The Rightful Bride Chapter 24

Melanie knocks on Marie’s door.

“Come in,” Marie says.

Melanie opens the door and makes her way to the dining room.

“Hey,” Melanie says.

Melanie takes a seat beside Marie.

“So,” Marie says, “while I want to spend time with you, I do have a reason for having this lunch.”

“What’s up?” Melanie says. “Is everything okay?”

Melanie takes a covered dish from the tray.

“No one in this contest is coming with an advantage,” Marie says. “Unfortunately, that means they’re going to be heavily scrutinised by the court. Some of them might know that based on the gossip forums they frequent, but I’m not sure they realize exactly how much they’ll be judged.”

Melanie nods, very much aware. It’s not really a surprise.

“Since you’re coming into this knowing what it is,” Marie says, “I don’t see why you shouldn’t have another advantage.”

“What kind of advantage?” Melanie asks with suspicion. What is her friend up to?

“I think we have time to teach you how to navigate court scrutiny.”

They can do that, but…

“It’ll look unfair,” Melanie says. “It’ll be too noticeable.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Marie says. “That’s part of what I can teach you.”

“I don’t know. I don’t think it’ll work out that way. It’s not enough time. We have about a month.”

“We can try. At least it’ll give you something.”

Melanie shakes her head.

“We won’t have time,” Melanie says. “I have work to do. I won’t have enough time to study anything regarding court etiquette. It’ll be stressful for me.”

Marie nods.

“Okay,” she says, “but I’ll keep an eye out for you.” She sighs. “They smell blood in the water. They’re going to destroy those women.”

“Keep an eye out for the others, too,” Melanie says.

Marie nods.

“Okay,” she says. “I’ll see what I can do.”

They eat their lunch in silence for a few minutes.

“Is there anything you need before everything starts?” Marie asks.

“Not that I know of,” Melanie says. “I should be fine.”

“Let me know if anything comes up. Remember, we have a month.”

“Stella,” Princess Eva says, “I need you to deliver a message for me.”

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I’m currently posting a first draft of a story. However, if you’re interested in seeing what my final products look like, check out my debut, Daughter of Death. It’s available in many retailers, including Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo in eBook and audiobook formats. It’s also available in my shop.

I’ll leave you for now. Make sure to come back for the next chapter.