“What I don’t understand, though, is why aren’t you upset? Why are you still here?” Jane asked, confused, and leaned forward. Before Maria could answer, Prince Lucas came back into the room without Madeline and asked Catherine to come with him. Once he left with her, Jane turned her attention back to Maria. She waited for Maria to notice so she could answer her question.
“I’m not upset about the prince falling in love with you,” Maria said. “Do I wish it was me? Part of me does, sure. But I think the thing that has saved me from heartache was being realistic about the likelihood of him actually choosing me.” She smiled and shrugged. Jane felt sad for Maria. She was such a kind lady, she almost wished the prince would pick her because she deserved it more. Almost. “And I haven’t left becau
