#Chapter 17: A Heartfelt Gift

During the next official banquet, I stopped just inside the entrance of the dining room. The girl who had shoved Elva that first day was sitting in my seat beside Nicholas. Julian, sitting nearest the door, rested his elbow on the table and his chin in his palm. He grinned at me with a toothy smile, much the way a cat would look at a mouse it had planned to eat. Eventually. After playing with it, of course. “My brother Nicholas personally invited Kirsten to take that seat,” he said. “It makes sense, I guess. We are supposed to get to know all the girls here, and he’s already well-acquainted with you.” Some of the girls around us perked up at that bit of gossip. “Be truthful,” I said, hoping he’d notice the emphasis and keep secrets instead. He only beamed wider. “Want to know where Kirsten was sitting? That’s your spot now.” He knew I did, but he still waited for me to say it. He really loved these games of his. “Yes, please.” He motioned to the empty seat straight acro