few of the boys were missing as well. Maybe

Camille and Ahren weren’t wrapped in each other’s arms after all. It waspossibletherewasabuggoingaround.Thatwasfarmorelikely...andmuchlessexciting.

IleftthedininghalltofindLeelandandIvanwaitingforme.Theybothboweddeeply.

“YourHighness,”Ivangreeted.“Yourpresence is requested in theGreatRoomforthegreatestdateofyourlife.”

Ismirked.“Oh,really?”Leelandchuckled.“Wewereupallnightworking.Pleasesayyou’refree

rightnow.”

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Icheckedtheclockonthewall.“Ihavemaybeanhour.”Ivanperkedup.“That’splentyoftime.Comewithus.”Theybothoffered

theirelbows,andIgrabbedon to them,allowingmyself tobeescorted intotheGreatRoom.

Alongthebackwall,asmallstagehadbeensetupandcoveredwithwhatappeared to be tablecloths from our Christmas supplies. Spotlights that wesometimesbroughtoutforpartieswereaimedatthecenterofthestage,andasweapproached,theboysallshushedoneanotherastheystoodinaline.

Iwasbroughttothelonechairrightinfrontofthestage,andItookmyseat,simultaneouslycuriousandconfused.

Winslow spread his arms wide. “Welcome to the first ever SelectionVarietyShow,starringabunchofloserscompetingforyourattention.”

Ilaughed.Atleasttheyownedit.Calvinjumpedofftothesideandsatatthepiano,playingmusicthathad

aragtimefeel,andeveryoneleftthestageexceptforWinslow.Hebowedverysolemnly.Butwhenhestoodbackup,hesmiledhugely,

bringing threebeanbags in frontofhim.Thenhestarted juggling. Itwassosilly,Ihadtolaugh.Winslowturnedtotheside,andfromoffstagesomeonethrew a fourth beanbag. Then a fifth and sixth. Hemanaged to keep themgoing for a couple of tosses before they all fell to the ground, with oneslappinghimonthehead.

Everyonelamentedbutapplaudedhisefforts,evenme.Lodgegotoutabowandarrowandatargetcoveredwithballoons,then

managedtoshootandpierceeachone.Astheyburst,glitterflewoutofthem,slowly settling on the floor. All thewhile, Calvin played on, switching uptunesforeachact.

Fox,whoIwassurprisedwouldropehimselfintoanothergroupdate,gotonstageanddrew.Horribly.IwassureOstenhadmadebetterstickfiguresasachild,butsincethisshowseemedtoeitherbehighlightingtheirstrengthsina ludicrousway or shrugging off their weaknesses as comedy, it ended upbeingquitecharming.Iwastryingtothinkofawaytoinconspicuouslypilferthepicturehedrewofme,whichwaslittlemorethanaballoon-shapedheadand some brown waves of hair coming off it. I’d been drawn and paintedcountlesstimes...buttheynevercameoutthatsweet.

Leeland sang, Julian hula hooped, Ivan bounced a soccer ball for anincrediblylongtime,andGunnerreadapoem.

“OurlovelyPrincessEadlyn,It’shardtorhymeyourname.Andthoughwereallytickedyouoff,Weloveyouallthesame.”

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Igiggledthewholewaythroughit,asdidmostoftheboys.Thegrand finalewas the eightof themclutteredonstagedancing.Well,

tryingtodance.Therewasalotofgrindingandhipshaking,tothepointthatIblushedafewtimes.IntheendIreallywasimpressed.They’dorganizedthewholethingovernight,bothtryingtoentertainmeandapologizeatthesametime.

Therewassomethingreallysweetaboutit.I applauded them as they had their final bow, giving them a standing

ovation.“Allright,Ishouldgotowork...butwhatifIgetsomedrinksinherefor

usinsteadandwetalkforabit?”They all answered affirmatively over one another, so I sent for tea and

waterandsomecolddrinksaswell.Wedidn’tbotherwithrollingouttablesandinsteadsatonthefloor.Sometimesthesepain-in-the-neckboyscouldbesonice.

Ahrendidn’tcome todinnereither. Iwatchedas theSelectedboys filed in,andallourguests,thenMomwhowasrunningalittlelate...butnoAhren.

Dadleanedovertome.“Whereisyourbrother?”Ishrugged,cuttingmychicken.“Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tseenhimtoday.”“That’snotlikehim.”Iglancedaroundtheroom,lookingattheremainingnineteencandidates.

Kilegavemeawink,andHenriwaved.EverytimeIlookedatGunner,allIcouldthinkaboutwashissillypoem.Foxnoddedhisheadatmeasoureyesmet,andwhenRaoulstretched,Irememberedthecarehetookteachingmetogripabat.

Oh,no.It had happened. Even with the boys I hadn’t spent much time with, I

knewthateachof themhadaholdonmeinsomeway.Ialreadyknewthatsomeofthemclaimedaspotinmyever-terrifiedheart,buthowhaditcometopassthattheyallmattered?

I felt a heaviness settle in my chest. I was going to miss these loud,strangeboys.BecauseevenifImiraculouslyfoundonetostaywithmeintheend,therewasnowaytokeepthemall.

I was thinking about how worried I used to be about losing my quiethousewhenGavrilwalked in,oneof thenewsstaffwekeptaround for theReporttrailinghim.

He bowed in front of the head table, looking at Dad. “I’m so sorry tobotheryou,YourMajesty.”

“Notatall.What’swrong?”

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Gavrilglancedatallthewatchingeyes.“MayIapproachyou?”Daddynodded,andGavrilwhisperedsomethinginhisear.Dad squinted in disbelief. “Married?” he asked only loud enough that

probablyMomandIcouldhear.HepulledbacktolookintoGavril’seyes.“Hermotherapproved.It’sbeendone,alllegal.He’sgone.”Mybodyturnedcold,andIranfromtheroom.“No,no,no,” Imumbled, rushingup the stairs. Iwent toAhren’s room

first. Nothing. Everything looked pristine, no sign of packing or an urgentexit.But,moreimportant,nosignofmybrother.

I tore from the room, heading toCamille’s suite. I’d peeked in the daybeforeandhadseenhertrunksspillingopenwithsomanyoutfitchoices,theyprobablycouldhavefilledmycloset.Thetrunkswerestill there,allbut thesmallest.AndnoCamille.

Ifellintothewall,infartoomuchshocktoprocessthis.Ahrenwasgone.He’delopedandleftmeherealone.

Istoodthereinadaze,notsurewhattodo.CouldIgethimback?Gavrilsaidsomethingaboutlegal.Whatdidthatmean?Wasthereanywaytoundothis?

My world felt dimmer, slightly misaligned and wrong. How was IsupposedtodoanythingwithoutAhren?

I ended up inmy roomwithout realizing I’d evenwalked there.Neenaheldoutanenvelopetome.

“Ahren’sbutlerdeliveredthisforyouabouthalfanhourago.”Isnatchedthepaperfromherhands.

Eadlyn,Ontheoffchancethatthenewshasnotreachedyoubythetimethis

letter does, let me tell you what I’ve done. I’ve gone to France withCamille, and, pending her parents’ approval, I intend to marry herimmediately.I’msorrytohaverunoffwithoutyouandtohaveexcludedyouandMomandDad fromwhat Ialwaysknewwouldbe thehappiestdayofmylife,butIfeltIhadnochoice.

After speaking with you last night, the last few years made perfectsensetome.IalwaysassumedyourdislikeforCamillestemmedfromyoubothbeinginthesamesituation.You’reyoung,beautifulwomenwhowillinherita throne.Andyouandshehandlethispositioninvastlydifferentways.Sheisopentoeverything,whileyoukeeppeopleatadistance.Shedealsoutherpowerwithhumility,whileyouwieldyours likeasword. Ihatetobesoblunt,thoughI’msureyoualreadyknowthisaboutyourself.Still,itbringsmenojoytosayit.

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Butyourpositionsarenotthereasonyoudislikeherso.Youdon’tlikeCamillebecauseshe’s theonlypersonwhocouldeverseparateyouandme.

Yourwordshitmesohard,Eadlyn.BecauseIwantedtobelieveyou.Iwantedtohearyououtandconsideryoursuggestions.IknewthatifIdid,onedayyou’dconvincemetogiveupeverythingforyou.Maybeevenputyourcrownonmyhead.And,heavenknows,Iwouldhavedoneit.Iwoulddoanythingforyou.

Sobeforeyoucouldaskformylife,IgaveittoCamille.Iwishyoucould find love,Eadlyn.Thereckless, relentlesskind that

consumes you. If you could, then maybe you’d understand. I hopesomedayyouwill.

MyhappinesswithCamille is tarnishedbyone thing: that Imaybeestrangedfromyouifyouchoosenottoforgiveme.Thatsadnesswillbegreat,butfarmorebearablethanmyseparationfrommysoulmate.

EvenasIwritethisImissyou.Icannotimagineusbeingsofarapart.PleasefindawaytoforgivemeandknowthatIloveyou.Maybenotasdeeplyasyou’dlike,butstill.

Asatestimonytomydesiretoalwaysbethereforyou,Iwanttogiveyou one last piece of information, something that may help you in thecomingmonths.

Moreprovincesareprotestingthemonarchythanyoucouldguess.Notallofthem,butplenty.Andwhileitpainsmetotellyouthis,theproblempeoplehavewiththemonarchystemsfromoneperson:you.

Idon’tknowwhy—perhapsbecauseofyouryouth,perhapsbecauseofyour gender, perhaps for reasons none of us could believe—but theyworry.Dad’sagingbeyondhisyears.Thestressof theamountof thingshe’saccomplished inhis reign isbigger thanhispredecessors’, and thegeneral population thinks you will ascend soon, and they are notprepared.

Ihatesayingthosewordstoyou,butyou’vealreadykindofguessedatthis. I didn’twant to let you dwell on those thoughts, hoping you couldmovepastit.AndIonlytellyouthisbecauseIthinkyoucanchangetheirminds.Stopholdingeveryoneatbay,Eadlyn.Youcanbebraveandstillbefeminine.Youcanleadandstillloveflowers.Mostimportant,youcanbequeenandstillbeabride.

IthinkthosewhocannotknowyouthewayIdowouldfinallyhaveaglimpse of this side of you if you consider finding a mate. I could bewrong,butjustincasethisisthelasttimeyoueverwanttospeaktome,ImustgiveyoutheonlypieceofadviceIcan.

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Ihopeyoucanforgiveme.Yourbrother,yourtwin,yourotherpiece,Ahren

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CHAPTER33

ISTAREDATTHELETTERforthelongesttime.Heleftme.Heleftmeforher.Whenthefinalityofithitme,Iwasconsumedbyawildrushofrage.IpickeduptheclosestbreakablethingandflungitacrosstheroomwitheveryounceofstrengthIhad.

I heard Neena gasp as the glass shattered against the wall, and thatbroughtmeback.I’dcompletelyforgottenshewasthere.

ThroughheavybreathsIshookmyhead.“I’msorry.”“I’llfixit.”“Ididn’tmeantofrightenyou.It’s...he’sgone.Ahren’sgone.”“What?”“He eloped with Camille.” I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling

slightly unhinged. “I can’t imagine why the queen would have authorizedsomething like this, but she unquestionably did. Gavril said it was legaldownstairs.”

“Sowhatdoesthatmean?”Iswallowed.“WithCamilleinlineforherthroneandAhrenasherprince

consort, his primary duty is to France now. Illéa is nothingmore than thecountryhewasbornin.”

“Doyourparentsknow?”Inodded.“ButI’mnotsureifhesentthemlettersaswell.Ishouldgoto

them.”Neena came over and smoothed outmy dress andmy hair. She took a

tissuetomyface,blottingawayanyimperfections.“Therenow.That’showmyfuturequeenshouldlook.”Ithrewmyarmsaroundher.“You’retoogoodtome,Neena.”“Hush.Gotoyourparents.Theyneedyou.”Isteppedbackandswipedatthetearsthatwereso,soclosetofalling.I

went down the hall, knocking on the door to Dad’s room, which theygenerallyshared.

Nooneanswered,soIriskedaquickpeekinside.“Dad?” I stepped into the huge space. I hadn’t been here in so long—

maybe since Iwas a child—and I couldn’t remember if it had alwaysbeenthisway.TheroomlookedmorelikesomethingMomwouldhavedecoratedthanhim.Warmcolorsonthewalls,bookseverywhere.Ifthiswashisretreat,

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whydidn’titfeellikehimatall?WithoutMomandDadjoiningme,IfeltlikeIwasintrudingandturnedto

go.But I was stopped inmy tracks by the sight behindme. Several large,

framedpicturescoveredthewall.TherewasoneofMomandDadwhentheyweremy age, with him in his full suit and sash next toMom in a cream-coloreddress.Isawthemontheirweddingday,theirfacescoveredincake.ThentherewasMom,herhairslickedbackwithsweat,holdingtwobabiesinherarmsasDadkissedher forehead,a tear fallingdownhischeek.Severalcandidshots,likeakissorasmile,hadbeenblownupandchangedtoblack-and-white,makingthemseemmoreclassicthancasual.

Twothingsbecameinstantlyclear.First,thereasonDad’sroomdidn’tfeellikeitwascompletelyhiswasbecauseitwasn’t.HehadallbutturneditintoashrinetoMom.Orrather,ashrinetothetwoofthemandhowdeeplytheylovedeachother.

Isawiteveryday,butitwasdifferentseeingtheimagestheybothlookedatbeforefallingasleepeachnight.Theyweremeanttobe,evenafterdozensofobstacles,andtheylikedtoberemindedofitconstantly.

Second,IcouldseewhyAhrenwouldgivemeup—giveallofusup—forachanceatthis.IfheevengotascrapoftheloveMomandDadhad,itwouldbejustified.

In that moment I knew I needed to tell them what Ahren’s letter said.Theywouldunderstand—perhapsbetter thananyoneontheplanet—whyhehadtogo.They’dcertainlyunderstandbetterthanIcould.

Theyweren’tinthedininghall,orDad’soffice,orMom’sroom.Infact,thehallwayswereabnormallyempty.Therewasn’tasingleguardinsight.

“Hello?”Icalledintothedimlylitair.“HELLO?”Finally,apairofguardscamerunningaroundthecorner.“ThankGod,”onesaid.“Gotothekingandtellhimwe’vefoundher.”The secondguard raced awaywhile the first facedme and took a deep

breath.“Youneedtocomewithmetothehospitalwing,YourHighness.Yourmotherhashadaheartattack.”

Asquietas itwas, itsoundedlikehewasscreaming.Icouldn’t thinkofwhattosayordo,butIknewIhadtogettoher.Eveninheels,Ioutpacedtheguard,runningasfastasIcould.

The only thoughts passing throughmy headwere howwrong I’d beenabout somany things, how snippy I’d beenwith her when I’dwantedmyway.AndIwassure thatsheknewI lovedher,but Ineeded to tellheronemoretime.

In front of the hospital wing, AuntMay sat next toMissMarlee, who

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appeared tobedeep inprayer.Osten,mercifully,wasn’tpresent,butKadenwastheretryingsohardtolookbrave.LadyBricewasthereaswell,pacingontheoutskirtsofthescene,butthetruefearofthemomentwassummedupinDad.

He clung toGeneral Leger, holding on to him for dear life, his fingersdigging into the back of his uniform. He was unabashedly crying, and I’dneverheardsuchapainfulsound.IhopedIneverwouldagain.

“Ican’tloseher.Idon’tknow....Idon’t...”GeneralLegergrabbedhimbytheshoulders.“Don’tthinkaboutthatnow.

Weneedtobelieveshe’llbefine.Andyouneedtothinkaboutyourchildren.”Dadnodded,butIcouldtellhedidn’tquitebelievehewascapable.“Daddy?”Icalled,myvoicebreaking.He turned tome and opened his arms. I bolted right to him, squeezing

him.Iletmyselfcry,notconcernedwithprideatthemoment.“Whathappened?”“Idon’tknow,honey.I thinktheshockofAhrenleavingwastoomuch.

Heartproblemsruninherfamily,andshe’sbeensoanxiouslately.”Hisvoicechanged,andIknewhewasn’treallytalkingtomeanymore.“Ishouldhavemadeherrestmore.Ishouldhaveaskedherforless.Shedideverythingforme.”

GeneralLegergrabbedhisarm.“Youknowhowstubbornsheis,”hesaidkindly. “Do you think for one second she’d have let you make her slowdown?”

Theybothsharedasadsmile.Dadnodded.“Okay,sonowwewait.”GeneralLegerlethimgo.“IneedtogohomeandtellLucyandgetfresh

clothes.I’llcallhermotherifyouhaven’talready.”Dadsighedtohimself.“Ididn’teventhinkaboutit.”“Igotit.AndI’llbebackwithinanhour.Whateveryouneed,I’mhere.”DadletmegoandembracedGeneralLegeroncemore.“Thankyou.”Iwalkedaway,goingtostandbythedoor.IwonderedifshecouldsenseI

wasnear.Ifeltsoangry.Ateveryone,atme.Ifthepeoplehadn’taskedforsomuchorifIhaddonemore...Iwasn’treadytolosemymother.

IkeptthinkingthatIcouldn’tlivemylifeforotherpeople,thatlovewasnothingbutchains.Andmaybeitwas,butsohelpme,Ineededthesechains.IletmyselffeeltheweightofAhrenleaving,theweightofmyfather’sworry,and,most important, theweightofmymother’s lifehangingin thebalance.Thesethingsdidn’tmakemeweaker;theyheldmysoultotheearth.Iwasn’tgoingtorunfromthemanymore.

I turned at the soundof the footsteps, aware that amass of peoplewas

212

approaching. I was humbled, moved beyond words, to see each of theSelectedcomearoundthecorner.

Kilelookedatme.“We’vecometopray.”Tears filled my eyes, and I nodded. The gentlemen scattered, some

leaninginacornerandothersperchingonbenches.Theybowedtheirheadsorliftedthem,allformymother.They’dcausedsuchanupheavalinmylife...andIwassogladtheydid.

Halekepthis fist tohismouth, rockingonhis feet nervously.Ean, as Iexpected, was very steady, arms crossed in concentration. Henri leanedforwardonhisbench,hiscurlsfloppingoverhiseyes;andIwashappytoseethat,eventhoughhedidn’tneedtocome,Erikstoodbesidehim.

Kilefoundhismother,andtheyheldeachother.KilewasactuallymovedtotearsforMom,and,strangely,thattendernessmademefeelstronger.

My eyes moved from him to the other remaining boys, and I thoughtagainofhoweachofthemhadgrownonmeinhisownway...andIlookedover atDad.His facewas red from crying, his suitwas all rumpled, and Icouldseethedistressineverymoleculeofhisbody,horrifiedatthethoughtofhiswifedying.

Itwasn’tallthatlongagothathe’dstoodwhereIdid,thatmymom’sfacewasoneofmany inhisworld.Andyet,despiteall the impedimentsandallthetimethathadpassed,theywerestilldeeplyinlove.

It was obvious in everything, from their shared room to the way theyfrettedovereachothertothewaytheyseemedtobeincapableofnotflirtingwitheachotherevenafterbeingmarriedsolong.

If anyone had told me I might consider that a possibility for myself amonthago, I’dhave rolledmyeyesandwalkedaway.Now?Well, itdidn’tseemsofar-fetched.Ididn’texpecttofindwhatmyparentshadorevenwhatAhrenhadfoundwithCamille.But...maybeIcouldfindsomething.Maybetherewouldbeonepersonwho’d stillwant tokissmewhen Ihada runnynoseorwouldrubmyshouldersafteralongdayofmeetings.MaybeIcouldfindsomeonewhodidn’tseemsoscary,whomadelettinghimpastthewallseemnatural.Butallthatstillcouldbeaskingfortoomuch.

Either way, I couldn’t slow now. I knew that for my sake—for myfamily’ssake—IhadtofinishmySelection.

And,whenIdid,I’dhavearingonmyfinger.

213

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

SPECIALTHANKSTO:You,forbeingagenerallycoolperson,butmostlyforpickingupafourth

bookwhenyouthoughtthere’donlybethree.Callaway,foreverything,butmostlyfordoingdishesandmath,soIdon’t

haveto.GuydenandZuzu,forbeingthecutestkidsever,butmostlyforgivingme

snuggleswhenI’mhavingaroughday.Mom, Dad, Jody, for all your encouragement, but mostly for being as

weirdasIam.Mimi,Papa,Chris, forbeingsosupportive,butmostly forwatching the

kidsoverChristmasbreaksoIcouldsleep.Elana,forbeingareallyincredibleagent,butmostlyformakingmefeel

certainthatifanyonetriedtopiemeintheface,you’dtacklethemforme.Erica,forbeingaverytalentededitor,butmostlyforlettingmecallyou

abouteighteentimesaweekwithoutcomplaining.Olivia,Christina,Kara,Stephanie,Erin,Alison,Jon,andagazillionother

people at HarperTeen, for being generally awesome people, butmostly formakingmylifemucheasiereventhoughwe,like,neverseeoneanother.

God, for being God, but mostly for making a world where things likekittenswearingbowtiesareareality.

And to anyone else I forgot—which is undoubtedly a lot of people—because I’m generally forgetful, but mostly because I’m so tired now, I’mtypingthiswithmyeyesclosed.

Loveyouall!

214

BACKADS

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ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

PHOTOBYDUSTINCOHEN

KIERACASS is the#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorof theSelectionseriesandTheSiren.She is agraduateofRadfordUniversity andcurrentlylives in Christiansburg, Virginia, with her family. Kiera has kissedapproximatelyfourteenboysinherlife.Noneofthemwereprinces.Youcanlearn more about Kiera’s books, videos, and love of cake online atwww.kieracass.com.

Discovergreatauthors,exclusiveoffers,andmoreathc.com.

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BOOKSBYKIERACASS

TheSelectionTheEliteTheOneTheHeir

TheSelectionStories:ThePrince&TheGuardTheQueenTheFavorite

HappilyEverAfter:CompaniontotheSelectionSeries

TheSelectionSeriesSamplerTheSelectionSeries3-BookCollectionTheSelectionSeries4-BookCollection

220

CREDITS

COVERART©2015BYGUSTAVOMARX/MERGELEFTREPS,INC.COVERDESIGNBYERINFITZSIMMONS

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COPYRIGHT

HarperTeenisanimprintofHarperCollinsPublishers.

THEHEIR.Copyright©2015byKieraCass.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-

engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereafter

invented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.www.epicreads.com

LibraryofCongressControlNumber:2015933400ISBN978-0-06-234985-9(trade)

ISBN978-0-06-240550-0(specialedition)ISBN978-0-06-239746-1(specialedition)

ISBN978-0-06-239130-8(internationaledition)ISBN978-0-06-240918-8(specialinternationaledition)

ISBN978-0-06-239745-4(specialedition)EPubEdition©April2015ISBN9780062349873

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FIRSTEDITION

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TableofContents

Dedication 3ChapterOne 7ChapterTwo 12ChapterThree 17ChapterFour 23ChapterFive 29ChapterSix 37ChapterSeven 40ChapterEight 45ChapterNine 50ChapterTen 56ChapterEleven 64ChapterTwelve 73ChapterThirteen 78ChapterFourteen 82ChapterFifteen 89ChapterSixteen 93ChapterSeventeen 106ChapterEighteen 112ChapterNineteen 118ChapterTwenty 125ChapterTwenty-One 130ChapterTwenty-Two 136ChapterTwenty-Three 140ChapterTwenty-Four 148ChapterTwenty-Five 153ChapterTwenty-Six 160ChapterTwenty-Seven 168

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ChapterTwenty-Eight 174ChapterTwenty-Nine 181ChapterThirty 191ChapterThirty-One 197ChapterThirty-Two 202ChapterThirty-Three 210Acknowledgments 214BackAds 215AbouttheAuthor 219BooksbyKieraCass 220Credits 221Copyright 222AboutthePublisher 223

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