The Gala

There was a knock on my door. “Miss? Good morning, rise and shine!” My head maid, Evangeline, stuck her pretty face into the room. She took one look at me, and her brow furrowed in surprise. “You’re already up?”

I shrugged. “I can’t sleep.”

She grinned. “Excited about the prince’s return?”

My cheeks heated. “No.” Yes.

“I’ll just go and fetch the twins. We’ll get your tea ready. Then maybe we can pick out a special dress?”

I looked down at the plain navy frock I’d selected. “Um… Okay?”

She nodded and was gone in an instant, leaving me alone with the tortuous quiet of my room and the rioting thoughts in my brain.

I paced, waiting for her to return with Bria and Bettina, the identical twins who were my other maids. Their pleasant chatter would fill the void. The palace had been quiet, too quiet, these past few days. His Royal Highness, Prince Dallas Black, Crown Prince of the United Settlements, had been gone all week. He’d been traveling with his advisors and guards. Without Dallas, the palace seemed empty and cold.

Evangeline was right. I couldn’t wait to see him.

In addition to the prince’s absence, fifteen more girls had been cut and sent home from the Pageant, the nationally televised competition in which I was currently a contestant. The Pageant was one-third beauty competition, one-third dating show, and one-third survival boot camp.

I should explain.

Two young women from each settlement had been chosen to participate in the contest. We were “invited,” but participation was mandatory. Fifty of us had been brought to the palace, where the king, queen and prince lived. The royal family had conquered the settlements five years ago. We did not say “no” to them.

We didn’t dare.

Each girl was given our own room and our own maids. The royal family gave us beautiful clothes to wear. We had our hair and makeup done daily. We attended lessons all day, every day, on etiquette, manners, and all sorts of things.

We were given delicious food to eat. Oh, the food! Biscuits and scones and waffles for breakfast. And butter—real butter! Salads, fresh fruits and savory meats for lunch. Succulent roasts, seafood, and potatoes for dinner. Chocolate cake, red velvet cupcakes with cream-cheese frosting and any kind of tart you could imagine for dessert.

My mouth watered just thinking about it, and I wasn’t alone. After living on rations for the past five years, all of the contestants were positively giddy about the food.

Our days were filled with meals and lessons, and our every move was filmed for the reality show that followed the competition. Episodes chronicling the girls’ lives at the palace were aired weekly, so that the people in the settlements could follow along and root for their favorites.

Thirty girls had already been cut. I was one of remaining twenty, and I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. For those of us left, there was one goal: to win. The champion would become engaged to the dashing, charming prince, Dallas Black. After a royal wedding, she would become the princess of the settlements—and one day, she’d become queen.

But this summary—the same one peddled to the people of the settlements—made the Pageant sound grand and slightly romantic. The truth was quite a bit more complicated than that.

I’d omitted certain pertinent facts, certain deadly, pertinent facts.

The prince was a vampire.

His parents were vampires.

They didn’t eat food. They ate…humans.

For instance? My first night at the palace, the queen had bit Eve, the other girl from my settlement, and drained her dry. Now Eve was a vampire.

Since I’d come to the palace, I’d learned that some vampires could control themselves around humans. Others, like the queen, could not. Some vampires could move about in the sunlight. Others would fry. Some vampires, like Eve, had the ability to telepathically speak inside a person’s brain. I was still learning all the rules. It was complicated, but if I wanted to stay alive, I’d best pay attention.

The vampire royals had come from the North and conquered the settlements with the Black Guard, their vampire army. Since they’d conquered us, we’d survived on government-supplied rations. We no longer had cell phones, computers or cars. We still had television, though. So the royals could ply us with their propaganda.

My father and older brother had gone off five years ago to fight against them—along with many other human men—and never came home. The human rebel army was still out there. They’d attacked the palace as recently as last week.

On top of all this? The prince had hinted at other threats to the settlements. He’d also mentioned something about other types of vampires and werewolves and…

Stop it, Gwyn.

I rested my forehead against the cool glass of my window, willing the sun to rise higher. During the day, I was busy—busy learning which fork to use at a formal dinner, busy dipping a pen into ink and learning to write polished cursive with flourishes, busy learning how to curtsy without falling on my face.

I liked having my days full because when I was trying to identify the salad fork, I could hide from the truth: I’d fallen for the prince—the vampire prince.

This was also complicated by certain pertinent facts, including, but not limited to, the nineteen other girls living at the palace. Based on the way they all sighed and fluttered their lashes every time the prince was near, they’d also fallen for him and wanted to marry him.

And then there was the whole, you know, vampire thing. And the fact that Dallas had told me I smelled quite delicious, which I think meant he wanted to bite me. My thoughts kept wandering, wondering what else he might like to do to me…

The door burst open, and my maids swept in. Evangeline, tall and blonde, led the way. Close on her heels were the twins, Bria and Bettina, their coffee-colored skin flushed and their almond-shaped eyes glittering with excitement.

But Bria stopped in her tracks. She took one look at me and frowned. She headed straight for my wardrobe.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“I think you know,” she scolded. Her ponytail swung in her wake, highlighting the blue ribbon she always wore so people could tell her apart from her sister. “There is no way you’re wearing that wretched dress today. Who wears navy-blue cotton to a royal reunion?”

I sighed, looking down and smoothing my modest dress. “There’s no reunion planned. I don’t even know if I’ll see the prince today.”

“Of course you will. You’re his favorite! Everyone says so.” Bria tore through my closet, dismissing a dozen dresses until she found one she liked. She pulled out a gauzy blue gown that looked suspiciously low cut.

“I don’t know about that one.”

“Just try it!” Bria handed it to me and unzipped the dress I was wearing without further ado.

I’d learned there was no use in arguing.

I stepped into the new gown, and Bria pulled it up. Bria and her sister, Bettina, ogled me, clapping their hands and squealing in unison.

“Just gorgeous!”

“You are stunning, my lady!”

Evangeline finished pouring my tea and had a look. “Oh, miss, it’s very becoming. Come and see.”

They ushered me to the full-length mirror, and my jaw dropped when I saw my reflection. The dress was gorgeous but very revealing. The top was low-cut and skintight. It showed off my pale skin and curves. The skirt skimmed me, blue chiffon billowing in soft waves to the floor.

“It’s lovely, but…” I tried to pull up the bodice to no avail. “Isn’t there more to it somewhere?”

“No, that’s everything.” Bria grinned. “I adore it.”

I cleared my throat. “I’m not sure that it’s, ah, appropriate.”

“But the prince will love it,” Bria whined. “And that Tamara’s worn things much more brazen.” She sniffed.

Tamara was one of the other remaining contestants from a prominent family from Settlement 11. Some of the other girls whispered that she was favored to win the competition. Tall, with a statuesque build and long raven hair, she had no problem flaunting her many enviable assets—much to the chagrin of my maids and many of the other girls.

“Tamara and I have different…er, styles.” I coughed. The fact was, Tamara would strut around the palace in a string bikini morning, noon and night if it were allowed. “I think it’s a good thing.”

Evangeline laughed behind her hand, and Bria went back to the wardrobe. She selected a pretty tangerine-colored frock with a more modest neckline. “What about this one?” She sounded dejected.

“I love that dress. It’s perfect. As for this one”—I fingered the layers of the skirt—“I’ll save it for a special occasion. You’re right about the prince. I think he’d be partial to this.”

Mollified, Bria helped me change. Then she forced me into a chair and started brushing the snarls out of my long, thick hair. “I’m going to make your hair shine. The prince will go wild.”

“We don’t need to make him wild, exactly,” I said through gritted teeth, as she worked out a particularly difficult snarl. A wild vampire might be dangerous.

But the thought of Dallas being excited to see me kicked up my heart rate. I forced my mind to quiet as my cheeks heated. Ridiculous. Just the talk of his return to the palace had me needing to fan myself.

Bria mumbled something under her breath, which sounded suspiciously like, “Oh, yes we do.”

I pretended to be above the conversation and ignored her, simultaneously and secretly willing my hormones to calm down.

Bettina set a heavy crate full of makeup on a nearby table and grinned at me. “Don’t let my sister get under your skin. She wants you to shine, is all.” She took out a tub of some sparkly gold substance and dipped a poufy makeup brush into it.

She dabbed it onto my nose. “Speaking of shining…”

I closed my eyes and let them finish with my hair and makeup. Back home, my normal beauty routine consisted of brushing my teeth and throwing my hair up into a messy bun. The twins shuddered whenever I told them that, so I gleefully reminded them frequently.

Bria worked through all the snarls then fluffed and smoothed my hair. Bettina slathered on what seemed like ten layers of makeup while Evangeline tidied and dusted the room, humming under her breath.

“Ladies.” I opened my eyes. “If I haven’t said it lately, I want you to know I appreciate how well you take care of me.” I missed my mother and younger siblings terribly, but the maids had become my second family. They fussed over me and scolded me like I was one of their own.

Bettina swatted me on the nose with the poufy brush. “It’s our pleasure, miss. We love having you and the other girls at the palace. The competition’s brought a whole new life to this place.”

“And you thank us often.” Evangeline smiled at me kindly then added another log to the fire.

Bria finished with my hair then leaned down to grin at me. “And there’s no one we’d rather serve. You’re our favorite too, you know.”

There was a knock at the door. Evangeline answered it. “Yes?”

“His Royal Highness, Prince Dallas Black, Crown Prince of the United Settlements, is here,” the guard announced.

The four of us looked at each other, shocked. The twins sprang into action, putting away the makeup and brushes in a frenzy. Bria gave my hair one last insistent fluff.

“Yes, of course. Just a moment.” Evangeline eyed the room then, declaring it fit for the prince, swept to the side and stood at attention. Bria winked at me as she and Bettina joined her in their customary positions at her side.

I stood and smoothed my dress. My hands shook. He’s here. Nervous excitement thrummed through me, but fear lurked beneath.

I was afraid. Afraid of just how much I’ve missed him.

In a few short weeks, the prince had become awfully important to me, and I meant “awful” literally. It was awful thinking about him all day, every day, tossing and turning at night, wondering if he was okay, wondering if he was thinking about me… It was both awful and wonderful to be so consumed.

But oh, my God, I’d gone soft over him.

I pushed the rampant thoughts to the side as Dallas strode into the room, looking as if he’d come in from a long ride. His cheeks were flushed, and his hair was a bit wild. He smelled of the outdoors.

He smiled at my maids and greeted each of them. “Evangeline. Bria. Bettina.” His kindness and attention to the staff was just one of the things I admired about him.

My maids curtsied then righted themselves, looking as if they now needed to fan themselves.

The prince turned his dark-eyed gaze to me, and I sucked in a deep breath. It had only been a few days, but I was still struck by how tall and handsome he was. My eyes raked over his pale skin, square jaw, and broad shoulders.

I exhaled and shakily curtsied, praying I didn’t faint. It wouldn’t be the first time. “Your Highness.”

He bowed. “My lady.”

“I wasn’t expecting you back so early.”

Dallas favored me with a large smile, his dimple springing forth in all its glory. “I’m afraid I couldn’t bear to stay away much longer.”

I thought I heard the twins sigh. Evangeline gave them each a filthy look then quickly composed her features.

“How was your trip? Everything went well, I hope?”

His smile disappeared. “It went as well as I could expect. How has the palace been?”

“Fine. Everything’s been running smoothly. Tariq’s got us learning about fork tines.” Tariq was the royal emissary. He was largely in charge of the Pageant—a fact he never let any of us forget.

Dallas chuckled, relaxing again. “Ah, Tariq and his forks.”

The prince took a step toward me, and my heart pounded. I desperately hoped he couldn’t see it flutter against the thin material of my dress. “I missed you, Gwyneth.”

I took a steadying breath. “I missed you too, Dallas.”

A guard stepped through the door. “Your Highness, I’ve just had word. They’re ready for you.”

Dallas nodded then turned back to me, his gaze burning. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I need to meet with my court and update them with news from my travels.”

I tried not to appear crestfallen that he was already leaving. “Of course. Thank you for coming to see me.”

He grinned. “My pleasure.”

I took a quick step toward him. “Are you sure everything’s all right?” Rebels had recently attacked the palace, and I worried that they planned more onslaughts.

He reached for my hand and squeezed it. “It will be. And you have my word that I’ll keep you and the others safe. We’ll talk more of it later.”

I wasn’t worried about my safety, and I had about a million more questions, but the guards waited outside the door. “Okay.”

He released me. “I’ll come see you as soon as I can.”

With another bow, the prince was gone, his cape trailing after him.

And I just stood there, heart thudding in his wake.

Even though another fifteen girls had been cut and sent home, you’d never know it from the high-pitched ruckus coming from the common room.

“The prince is back! I saw the guard riding in with the banners this morning!” gushed one young woman to her friend.

“I heard he’s going to resume the one-on-one dates tonight. I hope he picks me!” squealed another.

“It’s been soooo boring here without the prince. I’ve resorted to double espressos.” Another girl tossed her thick, blonde ponytail over her shoulder then held up her shaking hand.

Her friend giggled, but the girl frowned. “I think I need to tone it down a bit. I don’t want to frighten him!”

I wanted to remind her that the prince was a vampire—making him eminently more frightening than a highly-caffeinated human—but instead, I made a beeline for the table occupied by my closest contestant-friend, Shaye Iman. She wore a blush-pink dress, her tawny curls tumbling past her shoulders. Her makeup shimmered, pink and perfect, making her copper-hued skin sparkle. As usual, she was dazzling.

Shaye grinned at me as I grabbed a biscuit. “So I’m guessing you heard… Prince Charming is back in town. It’s all everyone’s talking about.”

I shoveled some of the biscuit into my mouth and nodded. I didn’t want to tell her I’d already seen him. I wasn’t sure if it would hurt her feelings. Shaye liked the prince, too, a fact I was still trying to come to terms with.

“Oh, Gwyn knows all about that.” Bosom bursting with untold gossip, Tamara plopped into the seat next to me. She leaned conspiratorially toward Shaye. “My maids told me the prince went to her room this morning.”

I swallowed hard as Shaye’s jaw dropped. I glared at Tamara. “Your maids should learn to mind their own business.”

Tamara arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at me then arranged her emerald-green gown. “Already acting like you’re the boss, eh?”

“You shut your mouth—”

“Ladies.” Tariq suddenly appeared, beaming down at us. As usual, the royal emissary was perfectly put together. His dark hair was ruthlessly slicked back, and he wore a deep-purple ceremonial uniform. His expensive cologne wafted over our table. “Everything quite all right?”

I cleared my throat. “Yes, Your Royal Emissary.”

“Everything’s fine.” Tamara fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Just a little morning girl talk.”

He turned to Shaye. “Miss Iman?”

“We’re good.” But she blushed beneath her makeup, and I wondered just how much the news of Dallas visiting me bothered her.

“Most excellent.” Tariq’s eyes glittered. “I have something quite special to share with you all this morning—the latest episodes of the Pageant. We’re airing two back-to-back installments tonight. The viewers are going to be beside themselves with excitement.”

He leaned down, nodding to Shaye and Tamara. “Both of your one-on-one dates are featured. They are to die for.”

He strutted off, and a heavy silence settled over our table. Tamara beamed, Shaye tore at her napkin, and I stuffed another biscuit into my mouth.

* * *

Platinum-haired Mira Kinney stood in front of the large flat screen, looking lovely and elegant in a nubby-fabric skirt suit. She was the government-sanctioned television personality narrating and hosting the televised version of the Pageant. She and her crew were living at the palace, filming us around the clock.

Mira Kinney was a prime example of how my life had been turned upside-down since entering the contest. She was a vampire, but she lived and worked among us girls as if it were no big deal. Before I’d come to the palace, I hadn’t even known vampires existed.

But I’d learned that some vampires, like Mira and the prince, could coexist peacefully with humans when they wanted to. When they didn’t want to, like when Dallas had fought the human rebels, it was an entirely different story.

Other vampires, like the queen, had self-control issues around humans. Since the queen had ravaged Eve, they’d kept her away from us, thank God.

“We’ve gotten great feedback about the first episode.” Mira broke my reverie. “Based on early polls, it appears that close to ninety percent of the population tuned into the premiere. That’s a staggering number. The approval ratings for the government have skyrocketed. I want to thank everyone for their hard work and contribution to the show’s success.”

Her sharp, blue-eyed gaze sought out mine. “I’d like to specially recognize Miss West, who stayed calm under pressure. She had the first one-on-one date with the prince, and she handled it flawlessly.”

The other girls clapped politely, and I smiled, but then I saw Tamara glaring. She looked as if she might scratch my eyes out. I hastily scooted away from her.

“We’re airing two episodes of the competition tonight,” Mira continued. “We’re looking to capitalize on the viewers’ excitement. With only four weeks of the competition remaining, we’re going to be increasing the number of broadcasts. We want the people of the settlements to feel as if they’re taking this journey with you. We want them to feel everything you’re feeling.”

One of the other girls raised her hand. “What’s going to happen over the next four weeks? Is everyone going to get a one-on-one date with the prince?”

Several other girls murmured in the crowd, echoing her question.

Tariq stepped out of the shadows. “I’ll explain everything about the coming weeks in my lecture later this morning, after Mira’s finished with her presentation.”

Mira nodded. “I want you all to watch these episodes closely, then we’re going to review each of them, section by section.” She smiled at us, revealing her perfect, even white teeth. “You can learn a lot by watching these two young ladies. Both of them wowed on their one-on-one dates.”

Tamara tossed her hair, and Shaye slunk into her seat.

“What’s the matter?” I whispered.

Shaye just bit her lip and shook her head, looking worried.

Tamara’s episode aired first.

I settled in to watch the opening sequence. The royal crest was the initial image, accompanied by the United Settlements’s anthem. Then came footage of the King and Queen. They stood side by side, aloof and regal.

Mira Kinney said, in a voice-over, “Introducing His Royal Majesty, King Reginald Black, Crown King of the United Royal Settlements and his wife, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Serena Black, Crown Queen of the United Royal Settlements. The King and Queen are thrilled to welcome the Pageant contestants to the palace.”

King Black was tall, muscular, and handsome, with gray hair and a trim, white beard. The Queen was stunning, tall and lean, with sapphire-blue eyes, a high forehead, and a long, graceful neck. She was beautiful, but I still shivered with dread when I saw her.

The familiar brief, propagandized version of how the royals had come to power in the settlements followed. They were portrayed as saviors, coming down from the north to rescue us from crime and poverty. The images on the screen showed the royal family—the king, the queen, and the prince—waving to adoring onlookers at a midnight parade. Then there was a group of young women wearing gowns, eagerly smiling as a long line of paparazzi took pictures of them. The last image was of a young woman kneeling, a crown being placed on her head.

Next came the prince. The film showed him riding a white steed, wind whipping through his hair. He had his own segment, during which he declared himself ready for love, commitment, and marriage. As usual, many of the girls sighed with longing as we watched him.

Next, each of the remaining contestants was shown. Our names and settlement numbers were broadcast across the screen.

“Miss Gwyneth West, Settlement Four.”

I barely recognized myself with my hair and makeup done and dressed in an elegant red gown.

The first scene showed Tamara with her maids, getting ready in the morning. The sun shone brightly in her room, illuminating the dark waves of her raven hair. Her skin positively glistened, and her bosom heaved as her maids zipped her into a tight scarlet gown then ushered her to the full-length mirror.

She smiled at her reflection, and why shouldn’t she? She looked gorgeous. She looked like a princess.

I bit the inside of my cheek so I didn’t groan out loud as the program continued. Tamara flirted, flounced, and stuck her chest out at the prince every chance she got.

In one scene, she “accidentally” bumped into him, squishing her enviable assets directly into his chest and his direct line of vision.

I grimaced as I watched Dallas smile at her. Still, I knew him well enough to see that he didn’t really seem interested in Tamara. His body language was stiff, formal. He smiled at her without warmth, a fact that seemed largely lost on her. She openly gloated as we watched the episode, tossing her hair and grinning at anyone who looked her way.

Tamara’s episode ended with footage of her and the prince on the front steps of the palace—the part of their date I’d interrupted. Of course, my intrusion was edited out. The final images were of Dallas with his arm around Tamara, his hand securely fastened to her lower back. She looked adoringly up at him as he smiled for the cameras.

She fist-pumped as the credits rolled. “That was epic!”

Insipid cow, I thought.

I composed my features. “You looked very pretty.”

She shrugged, beaming. “Thanks.”

Shaye leaned forward. “It was a great episode. The camera loves you.”

Tamara crossed her legs. “It does, doesn’t it?”

I rolled my eyes, and Shaye silently giggled.

But she stopped abruptly as the next episode began. Shaye slunk down in her seat, as if she wished she could disappear.

“Sit up and watch, silly!” I hiss-whispered.

She scootched up a bit, eyes wide and never leaving the screen. I wondered what had my friend so tense. She’d told me that the prince had kissed her but that it had been quick and chaste. As I watched her slink back down in her chair, I wondered if she’d been minimizing it.

“Shaye Iman is from Settlement Twenty-Four, as far west as the settlements go,” Mira Kinney said in a voice-over. “Her life back home is humble.”

The image panned to what I assumed was the town Shaye came from in Settlement 24. It was little more than a village. The center consisted of several small, shabby-looking houses and a run-down store. The streets were muddy. Children in dirty clothes played in the square, and dogs roamed around in a pack.

It was dark, but I knew Shaye’s cheeks were flaming red.

“But nobility comes from within. Miss Iman’s adjusted extraordinarily well to palace life. Easily one of the most graceful, humble and kind contestants, she’s adored by the royals and staff alike.”

The next images showed Shaye smiling kindly at the kitchen staff, helping the gardeners wrangle an unruly rose bush, and bowing elegantly before the prince. It also showed her at our breakfast table, laughing and chatting with Tamara and me as we feasted on raspberry scones. Extremely pretty in person, Shaye was unequivocally stunning on screen.

Next was an image of Shaye walking arm-in-arm with the prince around the reflecting pools in the garden. Mira’s voice-over continued. “Miss Iman was instrumental in advocating for generous stipends for the Pageant’s contestants. Of course, the royal family fell in love with the idea, and each contestant will leave the palace with a healthy cash prize to thank their families for their service to the settlements.”

Shaye kept her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she watched. Tamara sat ramrod straight, a grim, resigned look on her face. Because even Tamara would have to admit it—not only was she gorgeous, Shaye’s kindness and quiet dignity came across clearly in the episode. The settlers were going to go wild for her. She was a Cinderella story in the making, and she would make a magnificent princess.

A princess for the people.

“As she was chosen early in the competition for a one-on-one date, the prince also clearly appreciates Miss Iman,” Mira’s voiceover narrated.

The scene changed to the night of Dallas and Shaye’s date. Shaye wore a lovely, blush-pink dress, similar in color to the one she wore today. But in the episode, the gown had a full, layered-tulle bottom. It gave the dress a floating, magical effect, as if Shaye might fly up and sprinkle fairy-dust on the prince. And given the way he kept staring, the prince was certainly enraptured by her.

Now it was my turn for flaming-red cheeks. I wasn’t entirely sure I could watch this part.

The crew had filmed them during their date. They had dinner in a formal dining room I’d never seen before. There were candles everywhere and an enormous bouquet of roses in the middle of the table. Dallas wore his dark-gray ceremonial uniform, his hair tousled and wild.

He sipped wine while he watched Shaye eat, his gaze never leaving her face.

“What are you staring at?” Shaye blushed.

Dallas smiled in response, his dimple flashing. “You are lovely,” he said, simply.

They stared at each other.

I wanted to run from the room, screaming, but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen.

After their dinner, Dallas led Shaye to the grand foyer. They made a beautiful couple. His skin was icy pale, but hers was a rich, warm copper. They complemented each other perfectly, light and dark, each shimmering in the candlelight from the massive chandelier.

“It was nice to spend time with you, Shaye.” Dallas loomed over her. “You are…easy to get along with.”

Shaye had told me he’d said this, but hearing it like this was a punch to the gut.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I had a lovely evening.” Shaye curtsied and went to take her leave, but Dallas gently stopped her. He bent down and brushed his lips against hers.

He pulled back. “Good night, miss.”

She curtsied again, a little wobbly this time. “Your Highness.”

My heart twisted, and I squeezed the arms of my chair. Tears pricked my eyes. But I refused to cry, steadying myself with deep breaths as the credits rolled. By the time the lights came up, I’d plastered a huge smile across my face.

I hugged Shaye, hard.

“What’s that for?” The question came out muffled. I might have squeezed her too forcefully.

“That was a triumph.” I pulled back, beaming at my friend. “You were wonderful.”

Shaye’s eyes were wide, unsure. “T-Thank you.”

“You did very well,” Tamara sniffed, butting in. “I still don’t think what he said was that romantic, but it’s a start, I guess.”

Shaye’s face went scarlet. She nodded her assent. “You’re probably r-right.”

“Don’t be such a jealous cow, Tamara,” I snapped.

Suddenly, several other girls descended on us, peppering Shaye with congratulations and questions about the prince. I sat back and watched my friend answer them, polite and kind as always.

I still felt sick, as if someone had sucker-punched me in the stomach.

Tamara leaned closer, narrowing her eyes at me. “As for being a jealous cow?” She kept her voice low. “It takes one to know one.”

“Shut up, Tamara.”

But I knew in my heart she was right.