*insert brunette with a platter of virtual cookies*

Virtual cookies for everybody who gave me their wonderful feedback! Actually for everyone who's reading! It's really appreciated :D I know it's taking a while for Amy to begin her acting, but I don't really want to rush things. Rest assured, the real thing is about to begin after a couple of chapters ;) I just need to finish introducing some characters and voila!


Amy's Playlist: Blow Away-A Fine Frenzy

I step inside my house and look around. "Nellie? Aunt Beatrice-"

"In the living room, cheesecake!" Aunt Beatrice exclaims.

I make a quick stop in my room and leave my stuff there before running toward the living room. I stop short as soon as I spot the four suited men sitting on our short sofas. They look so out of place with our lively living room, that I would've burst out laughing if it weren't because I wasn't sure why they were here.

Nellie is standing up, leaning on the wall. She spots me, and her eyes sorrow. "You're home."

I gaze around. The only one who seems pleased is my aunt, who is currently offering some of her healthy cookies to the men.

"Amy, honeypie" Aunt Beatrice begins, grinning at me. "These men are palace officials."

I silently sigh, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. More like moths, actually. I try to think up all the possible scenarios of the reason why they are here. Could it be that I left a scratch in the SUV and they want me to pay it? That SUV was certainly a brand new model, and my family would probably have to sell everything to buy another.

I can already see it all. Dan holding on to his video games for his dear life as Nellie fights off the palace officials with her cooking gear. Aunt Beatrice would probably be crying in desperation as the chaos ensues, and Uncle Fiske would most definitely be heading outside, trying to keep his precious plants away from the prying hands of the officials. And I? I can already see myself hiding under the table, Saladin in hand, terrorized as I witness Dan bring out his ninja skills to defend his possessions.

"Ms. Amy Cahill, there is something we need to speak to you about," one of them speaks up. "I'm not sure if Mr. Cahill here would rather be the one to explain it to you, since it is a very serious matter."

I gulp.

Uncle Fiske sighs, staring down at his clasped hands. "I think it'd be better if you explained it, Mr. McIntyre. I've never been good with words. Especially for such a... such a situation."

Could it be that Prince Ian was mad because I rejected his proposal and had set out to ruin my life? It would all be like a soap opera. We, the poor and victimized family. And Ian, the monster-witch who'd look into the distance defiantly as he laughed at our misery. Uncle Fiske would probably end up in a mental hospital, singing Frank Sinatra tunes and counting off his days in tallies on the walls. Aunt Beatrice would still cry in desperation everyday of her life. Dan would end up in comma because of starvation, since his usual ten portions of food a day would probably be reduced to three. Nellie would loose her job, and, being the usual one to always try and solve problems, would end up as a gold digger trying to help our economic situation. Saladin and I would end up living in a box, reminiscing on better days.

"I don't know why everybody is so hesitant to inform our dear Amy of the situation. I, for one, think it's such an amazing opportunity!" Aunt Beatrice exclaims, her green eyes sparkling with hope.

"Please, sit down," Uncle Fiske tells me. "Dan, please hand your sister your spot."

Dan is currently gulping down the snacks set out for the palace officials. He gazes at Nellie, who reprimands him with a fierce glare before he transfers his lanky body to the floor. I primly take his place.

"A long time ago, your grandfather and the late King Winthrop the XIX became very good friends," Mr. McIntyre begins. "Once, he found himself in a very serious situation, and the King helped him out. To thank him, your grandfather made a pact with him, stating that in any circumstances, no matter what, the Cahill family would always be there to help the royal family out."

Nellie purses her lips. I can tell she wants to snap something, but she bites her tongue to stop herself.

"You're probably familiar with the Duchess of Alcott, a rich land neighboring our Greensmoor City," Mr. McIntyre continues.

I look down at our brand new parquet, knowing what is coming next. Ian explained it in the car ride home, after all. Much more in detail than the official, but he got his point across. Had he known all along that I would have to be his pretend fiancée? I remember his mischievous smirk, and come to the conclusion that he is laughing at me now.

"Which is why we'll have to ask you to be his pretend fiancée for a while," the official finishes.

Nellie scoffs, chuckling in amusement. "Ask? More like force."

Fiske closes his eyes. "Nellie-"

"No, how can you just accept this?" Nellie cuts in, standing up straighter in defiance. "Don't you see this will change Amy's life forever? There will be all kinds of trouble while she's lying to the entire nation, even after the engagement is dissolved. Not just that, but do you realize the reputation she'll have right now? The Prince's second-choice. That scandal with the Starling girl will definitely have the press speaking."

My head snaps up.

"It's not that big of a deal," Aunt Beatrice says.

"Yes it is," Nellie begins. "He asked another girl to escape and marry him in another country. How do you think an announcement of an engagement will look now?"

Fiske sighs, looking more uncomfortable than ever.

"If you're going to go through with this, then fine," Nellie spats. "But don't think that you'll be receiving any support from me."

She stomps away in anger, and all the weight of what's coming to me falls down on my shoulders. Paparazzi, gossip, and the Prince himself are the Top Three among my list.

There's a brief silence, but Aunt Beatrice breaks it. "How long will she be pretending?"

"The Queen will decide that," Mr. McIntyre answers. "But we know that to make it more believable, it'll be, minimum, a month."

From the corner of my eyes, I spot Dan pursing his lips in distaste. He pets Saladin to hide it.

"A meeting with her and the royal family is scheduled for today," Mr. McIntyre continues, his shadowy face not expressing any feelings. "Also, from next week and onwards, she'll be living in the palace."

"My mouse will be living in the palace?" Aunt Beatrice repeats excitedly.

"Yes, Miss," Mr. McIntyre replies. "She'll attend events and be taught to become the future Queen of Englad, just to keep it believable."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Aunt Beatrice exclaims. She gazes at the clock. "If there is a meeting with the royal family, you should take her away immediately. I wouldn't want to keep them waiting."