It was much more difficult than I’d been expecting. I’d already gotten stuck twice. Susie was a patient teacher though, and kept a level head. She only giggled a bit when I’d fallen onto my backside, and not laughed outright. Plus, she helped me up right after. Nearby, the wolves Night and Silve

For a moment, I sat there in shock, looking at Elva and her wide, earnest eyes. Nicholas wasn’t exactly the last person I thought she’d say. He had been visiting her a lot lately; he always seemed to make time for her. But I would have thought Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny would have taken highe

One of the girls came close to me, peering at my selection. “Huh. I feel like you could have done better, Piper.” She was mocking me, which I would not dignify. “I’m quite proud of this actually.” “My friendly advice?” she said, smirking at me. I was fully prepared to ignore her, until I saw the

Nicholas’s mouth was so close. As I looked at it, he licked his lips. I licked mine in reply. We leaned closer, closer, dangerously close…Then the oven timer dinged.We immediately straightened, snapping away from each other. Nicholas turned, coughing into his hand.I reached for the oven mitts and

We continued to work throughout the day. When we finally finished, it was time for me to attend a banquet.Elva, who had been patient all day, complained loudly that she wouldn’t get to attend.“You’d hate it,” I told her, hoisting her up into my arms. “A bunch of stuffy people insulting each other

Whispers sounded around me, speculation on who was copying who. Lilliana and my dresses were similar enough that the rumor mill was working overtime. Especially with the addition of the children.The kids were now seated in their own private little table set up in the back of the room. They glanced

Utilize children? Elva was my daughter, not some prop!In my ear, Julian quickly whispered, “Pretend you don’t care.”“But, Elva…” I whispered back.He gave me a stern look, and I knew he was right. If I drew attention to myself, or to Lilliana, it would only create more attention. All I really want

Nicholas I hadn’t wanted to ask Lilliana on a second date, but after a threatening letter from the King this morning and the way he glared at me all dinner long, I knew I had very little choice in the matter. Especially if I wanted to help protect Piper. So I had pushed down the part of myself t

I felt the warmth of her hand long after she had removed it. I followed my father away from the dining room and to his rooms. He did not look back at me once, nor spoke to me until we were behind closed doors. Once the door had shut behind us, however, he swiveled to glower at me. “You’ve igno

The day of the garden party event, I awoke early, dressed, and hurried down to the kitchens to warm my stuffed mushrooms. Many of the girls were already in there, and I had to wait my turn at the ovens. I didn’t mind waiting this time, since the closer I heated my food to the start of the event, t