The Favorite Read Free

couldn’t rank among the top contenders, I was thrilled that she was up there.
    Of course, I knew anyone would be better for Maxon than Celeste. I still couldn’t believe she ripped America’s dress. And to know that she had gotten away with it, too, was so disheartening. I couldn’t picture anyone telling Maxon what Celeste had done, which left Celeste free to go on torturing the rest of us. I understood she wanted to win—for goodness’ sake, we all did—but she took things way too far. I couldn’t stand her.
    Thankfully, Jada’s nimble fingers were working all the tensionout of my neck, and Celeste began to fade away, along with my piercing voice and the aching posture and the list of worries that accompanied trying to become a princess.
    When there was a knock on the door, I hoped it would be Maxon, though I knew that was a pointless hope. Maybe it would be America, and we could drink some tea on my balcony or take a walk in the gardens.
    But when Nina answered the door, the officer from earlier was standing in the hallway. He peeked over Nina, not bothering with protocol.
    â€œMiss Marlee! I came to check on you!” He seemed so excited to stop by, I had to laugh.
    â€œPlease come in.” I stood from my vanity and walked over to the door. “Take a seat. I can have my maids bring us up some tea.”
    He shook his head. “I don’t want to keep you too long. Just wanted to make sure you weren’t crippled from that fall.”
    I thought he was keeping his hands behind his back to maintain a small level of formality, but it turned out he was simply hiding a bouquet of flowers, which he presented to me with a flourish.
    â€œAww!” I pulled the bouquet to my face. “Thank you!”
    â€œIt was nothing. I’m friendly with one of the gardeners, and he got these for me.”
    Nina came over quietly. “Shall I get a vase, miss?”
    â€œPlease,” I replied, handing her the flowers. “So you know,” I said, turning back to the officer, “I’m very well. A small bruise, but nothing serious. And I’ve learned a valuable lesson about high heels.”
    â€œThat boots are far superior?”
    I laughed again. “Of course. I’m planning on incorporating them into my wardrobe much more.”
    â€œYou will be solely responsible for the new direction of palace fashion! And I can say I knew you when.” He chuckled at his own joke, and we stood there smiling at each other. I got the feeling he didn’t want to leave . . . and I realized I didn’t want him to either. His smile was so warm, and I felt more at ease with him than I had with anyone in a long time.
    Unfortunately, he realized it would be odd for him to stay in my room, and he gave me a quick bow. “I guess I should go. I’ve got a long shift tomorrow.”
    I sighed. “In a sense, so do I.”
    He smiled. “Hope you get to feeling better, and I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
    â€œI’m sure. And thanks for being so helpful today, Officer . . .” I looked to his badge. “Woodwork.”
    â€œAny time, Miss Marlee.” He bowed again, then retreated into the hallway.
    Shea closed the door gently behind him. “What a gentleman, to come and check on you,” she commented.
    â€œI know,” Jada seconded. “Sometimes it’s hit or miss with those guards, but this batch seems nice.”
    â€œHe’s certainly a good one,” I said. “I should tell Prince Maxon about him. Maybe Officer Woodwork could be rewarded for his kindness.”
    Though I wasn’t tired, I crawled into my bed. Turning in for the night meant the maid count went from three to one, and it was as alone as I could get. Nina walked over with a blue vase that lookedbeautiful with the yellow flowers.
    â€œSet them here, please,” I asked, and she put them right next to my bed.
    I stared at the flowers