StarNovel
Chapter 0131
I tried to pull my eyes away just to prove him wrong. Too quickly, I was looking again.
“She’s the King and Queen’s favorite,” Jullan said.
“Your brother’s, too.” I tried to keep the distain from my voice, but I was a poor actor. I was certain that
it
shone on through,
“Maybe.” Julian studied me now, the others apparently forgotten. “I’m not so sure.”
“He wouldn’t let just anyone hand–feed him.” I crossed my arms.
Julian tilted his head. “Why, Piper. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.”
His words startled me and my eyes went wide.
Jealous? No, that couldn’t be right. What Nicholas and I had was done and over with long ago.
Except it wasn’t. At least, not for me. My recent fantasies of Nicholas as my husband and father to Elva
proved it.
But to be jealous here, now, in the midst of this competition? I had not recognized the churn in my
stomach and tightness in my chest for what it truly was.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtYes, I was jealous.
Not that I wanted Julian, or anyone else, to know about it.
I cleared my throat, trying to collect myself.
“Be serious, Prince Julian. I would have to be terribly foolish to feel jealous over a man in a dating
competition. Why, I’d have to fight off every girl here if I wanted to keep him to myself.”
“Mhm,” Julian hummed. “More or less, that’s true. Yes.”
I shot him an annoyed sideways glance. He just smiled at me.
“Are you saying you aren’t up for the challenge?” he asked. Voice lower, for my ears only, he added,
Doesn’t he deserve someone who actually loves him?”
“I don’t love him.” The words burned the entire length of my throat.
Julian shrugged. “Could have fooled me.”
Suddenly, Nathan arrived to reclaim wayward Julian and return him to his family.
You are supposed to remain as a unit,” Nathan insisted.
+15 BONUS
Julian agreed to return, though Nathan didn’t move but a couple feet off, waiting for him. Obviously,
Nathan didn’t fully trust Julian. That was likely a smart move.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to go try Lilliana’s pastries for myself.” Voice low again, he added, “They’re
bumt on the bottom, by the way. Too long in the oven.”
Jullan Nathan said.
Julian saluted me, then turned and followed Nathan back to his family. Nicholas, I noticed, glared at
him
the full length of his return trip.
I felt the weight of two hateful eyes on my own person. I glanced to my left and found Linda attempting
I
to light me on fire with her gaze.
Quickly, I faced forward once more, ignoring her.
The royal family went through two more tables before finally reaching ours. By this time, the sun was
high overhead, and Linda’s eggs were looking a bit dry.
The Luna stepped up first to our table, but, upon looking at it, her previously pleasant expression
slipped
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmright off her face.
“What is this?” she demanded.
Linda spoke before I could. “I made deviled eggs and
–
“I don’t mean the food,” the Queen said. She motioned toward the King, who joined her in frowning. He
waved Nathan forward and whispered in his ear.
Nathan nodded, then addressed us. “Did you not understand the assignment?”
Since Linda had volunteered herself to be the speaker among us, I looked at her, waiting to see what
she would say.
“We have created the two appetizers and the drinks.” Linda waved at the table.
“This display is split in half,” the Queen said. “This event was to be about cooperation amongst
adversaries. How do you ever hope to survive meticulous diplomatic relations if you cannot even
cooperate with your fellow candidates in the competition?”
1… Well…” Linda was sputtering, losing her usual confidence.
The Luna looked at her with something like pity in her eyes. As her gaze shifted to me, she hardened.
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