#Chapter 22: An Early Elimination

Nicholas waited for Kirsten to answer, even while she hesitated. Slowly, he lowered his hand that had been displaying the wrist guard down to his side. She shifted nervously from foot to foot. She laced her fingers together. “Well… you see…” As she struggled, Elva moved into the space between Nicholas and me. She took both of our hands. Looking down at her, I could tell that Nicholas had wiped her tears away. She wasn’t crying anymore, though she still seemed uncertain, half-hiding behind my skirt. Nicholas continued to wait. Kirsten was visibly sweating. Finally, she said, “I-I did, of course.” He attempted a giggle, but it was forced, painful sounding. “Why would you think otherwise?” “Because I heard what you just said.” “You… did…?” “You lied to me,” he said, his voice perilously monotone. “You made me believe you had done me a kindness, when truly all you had done was attempt to cheat me.” Kirsten began to tremble. “It’s not like that, Prince Nicholas. I swear