#Chapter 13: Discourse over Dinner

Nicholas and I continued to stare at each other, neither of us saying a word. We both glanced down at the empty chair and back at each other again. Every other spot at the table was filled. Unless Nicholas were to excuse himself, he would have to sit here to eat. But to leave in the middle of his own competition would be unbearably rude. Weren’t the royal family trying to win the hearts and minds of the common people? Nicholas must have had the same train of thought, though his face revealed nothing. He sat. The King cleared his throat. After a pointed look to Nicholas, who avoided it by staring hard at the table, the King spoke loud enough for the entire table to hear. “Once again, we welcome all the ladies here, chosen by our royal magic at the ceremony.” Though he was addressing the girls sitting at the table, his eyes were on the cameras on the corners of the room, which the cameramen had clicked on. The red lights indicated they were recording. “We eagerly look fo