#Chapter 213: What Real Fun Looks Like

The King and Queen watched from atop their thrones as the princes danced with and among the candidates and guests, while the cameras swooped in and out to capture all. We kept our smiles bright, eager to show how much fun we were having – all to maintain our standing in the competition, of course. My cheeks were starting to hurt from how big and fake I was smiling. Fake laughter sounded all around me, every contestant competing with each other for the royal family’s attention – as well as for the cameras. Eventually, as Julian was swirling me around the dance floor, I noticed Susie standing near the edge of it. Her smile was shaky. She seemed more nervous than happy, even to pretend. I tapped Julian on the shoulder and motioned toward Susie. “I need to talk to her.” He understood and released me. “I’ll make the rounds.” He instantly disappeared back among the dancers, with a new partner now. He switched so quickly, I didn’t even see who it was. It didn’t really matter, though, so