Hey guys, first chapter since I'm back. I will actually be finishing the story this time. Please submit more characters, the form is in my bio as well as a list of all taken names and provinces. Also I submitted a character in Booklovin'03 's SYOC for the selection called Lorelei. Go check her and the story out! Enjoy the chapter!
Sierra
Sierra sat in front of the small wooden desk in her room that was set before ceiling high windows. The weather her in angeles was not that different from what she was used to in Kent, but the views from the palace were breathtaking and beautiful. She struggled to write a letter to her little sister, Cass. She knew that Cass would want to know what her life her at the palace was like, but how could she put it into words? Beautiful furniture embellished with gold that cost more than she made in a year spread in every nook and cranny of the castle, food that made your stomach feel like it is about to burst from delight. She didn't want to hold back from her sister, but would it make Cass feel jealous to know how life at the palace was? After all, only one of the two sisters had been selected.
It didn't even matter, she thought solemnly. They had all seen the way that the Prince had looked with Katie the other day. No doubt a boring girl like her would be sent home soon. Taking one more look at the paper, Sierra finally gave in and word a simple letter, making it as neutral sounding as she could.
Dear Cass,
Life here at the palace is a lot of fun, but the lessons are a bit drab. The prince hasn't seemed to notice me and no doubt I'll be home soon. I hope you are well and the money is helping out the cafe.
Yours forever,
Sierra
Determined not to worry about it any longer, Sierra pushed back her chair, taking off the silk robe she had put on against the draft. On her bed lay a gorgeous silk gown, blue like the deepest parts of the see. Honestly, she had no idea how suck a fabric was even possible. Her maids rushed in to help her step into it, lacing up the tight bodice as gently as they could. She quickly thanked them before heading out the door and towards the women's room. Sierra feared that if she was late one more time it would be the end of her.
Thankfully, a few girls still had yet to arrive and she was able to score a decent enough seat, right in the middle of the pea green couch off to the side of the room. It was close enough to the windows that she could see outside into the garden, but still she envied Lilac who had gotten here early enough to score the window seat that faced the garden directly. Sierra made a mental note to get here earlier tomorrow. Madame Wells walked in, chin tall, back straight as ever. She was to be our teacher while we were here on the palace, instructing us on as things royal. Personally, Sierra was shocked that the woman could get any thoughts out of her head since her bun was wound so tight atop her head.
After a few hours of lessons, Princesses Brooklyn and Esmeralda strutted in from their walk in the garden.
"All right, Madame Wells, I think the girls have had enough torture. I'll be taking a few of them to the library to meet with the prince. The rest may stay here and do whatever they wish for the rest of the afternoon." Madame Wells snorted, causing Esmeralda to shoot daggers at her. She silently curtsy and bowed her head as she walked out of the room, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
Esmeralda pulled out a list from the pockets of her skirts. "Okay, Liam said to send these five girls. Ever, Sophia, Kathleen, Jordan, and Sierra." I felt a weight lift off my chest. Maybe I wouldn't get sent home as soon as I thought.
Ever
Ever smoothed out the skirt of her powder pink dress as she stood, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She was extremely happy to have been called to the library but still, she wished that she had gotten some one on one time with him. Especially after Katie's date appeared to have gone so… well. If only she was brave enough to put herself out there in that way. Maybe then she'd have a chance.
The girls climbed up the stairs in a clump, Ever choosing to go stand next to Sierra. She seemed nice enough, and they were both from lower castes. Maybe an alliance with her wouldn't be the worst thing ever.
In hushed voices the girls whispered back and forth, the sound of their own heartbeats filling their ears.
"You're Sierra, right?"
"Yeah, Ever?"
"Yeah. I'm so nervous."
"Me as well. The Prince seems so…" Ever leaned in, eager to find out what Sierra thought of the prince. "Mysterious." As ever said it, both of them burst out in nervous giggles, earning a sharp glare from Princess Esmeralda.
"Well, good luck, Ever." Sierra dared whisper back before breaking away to head towards the door of the library.
"You, too" She said, not even sure Sierra heard.
The girls filed into the library, ignoring the rush of attendants that left carrying bundles of books off to various parts of the castle, surely under the order of the king and his delegates. Esmeralda turned around,
"Alright ladies, go straight through the stacks till you get to the back of the library, I believe Prince Liam is waiting for you there. I shall be in the Women's Room should you need me." As quickly as she had come into the Women's Room earlier, she walked out, leaving us on our own.
"Well, what are we waiting for, then." Ever shouted out. The girls nodded their approval, picking up their pace.
"Hello, ladies you all look beautiful." Prince Liam called from the corner of the room, lifting his head up from the book he had been holded. Each girl took her turn saying her hellos, curtsying in the process. "I hope you won't find this stressful, but the first eliminations are coming up and I wanted to fully get to know each of you prior to it."
Ever looked around nervously. This was the first time she had heard of the eliminations, though she had known it was coming.
"I'll take Lady Ever Rose first." He smiled at her brightly, causing a warm feeling to spread in her core. She walked forward, taking the arm he held stretched out. They began walking towards one of the private balconies.
Prince Liam remained silent as they walked. Ever had been warned to remain silent until spoken to, so she did as well. They reached the small balcony soon enough and Liam began talking. "So, Lady, how are you enjoying the Castle."
"Oh it's wonderful, but can I be honest with you?" Liam nodded at her request, "The lessons are truly a bore." Liam tipped his head back in soft laughter at that his voice deep.
"I do apologize for that. However, I don't see that changing anytime soon." Ever faked a pout, earning another laugh from the dashing Prince. "Other than being bored in lessons, what do you do, Lady Ever."
"I'm a musician. I mostly sing and play violin, but I've dabbled in piano. Mostly, I just work as much as I can." Ever answered. She had already rehearsed what to say in her head in a million times, imagining how this conversation would turn out, the questions Liam would ask.
"And your family?"
Ever laughed a bit at his apparent enthusiasm to get to know her. He was nervous and if she was honest it was a bit endearing.
"Well, my mother's a painter, but she's had less and less time to paint as she's had more and more kids. My dad's the official photographer of Likely. He's not home very often since he usually travels all over the province. Then there's Alex, he's the big piano player. He's in the Royal Orchestra and the one that taught me to play the few songs I know. Beau dances in the National ballet with his boyfriend. Cade's a singer like me. He's also my best friend. The there's Dean. He's part of a band called Five Days. Ne-"
"Woah, hold up, your brother is Dean Rose from Five Days?" Prince Liam interjected, a look of excitement spreading across his face.
"I take it you've heard of them?" Ever said nervously, hoping the Prince wouldn't treat her differently just because of Dean. He wasn't a two or anything, but he was well known enough that he might as well be.
"I love them." Ever faked a smile eager to change the subject, steering the conversation back to the rest of her family.
"And then after me there's Finn and Gabi who are both artists."
"Wow! Seven kids. I don't know how your parents did it." Ever still felt a little shy after the Prince seeming so excited about her brother. She guessed it must have shown on her face because Liam said,
"I'm sorry if I freaked you out by mentioning your brother. I know what it is to feel like people might judge you based on the people you're related to." Liam reached across the table to grab her hand, running a thumb down its back gently, tentatively. Ever gave him a shy smile as the timer rang. "I'm sorry, I only have an hour to spare so I had to put a time limit on these dates. Feel free to head back to the Women's Room."
Jasper
The girls slowly filed back into the Women's Room, starting with Ever. They each had a smile on their faces and refused to tell anything. What a bore!
Jasper was beginning to get bored here. She still hadn't had a date and was beginning to worry. The one news the girls that had been on the date shared was the eliminations were coming up and soon. Jasper set down the book she was reading, taking one look outside and deciding that's where she wanted to be. As she stood up, Princess Esmeralda stood as well.
"Where are you going, Lady Jasper?" She asked, taking a step towards her.
"To the garden for some air." Esmeralda nodded,
"Then, I shall go with you." Not knowing how to say no to the Princess, she nodded and smiled weakly, turning her head away from the jealous attention of the other girls in the room. She didn't even want the Princess to come and they were jealous of her? Ridiculous how a few shiny diamonds on top of someone's head could really make someone jealous of the silliest things.
They stepped outside silently walking side by side. The tall french doors that opened to the garden were pushed apart by the guards on either side. Both girls picked up their skirts so they wouldn't trip on their way down the giant stairs that led down to the beautiful garden.
"Since you're not talking, I will." Princess Esmeralda said as we walked the paths that would take us throughout the garden. "You seem like a troublemaker." Jasper snorted at this revelation. "I'll take that as confirmation. Listen," She said, stopping and turning towards her, "I know what it feels like to be trapped within the palace walls, but if you want to be Queen at all, then-"
"Let me stop you there. I'm not even sure I want to be Queen. I already have a business at home, I'm not here for the business position."
"Dear girl, being Queen is not just a business position. Your most important job will be to be there for Liam. If he needs to talk or for someone to make him laugh after a stressful day, it would be you he comes to first, as I do with James." Jasper looked into the Princesses eyes, wondering why she was telling her such things. "Besides, it's common knowledge that usually, the best ruler is the one that doesn't want to rule at all." The Princess started walking away leaving Jasper to think over what she had said.
"Oh, and please, do call me Esme."
I hope that y'all enjoyed that and see what I meant when I said that my writing style has changed. Please submit more girls form is in my bio!
