Chapter 4
I sneak a quick look at Christina who gives a firm nod that's supposed to be... encouraging, I guess. Walking forward on shaky legs, I finally reach the tall,imposing figure that looms over me. His eyes rake down my short body in a way that gives me chills.
" You are Beatrice Prior, I am assuming," King Eaton says.
" Yes, sir. I am," I say back curtsying a bit. My inside voice is hissing with venom, throwing insults at this so called "kind" King. I look behind him into the deep blue eyes of Prince Tobias Eaton. They have many levels of depth, I can see that from here. He will make one girl very happy, I can tell.
" Why did you refuse your maids," the King asks with his booming voice.
"I-I did not want help for dressing, I can do that myself, " my voice quivers unintentionally and I damn myself for showing a prime example of weakness and why I don't belong here.
" I have no time for your foolishness , you will keep your maids or you will be out. This is your first warning and hopefully,for you, your last. "I let out a sigh of audible relief when he says but take that back when I hear his next sentence." Tobias take care of her and talk to Beatrice she needs to learn her place."
I watch as Tobias looks at his father warily and then approaches me like one would a feral dog.
" Everyone disperse and go off to their rooms. Tobias take Beatrice anywhere as long as she learns to act like a lady and behave," the King yells. Tobias stares as his father as I shoot a nervous glance at Christina who returns my look with one of encouragement. That's Christina. Even though she is also in this competition for the heart of Tobias she still wishes me luck alone with him. I barely even know him, considering it is always his father on news reports and not him. Tobias finally looks at me and I find heat rising to my cheeks, against my will. He really is quite handsome with his dark brown hair and tall, slim figure.
" That was very idiotic of you Lady Beatrice," he says with a sharp tone that does not quite match his smooth face. I am taken aback, I did not expect those words to be first ones to come from his mouth. Though in the midst of the rude terms of insulting me , he still calls me Lady as if that will ease the pain. I retort back with my usual sharpness not liking his way of thinking.
" I prefer Beatrice , Prince Tobias, and you will take back those words," I say.
"' What will you do Beatrice ? Kick me out of my own castle, remember I hold the upper hand here, " he says. Looking around, I realize that a crowd of girls from the competition and servants have gathered around to watch our argument in the main hall.
" We will continue this later, " he hisses in my ear and storms away, his back straight and rigid. Christina comes and takes my arm, pulling me back away from the crowd. We head straight to the sleeping chambers, weaving down the halls with a quickness that should be admired. Christina and I reach the room that's apparently mine and we walk in the doors. My maids stand there and are ready to go into action. I dismiss them with polite words it's not their fault that I don't want them.
" Why are we here," I ask albeit somewhat loudly.
" Lower your voice," she whispers," I'm not supposed to be in here."
" Why not," I ask.
"We are competing against each other remember, we have to talk in front of all the other girls in the Ladies Talk Room." That makes sense. Yet, I don't want to talk to any of the other girls, especially Patricia and Molly. Even remembering Patricia's cold smirk and Molly's vicious eyes give me the chills.
" So,what do you want Christina ," I ask still not knowing why she brought me here.
" I wanted to tell you to be careful. It's like you have a death wish, you're my olnky friend here I don't want you leaving," she says, looking vulnerable for the first time since I have met her. Which has only been like six hours ago,right?
I give her a hug and say," don't worry, I'll be on my best behavior ."
She leaves and walks out the door. I hope the maids don't gossip about her being here, I don't want her in trouble. A few minutes after her leaving I hear a knock on the door. The tiniest maid walks in with a piece of parchment and hands it to me. I see my name in beautiful script on the front of the card and I turn it over. It's from Prince Tobias.
AN: I'm sorry for such a short chapter but I went to a party the other day and saw Divergent again so I didn't have much time. I promise there will be a longer chapter update on Wednesday . Please review !