The Prince: A Selection Novella (HarperTeen Impulse)

hallway. I wasn’t sure I would ever get over how spectacular it was here. I was so distracted that I ran smack into a guard as I turned the corner.
    “Oh!” I said.
    “Pardon me, miss. Hope I didn’t startle you.” He held me by my elbows, helping me regain my footing.
    “No,” I said, giggling. “It’s fine. I should have been watching where I was going. Thanks for catching me. Officer . . .”
    “Woodwork,” he answered, giving me a quick bow.
    “I’m America.”
    “I know.”
    I smiled and rolled my eyes. Of course he knew.
    “Well, I hope the next time I run into you, it won’t be quite so literal,” I joked.
    He chuckled. “Agreed. Have a nice day, miss.”
    “You, too.”
    I told Marlee about my embarrassing run-in with Officer Woodwork when I got back and warned her to watch her step. She laughed at me and shook her head.
    We spent the rest of the afternoon sitting by the windows, chatting about home and the other girls as we drank in the sunshine.
    It was sad to think about the future just then. Eventually the Selection would be over, and while I knew Marlee and I would still be close, I would miss talking to her every day. She was the first real friend I’d ever made, and I wished I could keep her beside me all the time.
    As I tried to stay in the moment, Marlee gazed dreamily out the window. I wondered what she was thinking about; but everything was so peaceful, I didn’t ask.

OTHER BOOKS
    ALSO BY KIERA CASS
    The Selection

COPYRIGHT
    Copyright © 2013 by Kiera Cass
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    EPUB Edition © January 2013 ISBN 9780062248169
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    FIRST EDITION

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