Chapter 34: Why me? (2)

"I forgot about how many spies the palace would have. There must be more for families wanting to know how their daughters are doing in the selection. My father might even have his spies looking around to see if Helena and I were fine. I hope the palace doesn't expect that no one will be paying off maids," said Hazel as it was likely the maids serving them would soon be in talks with their families. 

"We know that it will happen. The rule about speaking with the women without sending a letter for the palace to read first is a warning that anyone found doing it will cause the young woman to be taken out of the selection. It is a secret, but someone from the first group was taken out of the selection for this reason. Don't spread this with anyone," Tobias said, placing his finger over his lips.