#Chapter 499: A Princess’s Place

Nina The morning mist settled over the lawn, cool and refreshing against my warm skin. With a yawn, I watched as the others lined up on the grass, and I listened as my father’s commanding voice called out today’s orders. “This morning, we’re going to start with circuits instead of a run,” he said, his voice loud and clear. “This will test your explosive energy rather than your endurance. I want you to do twenty pushups, thirty jumping jacks, fifteen burpees; then start over. Do this five times.” An audible groan spread across the group at the intense circuit. My father’s eyes flashed. “If anyone has an issue with our regimen, you may leave,” he said coolly, clasping his hands behind his back as he regarded the group. “I simply won’t train you, and therefore I won’t choose you for the job. Is that clear?” “Yes, sir.” I watched, then, as my friends began their circuits. As I watched, I placed my hand over my belly and paced back and forth in the wet grass. My fath