corridors w

ding deeper into the west wing where the candidates would stay. Marble floors cushioned by embroidered r

behind the steward, her

son unless spoken to. You will not enter the throne wing unless summone

wering oak door. Four silver hooks were

Your names do not matter

he wa

bearing her symbol-Seve

arly g

a dream wrapp

arranged along the curved walls. Between them, a sitting area gleamed with crystal-top

A vanity of white marble and mirror glass sat near the window, and through the tall gl

lled like crushed ro

ress

tur

inning in delight. "I might fake a fai

ly. "Only you wou

nd her-tall, severe, and

li

tries are old. Dusty." She set her traveling satchel down with the poise of royalt

reply. Neith

idn't

the room like incense

irl entere

honeyed cream. Her eyes were downcast as she moved, as if avoiding attentio

-just once-and her

O

blin

Her voice was breathy, soft. Almost trembling. "You

d a brow.

, as though startled

however, was no

on for someone we have

h the edge of her sleeve. "Sorry

"Welcome to Room Three, Neria.

s-a hint of something dark behind her nervous b

been

now gave Neria... w

rily, settling into one of the armchairs with a flo

rby cushion. "Don't be s

a igno

e with dimples and daydreams." She sipped from a glass of fruit water she'd poured herself. "I've already read all thirty-seven royal

ned bac

it won't just be for lov

oom q

died her

gacy without loyalty is l

ched, but she smil

ed her mouth to speak, but a sudden chime echo

r girls

ame th

efore opened the door

re to prepare. In one hou

heart

use colors or court silks are permitted. Hair pinned. Eyes visibl

ural? I didn't travel four kingdom

ve you in the Grand Hal

the doo

le

h

spered. "We're reall

en. "We need to help each other. I can

owly, like a li

only hope is braids," she said, a

aid no

rvants scurried across the courtyard, lighting lanterns and scatter

d be th

f House

ze had never been caught...

a flurry of fabrics

It complimented her skin beautifully. She humme

t, too loose at the waist-but she didn't complain. Instead, she asked questions. Where

ed the word "shapely." Cali

ng to her waist and hips, flowing into a train that made no sound. She left her curls l

oesn't look at you first

him first," Li

ked. "You'

urmured. "I'

time softer. A maid entered

l aglow like a dream. Down the corridor, m

e no lon

flames walking