Chapter 109


    “Things haven’t been easy between you and me,” he said. “But I’m thinking that should change.”


    “What do you suggest?”


    He nced back to Elva. Her flower crown stayed together this time. Smiling wide, she ced it on her


    head.


    “Let’s be friends,” he said. Surprised, I looked at him. He watched me a moment, before adding, “For


    Elva’s sake.”


    “I’d like that.”


    Just then, Elva ran over to us and offered her flower crown–to Nichs. He dipped his head low to


    ept it.


    Later that afternoon, the other girls and I were brought into the parlor for an announcement regarding


    the next challenge.


    I had been in the room for approximately two minutes when the snickering began. It seemed, from what


    I could overhear, that the girls had found out about my secret rendezvous with Julian and were most


    displeased.


    As someone walked by me, they nudged me hard with their elbow.


    “Hey!” I said.


    “Oh,” said the girl. “I didn’t see you there. You really should be more careful where you stand.”


    I rubbed my sore arm. “You could watch where you’re going.”


    Tonly notice important things.”


    “Careful,” said another girl. “Apparently she is Prince Julian’s favorite. Though who knows what she


    had


    to do to earn it.”


    “Not to worry,” said a third. “Prince Julian doesn’t take seriously the girls who put out right away. He’ll


    y around with her, have his fun, and cast her aside. The girl he marries will be of more virtuous


    stock.”


    The first girl chimed in, “Aren’t we supposed to be virgins?”


    The second girlughed. “Can’t expect the girl with the kid to abstain from sex.”


    I wanted to defend myself, but I didn’t want to make things worse. I didn’t think there was anything I


    own agenda.


    Linda nced at the group of us, then surprisingly moved away without a word. Of anyone here, I


    thought she for sure would want to take a stab at me.


    Instead it was Olivia who came to stand before me. The crowd parted for her like she’d already been


    chosen Luna, and all deferred to her as she spoke.


    have some friendly advice for you, Piper, and I suggest you take it.”


    “That really isn’t necessary,” I said.


    “It is, actually. If you want to be taken seriously as a contender in thispetition, then you really


    shouldn’t keep doing things that make you look like a slut.”


    My eyes went wide at such a tant, derogatory term.


    “Listen to her, Piper,” said another girl.


    “You are embarrassing yourself,” said someone else.


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    Olivia flipped her perfect hair over her shoulder and continued, “Not even Prince Julian will respect you


    if you give everything away so easily.”


    They had it all wrong. I could only allow them to push me so far. “Julian and my rtionship is entirely


    innocent.”


    The girls stared at me for a moment, then erupted into a roar ofughter. Even Olivia chuckled, though


    she covered her mouth with her hand.


    “I’m serious!” I insisted.


    “Julian? Innocent?” Someone snorted.


    “Honestly, Piper,” Olivia said. “Do you think we are so gullible? Everyone knows Prince Julian is


    chasing you because you are the easyy. You’re the only one here who isn’t a virgin.”


    I was a virgin, but they didn’t deserve to know that. I lifted my chin up high, attempting to cling to my


    sense of dignity.


    But then Olivia struck a lethal blow. “You walk around like you belong here. But we all know you are


    here


    for ratings only. Why would a girl like you ever think she could deserve one of the three princes?”