I glanced at myself in the mirror while my maids were dressing me. My long, red hair cascaded in soft curls, framing my pale face. I grasped a piece of the peach colored cloth at my thighs and felt the softness of the material. I sighed and helped Mary to finish the job by slipping the thick strap over my shoulder.
"Alright Lady America. You're all ready for breakfast!" Mary said in a sing song-y voice. She must be happy today
As I smiled at my maids I began to head out of my room and toward the Women's Room. My head began to fuzz up with panic.
What was I doing here? There were only five other girls in this competition besides me who were fighting to earn their side by Prince Maxon of Illéa. But was I one of those girls? Did I want this so badly that I could manage to take the role of future queen and be Maxon's wife?
I quickly tried to shake the thoughts from my head and pulled myself together before I headed down to the Women's Room. More than halfway to my destination, I felt two pairs of hands grab me and pulled me into a small secluded area.
Oh no, I thought, without looking at my captor. Please, please don't let it be Aspen...
"America!" I heard a high pitched voice say. I sighed in relief as I realize that it's only Marley.
"My goodness, Marley! You scared me!" I said, my heart beat slowly pulsing back down to its normal beat.
She giggles and continued, "I knew it would! It's been a tense couple of days, ever since Maxon sent all those girls home. At least we're still together!"
I smiled at that. It's was nice to have a friend here, in the palace. A girl I could talk to and have fun with.
"So, was there a reason you nearly gave me a heart attack, or did you just think it would be funny to see me being carried out on a stretcher."
Suddenly she frowned. "I overheard a couple of the staff talking in the hallway and they said something about letting a couple of girls go home today. I don't know if its true but I'm scared."
I slowly twirled a piece of my hair around with my finger while I contemplate this. Prince Maxon, the prince of Illéa, was rumored to send a couple of girls home, today. What if he sent me home? I hadn't even had time to think about my feelings for him, ever since I found out Aspen was here. Oh, and that he kissed me.
The truth is, I might like Maxon. He is definitely not what I expected. He was smart, funny, and handsome. But I also loved Aspen and I didn't know what to do about it. If Maxon sent me home...
I shook my head and looped my arm around Marley's. "Let's not worry about that right now. Come on, I'm hungry!" And we both started down the hall again, laughing and chatting. But anyone could spot the tension in our grips. Or Marley's fingers dug into my arm. Or the fact that I might be in love with Maxon.