FELIX “Are you certain this woman is your Destined Bride?” my mother asked breathlessly. I nodded. I swear a small tear formed in the corner of her eye. “Once I have, I will bring her to the palace,” I believe this would be fast, since there were no reason for her to hide from me. “The Great W
On the day of the competition, I awoke early. I’d barely slept, the anxiety of the day keeping me awake. I put on my mask and the stone necklace and made my way to the bus that was to take us to the castle. Fresonia was known for its royal castle. It looked like something out of a fairy tale–glitt
MILA Samara nodded, still eyeing me. Once the rest of the team was gathered, I took a deep breath. “Somehow, the prickly pear supply has gone missing,” I explained, receiving quite a few horrified gasps in response. “So instead, we will be doing zest from the skin of a lime on top of the pie. Yo
“That’s enough.” Felix’s voice was firm, and as he stood, all the attention in the room rushed to him. A prince, through and through. My face was scarlet behind my mask, and I was fighting back tears. What was supposed to be my greatest triumph had turned into yet another embarrassment. Maybe Nadi
MILA After Felix left the room, everyone just looked at each other, still in a state of shock. Apparently, the royal temper tantrum thrown by Charles was something unusual. Even Felix had seemed rattled, and that had set everyone else on edge. I stared at the ground, wondering if I tried hard enou
MILA When I arrived in the royal kitchens, I was surprised to see my ingredients all laid out for me already–I simply needed to assemble the pies and zest the prickly pears. I decided the best thing I could do was focus on my work, and not try to freak out about why Felix could possibly be summoni
MILA The castle doctor bandaged up my hand just fine. The ointment he applied was soothing, and I felt better already. Even though there was still a stinging sensation, the doctor assured me I would be cleared to cook the next day. There was a knock on the infirmary door, and Felix and Isabella
MILA Isabella leaned against a pillar. Even her nightclothes were elegant and expensive. It was a shame her face was always so pinched and angry. “Sneaking into the Prince’s room?” she asked while raising an eyebrow. My face flushed, but I said nothing. “He’s not even in there,” Isabella conti