#Chapter 18: Nothing is Random

I wanted to storm over there and demand Kirsten apologize for accepting thanks for a gift she hadn’t given. But I couldn’t do so without revealing to Nicholas that I was the one who had given it. If Nicholas knew the truth, he’d assume the worst. He’d think the gift was disingenuous, and that I was just chasing after his crown. I didn’t want nobility. I didn’t want to be his wife, or girlfriend, or whatever else. I only wanted medical care for Elva. So I kept my mouth firmly shut. Julian plucked my dropped bow off the ground and handed it to me. “Something on your mind, Piper?” His knowing smirk returned tenfold. I wasn’t in the mood for his games anymore. I turned in my bow and went back to my room. After a group lesson with the dancing instructor, all of the girls rested in the parlor, accepting water and towels from the servants. Nathan stood nearby, loudly discussing the proper rules for the First Ball. The princes would each take a turn dancing with all the lad