Chapter 0460


    I tried to smile as well, at least when the cameras were facing me. Constantly being filmed was


    beginning to be exhausting.


    “I recently announced the results of the theater event,” Nathan said. “Well, today, I am excited to


    announce the rewards.”


    Suddenly, everyone perked up, like our coffee had all kicked in at once. Rewards hadn’t been


    discussed beforehand, so this was all new to us. What would it be this time? Another private date with


    a prince?


    “I’m happy to announce that the top ranking candidates, one for each prince – ”


    Sighs sounded throughout the room.


    Nathan continued, unperturbed. “–will apany Nichs and Julian on a special trip to the royal


    family’s private ind along our southern coast.”


    Jessica spoke up in the silence. “Prince Joyce will not be there?”


    Nathan, nervide-eyeing the cameras, cleared his throat. He knew then, as well as I did, that Joyce was


    locked down in the dungeons for being a brainwashed traitor. Veronica had been working with Joyce,


    but unlike with teleportation, I don’t think she had made any progress yet.


    “Unfortunately, Prince Joyce is still under the weather,” Nathan said.


    Jessica frowned, but didn’t press further. We all knew better than to question the King’s Beta in front of


    the cameras.


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    Nathan consulted the paper he held. “Now. As this trip is only extended to the top candidate for each


    prince, only three individuals will be invited.”


    This was avish reward. ncing at Bridget, I wondered if the royal family had designed it exclusively


    to impress her. Or to get her and Nichs alone in a romantic ce, so as to help develop their bond.


    The other two candidates were likely an after–thought.


    Misery bubbled up inside of me. I was not high on the rankings. I had no shot of going on this trip.


    Instead, I’d have to stay here and drive myself wild thinking about all the romantic things Nichs could


    be up to without me.


    Poor Julian would have to go, though. He’d have to endure every terrible moment. I tried to think about


    the rankings, wondering which of us three would join him. Tiffany and I scored


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    poorly in the event. That meant that –


    “Congrattions to Bridget, Veronica, and Jessica,” Nathan announced, and then hammed for the


    cameras.


    Jessica lowered her head. To herself, she muttered, “What am I supposed to do there


    without Prince Joyce?”


    “Enjoy yourself,” I said to her. A free vacation to the beach? “Get a tan, swim in the ocean, have boat


    drinks with the umbres.”


    My words seemed to lift her and sheughed. “Maybe a curly straw?” she asked.


    “And fruit slices hanging on the ss,” I added.


    Bridget watched our exchange. Sheughed. At first, I thought it was in union with Jessica and me, but


    then she began to talk. “It must be hard staying behind, Piper. Why don’t you help me pack my bags


    tonight? That might help lift your spirits.” 1


    I had no idea in what universe helping someone else pack their bags for a trip would make me feel


    better about not going on it, especially when that person was Bridget, who was actively in a rtionship


    with the man I cared for more than any other.


    That sounded more in line with my worst nightmare.


    “She can’t help you tonight,” Veronica said, suddenly appearing beside me. Her cool gaze sliced into


    Bridget. “She has other ns.”


    Bridget shrugged and walked away.


    I looked at Veronica. “I do?”


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    “Trust me,” she said.


    I did. But I didn’t understand what she meant…


    Untilter that evening, when I opened my door after a knock to find Veronica and Julian chatting lightly


    with the guards.


    “What’s going on?” I asked.


    Julian turned his smile on me. “Come on vacation with us.”