Thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter and understanding about the past slight delay. I know some of you asked and what happened was that I ate a piece of cake that had peanut frosting. It wasn't labeled correctly and the person who brought it did not know of my allergy. Everything is all better and I am ready to continue this story!

"How does it feel to be part of the Elite?" Luka, a reporter asked me. We were all being interviewed for a broadcast that everyone in Russia would see. The other Selected had gone and I was the last one since we were going by our countries alphabetical order.

I put the polite princess smile on my face to try and get through this. "It feels amazing, just knowing that everyday I could be getting closer to marrying Dimitri." A few people gasped when I called him that instead of 'Prince Dimitri'. I cursed internally at my mistake.

"I am sensing that you are more casual with the Prince?" I looked over at Dimitri who had humor in his eyes and I gave him a little stink eye. Thankfully, Luka didn't pick up on it, but Tasha did.

"We have both gotten to know each other very well these past few months." I said truthfully, well that and I hated titles.

"So do you think odds are in your favor?" All I wanted to do was answer yes but I could hear the old man yelling at me to use my diplomat answer.

"The Prince has six other very qualified Princesses here." I was a bit shocked on how regal my voice was sounding at this minute. A quick look at Dimitri gave me the courage to continue. "While I, like the rest of the Selected, prays that they will be the winner, I know that Russia will be very lucky to have any of these women as their Queen."

It almost felt bitter saying those words thinking about Tasha, Camille, and Avery. But it would look wrong if I left them out. So I just continued, "After spending these past few months here, I can say that I have a new found respect and love for Russia. This is a wonderful and amazing country and I hope that one day, I can become part of Russia." At the end of my speech, everyone in the audience, including Luka, stood up and clapped.

Even Delilah and Natalie clapped for me, but the other Selected stayed in their seat with scowls on their faces. I looked over at Dimitri and saw pride in his eyes. My heart started to flutter just looking at him.

Luka closed up our segment before saying a few more words to viewers before I heard "That's a wrap."

Luke came over to me and held out his hand to shake. "That was an amazing job Princess." Part of me felt happy that he approved of me. "I can see why you are the country's favorite." When he saw my confused face, he continued. "The poles came in today, you lead the other Selected by over 10%. That is incredible, I know you will be a great Queen one day." He shook my hand before leaving me.

I turned around and saw Dimitri standing there smiling down at me. He gave me one of his rare full smiles and collecting me into a hug. Then so suddenly, his lips were at my ear. "Be ready at 10 pm. Wear comfortable clothes." If anyone were looking at us now they would just see us hugging. But as soon as he came, he was gone.

Dimitri walked over to a few other girls and talked to them. Sonya came over and looped her arm through mine as we walked to the Belikova Room. "Your speech was amazing Rose." A rush of pride came through me again knowing I did something well.

"Thanks Sonya." I said once we sat down on the couch facing each other. "Did you ever get a reply back from your sister?"

The other day, Sonya told me that her parents were expecting their 12th child. How they could have that many kids was beyond me. Sonya said though that she loved having so many siblings, there was never a dull day. There was never a dull day having 2 other siblings, but 11? No way.

It was weird to me because so many of these other countries have a lot of children, like reaching double digits high. But in Turkey, it was more common for people to have medium size families.

Sonya was the 2nd eldest in her family, but she was the eldest Princess in Austria. Her brother, Prince Alexander was the crown Prince and had married someone from Canada I believe. Sonya started going on about her entire family, there was Alexander, her, Annaliese, Daniel, Simon, Vienna, Laura, Sarah, Maria, Tobias, and then Franz.

"Yes, Annaliese," She said practically bouncing in her seat. "She wrote that my mother had another daughter and named her Emmalina." Then as quickly as she was excited, she got really quiet.

"What's wrong?"

She just shook her head as if she was laughing at her. "It's nothing, just something stupid."

"Tell me." I insisted.

"It's just, as the second eldest, I remember being there for Vienna, Laura, Sarah, Maria, Tobias and Franz's births and baptism." She reached up to wipe a tear that escaped from her face. "This is the first one that I wasn't there."

My heart went out to her, being here really did make me, and everyone here, homesick. Especially when you see Dimitri and his siblings interact. I reached over to her and grabbed her hand. "Hey, don't worry," I reassured her. "Your family is the third family to come, so you will be able to see them very soon."

She seemed a little bit comforted by my words and smiled at me. "Thanks Rose." Then she reached forward and hugged me. "I know that we are supposed to be competitors, but you really have become a friend to me." Once she let go of me she said, "I think I am going to head up to me room for the rest of the day. Thanks again."

I just smiled as she sat up and quickly left the Belikova room. When she left I saw that the other girls had walked in and were already lounging.

"Rose, come here." Delilah insisted as they all sat around a table. I walked over to them and sat down in a chair next to Delilah and saw Tasha holding up a magazine. She had a slight advantage over us because she was fluent in Russian. We were all learning Russian but our common language was English. "Tasha said they have a story on all of us."

"Go ahead Tasha," Avery insisted. "Read it!" Some of the others insisted and Tasha finally agreed.

"All right, all right," She sighed before reading.

The Russian Selection

By: Alla Alkaeve

It has been nearly six months since our crown prince; Prince Dimitri Belikov announced that he was going to hold a Selection to find his bride and the future Queen of Russia. Prince Dimitri, 23, received 25 beautiful and eligible Princesses from all over the world. Since starting the Selection, 5 months ago, the Prince has been able to narrow down the girls to the Elite.

Records were broken when the Prince announced the Elite in just two months. On average, it takes almost six months to narrow it down. However, after a devastating attack on the German Royal family, that sent one girl home, the Prince narrowed it down.

During a news press where the Prince announced the Elite, he said, "I decided to narrow down the Selected to the Elite because I couldn't bear holding any of the girls here when I couldn't see a future with them. All of the Princesses have duties and responsibilities in the native home, so I said that if I could not see a future with them in that moment, then they would be sent home."

Another interesting detail was when he announced that there were to be seven Elite instead of the standard ten. Even though the news shocked the country, everyone has been pleased with his choices. A poll was released with whom the public thinks our Prince should pick.

In the top running spot is Princess Rosemarie "Rose" Mazur, the 18-year-old Turkish Princess. Ever since stepping out of her plane, she caught the public's attention. She is known to be the 'exotic' princess, the outspoken one, and it has been revealed that she is the most sarcastic out off the Selected. Our inside sources that she is also the Prince's favorite. "Princess Rose has been on several formal dates with the Prince, but they also have walks through the gardens and meals with each other." An inside source tells us. At home, the Princess is the eldest of three, with her crown prince, Prince Caleb, 16, and Princess Kennedy, 11. The Turkish Royal Family is scheduled to be the last family to arrive for the traditional Selected ball.

In second place in the Selection is Princess Natasha "Tasha" Ozera, the 20-year-old Norwegian Princess. Princess Tasha has caused heads to turn with her stunning beauty and poise. "Tasha has a lead on the rest of the girls since she shares a cousin with the Prince, Lord Christian Ozera. Also, last year Norway and Russia signed an alliance treaty," another inside source confirms. According to a different source, there has been much tension between Princess Rose and Princess Tasha. Turkey and Norway have always been known to be enemies, so it must be hard for them to be around each other all the time. The Norwegian Royal Family is scheduled to be the fifth family to arrive for the traditional Selected ball.

In third place is Princess Sonya Karp, the 19-year-old Austrian Princess. The Austrian Royal family sent out a public announcement that they happily announced the arrival of their 12th child. The crown prince, Prince Alexander, said during a press conference, "We are very happy to welcome Princess Emmalina into our lives. Both the Queen and the Princess are well and healthy. While we rejoice in the birth of Emmalina, we are also very proud of our sister, Sonya, who, as you all know, is in Russia competing in the Selection. We all wish her the best and we cannot wait to see her when we are schedule to visit Russia." It has been said that Sonya is very excited over hearing the news of Princess Emmalina and cannot wait for her family to visit and meet her little sister.

In fourth place is Princess Delilah Hathaway, the 17-year-old Scottish Princess. Princess Delilah is known to be the fiery one out of all the Selected, mainly because of her bright red hair. As the youngest of the Selected, she is also the underdog. Many people were surprised that she even made it the Elite. However, the fact that her cousin is Princess Rose Mazur must help her greatly. Princess Delilah is said to be the most-like Selected and that she has made no enemies within the girls. The Scottish Royal Family is scheduled to arrive sixth, right before their relatives, the Turkish Royal Family.

In fifth place is Princess Natalie Dashkov, the 20-year-old American Princess. Princess Natalie is the only girl remaining from North America. Natalie is told to be one of the sweeter Princesses there. She is quick to help with a problem and even assists the maids. However, our inside sources said that she is the least favorite with the Prince. She has been on the least amount of dates and that she is able to just 'hang in there'. The American Royal Family is scheduled to arrive first, in two days, for the Selected Ball.

Tied in dead last are Princess Camille Conta, the 18-year-old Australian Princess and Princess Avery Lazar, the 18-year-old Italian Princess. It is said that they both are the sexiest of the Princesses and are not afraid to flaunt what they have. Our inside sources that both of their relationships with the Prince are more physical and they each do not have good standings with the other Selected. It has been known throughout Russia that they are the two girls who they do not want on the throne. The Australian Royal Family is set to arrive second while the Italian Royal Family is set to arrive fourth.

While the public has no say in who becomes the next Queen of Russia and the wife to our beloved Prince Dimitri, we do hope that it is Princess Rose. The Russian Royal Family has made no formal comment on the subject but that they are "glad that each Princess is here in Russia and they cannot wait to welcome the next girl into their family."

Tasha finished reading the article before standing up, throwing the magazine at me and stomping off with Avery and Camille right behind her. Sometimes I got so annoyed with them, its not like I can control what the people think of me. Besides, this article has nothing to do with Dimitri's decision.

I just rolled my eyes and decided that I needed to run. So I dismissed myself from the rest of the girls and quickly ran up to my room. Jill and Mia were there like always and quickly got me out of my day dress.

I sighed once I got into my comfortable workout outfit. Once I put my long hair in a ponytail, I used one of the back hallways that only the servants used to avoid the other girls and any cameras.

Usually I went to the gym in the morning, never in the afternoon, so I was surprised when I saw a few of the guards there. Mason was over at the bench press with Eddie so I decided that I would join them.

All of the guys were shocked to see me there and weights were dropped as they bowed to me but I just waved them off. "Hey guys," I said to Mason and Eddie. They just had smiles on their faces as they greeted me.

"Weird to see a Princess here." Mason joked with me. In the past few months we have grown to be close best friends as well as Eddie. They both swore they would protect me and when I couldn't handle all of the girl stuff, they would show up to my room to talk and hang out.

I just chuckled at them and punched them in the arm. Sometimes I would workout with them in the morning so they knew how much I benched. They each put on the weights and I lay down on the bench and started my bench press.

During our workouts we joked around like old friends. "Come on Rose, we were about to go run," Eddie said once we finished our weight circuit.

"Do you think a Princess could out run all of you?" I dared and they gave me a surprised look.

"Bring it on Princess," Mason said in a mocking voice. "First person to five miles win. One mile is 8 laps around the track." The second he finished explaining the rules, I took off leaving them all in the dust.

There were four other guys joining us. I have seen them around but I never knew their names. However, I could hear them starting to catch up to me so I put all my thoughts behind me and just ran as fast as I could.

After what felt like my millionth lap, I realized I only had one mile left. I was neck and neck with Eddie and Mason and every now and then we would each get the lead but then fall back with each other. We talked a little, but once we had one lap left, it was as if hell broke loose.

My muscles were screaming at me to stop, but I pushed them faster then I ever have. I don't think I ever ran this fast before in my life. But I left Mason and Eddie behind me. Once I crossed the finish line, a sense of accomplishment filled my entire body. I just beat 6 well-trained guards, and I was a Princess, as they all called me.

I fell to the ground out of exhaustion and just lay down on my back. Mason and Eddie were quickly hovering over me to make sure I was okay and I just grunted. I could feel the last mile for sure.

The rest of the guys finally finished and they all sat down next to m e and congratulated me. I looked to Mason giving him a look that said introduce me to them. He just laughed and looked at the guys.

"Rose, this is Guardian Mikhail Tanner," Mikhail bowed his head to me. "Guardian Spiridon," I told him he had an awesome name. "Guardian Nikolai," For some reason I recognized him from somewhere but I couldn't put name where. "And finally Guardian Stan Alto." Stan was one of the older guardians there and I knew I didn't like him. Even though he wasn't supposed to, he gave me a stink eye.

He was probably upset that he lost to a girl, a Princess non-the less. I shook all of their hands and smiled at them. "Nice to meet you all and thank you for your service." They all smiled at me, even Stan, as if they never had been thanked before. "I always feel safe here thanks to you." They all looked at each other in disbelief before they thanked me once more.

The rest of the guys eventually stood up and said that they had to get back to their charges. Mason held a hand out for me and I took it. Once I stood up, I felt myself get a little dizzy and Mason quickly grabbed a hold of me before I could fall.

"You okay Rose," I could hear the worry in his voice but I just succumbed to the darkness instead of answering him.

(BREAK)

When I opened my eyes I almost flinched from the bright eyes. I quickly realized that I was in my room and I was also changed into a nightgown. Mia was the first one to realize that I was awake.

She whispered something to Jill who quickly left the room. Mia rushed over to me and helped me sit up. "Miss, are you all right?" She asked in a nervous voice.

I just nodded and took a sip of the water she handed to me. "What happened?"

"You passed out in the gym and Mason carried you back to your room." She said pushing back some hair. "We cleaned you up and dressed you in your nightgown. The doctor came in and said it was just due to exhaustion and that you hadn't eaten all day."

I groaned at thinking the ruckus I caused. Then I looked out the window and saw that it had to be mid-morning. "How long was I out?"

"Nearly 20 hours miss." Suddenly I felt of sadness overcome me. That meant that I missed out on Dimitri and I's date last night. Every date here counted, especially at this time.

Even though Dimitri has not sent any girls home in the last few months since the Elite was chosen, he could eliminate a girl at any time. A few tears slipped from my eyes when Mia had her back turned on me. "You must also stay in bed for another day. Doctor's orders." She said as she went to go grab me some breakfast.

Mia must have been gone not 4 minutes before there was a knock on the door. I turned to see who was there when it opened.

Dimitri quickly rushed in and over to my side. "Roza, are you okay?" He asked as he reached forward and cupped my face in his hand. I instinctively leaned into his hand and sighed. There was no place I would rather be then here with him.

"Yeah, just tired." I said truthfully.

"I can imagine," He chuckled with a sad smile on his face. He leaned forward and placed a small kiss on my forehead. "When they said you had passed out, I was so nervous. I never felt that way before, I thought something happened-" He started to ramble so I just leaned forward and placed my lips on his for a short kiss.

Once I pulled back I realized my action and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have."

Dimitri put his hand under my chin and lifted my face so I was once looking him in the eye. "Never be sorry for kissing me Rose." He said seriously. "Now I have a present for you." I got giddy at the thought of presents and was nearly bouncing up and down in my bed making him laugh. "It isn't much, but," He handed me a small bag and I opened it and saw my favorite lip gloss in there.

"How'd you manage to buy this?" I asked in disbelief. "You were in meetings all day yesterday."

"Prince's secrets." He said with a sly smile.

"What's this for? For making into the Elite?" Then I realized if he was being this sweet to me, he must be for the rest of the girls.

"No," He said automatically. "Because I thought it would make you happy." I couldn't help what I did next but reach up and throw my arms around his neck and hug him.

I couldn't help but fall in love with this man. He meant so much to me and was constantly on my mind. Then all of my hope and love gets shattered when I realize that he has six other beautiful princess here as well. I didn't know what their connection with Dimitri was.

"I'm sorry." I blurted out.

Dimitri pulled back and looked at me with confusion. "For what?"

"I missed out on our date last night." I said and then was shocked when he chuckled.

"Oh Roza," He said kissing my cheek. "It is okay, it is just a silly date. I want to make sure that you are healthy and okay. We can have our date another time."

"You sure?"

"Of course." Then he tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear. "Now you need to rest up. The American Royal Family arrives tomorrow and you need to be in tip top shape."

He eventually excused himself from my room to go back to his work but promised he would come and check up on me before dinner.

I spent the rest of my day laying in bed talking to Mia and Jill and getting extremely bored. I was busy crumbling up paper and trying to shoot them in the wastebasket when there was a knock on the door.

Jill opened it and Delilah came rushing into my room. "Rose, are you okay?" She asked once she sat down on my bed. I rolled my eyes at my cousin but told her I was fine. "I was worried when you didn't show up to dinner and then Tasha was going on about how you cracked under pressure and fainted. I thought you were going to go home."

"Delilah, I am fine," I reassured her. "Trust me." She hugged me before telling me all that I missed yesterday, but it didn't seem like much.

After an hour she excused herself for lunch. Once she left, Mason quickly entered my room.

"Man, I am popular." I exclaimed once he shut the door causing him to raise his eyebrow and laugh. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" He sat down in the chair that was by my bed where Dimitri had sat earlier.

"Raise your eyebrow?" He did again but I was sure he was just trying to annoy me. "Everyone else can do it but I can't." I huffed like I was little kid.

He just laughed but then got serious, which actually surprised me. Ever since we became close, he rarely was serious. "Rose, are you okay? I was so worried about you. I knew I shouldn't have pushed you that hard."

"Mase, it's okay." I reassured him and placed my hand on his. "By tomorrow I will be back in that gym kicking your ass." He just smirked at me.

"Only you would make swearing sound classy for a Princess." I laughed with him. "How is everything going in the Selection?" It was nice to talk to him about the Selection because I knew he had my back and was rooting for me.

So I told him all about Tasha and her latest tricks. She would try and say things to us to get us angry and attack her so she can act like a victim and try and get us eliminated. Just the other day she was saying nasty things about my family and I had to leave the room before I did attack her.

"Tasha is a sick, evil girl who should be thrown into a pit of rabid vipers for the great offense he committed against you this morning." He said with a fake serious face.

"Thank you. Can vipers be rabid?" I questioned

"I don't see why not. Everything can be. I think. Canadian geese might be worse than vipers, though."

"Canadian geese are deadlier than vipers?"

"You ever tried to feed those little bastards? They're vicious. You get thrown to vipers, you die quickly. But the geese? That'll go on for days. More suffering."

"Wow. I don't know whether I should be impressed or frightened that you've thought about all this," I laughed causing him to join in with me.

I knew that he didn't like Tasha, rarely anyone did, except Dimitri. So we would spend hours making fun of her, even though it is against the rules for him to, but who cares. She deserves it.

We laughed for about another hour before he said he had to get back to duty. He gave me a hug before leaving me to my boredom.

A/N: Thank you to all of who review! It does mean a lot to me to see your comments. Next chapter, the American arrive! REVIEW! I will hopefully have the next chapter up maybe tomorrow if not Saturday!