Chapter 143


    He motioned for the Queen, who stepped forward. “Maintaining diplomatic rtions is one of the most


    essential rules for a Luna. Findingmon ground with those often considered to be your enemies is a


    vital piece of this diplomacy.”


    “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Nathan said.


    The girls and I pped politely.


    “Now, we will announce the winners of this event. This pair has shown the best overall cooperation, as


    well as individual talent in both cooking and presentation.”


    “It’s not going to be me,” Susie said softly, worrying her hands together.


    I whispered to her, “At least your partner knew how to cook.”


    Susie smiled a little and it felt like a victory.


    “The winners are.” Nathan paused for dramatic effect. “Olivia and Megan!”


    Olivia gasped, thenughed in faux disbelief. She pulled Megan beside her into a sideways hug. They


    both looked physically pained at the contact, though they hid it with tight, overly–friendly smiles.


    The rest of us pped, as directed by the producers.


    When the appropriate amount of time for pping was over, Nathan continued to speak.


    “Come on up here,dies, and be personally congratted by the royal family.”


    As Olivia and Megan made their way to the front, Nathan added, “This win will earn you each a


    personal date with the prince of your choice.”


    The King, Queen, and princes congratted the two girls in turn, while the rest of us were forced to


    watch.


    Nathan then approached them. “Now, girls. Which of our three princes has earned your favor.”


    Both Megan and Olivia had the same answer, “Nichs.”


    Nichs didn’t move, but something in his face seemed to age as he heard their responses.


    Beside him, Julianughed andughed. Joyce looked bored.


    Nathan quickly gave the microphone to Nichs. “Surely you have something to say to thedies?”


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    Nichs cleared his throat. 7 gratuitously ept.” He handed the microphone back.


    Nathan epted it but looked confused a moment. Had he expected him to say more?


    “Poor Nichs,” Susie whispered. “He looks so worn out.”


    I agreed


    So much so, that I decided, when the crowds dispersed, to take Elva to see him, to hopefully cheer him


    I waited around for a while, talking with Susie and helping her take her disy apart. Her partner,


    Jessica, was almost as shy as Susie was, but was friendly enough when we spoke.


    “Jessica was hoping for a date with Joyce.” Susie said, which made Jessica blush as red as her hair.


    1 feel bad,” she said. “No one seems interested in him.” Softer, she added, “But I think he’s the cutest


    in


    the bunch.”


    An umon take, but not an unwee one. I was sure Nichs would be relieved to know at least


    one person here wasn’t pining over him. Julian, I was just as sure, would have found it all very funny.


    With the disy taken down, I excused myself from the girls. Taking Elva’s hand, I went in search of


    Nichs. He wasn’t out in the main gardens, so we entered the house.


    I hoped he hadn’t disappeared into the royal family’s rooms or some other prohibited location.


    Fortunately, I quickly found him near the entrance to the ballroom.


    Unfortunately, he wasn’t alone.


    He had his arms around Lilliana’s waist, and her arms were around his neck.


    They held each other in a gentle hug.


    My lungs suddenly felt too big for my chest and I struggled for breath. Yet I could not turn away.


    What had Julian called it? Watching a train wreck?


    I shouldn’t have been bothered near so much, yet I was.


    Maybe Julian had been right, after all.


    What I felt now was undeniably jealousy. And I hated it.