Woohoo! Chapter something! (I've lost count...) So...who else is getting excited? Anyway, thank you for all the reviews last chapter, you guys are wonderful! I love you, Skittlers! (In a non-creepy internet friend kind of way, if ya know what I mean.) And now, the P.O.V's for today are: Rose, Lilith, Rubine, Brielle.
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Rose
I held little Rosie in my arms, which got me some disapproving or disgusted looks from some of the other selected. Some, though, would coo over my sister, and smile at her as she waved her little arms about. It had taken a lot of convincing and mostly arguing to persuade the people here at the Palace to let me bring Rosie, but they reluctantly agreed, after sending a message to the Prince. I was still shocked about that, that the Prince would actually allow me to bring Rosie. He was okay, I guess, but that's just my opinion. Not many girls here talked to me, and I guessed they were probably scared of me. Not to sound self-important, but the stylists convinced me to wear black eyeliner all the time, to make my eyes pop. It sort of worked. And it scared people off. Not exactly brilliant, but still. I slowly walked into my room, and saw three maids dusting already clean items.
"Hello, I'm Rose," I announced, hugging Rosie to me, and staring at them awkwardly.
The red head with green eyes stood up first. "Lady Rose, it's an honor. My name is Cora."
"Yes, sorry, we didn't know you'd be early," the brunette with blue eyes said. "I'm Eleanor."
"Oh, and I'm Reyna!" the maid with unruly black hair and brown eyes piped up.
I smiled lightly at them. "It's wonderful to meet you."
They all curtsied, then Cora said, "My lady, we are told to prepare you for dinner."
"Right." I nodded. "Go right ahead." They sat me down gently in front of my dresser, and Eleanor carefully placed Rosie in a small cot that had been provided for her. Then Reyna and Cora swooped towards me, and tackled me with perfume, makeup, and hair utensils. I watched in admiration as my maids swiftly transformed me. My long, dirty blonde hair had been pulled up into a loose bun, and I had smoky eyes and pink lips. There were a few tendrils falling out my bun, and I smiled warmly at my maids. They seemed to relax a little, and smiled back. Reyna walked over to the wardrobe, and picked out an elegant, floor-length deep purple gown. It had a corset top, with no sleeves, and it cascaded down in one smooth skirt, spreading out by my feet. Then a pair of silver heels were placed on my feet, and a silver necklace on my neck.
"You look beautiful," Eleanor whispered, clasping her hands to her chest and smiling proudly.
"Yes, thank you," I replied. "I think I'm ready."
Lilith
"What do you mean, you can't let me wear that one?" I shouted, glaring at the maid. I think her name was Hetty, and she annoyed me so much. "Well?"
"My lady," Hetty curtsied quickly. "I'm sorry, it's not finished yet."
"Whatever," I sighed, stamping my foot. "Just, get me the ice white one, okay?"
"Yes, miss." Hetty raced over to the wardrobe and pulled out the white dress that ended just above my knees, the color simple yet innocent. I smirked. Perfect. I slipped it on quickly, and made my way to the dinner table. I was excited. Okay, sure, it wasn't like we were meeting the Prince until tomorrow, but dining in a castle was a new experience. I carefully made my way down the spiral staircase, and leisurely entered the Women's Room, to find I was the last one there. Everyone glanced my way, and I put on a fake smile. I was already leaving an impression, and standing out.
"Sorry I'm late, someone ripped the dress I had planned to wear," I said quietly, pretending to be sad. Cynthia sat at a head table with some other women, and the Selected were seated at a long table coming down from that. I took my seat, which happened to be next to Vivienne.
"Really?" Cynthia called down to me, since I was at the furthest end of the table from her.
"Yes, I don't know who did it though," I replied, forcing my lower lip to tremble. Cynthia frowned, and whispered something to the women beside her. Vivienne turned to me, her lips pursed.
"Did that really happen?" she asked, flicking her flaming red hair over her shoulder.
I hesitated. Could I trust her? "Maybe, maybe not." I flashed my teeth at her, and she narrowed her large green eyes at me. I turned away from her, and looked to see the girl across from me was staring at us. She had long, shiny black hair, gray eyes and golden skin.
"What are you looking at?" I snapped.
The girl seemed startled, but then raised an eyebrow. "Nothing."
"Well, just stop it! It's rude, and plain annoying!" I hissed.
"Whatever," the girl said, and that's when I recognized her. Rubine. "You're horrible."
I was stunned into silence. Not because of what she said being the exact truth, but that she'd just gone out there and said it, straight to my face and all. I scowled at her, and stuck my fork menacingly into my spaghetti. She didn't seem out of by that, which made me even angrier. Who did this girl think she was? I turned to see Vivienne smiled a little smugly at us, and I gave her a death glare. She lowered her gaze slightly, and I smirked. Finally someone was showing how truly scared they were of me. Not that me and Vivienne were that different, anyway. Once dinner was over, I went straight to my room, flopped onto my bed, and fell asleep.
Rubine
I walked alone back to my room, and politely dismissed my maids. Avery, the blonde one, hesitated and asked if I was sure. I nodded, and she left quickly, tripping out the door. I laid down on my bed, and stared up at the deep midnight blue ceiling above me. We'd already been allowed to redecorate our rooms, and service here was fast. So far, I had the ceiling a deep blue with little white stars on it, a plush white rug, and a modern desk. It wasn't much extra, next to what I already had, but I liked it. I rolled onto my side, and sat up, shivering slightly in the Angeles breeze. It wasn't cold, more just refreshing and calming. I smoothed out my purple knee-length dress.
"Lady Rubine, are you alright?" Delta, one of my other maids, asked, bursting into my room.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, unsure as to her sudden interest in my well-being.
She managed a small smile. "Sorry, my lady. I'm paranoid."
"Aren't we all." I laughed, and Delta gave one last smile before rushing out my door. I decided I should go for a walk, maybe take a look around. It was still early in the night. I checked the mini clock on my wall, and it was only 7:30. I decided I might as well go and take a walk. As I stepped through the nearly empty halls, I couldn't help but think how everything had changed. A month ago, I was just living a normal life, at my house, and going to act some days. But now? Now I was a 'Lady' at the Palace, in a competition to win Prince Channing's heart.
I stopped suddenly, and sniffed the air. It smelt like...chocolate. I smiled, and tried to use my smelling sense to find my way to the source of the smell. I came across a door that was a little ajar, so I peeped my head in, and saw a few maids rolling dough, baking cookies, and warming up by the fire (even though it was warm).
"Hello," I said, walking in fully. They all turned to look at me. "Oh, am I not supposed to be here?"
"No, My Lady!" a red head cried out. "We were just not expecting anyone."
"Well, you've got me," I offered. "I was wondering if you had any chocolate chip cookies."
I walked out of the kitchen, my arms laden with bags of cookies, a grin plastered on my face. This day was going well so far, and I was enjoying it at the Palace. I suddenly tripped on my shoes, and went flying forward, the cookies spilling out of my arms. Luckily, the bags kept them off the ground.
"Are you alright, my lady?" I looked up, and inhaled. I was staring into Prince Channing's eyes.
"Yes, sorry about that," I replied, controlling my blush. "I should make sure the cookies are fine."
"Let me help you." His blue eyes glittered, and I couldn't exactly say no. We both knelt down, and picked up the many bags. "My goodness, are you feeding all the Selected?"
I laughed at him. "No, these are for me, and only me."
"Really? No exceptions?" Prince Channing asked, pouting at me.
"It depends-" I began, but I was cut off, as Prince Channing's hand shot into a bag, and he stuffed a cookie in his mouth. I had to cover my mouth, was he serious? He was the Prince, for crying out loud! But here he was, on the floor, next to me, cookie crumbs covering his face. Illéa was doomed.
He swallowed. "Forgive me, but I believe I have forgotten to ask your name."
"Oh," I said, startled. I quickly regained myself. "I'm Ruby."
"Ah, I don't remember a Ruby," he mused, leaning back and placing one elbow on his knee.
"Well, it's Rubine, but I prefer Ruby," I answered him, getting to my feet. He followed swiftly, and I suddenly realized that throughout this whole incident, I hadn't even addressed him properly.
"Again, I am sorry, your highness," I mumbled, forming a low curtsey.
"Just call me Channing, it's easier." He said lightly, and I looked up to see a blush spreading through his cheeks.
"Okay, Channing." I winked at him. "I'm not even meant to meet you until tomorrow."
"I know," he muttered, "but don't worry, I'm prepared. I'm carrying a water gun. And pretzels."
"How's that prepared? And prepared for what?" I demanded teasingly.
"Prepared for women," Channing answered seriously. "I'll let them shoot me, or feed them mini pretzels." I laughed at him. "Look, I should get going. It was nice meeting you, Lady Ruby."
"You too," I whispered, and turned my heel, walking away. Just before I turned the corner, I looked back, and saw Channing staring at me. He blushed, and looked away as I caught his gaze. I then continued down the hall, up the stairs, and into my room. What a night.
Brielle
The porridge was practically moving before my eyes. And believe me, porridge shouldn't move. Not to mention we were staying in a Palace, so something better than porridge would've been appreciated. Other girls had looks of disgust on their faces. Understandable. I think the only ones enjoying it were Fives and Sixes. I couldn't remember if there were any Sevens or Eights.
"Are you going to eat that?" I looked to my right, and saw a girl with long, straight, dark brown hair with bangs covering her right eye, and her eyes were a brown color. She looked sort of Chinese.
"Um, n-no," I stuttered, looking down. Okay, so she couldn't see my eyes since I was wearing sunglasses, but I still felt awkward. She gently swapped our bowls, and I wondered what caste she was. Not that I go by numbers, but if she enjoyed porridge, then she was either a Five or Six.
"What's your name?" I asked her, hoping my voice didn't sound too pathetic.
The girl didn't seem to think so, and swallowed quickly. "Saraphina. Call me Sara, though. You?" Before I replied, I instantly recognized her. She was a Six, the one who lived at an orphanage.
"Oh." I was surprised that she wanted to know my name. "I'm Brielle. Or Brie, whichever."
"Cool." She nodded, and spooned another mouthful into her mouth. I didn't know how she did it.
"I like your earrings," I said quietly. They were only silver studs, but they were still quite nice looking. I figured since they weren't too over the top, they were her own pair, not the Palace's.
"Thanks." She smiled at me. "By the way, what's with the sunglasses?"
I grimaced, and felt my heart beat quicken. I couldn't tell her, I couldn't. What if she judged me? What if she believed the rumors? She kept looking at me, with her soft eyes, and I squirmed under the gaze. I couldn't take it. What was I supposed to say? 'Hey, I got betrayed, so I'm now a loner,' didn't sound like a good way to say it, even if it was realistic. Sort of.
"You see, it's because-" I started to say, when a loud bang echoed through the hallway. Cynthia rose immediately, and left the room through a back door. Several girls stood up as well, but stayed close to the table. I panicked, what was going on? Sara glanced worriedly at me, and I shook my head. What should I say now? That everything would be fine? Yeah, I didn't know that, though. Another bang, and then voices followed. Loud, shouting voices. Cynthia walked back in, her face grim and confused as she held up a hand to silence us. A guard raced in, panting.
"Rebels," he gasped between ragged breaths. "The rebels are within the walls."
...
Yay! Sort of cliffhanger thingie! So...no Prince Channing P.O.V today...sorry if you wanted to hear things from his view. I swear next chapter you probably will. Also, shoutout to Roses323 , cloudy5 and SongStorm for being the only reviewers last chapter but also for just generally being awesome and sticking with me through this! You guys have been real supportive, and you have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you, Skittlers! Now, questions!
What do you think of Lilith?
Would you like more or less P.O.V's in a chapter?
What do you think the rebel attack will be like?
What's your favorite song? (Completely off topic, I know.)
Please review, favorite and follow so you'll be notified when I update, and keep being awesome! Thanks again, Skittlers!