“If you’re about to counsel me on Adriana, I suggest choosing a different time.” “It’s going to be in all the papers” was all she said. As if I was unaware of our plot. “We can get ahead of the story to minimize damage to your image. Let Adriana take the fall.” “Absolutely not,” I said, annoyed it was even being suggested. “I’ll call off the competition and tell the truth at the ball tonight. Just like I planned with Adriana.” “Sometimes plans change, Your Highness.” Val kept her gaze trained on the sky. “If you reveal the truth—that the competition has been a distraction—the entire realm will
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