?Chapter 0632


    The next morning, I awoke feeling groggy. I hadn''t slept at all the night before, too stressed about what the day might bring, especially with Nichs''s disappearance after the meeting the day before.


    He had said that he would talk to me at the elimination ceremony, but I didn''t know that meant I wouldn''t even p eyes on him for the rest of the day. Not even Julian had seemed to know what was up when I had confronted him about it.


    "I''m sure it''s fine," Julian had said. "Nichs isn''t going to just ditch you now, after everything you''ve been through together."


    That wasn''t thefort that he had thought it was. All night long, I tossed and turned. Maybe Nichs felt bound to me because of what we shared. Maybe our affections toward each other wouldn''t be enough when push came to shove. Maybe Nichs agreed he needed someone else for the nation.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    No. He stood up for me to his parents. At least against Bridget. But what if they were able to sway him to look closer at Olivia or Lilliana again?


    By the time my rm went off the next morning, I reasoned I had slept for maybe about ten minutes the night before.


    After dressing and breakfast, Elva and I returned to the room to find our suitcases out on the bed, Charlotte was frowning at them.


    "I''m sorry," she said. "Nathan said everyone had to be packed just in case."


    "It''s not your fault," I assured her as I came to her side. I ced my hand on her shoulder and gave her a small smile. "It won''t be the first time we''ve done this."


    "I''ll watch the broadcast tonight," Charlotte said. "The minute Nichs says your name, I will be right here, putting all of your things right back."


    I appreciated her confidence and told her so. Though, in my heart, I knew the King would be the one with the final word. I doubted even Nichs would be able to stand up to his will.


    The King had given me a chance to bow out gracefully. Since I had refused to do so, now it was time for him to take matters into his own hands.


    Meanwhile, Elva walked over to where she had her stuffed animals set up, in her y area. She slowly picked them up one at a time and brought them toward the suitcase. She dragged her feet as she walked, clearly upset.


    When she came closer, I put my arm around her and pulled her against me in a sideways hug.


    "We''re going to be okay," I told her.


    "I know," she said in a reserved kind of way that broke my heart a little.


    "We''ll survive no matter where we are," I added, giving her a squeeze. "So long as we have each other."


    "Okay, Mommy." She shuffled away from my hold and put her stuffed animals in her suitcase. Then she returned to the y area to collect more of her toys.


    I felt like a failure of a mother, unable to offer my childfort. I couldn''t lie to her and promise her that we would stay. But to hear her so monotone, so defeated...


    My entire chest ached.


    Later, when the bags were packed, and Elva was left in the care of the nanny, I changed into my fancy sequin dress and headed down to the ballroom. There, a familiar state had been erected, facing the thrones. Some invited guests were already there. I recognized many noble families by now.


    I quickly spotted Veronica and Tiffany and made my way over to them. Tiffany''s attitude reminded me of Elva''s. Reserved and defeated. Though she still managed a smile, however wobbly.


    We hugged each other one at a time.


    "My biggest regret," Tiffany said, "was being unable to find that foster home."